The Churchs Quarrel Espoused, Part 2
PART. II.
SECT. I. THat theſe Aſſociated Paſtors with a proper Number of Delagates from their ſeveral Churches be formed into a ſtanding and Stated Council, which ſhall Conſult, Advice and Determine all Affairs that ſhall be proper matter for the Conſideration of an Eccleſiastical Council within their reſpective Limits, Except always the Caſes are ſuch as the Aſſociated Paſtors judge more Convenient to fall under the Cognizance of other Council.
Anſwer.
Seeing it is the firſt Time we have in theſe Propoſals heard of a Standing Council for theſe Churches, and tho' the Whole Doctrine of it is not preciſely or in Terms contained in this Section, yet that they may paſs over what remains more briefly, when I come upon each following Section, I will therefore make a ſtop here, and diſcourſe this Subject in its ſeveal Diſtinct Branches, and make but one work of it; and I ſhall thus Methodize the Buſineſs.
1. I ſhall obſerve the ſeeming Favour to the Lay-Delegates here offered to them in this Propoſal.
2. Survey the nature of the Council.
3. Inquire into its Original.
4. Take an account of the Work which is aſſigned it.
5. View the Time appointed, certain & uncertain.
6. Inquire for the Place where it is to meet.
7. And Laſtly, diſcourſe its Maintenance.
1. We muſt obſerve the ſeeming Favour the Lay-Delegates or Fraternity of the Churches are Treated with in this Propoſal; for at the firſt Tender they ſeem very Honourably to be invited into the Aſſociation, as tho' they were to be eſtabliſhed Members of this Council, were to be equal ſharers in the Authority and Government in it; yet do but mind the Connection of both Parts of the Propoſition, and you will find there is nothing of this nature Intended for them. But only a Specious ſhew, they are invited to eſtabliſh the Aſſociations on their Tottering Baſis, and that is ſoon done, if all parties are agreed, and from the Fraternity, there is no need of any more formalities, than paying Homage to their Authority by this Act of Submiſſion and Obedience here Propoſed; and ſo ſoon as this is done, you ſhall find the Fraternity very fairly Releaſed at the door of the Seſſions, every man Repairing to his own home. It is an obſervation, on the Monarchy of Bees, that the Drones formerly ſuppoſed to be not only a lumpiſh, but a uſeleſs Bee, yet is of that nature, and ſo Eſſential a Member of that Common Wealth, that it is Really the Male-Bee, and does Imprignate the Females, who are the Sole Labourers in that Kingdom, but when that Criſis is over, the poor Drones are by common Conſent Baniſhed, as a great Incumberment; ſo in our Caſe, Alas! what can be expected, when the Laye-Delegatees have done the former Job, but that they ſhall be laid by, for their Wiſdom and Capacity is no ways Admired in theſe Propoſals. And it has always been found that the Laity are a Clog to Clergy-men, when they begin to ſoar a-loft, or above their proper Sphere; and if you will but view the Propoſal again, in the hindermoſt part of it, you will ſee a Back-door very Artificially finiſhed and left upon Latch, for their Excluſion; for tho' they are called to be Members of the Council in the firſt part of the Propoſal, yet by Exception made in the laſt part, they are to ſit upon no Caſe but what the Aſſociates pleaſe; and ſeeing it is at their diſpoſe, you may Rationally and forcibly conclude, That thoſe who have made it their buſineſs to unpin the whole Tabernacle, and have but this Chair to Do, and then all is their own, will now finiſh their Work with a wet Finger, upon the foreſaid Complyance. For you muſt Note, that after they have Admitted the Brethren, and viewed the Certificates of Election from the ſeveral Churches, containing ſome Congratulatory Complements, to Honour the new Conſtitution and Government, (as is uſual in all States) and having alſo treated the Delegates with the Civilities of the Houſe, and alſo with a long and tedious Harangue of the Mighty Bleſſings theſe new Settlements plainly Predict and Promiſe the Country, &c. the Delegates are then adviſed, There is no Caſe at Preſent Depending fit for their Cognizance, but what is upon file; The Aſſociates have already Conſidered about it, and Referred to ſome other Council beſt known to their Graces. And ſo, good Brethren, you are now with many Thanks for your obedient Attendance, Releaſed till Latter Lammas, or till the Greek Calends come about.
