Animadversions Upon Antisynodalia Americana, Chapter 1
CHAP. I. Being Animadverſions upon the two Prefaces: The firſt, To the Reader; the ſecond, To the Honoured General Court.
IT is no good ſign, that the Publiſher of theſe Anti-Synodalia doth ſo foully ſtumble at the Threſhold, in his firſt ſtepping forth into this Buſineſs. For where as he pretendeth, As a Lover of the Truth, to Publiſh this Treatiſe without any Commiſſion from the Diſſenting Brethren, which he deſireth them not to be offended with: and affirms it as a truth, That the perſons engaged in this Diſſent, had much rather this Treatiſe were ſuppreſſed, and as an untimely birth to have been buried in everlaſting darkneſs. The contrary hereunto is evidently evinced by the whole Preface following; which ſpeaketh no more in the perſon of the Publiſher, but of the Diſſenters: and wherein they endeavour to Anſwer four Objections againſt the Publiſhing thereof. And in Anſwer to the firſt Objection, taken from the Ill conſequences that might follow, they declare a Reſolution to have it Publiſhed, whatever ſhould follow; concluding in the words of Eſther, If I periſ…, I periſh. Beſides, it is well known here, how earneſt and reſolute one of the chief of them was to have it Publiſhed.
Concerning the Objections here mentioned: The three firſt, from The ſ…a Conſequences that may follow; The trouble of the Peace of the Churches hereby; and from The Novelty of their Opinion; I know not of any that made theſe Objections: Surely that language was not heard in the Synod, but their own Reaſon might object ſuch things. The fourth Objection is, A pretended Concurrence of all other Congregational Churches they know of, to countenance their Cauſe, but without any ſufficient Proof thereof. But ſeeing it is now Publiſhed, though unſ aſonably, (as is confeſſed) I ſhall not trouble my ſelf and the Reader about the Anſwers to the Objections, but apply my ſelf to wipe off thoſe uncharitable and unjuſt Aſperſions that in this Preface are caſt upon many of the Elders and Churches of New-England. Wherein (that I may not wrong any of our beloved Brethren, the Diſſenters) I muſt ſay this on their behalf, That ſome of them do profeſs that they had no hand in this firſt Preface, nor in the Publiſhing thereof, nor any knowledge thereof: And I have reaſon to think ſo of others of them, who I hope have other thoughts of their Brethren, then this Preface holdeth forth. So that ſo farre as I conceive, it is the act of one of them onelyonly, or chiefly.
I take notice of Seven Imputations caſt upon us, which I ſhall ſpeak unto.
1. The Author of this Preface complaineth of The courſe Entertainment of their Tenent, both in the Synod, and in the General Court, where they expected more Patrons then did appear.
Anſ. That none may hence judge otherwiſe then the truth is; In reſpect of the Synod, it cannot be denied that the matter in queſtion was placidly, fully, and oft-over Debated, all their Arguments weighed, all Writings preſented were read, conſidered, and ſome publickly anſwered: So that all the courſe Entertainment was, that their Tenent was not embraced by the Synod. And as for the Honoured General Court, if they were ſo farre ſatisfied with the Anſwers of the Synod to that Queſtion about The Subject of Baptiſm propounded by them, that they did not think fit in their Wiſdome to countenance and encourage a Party riſing up in Oppoſition thereto, as tending to Diviſions and Diſturbances amongſt us; they may thank themſelves for ſuch courſe Entertainment, if they will ſo account of it.
But to aggravate this courſe Entertainment, he addeth, Though it be no other Doctrine then of all the Congregational Churches in Holland, England, Ireland, and New-England, and alſo in New-Haven, and Plimouth Juriſdictions; yea, and alſo that it hath been the Judgement and general Practice of the Churches in the Bay, ſome few inconſiderable excepted, for thirty years.
