The Case of The Accommodation Proposed by the Bishop of Dunblane, Letters
The Copy of two LETTERS, Commonly repute to have been written by the Bishop of DUMBLANE, at least by him communicat to several Friends.
The first Letter.
SIR,
in the late Conference I had with your Friend, the sum of what I said was this.
1. That Episcopal-Government, managed in conjunction with Presbyters in Presbyteries and Synods, is not contrary either to the rule of Scripture, or the example of the primitive Church, but most agreeable to both.
2. Yea, it is not contrary to that very Covenant, which is pretended by so many as the maine, if not the only reason of their scrupling: And for their sakes it is necessary to adde this. For notwithstanding the many irregularities both in the matter and forme of that Covenant, and the illegal and violent wayes of pressing and prosecuting of it, yet to them who remain under the Conscience of its full force and obligation, and in that seem invincibly perswaded, it is certainly most pertinent, if it be true, to declare the consistence of the present Government even with that obligation. And as both these assertions, I believe upon the exactest (if impartial and impassionat) inquirie, will be found to be in themselves true; so they are owned by the generality of the Presbyterians in England; as themselves have published their opinion in print under this Title, Two Papers of proposals humblie presented to his Majestie by the Reverend Ministers of the Presbyterian perswasion, Printed at London Anno 1661. Besides other passages in these Papers to the same purpose, Page 11, and 12. are these words, And as these are our general ends and motives, so we are induced to insist upon the form of a Synodical Government, conjunct with a fixed Presidency or Episcopacy, for these reasons.
1. We have reason to believe that no other termes will be so generally agreed on, &c.
2. It being agreeable to the Scripture & primitive Government, is likeliest to be the way of a more universal concord, if ever the Churches on Earth arrive to such a blessing; However it will be most acceptable to God, and well informed Consciences..
3. It will promote the practice of Discipline & Godliness without disorder, and promote order without hindering Discipline and Godliness.
4. And it is not to be silenced (though in some respect we are loath to menton it) that it will save the Nation from the violation of their solemn vow and Covenant, without wronging the Church at all, or breaking any other Oath, &c. And a little after they add, that the Prelacie disclaimed in that Covenant, was the ingrossing o… the sole Power of Ordination and Iurisdiction, & exercising of the whole Discipline absolutly by Bishops themselves and there Delegates, Chancellors, Surrogates, and Officials, &c.Excluding wholly the Pastors of Particular Churches from all share in it. And there is one of prime note amongst them, who, in a large Treatise of Church-Government, doth clearly evince, that this was the minde both of the Parliament of England, and of the Assemblie of Divines at VVestminster, as they themselves did expresly declare it, in the admitting of the Covenant, That they understand it not to be against all Episcopacy, but only against the particular frame, as it is worded in the Article it selfe: For our principal model in England, and the way of managing of it, whatsoever is amisse (and it can be no wrong to make that supposition concerning any Church on Earth) or whatsoever they apprehend to be amisse, though it may be upon mistake, the Brethren that are dissatisfied, had possiblely better acquitted their dutie by free admonitions and significations of their own sense in all things, then by leaving of their station, which is the one thing that hath made the breach (I fear) very hard to cure, and in humane appearance near to incureable: But there is much charity due to them, as following the dictat of their own Conscience; And they owe, and, I hope, pay the same back again to these that do the same in another way; & whatsoever may be the readiest & happiest way of reuniting those that are mutually so minded, the Lord reveal it to them in due time. This one word I shall add, That this difference should arise to so great a hight, may seem somewhat strange to a…y man that calmely considers, that there is in this Church no change at all, neither in the Doctrine nor worship, no nor in the substance of the Discipline it selfe: But when it falls on matters easily inflamable, how little a spark, how great a fire will it kindle?
Because every on hath not the Book I have transcribed here Mr Baxter's own words. Baxt. of Church - Government. 3. P. C. 1. P. 276.
An Episcopacy desireable for the Ref…rmation and Peace of the Churches. A fixt President durante vitâ, P. 297. P. 330. But some will say, VVe are ingaged against all Prelacie by Covenant, and therefore cannot yeeld to so much as you do without perjurie. Ans. That this is utterly untrue, I thus demonstrate.
1. VVhen that Covenant was presented to the Assemblie with the bare name of Prelacy joyned to Poperie, many grave and reverend Divines desired that the word Prelacie might be explained, because it was not all Episcopacie they were against, and thereupon the following concatenation in the Parenthesis was given by way of explication in these words. That is Church - Government by Arch - Bishops, Bishops, there Chancellors and Commissaries, Deans and Chapters, Arch - Deans, and all the other Ecclesiastical Officers depending on that Hyerarchie. By which it appears, that it was only the English Hierarchie, or frame that vvas covenanted against, and that which vvas then existent, that vvas taken dovvn.