And here we may dig a Grave to bury all our Antient Priviledges in, and Hang our Harps upon the Willows, and when we are thus waſted, ſhould you call us in once more to ſing one of the Songs of Sion, all our Notes muſt be Elegie & De triſtibus, yet the Broken Accents, and lowly Murmours of our Sorrow will ſerve for Elahs and Sweet Diapaſans, in the Conquerours Song of Triumph.
2. We muſt, Nextly, ſurvey the Nature of the Council, which cannot be ſooner, and with better Advantage (to Repreſent the true Idea of it to every mans underſtanding) than in a breif Definition, Thus, The Council is to be ſtanding and ſtated, To meet once in the year at the leaſt, and at other times as each Aſſociation ſhall pleaſe to Determine, To Inquire into the Condition of the Churches, and Adviſe ſuch things as may be for the Advantage of our holy Religion. Thus you have the nature of it laid out in Terms very Conciſely.
But if a longer Deſcription, according to the Genuine ſence of Expreſſions in the Propoſals, will better ſuit you, and give a better impreſſion of its Nature upon your thoughts, we may then Deſcribe it Thus,
It is a Council of Humane Invention, ſtated and Settled to Convene once in the Year, Yearly, during the Revolution of the Heavenly Bodies, and at other certain Times of the year, ſo as to keep its Courſe Parallel with our High and Superiour Seſſions of the Peace, if the Creators pleaſe to Conſult, Adviſe and Determine all Affairs within the reach of Eccleſiaſtical Councils, and Eſpecially, &c.
And thus, we being a People ſwiming in ſuch Plenty, that all our Chargeable Meaſures, both Domeſtick in our Private Families, and Publick in Church and Common Wealth, being not near ſufficient, to take off our Waſte, and Superfluous Streams, and our Riches and ſtores ſo plainly over-loading us, we have here formed a Creature, that will help to ſup up all, and feeding upon our full Baskets, we ſhall find, that the further we go with Eſop's Load, the lighter we ſhall grow; Then who will not Admire the Wiſdom of the Invention!
3. Our next Task is to Examine the Original of this Council, which Inquiry may be reſolved into this Disjunct Propoſition, viz. This Council is the Reſult of the Will, Obeying the Ʋnderſtanding in its laſt Dictates, Erring or not Erring.
The Queſtion being thus ſtated, it is at every mans Liberty, to take the part in the Disjunction which beſt likes him. I ſuppoſe the Propoſal Arreſted and brought to Tryal, will plead, Not Erring, or Not Guilty, as is uſual with all Criminals, when Indicted; and therefore ſeeing you expect to be Cleared by the Jury, you muſt give us an honeſt account, Who ſet you on Work, and what Rule you were guided by to Aſſure us that your Intellectual Powers were free from Error in forming this Council, and we will give you Room enough in your own Defence. For,
1ſt. If you can produce Evidence from the Cannon of Scripture, in expreſs Terms, or by ſound Conſequence, and prove New-England Churches are obliged to form a ſtanding and ſtated Council, or that you are to do it for them, &c. we will ſubmit. But no ſuch Cannon can be found. The Propoſals then Incur a heavy Premunire for making ſo Bold with a Settled Government, and no Text to warrant the Attempt.
2. Is it by any Authority, derived from the Civil Government of the Country by Law, or Practice, that this Council is here Erected?
1. By Law, If there be any ſuch Law, you have Liberty to Plead it in your own Defence.
2. By Practice, Has the Civil Government ever ſet ſuch an Example? Have they ever Intrencht upon the Priviledges of the Churches in the leaſt Degree? And in their own Orb, are they not more Exemplary? Don't all men keep to Commisſion? Are they not Curious in maintaining all Settled Forms, as the Limits and Boundaries of all mens Actions and Intereſts? Nay, is not the Exalted Head of this Body Politick in his whole Miniſtry, Careful to Steer all his Actions by his Commiſſion, and the Precept of Law? Is not the leaſt Error (tho' made by Jealouſy, and not found in Reality) that looks but like an Arbitrary Action preſently drawn into complaint, as a great Greivance, and Common Neuſance? If it be but in Dream, that the Exchequer appears Toucht, without a precept, or the Wings of our Civil Liberties Clipt, or ſo much as a Feather be pluckt from them, is not the Country here and the Court at home filled with Complaints? what means all this? And yet muſt theſe Churches, formed by Principles of Piety and Honour, and under the Steerage of a wiſe and juſt Government, bear whole Cart Loads of Injuries, and have all their Liberties Violated? And at laſt have a Stated Antichriſtian Arbitrary Council, that can cut their Throats for all the wiſe Regulation, that is in it, be thruſt in upon them? and both Scripture and the Wiſe Fathers of the Common Wealth, no Patrons to it? and what muſt we Swallow all this? This muſt needs be a very heavy meal to Digeſt!
