An Appeal to the Churches of Christ for their Judgment, Title page – Preface
AN APPEAL To the Churches of Chriſt for their Righteous Judgement in the Matters of Chriſt, the concernments of All His Glory, over whom there is a Defence. Whether the way of Chriſt with His people be not paved-forth as a Cauſey-way before them in His Scriptures, and to be Traced by the footſteps of all His neare ones. Here you have the Epiſtles only. The firſt to the Churches, giving them ſome ſhort account of their matters. The ſecond unto the Miniſter who enjoyned that work. The third to ſome Neighbour-Miniſters for their judgement therein. The fourth to the Chriſtian Reader.
An high way ſhall be there, and a way, and ſhall be called the way of Holineſs. The uncleane ſhall not paſſe-over it. The way-faring men, though fooles, ſhall not erre therein. Iſa. 35. 8.
They have reproached the footſteps of thine Anointed, O Lord, Pſ. 89. 51.
The poore committeth himſelfe unto Thee, Pſal. 10. 14.
Ipſa Dei Eccleſia quae in omnibus eſſe debet
Placatrix Dei, quid eſt aliud quàm exacerbatrix?
The very Church of God [in account with men] that ſhould walke worthy of the Lord unto all pleaſing, and ſo appeaſe His wrath, what elſe doe they, but by a contrary walking, imbitter His Holy Spirit, and provoke wrath. Salv: 3 Book page 87.
LONDON; Printed according to Order for Henry Cripps in Popes-head Alley. 1656.
WE are bold, upon the account of Truth, and right of humanity, to require this of him that reads this, That he would not condemne a part, till he underſtand the whole [which ſhall be, if God permit, held-out before him in due time] If he will read any, let him read all, and forbeare cenſuring till he hath don reading.
But ſo well can we obſerve the perverſe actings of men, that we have concluded, we ſhall never obtaine, what of right, we may require, and they of manners ſhould grant: for they feare, leſt overcome of us, of the Truth we meane, hearing the lowd cry of it, like thunder in their eares, they ſhould be forced to give-up themſelves, as Conquered by it. Lact. 5t Book firſt Chap.
Every man truely fearing God [Godly in Christ Jeſus] rejoyceth not in iniquity, but rejoyceth in the Truth; He is more than glad, He triumphs in this, That Truth hath Conquered him, and ſo is willing, yea and more than willing, rejoycingly willing, to embrace it, and be led Captive by it. Naz.