Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence, Text (2 of 3)

Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence · Text (2 of 3)

p. 307. The next Sin we ſhall take notice of, is Murder; which ſurely, if any, hath a crying voice. Abels blood ſoon wrought Heaven with its cry for vengeance. And how many Murders have we daily heard of, committed amongſt us? How common is it grown for the Gallants of our times, to Sacrifice one another Lives to their Luſts, to their Paſſion, or their Pride? And I wiſh that the impunity of ſome, may not have encouraged others. Is it not time then for God to take the Sword into his own hand, and let his audacious Creatures know, that their Lives they are ſo prodigal of are his, and at his diſpoſure? And if they value them at no higher rates, they have no reaſon to complain if they are taken away, ſince they knew no better what to do with them. If indeed they are ſo weary of the world, they ſhall ſtay no longer in it.

And here eſpecially, let me bring to remembrance that Heatheniſh practice of Duelling; which of late is grown ſo much in faſhion, that none p. 31muſt paſſe for a Gentleman, but he who dare murder his brother; and to be an Hector, is more commendable than a Chriſtian. The Example and Precepts of that pattern, and Maſter of Meekneſſe the Holy Jeſus, the very mention of them is little leſs than ridiculous to our Brave Fellows. Alas, thoſe Precepts ſeem ſuited to the mean ſtate of Chriſtianity, when poor Fiſhermen and Tent-makers were the Preachers, and tradeſmen like them, were for the moſt part Retainers to it; but we muſt have them calculated again for thoſe of a more Elevated Meridian; viz. for our Gentry who had the luck to be born of Parents that were cal'd Chriſtian. The Jeſuite muſt fit them with rules that ſhall allow for their birth and breeding: for ſurely Chriſt never meant to have Gentlemen his Diſciples, when he tied them up to ſuch ſtrict commands, not practicable by men of their blood and Spirits. Religion now adays is thought to emaſculate men, and render them tame and cowardly. Baſely to ſubmit themſelves to their own unruly paſſions, with theſe is Courage; To be Bears and Tygers, is accounted Gentle and Manly. Theſe are the Lordly creatures that are ſo tender of their Honors, that they will rather violate the Laws of the great God, than the leaſt Punctilio of it. To humour or win a Fantaſtical Miſtreſſe ('tis well they are not in hearing when I call her ſo) they durſt venture upon the wrath of their maker. For the wall, or the way, for a wry word, or a ſtraw, they durſt venture their necks to the Halter, and their ſouls to the Devil. Are not theſe the true Sons of Valour? Such that even in cold blood, and upon ſober deliberation dare damn themſelves? And why? becauſe forſooth they are afraid of being call'd Cowards, and abus'd by every body elſe, ſhould they have paſt by one injury. They could tell what this was, but what the Hell they leapt into was, they knew not till they found themſelves there; and by that time poor wretches how was their courage cool'd? And now at length you valiant Fighters, wonder not if God himſelf be ſtept into the Field againſt you. What? do you think you have met with your match yet? Nay, but he hath not yet appeared with all his ſtrength. He hath only ſent one of his Warriours, Death ſitting upon the Pale-Horſe, but ſee what a terrible Second there is, Hell follow'd after him. Rev. 6. 8. But come try your Manhood upon this firſt. The hour he appoints is, when he pleaſeth; the Weapon he now chiefly fights with is the Plague, take you what you will; the Place is London. What Cowards, do you turn your backs now? Are you afraid to Dye, and yet are not afraid to be Damn'd? What will you laugh at Hell, and now quake at Death, and flie from it? But think not your heels can ſecure you, nor any place you can flie to, ſooner or later be ſure hee'l find you out. What did you challenge God to the Combat and now do you run for't? Can you deny it? What elſe meant all your open, impudent wickedneſſe, but to bid God do his worſt? For to fin p. 32you were reſolved, let him right himſelf how he could. God threw down his Gauntlet, when he ſaid, The Soul that ſins ſhall dye. You took it up, when y ou ruſh't upon thoſe ſins. What, you miſerable Caitiffs, you Children of the Devil, who is a Murderer, muſt you ſtand upon your terms, and command obſervance from your Companny, and will draw at the leaſt Affront, and ſhall God be careleſſe of his Honour? Was it not preſent death for a man to throw a Glaſſe of Liquor in your face? And have you done leſſe againſt God one day after another, by pouring down your ſuperfluous Glaſſes? Did the Lye deſerve the ſtab, and ſhall you go Scot-free, who have ſo often given the Lye to God himſelf, ſpeaking to you by his Word and Miniſters, his Spirit and your own Conſciences? Nay, what you count the moſt unſufferable Reproach, have you not been ready to interpret Gods Patience for Cowardice? Well, you are wont to call your ſelves Gentlemen: Know then, That for theſe, and a multitude of ſuch Affronts, God demands Satisfaction, and have it he will one way or other. Your ſpeedy Repentance, and believing recourſe to the blood that ſpeaks better things than that of murdered Abel, may appeaſe him; otherwiſe, when he makes Inquiſition for blood, hee'l take the proudeſt of you by the Throat, and caſt you to the Tormentors, and verily you ſhall not come thence, till you have paid the utmoſt Farthing.

8. Another very heinous ſin amongſt us, is Prophanation of the Lords Day, and neglect of the Worſhip of God. How many are idling away their time at home, or which is worſe, ſinning it away in Tipling-houſes, whileſt they ſhould be attending the Publick Service of God? Or if they afford their bodily preſence there for an hour or two, how ſoon after do they betake themſelves to their pleaſures, as if the reſt of the day were their own? Or as if when they had prayed to God, to keep them that day without ſin, they might boldly commit it? As if when they had beg'd of God, to teach them to keep (amongſt the reſt) the Fourth Commandment, they might then take Liberty to break it? And by their after-practice, one would judge their prayer had been, Lord have mercy upon us, and give us leave to break this thy Law. Some go to their Drunken Companions, ſome to their Sports; others to walk idly in the ſtreets or fields; and the moſt to their common, vain and worldly diſcourſe: To any thing, rather than to private meditation, or Family-repetition of what they have heard. How far are men from ſpending this day, as beſeems thoſe who have Immortal Souls to care for, and can ſpare but little time on week-dayes for ſuch employments? Oh how exceeding few are there that are willing rightly to inform themſelves of the nature, uſe and end of this day, and accordingly to improve it? As it is a day ſet apart to commemorate not only the work of Creation, but chiefly of Redemption by Chriſt our Lord, and eſpecially his p. 33Reſurrection, that being to him as a kind of reſt from his Labours: And moreover, as it may be to us a Type and a Reſemblance of the Eternal Sabbatiſm we ſhall enjoy in the Heavens: When we ſhall reſt from all ſinful, troubleſom, and bodily works, and be wholly employ'd in the admiration, and praiſe of that Divine Love, which contriv…d and wrought our Redemption and Salvation. To have leave thus to ſpend a day with and for God, would be ſufficient to engage holy and ingenious Souls, with all alacrity and thankfulneſſe to embrace the opportunity. Such would be aſham'd to ſtand reaſoning and enquiring whether they might not halve it with God, and rob him and themſelves of a good part. What a ſtrange tedious thing is it for poor Creatures, that know not God, nor their own neceſſities, to be obliged to conſecrate One day in Seven to ſpiritual Services, for which, awakened and experienc't Souls think their whole Life-time little enough? How many have we had crying, like thoſe, Amos 8. 5. When will the New Moon be gone, and the Sabbath over? That they might again to their pleaſures, or enjoyments! Nay, our People have been in more haſte than ſo, they could not ſtay till the Sabbath was over, but muſt to their bargaining, their buying and ſelling. How frequent is this with many Shop-keepers in the City, when no neceſſity requires it? Well, if indeed you are ſo eagerly bent on your buſineſs, that you will not keep a Sabbath which God commands you, hee'l force you to another kind of Sabbath than this, which you ſhall have more reaſon to cry out, When will it be over? You ſhall be made to reſt from your works longer than this comes to, if you cannot afford God that ſmall ſpace of time he affords you: And you that were wont to be ſo weary of the Prayer and Sermon, and ſhift poſtures, firſt up, and then down, peeping at the Glaſſe, or your Watch; Is it not equal that you ſhould be held with thoſe pains which ſhall make you weary for ſomewhat? when you ſhall turn from ſide to ſide, but get no eaſe, and count all the tedious hours of the night, expecting every moment to ſink into that woful ſtate, where are no more dayes, or nights, or hours, where you ſhall never have a moments reſt through a whole Eternity! And then ſay whether the Service of God, or the Sufferings you feel from God, be the more tedious. If wicked wretches thus looſely encroach upon the Lords own day, may we not well fear leſt God ſhould depopulate our Land, that ſo at length it may enjoy its Sabbaths? And is it not juſt they ſhould be ſeized with a diſeaſe, which admits not of a Miniſter to viſit them, who in the time of life and health did ſo little care for their Miniſter? How many who have been ſhut up from all converſe with men, were wont formerly to excommunicate themſelves from the Publick Congregation? And if they would not ſtir over their Threſhold to the Church, 'tis juſt they ſhould not ſtir out at all. And may we not ſee many doors praying now, whoſe owners were not before wont to pray either in p. 34Publick, or with their Families, on the Lords Day, or any other time? Nay, perhaps, might be deriders of all ſerious praying, and only uſe to take Gods Name in vain with their Formalities: Is it not juſt then, that thoſe who were utterly unacquainted with, and it may be jeer'd at, praying by the Spirit, ſhould be taught by the feeling of their fleſh, to groan out an hearty Lord have mercy upon us.

