Appendix to Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence, Text (1 of 4)
AN APPENDIX TO SOLOMON'S PRESCRIPTION For the Removal of the PESTILENCE.
THus indeed have the Pains and Miſeries of bleſſed Saints that have left this life, expired together with their dying groans, whil'ſt we poor Sinners that are left behinde, have remained to bee the ſubjects of thoſe farther Calamities, which the Juſtice of God brings upon thoſe that contemn… and ſlight ſuch expreſſions of it, as were deſign'd for their Inſtruction and Reformation: And that moſt ſignal expreſſion of contemned and incenſed Juſtice, which hath lately put us into an aſtoniſhment, out of which we are ſcarce yet recovered; doth methinks ſtrongly invite me to attempt ſome kinde of improvement of it, in proſecution of the deſign which I aim'd at in the foregoing Diſcourſe: The occaſion whereof was the conſideration of the heavy Judgement of the Plague then upon us and an hearty deſire that it might attain ſome good effe… am…ngſt us; and the buſineſs of it is, to repreſent the Sin we have been Plagu'd for, and to perſwade a reformation from them, which the hand of God the… ſtretcht out againſt us did ſo loudly call for. And fine it hath pleaſed the Divine Majeſty to follow that ſtroa… even whil'ſt it was yet upon our Loyns, with this ſecond little leſs terrible, it will not I preſume be impertinence by way of Appendix to this latter Edition, at leaſt … make ſo much uſe of this ſad providence as them farther to evidence, That Sins, even ſuch as I have … fore-mentioned, are the true cauſes of our Miſeries, … thence to enforce my Exhortation to put away from among … thoſe Sins; for the performance of which Duty, we … furniſht with another ſo ſtrong but ſad an Argument And thoug I may be almoſt in deſpair of doing any g… hereby, which ſhall be publick and viſible, yet if I might but prevent the final ruine of any ſingle Soul, I ſh… be far from reckoning my labour loſt: Withall I wo… hope to do ſomething towards the vindication of Div… Juſtice, in theſe ſeemingly ſevere diſpenſations, and the quickning and comforting the hearts of his ſuff… people.
I take it for granted that the Reader is not ſo deſtin… of both Reaſon and Religion, as to queſtion whe… there be a God that rules in the World, or whether he bee Omniſcient and Almighty, without whoſe cogni…ance and concurrence no Creatures can move, without whoſe foreſight and permiſſion no event can befall: And therefore I hope there's no need that I ſhould concern my ſelf with the original of theſe flames, and endeavour to manifeſt that they were kindled by no humane means, before the finger of God ſhall be acknowledged therein. Since wee know that God ordinarily makes uſe of ſecond cauſes for the execution of his pleaſure; which whil'ſt they execute, there's no neceſſity that they ſhould diſtinctly underſtand what they are doing, and frame deſigns correſpondent to thoſe, which by his over-ruling power they accompliſh: Though Jehu was moſt intent upon his own advancement, to which the …uine of Ahab's family was ſubſervient; yet God by him fulfill'd the threatings denounc't againſt that Family. Whil'ſt the Aſſyrian King was glutting his cruelty, and enlarging his Dominions by the conqueſt of the Iſraelites, hee was a Sword in Gods hand to accompliſh his pleaſure on Mount Zion. And the difference of their intention from Gods, doth no more hinder their being inſtruments for the performance of his righteous Will, than his turning their actions to his own ends, leſſens the wickedneſs of their intentions. Even Judas and the Jews fulfil'd the determinate counſel of God. Moreover that he who hath all Creatures at his beck, even the moſt bruitiſh and inanimate, which depend upon him for their Being, Motion, and ſeveral activities, did not either prevent, or check what he ſaw without his interpoſure would produce ſuch and ſuch ſad effects, doth plainly ſpeak that it was his pleaſure they ſhould bee produc't. As the watchman wakes but in vain, except the Lord keep the City; ſo, if hee do keep it, all attempts made againſt it ſhall bee in vain. How often have we had experience of a watchful Providence … ſerving us from, or ſoon ſtopping the miſchiefs of the nature, which either Treachery or Careleſneſs … bringing upon us. Thoſe deſigns which have been contrived with as malicious a ſubtlety as Hell and the Co… clave in conjunction were Maſters of, have been diſcovered and fruſtrated; witneſs that our deliverance from the Popiſh Powder-plot, which we yearly Commemorate, and ſhall never ſurely forget whil'ſt the Reformation keeps footing in England. And how often have … been Alarum'd with the cry of Fire, which hath b… extinguiſhed before we could well know where it was But when once we have ſin'd our ſelves out of Gods … tion, how open do wee lye to all aſſaults? Being expos'd to that wrath, whereof all creatures are ready … obedient inſtruments, and which none may or can re… And alas! how plainly did God appear againſt us in the dreadful inſtance of his diſpleaſure? Though he did not indeed immediately rain Fire from Heaven upon us, … there was ſuch a concurrence of circumſtances to ma… it ſo long unquenchable and raging, as may abund… convince us, that it was under the command, and … dance of an higher, even an uncontroleable power May wee not bee allow'd to ſay, that it was blown … and kept in vigour even by the breath of the Lord, if the winds may be ſo ſtil'd: upon the wings whereof the Flames being mounted, rode as in a Chariot, trin… phing along the Streets, laughing at Engines, baſ… Art and Induſtry, maſtring and overcoming all oppoſitions that were made againſt them; in three or four … ſpace deſtroying the Works of many hundred Years, … the Wealth and Labours of many thouſand Inhabitabita… and yet that it ſhould ſtop where and when it did, is almost as much a wonder as that it ſhould be ſtopt no ſooner and both are ſo ſtrange, arguing a more than ord… providence, that we may reaſonably infer, that he who ſaid to the proud flame, You ſhall come no farther, did alſo ſay to them, Hither to ſhall you come. So that we may fuly allude to that of the Prophet, Iſa. 66.15. The Lord is come with Fire, and with his Chariots like a whirlewind, to render his anger with fary, and his rebukes with ſt…mes of Fire.
And if be granted that it was the Lord who brought this evil upon the City, it will not then I hope be queſtioned but he hath juſtly done it; with none I am ſure but with Atheiſts will it be queſtioned: For he who denies Gods Juſtice, doth in effect deny him to be God; that is, a Being infinitely perfect. Moreover, ſuch is Gods gracious and merciful nature, that we may be aſſured he is not delighted in his Creatures ſufferings, which he never inflicts but for ſome juſt and weighty cauſe; yea, I may ſay, which they ſcarce ever undergo, but when they fooliſhly and wilfully pluck them upon their own heads. Strange it is that Man, to whom Self-love is a natural and inſeparable property, ſhould contrive his own ruine: or if you ſay it is not ruine that he purpoſely contrives, yet as ſtrange it ſeems, that hee who is endowed with Reaſon, whereby he is capable of knowing the nature, and attending to the conſequences of things, ſhould ſo greedily embrace the cauſe, and will not be driven from it, whil'ſt he hates the effect, and would fain avoid it. But as ſtrange as this ſeems, and as great a blemiſh as it laies upon humane nature, yet moſt true it is, and too ſtrongly confirmed by daily ſad experience. Fain would men ſeparate what the unalterable Law of the Creator hath joyned together, Sin and Miſery: and though they know, or may know that they cannot have one without … other, yet will they venture upon what they love, the … certainly attended with that which they cannot end … and ſo moſt juſtly, They eat the fruit of their own … are fil'd with their own devices. Thus it is in the preſent caſe; with eagerneſs and delight have we procur'd … our ſelves thoſe evils which wee bitterly lament. We… that ran ſo earneſtly to quench our burning houſes, with our own hands ſet them on fire. We that are now in ſo perplext and deſtitute a condition, have even wilfully plung'd our ſelves into theſe difficulties: for in the ſettled courſe of Gods government of the world, there is as great a connexion betwixt ſin unrepented of, and ſore judgements, either in this life or the next, as betwixt throwing Granado's into an houſe, and its being thereby burn't to the ground. Yet miſtake me not, as if I thought that they who ſuffer moſt are the greateſt ſinners, and that the City was ſo much more wicked than the Country, as its ſufferings are greater: But only this I dare ſafely ſay, that Sin is the great Incendiary of our Land, the Traytor and Deſtroyer that hath done us ſo much miſchief, even the ſins of all, and therefore hath a Judgement beſaln us, wherein there are few but are concern'd, either for themſelves or relations, or at leaſtwiſe, as members of that Commonalty which ſuffers ſo greatly: and thoſe particular perſons upon whom it hath faln heavieſt, though there may be many that have deſerved as ill, who perhaps fare better than they, yet have they no reaſon to think that they have far'd worſe than they deſerv'd. God himſelf directs us in our enquiries after the cauſe of ſuch calamities, Deut. 39.21, 23, 24, 25. When any ſhould ask why the Land was made like Sc…me and Gomorrah, Brimſtone, Salt and Burning, the anſwer was to be returned, becauſe they had forſook the Covenant of the Lord God of their Fathers. This Apoſtacy from God, is the uſual cauſe of the deſtruction of Kingdomes. So Iſa. 42.24. Who gave Jacob for a ſpoil, and Iſrael to the robbers? Did not the Lord, he againſt whom we have ſinned? for they would … walk in his waies, neither were they obedient unto his Law: wherefore we may well ſay, This evil is of our ſelves, our own drings have procured all theſe things to us.