2. VVhen the House of Lords took the Covenant, Mr Thomas Coleman, that gave it them, did so explain it, and professe that it vvas not their intent to Covenant against all Episcopacy, and upon this explication it vvas taken; and certainly the Parliament vvas most capable of giving the due sense of it, because it vvas they that did impose it.
3. And it could not be all Episcopacy that vvas excluded, because, a Parochial Episcopacy vvas at the same time used and approved commonly here in England.
4. And in Scotland they had used the help of visiters for the Reformation of their Churches, committing the care of a Countrey, or Circuit to some one man, vvhichwhich vvas as high a sort of Episcopacy, at least as any I am pleading for. Besides that they had Moderators in all their Synods, vvhichwhich vvere temporarie Bishops.
5. Also the chief Divines o… the late Assemblie at Westminster, that recommended that Covenant to the Nations, have professed there ovvn judgements for such a moderat Episcopacy as I am here defending, and therefore never intended the exclusion of this by Covenant.
After he adds, As vve have Prelacie to bevvar of, so vve have the contrarie extream to avoid, and the Churches peace (if it may be) to procure; And as we must not take down the Ministry, least it prepare men for Episcopacie; so neither must we be against any profitable exercise of the Ministrie, or desireable order amongst them for fear of introducing Prelacy. Thus far Baxter's own words.
There is another that hath write a Treatis… on purpose, & that zealous & strict enough, touching the obligation of the League and Covenant under the name of Theophilus Timorcus. And yet therein it is expresly asserted, that however, at first, it might appear, that the Parliament had renounced all Episcopacy, yet upon exacter inquirie, is was evident to the Author, that, that very scruple was made by some members in Parliament, and resolved (with the consent of their Brethren in Scotland) that the Covenant was only intended against Prelacie, as then it was in being in England, leaving a latitude for Episcopacy, &c.
It would be noted, that when that Covenant was framed, there was no Episcopacie at all in being in Scotland, but in England only; so that the extirpation of that frame only could then be meant and intended. Likewise it would be considered, that though there is in Scotland at present the name of Dean, and Chapter, and Commissaries, yet that none of t…ose at all do exerce any part of the Discipline under that name, neither any other as Chancellor or Surrogat &c. by delegation from Bishops, with a total exclusion of the community of Presbyters from all power and share in it, which is the great point of difference betwixt that model and this with us, and imports so much as to the main of Discipline. I do not deny, that the generalitie of the People, yea even of Ministers in Scotland, when they took the Covenant might likewise understand that Article, as against all Episcopacy whatsoever, even the most moderat, especially if it should be restored under the expresse name of Bishops and Archbishops, never considering how different the nature, and model, and way o… exercising it may be, though under the same names, and that the due regulating of the thing is much more to be regarded, then either the retaining or altering of the name. But though they did not then consider any such thing, yet certainly it concernes them now to consider it, when it is represented to them, that not only the words of the Oath it selfe do very genuinly consist with such a qualified & distinctive sense, but that the very Composers or Impo…ers of it, or a considerable part of them, did so understand and intend it. And unless they make it appear, that the Episcopacy novv in question vvith us in Scotland is either contrarie to the vvord, or to that mitigated sense of their ovvn Oath, it vvould seem more suitable to Christian charitie & moderation, rather to yeeld to it as tolerable, at least, then to continue so inflexibly fast to their first mistakes and excessive zeal, as for love of it to divide from their Church, and break the bond of peace.