9. Another very common ſin, ſomewhat related to the former, is the contempt and abuſe of the Ordinances of Chriſt, eſpecially the Lords Supper; whileſt ſo many partake of the Table of the Lord, and in ſome ſenſe of the Table of Devils; which, what is it but to provoke the Lord to jealouſie, as if we were ſtronger than he? 1 Cor. 10. 21, 22. Many there are indeed, whoſe Hypocriſie and Treachery is only known to God, and though the Miniſter cannot, yet theſe he will find out. To vow obedience to God, whil'ſt we intend and perform nothing leſſe, this is ſuch a wickedneſſe, ſo ſolemnly to mock him, as he will not bear at his creatures hands: And how many Thouſands are guilty of ſuch falſhood and perjury? For the breach of theſe Oaths be ſure the Land mourns. When each member of the Church thus Covenants to Reform himſelf, and yet ſtill continues in wickedneſſe. How is the receiving this Sacrament made a meer matter of courſe? And if it be remembred for a day it's well, but the engagement then made is preſently forgot. But believe it, God will not forget it ſo. How many have we, that are Celebrating the remembrance of Chriſts death to day, who are Crucifying him again to morrow? And ſuch as theſe, I chiefly intend, who whil'ſt they cuſtomarily renew their obligations, to live to the honour of their Lord, do what in them lies to put him to an open ſhame. And where is the place where difference is put betwixt the precious and the vile, and any ſcruple made of caſting Pearls before Swine, Childrens bread to Dogs? Whoſoever's fault this is, that it is a fault, and a very heinous one too, can hardly be denied by any that uſe to read, what Qualifications Scripture requires of all that are admitted, not only to ſome more ſolemn Ordinances, but into Church-communion. If covetous perſons, Drunkards, Swearers, Whoremongers, and all diſorderly Walkers are to be noted, withdrawn from, and not to be eaten with (take the word in what ſenſe you will) then let the moſt impartial, charitable perſon judge, what a vaſt and ſad difference there is betwixt the precept, and our practice. Si hoc ſit Evangelium, non ſumus Evangelici. Where are they that walk after this Rule? And 'tis not likely that this very ſin which brought ſickneſſes and death upon the Corinthians, ſhould have loſt its provoking nature by the tract of time, or any difference of circumſtances betwixt us and them. It cannot ſurely be thought that the Commonneſſe of this miſcarriage, nor yet the difficulty and ſeeming impoſſibility which ſome are apt to pretend of p. 35having it remedied, ſhould render it leſſe diſpleaſing to that Holy God, who is ſo jealous about his Sanctuary. If Ʋzzah was ſmitten for his too bold officiouſneſſe in ſtaying the tottering Ark, and 50070 men of the Bethſhemites for their curioſity in prying into it, how ſhall they be able to ſtand before the Lord in the day of his vengeance, who have ſo profan'd his holy Ordinances! Intereſt ſometimes reſtrains men from puniſhing a crime that is univerſal, but believe it, this takes no place in God: No, to his mercy we owe it only, that our puniſhment is not as extenſive as our guilt. But ſurely this his Beſom of deſtruction with which he ſweeps away multitudes, clearly ſpeaks it ſelf ſent to ſcourge a general ſin, and I know none more than this we are now upon. And it is not mens Lazineſſe, or carnal intereſts; their lothneſſe to diſpleaſe either the Vulgar, or Great Ones, by whom they live, that ſhall here, or in the day of their appearance before the great Lawgiver and Judge, excuſe their diſobedience to his ſo expreſſe and peremptory Injunctions. To tell them then, that his Commands were inconſiſtent with their eaſe, or the favour of men, which is the voyce of their preſent negligence; will hardly excuſe them who have ſo often told others, That no man can be Chriſts Diſciple (much leſs then a Miniſter) without very great meaſures of Self-denial. If any of thoſe, whom they now pleaſe by their cowardice and compliance, will then bear them out, they are ſafe enough; but if that is not to be expected, they had beſt bethink themſelves in time, how to give a comfortable account of their Stewardſhip. Though private members performing their duty, may not juſtly pretend the Paſtors negligence to juſtifie a Separation; yet how far others aſſuming a power to themſelves, if they execute it not, will excuſe thoſe who are deputed to diſpenſe theſe myſteries, when they ſhall deliver them to ſuch whom they have good reaſon to think unworthy, it behoves them who are concerned well to conſider. The unworthy receiver himſelf, it may be, hath ſome pretence or other, to ſhift the blame from off him, as that he was never admoniſhed nor ſuſpended; but all theſe evaſions will be too groſs to paſs for current with a juſt Judge. I hope 'tis no ſcandalous thing to bewail the want of, and earneſtly deſire a Diſcipline amongſt us, as guilty as the word is grown: By whom, or with what circumſtances managed, it matters not ſo much, ſo we might have the thing; that the plain and indiſpenſable Laws of Chriſt may be executed; that thoſe very Conſtitutions which are fundamental to ſuch a Society as Chriſt hath appointed his Church to be, may not be violated; that there may be diſcerned ſome difference betwixt the Church and the World, beſide what a bare Opinion, or verbal Profeſſion makes; that only the credible profeſſion and diſcovery of that faith and holineſs, which makes a man a Member of Chriſt, may ſerve for his being accepted as a Member of the Church. And I may very ſafely ſay, That all they who p. 36have promiſed to God they would ſee to the removal of ſuch like corruptions as this I have been taxing, are indiſpenſably oblig'd to perform it, ſince this is no more than what was inclnded in their Baptiſmal Covenant, Whatever variety of apprehenſions there may be as to this point of Diſcipline, yet methinks ſo much as is judged lawful and neceſſary, by thoſe who have power enough in their own hands, ſhould not be neglected: but it would very well deſerve their care, to ſee their own Laws put in Execution.

10. And now we ſpeak of the Execution of Laws, we may very well mention it as a moſt ſ…d and ſhameful, and very provoking ſin, that after there is ſo much proviſion made for the reſtraint and puniſhment of Vice, by many good and wholſome Laws, there ſhould be no more fruit of them ſeen, for want of their being Executed. How rare is it now adays to hear of a man puniſhed for Drunkenneſſe, Swearing, Sabbath▪breaking? And is it any other than natural to ſee theſe and the like Impieties abound, whilſt the multitude that are moſt ruled by preſent things that reach their fleſh, find no hurt come of their moſt profane, and licentious courſes? And if men neglect their duty, can it be expected but that God ſhould take the Sword of Juſtice into his own hands, and puniſh the Rebellious? If it be demanded, what can be done more than to enact Laws, and appoint men to put them in force, and by a Solemn Oath engage them thereto? If it may n ot appear preſumption, I would anſwer, that it is alſo of as great conſequence to ſee the Execution of Laws committed to them, who give probable grounds to believe, that they will be faithful to their truſt. Scanderbegs Sword in a Cowards, or Childs hand, is like to do no great ſervice. The truth of it is, the moſt conſciencious look upon the charge as ſo weighty, that they dare ſcarce undertake it, much leſſe do they ambitiouſly ſeek after it; and if they ſhould, 'tis a queſtion whether their leſſe deſerving competitors would not make a greater intereſt and prevent them. But were all who are concerned ſo vigilant as they ſhould be, no doubt but that there might be a very great redreſſe of this miſchief. Was there a diligent inſpection to diſcover, and a willingneſſe to embrace them, there might be found many, who notwithſtanding the great diſcouragements they might meet with, would for the Honour of God, and ſervice of their Country, engage themſelves in this burdenſom, but honourable employment. But can they be zealous for God, and for ſubjection to his Laws, who will not themſelves be rul'd thereby? Far be it from me to ſpeak evil of the Rulers of the People. I know it is the duty of all to do what they can to preſerve to their Perſons that Honour, which may contribute to the ſucceſſeful diſcharge of their functions. And therefore it is no way fit to charge them with crimes upon ſuſpition, or bare report; nor to reprove them for ſecret p. 37ſins publickly, nor to do it in that manner that may procure them contempt from the People: But if the miſcarriages of men in authority are ſo notorious, that 'tis in vain to endeavour to conceal them; and when the offenders are ſuch and ſo many, that there is no way to deal with them, but by an open publiſhing of their reprehenſion; and conſequently of the faults they are reprov'd for; it cannot in this caſe be juſtly cenſured for irreverence or undutifulneſſe, to mind them modeſtly of their duty, and their neglects of it: eſpecially whilſt the diſcourſe is general, medling with no mans perſon, nor reflecting on any but the guilty. Indeed it may very well become thoſe who are more eſpecially concern'd, and who have the advantages of acceſſe to, intimacy with, and intereſt in Magiſtrates and great Ones, to deal with them, though with that ſubmiſſion and meekneſs which beſeems Inferiours, yet with that freedome and plainneſſe which beſeems Friends, and Chriſtians. Such that have liberty to ſpeak, without gratifying the corrupt humour of the rabble, that oftentimes dearly love to hear their Governours talkt againſt and diſgrac'd; and they whoſe own perſonal knowledge, furniſheth them with matter and ground for reproof, without taking up with the flaunders, and groundleſs ſurmiſes of the malicious, or common rumours of idle, and impudent tatlers and railers; thoſe I ſay who have theſe advantages, are deeply engaged to improve the ſame in doing their utmoſt to diſcover to them their particular ſins, with all the aggravations of them, and to preſſe them upon thoſe duties, which are ſo neceſſary for their own and the Kingdoms welfare. If this be the effect of greatneſſe, to be ſecured from all faithful, and ſerious reproofs, and councel, and to be betray'd by baſe flatterers, and fordid low-ſpirited temporizers; it is as great an unhappineſſe as can befall the Sons of men. To have leave to be ſick, and not told of it till its paſt remedy; to have leave to ſtab ones ſelf, and no one muſt dare to hold our hands, are no very deſirable priviledges: And to be ſuffered to poſt on to everlaſting burnings, without being told plainly whither we are going, is I think, as little for our profit, as either of thoſe. If any be of another mind, as loth to be tormented before their time, I earneſtly pray God their experience give not them too full conviction.