If now you ask mee, What doings? what ſins thoſe are which have provokt God thus ſpeedily to repeat his …aſhes? I anſwer, They are even ſuch as I have before made a rehearſal of, and which I ſhall not now particularly enlarge upon; but eſpecially our continuance in, and revolting to theſe ſins, as it were in deſpite of thoſe remarkable Judgements, which have been employ'd to turn us from them. The Pride and Covetouſneſs, the Whoredomes and Drunkenneſs, which have abounded amongſt us; our cruel Animoſities and Diviſions, Uncharitableneſs and Oppreſſion, Contempt of God and Godlineſs, prophanation of Lords-daies, and neglect of his Ordinances and Worſhip; ſuch as theſe are the doings which have brought our miſeries upon us. But which is the grand aggravation of all; After we had been …ricken for theſe ſins, were we grieved and reformed? Nay, rather have we not revolted more and more? Did we in our affliction acknowledge our offence, and ſeek the face of God? Did we return to him that had torn, that he might real us; to him that had ſmitten, that he might binde us up? Dr rather, were we not like Jeruſalem of whom God complains, Zeph. 3. That being filthy, polluted, and an oppreſſing City, ſhe obeyed not the voice, nor received correction; being …njuſt, they knew no ſhame; and therefore hee made their Streets waſte that none poſt by, their Cities were deſtroyed there was no Inhabitant.
Were not the fears we before mentioned of a return of all kinde of impiety, too prophetical? Where alas! …ould there be any thing ſeen amongſt us, after the heavy ſtroak of the Plague was ſomewhat lightned, that deſerved to be call'd a Reformation? How few were put to a ſtand thereby, and brought to conſider and … their waies? Though they ſaw their neighbour … friends cut off before them, yet did they not ſtill … on in their former careleſs and prophane courſe? W… conſiderable notice was there taken of the hand of God▪ Did not the moſt who out-liv'd the Plague, ſhew … their ſins out-liv'd it too? did they not fall in ag… with the very ſame violence and unconſcionable eag… neſs they were wont, to the purſuing of their world… deſigns? As if their greateſt trouble was, that they … been ſo long interrupted in their gainful trading: and well if the trade of ſinning was even that while intem… ted. Or if there were ſome, who by the apprehenſion approaching death, were frighted out of ſome groſ… ſins, and into good purpoſes; yet did they not ſoon turn to their old bent, like ſtreams, whoſe courſe … been for a while damm'd up? Many, it is to be fear'd who in their trouble ſought God, preſently forgate … when that was removed; and forgot the promiſes the made to him, of newneſs of life and better obedience in caſe they ſhould be recovered and preſerved. But becauſe generals affect not ſo much; let me put it to thy … Confcience, Reader, for thy particular, what influence the late Viſitation had upon thee, for the changing … bettering thy heart and life? Did it bring thee to re… upon thy ſelf, and ſearch out what was the plague of … heart? what luſt thou hadſt harboured? what duty th… hadſt neglected? whereby thou hadſt contributed to increaſing and haſtning of Gods indignation. And … thou thereupon proceed to the humbling of thy ſoul … fore God for thy tranſgreſſion, and to the reforming thy life? If indeed thou haſt done thus, and ſhalt … on ſo doing, its happy for thee: but examine well … ther thou art not ſtill the ſame man that ever thou w… as proud and worldly, as ſlothful and ſenſual as … and as much a ſtranger to God, and Chriſt, and heavenly things as ever. Whether it be thus with thee or not, I cannot ſay, I leave that to God and thy own Conſcience to judge: But I think without breach of charity, I may ſay, 'tis thus with the moſt. The Rod hath left them as bad as it found them, and therefore indeed worſe: Now do but conſider it impartially, whether this be not matter of high provocation to the Divine Majeſty, to ſee himſelf and his providences thus ſleighted by heedleſs reſolute ſinners. For ſure we muſt needs think that it is for ſome end, that he who is wiſe and good laies ſufferings upon a people; and he expects they ſhould improve them to this end; and takes exact notice whether they do ſo or not. No doubt therefore but …e expected an improvement of our late heavy Viſitation, and did obſerve our behaviour in and after that time. He that looks down from his heavenly Throne upon all … wellers on earth, hath beheld our ſenſleſneſs and …lupicity, how light wee have made of the Tokens of his diſpleaſure; our hypocriſie and impudence, how we have kept our Faſts, and our Sins together; he hath ſeen …ow regardleſs we have been of the deſign of this Diſpenſation, as if it was no Call to the Inhabitants of the Land, to return to God from whom they had backſlidden, but rather that it came by chance, or however, was no more conſiderable than other Diſeaſes are; and accordingly we have been little more concerned, except in ſtudying how to keep our ſelves out of danger; little thinking of betaking our ſelves to God, to get our peace made with him, nor well conceiving of any great advantage to be had thereby. Is this indeed a true Character of our demeanour, and could we think the Great God would brook ſuch inſufferable contempt? When Fathers have taken the Rod in hand, do they uſe to lay it down before the Childes ſtubbornneſs be conquered? Often may we finde in the ſtory of Princes, that they will … ther connive at ſome affronts from their Subjects, or Neighbours, than attempt a redreſs or puniſhment which they fear themſelves unable to accompliſh; but once this attempt be made, they look upon themſelves engaged in honour and policy to proſecure it, leaſt by the falour their weakneſs be diſcovered, their authority empair'd, and the offendors more confirmed in their inſolencies. How would Pharoah have triumphed, if after a judgement or two, Moſes had ceaſt his ſuit, and left the Iſraelites in his hand: he wonſd even have taken himſelf too hard for that God who demanded them thence, … then the Almighty hath purpoſt to reform this Nation or root it up, do we think he will give us off before this purpoſe be accompliſht? As he hath before given precept upon precept, and with great patience waited for the fruit thereof, ſo he may now juſtly ſend Judgement after Judgement, and if one bee ſlighted, follow it w… another, till his ends are brought to paſs. This is no more than what he hath often threatned to the Obſtinue. Leviticus 26. Jer. 30.23, 24. Behold the whirle wind the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlewind, it ſhall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord ſhall not return until hee hath done it and till hee hath performed the intents of his heart, in the later daies ye ſhall conſider it.