Ʋt opes et Lamentabile Regnum— Ereverint?
They ſpoil our Kingdom, and our Courage Daſh,
They take our Wealth, and leave us nought but Traſh.
3. Is there any Certificate, Orders, or Vote, from the Churches, as the Womb of this Council? If there be, the Propoſals ſhall then Paſs for the Innocent Midwife, and no harme ſhall come. But, alas! if we ſearch all Church Records, the Purſuit is Blankt! Therefore it muſt ſtand for a Daring Intruſion upon the Churches Power of Priviledge.
It is and will be acknowledged, with great Juſtice and Satisfaction, that the Paſtors of the Churches are in a high ſtation, as they Repreſent the great Shepherd, and their Truſt is Noble and Great; They are Rulers, and to Conduct all Tranſactions, &c But yet muſt never Infringe the Churches Power of Priviledge in any Branch of it? It becomes the Holineſs, Wiſdom and Honour of the Ruling Officers at a Criſis, when the Churches are in exerciſe of this Power, not to allow themſelves to dictate Too Imperiou…y: They muſt never, indeed, in all their Miniſtration, talk with ſuch an Elevated Language, as in the 3d Section of the 2d Part, in theſe Words, viz. That each Church Chuſe and Depute one or more (Private Members) to Attend their Paſtor in their ſtated Seſſion, &c. As tho' the high Commiſſion Court was Returned from Exile, and now opened, and ſome of your Graces were to be the Lord Chancellor, This Plainly carrieth too high a Creſt. What! to conſider your ſelves as a Diſtinct Eſtate from the Churches, and to ſend out of your Higher Houſe your Orders to be Obey'd in the Lower Houſe, &c? But, I ſay, this is not Right, for in Convening and calling of Councils, the Churches are your Superiours; and upon a ſevere Interpretation of their Canons, They may, if they pleaſe, leave you at home. For tho' you have been Elected once into Office, yet in the Exerciſe of this their Power, you ſtand but Competitors with other Principal Perſons, for their Choice and Election, to Determine you Members of an Eccleſiaſtical Council: Poſſibily this Doctrine may ſeem to be but a very Crude Doſe. But yet, I aſſure you, it is Approbated by a College of very able and Learned Phyſicians; and I hand it to you as I find it made up in the Churches Cheſt of Medicines, Platform Chap. 16. Sect. 2. The Efficient Cauſe of Eccleſiaſtical Councils, or Synodical Aſſemblies, next under Chriſt, is the Power of the Churches ſending forth their Elders and other Meſſengers, &c. Sect. 3. Magiſtrates have Power to Call a Synod, by Calling to the Churches to ſend forth their Elders and Meſſengers, for the Conſtituting of a Synod, in a Church Act, Sect. 6. Becauſe none are or ſhould be more fit to know the ſtate of the Churches, nor to adviſe of ways, &c. Therefore it is fit, that in the Choice of the Meſſengers for ſuch Aſſemblys, they have Special Reſpect unto ſuch, viz Elders; That certainly if you expect your Council ſhall eſcape Condemnation, you muſt then produce the Probatum Eſt of the Churches, or elſe it Periſhes under this Tryal.
Can you shew any Patent from the Emperial Chamber of our Mighty Monarch, to take into your hands (that you may new Model) theſe Churches (the Royal Demeſnes of Chriſt Jeſus the Prince of Peace) as an Eſcheat to the Crown? Or, have you Commiſſion, with Inſtructions, from thence, to erect within the Province, ſuch Coſtly and Formidable Aſſemblies, as are here projected? Nay, if you can find or pick up amongſt the Old Statutes, that are not quite worn out, or produce one venerable Precept or Example thro' out the whole Engliſh Empire, for the Government of Church or State therein, we will ſtate your Caſe, and grant you one Imparlance (with Due Time) if you can make any Reaſonable Preſumption, it may be had for your Juſtification; and in the mean time, I ſhall venture to Recite a few Principles of the Engliſh Government, that are like the Vena Cava, or great Arteries in Nature, which Circulate the Blood and Spirits thro' the Imperial Body; and if they don't all with a joynt Voice (like a Jury in their Return, where no mandiſſents) Condemn your Council and whole Scheme, you ſhall ſtill have a Goal-delivery, and be ſet free.
Principle I.