That which I intend under this Head, is the negligence of thoſe who are entruſted with the adminiſtration of Juſtice. When I ſpeak moſt ſoftly, I cannot but ſay what is very notorious, that they are ſadly guilty of a connivance at ſuch groſſe profaneneſſe, as is puniſhable by the Laws of the Land. Alas, they have got their diſtinct capacities; they are Gentlemen as well as Juſtices; and theſe it ſeems are inconſiſtent one with the other. That which Religion, their Oath, their fidelity to God, their Prince, and Country engage them to; is contradicted forſooth by the Gentility they p. 38bear about them, which forbids all moroſeneſs and ſeverity, eſpecially to their companions, who are as deeply guilty of Debaucheries, as the vileſt and pooreſt Wretches of the Nation. And indeed can they with any Modeſty, or pretence of Reaſon take notice of, or be ſevere againſt thoſe Vices, which their own Examples encourage even Inferiours, much more their Gentlemen-good-fellows to? Whether this be a Forgery or Slaunder, I appeal to the Experience of the reſpective Counties where they reſide. I intend not the Innocent in this accuſation; wherefore none but the Guilty have Reaſon to be angry, and they as little as any. Why ſhould an honeſt Citizen be diſpleas'd, to hear another ſay, There are many Knaves in the City? But if it be grievous to them to hear of their faults, their Drunkenneſs, Swearing, and ſuch like Looſneſs, let them think what it is to commit them. How loudly did God cry, Who will riſe up for me againſt the evil doers? Or, Who will ſtand up for me againſt the workers of Iniquity? And becauſe none would hearken, God himſelf hath brought upon men their own iniquity, and cut them off in their wickedneſs, Pſal. 94. 16, 23. Had our Juſtices, and all Magiſtrates, been as careful to prevent the Contagion of Sin in themſelves, their Families and Juriſdictions, as they are to hinder the ſpreading of the Infection, this latter Labour might happily have been ſpared them.

And now I am ſpeaking of Rulers, and Men of Place and Honour, here give me leave ſadly to lament it, That the Nobility and Gentry of our Land, the Major part of them, are arrived to ſuch an height of Prophaneneſs, that they, as being by their Advancements more Conspicuous than others, are most Infamous for the ſeveral Vices we have mentioned. Oh where are the hop't for fruits of thoſe Sufferings many of them have paſt through? Do they not demean themſelves, as if they were delivered to do all theſe Abominations? Are they not too like that King Ahaz, who being afflicted, grew worſe and worſe? Have they taken ſuch a prejudice againſt the Word, Reformation, that they hate the very thing too, and the leaſt appearance of it? What do they recoil with greater eagerneſs to their vicious courſes, as having been under a reſtraint for a while? Are they reſolved not to be behind hand in ſin for all that? Or do they think to revenge themſelves of God for the afflictions they have lain under? Or did they think themſelves now ſo ſecure, that without all danger they might provoke the moſt High God? Why, you poor impudent Worms, do you know whom you have reproached? Againſt whom you have exalted your voice, and lift up your eyes on high? even againſt the Holy One of Iſrael. Why, you Sotriſh Sons of Belial, did you think a title or place of Honour would diſpenſe with you, for your Rebellions againſt the Almighty Ruler of the World? Who hath ſtood by you, and obſerved all your contempt of Him, and his p. 39Laws, and hath hitherto ſpared you out of Pity, not Fear. What, becauſe you could proudly inſult and domineer over your Fellow-creatures, did you think to Out-brave God himſelf? What, did you think a Feather in your Caps, or a Ruffling Suit, for which Fools look at you with ſo much Reverence, would procure his Reſpect? Did you think he would be more tender of your Delicacies, than to Treat you ſo roughly, as he doth inferiour Sinners? Did you imagine, when he ſent his Meſſengers to ſeize you, when he ſhould Commiſſion either Death or the Devil to lay hold on you, that you ſhould fright them away with Swearing and Banning, and Damming? Or with your Swords and Piſtols, as you were wont to ſerve the Serjeants that came to Arreſt you? Did you imagine you had made an agreement with Death and Hell, that they ſhould never ſwallow you up? Or that your Submiſſions to the Devil had made him ſo much your Friend, that he would not hurt you? At length I beſeech you, be convinc▪t of your miſtakes, and humbled for your folly; and be perſwaded to believe, That the ſtricteſt Holineſſe is no diſhonour to your Greatneſſe, nor think that your Intereſt, which contradicts it. Oh be not ſo monſtrouſly vile, to abuſe Gods bounty, ſo as to make it but an help to your ſinning againſt him with more freedom and conſtancy. Make not your Eſtates ſnares to your Souls, by miſpending them only in gratifying your Luſts, Appetite and Pride; but improve them for the Honour, and according to the intention of the Donor; that they may not become ſuch an accurſed portion to you, that at length you ſhould hear the cutting anſwer, given to one of your Predeceſſors, In thy Life-time thou didſt receive thy good things.

Nor let any of our Great Ones pleaſe themſelves with a conceit, That they are not the Perſons eminently inſtrumental in bringing down Judgments upon us, becauſe as yet they are freeſt from the ſame, as having the conveniencies of removing themſelves from that ſtroke which lights moſt upon the Meaner Sort; for we may frequently find in Scripture, That the ſins of the Great Ones have brought Sufferings upon the Commonalty, who alſo in their place and meaſure have been as wicked as others. And withall, let them not be too confident, till they are paſt all danger, till their Harneſs is put of; or rather, till God hath laid down his Sword. If theſe Judgments reach them not, God hath yet more in ſtore for the obſtinate; and if they eſcape all here, yet if at length they are caſt into the Lake that burns with fire and brimſtone, they'l have little cauſe for boaſting. Since then our Great Men, like thoſe, Jer. 5. 5. Though they have known the way of the Lord▪ yet have altogether broken the Yoke, and burſt the Bonds: My prayer is, that they may not do as thoſe, v. 3. Who when they were ſtricken, did not grieve, but refuſed to receive correction, and made their faces harder than a flint, and refuſed to return, leſt God execute on them thoſe threatnings you p. 40may read at large, ver. 6. Oh that they may receive inſtruction in time, before they feel that Iron Rod, which will daſh in pieces all it lights on, and comes too late to teach them any thing but what will aggravate their torment.

11. I am verily perſwaded, had this Plague befal'n us Three or Fourſcore Years ago, and had Popery been as rife then, as now it is with us, this would not have been accounted one of the leaſt procuring cauſes, by the moſt ſober Divines of the Nation; except this be grown a more innocent thing than formerly, and the Idolatry of it diſtinguiſh▪t away by latter wits▪ or elſe Idolatry be grown leſs offenſive to God, than heretofore; we may take the boldneſs to ſay, That the Licence its Profeſſors have had, or have taken to exerciſe the ſame, is one of the Abominations of our Land, provoking to a God jealous of his Worſhip. Reaſon of State, is an Abyſſe which it becomes not ſhort-ſighted Subjects to pry into; but if the pretence of this induce any thing contrary to the intereſt of Religion, he that hath imbib'd but the very principles of Chriſtianity, may confidently pronounce the deepeſt Politicians that adviſe it, Stark Fools. The reſolution and conſtancy of pious Prince Edward, England's Joſiah, in denying Liberty for Maſs to his Siſter Mary, was in thoſe times accounted ſingular Piety, even by thoſe Biſhops who came to requeſt it. 'Tis ſomewhat ſtrange, methinks, to ſee even the poor Quakers themſelves, drag▪d to Priſons, and baniſh'd the Land; whil'ſt Conventicles more expreſly contrary to the Law of God, and equally, I think, to the Law of the Land, are (at leaſt) overlook't. Yea, let me add, this freedom they enjoy, whil'ſt half a dozen of private Chriſtians, in all things ſo far as concerns Laymen, conformable to the Church of England, cannot have Liberty to meet together for the private Service of God; though it were but to join their prayers on the behalf of our Land, that it would pleaſe God to remove from off us ▪the heavy Judgments we now lie under. Could there be no proviſion made againſt Seditious Meetings, without ſuch Reſtraints as theſe? Nay, and if they take this Liberty by ſtealth, how much more ſecure are twice as many Drunkards in a Tavern, met at one of their Conventicles of Good-fellowſhip? So that the more Politick, have found a Tavern the ſafeſt place for a Meeting. And doth not this abundantly evince, how much the humors and private inclinations of men▪ overſway and prevail in their adminiſtrations by the ſame Laws? If therefore the ſpirit of the times, and the inclination of inferiour Magiſtrates lay as much againſt Prophaneneſs, as what they call Phanaticiſm; that would have no more immunity than this. Let none be offended at my Liberty of ſpeech, ſince doubtleſs theſe are things that need a Reformation; I hope 'tis allowable to ſay ſo, yea, and neceſſary too.