But before I conclude the diſcovery of the probable cauſes of this our late ſuffering, I cannot but point at the continuance of that miſcarriage which I formerly mentioned, and manifeſted to have ſo great an influence in procuring our miſeries, namely, The diſabling … reſtraining ſo many faithful Ministers of Christ fr… doing what they might, toward the preventing and leſſening of prov…king Sins, and the advancement of that Godlineſſe which is the welfare and eſtabliſhment of a Kingdome. The ground I go upon in aſſerting this to be a principal cauſe of our Calamities, are with mee unqueſtionable; and will be I think with any one elſe, who will firſt but grant, that the overflowing of wickedneſs brings ruine upon a Nation; and then will ſoberly confult his own reaſon, whether the reſtraint of many ſuch who would make it their very buſineſs to oppoſe the growth and ſpreading of ſin, is not the ready way to cauſe it overflow? and laſtly, will but attend to his own experience, whether this hath not been (and is therefore like to bee ſtill) the effect of the removal of the late Miniſters from their employments, and of denying admiſſion to all other, who cannot accept of the hard conditions which are tendred them. This, as I yet conceive, I have made beyond all contradiction evident in the former diſcourſe, pag. 80. and forward. Nor can I deviſe what can bee alledg'd to weaken that evidence. Is it not moſt certain that there are many ſuch mean places in the Countries, as are altogether deſtitute of Preachers, which they, who with all their Souls would accept them, are abſolutely forbidden to ſupply? And is it not almoſt impoſſible but they ſhould be ignorant, who have no Teacher, and ungodly, who are ignorant? Again, is there any thing of a ſlander in what I have there ſaid, That there are many places furniſht only with men utterly inſufficient and unfit for the Miniſtry, being either intollerably negligent or ignorant, or of looſe and villous Lives? To hear of this may bee unpleaſant to thoſe that cauſe it, but if it bee true, is it not likely to bee much more diſpleaſing to God to behold it? Have there not been multitudes reſtor'd to the Miniſtry, who were once caſt forth for the notorious ſcanflalouſneſſe of their Converſation? And though they pretend, it's like, that Loyalty was their onelyonly Crime, yet doth not the continuance of their looſeneſs, as much juſtifie their former ejection, as condemn their reſtitution? Amongſt the many hundred that have been excluded for Non-conformity, wh… are there ten, may I not ſay one, thus proceeded again… for Prophaneneſs? 'Tis lawful I hope to mention theſe things which almoſt every body ſees and talks of! E… thoſe who are not at all deſirous to ſpy blemiſhes in the Church of England, as they love to ſpeak, nor … corruption in her Adminiſtrations; cannot but come this to bee a moſt grievous one, loudly calling for Reformation. And is it a fault to ſpeak the ſenſe ſuch who are freeſt from partiality and prejudice … then ſo many Shepherds are ſet over the Flocks, who … either careleſs of them, or are themſelves dangerous fick of thoſe Diſeaſes they ought to cure, what's like … become of the Sheep? and what's the ground of all … miſchief, but the ſecluſion of ſo many Pious and Conſciencious men from the Miniſtry, which hath made kinde of neceſſity of admitting ſuch unfit perſons the… into to ſupply their rooms, or of leaving ſuch … cancies as might too much ſhame the Authors. This am conſident, is the chief ground, together with th… zeal in thoſe who preſide over theſe affairs for … ſtrengthning of their own cauſe, which makes them … penſe very much to ſuch as are qualified with a full Conformity, which is ſeldome wanting in them who … little elſe to recommend them. Now what courſe co… bee taken that was like to do more to the encreaſe wickedneſs than this, namely, to thruſt into cornersful … who improv'd their urmoſt abilities to counter-work … and inſtead of them, to admid ſuch into the Polpit, wh… practiſes at leaſt were Patrons and Promoters of it … me not be thought guilty of ſo much immodeſty or prejudice, as to ſay they are all ſuch, I have before provented that miſtake; but I think he may juſtly be arg… …f both, who denies that there are any ſuch. But ſuppoſe here were not (which with all my Soul I wiſh was more han a ſuppoſition) yet I am ſtill of opinion, that the lencing of ſo many Miniſters, at leaſt as eminent for Piety, Learning, and Diligence in their employments, as thoſe who ſucceed them; and preventing ſo many others, hath been as great a check and hindrance to true religion and Godlineſs, and of as fatal conſequence … the ſouls of thouſands, as any thing that ever befell …s ſince the Reformation. Could there bee a readier …ay to expoſe men to death, than in time of ſome great …ortality, in a City where the one half of the Phyſi…ans are Galeniſts, the other Chimiſts, to iſſue out an order, that none ſhould practiſe except they who would approve the method of Gallen; or the contrary: whereby he half muſt needs be rendred uſeleſs, in a ſeaſon where here would be work for all, though a thouſand more? and was it leſs dangerous to the Souls of men to have … many Phyſicians removed, when neither the Patients or their Diſeaſes were few or inconſiderable? It was …t then I hope either for want of conſideration or cha…y, that I before took the boldneſs to ſuggeſt, that the reformation of this diſorder, was one leſſon, which the …od then laid on us, ought to teach us.
And ſince that time hath the caſe been altered, have atters been mended amongſt us? Need I tell the …orld that they have not? Is there any man ſuch a ranger in England, that he knows not what hath been one ſince then? How new ambiguous Oaths, as likely … be reſuſed as the former, have been fram'd and im…s'd, ſo that they who were before caſt forth of their imployments, and ſtript of their maintenance depending thereupon, muſt now be driven from Cities, Towns corporate, and the places where they have been formerly …mploy'd, except they would embrace theſe. And yet what new crimes, to deſerve ſuch puniſhments, … were guilty of, we are yet to learn, except this was … That, through the providence of God, and the charity his people, they were not ſtarv'd to death, or into compliance ſomething worſe. I am almoſt afraid … being offenſive, whil'ſt I do but nakedly relate this … tible dealing with ſuch, for many of whom I dare confidently ſay, their Innocence is as great as their Sufferings; the very rehearſal thereof ſeems ſo ſtrange, eſpecially if we conſider that doleful circumſtance of time wherein it was ſet on foot. Whil'ſt we were all ſmaning, amongſt other ſins, for our unchriſtian diviſion even then inſtead of healing our Breaches, and the L… at once, were ſome preparing laſhes for their Breth… who ſhould ſurvive; that if they were left on earth, the might not have a comfortable and quiet habitation it, ſo far as they could hinder it. Did they, whom … may reaſonably ſuppoſe the chief promoters of this deſign, imagine, that they had offended by too great gentleneſs, and therefore muſt expiate that fault by th… ſeverity? Alas, they need not have fear'd it! Or d… they indeed take theſe their Brethren to be the Pe… and Plague-ſores of the Nation, by purging of wh… from Towns and Cities, they thought to atone Heave and purge the Land? They ſhould not methinks be… uncharitable. But yet wee finde the beſt of men have been as heavily cenſured. The Apoſtles themſelves were taken to be the foreign, I Cor. ….13. ſuch kinde of vile perſons as were commonly pit… upon for the luſtration of their Cities, in times of gre… Calamity, And as their cenſure, ſo their conditi… was not much unlike; for wee finde, v. 11. They ha… certain dwelling place.
May we not by the way, lawfully take notice of the mercifulneſs and wiſdome of that Providence, whi… …urn'd what was meant for his ſervants harm; into their good, even their temporal good; by ſomething an harſh, but it ſeems a friendly voice, calling to them to go to Pella before Jeruſalem was deſtroy'd. It might ſeem a …eice of violence which the Angels offered to lingring Lot, when they laid hands on him to bring him away, Gen. 19.16. But if he had at firſt thought ſo, it was but … very little while before he had ſufficient ground to acknowledge, what we read in the ſame verſe, That the Lord being merciful to him, brought him forth, and ſet him without the City. Who would not in ſuch a dark and mumble world as this, give up himſelf without repining to he conduct of that Providence, which intends our good …y thoſe very waies which ſeems moſt to coutradict it, …nd which will ſafely lead us through all the various …loomy turns of Life, and at length accompliſh the …aſt deſires of all thoſe who ſincerely ſerve, and intirely …eſign up themſelves to it. When as they who are en…ag'd in any work, which is contrary to his Will who …ules the World, will finde themſelves baſled and o…ercome even when they think they ſucceed and prevail. Oh how miſerably do we often find the Wiſe men of the …orld infatuated in their policies, whil'ſt they pull down he Walls to ſecure the City. When the Phariſees …onceiv'd or pretended a fear, that if Chriſt ſhould bee …et alone and gather ſo many followers after him, the …omans (as imagining, it's like, that they deſign'd a re…ellion) would come upon them and take away their …ation; the courſe they took to prevent this danger, …y conſpiring againſt the life of our bleſſed Lord, prov…d a means of bringing upon them thoſe Romans which they fear'd, and by them deſtruction to their City …nd Nation. The Sodomites, to whom the preciſe life and galling reproofs of Lot were as much a vexation, as …heir wickedneſs was to his righteous Soul, who were extremely impatient that an Upſtart and Stranger ſhould take ſo much upon him, far'd never the better for having this thorn pluckt out of their ſide; and had at leng… reaſon to be convinc't, that not his Neighbourhood, b… their contempt of it, with their other impieties, we… moſt prejudicial to them. Never yet did Town or C… fare worſe for an holy praying people: Swearing, and Cu… ſing, and Conventicles of Good-fellowſhip, and Prophaneneſs, are like enough to bring miſchief upon the places where they are practis'd, but humble ferve… prayer, be it in publick, or in private, in a Synagogue, in an Upper Room, never did nor will do; but rather … reſtraining of prayer before God may probably do it. Aaron and Hur ſhould have laid ſtones upon Moſes hands, to weigh them down, inſtead of ſupporting them no wonder if the hands of their Warriours had been weakned, and Amalek had prevailed: Or if, when … ſtood in the Gap to intercede for the Iſraelites, the ſhould have pluckt him out of it, no wonder if … had ſoon overwhelm'd them. Had they gone about … prohibit, or any way reſtrain the offering up the Ince… of prayer to God, it had been but juſt and natural … he ſhould have made the ſmoke of his fury and their … ments to aſcend.