Anſ. Here is a great Pretence of general Concurrence with their Tenent, but without Proof, and beyond the truth. And to make the Number ſeem the greater, beſides New-England, he addeth, And alſo New-Haven, Plimouth, &c. as if theſe were not New-England Churches. As for thoſe Forreign Churches, it doth not appear whether as yet (many of them at leaſt) have declared their Judgement in this caſe. Yea, I have heard from one of good note, that knows many of thoſe Churches, who upon the queſtion anſwered, That this caſe hath not as yet been conſidered in many of thoſe Churches. And if their Practice have not yet ſuited to the Doctrine of the Synod, we know by our own experience how many hindrances there may be of that, though their Judgement be for it. But concerning the Judgement of New-England Elders and Churches, let the Preface to the Synod be read, by which it will appear, That the moſt Eminent Elders in the moſt conſiderable Churches, and the Meſſengers of the Churches of New-England, were generally for this Doctrine in the Synod held at Cambridge in the year 1648. I ſhall mention onelyonly that Paſſage of famous Hooker, whoſe praiſe is in the Goſpel in all the Churches, and who might know as much of the Principles of the Congregational Churches as another: It is not the queſtion (ſaith he) Whether wicked Members, while they are ſinfully tolerated in the Church, they and their ſeed may partake of Priviledges; for this is beyond queſtion: nor do I know, or ever heard it denied by any of ours. Survey, Part 3. Chap. 2. pag. 11. Whereby it doth appear, that he took it for a general Confeſſion on all hands, That it is the Intereſt in the Outward Covenant that giveth right to Outward Priviledges of the Church; which is the Foundation of the Doctrine of the Synod. Whereas the Tenent of our Diſſenting Brethren is, That Members of the Church admitted in minority, and having the Covenant ſealed by Baptiſm, if being adult, they hold not forth ſaving Faith and Repentance to the judgement of the Church, even ſo as to come into full Communion; neither they nor their ſeed may partake of Priviledges, they are Felones de ſe, Self-m…rtherers, Diſcovenanted of God, and are not ſo much as Foederally holy, ſo ſoon as they be out of their Non-age; as will appear after: which Tenent I cannot believe will be owned by moſt of the Churches named, if by any of them.
This Author addeth further, That yet now this Tenent is laden with Reproaches of Antichriſtianiſm and Anabaptiſm.
Anſ. If an Argument or two were uſed in the Synod, taken from ſuch Conſequences, is this ground enough to ſay it is laden with ſuch Reproaches? (and other ground I know none.) Yet for that of Anabaptiſm, it will appear the Principles of the Diſſenters are ſo near a Kin, if not the ſame with theirs, that we cannot but fear a great tendency thereunto: and what encouragement they take from thence, we are very ſenſible.
Secondly, In anſwering the firſt Objection, this Prefacer takes occaſion, upon ſuppoſition of the Doctrine of the Synod, to charge the Bay Churches with a ſin which he cannot ſee how it can ſtand with peace of Conſcience, in leaving their former practice in diſpenſing the Seals, and taking up a new manner thereof; yea a grievous ſin, in depriving ſo many Infants of Baptiſm for thirty years; yea, of the ſame nature, and ſomewhat worſe then that of the Phar…ſees, Luke 7.29, 30. diſannulling the counſel of God againſt themſelves, and ſo many hundred poor Infants whom the Kingdome of God (as we now plead) belongs unto: and a practical Anabaptiſm.
Anſ. 1. It is indeed a grief of heart to many Elders and Brethren, that the practice of the Rule, according to the Doctrine of the late Synod, cannot yet obtain in their Churches; but they are not convinced it is a ſin in them that cannot ſtand with peace of Conſcience, as the caſe ſtandeth: becauſe all things in the Church must be done to ca…fication; which in this caſe cannot be put in practice, eſpecially in reference to the fifth Propoſition, with peace and edification, by reaſon of the ſtrong oppoſition made by theſe, and other like Diſſenters When this matter was under Conſideration in the Synod 1648. the Author of this Preface knoweth well who it was that profeſſed. He would oppoſe it with all his might: by reaſon whereof, and the Diſſent of ſome few more it was laid aſide at that time. It ſeemeth to me very hard dealing, for Brethren ſo ſtrongly to oppoſe others in doing their Duty, and then to charge them with a ſin that cannot ſtand with peace of Conſcience if they do it not. The caſe ſtanding thus, let the Reader judge who are more like the Phariſees, that rejected the counſel of God againſt themſelves, in not being baptized of John, whether ſuch as would practice according to their Judgement, or ſuch as oppoſe and hinder them from ſo doing.
