Beams of Former Light, Chapter 8

Beams of Former Light · Chapter 8

p. 165CHAP. VIII. Schiſmes and Diviſions amongſt the people of God, occaſioned and continued thereby, is another fruit,See Pa. 101, & 120 or evil conſequence of ſuch penalties.

§. 1:

SUch Impoſitions and Penalties, are a means to fix and hold up the differences that are in mens judgements about the things of Chriſt: and alienate affections in thoſe that differ, and ſo occaſion Rents and Schiſms amongſt the people of God.

Love is the bond of perfection, by it the members are Spiritually united to the body, as they are by faith to the Head Chriſt Jeſus. Hereſie divides from the head, Schiſme from the members, it being a looſening, or breach in that bond, love p. 166hath its ſeat and foundation in TRUTH, 2 John. 1. Whom I love in the truth. 2. For the truths ſake which dwelleth in us, and ſhall bee with us for ever. As Saints, and eſpecially Churches, have their love and compactneſſe maintained, in being of the ſame mind and judgment in Truths: ſo Schiſms uſually begin from differences in that reſpect, Rom. 16.17.

§. 2.

There are truths known and generally received, there are alſo truths not, or not ſo fully known, but doubtfully aſſented to: Truths nouriſh love no further than mutually beleeved and agreed in; hence ignorance, weakneſſe in judgement, dubiouſneſſe and the like; or what keeps us from a clear and full cloze with truth, are very prejudicial to love, and intireneſſe amongſt brethren.

p. 167Truths alſo are either about what is of neceſsity and a Chriſtians duty, or what is indifferent and a Chriſtians liberty. Where theſe are not held diſtinct, and weight laid upon them accordingly: but matters of duty, in a liberty or indifferency; or things left to our liberty, held to and required in our practice as neceſſary. Herein ſo farre as wee divide from truth in our apprehenſions; in like proportion, we are diſpoſed to divide one from another in our affections.

Ignorance, Error, miſ-apprehenſions, alienation in affections; theſe and the like diſpoſe us to Schiſme and Diviſions:Aquinas 2….2…. q. 39. yet Schiſme is a ſin diſtinct from each. Wee muſt propria ſponte & intentione, ſeparare ab unitate quam CHARITAS facit, before we become Schiſmaticks.

Knowingly and purpoſely, to take up or impoſe that for duty which is not ſo; or to make ſuch things indifferent, that are neceſſary: p. 168To bee wilfully ignorant, or (through ſluggiſhneſſe and indiſpoſedneſſe to ſearch) to take upon truſt with a party; and thereupon endeavour a wilfull ſeparation, and dividing from our brethren; this (whatſoever other thing beſides it) may juſtly bee termed Schiſme. And it is then moſt viſibly and properly ſchiſm, when it is a dividing where a more viſible and profeſſed union, as in or from Churches: as Sedition is moſt apparently ſuch, when it is a faction in a formed Common-wealth.

§. 3.

Theſe and the like Roots of Schiſme, lye many times ſecret and under ground, our darkneſſe as well as our light may be under a buſhel; our infirmities and miſ-apprehenſions, yea want of Love it ſelf is ſometimes covered with love: ſo p. 169that differences break not forth to an open conteſt, and profeſſed diſowning, either of opinion, practices, of perſons. But when the matter of ſuch differences falleth under an IMPOSITION, Governours thinking to bring all into unity, by an enforced uniformity. Theſe differences then that before were private, or in a leſſe compaſſe, are (ſcattered as it were and carried forth by the hand of theſe Lawes and injunctions) become more publick and profeſſed. Yea, what before was of infirmity and weakneſſe, grows up apace to wilfulneſſe and ſtifneſſe: at leaſt ſo judged (by one of the other) in the opinion of each party reſpectively.

In matters that are indifferent, and granted to be ſo, by the impoſers: or if neceſſary, yet when not evidently ſo, but doubtful and diſputable, let it be in Worſhip or Diſcipline; there is no ſeverity of the Civil Magiſtrate, or Cenſure of p. 170the Church, can reduce all, no not all that are holy, ſober, and judicious, into an uniformity. The experience of many years, and the extremities and ſufferings upon this account of many precious learned men, doe ſufficiently confirm it.

And if by ſuch ſeverity, unity and uniformity bee not obtained, diviſions, diſtractions, and differences will from thence ariſe, and grow more open and fixed, by reaſon of ſuch impoſitions. And this cometh to paſſe many ways.

§. 4.

¶ ISUch matters though in themſelves indifferent and arbitrary, or if otherwiſe, yet if not clearly but doubtfully ſo; by an impoſition of this nature are evidently held forth, and as it were aſſerted to bee both clear and neceſſary, and this hath ever been a foundation of great breaches.

