Unity our Duty, Text
UNITY OVR DUTY.
IN TWELVE CONSIDERATIONS Humbly preſented to the Godly, Reverend, and Learned Brethren of the Presbyterian judgement; and the diſſenting Godly, Reverend, and Learned Brethren, commonly called Independant; contending together about Church Government.
Which tends earneſtly to diſſwade them from bitter ſpeaking, and writing one againſt another.
By I. P.
Phil. 2. 3.That nothing be done through ſtrife or vaine glory, but that in meek…neſſe of minde every man eſteeme other better then himſelfe.
James 3. 14, 15, 16, 17.But if ye have bitter envying, and ſtrife in your hearts rejoyce not, neither be lyers againſt the truth. This wiſedome deſcendeth not from above, but is earthly, ſenſuall, and deviliſh. For where envie and ſtrife is, there is ſedition and all manner of evill workes. But the wiſedome that is from above is firſt pure, then peaceable, gentle, and eaſie to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits without judging, and without hypocriſie. Rom. 14. 19 Let us then follow thoſe things which make for peace, and wherewith one may edifie another.
Licenſed and Publiſhed according to Order.
London, Pinted by T. Paine, for John Hancock, and are to be ſold at his ſhop at the entrance into Popes-Head Ally out of Cornhill. 164….
ƲNITY OƲR DƲTY.
In Twelve conſiderations humbly preſented to the godly, Reverend, and learned Brethren of the Presbyterian judgement, and the diſſenting godly, reverend, and learned Brethren, commonly called Independent, contending together about CHVRCH GOVERNEMENT.
THe errors of the times doth abunantly vindicate the defect of our faith in the knowledge of the truth, And the diviſions of the times the defect of our love in the proſecution of the ſame, the forme of ſound words is to be held faſt in faith and love, 2 Tim. 1. 13. The devouring ſword abroad, and the deviding pen at home, rendreth our condition very neere the pit of diſtruction, and that by a Divine hand of Juſtice? for as the want of ſound knowledge argueth the weakeneſſe of our heads, (and ſo our unprofitablenes for God) ſo the want of love the rottenneſſe of our hearts, and what ſhall God doe with a weake headed and rotten hearted people. It is hard to ſay whether is the ſaddeſt Omen of our approaching miſery; either the unhappie diviſions of our owne party, or betweene our ſelves and the common Enemy, whoſe promiſing advantage againſt our ſelves in that particular, is their greateſt hopes, and our greateſt feare; they are united, we divided; they are all one againſt us, & each of us one againſt his brother, unity acteth the ſons of error & diviſion the ſons of truth, which is as if the good ſhould with the wicked, change quallities, and yet retaine priviledges; the ſpirit of pride, peeviſhneſſe▪ …ſſion, perverſeneſſe, mallice, confidence, envy and Emulation doth apparently look (as through a lettice)▪ through theſe late times of contention about Church Diſcipline, betweene (I hope) godly parties on each ſide, which is as ſad in it ſelfe as the conſequence, (if not prevented) are like to be; The Melancholy and ſerious obſervation whereof hath caſt mee upon theſe preſent, ſuddaine, but ſeaſonable thoughts, which I have moulded into ſeverall conſiderations and motives unto a more ſweete, chriſtian, and lovely demeanour of our ſelves in our mutuall pleadings and writing againſt one another unhappily diſſenting about the truth, firſt conſider the minde of God, revealed in the Scriptures about the ſame who hath commanded us, to love one another, John 15. 17. to follow the truth in love, Epheſ. 4 15▪ to provoke one another to love, Heb. 10. 24. to reduce the fallen brethren either in judgement or practiſe with the ſpirit of meekeneſſe, bearing one anothers burthens, and ſo fulfilling the law of Chriſt, Oal. 6. 1, 2. to take heede of biting and devouring one another, leaſt we bee conſnmed one of another, Gal. 5. 15. to walke by the ſame rule ſo farre as we have mutually attained, and if any be contrary minded, to wiate with Chriſtian reſpect and love in confidence that God will ſeaſonally reveale the truth unto the miſtaken, Phil. 3. 15, 16. To bee kindly affectioned one towards another with brotherly love in honour, preferring one another, Rom. 10. 12. and that this love ſhould not be complementall, but without diſſemulation, Rom. 12. 9. with a pure heart fervently, 1 Pet. 1. 22. in deede and in truth, 1 John 3. 18. that this brotherly love ſhould continue, Heb. 13. 1. and be daily increaſing and abounding one towards another, 1 Theſ. 3. 12. with many other Scriptures of the like importance.