2. This Neglect is not ſo great for thirty years, as is Objected: for, in the former years of theſe Plantations, till the Church-ſeed were grown up to Marry, and have Children, there was not ſuch need of practice according to the fifth Propoſition (which is now moſt ſtumbled at;) beſides, ſome Churches have been in that practice for divers years.
3. There is no falling from our former practice, as is Objected, our Principles are the ſame; this is onelyonly a progreſs in practiſing according thereunto, as the encreaſe of the Churches doth require. It is the way of Chriſt in the Goſpel, to ſet up the practice of his Inſtitutions as the neceſſities of the people call for them, as appeareth Matth. 9.36, &c. with 10.1, &c. So Acts 6.1. & 14.23. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2.
4. When Circumciſion, by reaſon of the travels in the Wilderneſs, was omitted forty years, and the Feaſt of Tabernacles from the dayes of Joſhua to the dayes of Nehemiah, was neglected ſo many hundreds of years, we do not reade of ſo deep a charge laid upon the Elders and People by any of the Prophets of God.
Thirdly, We are charged with A greater ſin to be trembled at, viz. That we admitted all ſorts that were perſonally in Covenant to the Lords Supper, which now we deny to many, except after Covenanting they make it manifeſt, that they are able to examine themſelves, and diſcern the Lords Body: If this be regular, then the other is irregular, and brought guiltineſs to many of the Body and Blood of Chriſt, and was eating and drinking judgement to our ſelves.
Anſ. This is a very heavy Imputation laid upon ſo many Elders and Churches, and without any colour of Reaſon: For, what matter is it whether Elders and Churches be ſatisfied of the fitneſs of their Members for the Lords Supper, before their admittance into the Church, by the Elders examination of them; or at their admittance by their publick Profeſſions (which is known to be our conſtant care and practice) or afterward? but becauſe we do it not after Covenanting in perſons received in adult age, as well as in perſons received in infancy, that therefore we are ſo deeply guilty; this is a groſs and irregular Charge. Some have objected againſt our admiſſions, as over-ſtrict; but who hath charged us with ſuch a ſin to be trembled at in ſuch a manner, as to bring guiltineſs upon many of the Body and Blood of Chriſt? And it is ſtrange to ſee ſuch as make ſo loud a Profeſſion of ſtedfaſtneſs in the Faith and Order of the Goſpel, to lay ſo great a Scandal of a ſin to be trembled at, upon ſo many Elders, before conviction thereof, and their impenitency therein, and that in the face of Old England and New, ſo contrary to the principal and expreſs Rules of Goſpel-order, Matth. 18 15, 16. 1 Tim. 5.19.
Fourthly, In the Anſwer to the ſecond Objection, viz. That by Publiſhing this Treatiſe they ſhall diſturb the peace, &c. The Author pleading poſſeſſion of another manner of diſpenſing the Ordinances, and that bought at a great rate, The loſs of Native Land, Fathers Houſes, &c. he ſaith, That the diſturbers of the peace, the troublers of Iſrael, are thoſe that would rob them of their poſſeſſion, or queſtion their right, especially having enjoyed them ſo long before this pleaded-for Converſion of New England.
Anſ. 1. But did we indeed come to New England to put our Poſterity under the wings of Gods gracious Covenant and Ordinances, and then to deny them and their ſeed the Benefits thereof? to leave them at a looſe end without the Diſcipline of Chriſt, the Means to prevent ſin, or to reduce them to Repentance unto life? Certainly, the Profeſſion of very many gracious and ſerious hearts, and their hopes for their Children, was farre otherwiſe. Yea, of theſe that now Diſſent amongſt us, ſome I know, and many more I may ſuppoſe left Old England for the good of their ſeed in this reſpect.
2. Are not our Children in poſſeſſion of the Houſe, Members of the Church, by the confeſſion of the Diſſenters? The Synod pleadeth onelyonly that they may enjoy the Priviledges of the Houſe; it is the Diſſenters therefore that would rob them of their poſſeſſion, and diſturb the peace.