1 Neceſſary and a duty. For p. 171what is impoſed by wiſe and righteous Governours, with ſuch enforcements; as if it bee not ſubmitted unto, the moſt neceſſary duties of the Miniſterial Function, as Preaching, Sacraments, &c. Abridg. pag. 38.muſt bee omitted: at leaſt by the moſt tender and conſcientious Miniſters, throughout the Nation (it was ſo argued in the Caſe of Ceremonies) queſtionleſſe whatſoever ſhall bee ſo impoſed,Bradſh. 12. Arg. arg. 1 interprets it ſelf thereby, to be equally neceſſary, with ſome or all theſe Miniſterial duties. And in my ſubmiſsion and practice, in reſpect to ſuch impoſition, I own them to be of the ſame neceſsity; and there is no means to give teſtimony to the contrary, and to what I judge the truth, but by Non-Conformity, and ſubmitting rather to the penalty. For where there is an opinion of neceſſity (ſay our Brethren) known to bee annexed unto that, which in my Conſcience is not ſo; it is a part of that p. 172Confeſsion which every Chriſtian is bound to make of his Religion, Abridgement, pa. 38.to reject them: and this reaſon for it is given by them. The yeelding obedience in uſing ſuch Forms, or Ceremonies, or what is of an indifferent nature in it ſelf, wherein others place holineſſe or neceſsity, is an occaſion of confirming and hardning ſuch Governours or others in their errours. Again,

2 Such a penalty as ſilencing or ejection implies theſe commands, to have very clear evidence, and undoubted warrant from the Scriptures; at leaſt in the opinion of the Governours that inflict it, otherwiſe it were great injuſtice to require ſubmiſſion upon ſuch terms. He that cannot clearly know his Maſters will, ſhould not be chaſtiſed with ſuch ſtripes. If we refuſe to ſubmit (though it be) out of tenderneſſe and fear to offend the Lord; being doubtful: yet ſuch commands, ſpeaking theſe things, p. 173not only neceſſary, but evidently ſo; Wee ſhall ſuffer under the reproches (as our Brethren formerly did) of perſons that were proud,Powel in his Conſider. wilful, obſtinate, diſobedient to Government, diſturbers of the Church, Schiſmaticks, and the like.

§. 5

Our differences being thus heightned by impoſitions, and becoming greater by prejudice & miſinterpretation upon that account; than what indeed they are in themſelves, The perſons engaged are accordingly judged of and Cenſured, and a diſtance kept, as if they were guilty of wilful diſobedience, or neglect in ſome great and neceſſary matters of the Worſhip and Service of God, and accordingly we hold off from one another, and abate in affections. When the foundation is removed, when TRUTH hath changed its ſtation, p. 174LOVE that is built upon it muſt needs vary, if not vaniſh quite away. And that party which ſoever it is, that from any conſideration interprets up, thoſe leſſer matters to ſuch an odious height, will bee judged by the other to be the firſt that declines in affection, and that is the beginning of all breaches and ſchiſms.

The load of that reproach was laid by the Epiſcopal Party on the Miniſters that left their Charges, who in Conſcience were not able to conform.Offer of Conf. p. 5 But with a great deal more reaſon our Brethren that ſuffered, charged the Schiſms and diſturbances in the Church upon Epiſcopal ſeverity, and rigour of their power in keeping on, and heightning penal impoſitions upon Miniſters, and taking advantage thereby to ſuſpend ſome, and weary others out of their places.

And if then ſuch a deceſſion of Miniſters from their Churches were p. 175a Schiſme, the Crime of it is moſt juſtly charged by our Brethren upon thoſe who were the ſole cauſe of it, and not upon thoſe who with much ſadneſſe and grief of heart left their ſtations.Ch. Go. with peoples conſent. p. 138 They themſelves (ſpeaking of the Prelates) are the Schiſmaticks, and the makers of the diviſions which are now in England, All wiſe men know, that not the difference, but the cauſe maketh a Schiſmatick, and more fully afterwards, pag. 175. The Superiour overruling Miniſter over many diſtinct Congregations which the Word knoweth not. In truth ſuch a one is the proper cauſe of diſſention and Schiſme, for hee not willing to ſubmit to Gods Word, by his power draweth many with him, whereupon followeth diſſention and ſchiſme. And then he with his Company (being the ſtronger in the world) may cry out loudeſt againſt thoſe fewer that diſſent, that they are p. 176Schiſmaticks and Peace-breakers, but look to the Word of God, and themſelves will bee found to be the makers of the Schiſme by their traditions.

De. Pol. l. 1. c. 37.Learned Parker beſtowes a whole Chapter in proving that, Epiſcopis non puritanis diſsiaium anglicanum imputandum eſſe. And in his Treatiſe of the Croſſe, I would (ſaith he) our oppoſites (the Biſhops) were as well able to clear themſelves of Schiſm, as we are able, who run within that Cenſure of Auguſtine, Quicunq, invident bonis ut quaerant occaſiones excludendi eos aut degradandi, &c. Whoſoever ſaith hee envies thoſe that are good, and ſeeks occaſion to exclude and eject them, that rather than they will leave their own faults they will deviſe how to raiſe up troubles in the Church, and drive men into Conventicles, theſe are Schiſmaticks, though they ſtill remain p. 177in the Church.

