Beams of Former Light, Chapter 7

Beams of Former Light · Chapter 7

p. 120CHAP. VII. Of the prejudice to the Miniſtry, and evil conſequences of ſuch an Impoſition.

§. 1.

The former branch, p. 101.THe ſecond branch of this Argument is, that ſuch an impoſition hath had evil conſequences in former ages, and likely ſo to bee followed ſtill, whereof this is one.

Such great and breaking penalties p. 121render the Calling of the Miniſtry leſſe deſirable. Thus our Brethren formerly complained, The fear of ſuch RUINING penalties make many convert their ſtudies to Phyſick, Law, or ſome other profeſsion, Trial of Sub. p. 19. So the Advertiſer. How many worthy men (ſaith hee) are diſcouraged from the Miniſtry? How many have no uſe of their gifts? How many are turned Lawyers, and Phyſicians, Advert. p. 13.or at leaſt are ſuch that otherwiſe would have been Miniſters?

Mr. Parker (out of Hyperius) notes two impediments that hinder from the Miniſtry, whereof this is one, A too ridgid exaction of certain traditions, and the obſervation of unprofitable Ceremonies, to which men are tied that are ſet over Charges. He further tells us, being ſenſible how great an evil it is to diſcourage from the Miniſtry out of the Tripart: Hiſtory.

p. 122Valentinian rejoyced when he heard that Ambroſe was made a Minister, whom he before had made a Pretor, and praiſed God for it: On the other ſide, what loſſe (ſaith he) is there, even in one able Preacher turned to ſome other courſe of life, and how irrecoverable. O take up a lamentation yee that love Sion, over the MANY that are gone over; ſome to Gallen, ſome to Juſtinian, ſome to Littleton, whom wee might long ſince have ſeen in Moſes Chair, had not the ſubſcription like the blade of a fiery Cherubin kept them out.Of the Croſſe, cap. 4. §. 8.

§. 2.

The Lord himſelf judgeth Miniſters, ſuch as labour in the Word and Doctrin, to be worthy not only of Hire, 1 Tim, 5.17, 18.but in ſuch a proportion as is Honourable, and ſomething ſutable p. 123to Houſe-keepers, that are able to keep Hoſpitality; 1 Tim. 3.21 Tim 3:2A man cannot bee Hoſpitious if hee have not more means, houſe-room, Servants, and a more plentiful Table than will barely ſuffice for himſelf and Family. Thoſe that ſerve their Country with their Lives,2 Cor. 9.72 Cor 9:7 ſuch as goe a Warfare, have rewards, and a pay that is plentiful and honourable. And times have been that even this Calling of a Miniſter in reſpect of the means annexed hath tempted men to covet it, 2 Pet. 5.2for filthy lucre. It is utterly otherwiſe now, not but that there is a very liberal maintenance appertaining to Miniſters (and greater by the bounty of the Honourable Parliament, than the preaching Miniſtry have formerly enjoyed.) But the diſcouragement lyeth in this, then ſlender and UNCERTAIN TENVRE; It is ſuppoſed in the Law that every Parſon and Vicar hath the intereſt of a p. 124Free-holder, but it proves no other than a dum bene ſe geſſerit; and the Rules and Law of his deportment is ſo mutable upon all occaſions, and made up of ſuch ſmall and circumſtantial concernments in reſpect to his high and honourable Calling, that his tenure proves to him little better than a holding at will, and that upon this account; becauſe ſeldome any Lawes or Rules are given in this kind, with a leſſe penalty, (if any) than ſilencing, depoſing ejection from his livelihood, and the like. It is not ſo in any other Profeſſion or Calling whatſoever, in ſo much as we are in the eyes of moſt, a generation ſeparated to ſervitude and vaſſalage, and under great contempt; and by nothing more than by the great and peculiar mulcts and puniſhments upon all occaſions inflicted upon us. Whereas of all callings, the hazard of this is ſuch as it deſerves the greateſt incouragement.Confer at H. p. 53. For,

p. 125§. 3.

1 In the breeding up a childe towards the Miniſtry; Beſides the chargeable education for ſome years, and painful induſtry for the obtaining a competency of Learning: there is over and above (and that which is a hazard to this Calling) an expectation what the perſon will prove to bee for his Piety and Morals alſo, of which we are and may bee long uncertain and doubtful.