3. The Synod (as appeareth in their Preface) doth leave them to their liberty to practiſe according to their Judgement: If they will not own, or Baptize ſuch as in the fifth Propoſition are deſcribed; if they will have their Children accounted Self-murtherers, Diſcovenanted of God, if the Lord have not wrought Faith and Repentance viſibly in them when they come to adult age, there is none that offereth to diſturb their poſſeſſion in theſe things. And why then ſhould they diſturb and oppoſe the Right and Poſſeſſion of ſo many others who aſſert the Rights of the Church-ſeed, which are in Covenant with God in poſſeſſion of the Houſe, whoſe advantage (the Apoſtle ſaith) and profit is much every way? Rom. 3.1, 2.
Fifthly, In Anſwer to the third Objection, viz. That they are Innovators; and that the moſt learned M…niſters were of the Synods minde. This Author of the Preface granting this to be true of Some, (which is a large Some, as is manifeſt in the Preface to the Synod) he muſt needs caſt a double Aſperſion upon the Elders, affirming,
1. That as many of them are ſo large in Judgement, as to ſoulder with Pariſh Churches.
Anſ. If this be meant in reſpect of Communion with Orthodox Pariſh Churches, we are no larger then our Diſſenting Brethren, who concur with us in the ſeventh Propoſition about the firſt Queſtion, which ſpeaks to this caſe. But if it be meant of inlarging the Church to the Bounds of a Pariſh, it is a meer Slander: I do not believe that he can prove that any two Elders of theſe Churches have ſo declared their Judgement; much leſs ſo many as are of the Synods minde. It lieth upon the Author to make good this charge, or to recant his raſhneſs.
2. He affirmeth, That the general Judgement of the learned Elders, and their Practice, was as the Diſſenters plead; but now divers of thoſe Elders do retreat and recant.
To prove this, he alledgeth two Paſſages out of An Anſwer to Thirty two Queſtions, Printed 1639. But thoſe Paſſages are too weak to bear up this Aſſertion; yea, do evidence the quite contrary.
The firſt is taken out of Page 22. of the ſaid Book; the ſum whereof is this, That ſuch whoſe Parents are not Believers and ſanct…fied, are not foederally holy; Foederal Holineſs or Sanctity being limited to the next Parents, 1 Cor. 7.14.
Anſ. 1. This Paſſage doth not agree with the Diſſenters; for it doth appear, that the Author doth account Foederal Holineſs to be Sanctity: and therefore the next parents being in Covenant with God, and ſo continuing, they are Eccleſiaſtically holy, ſanctified, and viſible Believers.
2. Do not the ſame Elders in this Synod deliver the very ſame Doctrine, in the ſecond Propoſition, and fifth particular, viz. It is requiſite to the Memberſhip of Children, that the next Parents, one or both, be in Covenant? Citing the ſame Text, 1 Cor. 7.14. And where then is the leaſt ſhew of Recanting?
The ſecond Proof is Page 23. of the ſaid Book, where it is ſaid, that We believe that all Members of Churches ought to be Saints, and faithful in Chriſt Jeſus, none excepted, Epheſ. 1.1. 1 Cor. 1.2. Phil. 1.1:
Anſ. 1. This paſſage ſpeaketh of Members to be admitted in adult age, and therefore might be as well alledged to prove a conſent with the Anabaptiſts, as with the Diſſenters; which was farre from the meaning of that Author. Beſides, though they ought to be ſo, yet that denieth not, but being regularly admitted, they are ſtill Members of the Church, till they be regularly caſt out, though they do not approve themſelves to be ſuch.
2. Do not thoſe Elders profeſs the ſame Doctrine in the Synod, Propoſ. 2. viz Members of the viſible Church, according to Scripture, are Confederate viſible Believers? alledging the ſame Texts, Eph. 1.1, &c. Where then is this Recantation?
Sixthly, The Author of this Preface excuſing the Paucity of the Diſſenters, in compariſon of the many able, learned, and godly Magiſtrates and Miniſters that conſented; He objecteth three things againſt the Synod conſenting.