Conſider the patterne which is ſet before you, God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him, 1 John 4. 16. Wee differ from God in heart, in life, in judgement, in practiſe, and yet ſtill God is love, the father himſelfe loveth you, John▪ 16. 27. be ye therefore followers of God as deare children, and walke in love, Epheſ. 5. 1, 2. the Sonne hath loved you▪ in nature, kinde, and degree, even as the Father hath loved the Sonne, John 15. 9. That is infinitely, Eternally, and in things infinite▪ there are not degrees of compariſon, he gave himſelfe (a meaſure of his love to us) then the which there could be no greater love, John 15. 13. the inference from hence is verſe 17. that ye love one another, the holy ſpirit is a ſpirit of love, 2 Tim. 1. 7. and the fruit of it is love, Gal. 5. 22. And where ever it is in truth, it knits the heart with the Saints in love, Coloſ. 2. 2. rooting and grounding them in love, Epheſ. 3. 17. cauſing not onelyonly the report of their faith in Chriſt Jeſus, but alſo of their love to all Saints to be heard abroad in the world, Coloſ. 1. 4. the father, the ſonne, the holy ſpirit loveth us not withſtanding our vaſt and infinite diſproportion and difference from this holy Trinity in our judgements, wills, affections, lives, and converſations, and ſurely they that are taught of God do love one another, 1 Theſ. 4 9. Conſider how ſweetly, and kindly the almighty treateth with the ſonnes of men, his words are ſoft breaking our bonds, Prov. 25. 15. and his writings are words of reconſiliation▪ ſending his Embaſſadors to beſeech us, and moſt kindly to pray us in Christs name and ſtead to bee reconciled unto God, 2 Cor. 5. 20.
Thirdly conſider, wee cannot as yet bee all of one minde, which is our affliction as well as our ſinne, yet may we be all of one heart, the fallings wherein is more our ſin then our ſorrow, unity in judgement is the promiſed bleſſing of another age, but unity in affection is our preſent duty, though we cannot ſpeake all the ſame things of ſaith, though our difference in judgement, yet we may all ſpeake the ſame things of love through the unity of our affections; though wee cannot agree in all things, which ſhould be all our griefe, yet we all agree in this thing, to ſtrive together to know the truth as it is in Jeſus, which calles for our love to one another, God in Chriſt, and Chriſt in God is the pure ſpring of that divine love which is alwaies running from God to Chriſt, and from Chriſt to God, the ſtreames whereof doe cheare the hearts of all the Saints, but the Saints in Chriſt and Chriſt in Saints ſhould make each lovely in each others eyes, our mutual intereſt in Jeſus Chriſt ſhould make us value each other as pretious jewells which God will make up in the day of his glory, Mal. 3. 17 We are all acceptable to God in the beloved, Epheſ. 1. 6, and why not then unto one another.
Fourthly, Conſider, we all know but in part. 1 Cor. 13. 9. And therefore none are ſo perfectly acquainted with one truth that he needs no further light about the ſame, and it is to beconceived that the errors of judgement in the godly, ariſeth not from the love of error, but the miſtake of truth; ſo that the light of the Saints poſſibly may be dim; and their darkeneſſe or ignorance not abſolutely without or utterly remote from ſome light: they ought therefore to here on another patiently, and to beare with one another kindly, it is the propertie of the Father of lights▪ and▪ of the Sonne of righteouſneſſe, the light of the world that in him ſhould be all light and no darkeneſſe at all: He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in light, for God is light. He that ſaith he is in light, and hateth his brother is in darkeneſſe, and walketh in darkeneſſe. (Notwithſtanding his great preſumption of his large abilities.) He knoweth not whether he goeth, becauſe that darkeneſſe hath blinded his eyes. verſe 11.