Need I mention it to any knowing Engliſhman was a kind of Mourning Garb our Nation hath lately wo… and in what a diſconſolate poſture ſhe hath ſate? Nation ſo gladded by the Reſtauration of her Right Magiſtrate, our dread Soveraign, and equally ſadned the removal of a faithful Miniſtry; than which ſc… any thing could have been devis'd more to the grie… and even breaking the hearts of ſuch, to whom their tereſts of their ſouls are dearer than all worldly thing And ſuch, though they may not be the richeſt nor … greateſt, yet without queſtion they are the beſt part …ny Kingdome where they dwell. But yet I muſt confeſs, have met with very few comparatively, of what ſpirit inclination ſoever, that have ſeem'd pleas'd with theſe …anſactions, but acknowledge that gentleneſs and bro…erly forbearance had been more ſuitable to the nature … that Chriſtian Profeſſion which we all own, and more advantageous to its intereſt, which we all pretend to de…gn. Undoubtedly then the bleſſed God, who hath a …uicker and more tender ſenſe of his own glory and the concerns of his ſervants, than the moſt holy and compaſſionate man on earth can have, is not well pleas'd to …hold the violence and harſhneſs with which they are …llow'd, though it may be under pretence of doing him …rvice. Though they that hate their Brethren, and caſt …em forth, may ſay, Let the Lord be glorified, yet they …hall be nevertheleſs aſhamed of this hatred, this expreſſon of it, and the pretences wherewith they varniſh it, …hen the Lord himſelf ſhall appear for the vindication and joy of thoſe who for his Names ſake were contemn…d and abuſed. And although that great day of diſcovering truth and doing Juſtice be yet to come, when all Vi…ors ſhall be pluckt off from perſons and things, ſuch that …ow render Vices Honourable, and Virtues Criminous, is the proſperous pleaſe to vote them, and when all being manifeſted to be what they are, ſhall be treated as they deſerve; yet even before that day, there are now many times ſuch ſtrokes in that Providence which orders humane affairs, as to a careful beholder may ſomewhat diſcover what thoſe rules are by which God is pleaſed ordinarily to proceed in his Adminiſtrations. And ſuch Eſſayes and expreſſions of Juſtice there are mingled with Mercy, as may ſerve to bring the ignorant and ſecure to conſider their wayes, and to reclaim the conſiderate. And have not Gods Diſpenſations towards us been ſuch as ſpeak him to have a Controverſie with us? Have we not found that it is an eaſier thing to ſilence his Misſters than his Judgements? Every mans own ſenſe is beſt able to inform him what our flouriſhing and proſperity hath been ſince that time. Scarce a ſenſible Chriſtian but to his grief obſerves how lamentably the intere… of Religion hath declined, and ſcarce any carnal man … ſenſleſs but complains that our worldly proſperity had done ſo. Certainly that all-ſeeing God, who is a love of Holineſs, will not be mockt with appearances and glorious pretences. 'Tis not the flouriſhes of Order, Decency and Uniformity, that will be accepted inſtead … down-right Godlineſs, and true Charity and Unity. T… reform a Church, and raiſe it out of its ruines, impli… ſomething more than either to repair and beautifie ſtately Edifices, though Conſecrated ones; or to give a little ſplendor to external ſervice, and ſeduce ſome petty circumſtances of worſhip which had been diſus'd: 'Tis … much ſenſe to ſay, that he recover'd a man to life, wh… inſtead of a plain Coat put him on a gaudy one, which perhaps may not be ſo ſerviceable neither. Nor is the welfare and glory of a Church to be meaſured by the wealth, pomp and power of its Governours (for … we know who would carry it from all Competitors) … by its attainment of thoſe ends for which it was inſti… ted: We uſe not to count that the beſt Flock which … diſeas'd and ſcabbed, though the Shepherds may be … and at eaſe; nor is that Hoſpital in the beſt order, which Governours and Phyſitians have the greateſt Revenue and liberty to do what they liſt, whilſt the ſick … wounded are neglected, and periſh, but that where… theſe are moſt carefully lookt to, and beſt healed: A… that's the beſt School where the Maſters are moſt … and painful, and the Scholars make the beſt progreſs … earning and good manners, not that where the Maſte… re beſt paid, and do leaſt, though ſuch as theſe are … likelieſt to get their ſilly Scholars love. Plainly then, the bleſſed Redeemer of Mankind, the Founder and Law-giver of the Chriſtian Church, hath appointed it to be as a School, wherein Believers by the teachings of his Spirit, Word and Miniſters, are to be trained up into … fitneſs for the high and heavenly glory; as an Hoſpital wherein lapſt ſouls are to be heal'd of the diſeaſes contracted by the fall, that they may be made meet for the preſent ſervice and future enjoyment of God: wherefore we muſt needs conclude, that's the happieſt and moſt glorious Church, where theſe deſigns are moſt faithfully regarded and ſucceſsfully carried on, even where ſin and wickedneſs is moſt vigorouſly ſet againſt, diſcouraged and ſuppreſt, and all real goodneſs is moſt promoted and fartheſt ſpread; where the ſeveral members are diligently inſtructed, and carefully lookt after, ſo that they grow in ſound knowledge, faith, humility, zeal, and every other grace, and live together in mutual peace, love and righteouſneſs, adorning the Goſpel, and glorifying their heavenly Father by ſuch fruitful, beautiful converſations. But where-ever theſe things are leſs regarded, …et there be never ſo much empty noiſe of Order and Settlement upon ſure and ancient foundations, of a flouriſhing Clergy, and excellent Conſtitutions, becauſe perhaps they all read over the ſame prayer, or wear their Coats all of a colour; yet whilſt I believe the Goſpel, which tells us the nature and ends of this holy Society, I ſhall never believe that to be the beſt ordered Church which falls ſo vaſtly ſhort thereof, even that where the Life and Power of Religion apparently decayes, and ignorance, Inkewarmneſs, and prophaneneſs live, thrive, and over-run the members. I think its far better to ſee the Phyſitians in times of great ſickneſs buſily running to reſcue the diſeaſed from the jaws of death, though perhaps not with ſo much formality and orderlineſs as might at another time ſeem requiſite, than to have the… take ſtate upon them, and buſie themſelves in deviſ… and preſcribing Orders about their Adminiſtrations th… make more for their own intereſt, or at leaſt for the h… mor of ſome of them, than for the good of their Patients; eſpecially if they ſhould proceed to make it … Crime for thoſe that may be as skilful and faithful … themſelves, to endeavour the ſaving of their Neighbo… lives, except in every punctilio they comply with their humors. But to do thus in matters that concern the everlaſting life and death of immortal ſouls, is ſuch a piece of bold ſelfiſhneſs and uncharitableneſs, as will ſcarce be well taken by him who died for them. And whether there have not been ſuch limitations and reſtraints … upon many whoſe buſineſs and office it was to overti… ſouls, and thereby ſuch injury done to their precious charge, let any unbyaſt Reader, who knows how affair ſtand amongſt us, determine; as alſo, if it be ſo, whether ſuch actions muſt not needs tend much to the provocation and diſhonor of God, being publickly owned and juſtified, and the whole Nation involved in the Guilt, … far as it can concur to a ſingle action; and whether therefore the redreſs of this may not reaſonably be thought one grand Admonition of the ſeveral calami… which have of late like waves com'n riding one upon … neck of another.
And now at length, what as to this particular ſhall … the fruit of theſe flames that have burnt up the Glory… our Land? Shall they not burn up the diſhonour of … too? Shall not our animoſities and contentions, … earthly carnal zeal which hath fed upon our ſpirits, … almoſt conſumed our vitals, with all our paſſionate … flammations and heart-burnings, be thrown into this … never to revive and live more? Oh would to God … they might, I ſhould not then ſtick to call it a Bleſſed Fire, which ſhould conſume and carry away ſo much of a worſe, even of Hell it ſelf, from amongſt us. Oh happy were we, if our Droſs and Tin were but thus burnt off, that we might come out of the fire ſo well refin'd I That all our ſtubborn Spirits were but melted and ſoftned into ſuch mutual compliances as beſeems Chriſtian Brethren. But alas! what mortal power can produce ſuch bleſſed effects? What earthly inſtrument can bring about ſuch an heavenly work? No, this is left for Omnipotence to accompliſh. Good Lord, then let the power of thy Grace ſet in with thy Providences, and let thy Spirit do that, which neither Plague, Fire nor Sword, Mercies nor any Means by themſelves can: Even to work the Spirits of all thoſe who call themſelves thy Servants and Children, into a gentle, loving temper, becoming that Profeſſion and the nearneſs of their Relation; that they may with faithfulneſs and reſolution, joyn hands in that work, to which they are all engag'd, and give each other what aſſiſtance and encouragement they are able, for the ſubverſion of Satans Kingdome, and the carrying on thoſe deſigns of mercy to Mankinde, for which thou didſt create, and doſt uphold this world, and ſent'ſt thy Son into it, and keep'ſt thy Goſpel and Miniſters in it.