1. That divers of the Elders having Preached and Practiſed that Doctrine of late years, were pre-engaged: and it is ſtrange that after Vows they ſhould be called to enquire.
Anſ. Were not Paul, Barnabas, and others, as much engaged in the Doctrine of that Synod Acts 15? and did they come after V…ws to enquire? 2. Were not the Diſſenters as much pre-engaged in their Opinion? why then did they come after Vows to enquire?
2. It is Objected, That divers Meſſengers being no Logicians to anſwer Syllogiſms, and diſcern Ambiguities, were over-born by the many Oppoſers.
Anſ. It is incongruous and too high▪ to make the Body of the Synod the Op…oſers, which more fitly agree to th few Diſſenters. 2. Though divers were not ſuch Logicians, yet Charity might allow the choyce Members of our Churches to be able to judge of Arguments drawn from the Scriptures; and ſo farre conſciencious, as that diſcerning the Voice of Chriſt, they would not be born down with number of Oppoſers. To ſay nothing of the Logick of the Diſſenters, that might be as little as the others.
3. It is Objected, That the corruption of man moſt inclineth to walk in the broadeſt way, though the ſtraiter way be never ſo clear; especially when perſons eminent in Place, Power, Learning and Piety, are ſo linked together?
Anſ. Be it ſo, that there is ſuch a corruption in man: yet when ſuch perſons (as the Synod are confeſſed to be) agree in one, and that in ſo Solemn an Ordinance of God, where Chriſt hath promiſed his Preſence; Cha…y, that hopeth all things, might well conceive that Grace would prevail above ſuch a Corruption. 2 If our Brother be not aware of it, I can aſſure him that there is alſo a Corruption in man, and in good men too, under the not on of Strictneſs and Zeal, to ſwerve as much to the other Extreme: As when the Diſciples would have kept little children from Chriſt, Mark 10.13, 14. When out of zeal againſt the Tares, men would hazard to plack up the Wheat alſo, Matth. 13.28, 29. So when we are apt to judge others, whom God hath received, Rom. 14.3. which I wiſh our Brother ſeriouſly to conſider. The way of the Anabaptiſts is a ſtraiter way, yet I ſuppoſe this Brother doth not judge it his corruption, to chuſe a way ſomewhat larger. So is the way of the Seekers and others, who think their ſtraiter wayes as clear as our Brother thinketh of his.
Seventhly, In Page 5. this Brother anſwering another Objection, That this Diſcourſe may ſeem needleſs, ſeeing all other Congregational Churches agree with them, that they know of; alledging the Savoy Meeting, Chap. 29. Of Baptiſm 4. Yet, ſaith he, there needs abundant confirmation: for no doubt this temptation will ſpread further, when more then the third part of the Stars of Heaven here are ſwept down, as is Propheſied Rev. 12. &c. Furthermore, (ſaith he) let the world know, That the Lord hath ſtill a few Names in New England who hold faſt his Name, and are ſtedfaſt in the Faith and Order of the Goſpel, and deteſt the Abominations of Antichriſt.
Anſ. 1. This Author glorieth much in the Conſent of other Churches. We ſee here his ground, which I ſhall examine. The Poſition of that Meeting of the Churches, is this: Not onelyonly thoſe that do actually profeſs Faith in, and Obedience unto Chriſt; but alſo the Infants of one or both believing Parents, are to be Baptized, and thoſe onelyonly. We can well conſent with this Doctrine, without any prejudice to the Doctrine of the Synod: For we profeſs and prove in the Synod, That the children of the Church being in Covenant with God, owned by him as holy, as his People, his Children, and manifeſting their continuance in the Covenant, according to the fifth Propoſition, theſe are viſible Believers in Eccleſiaſtical account, in Scripture account, 1 Cor. 1.1. with 7.14. And I cannot believe but that Reverend and Learned Aſſembly would acknowledge Regular Church-members to be viſible Believers: And it doth appear, that theſe are Regular Church-members in their judgement, by their Second Poſition, Concerning the Church, Chap. 26. where they ſay, All ſuch as profeſs the Faith of the Goſpel, and Obedience to God by Chriſt according to it, not deſtroying their Profeſſion by Errours everting the Foundation, or unholineſs of Converſation, are Members of the viſible Church. Now it cannot be denied that the perſons deſcribed in the fifth Propoſition of the Synod are ſuch, for they profeſs their Aſſent to the Doctrine of Faith, and ſubjection to the Rules and Diſcipline of Chriſt; they give up themſelves to God, own the Covenant, do not deſtroy their Profeſſion by Errours, nor unholineſs of life; holding the Doctrine of Faith, and not being ſcandalous in life. So that for ought that appears, that Aſſembly agreeth rather with the Synod, then with the Diſſenters.