About ſeven or eight and twenty years ſince, Maſter George Walker preached a Viſitation Sermon (I have cauſe to remember it, being then ſuſpended, and put out of my Miniſtry by the Viſitor) it was upon 1 Cor. 11.16. If any man ſeem to be contentious, &c. hee declared, and with much ſtrength and evidence, aſſerted the Impoſers, who (being not neceſſitated,) lay ſuch ſnares; and not thoſe that conſcientiouſly ſhun them, are the CONTENTIOUS perſons, For which Sermon he was articled againſt, and moleſted long in the High Commiſſion Court.

§. 6.

Theſe penalties and ſevere impoſitions are many times laid by the Magiſtrate, when his Conſcience is not by any Scripture-light neceſſitated p. 178ſo to doe. The matters which the Scriptures have not determined preciſely one way or other, nor required any ſuch determination from the Magiſtrate: If ſuch things bee ſtrictly impoſed and bound upon us, Hee doth not leave that liberty to others (though it be every mans right as well as his) which hee found left to him by the Lord. And where it is thus; what was arbitrary in the Impoſer, becomes neceſſary to the perſons impoſed upon, they are neceſſitated either to ſubmit or leave their places.

And this puts a great difference, as more or leſſe blameable in the parties contending; when the one can plead little but his will or reſolution, and the other an apparent neceſsity. "Wee doe not (ſaid our ſuffering Brethren) ſeparate our ſelves from the Church,Poſitions Archip. pa. 10. 11. or forſake the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, but are thruſt from it; if men driven by Excommunication p. 179out of the Church bee not Schiſmaticks, much leſſe Miniſters driven by ſuſpenſion and deprivation. If the Prelates cannot prove from the Word, the things in queſtion, may be preſcribed by Authority, and yeelded to by the Miniſters without ſin, then are the Prelats Schiſmatical, according to the judgement of the Apoſtle, who beſeecheth the Brethren to mark them diligently, who cauſe diviſion and differences, beſides the Doctrin which they have learned, and avoyd them, Rom. 16.17.

§. 7.

Breaches and Diviſions (ſecondly) are continued and fixed by ſuch impoſitions upon this account.¶. II.

Humble reaſonings about matters in difference amongſt Brethren, if it be with equal liberty to each, is the ordinary way to reduce into p. 180peaceable union, perſons of different judgements. But opinions or practices having obtained an eſtabliſhment by Law, are thereby exempted from any ſuch Diſputings; or ſo much as being queſtioned, in reſpect either to their lawfulneſſe or expedience. Eccleſiaſt. Pol. p. 26.Things were diſputed, (ſaith Hooker) before they came to bee determined, men afterwards are not to DISPVTE any longer, but obey. Prudentia, ſay others, non obedientis ſed imperantis eſt; it is our part to obey, and not to bee ſo wiſe as to diſpute what is eſtabliſhed by power; and many are the like expreſſions in Epiſcopal writings.

In ſo much as though our ſilenced Brethren, and thoſe of that party, did all along make it their humble ſute, that they might have liberty and freedom) in a modeſt and Chriſtian way, to conferre and diſpute with the Prelatical party, about the main and principal Controverſies, and differences that p. 181were betwixt them, This could not bee obtained by all the friends and intereſt thoſe poor men could make. But (upon the like reaſons as are before mentioned) it was conſtantly denied them.

Theſe forms (ſay the Prelates) and Ceremonies being eſtabliſhed by a Law, ought not to bee called in queſtion, and diſputed of, as if they were doubtful. It is preſumption and arrogancy to reaſon againſt what our Superiours have done. Anſw. the Miniſt. of London, pa. 17.For a Subject to examine the Law of his Magiſtrate (ſaith another) is to preſume and uſurp authority above his ſuperiours. The Governours themſelves have ever been ſufficiently againſt it.Proclam. 5^o Mar. 1^o JacabiMark 1 King James tells us, it is neceſſary for them to uſe conſtancy in upholding the publick determinations of State, otherwiſe it will become ridiculous, and that the ſtedfaſt maintaining of things by publick advice eſtabliſhed, is the weal of all Common wealths. Hee ſpeaks there of Church Lawes. The p. 182Canons of 1603. which were confirmed by his authority, threaten thus, Can. 6. Whoſoever ſhall hereafter AFFIRM the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England by LAVV ESTABLISHED, are ſuch as being commanded by lawful authority, men may not with a good conſcience approve, uſe, or if occaſion require ſubſcribe unto them, let him be excommunicated ipſo facto. (Can. 7.) The like for thoſe that owne not Church-Government by Arch-Biſhops, Biſhops, &c.

