Answer to the Report of the United Ministers, To the reader
To the Reader.
NOne are more afflicted than our selves under those unseasonable dissentions, which we would have Concealed, when our utmost Endeavours and Compliances could neither prevent, nor yet put a Period to. But the Authors of the Printed Papers which we confute, have contrived so to Proclaim our differences, by sending those sheets in Letters to most of our Ministers in the Kingdom, yea, to forreign parts, and to Multitudes of Private Persons: That our Defence, instead of making our Divisions more known, will scarce reach those already mis-informed. Had the Charge contained only small mistakes, or lesser Errors; Christian Prudence might forbid an Answer. But when they publish us guilty of such destructive Opinions, as they say subvert the Doctrine of Christs satisfaction, yea, and make it impossible; and this not as rash Censures, but pretending to cite our own Paper for their Charge; A Vindication is necessary, unless we ought to Prostitute our Ministry, betray the Truth, lye under the brand of Heretical Opinions, induce others by our Example to entertain such Errors, and Confirm those who are already infected. Had the Accusation been still confined to some particular Brethren, our Practice hitherto may convince the World, we had not as a body set forth this Vindication: But when the Authors of the Report, &c. Accuse all who sent the Third Paper, i. e. the Body of the United Brethren in and about London: Nothing short of our own Publick Testimony can be sufficient to declare what our Principles be, or acquit us from holding those horrid Errors, they so confidently as well as falsely ascribe unto us. A particular Brothers Defence of us would be incompetent to these Ends, had any one been willing thereby to expose himself.
And yet tho the Reporters write for, and pretend to give the Sense of all the Dissenting Brethren, as well as to Arraign and Condemn all us the Vnited Ministers: Nevertheless, we direct our Confutation only to the Authors of the Report, and of that called Remarks, with such as consented to and approved thereof. We are so far from intending any other Persons, that we hope, none besides them will esteem themselves reflected on in this our Defence: Nor had we given any Narrative of the rise and progress of our differences (least more might appear intended;) But that the Report and Remarks do so frequently declare, that our Divisions hitherto have been caused only by our contending for Socinian Errors against Christs satisfaction. We also desire the Reader to observe that what we call the First Paper, Is that which several Congregational Brethren contend for. That which we call the Third Paper, is, that which the Vnited Brethren sent as a mean of Re-Vnion to those wh… have left the Vnion. And when we Term such as left the Vnion, and approve of the Report, Dissenters, it is not from any dis-respect, but because the Report chuseth to call them by the Name of Dissenting Brethren, p. 4. And whereas once or twice we have occasion to give a Narrative only of some things declared by some of our Brethren, we do not therein determine concerning such things, further than to report that those Brethren have declared such things as we there mention.
With this necessitated Vindication of our selves and Ministry, we think it incumbent on us to warn all Persons, especially such of you as stand more peculiarly related to us; that you be not shaken in mind, but that you remain stedfast in the Faith in this time, when seducers not only abound, but under various disguises are so unusually active, and successful to the Reproach of Christianity, and the apparent danger of the Souls seduced by them. Lament with us to see all revealed Religion exposed by some, the God-head and Satisfaction of Christ our Blessed Redeemer denied by others, and Doctrines which have a direct tendency to libertinism espoused too many. All which, with the residue of the great Errors at this time Propagated; do (however inconsistent they seem) jointly contribute to the subverting of the true Religion, and threaten misery to these Kingdoms.
And as we would excite your Godly Zeal for the Truths and Laws of Christ, against Opinions, subverting the Foundations of Faith, and militating against Practical Godliness: So with equal concern we must exhort you, to have fervent Charity towards all Christians, and to walk in Peace with all who call upon the Name of the Lord out of a pure Heart. Notwithstanding differences in lesser matters. Whereunto we have attained, let us all walk by the same Rule; waiting with mutual forbearance, till God shall reveal those things to such, Who at present are otherwise minded than our selves.
PEace is so desirable, that we have suffered our selves to be long misrepresented in hopes that time at least would so abate the Prejudices of our Dissenting Brethren (as the Report calls them) as not to necessitate us to a Publick Vindication of our selves. But to our grief we find that the more we submitted, the more some were incouraged to serve their own purposes, by exposing us and our Ministry. Yet we continued Passive until a Printed Paper, entituled, A Report of our Differences: written by some of them as if in the name, if not with the consent, or countenance of the rest, compels us at last, to state Matters of Fact, as they stand, with respect to Doctrinals, between us the United Ministers in and about London, and such as have Deserted our Union: which we can freely submit to the Judgment of the unbiass'd Reader, altho we forbear to mention several things, which would irritate more than those we are forced to Recite for our Defence against the Paper we are now taking into Consideration.