It is true, in former times before this bleſſed and happy reformation, the door was ſo wide into Chriſts Sheep-fold; the qualifications, according to the then legal eſtabliſhment, were ſo looſe and uncertain: that the very Biſhops themſelves complained. The Biſhop of Wincheſter in the conference at Hampton Court thus informes King James, The inſufficiency of the Clergy (ſaith he) comes not p. 126by the Biſhops fault, but partly by Lay Patrons, who preſent very mean men to their Cures, partly by the Law of the Land, which admitteth of a very mean ſufficiency in any Clerk, ſo that if the Biſhop ſhould not admit them, then preſently a Quare impedit is ſent out againſt him. But now, through the Lords mercy to the poor people of this Nation, and by the zeal and care of our Governours it is otherwiſe; the qualifications of perſons who are now judged fit for this Function, (according to what is eſtabliſhed by Parliament, with the advice of the Aſſembly) are ſuch as imply grace and holineſſe, ſo farre as man can judge, to be in truth and ſincerity.

Before any man be admitted to the Miniſtry,Ordinance for Ordination, &c. Novem. 8. 1645. there muſt be inquiry made (ſaith the Ordinance) touching the grace of God in him, and whether hee bee of ſuch holineſs of life as is requiſite in a Miniſter of the p. 127Goſpel; A man for his learning and morals may bee fit for any place or ſtation in the Common-wealth, and yet fall ſhort of ſuch a ſtame in reſpect of his Spiritual condition, as is neceſſarily required to this ſacred calling. And the hazard and venture of his education is the greater, becauſe this is an accompliſhment, or requiſite of ſuch a nature as is not to bee purchaſed with mony, or attainable by any induſtry of our own; both the will and the deed is from the meer pleaſure of the Lord.

§. 4.

2 After a man hath entred upon his calling, and is comfortably diſpoſed of in the work, and hath a ſupport thereby for himſelf and family, yet being a perſon thus holy and gracious, if State impoſitions in Eccleſiaſtical matters bee at ſuch a rate hee will be upon terms of great uncertainty for his continuance, p. 128or any conſtant ſettlement in his place, and that upon a twofold account.

1 His Conſcience engageth him narrowly to conſider of all the performances his place requireth; the buſineſſe and work of his calling being more peculiarly the ſervice of God, doth lye more directly and dreadfully in view of his conſcience. His calling engageth him to ſearch the Scriptures, and furniſh himſelf thence with a treaſure of what is new and old: And hence his apprehenſions may poſſibly (and the more holy and conſciencious the more likely) fall otherwiſe, eſpecially in diſputable matters, then other mens have done formerly; or otherwiſe then the preſent eſtabliſhment: which if they happen to doe, hee is undone, and muſt bee turned out of his livelihood, to beggery, or ſome other way to get a poor ſupport for himſelf and family.

p. 129Hence it is, that ſome Students, intending the Miniſtry, out of fear how their thoughts may fall, keep off from the ſearch and enquiry, into ſuch concernments, until Conſcience enforce them.Preface to his Ser. at Lambeth. Doctor Downham a learned godly man, tells us it was thus with him, I ſuſpended the ſtudy thereof (meaning Church matters) for a long time, and gives this as one reaſon, if I came to the iſsue of ſuch a ſtudy, it would bee either the diſgrace of my miniſtry, amongſt the forward ſort, if I reſolved for Epiſcopacy: or overthrow of my Miniſtry, if I ſtand for Diſcipline. And when we are neceſſitated to the ſetling of our though as in ſuch points. Where the heart is ſincere and led by Scripture light, it is hard to ſay upon what wee ſhall pitch at laſt. He further tells us, that being in the Miniſtry hee was neceſsitated to come to a reſolution for one form of Government or other, and though no enemy, but rather p. 130a Friend to the Presbyterian way, from a reverend opinion (as he ſaith) I had conceived of Maſter Calvin, and Mr. Beza, and many other learned men, Patrons and Factors of the DISCIPLINE. But in ſtudying the Controverſie as one that means to be convicted with truth, his perſwaſion fell in with Epiſcopacy, and ſo hee practiſed. This hath been, and daily is the lot of many Miniſters of the Goſpel, eſpecially in theſe dayes of light, (and ſince Popery which captivated mens conſciences by an implicit faith) in their ſearch after a ſettlement in theſe agitated points of Worſhip and Diſcipline: their perſwaſions have been fixed otherwiſe than they poſſibly expected.

§. 5.