So that when theſe leſſer, or doubtful matters, come to bee eſtabliſhed by a Law, the ſcruples about them cannot in an ordinary way be brought to any period: the one party being forbidden to declare their Conſciences, under as great a penalty, as for the greateſt Crime a man can fall into, for ſo is Excommunication ipſo facto.

And if hee eſcape this Thunderbolt from above, there is a gulf p. 183provided beneath to ſwallow up all his livelihood,Act for Uniformity. the Act for Uniformity, which is thus: Whoſoever refuſeth to uſe the ſaid Common Prayers, &c. or ſhall preach, declare, or ſpeak any thing in the derogation of the ſaid Book, or any thing therein contained, We are in danger of a premunire, and 12. Mon. impriſonment, if we ſpeak againſt the Book. Ad. pa. 41.or of any part thereof — hee ſhall forfeit the profits of all his Spiritual Benefices ariſing in one whole year; where the penalty for Diſputing, or reaſoning againſt the ſuperſtitions of thoſe Forms and Ceremonies, is as great as for the not uſing them.

The deprived Miniſters, when they deſired a Conference or Diſpute with the Biſhops, as the likelieſt and readieſt way both to find out the truth, Per. to K. James. anno 1606and to put a perpetual end to all thoſe continued Controverſies, they were fain to make this humble ſute to the King, That it would pleaſe his Majeſty to weigh the equity and juſtice of their deſires, and the moſt certain advantage the truth (on which ſide ſoever it be) ſhall receive thereby; and to p. 184ſecure by Royal protection thoſe that ſhall have to doe in this conference. There is little hope to end a Controverſie, when wee muſt not only diſpute and reaſon, for a liberty to diſpute it, but this liberty is by Petition to be ſought, of that party only which hath profeſſedly owned their differences from us, and fixed them already by a publick eſtabliſhment.

§. 8.

But ſuppoſe a freedom for Diſpute ſhould be yeelded, and an equal leave and liberty granted to each party, to bring forth their ſtrength, And ſo, weigh and ballance what is ſaid on both ſides. The difficulty will then be, how to ſet up an even beam, while there is any thing weighs with us, but TRUTH it ſelf; yet ſo it is, where there is an eſtabliſhment, and with ſuch a penalty, there will bee a two-fold p. 185WEIGHT, beſides the naked truth of the cauſe, unavoydably caſt in: there will be,

1 The authority of the impoſers.

2 Loſſe or gain, according as wee doe conform, or otherwiſe.

1 Lawes are looked upon as Sacred, and in things ſacred,Exam. of the Decla. of the Min. of London, pa. 56. as enacted by the ſpecial aſſiſtance of the Holy Ghoſt; and ought to be received in ſome ſence as the Commandements of God, ſo they interptet, to obey in the Lord, to obey in the Lord ſay they, is to obey the Magiſtrate, by acknowledging his voyce to be the voyce of God himſelf. Mr. Hooker aſſerts,Eccleſiaſt. Policy, p. 26 In litigious and controverted cauſes, when they come by authority to bee determined, it is the will of God that we ſhould doe accordingly, though it ſeems (yea perhaps truly ſeems) in our private judgement or opinion, its utterly diſallowed by the Law of God. Again, ſuch a determination is a ground ſufficient for any reaſonable mans Conſcience to build the duties of obedience p. 186upon, whatſoever his own opinion were, as touching the matter before in queſtion.

And although ſome abatement bee made, of this over-high opinion of the Lawes of men, in theſe matters: yet at the loweſt rate, ſuch Lawes will be eſteemed, as the digeſted reſults, from moſt ſerious debates of ſuch perſons, who for their prudence, and other abilities, are the choyce of a whole Nation; and ſuch authority will have great advantage and weight in mens belief, beyond the tenets and aſſertions of a few private men; what is eſtabliſhed and in being, equity, reaſon, the Law of Nature, God and Man do all FAVOUR, ſaith Hooker.

There will be a kind of reverence and homage done, even to an error, if it be of Statutable extraction, and have a Crown upon the head of it: Hence the old ſaying, Tollatur LEX & fiat certamen; while one party hath a LAVV on their ſide, it is in p. 187vain to DISPVTE; the odds and difference will not equally bee judged of. It was moved by ſome Parliament men, Friends to Epiſcopacy, when it was to be removed; that it might remain until a better Government were concluded: but on the other hand,See the pref. to the Ord. of Ju. 12. 1643. it was prudently conſidered, how while that forme ſtood, and had the advantage of the Law, there would be no freedome in arguing about it.