There is no one of the Three Estates of the Empire, can make a valid Act to bind the Subject, or inſtitute any New Forms of Government.
It is Certain the Parliament, that Supream Court, by an United Voice, is very Tranſcendent; It makes Null, Enacts, and Abrogateth all Laws, Statutes and Ordinances concerning matters Eccleſiaſtical, Civil, Martial, Maritime, &c. Therefore all Acts, Inſtitutions, Creations of Truſt, Corporations and Offices, either Originally and Immediately, or by a fair conſequence, derive from this Fountain, the Imperial Crown, inricht with many great Prerogatives, and adorn'd with many ample Flowers, they were there Planted by the Creating Power of the Nation, and no Engliſh Monarch can at pleaſure Enlarge that Garden with a New Species. That to meet with ſuch things as theſe now under Debate within an Engliſh Province, &c. Query, Whether they are Enacted by ſingle men, or ſmall Factions, Or by the United Voice of the Kingdom? If not by the latter, they muſt Dye Traytors to the Empire, as Tranſgreſſing againſt the Eſſentials of its Conſtitution, and Liberty of Conſcience is no City of Refuge Here.
Principle II.
All Engliſh Men are Priviledged by, and ſtrictly Bound to the Law; that's the fruitful Reaſon of all good and Rule of Duty. To be bound to the Peace, or the good behaviour, is to be bound to the Law, that's every mans Maſter and Guide. Query, whether theſe Propoſals, and this Council, have not put a ſlight upon this Dominion?
Principle III.
The Vengeance or vindictive Juſtice of the Nation flames (in the ſanction of the Law) againſt all Tranſgreſſors.
Every one that breaks the Law, breaks from the Rule of his Duty and Truſt, and in a degree violates the Power of the Nation, and Uſurps the whole Legislation; therefore in the Execution of theſe Direful Sanctions and Penalties affixed to the Statutes, the Omnipotent Power of the Nation Revenges the Glory of its own Independence and Unaccountableneſs upon its Inſolent Subjects, according to that, Gen. 2.17. In the day thou Eateſt thereof▪ thou ſhalt Surely dye. Therefore I may ſay to this Council, MEMENTO MORI!
Principle IV.
Every great Perſon is under the Awe of the Law, either as Directive or Co-erſive.
It is the ſaying of thoſe who are skill'd in the Law, That Rex in Regno Suo, Superiores habet, DEƲM et LEGEM, The King has in his Realm too Superiors, GOD and the LAW, tho' he is only under the Directive; but all his Great Subjects are under the Co-erſive Power of it. The Nobles and Great Miniſters in Church and State look upon the Law, as the watchful Eye of ſome Direful Numen. The Superiour Clergy-men, the great Biſhops of the Kingdom, tho' they appear Maſters of ſuch Prerogatives, yet they have nothing but what they Derive from the Law; and the Laws are their Boundaries, ſaying, Hitherto ye ſhall go, and no further at your Peril. That thoſe Great men might as well have undertaken with Archimides, to have Removed the Earthly Globe (upon Condition) as to have done ſuch a thing as this. What! to Alter the Conſtitution of Church Government, which is Eſtabliſhed by the Statute and Canon Law of Church and Nation? This is to Blow the Kingdom. Ergo, Put out your Matches, and Diſſolve your Trains.
Principle V.
All Engliſh men live and dye by Laws of their own making. That they are never pleaſed with upſtart Law-makers.
Principle VI.
That Engliſh Government and Law is a Charter-Party Settled by mutual Compact between Perſons of all Degrees in the Nation, and no man muſt ſtart from it at his Peril.
Query, Whether theſe Propoſals have kept to the Articles of this Great Covenant?
Principle VII.
Engliſh men hate an Arbitrary Power (Politically Conſidered) as they hate the Devil.
For that they have thro' Immemorial Ages been the Owners of every fair Enfranchizments and Liberties, that the Sence, Savour or high Eſteem of them are (as it were) Extraduce, Tranſmitted with the Elemental Materials of their Eſſence from Generation to Generation, and ſo Ingenate and mixed with their frame, that no Artifice, Craft or Force uſed, can root it out. Naturam Expellas furca Licet uſque Recurrit. And tho' many of their Incautelous Princes have endeavoured to Null all their Charter Rights and Immunities, and Aggrandize themſelves in the Servile ſtate of their Subjects, by ſetting up their own Seperate Will for the great Standard of Government over the Nations, yet they have all a long paid Dear for their Attempts both in the Ruin of the Nation and in Interrupting the Increaſe of their own Grandure, and their forreign Settlements and Conqueſts.