Fifthly, Conſider a paſſionate, peeviſh, froward, pettiſh, perverſe Profeſſor is ſeldome acquainted with the truth as it is in Jeſus, meekneſſe encapableth a man to receive the truth. Iames 1. 21. A froward heart and a perverſe tongue, or pen commonly goeth together, and Salomon ſaith that one findeth no good, and the other falleth into miſchiefe, Pro. 17. 20. He that thinketh he knoweth nothing as he ought to know is in the ſweeteſt capacity to be taught of the father, who filleth the hungry with good things, but ſendeth the rich empty away. Reſiſting the proude, he giveth grace to the humble, the Lord guideth the meeke in judgement, and them will he teach his way. Pſal. 25. 9. Thoſe who are become like weaned children doth he teach knowledge, and underſtand doctrine. Eſay 28. 9. A froward heart, tongue, or pen, is an abomination unto the Lord, and therefore the ſecrets of the Lord cannot be with ſuch Swelling words commonly come from ſhallow braines; and the moſt ignorant are moſt conceited; With the lowly there is wiſedome. Pro. 21. 2. A rayling tongue or pen is like the rageing waves foming out it's owne ſham…. Jude 13. The Lord teacheth the lowly perſon, and ſuch is fit to teach his brother.
Sixtly, Conſider how much men preiudiceth the truth by apaſſionate endeavour to vindicate the ſame, rayling language and invective lines▪ vailes the truth that it cannot be ſeene, who loves to drinke in troubled waters? or puddle ſtreames? When mens foame of mallice, envie and diſcontent, appeare▪ in the ſurface of their peeviſh lines, who will looke for truth therein▪ A ſmooth pen ſhall not bewitch me, for I will examine what it affirmes. A ſcolding dialect ſhall not corrupt me, for I will never beſtow the paines to read it, truth hath never need of paſſion, but oft of patience. A froward pen oft times ſtir up other mens paſſions, but ſeldome ſetleth any mans judgement, frowardneſſe raiſeth up frowardneſſe, and ſtrife ſtirreth up ſtrife, and both together rejoyceth the Divell and ſporteth his children, and the truth is neglected all the while: He that endeavors to conquer error with good ſucceſſe, muſt bring along with him meekeneſſe and truth, and having both may ride on and proſper. Pſal. 45. 4.
Seventhly. Men doe ſeldome contend for truth in a rayling dialect, it is miſtery more then truth that is ſo ſought out, paſſion, envie, hatred, mallice are the fruits of the fleſh, and can theſe contend for their diſtroyer the ſpirit of truth? an unbridled tongue, a licentious pen, is the common charracter of a rotten heart, 1 James 26. The paſſion of the pen above that of the tongue is the more dangerous ſigne that the heart is rotten: A paſſionate tongue doth many times argue the diſtempers of the head, when the conſent of the heart cannot begotten▪ but a rayling pen doth clearly evince the hearts mallice, commanding the head to ſubſerve the ſame, a paſſionate tongue doth often declare a man robbed of his reaſon, but a paſſionate pen doth more clearely evince a man robbed of the truth, for his reaſon is ranged in his malicious lines, the paſſion of the tongue doth largely proclaime ſin in the heart, but the paſſion of the pen the heart in ſin, for deliberation, invention, memory, witt, reaſon, all are commanded by that heart of ſin, truth triumphs only in tittle, but pride and arrogancy in the matter it ſelfe.
Eightly, Conſider how doth it gratifie the deſignes of the adverſarie, that the Saints ſhould thus wrangle each with his brother, how doth this cheare up the popiſh, Epiſcopall, Presbyteriall, Independent, Antinominicall, Annabaptiſticall, Jeſuite: For I preſume the Jeſuite perſonates them all: and whoſe ends we proſecute by our unhappie diviſions amongſt our ſelves, how is this told in Gath, and publiſhed in Askalon, how doe the daughters of the Philiſtims rejoyce? and the daughters of the uncircumciſed triumph? How doe they jeare at our diſcord▪ that we our ſelves proves thornes in one anothers eyes, and goade in one anothers ſides? boaſting that they laſht us with rods, but we our ſelves with ſcorpions, and that our own little fingers will be heavier upon one another, then their loines were upon us all. They oppreſt us and we were pitied of all, we oppreſſe our ſelves and then who pitieth us: They ruin'd us by an uſurpation, and ſhal we ſtrive to ruine one another by a law? They cruſh't us by the heavie ſentences of the Heigh Commiſſion, & Star Chamber, & ſhal we endeavour to do the ſame by the Authority of Parliament? If we love not one another, let us love our ſelves, for each undermineth his owne ſecurity by circumventing his brothers peace.