Is there any thing in this requeſt, to which all true Chriſtians may not readily give their Amen? Why then ſhould not all who own that Name, contribute their endeavours to the obtaining of that, which they profeſs to deſire? How lamentable and ſtrange a thing is this, that when wee are all agreed, or ſeem to bee ſo, about the chief end which we ought to purſue, and the principal means conducing thereto, that yet we ſhould ſtand at ſo hot and hurtful a difference about matters, wherein one would think it impoſſible for rational Men to differ. Are wee not all agreed, that the honour of God, and ſalvation of Souls, ought to bee the principal end of our endeavours? And that the bringing of men to know, believe, and obey the Goſpel, is the only … for the attaining of this end? And that the delivering explaining, and inculcating upon them, the truths and duties of this Goſpel, by a Miniſtry fitted for that work, is the ordinary means for the begetting of Faith and Obedience? And after all this, ſhall it bee … controverſie, whether many of thoſe who are th… fitted, and acknowledged to bee ſo, ſhall bee kept off from this, ſo needful, ſo important a work, rather than to bee diſpenſt with, as to ſome ſuch Subſcriptions and practices, which they that refuſe, dare not comply with, for fear of ſinning; and which they that impoſe, know they may lawfully diſpenſe with, being matter of that nature, that the moſt zealous Aſſertors of them, will not affirm they are of abſolute neceſſity, nor that they will countervail the loſs of Souls, which, it's … too evident, the rigid impoſition of them does and will occaſion. Will nothing that hath yet befaln us, help to clear our Judgements and ſettle our affections, ſo far as to end this controverſie? Are not our ſuffering yer great enough to meeken and bow our ſpirits, and drive us together? Shall they not now at laſt, work the ſame happy effect upon us, in reference to theſe differences, that Perſecution and Impriſonment did upon thoſe famous Martyrs, Ridley and Hooper, in a buſineſs … the like nature. The good man, who was before ſo bo… in preſſings Conformity, ſoon put off his harſhneſs, as appear'd by his loving Letter, when he ſaw his Brother a Priſoner for the ſame common truth with himſelf. They who may quarrel in the Palace, are made friends in a Priſon, and embrace each other at a Stake. And they who cannot agree, ſo much as about wearing the ſame clothes, are ſoon reconcil'd when they wear the ſame chain. And ſhould we be reduc't to the like caſe with them, I am very apt to believe we ſhould then be of the ſame relenting temper. They who have been guilty of ſo much rigour, would then, I hope, be aſham'd and griev'd to remember how they had formerly made thoſe to ſuffer, who are now become their Brethren in ſuffering. May we not ſay, Oh wholſome Perſecution, whoſe fetters oft prove bonds of peace, whoſe preſſures alway that pride, and heal thoſe breaches, that would not by any other means be healed? But what ſhall neither Reaſon, Intereſt nor Conſcience perſwade that, which a more ſmarting Rod would whip us to? Will nothing …ut ravenous Wolves drive Chriſts Flock together? Will …o other Fire but that of Martyrdome, devour our unnatural heats? Oh why ſhould we provoke God to uſe …arſher means for the accompliſhment of that, which …ee ſees his more favourable diſpenſations will not produce?
That it is nothing ſinful or unreaſonable that is requeſted, I appeal to the Petition for Peace, to which I before refer'd, as containing the ſum of their deſires, whoſe cauſe I plead. Will it be a ſin to grant that Indulgence, which for ſome time his Majeſty by his Declaration did; and which hee was pleaſed alſo to give aſſurance, hee …hould conſent to have it by Act of Parliament confirm'd, when any Bill to that purpoſe ſhould be propos'd; and which moreover, it was publickly reported, he was graciouſly inclin'd ſince to have given, had not they, whom … leaſt beſeem'd to be enemies of tenderneſs and charity, prevented it. In a word, can any thing bee more reasonable, than that they who profeſs themſelves Officers … the Church of Chriſt, to govern it according to his Orders, and to carry on his Ends, ſhould ſo far provide or his honour, and the neceſſities of Souls, as to give way … ſuch to Preach his Goſpel, who are competently qualitied for, and earneſtly deſirous of that Employment; and that upon ſuch conditions as Chriſt hath in his Laws appointed, and the Apoſtles in their times required … thoſe whom they admitted to this Function? Let … that are Lovers of truth and peace, determine whether … be not a modeſt and juſt propoſal; and whether it … not be ſomething elſe than Conſcience and a Zeal for Religion, that can cauſe any to reject it; this God will … his time determine. I mention Church-Officers, be cauſe, by their mediation, this Liberty is moſt likely to be obtained, as by their interpoſure, principally it ha… been taken away and hindred: which conſideration, be ſide the nature of their Office and Truſt, methin… ſhould engage them to do what they may towards it's recovery.
And was there now but this much granted, though … dare not ſay it would bring us all that outward proſperity which is deſired, yet I am confident, it would very made change this ſad face of things that nowappears amongſt us, and would revive a languiſhing ſpiritleſs Nation, and … much expel thoſe ominous fears, and miſ-givings of minde, wherewith we are ſo generally ſeiz'd; For I … wel aſſur'd it would rejoyce the hearts of thouſands of … Majeſties moſt faithful Subjects, who though they ſho… be ſed with the bread of adverſity, and the water of affliction, yet would more chearfully bear it, were their Teachers … remov'd out of the corners, whereinto they have been diven, ſo that they might freely ſee and hear them. And … may reaſonably ſuppoſe, that an action which tend… much to the honour and ſervice of Religion, even to … curing of our diviſions, the eaſing of the burdened, … not only to the pleaſing of ſober and good people, but … the profiting of the bad, will be very acceptable to God and the moſt likely way to procure that favour, which will ſecure a Perſon or Kingdome from being miſerable whatever befall them.
And what is it, can we imagine, that ſhould preve… that Grant, which is in ſelf ſo highly reaſonable, and attended with ſo many deſirable conſequences? I know not what can bee objected, but that common pretence, That this is the way to caſt us all into confuſions and diſorders: To which I have before ſufficiently anſwered. Why, I beſeech you, ſhould acts of Clemency breed Confuſion, where thoſe of rigour have been receiv'd with patience? Why ſhould they be thought ſo fooliſh and diſingenuous, as to become diſorderly by the favour of their ſuperiours, who have had ſo much Conſcience, as to be peaceable in the want of it? Eſpecially ſince this favour is of that nature, that it makes them little more capable of doing miſchief, if they were inclined to it, but might do much to prevent or take away ſuch inclinations, if there was any danger. And how can that breed Confuſion, which will do ſo much to the ſatisfying of mindes, the uniting of hearts, and ſo to the ſtrengthening of our hands. But to ſecure all, what can be deſired more than is before intimated? viz. That they who ſhare in this Liberty, binde themſelves by the moſt plain and ſacred Oaths, not to endeavour the diſturbance of either Church or State, but the peace of both. And if any bee indeed found guilty of acting to the contrary, let them bear the puniſhments due to Sedition and Perjury.