2. In that our Brother maketh ſuch a diſtinction between the third part of the Stars of New-England ſwept down, and A few Names in New-England that hold faſt the Name of God, and are ſtedfaſt in the Faith and Order of the Goſpel: How well this Compariſon a…reeth with the Rules of Charity, Humility and Modeſty, I ſhall leave to the judgement of others.
3. I muſt enquire into the Truth and Grounds of ſo deep a Charge, laid upon more then the third part of the Stars, the Lights ſet up in the Churches of New-England.
Is it the preſent Doctrine of this Synod, inlarging the Subject of Baptiſm beyond the Opinion of the Diſſenters, that is their fall from Heaven? And the more ſtrict Opinion of our Brethren, the Character of thoſe few Names remaining that hold faſt the Faith and Order of the Gospel? as indeed it ſeemeth to be ſo. For, 1. This is the occaſion taken up to make this Compariſon. And 2. Thoſe other Imputations, of Forſaking former P…actices, Recanting of Elders, New Converſion of New-England, in reference to this Doctrine, ſeem to intimate as much. 3. And that Expreſſion of a few Names holding faſt the Faith and Order of the Goſpel, doth plainly intimate, that not only more then a third part of the Stars, but alſo the generality of New England are greatly departed from the Faith and Order of the Gospel, and that, at the preſent, in the judgement of this Author: which is ſo high a ſtrain, that I am loth to ſay what might be ſpoken of it.
Now if this be our Fall from Heaven, it is our comfort that we are not yet faln ſo farre as many bright Stars of the firſt Magnitude, that have ſhined gloriouſly in the Churches; ſuch as Calvin, Cartwright, Perkins, Ames, and hundreds more, whoſe judgement is well known to be larger in this Point then the Synod doth hold forth. And we are faln no further then bleſſed C…ton, Th…lip, Shepard, Ro…ers, and others of the Bay Churches: Famous Hooker and Stone of Connectico…, Prudden of New-Haven, Partridge and Newman of Plimouth, with divers other Lights in N…w-England, of whom I am perſwaded that they are gotten to Heaven in that Opinion, whereby we are ſuppoſed to be ſwept down from Heaven. But let this Brother beware, leſt himſelf and his few Names be not judged by ſome to be ſwept down from Heaven alſo, who hold an Opinion, That Infants of the Church are to be Baptized, which is not ſo ſtrict a Tenent as they would have.
4. But if this ſo great a Charge be laid upon more then the third part of the Stars upon any other ground, let it be conſidered whether the Rules of Charity and Gospel-Order would not require, that he ſhould firſt have Convinced his Brethren of their Fa…, (yea, indeed of their ſuppoſed Errour about the Subject of Baptiſm) before he ſhould caſt ſo great a Scandal upon them before the face of the world; even an Heretick may have two Admonitions before rejection. However, whether it be this or that ground, ſurely this courſe doth not a little darken that loud Profeſſion of our Brother's holding faſt to the Order of the Goſpel.