Let it bee but ſeriouſly weighed, 1 What differences of Judgment there are, and alwaies hath p. 131been amongſt thoſe that are truly godly, and of ſome eminency. And then, 2 Take the variety of ſuch perſons or perſwaſions rather, that are in this, or ſome one, or part of an age, and accordingly ſort them, as in a way of ſucceſſion, five, ten, or twenty years one after another, (ſo providence might have diſpoſed) And if each in its ſucceſſion had been impoſed, under this penalty of ejection, if not owned. How long or how little time rather could any conſcientious man bee likely to have held his Miniſtry? The variety of apprehenſions amongſt thoſe of the ſame perſwaſion, the differences amongſt Independents, as ſome have made them, and how reverend Mr. Cotton, now with God, contradicts himſelf, as Mr. Caudery would ſuppoſe (and it might have been more than his ſuppoſition) As likewiſe the greater variety amongſt the Presbyterians, and in greater matters, as ſet down by p. 132Biſhop Bancroft, as alſo the contradictions of one he mentions with himſelf and others; (I could give other inſtances) Is of better uſe than I beleeve was intended in blaſoning the infirmities of godly men, namely to confirme this experiment, That where the moſt conſcientious ſearch is made, there apprehenſions may fall various in theſe ſmaller matters: yea and if a man, differ from himſelf alſo in reſpect of his former thoughts, it … diſhonour while in that ſtate wherein he knows but in part. And few there bee that ſet themſelves to a conſcientious and unprejudiced ſearch after truth; but know (comparing what apprehenſions they have had at ſeveral times) and muſt acknowledge, they have differed as much with themſelves at times as they differ from other godly men at the preſent.

p. 133§. 6.

IN the ſecond place conſider upon what uncertainties alſo a conſciencious Miniſter is; in reſpect of the great unſetledneſſe and frequent changes of the orders and Lawes (upon which the liberty of his Miniſtry depends) by the Civil Magiſtrate, eſpecially when reformation-work is in hand: and this, not only from different apprehenſions, which are in Governours and Magiſtrates, as well as in Miniſters. But principally, from their coveting to bring Eccleſiaſtical affairs, into a compliance with the Civil. Yea ſuch Magiſtrates as are not with Erastus; for the whole frame of Church Government to depend upon the prudential formings of Chriſtian Magiſtrates, yea it would have the Circumſtances, and ſuch other things as are not of the ſubſtance in Church matters, p. 134ſo to bee ordered as may rightly joynt what is to be ſetled with the Laws and government of the Kingdome, Ordinance of March 14. 1645. in the Preface.the want whereof (ſay they) hath cauſed much trouble in this and other States. This was one conſideration, upon which Epiſcopacy was taken away,Ordinan. June 12. 1643. namely, becauſe it was very prejudicial to the ſtate and government of this Kingdome.

Now, if a ſettlement in the Church depends thus upon the Lawes and conſtitutions of the Common-wealth, As they or it ſhall alter and change, there will ordinarily (then at furtheſt) bee new mouldings of the Church order in whole; or in ſome parts of it: and if ſo, experiments may bee made, of ſeveral wayes and impoſitions, before a thorow and fixed ſettlement of any. It cannot bee expected (ſaith the former Ordinance) a rule in every particular ſhould bee ſetled at once, but that there will bee need of ſuppliment, and additions, p. 135and happily alſo of alterations; in ſome things as EXPERIENCE ſhall bring to light the neceſsity thereof, though the fundamentals and ſubſtantial parts of Church-Government hath been ſetled.

And ſo in the firſt reformation, there was a reſerve for alterations. It is ſaid of the Ceremonies and Church-Order then determined,Preface to the Com. Prayer-Book. that upon juſt cauſes they may bee altered and changed, being not as the Law of God, and a little after in the ſame Declaration, That wee ſhould put away ſuch things from time to time, as wee perceive to bee abuſed, as in mans Ordinance it often chanceth. And it is appointed by the Statute for Uniformity; That the Queens Majeſty, with the advice of her Metropolitan, might make ſuch alterations, and ordaine and publiſh ſuch further Rites and Ceremonies of the Church as may bee moſt for Gods glory, &c. And what alteration was, in the Common-Prayer Book, in 1… p. 136Jacobi was done by Commiſſion under the Great Seal,Proclamation of March 5. 1 Jaco. which is there ſaid to bee according to the form which the Lawes of this Realm in like caſe preſcribe to be uſed, ſo that not only in Parliament, but at other times alſo, alterations might be made

§. 7.

So they ſay, Ordi. of March 14. 1645.THe great difficulty which the Honourable Houſes found, to pitch upon any thing ſuddainly in Church-Government, eſpecially in what they judged not to be fundamental, and of the ſubſtance of it, for that was ſooner ſetled by them: And the poſſibility upon further experience to make alterations in Circumſtantials and leſſer matters. Did beget a tenderneſs in them, and gracious indulgence to ſuch as were to ſubmit, in what they then ſetled: as

1 In the eſtabliſhing of matters more doubtful for three years only, p. 137or a ſhorter time. 2 What was to be for a ſtanding Law, or Rule, and for longer time, had no ruining penalty, to enforce ſubmiſſion. 3 A forbearance was conſulted, for ſuch as through tenderneſſe of Conſcicence could not come up to that rule, prudently and piouſly conſidering; What was not without ſo much difficulty reſolved upon in their own Conſciences to eſtabliſh: might after eſtabliſhment, finde ſome difficulty in other mens Conſciences to be ſubmitted unto.