It may likevvise be granted, that some learned men in England, vvho refused to take the Covenant, did possiblie except against that Article of it, as signifying the total renounciation and abolition of all Episcopacie; And seeing that vvas the real event and consequent of it, aud they having many other strong and vveightie reasons for refusing it, it is no vvonder that they vvere little curious to enquire vvhat past amongst the contrivers of it, and vvhat distinction or different senses either the vvords of that Article might admit, or those contrivers might intend by them. And the truth is, that besides many other evils, the iniquitie and unhappiness of such Oaths and Covenants lies much in this, that, being commonly framed by persons that, even amongst themselves, are not …ully of one minde, but have there different opinions and interests to serve (and it vvas so even in this) they are commonly patched up of so many several Articles & clauses, & those too o… so versatile & ambiguous termes, that they prove most vvretched snares, thickets of briars & thornes to the Consciences of those that are ingaged in them, & matter of endless contentions & disputs amongst them about the true sense and intendment, & the tye & obligements of those doubtful clauses, especially in some such alterations & revolutions of affaires as alvvayes may, & often do, even vvithin fevv Years follovv after them; for the models and productions of such devices are not usually long Liv'd. And vvhatsoever may be said for their excuse in whole or in part, who, in yeeldance to the power that press'd it, and the general opinion of this Church at that time, did take that Covenant in the most moderate & least schismatical sense that the termes can admit; yet I know not what can be said to clear them of a very great sin, that not only framed such an engine, but violently imposed it upon all rankes of men, not Ministers & other publick persons only, but the whole bodie & community of the People, thereby ingaging such droves of poor ignorant persons, to they know not what, &, to speak freely, to such a hodge podge of various concernments, Religious and Civil, as Church-Discipline and Government, the Priviledges of Parliament and Liberties of Subjects, & condigne punishment of Malignants, things hard enough for the wisest and learnedest to draw the just lines of, and to give plain definitions and decisions of them, & therefore certainly as far off from the reach of poor countrey Peoples understanding, as from the true interest of their souls; & yet to tye them by a Religious and sacred Oath either to know all these, or to contend for them blindfold without knowing them, can there be instanced a greater oppression and tyrannie over Consciences then this? Certainly they that now governe in this Church cannot be charged with any thing near or like unto it; for whatsoever they require of intrants to the Ministrie, they require neither subscriptions nor Oaths of Ministers alreadie entered, and far less of the whole bodie of the People; and it were ingenuously done to take some notice of any point of moderation, or whatsoever els is really commendable even in those we account our greatest enemies, & not to take any part in the World for the absolute Standard and unfailing rule of truth and righteousness in all things.
But oh who would not long for the shadowes of the evening, and to be at rest from all these poor childish triffling contests.
POST-SCRIPT.
WHatsoever was the occasion of copying out the passages cited in this Paper, & of adding these few thoughts that then occurred touching that subject, I would have neither of them understode as intended any way to reflect upon or judge other Churches where this Government is otherwise exercised; but what is here said is only argumentum ad hominem, & Particularly adapted to the Persons, and notions, and scruples we have to do withal in this Church. And though this is de figned to come to very few hands, yet I wish that what is here represented were by some better way brought to the notice of such as know least of it and need it most… that if it be posfible, their extream fervor might be somewhat allayed by this consideration, that this very form of Government, which is so hateful to them, is by the Presbyterians of the Neighbour Kingdome accounted a thing, not only tolerable, but desireable: And I might add, that, upon due enquiry, the reformed Churches abroad will be found in a great part much of the same opinion; Yea, I am not affrayed to say yet further, that I think there is good reason to believe, that it were not only Lawfull for these that now governe in this Church but, if prejudice hindered not, might prove expedient and useful for the good of the Church it self, that they did use in some instances a little more authoritie nor they do, and yet might still be very far off from proud and tyrannical domination, never applying their power to obstruct what is good, but to advance it, and not at all against the truth, but alwayes for it, and while they do so, the Atheisme and profanness that abounds cannot reasonablie be imputed to the nature of the Government, as too commonly it is by some, but rather to the schisme that is made by withdrawing and dividing from it: For there is not a greater enemie in the World to the power of Religion then the wranglings and bitter contentions that are caused about the external formes of it. foreign as Nazianzen pathetically begins one of his orations for peace. I confess I have sometime wondered to see some wise and good men, after all that can be said to them, make so great reckoning of certain Metaphysical exceptions against fome little words & formalities of difference in the Government, and set so little a value upon so great a thing as is the peace of the Church. Oh when shall the loud and harsh noises of our debates be turned to the sweeter sound of united prayers for this blessed peace, that we might cry with one heart and voice to the God of peace, who alone can give it, Pacem te poscimus omnes: and if we be real supplicants for it, we would bewar of being the disappointers of our own desires, and of obstructing the blessing we pray for, and therefore would mainly study a temper receptive of it, and that is great meekness and charitie, and certainly whatsoever partie or opinion we follow in this matter, the badge by which we must be known to be followers of Iesus Christ is this, that we love one another, and that law unquestionably is of divine right, and therefore would not be broken by bitter passion and revilings, and rooted hatreds one against another for things about which the right is in dispute betwixt us; and however that be, are we Christians? Then doubtless the things wherein we agree are incomparablely greater then these wherein we disagree, and therefore in all reason should he more powerful to unite us, then the other to divide us. But to restrain my selfe, and stop here, if we love both our own and the Churches peace, there be two things I conceive we should most carefully avoide, the bestowing of too great zeal upon small things, and too much fidence of opinion upon doubtful things: It is a mad thing to rush on hard and boldly in the darke, and we all know what kind of person it is of whom Solomon sayes, That he rages and is confident.
The second Letter.
SIR,
The question betwixt us, is not concerning Bishops governing absolutely by themselves and their delegates, but concerning Bishops governing in conjunction with Presbyters in Presbyteries and Synods of which vve affirme.