And as for Popery, though I involve not the Magiſtrate in the guilt of all that Liberty they aſſume to themſelves; yet I hope we may have free leave p. 41to lay guilt upon It, and to charge a moſt intolerable impudence upon the Profeſſors, and numerous Abettors of it. How many, both openly and cloſely, are hard at work for the propagation of that, which is much more hurtful, though not ſo ſpreading as the Contagion now amongſt us? And that it is not ſo ſpreading, we owe not ſo much to their want of will, or pains; but to the Goodneſs of God, the Illneſs of their Cauſe, and the better temper of our Clime fortified with the Truth. But ſurely it would well deſerve the care of thoſe in power, to do ſomewhat more, to keep the Healthful from the Sick, and to order that there might not be ſo much Licenſe given for people to frequent thoſe places, where 'tis not impoſſible but ſome may be Infected; even ſuch, whoſe Senſe chooſeth their Religion; who would have their Devotion, like their Recreations; and a Chappel, like a Play-houſe: And I wiſh too many of our Gallants be not of this diſpoſition; but as for others, I would have them go to a Maſs to be confirmed againſt Popery. It is very notorious, what freedom they take for their meetings in many places in the Countrey, as well as City, beſides thoſe that may be priviledged: And certainly England is not like to fare the better, for being the Stage whereon ſo much Pious Pageantry, and Hiſtorical Worſhip is acted. Had Dagon been carried about amongſt the Iſraelites, with as much Reverence▪ as the Ark was amongſt the Philiſtines with Rudeneſs; 'tis likely, That had been attended with as great Plagues, as was This. He that conſiders what Idolatry often brought upon the Jews; and ſhall well contemplate the Popiſh Devotions, and our preſent miſeries; may not more clearly diſcern our puniſhment like to theirs, than a like probable cauſe of it; and look upon us little more beholden to Rome, than they were to Baal Peor. If theſe meek Innocents (who with much ado bring themſelves to talk a little humbly, when inſtead of Fire and Faggot, they are forc't to argue with words) ſhould Retort, that we deal as unjuſtly with them, as the Heathens did with the Primitive Chriſtians, who imputed to them whatever miſchiefs befell the Empire. I ſhall be brought to think ſo too, if they can as eaſily evade the charge of worſhipping Angels, Saints, Bread, Altars, Crucifixes and Images; as thoſe firſt Chriſtians could free themſelves from the palpably falſe Objections made againſt them: but in the mean time I cannot be perſwaded, but that God is highly provok't with all thoſe mockeries of Worſhip which they have deviſed, and in the midſt of us, ſolemnized. And even for theſe Inventions, may the Plague be broke in upon us.

12. We may well account amongſt our provoking Sins, the ſad and lamentable Diviſions that have been, and ſtill are on foot amongſt us: And whoever have raiſed and kep't up theſe, have had not the leaſt influence to procure wrath upon us. Well may that People be divided from God, p. 42ſeparated from his love, who are ſo divided one amongſt another. When one part of the Nation hath ſuffered, then ſtill the other hath rejoyc'd in their Brethrens Miſeries, as contributing to the advancement of their Cauſe. And ſucceſſively, what the Sufferers call Tyranny, Cruelty, and Perſecution, thoſe that inflict it, call it a juſt puniſhment for their malignity or obſtinacy. Oh how juſt is it then, That a general Puniſhment ſhould at length, work us into a more general Compaſſion? That at leaſt, we may pity each other, when we are all in the ſame Miſery, that appears to have nothing of a Party in it, but ſtrikes down on all ſides thoſe that ſtand before it? Many and great Factions in the Weſtern Church, did immediately precede its being over-run by the Gothes and Vandals: and not only in this, but all other Corruptions are we like to them, as may be learn'd from the Writers of thoſe days; God of his infinite mercy avert the further Judgments which ſuch Diſorders preſage. Such is, and long hath been our Caſe, That the loudeſt and moſt earneſt intreaties for Peace, have been drowned with the contrary noiſe and clamour of the Contentious. What comes from the weaker and oppreſſed Party, is ſtill rejected as murmuring and complaining; And thoſe that are in Proſperity, reject the offers which after they would gladly condeſcend to. Still the Side that rules, when they find they can ſecure their Intereſts without any compliance, partly, out of a jealouſie of being undermined, partly, out of a love to to have the preheminence, and partly, out of a deſire of revenge, are far from hearkning to the moſt reaſonable motions for Unity and Peace. And he that mentions, or laments our Diviſions with never ſo Catholick and impartial a ſpirit and deſign, if he charge not all the blame upon one Party, ſhall ſcarce receive any thanks from either. If he cries out of nothing but Antichriſtianiſm, Idolatry, Superſtition, and Tyranny, then he ſhall be hugg'd by ſome; And if he inveigh bitterly againſt Schiſm, Sedition, Faction, Hypocriſie, and charge this upon all that are not juſt of the humour of the times they live in, then he ſhall pleaſe others. But if he ſay, ſome are too imperious and impoſing, and others too peeviſh, impatient, and quarrelſom; and both too guilty of cenſoriouſneſs and devotedneſs to their own cuſtoms or opinions; he ſhall hardly be grateful to either; but only to the true Sons of Peace amongſt all, who are endued with the ſweet and genuine temper of Chriſtianity.

Oh unhappy England! How long haſt thou been toſt to and fro by the hands of Violence and Contention? How oft haſt thou been bent this way, and that, into contrary extreams? Oh when at length wilt thou be ſet ſtrait, and obtain a quiet reſt? Oh that this might be the happy effect of Gods heavy hand now upon us! We, and our Poſterity then would have p. 43cauſe to ſay, Oh happy Plague that befell us in 1665. which diſcovered to the Inhabitants of England this Plague of their own hearts, their uncharitableneſs and animoſities one againſt another, and cur'd them hereof, and reconciled them into a bleſſed laſting Peace. To this Wiſh of mine, Let every Reader ſay Amen, even So beit.

Oh what is become of that humble, patient, ſelf-denying, loving Spirit, which was once the Character of the Followers and Friends of our gracious, tender-hearted, and compaſſionate Lord Jeſus. Strange, that ever the Goſpel of Peace ſhould furniſh the Corruptions of men with matters for Strife! When one great, yea, very great Deſign of it, is, to promote the trueſt, and moſt ſolid, and univerſal Peace amongſt the Sons of men: which is the natural Conſequent of their being at peace with God, through the great Reconciler. And yet what would we have? Theres ſcarce a man but ſpeaks for Peace, and vehemently declaims againſt Diſſentions. Few there are but wonder there ſhould be any Differences in the World, and that men are not all of one mind. But what mind muſt that be? Even their own. And this, this is our miſchief: the World is full of ſuch Magiſterial Spirits, that they, forſooth, would be Dictatours in the Church. And though themſelves may be always wavering, and crookned by a Devotion for a Party; yet would they be the Centre where all various apprehenſions ſhould meet, their Opinions and Wills muſt be the Rule and Standard of Truth and Duty. Though men be never ſo much blinded by Prejudice or Self-conceit, yet they take it ill, if others will not ſee with their eyes, blindfold themſelves, and take them for our Guides. Now in our Nation; One man wonders what is in the mind of ſome, that they are faln ſo much in love with ſome inconſiderable things, that they rigorouſly exact from all others an obſervance of them; And theſe wonder there ſhould be any found to ſcruple at them: But its well, if either remember their own ignorance, weakneſs, and liableneſs to miſtake, which might move them both to a more charitable conſtruction of their Brethrens actions. The Overtures for agreement, which come from the weaker, are ſometimes diſgrac'd by thoſe of their own way (the Zealots of them) as proceeding from Cowardice and temporizing, and moſt frequently ſnufft at by the Party that hath got the upper hand, as ſaucy and impertinent; The condeſcenſions of thoſe that are in power, are uſually little more than to will and command, yes it may be, entreat all that diſſent from them to a through-compliance, and then they'l account them humble and peaceable; but ſcarce otherwiſe, be their demands never ſo large and unreaſonable. And if any true Lover of Charity, not of the name, but thing, ſhall propoſe a way for the reconciling of differences, hee's look't awry at, eſpecially p. 44by the higher ſide, and becomes leſs capable of Preferment (except as a means to corrupt him) as being not thorowly Baptized into their Party.