And the truth is, ſuch matters as Civil Governours and others have looked upon as ſmall differences, or but Circumſtances, or at moſt, not of the ſubſtance of Diſcipline or Worſhip: yet it hath fallen out otherwiſe, in the Conſciences of thoſe that have been to practiſe, knowing their God to bee a jealous and ſevere God, in matters wherein his Worſhip and Name is concerned,Exod. 20.Exod 20 Small things are p. 138great to a ſearching tender Conſcience, and where doing or not doing, thruſts a man between theſe two rocks; the offending of God or man.

§. 8.

And that our Governours may ſtill (if it pleaſe the Lord) continue this work of reformation, with the like tenderneſs, as it hath bin begun, and hitherto carried on: let it be ſeriouſly and ſadly conſidered, how that from time to time the greateſt differences and contentions with us in Eccleſiaſtical affairs have riſen: not from what is of the ſubſtance or eſſence, either in Diſcipline or Worſhip; but from Circumſtances only, and leſſer matters in both. And then eſpecially ſuch things have proved, and will prove occaſions of greateſt ſuffering and diſcouragement to Miniſters; when ſuch ſmaller and more doubtful matters as theſe, are impoſed under ſuch great and undoing penalties, as in THIS CASH.

p. 139Epiſcopal and Common-prayer-Book Conformity, and the contentions and ſufferings upon that account is a ſad inſtance, and may not bee forgotten. The matters controverted were not of the ſubstance either of Diſcipline or Worſhip, in the opinions of thoſe that impoſed them. This appears in the Preface to the Common-Prayer Boo… and frequent profeſſions of the Biſhops: Nor were they otherwiſe judged of by thoſe that oppoſed and ſought to have them reformed. It is aſſerted by our Brethren in a Treatiſe, that the Biſhops and Seekers of Reformation are all one (that is the title of the Book) the drift and ſcope whereof is to ſhew, that whatſoever is eſſentially of the religion and profeſsion of the Church of England, and of the Miniſtry, deſcribed in the Holy Scripture, maintained by the Prelates ſtanding for conformity: Wee the Miniſters and People, who ſeek reformation, doe p. 140hold and profeſſe the ſame. And the things wee deſire to bee reformed, and they ſtand earneſtly to maintain, are but Circumſtantial. Additaments, brought into the Church by Humane conſtitution. Which will bee more evident, if wee reduce the Controverſies thereabout to theſe three heads; the Leitourgie, Ceremonies, and Epiſcopacy.

For the firſt, ſtinted prayers. A formed Leitourgie there was, to be held to for matter and words, by all Miniſters, or to loſe their Livings. Thoſe that were for this, look upon ſuch forms impoſed to bee no matter of Religion, Mr. B… his trial, p. 4.or ſubſtantial means of Worſhip, nor neceſſary to prayer; And thoſe againſt it joyn in this, that the Book of Common prayer may bee uſed for the ſubſtance thereof.

2 The heats and ſufferings about the Ceremonies were greater, the Materials of this Controverſie were but Circumstantials, p. 141ſo granted by both parties; Our Brethren diſputed not againſt them,Br…dſh. 12, Arg. but as in manner and form preſcribed. Thoſe that preſſed Ceremonies profeſſed as much. Our Church, (ſaith Biſhop Morton) retains them for decency, &c. without making them of the ſubſtance of Gods Service, The 3 Innocent Cerem p. 45.thinking them alterable and changeable, without opinion of neceſsity. And of the Croſſe (one of the worſt of them) in the Canons of 1603. Can. 30.The keeping and omitting of a Ceremony in it ſelf conſidered is but a ſmall thing, Ed. 6. Common Prayer Book, Ann. 1549. it is ſaid to be no part of the SVBSTANCE of the Worſhip. The infant is fully and perfectly Baptized before the ſign of the Croſſe, which being afterwards uſed, doth neither adde any thing, or being omitted doth detract any thing from the effect and SVBSTANCE of it, and in the ſame Can. It is a thing in it ſelf INDIFFERENT.