Ninthly, Conſider how do Saints looſe in each others hearts, when they gall and greive and vex one another in each others pen. To give milke and honey for vinegar and gall, bleſſing for curſing, kind words for bitter language, this is indeed our duty, but hereunto who hath attained? And ſhall we tempt one another with ſuch provocations▪ Sorrow and trouble, perſecution and affliction, envie and mallice, evill ſpeaking and railing, we expect from the world, but bitter quarter from bitter people: The Saints ſhould be each others ſhelter, we doe not gather grapes from thornes, not briers from vines, men doe not gather figs from thiſtles, nor prickles from figg trees. Churliſh language I expect from a Nabell, not from a David, Scoffs from an Iſmael not from an Iſaack, Rayling from a Rabſheika, not from an Hezekiah, Dungeons from an Ahab, not from a Michaiah, Priſons from an Herod, not from Iohn the Baptiſt, Chaines from a Nero, not from a Paul, Baniſhment from Flavius Domitian, not from Iohn the Evangeliſt, Jeares from a Iulian, not from a Chriſtian. No, no, gentleneſſe and meekeneſſe, love and peace, kindneſſe and goodneſſe, bowells of mercy and compaſſion from the hearts and tongues, the hands and pens of all wherein dwells the ſpirit of Chriſt. But when our expectations are failed, looking for peace with Ieremie and no good comes, for helpe from the Saints and behold trouble. When our brethren turnes Dragons, as Iob ſaith, and we are companions to Owles even birds of prey: How will our bowels boyle and reſteth not, our harpe turnes into mourning, and our Organs into the voice of them that weepe? Job 30. 29. 31. Hard ſpeeches and heavie hands upon the Saints of God from great Profeſſors, proud lookes, and ſwelling words have formerly been the certaine prognoſticks of approaching Apoſtacy: and that Charracter ſeldome failes. As for my part God give me favour in the eyes of thoſe who are his Favourites, love in their hearts, intreſt in their prayers, and make me to the uttmoſt a friend and a favourer of them, however they differ from me in my judgement.
Tenthly, Conſider, wrangling, writing, and rayling language each againſt other in our owne party, haſtneth our diſtruction▪ and hindreth our reformation and who but a Jeſuite delighteth herein? What is it which obſtructeth the Parliament Aſſemblie, or Armies, but our unhappie diviſions amongſt our ſelves? We want love, and where love is not, where is our piety? and where there is no unity, there is as little policie. For my part the unhappie quarrell between Presbyterian and Independent ſpeaketh as ſadly to me, and threatneth as ſorely, as the wofull diſtance between King and Parliament, and the happie reconciliation of the former parties would quit my thoughts of the feare of the latter, and happie ſhould that man be called by this preſent age, which ſhould prove an inſtrument of ſo good a worke, But where is that pen of peace? and that heart of love? that ſpirit of meekeneſſe? and that head of wiſedome? How beautifull ſhould the very feet of thoſe be which could bring ſuch tydings of joy to this Kingdome.
Eleventhly, Conſider, the difference is more in the heart then in the head, in the affections then in the judgement▪ which is more dangerous becauſe leſſe reconcileable, a gracious heart commands the head to hearken to truth, but a more ſound head cannot command a perverſe mind, the difference betweene the parties we ſpeake of is more in ſhew, then in deed and truth, the Presbyterian is departed from Epiſcopacy. the Independent queſtions ſuch and ſuch a qualified Presbyterie, but they that are godly of both parties, are not engaged paſt a retreat to the truth of God. Who ever can ſhew it, could each of us lovingly here his brother, happily each might be bettered by the other, thoſe that are the ſtrongeſt Antagoniſts about Diſcipline ſuppoſe it a peice of policie, not of divinity, and is it policie for the Saints to ruine one another? Inteligent men are of opinion that i… each partie would with meekeneſſe and patience here one another, reconciliation between them would attend the iſſue, and ſhall we deſtroy one another before we will give one another the heating? What aparrant untruths, and groſſe miſtakes even in matters of fact have beene reported of their diſſenting brethren; for want of hearing them ſpeake for themſelves? I could inſtance in many in mine owne obſervations, but that the making up, and not the widenning of breaches is my preſent purpoſe.