Thus have we got one for Paul, and another for Apollo, nay, worſe diſtinguiſhing names than theſe; and whil'ſt both ſides are too guilty of inveighing againſt each other for not coming over wholly to them, how little is done toward a Mid-way meeting? Who formerly have been, and who now eſpecially are too blame in the Land for keeping open our breaches, is not very difficult impartially to diſcover: But ſtill it ſo falls out, that they who are moſt in fault, may leaſt ſafely be told ſo; for this muſt needs be acknowledged, That they who have opportunity and power of making a very fair and ſatisfactory Accomodation betwixt thoſe that differ, and yet do it not; ſo far as this neglect comes to, are the perſons guilty of continuing our diviſions. They who had formerly this opportunity, and neglected it, were in their time guilty; and by conſequence they who now enjoy the ſame advantages, and yet improve them not, muſt needs fall under the ſame charge. I think that man undertakes a very hard task, whoſe confin'd affections, and zeal for his particular Opinions, ſhall engage him to defend all that is done, by the Retainers to the way which he himſelf hath embrac't: For my part I ſhould think it a piece of difficulty to maintain, that even our firſt Reformers from the Romiſh Superſtitions, were none of them acted by private Aims, and Secular Intereſt, or miſcarried in no circumſtance of managing Affairs, though the main cauſe was moſt juſt and honourable. Let who liſt then for me, enter into a defence of this ſide or that, not only for theſe Twenty, but Hundred and twenty Years; for ſo long a date do ſome of our unhappy differences bear: And many will confidently aver, That a Puritan is of as ancient standing, as an Engliſh Proteſtant, and was once thought beſt worthy of that Name; and that a Non-conformiſt was found, as ſoon as there appeared a Martyr for the Reformed Cauſe: Nor yet am I willing to look ſo far back, as to give any impertinent rehearſal of all the diſorders that did precede or cauſe, accompany, or immediately follow upon the more open and violent contentions which have been amongſt us, which might tend rather to exaſperate all, than profit any; for doubtleſs ſuch miſcarriages have been of all ſides (let particular Hiſtorians, this way or that, ſay what they will) that hearty Repentance, and mutual Forgiveneſs, is more becoming all, than Self-juſtification, and ſpleeniſh Recriminations; if there be any yet guilty of ſo much pride and uncharitableneſs. I heartily pray, that all who have ſo long ſurviv'd their Crimes, may be deeply humbled for their ſetting our Nation on flame (which all the blood that was ſpilt hath not yet quench't) for the Scandal they have brought upon the Proteſtant Cauſe, for all their breach of Oaths, Vows and Covenants, proſtituting their Conſciences, and p. 45pretending Religion for carrying on their corrupt deſigns, and wilful letting ſlip the opportunities they had, for the promoting the cauſe of Chriſt, and eſtabliſhing a ſetled Peace in the Churches; for the gaining of which, ſome excellent Spirits did ſo earneſtly (though too unſucceſsfully) labour. But oh is it not ſtrange and ſad, that after we have ſo long ſeen and ſmarted under the deplorable effects of diſcord, we ſhould yet be as far from embracīng the neceſſary means of Reconciliation as ever! That after a Civil Peace hath been graciouſly reſtored, the Church ſhould ſtill be ſo much divided? And this after diverſe moderate perſons of different perſwaſions, have ſo plainly laid down the methods for ſuch an agreement, as might have made us a Church glorious to all the World; yea, for thoſe things which are the true glory of a Church, which would have made us alſo happy in the approbation and favour of the God of Peace and Holineſs. The Lord open the eyes, and ſoften the hearts of all, at length to diſcern and accept of ſome ſuch Propoſals for Peace, that the Progreſs of our Feuds make us not a Spectacle of Pity to our Friends, and Laughter to our Adverſaries, as they have already made us Objects of Gods Indignation. It is not my buſineſs now to preſcribe theſe wayes, which if I were to do, I ſhould only take the boldneſs to preſent Tranſcriptions; and ſomething I may have occaſion to ſay of this under another Head, to which I haſten: Only in General let me add, This is a certain Truth, approved by the joint Suffrages of the moſt Sober and Judicious Divines, That whileſt our Peace is laid upon the practice and approbation of things in their own Nature, to the moſt Learned and Conſcientious, doubtful and disputable, it's never like to be firm and univerſal: And they who would build Ʋnity upon an Ʋniformity in thoſe matters which will never bear the ſtreſſe of it, ſuch as we before mentioned, they are the perſons that lay the ſureſt grounds imaginable for the hatching of Schiſms, wherein, though they who take this occaſion, may be alſo culpable, yet will not this excuſe thoſe who adminiſtred it. Wherefore 'tis not by Names or Numbers, or Power, you muſt make a judgment, when you ſeek for Schiſmaticks, no more than you would, if looking for Catholicks, enquire only who call'd themſelves ſo. To evince my Aſſertions, who that hath not loſt his common reaſon, or elſe is becom'n a Papiſt, but may diſcern, how impoſſible it is that ever a ſtable Concord in the Chriſtian world, ſhould be founded upon the acknowledgment of the Univerſal Headſhip of the Biſhop of Rome? And 'tis not all their Councels and Fathers they can make ſuch falſe brags of, nor the diffuſiveneſs of this gangrene of their perſwaſion, nor the favour of ſo many Princes, nor the Harmony they would make us believe is amongſt themſelves, can excuſe them from the juſt imputation of being moſt notorious Schiſmaticks, an d Dividers of the Church, and a manifeſt Combination of Sectaries.

p. 46Once more let me add, All thoſe who have eſpouſed any private Intereſt or Party, which they are reſolved to proſecute and maintain at that rate, that no man ſhall have liberty to promote Chriſtianity it ſelf, except he will jointly contribute to the advancement of that their deſign and way; are like to perpetuate our diſſentions, ſo long as either there are other men of corrupt minds, who have got a Faction contrary to theirs; or ſo long as there are to be found men of truly Catholick Spirits and Principles, that will ſerve the humors of no men, nor abet this or that Party, as diſtinct from all other pious, ſober, and peaceable Profeſſors of the Chriſtian Faith; but are reſolved to be of that Sect only, which in St. Paul's dayes was everywhere ſpoken againſt.

I know there are many that are earneſt for Peace, oftentimes meaning no more by it, than a ſtricter Combination of all of their own Party, or ſome a little different, againſt one they account a Common Enemy: Thus no doubt the Romaniſt may be griev'd to conſider the ſtruglings in his Mothers own bowels, and may paſſionately exhort the ſeveral Contenders to an Unity, for the more effectual advancement of the Catholick Faction, and joint oppoſition of the Reformed Churches. But alas, what narrow-ſpiritedneſs is this! The Peace therefore I am exhorting to, and which it beſeems all true Followers of the Prince of Peace to endeavour after, ſhould be built upon ſuch foundations, as may make it extend to, and be comprehenſive of all that agree in the Eſſentials of Religion, the belief and practice of thoſe things that are revealed in Scripture, as neceſſary to Salvation; and they ought to keep up no other difference betwixt themſelves, and any that own the Chriſtian Name, and the Articles of its Faith, Papiſts themſelves not excepted, beſides what the rejection of all Innovations in Doctrine, Diſcipline or Worſhip will unavoidably produce. And therefore to be ſo much of a Negative Religion, as Papiſts tell us we are, denying this or that groundleſs opinion, refuſing ſuch and ſuch needleſs practiſes, is a truer ſign of a Catholick, than impoſing any one of thoſe contraverted things. Our beſt Diſputants againſt the Church of Rome, tell us, That the foundations of the Churches Eſſence agreed on, and conſented to, are alone the immutable grounds of its Ʋnity. And I ſuppoſe it may be founded upon this reaſon, viz. That when a man enters into any Society for ſome advantages there to be had, he is like to be firmly engaged thereto, whil'ſt the condition of his continuance in it, is an acknowledgment and practice of thoſe things only, that are neceſſary for every particular Member to do, if he would partake of thoſe benefits that are attainable in Common in that Society; for every mans perſonal intereſt engages him to an agreement thus far. But when any thing is ſuper-induct, that is, conſulted only for the gratifying or advancing ſome few, it cannot be expected that there ſhould be a p. 47general compliance in theſe things. Now the Church being an Aggregate of perſons, believing and practiſing all things that God hath propoſed and enjoined, in order to their everlaſting Happineſs; what more can be thought neceſſary for their Union, than their Conjunction, in the acknowledgment and practice of theſe things? Good God! how clear, methinks, is this Truth! And if this be the way for an Union in the Catholick Church, why not in the particular Churches that are parts of it? For when theſe narrow and limit the conditions of Church-memberſhip, they ſo far depart from Catholick Unity. But theſe things are fully ſpoke to by others. So then, what miſcarriages we are guilty of in this particular, is fully evident; and what is to be done for their redreſs, is no way difficult to be found out and accompliſh't, if at length we were agreed to make Chriſts intereſt ours, and wholly to lay out our ſelves, and improve our power, and enact Laws only to promote that, and to enforce the Laws he hath already made, and would but bring our acknowledgments of Scripture-ſufficiency into practice.

The Lord grant this may be the reſolution and endeavour of all in this Church and State, who, under God, are in a capacity of reſtoring Health and Tranquility to a people ſo ſorely weakned, by their being crumbled into ſo many Sects and Parties; that at length becoming one in Holineſs and Love, and turning as one man to the Lord, ſerving him in a pure Language with joint conſent, he may be one with us, and the unity of our prayers may help on to their Succeſs, even the removal of thoſe Judgments, that were inflicted to drive us to ſuch an Unity.

That I may now, Laſtly, Sum up much in one word, We have been a People guilty of as wilful and malicious contempt of God, his Goſpel, Miniſters and People, and neglect of all true Religion, as ever any Nation of the world was, that hath enjoyed the means and opportunities for, and lain under the engagements to Reformation that we have done. How have we trampled our mercies in the dirt, or thrown them in the face of the Giver? How ſoon have we forgot his Rod, when when we have been but juſt from under the ſmart of it? How have we contemn'd the Threatnings of further wrath denounc't againſt us by his Word and Miniſters? How hath even profeſt Atheiſm abounded, that hath made a ſcorn of, not only the Duties, but Doctrines of Chriſtianity? To renounce all Religion, was to be taken for a Wit: And by their long impunity in wicked courſes, were men more confirmed in their Atheiſtical conceits. Was it not fit then that Death ſhould reduce them to their right mind, when they are ſo wilfully diſtracted? But eſpecially for practical Atheiſts, who whil'ſt they profeſs to know God, glorifie him not as God, but in works deny and diſhonour him, how do they p. 48abound in our Land! Except but ſome Formalities of external Performance, and publick Worſhip, and a meer Opinion; How little appearance is there of a Church, or Chriſtianity amongſt us? Seem we not rather a Cage of unclean Birds? Look into the Court, and Univerſity, the City and Countrey, all ſorts and conditions of men; and ſay then, whether are we not overflowed with profaneneſs, which its juſt ſhould be followed with a deluge of wrath to waſh it away? to what a paſs are we come? amongſt whom nothing is ſo ſtrange as ſerious Holineſs and ſtrict Walking? To be a diligent Server of the moſt holy God, is made a matter of reproach? To live up in the Principles of that Religion, we all pretend to, is to expoſe ones ſelf at the leaſt, to ſcoffs and jears? All that is paſt jeſting in Religion, is accounted Fancy and Hypocriſie. Serious Diſcourſe is but fantaſtical Canting. To mention any word of Chriſt or his Apoſtles, without making a jeſt of it, or the ſacred Name of God, except in an Oath, or to take it in vain, is an offence to many tender ears. To admoniſh and reprove a Drunkard or a Swearer, is to become a Buſie-body, and ſelf-conceited. To ſpeak of God▪ or Chriſt, Death, Judgment, and Eternity, and the great Matters of Religion, is the way to have ſome diſgraceful Title or other preſently put upon you. Godlineſs it ſelf is look't on but as a faction, and as ſuch deſpis'd and revil'd; and the moſt unblameable Profeſſors of it, ſtigmatized with ſuch names, as being deſign'd for their diſgrace, too plainly ſhew what is their fault, even Purity, and preciſe, circumſpect Walking. Now may we juſtly revive the complaints made by godly Biſhops and Miniſters in former times, That let Men walk never ſo conformably to the Law of Church and State, only endeavouring to avoid the Sins of the times, and in their Place and Calling to bear witneſs againſt them, endeavouring to live convincing, exemplary Lives, and to promote Godlineſs in their own Families, and amongſt their Neighbours, preſently they ſhall be called Puritans (for that was, in Bolton's phraſe, the honourable Nickname of Chriſtianity in thoſe days) and conſequently, have leſs favour than ai Papiſt, or carnal Goſpeller. The moſt powerful and awakening Preaching, and ſerious, affectionate Praying, where it is had to be had in publick; are diſgrac'd by the name of Popular things, and ſuch Miniſters the leſs favour'd, becauſe flock'd after. And here is the Fruit of the Afflictions that have ſo long lain on us, even for ſuch Sins as theſe!