3. Epiſcopacy, and that form of Government, which (ſaith Doct. Downham is the chief and principal: though other particulars bee controverted, p. 142and ſo chief: as that ſometimes I have thought the reſt to bee but controverſies in pretence, Pref. to his Serm. at La….to avoyd the envie of this. The foundation of this Controverſie alſo is laid in matters of the ſame nature, and ſuch as are not of the ſubſtance and Eſſentials of Church Government, betwixt it and Presbytery, in the proper work and acts of either there is not found a ſubſtantial difference. The Parliament gives us an inſtance in one of the higheſt, ORDINATION. Which is aſſerted in the Epiſcopal way to be for SVBSTANCE valid, and not to be diſclaimed by any that have received it, and that Presbyters ſo ordained may ORDAIN other Presbyters; the like may bee ſaid of Excommunication, and other Adminiſtrations of either: that they are the ſame for ſubſtance. The learned Biſhop of Armath in a Treatiſe written by him long ago, ſhewed how without the breach of any Scripture rules, or deſtroying p. 143any thing eſſential to Church Government;The reduc. of Epiſco. unto a Synodical form. Epiſcopacy and Presbytery might be reduced into one form. And it is the opinion of the moſt of our Non-Conformiſts, in their writings againſt thoſe of the ſeparation;Bradſh. againſt Johnſon, Hilderſham Jacobs, and others. that the Biſhops of this Nation, and Presbyters, according to the inſtitution of Chriſt, differ not in any eſſential part or work of the Miniſtry.

I may adde alſo in point of Church Government, that Preſbytery and Independency is the ſame for ſubſtance, and ſo granted by both; Wee agree (ſay the diſſenting Brethren) with them (Preſbyterians) in Doctrin and Worſhip, Accommodation, pa. 29. & 77 Jus di. Min. by the Province of Lon.and in the moſt SUBSTANTIAL things of Church-Government; our brethren alſo aſſert, that our differences from them are in Circumſtantials, and in leſſer matters only.

If now Presbytery, and Independency p. 144be the ſame for ſubſtance, and their differences but in Circumſtances, and upon that account the Magiſtrate (in his opinion) hath power to ſettle either, as he ſhall judge moſt ſuitable to the Civil eſtate, and when hee findes it inconvenient in that reſpect alſo, to alter again any form, as hee did Epiſcopacy; if this bee ſuppoſed, and either of theſe ſhould bee impoſed to bee owned under the penalty of ejection, or ſilencing; (which the Lord in mercy as yet hath prevented) It may be a means in all likelihood, to take from the people of God, as many precious Miniſters of the Goſpel (if it ſhould remain, ſo long) as Epiſcopacy when it had its time, and was in the like manner impoſed.

It was looked upon by the Parliament, as no matter of the ſubſtance of Church-government, as they expreſly declare, which was by Ordinance eſtabliſhed: for the judging p. 145of ſcandalous ſinners, and ſuch as were to bee kept from the Sacrament. They profeſſe alſo in doing this,Ordinanc. of March 14. 1645. they had the COVENANT which they had ſo ſolemnly taken before their eyes. And yet thoſe that were to ſubmit and obey, complain in their petition to both Houſes, that there were ſome things eſtabliſhed in thoſe Ordinances, ſo contrary to that way of Government which Chriſt hath appointed in his Word, Aſſemb. Pet. of March 23, 1645.and ſo diſagreeable to the COVENANT, that they dare not practiſe according to that proviſion. And if the penalty of Ejection ſhould have been laid upon thoſe that could not in conſcience ſubmit to that eſtabliſhment; it was profeſſed by the Aſſembly in another Petition, that they did evidently fore-ſee, that not only THEY, but MANY of their godly Brethren, muſt bee put upon ſinning, or the forſaking of their ſtations in the miniſtry.

p. 146§. 9.

Thus we ſee what great diſcouragements ariſe from ſuch impoſitions; and how not only the WAY is made farre narrower to thoſe who would come into the Miniſtry, and the STATION more ſlippery and uncertain to thoſe that are in; which uncertainty ariſeth not only from the doubtfulneſſe of our own thoughts in diſputable points, but the changes may happen in a ſtate.

This muſt needes bring a low eſteem upon this way, eſpecially when ſo many other Callings and imployments are in our eye, more illuſtrious and creditful, and may bee undertook, and continued in, with much more ſecurity; The Law, Phyſick, Merchandize, &c. Callings much more gainful, and may bee had, and practiſed by a Turk, or Jew, or Papiſt, here amongſt us; nor is there any thing p. 147in point of Religion or Morals more required of them in that reſpect, than in the holding of their Houſes, Lands, or Temporal eſtates.

And let not men deceive themſelves in thinking, that this Calling hath ſuch a peculiar ſweetneſſe, and ſuch encouragements from the Lord, more than other Callings, that there is no fear wee ſhall want Miniſters; Or that the men of this Calling ſhould bee ſo Spiritual, as revenues or reward in theſe temporal and carnal things, ſhould, or ought not to be reſpected by them.