It hath been our portion all along, to go through evil Reports from the mouthes of many diſcontented perſons, and corrupt Opinioniſts, Familiſts, Anabaptiſts, Quakers, and the like; but I little expected ſuch things as theſe from ſo near a Friend and Brother. I will not deny or excuſe the Declining of many Profeſſors to corrupt Opinions, to the World, Looſe Wayes, and the like: Neither will I juſtifie all things in all the Elders of New-England; failings may be found in Judgement and Practice, and perhaps ſome may be larger in their Judgement concerning The Subject of Baptiſm, then the Synod doth hold forth: But God forbid we ſhould judge them to be ſwept down from Heaven, that differ from us in greater matters then theſe, or for ſuch Blemiſhes as are incident to good men. But whether the generality of the Stars in New-England Churches be not yet in the right hand of Chriſt, ſhining in their Orbs with the light of Heavenly Doctrine, and Chriſtian Converſation, I appeal to the Conſciences of all the ſober-minded People of God in the Country; yea, and alſo to the Conſcience of the Author of this Preface himſelf, who gives this Teſtimony of the Elders in the Synod, being more then half the Elders of all the Churches of New-England, pag. 5. viz. That they were able, learned and godly; and again, Eminent in Learning and Piety. However it be, it is a very little thing to be judged of men, whether approved or condemned.
Concerning that which is ſaid of Mr. Parker by name, for Publiſhing a Book in favour of Epiſcopacy; our Brother doth or might know, that the Book is diſtaſtful alſo to his Brethren, as well as to himſelf: yet the approved Learning and Piety of the perſon might have called for better language.
As for that Imputation, That the Common-Prayer-Book findeth ſome Advocates in New-England, who can finde Stakes and Materials to edifie Gods People in a Congregational Church (as is ſaid.) I wonder that a man of Piety and Gravity ſhould venture to publiſh ſuch things to the world upon (As is ſaid;) and to what end is it, except to caſt dirt upon his Brethren? Much more then is true, is ſaid of that and other things. The Lord help ſuch as profeſs ſuch ſtedfaſtneſs in the Faith and Order of the Goſpel, to walk up to the Rules of Goſpel-Order and Charity, more then this Brother hath done.
Thus much to the firſt Preface. Concerning the ſecond, To the General Court, I ſhall Animadvert onelyonly upon two or three Paſſages of it. And
1. Whereas pag. 8. they tell the Honoured Court, That they have yielded and voted with the reſt ſo farre, that rightly conſidered and practiſed, it would ſilence all ſad Complaints againſt the many great and prevailing corruptions of Youth amongst us.
Anſ. It is true, that one of the chief of our Diſſenting Brethren did propound, and earneſtly promote the third Propoſition; viz. That the Infant-ſeed of the Church are Members of the ſame Church with their Parents, and when they are grown up, are perſonally under the Watch and Government of the Church: and this rightly practiſed, would indeed tend much to the end aforeſaid; for ſo the Church, by an Ordinance of Chriſt that hath his Promiſe annexed, ſhould either bring ſuch Youth to Repentance, or purge the Church of them. But it is as true, that this Treatiſe putteth ſuch a ſenſe and meaning upon that Propoſition, as renders it uſeleſs and vain to the ends aforeſaid. For, if they be not actual, perſonal, nor immediate Members, whereby acts of Church-government ſhould be put forth immediately upon their perſons, but onelyonly reach them at the ſecond hand, viz by their Parents, as was ſaid by ſome in the Meetinghouſe, to which they referre, pag. 23. And if Excommunication, that healing Medicine of Chriſt for the deſtruction of the fleſh, and ſaving of the So…l, may not touch them, as is in the ſame Page 23. Yea, if the Foederal Holineſs of their perſons, and ſo their Covenant-intereſt, continue no longer then their minority, (wherein indeed they are ſcarce capable of any Church diſcipline) as is affirmed Page 37.) Theſe things being ſo, let any man judge how it is poſſible for Church-government to reform ſuch great, many, and prevailing corruptions of Youth.
2. Page 10. our Brethren ſay, It is apparent to all, what a corrupt maſs of Ʋnbelievers ſhall by this change throng into the fellowſhip of Gods People, and the children of ſtrangers, uncircumciſed in heart, ſhall be brought into Gods Sanctuary to pollute it, contrary to Ezek 44.7, 9.