Fain now would I hope that there are none ſo fully bent on their own Wills, that they are abſolutely reſolv'd, no offered Reaſons nor Entreaties ſhall prevail with them, to depart an inch from their undertaken courſe. Let us leave that as a property of the moſt ſingular Church, amongſt the many other Prerogatives which makes her ſtand by her ſelf, to juſtifie and maintain all her Errours, leaſt ſhe ſhould be thought once to have err'd; Proclaiming her Obſtinacy, inſtead of diſproving her Fallibility. But they who make none of that ridiculous and proud claim, may well enough avoid thoſe intanglements, which are the pernicious but neceſſary conſequences thereof. As the frailty of M… expoſes him to miſtakes, ſo 'tis the honour of a Chriſtian to acknowledge and retract them. Nor will any … hope, conceit themſelves pen't up in ſuch unhappy circumſtances, that they have occaſion to complain, … Adrian the ſixth did, That being Pope, he could do link good though he really deſired it, becauſe he could attempt … conſiderable piece of Reformation, but he found it would … ther diſoblige the Grandees of his own Court, empair his Revenue, or ſome way or other weaken the Papal intereſt. A… that I am pleading for, is but a Liberty for able, godly, peaceable men, to Preach the plain and pure Goſpel… Chriſt, which it is his command ſhould be made known to every Creature: And wherein this can prejudice any perſon or party, that maintain not deſigns contrary to … or advanc't above this Goſpel, I am utterly to ſeek. … there be any whoſe endeavours ſhall bee found more … the upholding and propagating of a Faction, than … Godlineſs; I am far from wiſhing them any ſuch favour as might capacitate them the more ſucceſsfully to … themſelves. But yet ſince unhappily there are ſo many petty differences, and notes of diſtinction amongſt us, let every man have ſo much Juſtice, as not to be preſently condemn'd as Factious, becauſe he is angerly call'd is by another, from whom in ſome ſmall things hee may diſſent: For if ſuch cenſures may bee on all hands admitted as current proofs, I fear wee ſhall finde few i… nocent through the whole Land. Of contrary opinion its impoſſible to hold both, and in matters of practice which are under debate, wee muſt either do them … leave them undone. And thus we cannot avoid the appearance of being on one ſide, which, be it what it will the contrary part (the moſt rigid of them at leaſt) will be apt to ſtile it a Sect, and thoſe Sectaries which adhere to it, becauſe not thorowly ſiding with them: And how the moſt Catholick-ſpirited Chriſtian can well pleaſe both, is not eaſie to conceive, diſpleaſe them hee may far eaſier. It is not my buſineſs now to enquire into the nature of thoſe things wherein we differ, ſo to attempt a diciſion, who is in the right, and who is in the wrong; and thence to infer the equitableneſs of Liberty to any ſort of men, upon ſuppoſition of their being in the right: But it is enough for my deſign to ſuppoſe (what methinks ſhould not, by any that are ſober and charitable, be denied me, to wit.)
(1) That at preſent the conditions of acceſs to the Miniſtry, are of that nature, that it's poſſible for good Men Conſcientiouſly to diſſent from them; And
(2) That there may lawfully bee ſuch abatements made as theſe Diſſenters will comply with.
(3) That notwithſtanding the differences that may after this remain in opinion, wee may live together in love, and joyntly promote the Great ends of the Goſpel: From which premiſes, I preſume it is a very fair and natural inference, That ſuch who will ſincerely apply themſelves to the advancing of theſe Ends, and will engage not to break the Peace about any inferiour points wherein they differ, ought not to bee look't upon as Factious and Schiſmatical; nor as ſuch to bee hindred from imploying themſelves to the beſt advantage, for the honour of their Lord, and the benefit of his People. Let him then onelyonly bee accounted Schiſmatically inclin'd, who, for the propagating of his own by-opinions, and the advancement of his Party, will neglect and contradict the weightier duties of Religion; not looking ſo much to the ſaving of ſouls, as getting himſelf Proſelites; undervaluing, cenſuring, and abuſing all that are not … his own way; for ſuch as theſe, be they who they will and let them pretend what they will: I open not … mouth in their vindication, but will rather heartily joyn with our Letany, in praying that from all ſuch Schiſme in Opinion, affection or practiſe, the Lord would deliver … and from thoſe who are incurably tainted therewith, the Good Lord deliver both this and all other Churches through the Chriſtian World.
If it ſhould be demanded by what farther note we ſhall know the Factious from thoſe that are not ſo, ſince fine words and fair pretences are a very fallible and inſufficient Criterion? To ſuch I anſwer, That Juſtice and Common Reaſon will tell us, that the profeſſions, promiſes and oaths of men, muſt be taken for the … diſcovery of their hearts and intentions, till they ſhall have utterly forfeited their credit; and when it ſhall be evident, not by general charges of whole parties, … by particuler proof, that any have done ſo, let them never more be truſted, till their Penitence and Reformation may have redeem'd that forfeiture; yet let not the Innocent ſuffer for their ſakes, nor let them be thought to agree with them in all their miſcarriages, who may agree with them in a particular Opinion, which is the … uncharitable cenſure that can be, except it may be prov'd that thoſe miſcarriages are inſeparable from th… Opinion. If any man ſhould attempt to murder … Pope, upon pretence that he is not Head of the Church the Guilt of his Fact is not chargeable upon all that … of the ſame Opinion, ſince this attempt was not the neceſſary conſequence of that Opinion, but of the weakneſs of his diſcourſe, or ſome carnal Motive: Why the… ſhould the peaceable bear the blame of other mens diſorders, which they could not help, nor did contribute …
But if there ſhould be any, who whilſt they zealous …veigh againſt all parties, ſhall yet be found ſo ſollici…us for their own, that they will admit of nothing as a …eſt of peaceableneſs and Piety, but the profeſſion of compliance with them, even in thoſe things which are …he grounds of difference: I fear this their courſe will …e ſo far from being ſerviceable to the recovery of the Churches Peace, that it will prove one of the greateſt …ſtructions of it that could be thought of. And if ſuch ſhall be jealous of all that refuſe the conditions they offer them, as if they went about to ſet up for themſelves, and will accept of no proteſtations to the contrary, but …ill endeavour as far as they well can, to keep them out …f a capacity of doing God ſervice, leaſt they ſhould undermine ſome intereſt of theirs, they do too plainly …ll the world, that they have got ſomething which they …alue at an higher rate than the propagating of the Goſpel, and ſaving mens ſouls; ſince by their good will nothing ſhall be done in this work, but by thoſe who will …arry on thoſe other ends of theirs. This is ſuch a Demonſtration, as meer pretences to the contrary are too weak to confute: But happy will it prove for us all, if …nce we become ſo wiſe as to believe, that there is no greater nor truer ſelf-intereſt, than to be faithful to the Cauſe of our Common Lord, and diligent in his ſervice, according to our ſeveral capacities: So that all …hey who own themſelves in Commiſſion under him, may deſire and imploy their power to no other end than … procure obedience to his Laws, for which purpoſe alone his Servants are Authorized, as the King Deputes Officers to ſee his Laws executed. This is their Office and their Honor, to be the happy Inſtruments of bringing many ſouls to know and accept of Jeſus Chriſt as their Lord and Saviour; as it is the buſineſs and the honor of … Embaſſador to accompliſh thoſe deſigns of his Prince for which he received his Commiſſion and inſtructions, whereas to neglect theſe for ſome private ends of … own, would ſpeak him rather a Factor for himſelf, … a Miniſter of his Prince. And when Chriſts Miniſters do heartily believe this, they will never have a jealous of knowledge and godlineſs (by whomſoever they … furthered and ſpread) as if they could receive prejudice thereby, ſince then it will be their only deſire … greateſt delight that theſe may thrive, and they … will joyn their induſtry with them in this bleſſed wor… cannot but be dear to them, notwithſtanding any leſſer differences betwixt them. Holy Paul rejoyc'd in that Chriſt was preacht, even when it was done by ſome … of no good principle; and why was this, but becauſe … that he propos'd to himſelf was that Chriſt might be preacht. It was not his Reputation in the World, … any advancement that he ſought for, but that the Kingdome of his Maſter might be enlarged, and ſo this went forward nothing could diſpleaſe or hurt him. Oh how … then may we imagine that he was from forbidding … that nam'd themſelves Followers of Cephas or Apoll…, … oppoſition to him, to preach this Goſpel. Happy … ſhall we be, if this true Chriſtian ſpirit of meekne…, ſelf-denial, and untainted zeal for Gods honour, … and prevail amongſt us: But if Religion be made an inſtrument of State, or a means for the attaining of ſome carnal ends, and the Church be governed by ſuch Quirks … Policy as Stateſmen uſe in Civil Adminiſtrations, the… indeed its likely that what, according to the plain R… of the Goſpel, would be very ſerviceable, ſhall yet … rejected, becauſe it agrees not with Politicks. … ſometimes even ignorance and ungodlineſs ſhall rather be ſuffered to grow and encreaſe, than thoſe means premitted for their extirpation which have not a tendence to ſuch private ends, or ſuit not with the Methods which men too profoundly wiſe have propos'd to themſelves … pray God preſerve all amongſt us from being guilty of ſo much ſelfiſhneſs, ſo little true policy. And to draw to … end, muſt profeſs I cannot ſee how they can abſolve themſelves of this guilt, who being entruſted with the management of Church affairs, ſhall not improve their power to redreſs this grievance whereof I have been complaining, and to obtain that juſt liberty for the Miniſters of Chriſt, for which I have been petitioning; which its probable might be attain'd with eaſe, were they but barely willing that it ſhould be granted.