Anſ. Though ſowing of Spiritual things was, and is, a very ſweet and comfortable employment: yet the Apoſtle, 1 Cor. 9.11. thought it not equal, wee ſhould therefore imbitter it with poverty, but rather ſweeten it further, by their reaping of carnal things, Gal. 6.6, 7.Gal 6:6Gal 6:7and he that is taught to communicate to him that teacheth, the good things of this life, elſe but a mocking of God.

p. 148If this Calling doe meet with ſuch peculiar encouragements, above other Callings, from the Lord, this is no argument it may therefore bee the more loaded by us; but on the contrary, as he wil honour them that honour him, ſo ſhould we honour them that God honours, and encourage them, moſt of any, that the Lord encourageth: You that are Gods and Fathers here on the earth, with the comforts of the earth, as our heavenly Father doth ſuch with the greater comforts of his Spirit. I anſwer further, and let it be conſidered.

When men take the firſt proſpect of the calling, they purpoſe themſelves unto, it is at a diſtance, and after this reſolution is taken up (which is but the firſt ſtep) there is a tedious journey to bee made through ſome years education; ſo that the moſt men that now are in this, or in moſt other callings, are ſuch who were in their p. 149Natural ſtate and condition, when they firſt choſe and deſigned their way. And made their choyce with reſpect rather to a livelihood, and ſupport in outward things; ſome to raiſe an eſtate, &c. than any thing of more Spiritual conſideration: As the bread and plenty in his Fathers houſe was to that Son (in the place and diſtance in which hee ſtood) the firſt, if not the greateſt motive, Luk. 15.17Luke 15:17in a higher and greater diſpoſement.

And therefore when thoſe great encouragements, and places of advancement, as Biſhopricks, Deaneries, double Benefices, Benefices with Prebendaries, and the like: without ſome of which there was never yet any man, though of ever ſo great eminency in this calling, hath been able to riſe, to any ſuch eſtate in this world, as almoſt in any other profeſſion, ſome that are expert and able in it have done. I p. 150ſay, when theſe were taken away, a very great incouragement to Learning was removed, and ſuch as will be felt in the following age. Not that the continuance of ſuch places is in the leaſt deſirable, no, they were ſinful, and ought to bee removed.

But let Gods dealing and providence in removing of them, bee remarkably obſerved, and eſpecially in this, namely, That when the Lord took from this Tribe thoſe invitations, that did ballance the hazard of a long and chargeable education, and other uncertainties, At the ſame time theſe Ceremonies and ſubſcriptions, (the tenure by which they were held) and thoſe great and breaking penalties of ejection and deprivation for Non-Conformity were alſo happily removed; which was ſo great an incouragement on the other hand; as it held up mens minds to the Miniſtry notwithſtanding.

p. 151But now to ſee theſe penalties, upon one occaſion or other, returning upon us again (but thoſe encouragements, or any equivalent, never likely to return) and that after they have been ſo lately, and twice taken away, and to return again in as ſtrict a ſeverity upon this almoſt ſunk generation of men as ever they were inflicted; It will cauſe multitudes to turn their backs upon this Profeſsion more than upon any other; and more than ever they have done heretofore.

I muſt profeſſe, I have long feared, and doe ſtill more than ever, conſidering theſe things, and upon what uncertain terms alſo, that maintenance depends, which the Law hath allowed for the Miniſters ſupport, and how long ſtruck at (I mean Tithes) and petitioned againſt, and I doubt had been taken away before this time, were it not for the Lay-intereſt (ſo much ſpoken againſt by ſome) of Appropriators. p. 152And alſo with what difficulty, ſome Tithes, eſpecially in Cities and Towns, are now recovered and gotten in.

I ſay, when I thus conſider and lay all together, I fear this Nation, which hath been worthily famous throughout the world, for learned, powerful, able Preachers, In a ſhort time (if ſuch diſcouragements ſhould bee brought in again upon the Miniſtry) our Governours will bee conſtrained, either 1 To take the courſe they doe in the Netherlands, where the Miniſters being low and mean, their Children comming to the charity of the State, are bred up to the Miniſtry again for a ſupply when their Fathers go off by death. And for their Profeſſors places, men are called ordinarily from other parts to ſupply them. Or 2 To put into the Miniſtry perſons bred up to ſome other Calling or Trade: who though not able in conſcience to conform to what is, p. 153or what may bee impoſed in Diſcipline or Worſhip, yet (if it ſo happen) can take up their Shops or Trades again: Having been ſo provident, as not to caſt their youth into ſuch a way of breeding, as will hang their neceſſary livelihood upon ſuch an uncertain, & turning hinge.

§. 10.