Oh how juſtly may God take up againſt us all, thoſe Complaints that we find in his Prophets, he doth againſt the Jews. He hath ſent his Meſſengers early and late, giving us Precept upon Precept, Line upon Line; calling to us, Oh do not theſe abominable things; they will be bitterneſs in the end▪ and yet we have turned the deaf ear. Nay, when we have pretended p. 49to enquire of the Lord our Duty, yet when it hath been revealed to us, we have at leaſt in our Works, ſaid, We will not do all the Lord hath ſpoken, but we will walk after the ways of our own hearts; we will never live ſuch ſtrict and godly Lives; this is more ado than needs; there is no ſuch danger in following our Luſts; this is but the device of Preachers to terrifie us. It was well enough with us, when we lived in thoſe ſins they keep ſuch a ſtir againſt; and we had never good World, ſince ſo much Preaching and Godlineſs came up. How have we mock'd God by our pretences to ſerve him, when our hearts have been far from him? And thoſe very Perſons, who in the Church were confeſſing their ſins, and praying, that they might live a godly and ſober life; when their Devotions are ended, will do little leſs than deride Godlineſs, and run into all exceſs of riot, and wonder at them as preciſe fools, who run not with them. And all this muſt be ſolved by crying, The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord; The Church, The Church; by being zealous of ſome Ceremony or Cuſtom of little Concernment, and railing at all that are not of their humour, as diſobedient, factious, and phanatical. How is the Service of God dwindled to a meer Formality, and many underſtand no more by it, than a devout uſing ſome particular Form or Mode of Prayers, and by this they think to purchaſe Heaven ſure enough, and make amends for all their neglect of Perſonal and Family-duties, for the Earthlineſs of their hearts, for the Vitiouſneſs and Diſorder of their Lives? Oh how have Fools made a mock of ſin, and look't on it as a trifling thing, that men need to be ſo ſhy of. How many pretty Pleas and Excuſes have they got for Whoredom, Drunkenneſs, and the moſt monſtrous Pride? If the plaineſt Word of God contradict their Luſts, it ſhall be of no value with them: ſome trick or other they'l have to evade it; or, if they have nothing to ſay, yet they'l will ſet their wills againſt Gods Commands, and ſtatly diſobey them. Have not we even wiſh't there was never a Bible in the World, no God in Heaven; and lived as if indeed there was not? And alas, how ſmall a Remnant is there that have eſcaped the common Pollutions? How few that have been deeply affected with the diſhonours done to their Heavenly Father? Who have ſtood on the Lords ſide, and been faithful to the cauſe of Holineſs? Theſe have been but as the gleaning of the Vintage, as after the gathering of the Summer-fruits, here and there one in a Town; and theſe (even as the Remnant of the Faithful amongſt the Iſraelites) have been the wonder and ſcorn of the reſt. Theſe have been the Song of Drunkards; and they, together with that Word they walk by, have been the ſport of thoſe whoſe hearts have been merry, as Sampſon was to the Philiſtine Lords. They and their Scripture ſerve the profane p. 50Gallant to ſhew his Wit, and help the Poet to Matter for his Play. Theſe for the moſt part are looked at as the moſt pernicious to the Places where they live. And upon them Malice hath its narroweſt eye. He that departs from Evil, makes himſelf a Prey; they have hated, and put to ſilence him that hath reproved in the Gate; and abhorred him that ſpake uprightly; and, after all, wiped their mouths, and ſaid, Let the Lord be glorified. Were not we arriv'd to a moſt doleful ſtate, when the moſt exact obedience to the Laws of God, was accounted leſs diſgraceful, than the moſt open violation of them; and few durſt plead for, and practiſe Holineſs with that confidence, that others durſt commit, and own known Sins? How hath God waited long, and made the Power of his Long-ſuffering to appear, ſtriving with us in the ways of Love, and mingling Corrections with his Mercies, that he might prevail with us to pity our ſelves, but all in vain? He puniſh'd us with the Sword, and kep't us long in the Furnace, and we are com'n out leſs refined; Again, he tried us with mercies, but we improved them not. He hath threatned, when he might have deſtroyed, and born with us long to prevent our ruine, and yet nothing would work: But we have preſt him with our iniquities, and even made him to ſerve with our ſins; we have grieved his Spirit by our ſtubborneſs and rebellion; and have began to think, becauſe he kept ſilence, he was ſuch one as we, and liked well enough of our ways; and becauſe his Judgments were not ſpeedily executed, our hearts have been fully ſet to do evil. And when we were come to this paſs, and God was even weary with withholding, and there were ſo few to ſtand in the gap to turn away his wrath, and even of them, many in a great meaſure thruſt out of it; Were we not ripe for deſtruction? Was not our Ephah full? Is it then any wonder, if at length, God be riſen to plead with us, in a manner that ſhall make us know and feel, that he ruleth in the World, who will by no means acquit the impenitent? who, though he bear long, yet will not always bear wit h a ſtiff-necked Generation? Could we expect any other, than that God ſhould make bare his Arm, and viſit us for theſe things, and eaſe himſelf of his Adverſaries, and avenge himſelf of ſuch obſtinate Contemners of his Laws and Authority? And what, Shall the Lion roar, and not the Beaſts of the Foreſt tremble! Is God angry, and ſhall not we fear? Doth he ſhake his Rod over us, nay, lay it upon us, ſo that Thouſands feel it in their fleſh, and all hear the ſound of its terrible laſhes; and yet do we not tremble? Shall not our haughty countenances change, and the joynts of our loins be looſed, now there is an Inviſible hand come forth, writing ſuch bitter things againſt us? Hath God ſuch a ſore Controverſie with us? Hath he done ſo much, and yet will he yet do theſe and theſe things againſt us, and wilt thou not yet prepare to meet thy God, p. 51Oh England? Oh the dreadful ſenſleſſneſſe and ſtupidity of the hearts of our People! How few are yet careful to learn Righteouſneſſe, by the Judgments that are amongſt us! Notwithſtanding this day of Adverſity, how few will be brought to Conſider? Is not this a direful preſage of farther Wrath? And that it is even an utter Deſtruction, that is coming upon us! Oh what a ſpirit of ſlumber and ſottiſhneſſe hath poſſeſt the moſt! If it is not ſo with thoſe about thee, Reader, thou dwelleſt in a happy place. Though people hear of Thouſands Dying about thee, and have daily reaſon to expect their turn ſhould be next, yet how regardleſſe do they appear of all due preparations for it as ever? They flatter themſelves with a conceit that yet they may eſcape, and that Death ſhall not come nigh their Dwellings, and ſo poſt off all thoughts of it, taken up with the very ſame buſineſſes, deſigns, and pleaſures, they were always wont.

But what ſhould we ſay, can Sword, or Famine, or Plague, or any outward Affliction work on them, who have been nothing bettered, but rather hardned by Commands, Promiſes and Threatings? Can the Rod plead with, and importune them, ſo as the Word hath done? Will Sickneſs inform, command, argue and beſeech ſo affectionately as the Miniſter was wont? Where Moſes and the Prophets might not be heard, what can prevail? If hewing them with the Prophets, and ſlaying them with the words of his mouth, would not affect them, Hoſ. 6. 5. Shall the Execution of his Judgments bring light? Why, yes no doubt, God hath his Chaſtiſements which ſetting on, and enforcing his Word, do often humble and reform Souls, and he hath alſo thoſe Puniſhments by which he Deſtroys. And if men will will ſtrive againſt his Spirit, and reſiſt it's workings; ſhut their eyes againſt the light, contemn Inſtruction, yea, harden themſelves under Correction; and rather hate the God who makes them ſmart, than the ſins that procure it, like thoſe in Rev. 16. who blaſphemed God when they were in anguiſh; what can be expected but the final ruine of the People or Perſons, that are guilty of ſuch Stubbornneſſe and Impenitency? And oh that this were not the caſe of multitudes amongſt us! The Lord awaken thoſe that are yet in a capacity, to a timely prevention of ſuch a doleful miſery. And thus I have given an account of thoſe Crying Sins, that are to be found amongſt us, which belong to the firſt Branch, which comprehended under it thoſe ſins, that were more evident and notorious. And by this we have made way for the Second; to diſcover ſome ſuch miſcarriages, which may be leſſe evident, but no leſſe hainous than theſe, as being indeed in a great meaſure productive of them; and therefore I thought it methodical enough to proceed from the ſenſible effects, to the ſomewhat more latent Cauſe.

p. 52All that I ſhall ſpeak of the latter Branch, I ſhall reduce to this one Head▪ namely, That it may very juſtly be preſumed, to have a great Influence in the procuring our Miſeries that ſo many able Miniſters of Chriſt, have of late been ſilent, and in a manner uſeleſs, compared to what they might have been, had they continued their Publick Employments.