But if they prove deaf to all the moſt humble and importunate entreaties, and continue the reſtraint of whoſe who are conſcious to themſelves of no other deſigns (in the main) but ſuch as Chriſt and his Apoſtles had when they were upon earth, even to inſtruct and concert careleſs ſinners, and build up believers; ſtill pro…uring ſufferings to ſuch, who by their good will would …ispleaſe no man, if it be poſſible to pleaſe God and them too, (and ſome ſuch there are) I ſhall then look upon theſe ſtrange proceedings as boding yet more and …reater miſchief to this torn and bleeding Nation: Will God have mercy upon that people who will ſhew …o more mercy to one another? From the day of our …eace-making and hearty Reconciliation, if ever ſuch … deſired day ſhall come, I ſhall reckon the beginning of Englands Reſtauration to her happineſs and glory; …ut before then I ſhall have little hopes of either. I am not ſo vain as to make pretence to any Prophetick Spirit; but when I conſider the reaſon of the thing, the Nature of God manifeſted in his Word, and the courſe …f his Providence, I can hardly think that Nation will …e very proſperous, which ſhall do ſo much to diſ-ingage themſelves from his favour, by diſcouraging ſo many whom he hath fitted for, and ſent out into his ſervice; giving ſuch a ſtop to the courſe of his Goſpel, whereby the Inhabitants ſhould be brought to that obedience … his Commands, which hath the bleſſings of this … and that to come, entail'd upon it. Moreover, … evident to any conſiderative beholder, that Pope… … phaneneſs, and Infidelity, are combin'd againſt us, … chiefs near akin, and being united under one Common Head, go about ſeeking whom they may devoure: and … inſtead of joyning ſtrength againſt them, we continue thoſe diviſions which weaken it, reaſon and experience will tell us, we ſhall hereby lie much more open … their fury. And to little purpoſe will it be for men … declaim earneſtly againſt theſe growing evils, … they nouriſh the certain cauſes of them; and to … tend themſelves deſirous to have contentions ceaſe, … wickedneſs reform'd from amongſt us, whilſt they …duſtriouſly keep off the moſt effectual means for … Concord and Reformation. And if they perſiſt in the reſolutions, how little reaſon have we to expect … our faſting and praying ſhould prevail for mercy, … in order thereto, God ſhall be ſo far entreated by … as to abate that obſtinacy, and remove that Veil of partiality and ſelf-love which prevent it, where-ever … are to be found upon us. He himſelf aſſures us, Iſa. … that it is not the formality of Sackcloth and Aſhes, … hanging down the head like a Bull-ruſh, that will be accepted of thoſe who continue to find their pleaſures, … exact their labours; or (as the Margent hath it) … things wherewith they grieve others. But the Faſt … he hath choſen is, to looſe the Bands of wickedneſs, to und… heavy burdens, to let the oppreſſed go free, and to break … ry yoke, ver. 6. To the ſame purpoſe he ſpeaks, Zech … when they enquired concerning their Faſts, whether … ſhould ſtill keep them or not; his anſwer was, That … had not faſted to him that while; but rather they ſhould … …earkned to the former Prophets, which cryed to them … …ruſalem was inhabited, and in proſperity, and ſhould have …ted true Judgement, and ſhewn mercy and compaſſion …rry man to his Brother, and not have been guilty of oppreſſion, nor of imagining evil in their hearts againſt their brother. And when, upon Jonah's preaching, the Ninevites …pt ſuch a very ſtrict and ſolemn Faſt, which being …yned with Reformation, was doubtleſs acceptable to …od; yet its obſerveable how he ſeems not to take no…e of this in compariſon of their turning from ſin, …n. 3.10. And God ſaw their works, that they turned from their evil way, and God repented of the evil that he had ſaid that he would do unto them, and he did it not.
And when at length we ſhall be perſwaded to celebrate ſuch a Faſt as is before deſcribed, we may the …etter hope for thoſe bleſſed fruits of the ſame, which are promiſed in the 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. verſes of that 58. … Iſaiah; the laſt whereof is ſo exceeding ſeaſonable, both in the literal and ſpiritual ſenſe, to our preſent ſad condition; viz. That they ſhould build the old waſte places, and raiſe up the foundations of many generations, and ſhould … call'd the Repairer of the Breach, the Reſtorer of paths to …ell in. And I pray God grant that the pious and ſucceſsful endeavours of thoſe who are in a capacity amongſt us, may procure them theſe truly Honourable Titles.
After all that I have ſaid, I know 'tis eaſie for thoſe who conceive themſelves accuſed, to wipe off all by aſſerting, That 'tis not any ſeverity of theirs which gives juſt ground of complaint, but rather the complainers may thank their own ſtubbornneſs and ſelf-will for whatever ſmart they feel; and that they themſelves are guilty of whatever miſchiefs have com'n by their Deprivation, who would rather forſake their imployments than their humors. But to this, I conceive, I have ſaid enough for the ſatisfaction of thoſe who are willing to take any. And if I had ſaid no more than this (which is all I ſhall … it might ſeem ſufficient, to wit, that I have been pleaſing only for their liberty who are willing to take … moſt ſolemn oath, lawfully tendred them, that … a fear of diſpleaſing God, and damning their ſouls, which hinders their continuance in, or entrance upon the Miniſtry, on the conditions now required; and moreover will as ſtrictly binde themſelves, if more favoural terms may be allowed them, not to abuſe this favour, … the fomenting either of Sedition or Schiſme; but … faithfully devote themſelves to that work which is on … ſides acknowledged to be their duty, and will ſtudy … preſerve and promote the peace and proſperity both … Church and State. I leave it then to the judgement … any charitable man, whether ſuch as theſe are to be condemn'd of obſtinacy; and where the guilt is like to … if upon this pretence, their requeſted freedome of ſerving God in his Church ſhall ſtill be denied them. … moreover, I could wiſh (as I have ſaid formerly) that the… who oppoſe their Brethren in this requeſt, would put … to their own conſciences, whether they durſt make … ſame ſolemn profeſſions, that they thus deal with the… for fear of diſpleaſing God, and wounding their Conferences?
I may perhaps be thought guilty of very great …a… neſs and petulancy for ſpeaking at this rate; and (would you believe it?) even of Faction and Sedition, for arguing too plainly for peace and equity: but for that … am at a paſs; for be it known to thee, Reader, I conſider who is preſent with me whilſt I am writing, and before whom I muſt ſhortly give account of theſe and all other my words; according to which Chriſt tells … we muſt either be juſtified or condemned; and even … conſideration prompts me to write what I do; ſo that … is not the fear of diſpleaſing men which can deter … from it; ſince alſo I can chearfully fore-think of that … wherein this very controverſie ſhall be equally and …ly decided, at the Bar of an Omniſcient Holy God. Wherefore to this God, I abſolutely refer my endeavours, and the cauſe on whoſe behalf they are, as knowing if it bee juſt and pious, it is his concern infinitely …ore than mans; and he will in his own time (which …e ought quietly to wait) ſo far own and advance it as … ſees beſt. Upon which ſuppoſition, I dare boldly conclude, in the name of all thoſe worthies, who are conſcienciouſly engag'd in it, with that of the Prophet, The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is … King, he will ſave us.