And if this alſo be added, the SEASON, and a conſideration of theſe times, in which, 1 Miniſters work never lay heavier upon thoſe that are faithful; and 2 The hands never fewer to bear it up, than at this preſent, which will adde weight and aggravation to our diſcouragement.

For the firſt, when a reformation is made, of what is amiſſe in Religion; when the Worſhip of God comes to bee purged of old wonts and ſuperſtitions, theſe are ſuch things as the common people are more unwilling to part with than p. 154their gold or ſilver, 1 Pet. 1.18. Judg. 18.24 Jer. 32.35.1 Pet 1:18Judg 18:24Jer 32:35or any thing elſe they have in this world. A more Spiritual Goſpel Light alſo, in reforming times, breaketh forth upon ſuch as naturally love darkneſs rather than light. At ſuch times therefore there hath ever been great ſtirrings, and diſtempers of ſpirit through the generality of a whole Nation.

The Miniſters they only ſtand as it were in the front of contention, and receive all the ſhot of oppoſition. Though the alterations be by the Lawes of the Nation, and the reſolutions of their own repreſentatives: yet they are willing to look no further than their Miniſters (in whoſe hands indeed theſe changes firſt appear, as thoſe that make them. Our Miniſter (ſaith one) will not uſe the Common-prayer-Book, not Marry, nor Bury, nor Church, as we were wont to have it; our Miniſter will ſet up Diſcipline, keep us from the Sacrament, ſay others.

p. 155When Miniſters had to doe only with the Doctrine of the Goſpel, and diſcharged their Conſciences in a faithful and ſearching application of it to each perſon, ſuch a mans condition was not much better than Iſhmaels, of whom it is ſaid,Gen. 16.12Gen 16:12 His hand is againſt every man, and every mans hand againſt him: But, Goſpel-Diſcipline provokes and diſpleaſeth ten times more, and this alſo is now Miniſterial work, and it is a New work to the common people, eſpecially it being exerciſed by ſo mean a hand (as they account it) a common Miniſter. Formerly it was done by a Biſhop, a Spiritual Court, under Seal, and by thoſe that exerciſed a great deal of ſtate in their Eccleſiaſtical proceedings, like the Princes of this world, that have dominion over their people.

Thus we ſee Miniſters have diſcouragements enough at ſuch a time, from the work it ſelf if performed as it ſhould be, in ſo much p. 156as in many places they are enforced to ſit down with half the means the Lawes give them; and what they doe get, is with ſuch uncomfortable, contentions, as did not neceſſity urge, they were better beſtow their pains amongſt them for nothing. And this hath been the Miniſters condition upon all changes and further reformations; who being not able in Conſcience to ſatisfie their people in ſuch ſuperſtitious vanities, as they formerly enjoyed; the people put them to the utmoſt extremity and moleſtation in every thing they have to doe with them in.

And ſo it is at this time, in ſo much as his Highneſſe commiſerating the ſufferings in this kind.Proclamation for the better encouragement of godly Miniſters. Nov. 25. 1658. of the moſt conſcientious Miniſters throughout the Nation; was graciouſly pleaſed with the advice of his Council: by a ſeaſonable Proclamation, to require all perſons concerned, to deal more righteouſly in this matter.

p. 157And it being thus at preſent with the faithful Miniſters of the Goſpel, and eſpecially with thoſe that are moſt zealous to carry on this work of reformation. If to this ſevere Diſcipline of the people, who take from him half his means, becauſe he diſchargeth his Conſcience in ſome things: ſuch Diſcipline of the Magiſtrate bee added; the taking away his whole means, becauſe he cannot goe againſt his Conſcience in ſome other things. I ſay, if it be thus with this profeſsion, and on each hand beſet with ſuch diſcouragements, it is not for us to expect any thing in the future, but a very low Miniſtry through the Nation, ſome few perſons being off the Stage, that more encouraging times engaged to come on.

§. 11.

For the Second. As the work it ſelf hath not been ſo troubleſome p. 158and diſcouraging, in any age: ſo is this a ſeaſon wherein the faithful Orthodox Labourers are few, very few in compariſon. The age before this late Reformation, was a very waſting age, by reaſon of Epiſcopal tyranny, many that were conſcientious diverted their Studies; of thoſe that engaged in the Miniſtry, multitudes were hunted out of this Nation into forein parts, where half of them loſt their laſt breath, and not half of that half remaining, are returned amongſt us again.