Thus far I hope none will be offended; For if it be granted de facto, that there are many whom God had furniſhed with abilities to ſerve him in the Miniſtery, which he had called them to, that have not exerciſed thoſe abilities, to the beſt advantage in that Function, (and I think he muſt have a good ſtock of Impudence who ſhall deny that many of thoſe, who have been of late Unſerviceable, were ſo accompliſh't) then I ſhall eaſily evidence, that hereby God hath been much diſhonoured and provoked, whoſoever the fault hath been; which is that I ſhall briefly inquire into and diſcover, and then give in full evidence of my aſſertion.

I know it may ſo happen, that what I write, may diſpleaſe one and another, but for that I am indifferent, as having reſolved to give no allowance to my paſſion or prejudice; but to uſe the ſame impartiality and faithfulfulneſſe, to the utmoſt of my power, that I ſhould do, if, ſo ſoon as ever I had finiſhed my work, I was to receive my ſummons to appear before the juſt Judge of Heaven and Earth. Nor would I willingly ſpeak any thing, but what the undoubted Intereſt of Chriſt and his Goſpel engage me to, and will warrant me in: And whilſt I have the Lord engaged in the whole cauſe which I undertake, and plead; I value not a ſtraw at my foot, what the moſt enraged potent malice can do. Nay, I dare then beſpeak all in the words of the King of Egypt to Joſiah, a little varied, 2 Chron. 35. 21. What have I to do with thee, Oh man, whoever thou art? I come not againſt thee this day, but againſt Sin, wherewith I have war; for God commanded me to this work. Forbear from medling with God, who is with me, that he Deſtroy thee not. And I think a man may with as much comfort be a Martyr for the Unity and Peace of the Church, and advancement of Holineſſe, as ever any of our Proteſtants were, for the defence of the Reformed Religion (and indeed this was more their Cauſe than Chriſtianity it ſelf, if we conſider it right) yea, though he have a ſheet of paper pinn'd to his back, that ſhall call him Schiſmatical and Seditious, and as ſuch he be puniſhed; as they we know were burnt for Hereticks. But to the buſineſſe in hand. As to the matter of Fact its well enough known, what Conditions were required, of all that would continue in the Miniſtery, and ſtill are exacted, of all that will enter upon it, which Multitudes not ſubmitting to, were Suſpended and Silenced, and others, who both by their Parents, and themſelves were deſigned for that Employment, and accordingly p. 53Educated, were prevented of their intentions. The ill effects hereof I ſhall ſpeak ſomething to anon.

Now that I may deal fairly and plainly, this I muſt needs ſay; That if there have been any of theſe Diſſenters, who were convinced in their Conſciences, that the things commanded were ſuch, as all circumſtances conſidered, they might lawfully have ſubmitted to; but yet out of faction, humour, obſtinacy, a deſire to gratifie, or promote a party, or any ſuch carnal principle, did refuſe ſuch ſubmiſſion; they cannot be excuſed from the guilt of deſerting their charges, and of the many ill conſequences of that deſertion. What can any man in reaſon deſire more? For it is as ſuch they ſuffer, and not meerly as miſinformed, much leſſe ſure as invincibly ignorant, or as men that would not ſin; and if they have indeed been guilty of the Crimes, for which their Puniſhments are proportioned, I readily joyn with their moſt forward accuſers; but oh that the Puniſhment had ſtayed, till the Crime had been proved, and laid on thoſe only that were found guilty?

But on the other hand, if there were any, who did uſe all probable means for their ſatisfaction, (being earneſtly deſirous to have continued in the work of the Lord) and after all remained perſwaded, that they could not comply with what was enjoyned them, without wilful ſinning againſt God; then they who by their Impoſitions did neceſſitate them to forſake their Miniſtry, are liable to the former charge, viz. are guilty of their Ejection, and of the Effects thereof; except they had ſufficient reaſon for ſo doing. Would they have any thing ſpoke more candidly and gently?

Now whether there be any of the former ſort or not, I cannot, nor dare expreſly affirm; and I think, till they ſhall acknowledge, or ſome other way diſcover it; (more than I for my part have known them yet do) it can be known only to him from whom no ſecret thoughts are hid; but I deſire them to deal faithfully with their own hearts, and if they are conſcious to themſelves of any ſuch ill Principles, and grounds of their not Conforming to their Rulers Laws, to be humbled for, and expel them.

That there are many ſuch ejected, and prevented from the Miniſtery, as I deſcribed in my latter Suppoſition, I cannot but believe, as having for my ſelf, the Teſtimony of my own Conſcience, in the ſight of God; and for others ſuch Profeſſions from men that have done nothing, that I know, to forfeit their credit; and ſuch Reaſons to make thoſe Profeſſions appear credible; that I am little leſs confident of it, then I am that there is ſuch a place as Rome or Paris, which I know only by hear-ſay: I ſay, little leſs confident of this, that there are many who yield not a Conformity to what was impoſed, not out of Hypocriſie or Humour▪ but out of a fear of diſpleaſing God, and hurting their own Souls.

p. 54If this then be acknowledged, I think thoſe who have caſt and kept ſuch out, have very great cauſe to be humbled for their ſeverity toward them, according to the meaſure they were Inſtrumental herein: Except (I added) they had ſufficient reaſon for their ſo doing. And that I ſhall grant they had, if they manifeſt either of theſe two things; which are all the grounds I can imagine.

1. That there are as good effects of this their Ejection, as I can produce ill ones.

2. Or that the nature of thethings impoſed on them was ſuch, that it had been of as dreadful conſequence to have diſpenſt with conformity to them, as thus to deal with them for not rendring ſuch a Conformity.

But till either of theſe be proved, or ſome other ſatisfactory reaſon aſſigned (giving leave ſoberly to debatethe caſe) I ſhall for the conviction, and humiliation of the guilty, mention a very few of the many ſad effects of this their excluſion.

1. The firſt is, the unreformedneſſe, and wickedneſſe of multitudes that through Gods bleſſing upon their endeavours, might have been converted and reformed. And that this might have been in all probability accompliſhed, we may very reaſonably argue, from that eminent ſucceſſe which God gave to many of their publick labours, and by ſome fruits, ſince then, of their private endeavours.

Let none here willfully miſtake and ſay, that by Converting men, I mean nothing elſe but to turn them to a party, or an opinion: for I profeſſe I intend no ſuch thing; but the very ſame that Chriſt doth, when he tells us, that except we be Converted, we cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; and that the Apoſtle doth, when he ſpeaks of our being turned from darkneſſe to light, and from the power of Satan to God: Even the turning the bent of mens hearts and lives, from ſin and the creature, to God by Jeſus Chriſt, and to the ways of Holineſſe, let them be of what opinion they will as to the ſeveral forms and modes amongſt us. Oh how many fewer Drunkards, Swearers, Whoremongers, Oppreſſors and Cheaters might there have been amongſt us; had they had their liberty to have preached down theſe ſins, whoſe only ſtudy and buſineſſe it was to decry and ſhame them, and bring men from the love and practice of them? How many more might there have been, who as true mourners in our Zion, would have been humbled for their own, and the Nations ſins, and laboured by all means to have prevented Gods wrath; had they in all places enjoyed thoſe means for their Converſion, which they ſometimes did, and might yet have done. If then the multitudes of provoking ſinners, and the ſcarcity of humble, holy, praying Chriſtians, have been any ground of our ſufferings, can it be p. 55doubted whether that which hath been ſo much the cauſe of thoſe, hath done any thing to the procuring of theſe.

Oh for the Lords ſake bethink your ſelves, all you that are concerned; Was it juſt and equal Dealing, when the Prince of Darkneſs was advanc'd with all his might into the Field, then to Disband, and put out of Commiſſion ſo many experienced Leaders, that in their own Perſons, and by encouraging and guiding the ſeveral Companies, would have done their beſt to reſiſt him? Did you herein conſult the pleaſure of the great Captain of our Salvation, from whom you own your ſelves to have received your Offices, only for the ſucceſsful carrying on of his Deſigns, and the fighting of his Battels.

Nay, and all this you have done, becauſe they ſubmitted not to ſome things, which you your ſelves call Indifferent, and which they believed, were contrary to the former Inſtructions they had received from their Lord and Maſter.

Judge in your Conſciences, Do you think it is more acceptable to Chriſt, that the Souls of men, whom he thought worth his precious Hearts-blood, ſhould periſh, rather than ſome Ceremony or Injunction of yours be omitted? Did he ever in his Actions or Doctrine manifeſt ſuch a contempt of Souls, and ſuch an eſteem for a Ceremony? Conſider his Life and Death, and read his Diſcourſes to the Phariſees, and then judge. Are Salvation and Damnation Indifferent things? And ſhall they be leſs regarded than ſuch? Oh how will you compenſate for the Diſſervice you have already done to the Goſpel? It is not all your Revenues can do it, though your Repentance and Reformation of ſuch miſcarriages for the future, may do much. Be not offended with my freedom of ſpeech: for (God is my Witneſs) I ſpeak not out of paſſion, nor a deſire to make you odious; but out of a juſt zeal for the Cauſe of our deareſt Lord, and the Concern of mens Immortal ſouls. What amends will you ever be able to make to the poor Creatures, who may now be tormented in Hell, for want of thoſe means of prevention, which you deprived them of? Though they may have had thoſe other advantages which may leave them inexcuſable before God; yet how will you excuſe the denying them the beſt you might have afforded?