The Title it bears is, A Report of the present State of the Differences in Doctrinals, &c. But upon Perusal, we find it neither an impartial, clear, nor true Report of those Differences; nor can the design it is to serve be concealed, especially when it is so industriously sent throughout the Kingdom, to impose on such as are unacquainted with our Case. Before we examine the particulars of this Report, it's needful to give an Account of the rise, and progress of our differences, wherein it will appear whether we did any thing to break the Union, or ommitted any thing within our power to induce those Brethren to re-unite, who had separated from us, or were not inclined to live i… Peace, when their unperswadeableness made us so un…happy, as to be deprived of their des…red Society.
About the beginning of the Year, 1691. were Pub…lished the …eads of an Agreement between the Presbyterian and Congregational Ministers (as then distinguish'd in and about London, which were drawn up by a numbe… deputed by those of both Denominations: of the fir… were, Mr. Hamond, Mr. How, Mr. Williams, Mr Stretton with Dr. Annesly and Mr. Mayo, who both of the… are now at rest in the Lord. Of the other were, M… Griffith, Mr. Mead, Mr. Chauncey, Mr. Lobb, with Mr… Iames and Mr. Mather, which two also are now fal…len asleep in the Lord. These Heads of Agreemen… were Assented to (as far as we know,) by all the Pres…byterian and Congregational Ministers then in and abou… London, except Mr. Cole, Mr. Mather, and Mr. Rich. Tay…lor. Among other things, we therein declared, Firs… We would meet and Consult, without the least shadow of separate, or distinct Parties. Secondly, That as to what appertains to soundness of Judgment in matters of Faith, we esteem it sufficient that a Church acknowledge the Scriptures to be the Word of God▪ the perfect and only Rule of Faith and Practice; and own either the Doctrinal part of the Articles of the Church of England, or the Confession, or Catechisms shorter or larger, Compiled by the Assembly at Westminster; or the Confession agreed on at the Savoy to be agreeable to the said Rule.
By the first, we thought our meetings of Ministers were secured, and opposite Meetings prevented. By the latter, we provided, that our Union should not be dis…olved by every different Opinion; especially such as were known to be espoused by Persons when admitted Members of the Union, as the Reverend Mr. Baxter, Mr. Cockain, &c. This Union was tollerably maintained for a while, notwithstanding the attempts of some to break it, as we have reason to fear, and of others to make it serviceable to purposes not fit to be mentioned.
About October, 1692. Mr. Chauncey in a meeting of the united Ministers after many warm Expressions declared, he would leave their meetings, and break off from their Union. The Cause he alledged, was our taking no Cognizance of a …aper of Objections, subscribed by Mr. Griffith, Mr. Cole, Mr. Mather, Mr. Chauncey, Mr. Trayl, and Mr. Richard Taylor, against Mr. Williams's Book called, Gospel Truth Stated, &c. writen in Confutation of Dr. Crisps's unsound Opinions which had been reviv'd, and divulged by his Works reprinted; to which Book of Mr. Williams's, an Approbation is prefixt with several of our Names. There were many Reasons we should take small notice of those Objections in our Meetings, seeing that three of the six Objectors were not of the Vnion: The material Objections were not only ungrounded, but they recited as Mr. Williams's Words in his Book, what we found quite contrary to the Letter of his Expressions▪ We might add many more.
But notwithstanding, we were convinced, That particular Brethrens subscribing Mr. Williams's Confutation of Dr. Crisp's Errors (which were openly propagated to our common Danger and Reproach,) did not affect the Union, nor the united Ministers as such; and therefore could be no just cause of any Brother,s deserting us; yet we appointed a number of the Brethren to consider those Objections against Mr. Williams's Book, who together with the Objectors accommodated that Affair, by a Subscription to certain Doctrinal Propositions, of which you have an account, Printed 1693. called, An Agreement in Doctrinals; out of which we shall only collect these Passages. P. 1. Whereas some differences have of late arisen, occasioned by a Book written by Mr. Williams, Entituled, Gospel Truth Stated (wherein Dr. Crisps Works reprinted are considered,) and by certain Books written by Mr. Chauncey in opposition thereto, and by an Approbation of divers of us prefixt to Mr. Williams's Book, and by a Paper Snbscribed by Mr. Griffith, Mr. Cole, Mr. Mather, Mr. Trayl, and Mr. R. Taylor, in conjunction with Mr. Chauncey: It is hereby declared, that neither they who Subscribed that Approbation prefixed to Mr. Williams's Book, did therein more than signify (as their own Words express,) that they judg'd he had, in all that was material, fully and rightly stated the Truths and Errors therein mentioned as such, without delivering their Sense about the Preface, Explications, or Proofs thereto belonging; which Declaration is not to be esteemed as a disapproval of the said Preface, Explications, or Proofs.