Reaſons will not bee equally weighed, if the prejudice of a Law or Authority be put into one of the ſcales only.Pref. to Ecc. pol. Things eſtabliſhed (ſaith Hooker) if it bee but PROBABLE they be good, nothing but evident DEMONSTRATION from private perſons may bee brought against them. That which is of leſs weight in it ſelf, being made up with authority, will hold an aequilibrium with greater evidence of truth from private perſons. So that by this means the contending parties will hang p. 188(as weights equally poyzed upon the beam, perpetually vying one with another: whereas if the Law, and prejudice by it, were removed or wholly kept out of the Controverſie; it would quickly appear, which of the Parties contending hath moſt truth and reaſon on their ſide, and ſo controverſies would either not riſe, or more eaſily come to a concluſion; or ſuch as ſhall prolong them, diſcover a contentious ſpirit, and not at all be regarded.

§. 9.

2 There is a weight of PROFIT, alſo the whole revenue of the Miniſtry, by ſuch a penalty is laid on one ſide only. Learned men are apt enough to adhere to an opinion they make their own, even upon this ſingle conſideration, it is their own. But when this opinion is ſet cloſer, and become more theirs, by the engagement of their whole livelihood: p. 189there will need a light, of a very ſtrong influence, to attract their judgements from it.

Some perſons I acknowledge will be tempted, hereby to the contrary, and engage the more to their opinions, when the tenure is made more noble, by the addition of a kind of Martyrdome, or aliquid carcere dignum: but this not ſo ordinary, yet where it is, ſuch penal Laws are the temptors, and ſo become in a degree acceſſaries, in this evil. Perſons of a much more feeble ſpirits there are, who may poſſibly yeeld, with a little of that light which ſhineth ſo warme upon their outward concernments; eſpecially if narrowed by the neceſſities of a Family-charge, though otherwiſe godly. Either of which (where it ſo falleth out) will be a means to continue and fix our differences.

By this latter, the hands of others, ſuch as take up their perſwaſions upon worſe principles; will come to bee p. 190ſtrengthened. Thoſe alſo that have ſtood out for the truth, will bee ſtaggered, yea it may bee change their judgements, and fall off from their former profeſſion. O quam ſapiens argumentatrix (ſaith one) ſibi videtur humana ignorantia, praeſertim cum aliquid de gaudiis & fructibus ſeculi, metuit amittere. The better grounded and reſolved, not being able to bear with ſuch infirmities and unſteadineſſe, alienate their affections (more than is brotherly) and ſo, uncomfortable breaches are held up amongſt thoſe, that are otherwiſe godly. When differences both in judgement and practice about greater matters being but of private Cognizance never breake forth to any ſuch diſturbance in compariſon. The Ceremonies in Edw. 6. firſt reformation were at that time (only commended as it were) and all that while there was no matter of ſtrife about them. The ſad and ſorry contentions came in, p. 191with thoſe deſtructive impoſings. The Litourgie, and Rites in the reformed Churches, which they term their Agenda, are not ſuch bones of Contention any where, as with us; and this is the reaſon: they have not been enforced, under pain of deprivation, for not conforming.

And in the preſent CASE, what variety of Catechiſms (though a form ſetled by the State) for almoſt an age were in uſe, in the ſeveral Congregations throughout this Nation, and yet in all that age, neither by Pen, or Pulpit, the leaſt noyſe of contention about it? which could not have been, if that or any one form had ſo ſeverely been impoſed.

§. 10.

The malignity and evil of ſuch penal impoſitions, and how prejudicial and binding when we would try the truth, and reaſonableneſſe of p. 192mens aſſertions: is demonſtrated by our ſuffering Brethren (in their Caſe with the Biſhops) thus.

A ſuperſtitious, or ſome doubtful practice, with the Magiſtrates eſtabliſhment, and conſequences of it, put together in one ſcale; and what is evidently a neceſſary Scripture DVTY, into the other: and you you finde that in the common eſteem and judgement of men, this duty is of little weight or conſideration in compariſon: 2. But on the other hand, let theſe prejudices and carnal intreſts be removed, and nothing but truth, and Scripture grounds, on each ſide weighed one with another, you will hardly find the weight of a feather for their Cauſe, or againſt ours. 3 Let the ſame impoſitions and penalties bee put into the other ſcale, againſt Epiſcopacy and Ceremonies: If the Law had ſaid, it ſhall be the loſſe of a mans Living to practice or preach for Epiſcopacy, Common-Prayer-Book, p. 193or Ceremonies; theſe things even in their own opinions would have been light as vanity. That you may have our Brethrens own words in this experiment: There were preſented certain Propoſitions to King James, in Anno 1606. as their tenets and opinions againſt Epiſcopacy, &c. and for Presbytery, and thereupon they thus write. The former Propoſitions are ſuch as there will not bee found any one conformable Miniſter in this Kingdome, except he be a masked Papiſt, that will refuſe to ſubſcribe to any one of them, if ſo bee it would pleaſe the King and State, by Law to urge them thereupon, under ſuch penalties as the Miniſters are urged to ſubſcribe to the Articles deviſed by the Prelats. Yea, we are out of all doubt, that the Prelates themſelves (if it were preſſed upon them by the King and State) under paine of deprivation from their Biſhopricks, p. 194would not ſtick to avouch upon their oathes, that the Ceremonies and ſubſcription for which the Miniſters ſtand ſuſpended, and deprived, are wicked and ungodly, and ſuch as no good Chriſtian ought to yeeld unto. Nay, if the caſe ſtood but upon the ſaving of their temporalties thereby (which elſe they ſhould loſe) wee doubt not but with heart and hand to ſubſcribe to any one of the aforeſaid Propoſitions.