Twelfthly, Conſider the deare relation wherein we ſtand each to other in Jeſus Chriſt, Have we not the ſame Lord? the ſame faith? the ſame baptiſme? Did not we all lie together as it were in the ſame wombe of the Almighties gratious purpoſe? are we not all the price of the ſame ranſome? the redeemed of the ſame Saviour? Doth not the ſame ſpirit of Jeſus breath in our hearts? the ſame blood of Jeſus runne in our veines? Are we not all brethren in the faith? and ſhall brethren reproach brethren? brethren rayle againſt brethren? brethren undermine the peace and comfort of one another, is it brotherly to diſcover one anothers weakeneſſes, failings, and indiſcretions? brethren accuſe brethren? brethren betray brethren? What! brethren without bowells? without naturall affection to brethren? Who but a Cain will ſeeke the ruine of a brother Abell, becauſe his holy ſervices are more acceptable then his owne? Who but a Ham will betray the nakedneſſe of his owne familie? God put enmity between Satan and Saints, but Satan puts enmity between Saints and Saints; whoſe workes they doe that foment the ſame. An ungodly man diggeth up evill, and in his lips there is a burning fire, and a froward man ſoweth ſtrife, and a whiſperer ſeparateth chiefe freinds. Pro. 16. 27. 28. and it is a wicked man that walketh with a froward mouth, Pro. 6. 12. And ſhall ſuch be found among the Saints? Oh where is that ſpirit which ſhould knit our hearts together in love? Are wee not all members of the ſame body? if one ſuffer doe not all ſuffer? and ſhall we perſecute one another? if one be diſgrac'd doe we not all bluſh? and ſhall we ſhame one another? is love the figne of a Diſciple of Chriſt? and ſhall we hate one another? doth not each member need his fellow: and ſhall each deſtroy each other? Is the body of Chriſt the horrid monſter of theſe monſtrous times? Is it thus amongſt Turkes, and Pagans, Mahumitans, Atheiſts, or Papists? Doe Malignants thus penne it againſt Malignants, Cavaliers againſt Cavaliers? are there ſuch bitter words or bitting language? ſuch harſh ſayings or hard ſpeakings to be heard in the Camp of our adverſaries? Deare ſirs is it truth or trouble you thus perſue? if the truth, fight for it in its own way, it calls for your love to it ſelf & children & not for your ranckor, for your paines & not your paſſion, it calls for helpe and not for hindrance, If truth doth reigne, why ſcratch you her with a crowne of thornes, giving her vinegar and gall to drinke, If truth be queene her royall attendance and maids of honour ſhould be love, and meekeneſſe, gentleneſſe and goodneſſe, kindneſſe and mercy, forbearance and pitty. Why doe men vex her with pride & paſſion, ſtrife & contention, frowardnes and anger? Her Kingdome is peace, her commands are love, her royall law to her …oyal Subjects is follow th… truth together in love, Epheſ. 4. 15. Lyons & Wolves, Beares & Tigars, Dragons and Ultars, with ſuch hurtfull creatures becomes the ſhady wilderneſſe of the wicked world, but none that doe deſtroy ſhould once approach the Lords holy Mountaine. it becomes Toads to belch out venome, and helliſh furies to ſpit fire, each at other▪ and not the Saints of the moſt high God, ſhall they dig out one anothers bowels, rend one anothers name, plunder one anothers reputes deareſt ſirs Turne your ſwords into plowſhares, and your ſpeares into pruineing hookes, and learne no more to warr one againſt another. Eſay 2. 4 Let the Wolfe dwell with the Lambe, and the Leopard lie downe with the Kid, and a child by truth leade them both▪ Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth (or pen) but that which is good for the uſe of edifying, that may adminiſter grace to the hearers, and readers, and let all bitterneſſe and wrath and anger, clamour and evill ſpeaking (or writing) be put away from you, with all mallice▪ and be yee kind one to another, tender hearted▪ forgiving one another, as God for Christs ſake hath forgiven you. Epheſ. 4 29. 31. 32.
FINIS.
End of the text · John Price, Unity our Duty (1645)