Here it's plain, that whatever ground of difference was pretended from that Book, or the Approbation to it, was then considered and adjusted; that being the very express and sole matter, which that Agreement refers to: And therefore, how unaccountable is it to maintain Divisions so long after, upon that same pretence?
P. 2. We and they say, in order to the composing of matters of Controversie, &c. We do Subscribe these following Propositions, as what do most fully provide against the Arminian, Antinomian, Socinian, and Popish Errors. &c. Here was declared a full provision against those respective Errors. And is it not strange, that now such Phrases and Words must be the Standard of Orthodoxy, which neither this Agreement, the Church of England, the Assemblies, nor the confession of any Church require.
P. 15. We shall always through God's gracious assistance in our future Ministry, to our utmost avoid all appearance of opposition to one another, so as not to hinder or prejudice, but as far as in us lies to promote the success thereof, and the common benefit thereby.
When the following behaviour of some of our dissenting Brethren, is observed in many signal instances, …t might be well suspected, whether ever they subscribed an engagement so solemn, or if they did, what …an be contrived to oblige them? But that they subscribed; See p. 16.
December 16. 1692. This Day the Brethren, who endeavoured to Accommodate this controversy, did with Mr. Williams, and Mr. Chauncy, and these other five, who with him objected against Mr. W…lliams's Book, subscribe to this agreement, and these Doctrinal Propositions.
Daniel Williams.
Samuel Annesley.
Math. Barker.
Edw. Veal.
Iohn Iames.
Stephen Lob.
Iohn How.
George Hamond.
Vincent Alsop.
Rich. Mayo.
Sam. Slater.
Isaac Chauncy.
Geo. Griffith.
Tho. Cole.
Nath. Mather.
Rob. Trayl.
Rich. Taylor.
On December 19. This expedient was brought to a Meeting of the united Ministers, who unanimously expressed their approbation in the following words, Viz. That those Brethren, who, at the desire of the United Ministers, considered some Objections against Mr. Williams's Book, having brought in the above-mentioned expedient, for the Accommodation of the matters in controversy; the United Ministers have weighed it, and approve of the same. Besides, it was further declared by them, that whereas the United Ministers Collectively considered, and as such, have not been desired to approve of Mr. Williams's Book; in like manner, they do not by any thing in this agreement, imply an approbation of Mr. Chauncy's Writings in this controversy; Nevertheless they do rejoyce, that both Mr. Williams, and Mr. Chauncy, have accepted this offered expedient.
We hoped after this agreement, Union and Peace were well secured: But (alas!) in a little time (without any occasion given on our parts) we found, besides the endeavours of those, who came not into the Union, to prejudice People against us and our Doctrine, as well as against the Union; Several of those called Congregational, who were Members of the Union, frequented not our Meeting, but oft joyned with the former in a Meeting at Pinners-Hall, the very day and hour of the Week, in which our Meetings of Ministers are statedly kept. Yea, and some of them in Print reflected on our Meetings in very unbeseeming Terms, as will be made appear if occasion require. Nevertheless, our Zeal for Peace, did not only prevail with us to be silent under these Publick affronts, but set us on making a new Essay for a re-union, about the latter end of the Year 1694. To which end, we appointed a Number to meet, both with the dissenting Brethren, who had left us; and with such▪ who had always refused to be of us. These dissenting Brethren pretended nothing for their separation, but that there were Erroneous Persons in the Union. To gratify them as to this, the Persons deputed by us, admitted such Provision as pleased those Brethren, against whatever Errors they suspected any of our Number guilty of. This you will find in the former Part of the following Paper, which was brought to our Meeting, as what would satisfy the Dissenters, if assented to by us. Some of us, were sensible of this New …mposition of theirs (against whose Opinions we had so much to object) and the dangerous Consequences of thus Multiplying confessions, as also of favouring such unjust suspicions of our Principles, which we knew they had no Reason for, as … any of our Number. Nevertheless, we submitted … Prospect of a Coalition; only we finding their Pa…r to want due Provision against Crispian and Antino…an Errors, which many did Publickly Espouse and …bet, we desired Mr. How, Mr. Stretton, Mr. Williams, …d Mr. Lob, to supply the said defect. The result …hereof you have in the ensuing Paper, which was un…imously agreed to in our Meeting, and sent from us … Mr. Lob, to our Dissenting Brethren; In Ian. 7. 1694.
After a Preface it thus follows,
'We the United Ministers in and about London, considering of a way whereby to preserve the Union, and prevent any mistakes, and remove any prejudices that may arise amongst us, to interrupt the foresaid Union, do declare, that we still adhere to the Terms thereof, and do still submit to the Holy Scriptures as the Rule of Faith and Practice, and do own the Doctrinal part of those commonly called the Articles of the Church of England, or the Confession, shorter or larger Catechisms, compiled by the Assembly at Westminster, or the Savoy Confession; and do renounce, and testify against all Opinions and Doctrines dissonant therefrom; as for instance, among many others.