That it is neither contrary to the Scriptures, nor the example of the primitive Church, but must agreeable to both: If any think othervvayes, let them produce their evidences of Scripture and antiquity. If they say, it is not enough to make such a forme lavvful, that it is not contrary to Scripture, but there ought to be an expresse command or rule in Scripture to vvarrand it, they vvill sure be so just, as to be subject to the same Lavv themselves. Let them then produce such an express command or rule for their ovvn model of Kirk-sessions, Presbyteries, Synods Provincial & National, and a commission of the Kirk in their several dependences and subordinations for the ordinary and constant gov…rnm…nt and exercise of discipline in the Church, and the neces…ary changing of the moderators in these meetings, excepting only that of the Ki…k-session, vvherein the Minister is constanly to moderat; for vvithout such an express rule as this, a Bishop or fixed Pr…sident may very vvel consist vvith that vvhole from they contend for; And it is really and actually so at this present in this Church, and they stand so much the rather obliged to bring a clear command for these Iudicatories, and their subordinations, because they affirme them to be of unquestionable divine right, and the very Kingdome of Christ upon earth, and the only lavv…ul and absolutely necessary Government of the Christian Church, vvh…reas the asserters of other forms do not usu…lly speak so big. If they shall say, they are not against a fixed Pr…sident or Bishop, or call him vvhat you vvill (for to contest about names, …specially in so grave a matter, is trivial and childish) but that the question is about their povv…r, then vve beg that it may be so. Let that be all the question betvvixt us, and then vve hope the controversie vvill be quickly ended; for vve trust vve shall be found not at all desireous to usurpe or effect any undue povver, but rather to abate of that povver vvhichwhich is reasonable and conforme even to primitive Episcopacie, then that a schisme should continue in this Church upon that score. But be it supposed, that Bisbops do stretch their power somewhat beyond their line, let all the World judge, whether Ministers are for that ingaged to leave their Station and vvithdravv from those meetings of the Church, vvhichwhich themselves approve of, for the exercise of Discipline, yea and (as many of them have done) to separate from the publick Worship, and vvhole communion of the Church, because of some degree of vvrong done them (as they think) in that point of povver, or vvether they had not sufficiently acquitted themselves, and discharged there Consciences by free declaring of their opinion concerning that matter, & modestly desiring the redress of it; & patiently waiting for it, though it be not presently redress'd, & continuing in the performance of their own duty to their power, though others above them, or about them, do transgress theirs, or seem at least to them to do so; otherwise if we think our selves obliged for every thing that is, or that vve judge faulty in other persons, or in the frame of things, to relinquish either the communion of it, or our station in it, vvhat vvill there be but endless svvarmes of separations and divisions in any Church under the Sun.
But there is one thing in this business of ours that stickes after all the rest. The Covenant. As to that, waving all the irregularities of it, though so many and so great, that in the judgement of diverse, both wise and good men, they seem to annul the obligation of it, suppose it still to bind all that took it, and suppose likewise, that the present Episcopacy in this Church is that same that was abjured in that Covenant; yet the Article relating thereto obliges each one only to this, to endeavour whithin there calling and station, if such an Episcopacy shall be introduced and continued against their will. But the truth is, if men would have the patience to enquire into it, and consider the thing without p…ejudice and partialitie, this our Episcopacy will be found, not to be the same with that abjured in that Covenant: For that is the Government of Bishops and Archbishops absolutely by themselves and their Delegates, Chancellors, Archdeacons, Officials, &c. as it is exprest in the very words of the Article, and was on purpose so exprest, to difference that frame from other formes of Episcopacy… and particularlie from that which is exercised by Bishops jointly with Presbyters in Presbyteries and Synods, and that is it which is now used in this Church. And that the Presbyterians in England do generally take notice of this difference, and to that degree, as to account the one model contrary to the Covenant, and the other, not contrary to it, b…t very well agreeing with it, is a thing that none can deny, nor any that uses diligence to enquire can be ignorant of, for it is clear in diverse treatises extant in print. These things, to my best discerning, are truths; and if they be indeed so, I am sure are pertinent truths, toward the healing of our sad divisions; but if any like to be contentious, I wish I could say of this Church, we have no such custome: But this certainly may be said, that there is no custom doth more disedifie the Churches of God, and less become the followers of the Prince of peace. I shall only add on word which I am sure is undenyable, and I think is ve…y considerable, that he that cannot joyne with the present frame of this Chu…ch, could not have lived in the communion of the Christian Church in …he time of the first most famous General Assembly of it, the Councel of Nice, yea (to go no higher up, …ho…gh safely I might) he must as certainly have separated from the whole Catholick Chur…h in the dayes of the holy Bishop and Martyr Cyprian upon this ve…y scruple of the Government, as Novatus did upon another occasion.