And now methinks, the ſad countenances of impover…nt Citizens, eſpecially of ſincere Chriſtians, whom …loſſes can make poor, nor ſhould make ſad; call for ſomething to be offered by way of conſolation. But I … for a while interrupted in this deſign by a far ſadder …ht, even the merry looks of careleſs unreformed ſinners, who ſeem ſo little affected with preſent miſeries, … apprehenſive of any farther danger, as if they had no relation to God, nor the reſt of the world; as if they were neither concern'd with his Providences, nor with other mens Calamities: Men ſo impatient of an intermiſſion in the enjoyment, or purſuit of their bruitiſh ſenſualities, that they can reckon no time ſeaſonable for …iouſneſs and ſobriety; but abſolutely conclude againſt them, let the premiſes bee what they will. If they dream of a long and proſperous life, they bid their …uls take their eaſe, eat, drink, and be merry, having goods …d up for many years; or if they fear their daies may be …or…ned, and their mirth ſpoil'd, yet they reſolve to …ve it whil'ſt they may, and cry, Let us eat and drink, … to morrow we ſhall dye: Thoſe are ſuch that account …litarineſs and Conſideration, the greateſt miſeries that …n befall them, and whil'ſt they are not reduc't to a neceſſity of theſe, they eſcape well enough, what … betides the world. There's nothing they ſeem to … more than being brought into their wits, and there … they ſtrive with all their might againſt the means of the … recovery out of this voluntary madneſs. They have … far unmann'd themſelves, that they are even aſham'd to ſhew that they are owners of humane nature, by … ber reflections upon their own actions and Gods diſpenſations: As if they were ſo far engag'd in their deſigns … courſes, that in point of honour they could not now upon any tearms retreat, but muſt confidently proceed … act the Bruits on this Stage, though they turn Devils … it in the next. Theſe indeed are a ſort of men, rather fit to be Character'd to move others to compaſſion (… far as they deſerve it) than to be ſpoke to in order to th… Reformation. Who can cure his deafneſs, that … his ears? Or make him hear that is ſo wilfully … How can he underſtand, that hath made himſelf … with a ſtupifying Potion, which hath very much depri… him of reaſon and foreſight, and makes him go laugh… down to deſtruction, in deſpite of the faireſt warnings … loudeſt calls to prevent it? To attempt by inſtruction to reduce ſuch as theſe, ſeems an undertaking … leſs improbable, than by a formal diſcourſe to per… a Bedlam into his right minde. But yet ſome different there is amongſt theſe prophaner ones: thy are not all … ſotted into the ſame degree of ſtupidity, nor all equity reſolv'd againſt any amendment, nor equally prejudice againſt the means which tend to it. Wherefore thou… I have little expectation of ſuch kinde of Readers, … leſs of doing them good, yet if this Paper ſhould change into any of their hands, if they have the patience … read any thing beſide Drollery, let me crave the attrition of their mindes, whilſt I ſoberly adviſe with the… a few words.
Tell me then, I beſeech you, Sirs, ſuch of you that have yet ſo much Reaſon and Conſcience left you, as to acknowledge a Being above your ſelves, who made you and all the world, and governs all with infinite wiſdome and Juſtice; Tell me, I ſay, whether theſe providences that have lately befaln our Nation, be not of an extraordinary nature, and therefore in all reaſon ſent upon ſome great deſign? If one Embaſſadour after another be diſpatcht from a Prince, to any of his Neighbours, with a more than uſual ſolemnity, do wee not preſently gueſs that there are ſome great affairs in agitation? And is it for nothing, or upon any trivial errand, that the Soveraign Majeſty of the World, Commiſſions his moſt aſtoniſhing and magnificent Judgements to march one at the heels of another, to any particular people? Are not their Inſtructions, think we, as important as their Appearance is terrible? And if it bee ſo, does it not then concern the Inhabitants of the Land, to whom this Meſſage is directed, diligently to attend to, and faithfully and ſpeedily to obey the ſame? How high in affront will it be, when Embaſſadours are diſpatcht from heaven, for us not to vouchſafe them Audience? But methinks, ſcarce any can be ſo wilfully deaf, as not …o underſtand this much, which they utter in a voice full …f power and Majeſty, That the great God is very ſorely diſpleaſed with the waies of this people, being ſuch, that hee'l … longer bear with them as formerly. And ſhall not the hearing of this awaken us all, to a ſtrict and ſerious enquiry into our particular waies, whether they be not ſuch is draw out Gods diſpleaſure againſt us? If we had forgot the noiſe of Trumpets and Drums, which a few …ears ſince read us this Leſſon; or if wee are deaf to the …rill Cannon which inculcates the ſame; or heeded not the ſweeping Plague, which did not ſteal more ſilently upon thouſands, than it loudly warn'd all that ſurviv'd; yet let us attend to the voice of theſe roaring Flame… which once more call out to us, with ſuch a fierce… as one would think, ſhould neither be diſ-regarded, … in haſte fórgotten. Shall God ſpeak thus once, and again… and ſhall not wee hearken? Doth he manifeſt his wrat… and ſhall not we be ſeiz'd with an Holy fear? Are … troubles ſo great, and ſhall we not diligently ſearch … is the Achan, what is the accurſed thing that occaſion all? Do the ſtorms riſe, and the Seas ſwell, threatning us with a ſhipwrack, and ſhall wee not examine (… by caſting lots, but turning our eyes inward) whether we are not the Jonah's that cauſe it? What, doth it ſee… a ſmall matter whether God be pleaſed with us or … Is there any in the whole World whoſe favour we mo… need, and whom we are more bound to regard? Is it not … from whom wee receiv'd our lives and all our mercies… and on whoſe good pleaſure we depend for all? Is it … into his hands that we muſt ſhortly fall, when we lea… the world, by him to bee diſpos'd of to our everlaſting ſtate? Yea, even now, are not we and all our affairs abſolutely in his hands, and at his ordering, to do with … as ſeems good in his ſight? And can any bee ſo ſo… then, as to imagine that it's not worth while to examin… how matters ſtand betwixt God and their Souls? A… whether their behaviour hath been ſuch as is accept… to him, that accordingly they may proceed with bo… neſs, or retreat whil'ſt there is Liberty, and carefull… reform themſelves. This is the ſum of all, that I would adviſe careleſs ſinners to, even faithfully to conſide… their waies, every man by himſelf, what he hath do… towards the kindling of Gods anger, and what he may … to appeaſe it; to think what it is in him particularly God aims at, and ſpeedily to ſet againſt it.
And beſides, the wrath revealed againſt us in the diſpenſations, which may drive us to this work, do… …en not appear ſo much mercy in them, as may quicken …nd encourage us to it? All that hath hitherto befaln …, hath but the nature of a warning to us that are left; …nd how great ſoever the terrour of theſe warnings hath …em'd, yet that was but neceſſary the deeplier to affect … rocky hearts. And it can hardly be conceived what …urſe could be taken, more likely to reclaim a people, to …hom all the alluring invitations, and ſevere threat…ings of the Word, are grown in a manner contempti…e, as I have formerly obſerv'd; Theſe are like the …ſt remedies which Phyſicians uſe to dying perſons, which …e wont either to preſerve life, or haſten death. So …at God doth not only acquaint us by theſe his dealings …at hee is diſpleaſed with us, but in the next place, …hat he is exceeding deſirous to reform us, and will upon our …urn to him, have mercy upon us, and pardon us. What …eaſon elſe can bee aſſign'd why he ſhould not immediately have deſtroyed us, without affording any ſpace …or Repentance or capacity of mercy? Might not God …s eaſily, had it pleaſed him, have ſent ſuch flames up…n us, as ſhould not ſo much have tended to enlighten, …s utterly to conſume us? That ſhould have devoured …he Inhabitants as well as the Houſes? If the Husbandman lop and prune his Tree, dig about and dung it, one …ear after another, waiting on, and trying it; is not this … ſign that he much deſires ſome ſuch fruit, as may pre…erve it from being cut down as a cumberer of the ground? And what ſhall we go on to fruſtrate theſe merciful deſigns of the God of Love, who tries all waies with us to …waken and reduce us? Hath hee not as it were hedg'd …n our way, and beſet us round with ſuch ſtartling Providences, that one would thing nothing but a wilful re…olution to damn our ſelves, in deſpite of all oppoſition, …ould carry us over them to farther wickedneſs and destruction? Hath he not plac't before us thouſands of carkaſſes pil'd up on heaps? And ſet his Angels with … ming Sword to ſtop us in our courſe? And is ſin … lovely thing in our eyes, that we will venture upon … Sword, break through theſe flames, trample over … and bones to obtain it? Yea, ſhall we ſtill remain … bewitcht by it, when God hath purpoſely repreſented to us in ſuch ghaſtly ſhapes, as might ſerve moſt effe… ally to undeceive us, and deliver us from its perni… charms? There is nothing in the whole World inde… either baſe or hurtful enough to diſcover all the lo… ſomeneſs and miſchief of ſin, yet when it hath fa… bus'd and beſotted the ſinner, that hee can ſee no … in it notwithſtanding all the bad names that are given … the moſt likely way to make it truly known to him, i… to ſhew ſome ſuch effects of it, as the faculties yet … him acknowledge moſt dreadful, and the cauſe of the… therefore by all means to bee avoided. Thus if the ſilly childe cannot be kept from poiſon, by hearing … the miſchief of it, becauſe it looks and taſtes ſo like S… gar: Let him be ſoundly whipt for touching it, and … will do moſt to make him hate it. If he will needs … playing with a glittering Knife, let him once feel it draw blood upon him, and that will ſooneſt prevail … him to throw it away. And ſhall not wee, who h… been worſe than childiſh in our greedy purſuits of ſee… ingly pleaſing ſins, ſhall wee not run from them as f… when we ſee what we have overtaken? He that haſ… takes up an hot Iron, becauſe he ſaw not the redneſs, … ſoon rid his hands of it, when he feels it ſtick to his fingers and burn his fleſh.