The conjecture or gheſſe our Brethren made of the Epiſcopal party, wee have found very true, having been ſo happy as to ſee ſome comfortable changes, and the trials of their ſpirits in them. For when the authority and countenance of our ſuperiours came to bee ſet as much againſt theſe ſuperſtitions as it was formerly for them, how eaſily were they laid down by thoſe that were moſt zealous for them before? And we find very few (truly p. 195conſcientious) if any, ſilenced, rather than not to uſe the Ceremonies: whereas formerly of thoſe that were againſt the uſe of them, near three hundred eminently godly were deprived in the ſpace of a year.

All which declares in effect, that the Ceremonies and theſe forms are not of any ſuch neceſſity or real worth in themſelves: It is that to which they are raiſed, by the Magiſtrates authority and ſettlement, that hath rendered them the matter of ſuch contention; the impoſers themſelves doe in a manner ſay ſo, The keeping or omitting of a Ceremony in it ſelf conſidered, Preface to Com. Pr. Book.is but a SMALL THING, yet the tranſgreſſion of a Common Order is no ſmall offence before God. There is nothing in the Service and Worſhip of God offenſive to him, but the omiſſion of ſome DVTY, or the tranſgreſſion of ſome Commandement about it. And therefore when ſuch ſmall p. 196things as are neither of theſe, come to be thus greatned, and more offences againſt God in his ſervice, by reaſon of Human impoſitions then God himſelf hath made, and the faithful Labourers of Chriſt turned out of his Vineyard for ſuch offences only, this is the Gravamen.

And againſt this thraldome and bondage, our Brethren the Servants of God in the former age, did humbly contend in their generation: that is, to have no more, nor other things impoſed, or received as neceſſary, and duties in the ſervice of God, but what hee in his Word hath made ſo. And this is the great felicity and happineſſe (through their prayers and ſufferings) the Lord by the preſent reformation hath reſtored unto us.

And we have been poſſeſſed now ſome years with the ſweet fruition of that liberty, thoſe our Brethren ſaw only afarre of, rejoycing in the hopes of it, and ſo fell aſleep p. 197in the Lord. I ſay, to ſuffer our ſelves again to bee brought into bondage, and not to ſtirre and doe our duty, and what belongs to each in our places for the preventing hereof, is to degenerate in reſpect of the courage our Fathers had for the Lord in their times. Had they prevailed for themſelves, by their conteſts with the Epiſcopal party, and enjoyed ten or twelve years freedom as grear, or greater than was hoped for; and taſted the ſweetneſſe of it in the purity of Ordinances for ſuch a time: would they have been the more, or leſſe patient in being brought again to their former thraldome? Can any reaſonable man imagine then, that the returning of like impoſitions in as great ſeverity again as ever formerly, and for the like matters, will not occaſion greater contentions, and differences, Schiſms, and diſtractions amongſt the people of God, than ever was heretofore; p. 198eſpecially when beſides Scripture-light, that laies it upon our Conſciences thus to contend, Jude 3. Gal. 5.1Jude 1:3Gal 5:1and ſtand faſt in our liberty, wee have had alſo the experience (which our Fathers never had) that ſuch humble, yet zealous contendings and ſtrivings for truth and purity of Ordinances, hath been bleſſed and made ſucceſſeful?

There have not been any reformed Churches in the world more oppreſſed in this kind; or any that have prayed, and ſought God more in their ſufferings; no people that have obtained of the Lord a more full deliverance, and greater Goſpel liberty, than the godly people of England this day enjoy, abroad formerly, but at home alſo now. Can it bee imagined that a people, after an age of praying and ſufferings, after part of an age, in hazarding their Eſtates and Lives, and for ſo conſiderable a time now enjoying the fruit of it, can with p. 199an eaſier and quieter mind, dwell in a houſe of bondage again: than their predeceſſors, that never had a taſt of ſuch manifeſtations of the Lord, in owning his oppreſſed ones, as we have had in theſe late years.

§. 12.

And it is a mercy of the Lord never to bee forgotten, the taking off all ſuch burthens from the Miniſtry; and that a different judgement in ſmaller matters, ſhall neither keep, nor caſt out (as formerly) ſuch as are learned, and faithful in their places.