Anſ. 1. Whether theſe Parents in queſtion be to be counted Ʋnbelievers, or not, will appear after. But if the Charity of our Brethren will allow them no other term, I pray, Who let them into the fellowſhip of Gods People? Do not our Brethren with us affirm, That the Covenant of Abraham belongs unto them, and therefore they are to partake of Baptiſm the Seal of it? And (ſay they) there is the whole Churches Communion in Baptiſm, as well as in the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 12.13. If then they would keep them out of the fellowſhip of Gods People, they muſt joyn with thoſe that ſhut that door againſt all Infants by which they entred; for if they be Ʋnbelievers that are ſo qualified as in Propoſition the fifth, then ſurely they were ſo when they were Baptized. By this, with many other Paſſages, our Brethren may ſee whither their Principles do carry them. So that the difference between the Synod and our Brethren, is not about their Admiſſion into the fellowſhip of Gods People, but about The Improvement of the Ordinances of Chriſt for their good, while they continue in that fellowſhip; wherein the Synods Doctrine admits them not to acts of Communion with the reſt of Gods People, but as they are regularly fit; neither do the Synod continue them in that fellowſhip, any longer then they walk orderly, without deſerving the Cenſures of the Church. Ezek. 44. ſpeaks of ſtrangers amongst the children of Iſrael, ſuch as Tobiah, Neh 13.4 &c. not of any Iſraelite, ver. 9.
3. Our Brethren in their ſixth Conſideration, acknowledging The great Deliverances and Wonders that the Lord hath wrought in former times for New England; they adde, But ſince the motion of this Change, what the Lords dealing hath been and ſtill is, we leave to the prudent to judge: We may glory in this New Light, but we fear it will prove but glorying in our ſhame.
Anſ. I had thought that Gods gracious anſwer to the Prayers of the Synod 1662. in ſending Rain ſo ſpeedily and ſweetly, might not onelyonly have taken off that Imputation of the Drought unto the Synod, as if it was for their ſakes; but alſo it might have ſtayed our Brethren from ſuch Applications of the Providences of God to their own ends. I remember that when the Popiſh Cantons imputed the death of Zuinglius and …ecolampadius to the juſt Judgement of God upon them for cauſing their Troubles, the Hiſtorian hath this Obſervation upon it: It is (ſaith he) a pious thought to attribute the diſpoſition of every Event to the Providence of God; but to determine to what ends thoſe Events are directed by his high Wiſdome, is not farre from Preſumption. Men are ſo ſtraightly and religiouſly wedded to their own Opinions, that they are perſwaded God loveth and favoureth them as much as themſelves. Hiſt. of the Council of Trent, p. 60. But if we muſt needs take notice of the dealing, of God with Non-England, in reference to this caſe; Can any prudent man ſay, that the Deliverances of New-England are not as g…eat and wonderful in theſe laſt years, and at this day, as in former years? And as for thoſe afflicting Providences that have lately b…faln us, have we not had as heavy Strokes many wayes formerly? And have we not Sins enough that are evident, to humble us under the Lords hand, as deſerving theſe and greater evils, but we muſt needs apply them as Judgements of God to this (falſly ſo called) Change, and brand the conſtant Doctrine of Gods eminent Meſſengers amongſt us, as a New Light that will turn to our ſhame? The Lord forgive theſe many harſh Cenſures of the Brethren.
Thus have I paſſed through this unpleaſing part of my Work: wherein, if by clearing the innocent, any thing doth reflect upon the Accuſers, I hope the equal-minded Reader will excuſe me; conſidering, that the Name of God is named upon the Elders and Churches of New-England, and would have ſuffered in them, ſhould not ſuch unjuſt Aſperſions be wiped off them by a juſt Apologie. Had our Brethren followed the Example of the Synod, with like Love, Tenderneſs and Moderation as is expreſſed towards them in their Preface, the world had not been ſo Scandalized as I fear it is, by theſe Conteſts, and I had ſpared much of this labour. Oh! when ſhall we ſee Brethren manage ſuch Diſputes with that Brotherly Love, Ingenuity, and Endeavours to finde out the Truth, as becometh the Cauſe of CHRIST, and without ſuch harſh Reflections upon mens perſons! The want of this is a Lamentation, and ſhall be for a Lamentation.