First, That there is no definite Number of Persons elected from all Eternity, whom God will by his appointed means certainly save, and bring to Eternal Life, leaving the rest who fall under a just Condemnation for their Original and Actual Sins, especially for their neglect and contempt of the means of salvation. 2. That Christ died equally for all Men, not intending the final salvation of some more than others. Thirdly, That Men have in their own Power by the use of the Natural Faculties of their reason and will, unassisted by the special Light and Grace of the Holy Ghost, to perform all that is necessary to salvation; or that his special efficacious Light and Grace is not necessary to their conversion, perseve…rance, and final salvation. Fourthly, That any o… them whom God hath foreknown, predestinated and called effectually according to the purpose of hi… Grace, shall fall away either totally, or so as not t… be finally gloryfied Fifthly, That Faith, Repen…tance, a Holy Conversation, or any Act of Wor… whatever done by us, or wrought by the Spirit o… God in us, are any part of that Righteousness fo… the sake of which, or on the Account whereof, Go… doth justify any Man, or Entitle him to Eterna… Life.
On the other side.
First, That Men are under no obligation to mak… use of their Natural Faculties, with such Externa… means of salvation as God affords them, praying i… hope, for his Gracious assistance in order to tha… blessed end. Secondly, That God hath not made of…fers of Grace by Christ, to all within the sound o… the Gospel, testifying that whoever believeth shall b… saved, without excluding any, and commandin… them to believe accordingly. Thirdly, That any ar… in the sight of God justified, or Entitled to Eterna… Life, before they are effectually called, or while the remain unregenerate, or in unbelief. Fourthly, Tha… any may expect Pardon without Repentance. Fifthly ▪ That continued Repentance towards God, and Fait… in our Lord Jesus, and Holyness of Heart and Life are not in the Nature of the thing, and by the con…stitution of the Gospel necessary to salvation. Sixthly ▪ That the Moral Law is not of use to unregenerate Men, to awaken their Consciences to fly from th… wrath to come, and drive them to Christ, or that 'tis not a rule of Life to them that live under the Gospel, as well as others. Seventhly, That believers falling into grievous Sins, do not incur Gods displeasure; or that they may expect assurance otherwise, than by the evidence of those Graces to which the promises of salvation are made, and by the Testimony of the Spirit of Adoption witnessing with our Spirits, that we are the Children of God. We have thought it our Duty to bear our Testimony against all these Erroneous Opinions, or any other contrary to the plain Tenour of the Gospel of God: And we do further protest against any design of undermining one another in any matter of Church Government, but do heartily desire to maintain Communion with each other, according to the Heads of Agreement we have assented to. And if any thing hath been done or spoken by any of us, through mistake or inadvertency, that may cause any just offence to the prejudice of the said Union, we are ready upon better information to rectify the same, still desiring and continually resolving a Brotherly forbearance towards one another, in any lesser points wherein we may differ.
Our concern for Union will appear, if it be considered that (to the best of our Knowledge) we retained all the very words sent by them to us, as a guard against each of the Errors, of which they suspected any of us: the Provisions we added, is generally in the words of the Assembly, to which we hoped they would be more easily induced to assent, than if we had expressed our selves in other words; and we limited our additions to such Errors as are the other extreme, as to the Articles they had chosen to insist upon, whereas we might have provided against each of Dr. Crisp's Errors.
A good issue of this Paper was expected by many of us. But to our grief it was rejected, and no Answer sent us concerning it to this very day: Yea, a Coalition hereupon was chearfully hoped for by us, even after their Friends had, Nov. 7. 1694. Necessitated four of our Number to leave the Lecture at Pinners-Hall, and all such of the dissenting Brethren, who were managers of …he reiief for Poor Ministers, had deserted their Assoiates with other things, not so directly belonging to the Body of United Ministers, as such. But alas! (as they had generally absented from us long before) all the Bre…hren call'd Congregational (except the Reverend and Upright Mr. Barker, and a very few more) joyned as a separate Party from us, in the Monday's Meeting at Pinners-Hall, with the Ministers who had opposed the Union ever since it was concluded.
The temper of our Brethrens Spirits, the methods taken to expose us, their disappointing us so often, when we thought they had been obliged; And the unsuccessfulness of so many probable attempts for Reunion, might well discourage any further endeavours; yet when we heard that any of these Brethren had the least disposition towards Peace, we applyed our selves to an Accommodation. In order thereunto, the Reverend Dr. Bates, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Hill, and Mr. Slater, in concurrence with Mr. How, and Mr. Williams, were desired to draw up a proposal, which they brought to our Meeting, as that wherein they were all agreed; and after we had several days considered the same, it was unanimously assented to, and sent by us in a Letter to our Brethren.