This is effectually done by the Petition and advice preſented to his late Highneſſe by the Parliament, Anno 1656. a work and favour to the people of God, doubtleſs very acceptable to Jeſus Chriſt. And I doe moſt humbly beſeech our Brethren, and whomſoever they are that pretend to the furtherance of p. 200reformation, not to ſuffer their eye to bee evil, becauſe the Magiſtrate hath been ſo good; but if ſtill we will be ſo inconſiderate, as to be calling for fire from Heaven againſt thoſe that in ſmaller matters of Diſcipline, or Worſhip differ from us; the Lord I hope will keep the heart of our Governours ſtedy, to what hath been ſo happily by themſelves eſtabliſhed, and not eaſily be prevailed upon, by perſons of any perſwaſion, that make it the matter of their ſute, and ſollicitations, not ſo much the enjoying of liberty to themſelves, as the reſtraining of it, from others as holy & Orthodox as themſelves, eſpecially when nothing will ſerve their turn, but ſuch penalties as will utterly ruine thoſe that differ from them.

§. 13.

Doth not this preſent age look upon p. 201the ſeverity of the former age as very ſtrange and unwarrantable. If not ſuch a garment, ſuch a geſture, ſuch a form of words as others ſhall direct; you muſt out of your Living, out of your Miniſtry. It is thought VERY NECESSARY (ſaith the Injunction) that no manner of Prieſt or Deacon ſhall hereafter take to his Wife any manner of Woman, Injunctions of Q. Eli. An. 1559. Injunct. 2 9without the advice and allowance firſt had by the Biſhop of the Dioceſs, and two Juſtices of Peace next to the place of her abode, &c. and if any ſhall doe otherwiſe they ſhall not bee permitted to preach the Word, or give Sacraments, nor hee capable of any Eccleſiaſtical Benefice, doth this ſeem ſtrange to us now? it ſeemed very neceſſary in the judgement of our Governours then; and why may not the injunctions, wee make of ſo much neceſſity now (as that a Miniſter ſhall not without the advice and allowance of others CHVS… his own words) look as ſtrange in p. 202the eyes of the godly prudent, in an after age; and if it ſhould doe ſo, it is but a juſt recompence of our ſluggiſhneſſe, in lingring and hanging back on former Cuſtoms, and letting the preſent light and manifeſtations of the Lord ſo farre out-goe us. The truth is, whatſoever is adhered to, of Human invention, let it ſeem ever ſo ſpecious, and uſeful in the ſervice of God for the preſent: yet the glory of the fleſh is but as the flower of graſs, 1 Pet. 1.24, 251 Pet 1:241 Pet 1:25which will fade away, The Word and wiſdome of the Lord only, is that which will be the ſame to day, yeſterday, and for ever.

§. 14.

It is a ſtrange unhappineſſe, that Miniſters only of all other perſons are found to be of ſuch an unwholſome temperature, that their infirmities (if ſuch) can no way bee cured, but (igne & ferro) by abciſſion, p. 203no puniſhment ſufficient (almoſt) for any fault, but ſilencing, ejection, and the like.Gild. Silvianus, pa. 214 I confeſſe (ſaith Mr. B.) if I had my will the man ſhould be EjECTED as a negligent Paſtor, that will not rule his people by Diſcipline. 2 Others,London Petition, Mr. P. and Mr. M. in their writings, with others. if not Conform to the Diſcipline (in particular) eſtabliſhed. 3 There are others on the other hand, if they had their will, thoſe that doe exerciſe Diſcipline, and ſuſpend from the Sacrament upon that account, ſhould in like manner be puniſhed. And in this caſe thoſe that doe not inſtruct in a Homily form,An Act preſented to his late Highneſs which was refuſed by him, which hath occaſioned this diſcourſe. ſhould have been ejected as a negligent Miniſter. If in a Civil State there ſhould bee but one kind of puniſhment, and for every Crime a man be made a Felon, or Traytor; it will argue in ſuch a Common-Wealth, there are more people than they can tell what to doe with, and their Lawes are bent rather to rid the Country of men, p. 204than of their Crimes; it were uncharitable to think there is ſuch a ſpirit in all that have thus by Petition, or otherwiſe provoked Parliaments and Magiſtrates to ſuch a ſeverity: yet this we know, there was ſuch a Root of bitterneſſe found amongſt the perſecuting Biſhops, in ſo much as conformity to all their drudgeries would not ſerve at laſt; but (Conformist, or Non-conformiſt) if he were a conſcientious Miniſter, they would worme him out one way or other. And it was the conſtant profeſſion, ſome of them were not aſhamed to make; that they hated a conforming Puritan more than a Papiſt, or a Drunkard; which ſhewed plainly, they brought in, and kept up ſuch penalties, to rid themſelves of a party, which by the dint of truth and reaſon they could not ſubdue. This Height and Hypocriſie was the evident fore-runner of their fall, the Lord in mercy grant wee may p. 205be warned thereby. I hope it is the ſpirit of very few, if any amongſt us; nor did this evil diſeaſe cleave to all the Biſhops, ſome of them did more tender the Goſpels progreſs, than to deſire the outing of ſuch as differed from them. I will conclude this Diſcourſe with the Speech of one of them (it being pertinent to our purpoſe) whoſe moderation and prudence is worthy our imitation. It was ſpoken in the Convocation Houſe, May 23. anno 1604. by the Biſhop of St. Davids, to the reſt of the Biſhops (and it is the ſum of what I aime at in this third Argument) his words are theſe:

I put great difference between Quod liceat, and Quid expediat, and likewiſe between them that are Schiſmatical, or open diſturbers of the State Eccleſiaſtical eſtabliſhed, and them that are ſcrupulous only upon ſome Ceremonies, and other Circumſtances, p. 206being otherwiſe learned, ſtudious, grave, and honeſt men, whoſe labours have been both painful in the Church, and profitable to their ſeveral Congregations.

Concerning thoſe Preachers laſt mentioned, I ſuppoſe that if upon urging of them to the uſe of Ceremonies, and attire preſcribed, they ſhould ſtand out ſtifly, and chuſe rather to forgoe their Livings, and the exerciſe of their Miniſtery, and though I doe not juſtifie their doings therein, yet ſurely their ſervice would be miſſed, at ſuch time, as need ſhall require them and us, to give the right hand of fellowſhip one to another, and to goe arme in arme againſt the Common Adverſary, that ſo there might bee, Vis unita fortior. In which caſe of want of their joynt labours with ours, there might ariſe cauſe of ſome ſuch doleful complaint, as fell out upon an accident of another p. 207nature in the Book of Judg. 5.15. where it is ſaid, that for the diviſions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.

Alſo remember,Judg. 20.12, 13, 14.46, 47, & 21.1.6. &c.Judg 20:12Judg 20:13Judg 20:14Judg 20:46Judg 20:47Judg 21:1Judg 21:6 that when the Benjamites, though for their deſert in maintaining of a bad cauſe were all deſtroyed ſaving ſix hundred, and the men of Iſrael ſware in their fury, that none of them would give his Daughter to the Benjamites to Wife, yet when their hot bloud was over, they lamented, and ſaid, There is one Tribe cut off from Iſrael this day, and they uſed all their wits to the uttermoſt of their policy to reſtore that Tribe again. In like ſort, if theſe our Brethren aforeſaid ſhould bee deprived of their places for the matters premiſed, I think wee ſhould finde cauſe to bend our wits to the uttermoſt extent of our skill to provide ſome Cure of Souls for them, where they may exerciſe their talents.

p. 208Furthermore, if theſe men, being divers hundreds (as it is bruited abroad) ſhould forſake their Charges (as ſome doe preſuppoſe they will) who I pray you ſhould ſucceed them? Verily I know not where to finde ſo many able Preachers within this Realm unprovided for. But be it that ſo many may bee found to ſupply thoſe empty roomes, yet they might more conveniently bee ſetled in the Seates of unpreaching Miniſters, and ſo the number of Preachers ſhould be much increaſed. But if they ſhould bee put into the places of theſe men being diſpoſſeſſed, thereupon would follow; Firſt, That the number of preaching Incumbents ſhould not be multiplied by their ſupply; and Secondly, The Churches could not in likelihood be ſo well and fitly furniſhed on the ſuddain; for that though happily the new ſupply ſhould bee of men as learned p. 209as the former, yet is it not probable that they ſhould bee at their firſt coming from the Univerſities, or in a good while after, ſo ready Preachers, ſo experimented in Paſtoral Government, ſo well acquainted with the manners, and uſage of the people, and ſo diſcreet every way in the carriage of themſelves, as the others, who have ſpent already many years abroad in their Miniſterial charges. Beſides this, for ſo much as in the life time of the late Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, theſe things were not ſo extreamly urged, but that many learned Preachers enjoyed their liberty herein, conditionally that they did not by word or deed openly diſgrace, or diſturb the State eſtabliſhed; I would know a reaſon, why it ſhould now be ſo generally and exceeding ſtrictly called upon, eſpecially ſeeing that thoſe men are now the more p. 210neceſſary, by ſo much as wee ſee greater increaſe of Papiſts to bee now of late than were before. To conclude, I wiſh, that if by Petition made to the Kings Majeſty, there cannot be obtained a quite remove of the premiſes, which ſeem ſo grievous to divers,The Biſhops themſelves ſome of them were not ſo zealous againſt tolleration as ſome of our Brethren are. nor yet a TOLLERATION for them, w^ch be of the more ſtayed, and temperate carriage; yet at the leaſt, there might be procured a mitigation of the penalty, if they cannot be drawn by other reaſons to a conformity with us.