It is alſo with us now, as in the firſt reformation, the Popiſh then ſo the Epiſcopal diſ-affected Miniſters now, have neceſſarily been turned out of this imployment: ſo that ſuch is the ſcarcity of well-affected and able men to carry on this work, that many Pariſhes throughout the Nation lye vacant, and are as ſheep without a Shepheard; eſpecially in the remoter parts. And where it is otherwiſe, and places better furniſhed; p. 159the number is not ſufficient, no not in the City of London, or the Univerſities, to preſerve their people to the intreſt of the preſent work of Chriſt: but are more and more prevailed upon, and infected with the old Leaven of Popery and Superſtition, and the wretched Principles of the Epiſcopal malignant Party, which daily increaſeth every where.

And the reaſon of ſuch Apoſtacy I conceive to be this. Many ſuperſtitious and ill-affected, ſtill hold their places and Livings, by the intreſt of friends, or having been wary, and kept without the reach of the Ordinance; and thoſe more open who have been ejected, creep into the empty and vacant places, and having no legal maintenance are not (nor are the people that receive and maintain them) within the reach of any Law as yet eſtabliſhed: ſo that it is to be feared, ſuch perſons upon one account or other, are a greater p. 160number than the ſound and godly, and thoſe that ingage thorowly in this work.

This being ſo, the faithful and well-affected Miniſters of the Goſpel, ſhould not at ſuch a time eſpecially, but for very great unworthineſs, be ejected and put out of their places. There is too much ground to fear, that ſome one ſuch impoſition as in THIS CASE, and rigorouſly proſecuted upon ſuch as cannot conform, will give the Malignant party the day they look for; and thoſe that doe conform and keep their places: will be ſo overtopped by Malignants and their followers, as they will not bee able to do much in reforming of their people any where. The common ſort of men in all ſuch changes being ordinarily found, very brutiſhly to ſtick and hold to old Cuſtoms, and then moſt of all, and with moſt zeal, when there is an endeavour by wholſome Laws and conſtitutions p. 161to direct, and put them on to a more Goſpel and Spiritual way of ſerving the Lord.

§. 12.

It is thought and ſaid, the differences and conteſt about Church-Government, and the like matters, that have unhappily faln out amongſt thoſe that are well-affected, hath been a great advantage and ſtrengthning to the other party. And very likely it hath been ſo, and therefore the more heed ought to be, leſt ſome new matter of controverſie be ſtarted, that may occaſion further differences amongſt the godly.

Our adverſaries never have ſuch advantage of the different opinions or practices that are amongſt our ſelves, as when for ſuch differences wee drive one another out of the field. Though differences are and have bin between Presbyterians and p. 162Independents, yet each keeps his ſtation, and fights (in different regiments, it may bee) againſt the ſame common Enemy. But by ſuch penalties of ejection and ſilencing; we drive a conſiderable part of our own out from us, when our common enemy is already too ſtrong for the whole. The Popiſh party had no ſuch advantage by any differences amongſt thoſe that oppoſed them, in the firſt reformation, as when the brethren ſo differing came by the ſeverity of Governours, to bee diſtinguiſhed by the ſir-names of Conformiſts and Non-Conformiſts, and the one upon that account caſhiered and droven out of the field by the other.

And I have been very apt to conceive, this to be the cauſe why that firſt reformation proſpered no better: we know that in near a hundred years it gained little upon Popery and ſuperſtition more than was gotten by the firſt aſſault, nay it decayed, p. 163and Popery grew under it ſo faſt, as at laſt wee were almoſt returned into the ſame condition that we were reformed from; this I ſay may be the cauſe. There was the like ſevere impoſitions and Lawes made (as in this caſe) upon occaſion of differences amongſt themſelvs, and then advantages were taken thereby, and many put out of the Muſter-roll, for Non-Conformity, who were of greateſt courage, and moſt faithful reſolution againſt Popery and Superſtition, the then common enemy.

The ſilencing and ejection of Miniſters in Q. Elizabeths days, reformation being newly begun, & the enemies to it many, the friends and thoſe that faithfully engaged few: was looked upon by the godly prudent of that age, as very unſeaſonable; yea though their crimes had deſerved it, becauſe of the ſcarcity of Preachers at that time. There is nothing more frequent in p. 164our ſuffering Brethrens writings, that were then publiſhed againſt the Hierarchy, than a bemoaning the great loſſe to the cauſe and people of God thereby. I will mention but one; Conſidering the ſeaſon (ſaith Mr. Parker) though wee were worthy, yet ſhould wee leaſt be deprived now when Popery (Epiſcopacy and malignancy wee may adde) riſeth like the ſwellings of Jordan, yea maketh invaſion like an armed man, when there are wanting many (this is truly our ſad caſe at preſent) On the other ſide, in many Pariſhes to ſtand up in the gap againſt it. Doth not the Canon Law it ſelf ſpare depriving for greater faults, when there is PENVRIA ſacerdotum & quando utilitas ecceleſiae exigit. Park. of the Croſſe, cap. 5. §. 16.