The Case of The Accommodation Proposed by the Bishop of Dunblane, Title page – To the reader
The Case of the ACCOMMODATION Lately proposed by the BISHOP of DUMBLANE, To the Non-conforming Ministers examined.
Wherein also The antient Prostasia, or Episcopus Praeses, is considered; and the Solemne League and Covenant occasionally vindicat.
Together With a Copy of the two LETTERS Herein reviewed.
VVhereunto also is subjoined an APPENDIX In Ansvver to a Narrative of the Issue of the Treaty anent Accommodation.
II. COR. XIII. V. VIII.
For we can do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth.
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The PREFACE.
ALthough there be nothing more assured, both in the acknowledgement and experience of all, then that the most important events of this worlds concernes, do much depend upon, and are frequently turned by, the observation or neglect of certain midses and expedients only, yea greatly, recommended by this their subservient aptitude and influence; yet, on the other hand, it is no lesse evident, that in the matters of God, and of our souls everlasting wellbeing, even the Ordinances of life, by him thereto appointed, are, for the most part, slighted by an abstracting undervalue: But, as it is beyond all controversie that the full perswasion and just estimation of these high and glorious ends, whereunto they are designed, would quickly intend our care about all things and circumstances thereunto ordered in an agreeable proportion, and also extend our commanded circumspection to a fidelity even in the things that are least; so it is only unseriousness and insincerity in the main, together with the diversion of other temptations, that occasioneth all the indifferencie, contempt and mockery, wherewith we finde the simplicity & meanness of Gospel-institutions commonly entertained; and hence it is, that not only they are despised, and perverted by the vain pretenders to liberty, gallantrie, decencie, civil obedience or the like; But also they are all contending for them, under the specious affectations of more calme, sublime and serene contemplations, and the saucy reproaches of hote disputations and bitter wranglings is endeavoured to be eluded, and the things vilified into empty formalities, and thereby an inlet made, in the righteous judgement of God, to the delusions of mens inventions.
How much of these truths may be remarked in the ensuing discourse, I shall not here anticipat by an unnecessary reflection; the point I aime at is to exhort every one, desirous to be faithful to God in the midst of this evill generation, wherein the strange variety and opposition of events that vve have seen do suggest such strong temptations, and interest hath not more seduced mens mindes unto an irreligious lukvvarmness, then their Spirits are most perniciously debauched by vvanton and vvild cavillation, to studie, in the first place, to have the minde enlightned vvith the true knovvledge of the most High soveraignity, and most pure holiness of God, the most vvonderful love and marvellous condescendence of our Lord Iesus Christ, and the great perfection of the holy Law, and excellencie of all Gospel O…di…ces; and next to have the heart established through the grace of God, by suitable faith and fear cleaving unto God with the whole soul and strength, and hating every vain and false way: Surely he that is thus qualified shall never be moved; but as he will be of a good, sound, and quick understanding in all things, so in these so much tossed debates, vvhereby the most part of this backsliden and light generation, at best only seeking therein the gratifications of their own curiosity, are many times sadly stumbled unto greater irreligion, he will easily discerne and lay hold upon the will and way of the Lord, being convinced that the meanest of his matters are not of a lower appearance, then of a high and in estimable tendencie.
To such therefore it is that I recommend and submit the ensuing disquisition; (if the unconcerned world do laugh, if the foolish mock, & the wicked rage, yet, I hope, my work is with my God, & its fruit shall be to all the lovers of our Lord Iesus Christ in sincerity) being moved by the excessive silence of the one, & the immoderate boasting of the other of the two parties ingaged in this affaire, to interpose for truth thus unequally treated, that by this poor essay it may be, in some measure, vindicat, and a check given to the pride and swelling words of the Adversaries, is all my aime. As for these of our opposites who may finde themselves more nearly touched in the few sheets subjoyned, if they think me therein transported to any excesse I do assure them, that it is from the ungrateful violence of their provocation, and not at all the choise of my own inclination: I acknowledge also, that there are other Papers emitted by them, then the two that I do particularly review and annexe, specially a long Letter supposed to be. G. B's. and written by way of amplification of the former: But seing I do fully discusse his Text, & after trial discover that his excellent & noble friend's gold, as he speaks, is but drosse, I hope he will easily pardone my not prosecuting a further fruitless search into what he calls his own ore. And thus I dismiss my Reader unto the perusal of vvhat follovves.
READER,
Before thou read be pleased to correct with a pen these Errata.
PAg. 18, Lin. 29. read, probabilities. p. 19. l. 13. r. its. p. 21. l. 29. r. Rule. p. 23. l. 15. r. an. p. 24. l. 13. r. preach. p. 28. l. 27. r. ordination. p. 29. l. 17. r. the p. 52. l. 2. what. r. with. p. 55. l. 17. with. r. which. p. 68. l. 31. r. revolutions. p. 68. l. 35. this, r. his. p. 72. l. 30. r. cussed. p. 73. l. 30. expressed, r. expelled. p. 74. l. 25. was, r. were. p. 79. l. 29. r. wisdome. p. 88. l. 6. preserve. r… preferre. p. 92 l. 18. he. r. the. ibid. l. 28. Masters r. Majestie. p. 106. l. 23. your, r. their. p. 109. l. 18. r. change. ibid. l. 29. r. enjoyed. p. 114. l. 13. r. piece. p. 115. l. 23. pretended, r. perpended. p. 118. l. 18. r. distinct.
The Case of the ACCOMMODATION, Lately proposed by the BISHOP of DUMBLANE To the NON-CONFORMING MINISTERS, Examined.
VVherein also The ancient Prostasia, or Episcopus Praeses is considered, and the Solemn League and Covenant occasionally vindicat.
SUch have been the high and stiff oppositions, and no less contrary and important consequences of Prelacie and Presbyterie within this Church, that as their Accommodation may be very desireable to all our temporizing pursuers of peace; so certainly it doth no less challenge the sincere and strict search of all the followers of Truth. Upon which consideration, having been induced to a more particular notice of the rise, procedure and issue of this affair, I am resolved, for the impartial vindication of the Lords ordinance of Government in his House, and our engadgements thereto; and in the conscience of that known precept, foreign, to exhibit my observations upon it, with the calmeness and candor suitable to such an inquirie. And therfore, omitting to preface any thing upon the first proposal of this Treatie, and the methods of its prosecution that have since been practised, I shall take its termes from their most assured warrant, viz. the Articles lately given in at Paseley, to the Mimisters there conveening, under the title, and of the tenor following,