You may deride, ſtorm at, on contemn theſe expoftulations of a poor Worm like your ſelves: but conſider, I beſeech you, What anſwer you will make the great Judge of Heaven and Earth, who will come ſhortly in Glory and Power to plead his own and his Peoples Cauſe: when he will regard no man for the pompous Titles he hath had, or great Offices he hath born in his Church (for then, well fare the Pope and his Clergy) but p. 56they who have done and taught his Commands, let them be of never ſuch diminutive titles and eſteem here, ſhall be accounted Great in his Kingdom. And That, That's our comfort, by his Word we ſhall be judged at laſt, if here we may not be tried by it. Then we ſhall all ſtand on equal terms, and the arbitrary determinations of frail men ſhall no more take place, but there abide an Inquiſition. To that Bar we appeal, by that judgment let us ſtand or fall; thither we refer our ſelves, and if we may not be heard here, we will patiently and chearfully wait that final, juſt deciſion of our Cauſe.

But now hear, for your own ſakes at leaſt, if neither our beſeechings and tears, nor the cry and blood of ſouls may be regarded. Do you think this is a ſlight matter? And that you can eaſily ſhift it off, if they be required at your hands▪ Did Chriſt die for ſouls, & ſhall they eſcape who murder them? And do they do any leſs, who hinder thoſe that would run to help and ſave them? If the ſilent Watchman be ſo damnably guilty, what are they that ſilence the Watchmen? To conclude, Whether it had not been more acceptable to God, more correſpondent to your Commiſſion, more beſeeming your Places and Profeſſion, more for the advancement of Religion, and the eternal Welfare of Souls; to have continued and encouraged faithful Labourers in the Vineyard of the Lord, whoſe only delight was, to be employed in his Service; rather than to have offered them ſuch terms, which Chriſt never bid you, and then exclude them for not accepting thoſe terms, I think, your own Conſciences may eaſily determine now, be ſure the Lord of the Vineyard will, ſhortly.

2. Another Effect of their removal from the Miniſtry, is, that many Places are left deſtitute, and many are ſupplied with negligent, inſufficient, ſcandalous men. Had their rooms been fill'd with others as learned, pious, and induſtrious as they; yet could they, who caſt them forth, hardly evade the former charge, except they could manifeſt, that the Harveſt was not great enough, to have required all their utmoſt conjunct diligence. But it is beyond all contradiction evident, That in many Places ſince their removal, there have been no Miniſters at all, in ſome as bad as none, in others worſe than none. Let none maliciouſly interpret my Accuſation largelier than I deſign it, which is not at all of the innocent. I cenſure no man as a Conformiſt; but reverence and eſteem all thoſe, who by their Lives and Doctrines, have apparently endeavoured to advance Religion; of which number, I am confident, there are many Conformable men. And I abhor that uncharitable, cenſorious Spirit, which condemns all that are not juſt of their own Way. But on the other ſide, I think all are engag'd to be as far from palliating the notorious miſcarriages of others. Oh how many p. 57titular Miniſters have we got, that are far from deſerving the name of Chriſtians? That ſhould rather be turned out of the Church, than admitted into the Pulpit? This is ſo manifeſt, That Sober men, though of their own way, acknowledge and lament it. How many are there, that more effectually preach for the Devil all the Week, than for God upon his Day? whoſe lives do more to ſet up Profaneneſs, than their Sermons to ſuppreſs it? Are there not many openly guilty of that Drunkenneſs, Wantonneſs, Swearing, and ſuch like Looſneſs, which they are appointed to turn others from? And are theſe wickedneſſes provoking in the People, and not in their Teachers, who can never be guilty alone? Are any men capable of offering ſuch an affront to God, and doing ſo much hurt to mens Souls by their wickedneſs, as they, from whoſe Lives ſhould be learn't what is acceptable to God, and neceſſary for us? 'Tis, I remember, the phraſe of an excellent Divine, A Profane Miniſter, is the Devil in his Pontificalibus.

I liſt not here to blaze abroad all the diſorders of our Clergy; I ſhall not inſiſt upon the ignorance and inſufficiency of any; though in point of Honour, they were concerned to have provided againſt ſuch, who did lately with ſo much earneſtneſs declaim againſt making Prieſts of the loweſt of the people. I will not meddle with that Tribe that lives by the Cathedrals. I will not tell of mens oblique Preaching, againſt that Holineſs which they pretend to Preach up. I ſhall not ſpeak of the Pride and Covetouſneſs, the Lazineſs and Negligence of Pluraliſts, Non-reſidents, and of all thoſe, who too apparently ſeek their own Honour and Profit, from the places they enter upon, rather then the Salvation of Souls. Theſe things I ſhall not dilate upon, becauſe I would not too much ſwell my Paper, and leſt I ſhould be thought to Rail: Only let me beg the Guilty to charge theſe Crimes home on their own Conſciences, as men that value their everlaſting happineſs; for doubtleſs God is much diſpleaſed with the ſins of thoſe, whoſe Callings hath ſo near a relation to him; and eſpecially with the moſt heinous ſin, of making Religion only as a ſtirrup, by it to get up into Dignities and Preferments; which they who could ſee and cenſure in others, ſhould be careful themſelves to avoid. But thoſe I mainly intend, are the groſly vicious, and debauch't, who are moſt unworthy to take Gods Name into thier mouths, to declare his Covenants or Statutes, who themſelves hate to be Reformed. Good Lord! That ever it ſhould come to this in a Chriſtian Church, Reformed from the Corruptions that had overſpread Chriſtendom; that infamouſly looſe and diſſolute men ſhould be Ordained into, and continued in the Miniſtry; when godly, ſober men are excluded, and kept out! Oh how might the Romaniſt inſult for ſuch an acknowledgment, if the Pope and his Cardinals, with the reſt of their Hierarchy, were not known all the world p. 58over? But with us, ſuch doings are capable of far greater aggravations, than with them: Oh that I could ſpeak ſo ſharply, as might diſpleaſe our Church-governours into a Reformation of this Corruption. What, are Wolves fitteſt to be Shepherds of the flocks? Can the Devils Vaſſals deſtroy his Kingdom? Muſt ſtark mad men be made Phyſitians, and ſent to recover other men to their wits? Muſt they that have the Plague-ſores running upon them, be ſent amongſt others to prevent their Infection? Is not a Peſthouſe a fitter place for ſuch a man, than a Pulpit? Are Traytors and Incendiaries, the fitteſt men to reclaim others from their Rebellion? Are they likely to honour God, and the Goſpel, and ſave mens Souls, who do as it were, by their actions ſay, Come, Pariſhioners, follow me; whatever I jeſt to you in the Church, about God and Chriſt, Heaven and Hell; theſe are but idle Dreams, or ſuch matters as you need not much regard, God is an hard Maſter, his Laws are too ſtrict; it's best to take our Pleaſures, and ſatisfie our Luſts, come on it what will; you entered into too ſtrict a Covenant in Baptiſm, you had better ſerve the Devil, than this Jeſus Chriſt, who layes ſuch hard things on his Followers; what need you regard his blood, he ſhed it, that you might have leave to live wickedly; or however, 'tis of no great worth; for you had better be in an Ale-houſe, or Whore-houſe, than the Heaven he hath purchas't. Are not theſe, think you, ſweet Preachers of the Goſpel? And let them conſider then how well they have diſcharged their truſt, who ſet them up, and maintain them, whil'ſt they ſhut forth thoſe who would make it their whole buſineſs, to carry on the very ſame deſign which Chriſt came into the world for. If any ſhould here object, and ſay, But theſe profane men are peaceable, whil'ſt your Godly ones are turbulent and diſobedient? I ſhall wiſh him to ſtay till I come preſently to ſpeak a word or two to that; only here let me anſwer, It ſeems ſtrange to me, that thoſe men muſt paſs for peaceable and obedient, who are known Rebels againſt the Laws of Chriſt; when they must be accounted diſobedient, who had rather loſe their lives, than wilfully break one of the leaſt of theſe his Commands, only becauſe they ſubmit not to Humane Impoſitions; which yet they would do, did they not think themſelves pre-obliged by the Laws of Chriſt to the contrary. Is this fair dealing? I put it to thy own Conſcience, Reader, be thou who thou wilt, and as partial as thou wilt. And if I went no farther, I ſuppoſe I have ſpoke enough to manifeſt, that there have been ſuch ſad conſequences of the ejection of all who Conformed not, that doubtleſs God hath hereby been diſhonoured▪ and diſpleaſed, and for this hath a controverſie with our Land.

3. I might moreover add, the feuds and animoſities which have hereby been fomented and heightned, and are like to be ſtill perpetuated; whereas, had there been ſuch an abatement of things required, as might well have p. 59been granted, in order to the retaining them in their places; this might have been an happy mean for the compoſure of our greateſt differences; and people could not have taken notice of ſuch diviſions amongſt us, nor could Papiſts have had ſo much reaſon to hit us in the teeth with them; nor could they whoſe ſpirits were too much exaſperated, or judgments corrupted, have had ſo much occaſion to make Factions and Parties, and ſo much ſin had been prevented.

4. Nor yet think it nothing, that ſo many innocent men and their Families, are expoſed to ſuch great neceſſities, that ſome of them have ſcarce had bread and water to keep them alive; and ſome have been glad to betake themſelves to hard Labour, to procure them a Livelihood. Certainly, the very cryes of their Children for bread, ſounding in the ears of a moſt juſt and merciful God, are not diſregarded: And whether they who have reduc't them to theſe exigencies, have obſerved the great Rule, not only of Chriſtianity, but even Nature it ſelf, To do as they would be done to, I would wiſh them well to conſider. If any ſhould Retort, That they themſelves were once ſo dealt with. I anſwer, I think they were uſed nothing near ſo harſhly: But grant they were, the greater was their Injuſtice which was the cauſe; and the more inexcuſable they, who inflict on others the hard meaſure, which they themſelves lately groaned under; and make them their pattern, whom they complain of and condemn. And had it been (as it was not) thoſe perſons who injured them, whom now they cauſe to ſuffer, I wonder where Revenge is made their duty; but this in a Church-man, muſt ſometimes paſs for zeal for the Church.