… the late Reigns, before the Acceſſion of the great William and Mary to the Throne of England, but taken the Meaſures of them, and her Preſent Majeſty in depreſſing Vice and advancing the Union and Wealth, and encouraging the Province and Bravery of the Nation, they might by this time have been capable to have given Laws to any Monarch on Earth; But ſpending their time in the Purſuit of an abſolute Monarchy (contrary to the the temper of the Nation, and the Ancient Conſtitution of the Government) thro' all the Meanders of State-Craft, It has apparently kept back the Glory, and Dampt all the moſt Noble affairs of the Nation. And when under the Midwifry of Machiavilan Art, and the Cunning of a Daring Prince, this Monſter, Tyranny and Arbitrary Government, was at laſt juſt born, upon the holding up of a finger or upon the leaſt Signal given, ON the whole Nation goes upon this HYDRA.
The very name of an Arbitrary Government is ready to put an Engliſh mans Blood into a Fermentation; but when it really comes, and ſhakes its whip over their Ears, and … them it is their Maſter, it makes them ſtark Mad; and being of a Mimical Genius, and Inclined to follow the Court Mode, They turn Arbitrary Too.
That ſome Writers, who have obſerved the Governments and Humours of Nations, thus Diſtinguiſh the Engliſh.
The Emperour (they ſay) is the King of Kings, the King of Spain is the King of Men, the King of France the King of Aſſes, And the King of England the King of Devils, for that the Engliſh Nation can never be bridled, and Rid by an Arbitray Prince. Neither can any Chains put on by Deſpotick and Arbitrary Meaſures hold theſe Legions. That to conclude this Plea, I find not amongſt all the Catalogues of Heroes, or Worthy things in the Engliſh Empire, Peers to theſe undertakers, Therefore we muſt needs range them with the Arbitrary Princes of the Earth, (ſuch as the Great Czar, or Ottoman Monarch) who have no other Rule to Govern by, but their own Will. And therefore under this Branch of our Diſcourſe, and their Arbitrary Meaſures, I ſhall venture to annex the following Theſis, as Concluſions fairly deducted from the Premiſes, and leave them to conſideration.
1. Theſis.
They have out King'd all Kings on Earth whoſe Prerogatives are Bounded, and their Kingdoms Governed by Law.
2. Theſis.
They have out Biſhop't all Biſhops of Great Britain, Whilſt they themſelves have acted with ſuch Lawleſs Liberty, and left the Biſhops fettered in the Statutes.
3. Theſis.
They have out-Pope't the Pope himſelf, who is head of an Hierarchy ſupported by certain Laws, Acts and Ordinances for the maintaining an Harmony or Union between Head and Members. So in the next Place,
4. We came to Survey the Work cut out for this Council.
Cato, that Great and grave Philoſopher did Commonly Demand (when any new Project was propounded unto him) Cui Bono? or what good was like to enſue? Now in this preſent Buſineſs, the definition Pretends to make a Satisfactory Anſwer to ſuch a Queſtion, viz. in the Imployment of this Annual Council, and that is to enquire into the Condition of the Churches, and adviſe ſuch things as may be for the advantage of our holy Religion.
It is certain, conſidering the Nature of the Creature here formed, there had need be ſome Herculean Labour Aſſigned. Thoſe who are Purveyours, and muſt provide Quarters, will find it very Chargeable, That it had need do very Extraordinary Buſineſs. As once King James the 1ſt▪ ſaid to a big-Limb'd Country Fellow, who came to Court to be a Porter; ſome that knew him, told the King how many Bowls fall, and Quarters of Mutton he would eat at a Meal, &c. Says the King to the Fellow, You Sirrah, that Eat ſo much more than other men, If you cannot do ſo much more Work proportionably than other men, by my So'l (Says the King) I'll hang ye. So here, there had need go a handſome Stock of ſmall Cattle, and other Expences to Maintain one Seſſions; That if it has Confidence to meet, and is Treated with an Ordinary allowance, If it can't do abundance of Work, it will be waſte Charges, and great Incumberment.
Now, if this be all that is here Propoſed (in my Opinion) the Creators are very Defective in their Propoſitions; For tho' the Work Mentioned is in it ſelf good Work, But it's all Done already to their hands, There is nothing of this Nature Neglected in N. England Churches, at the leaſt, no Means or Methods wanted, but as God ſays, Jer. 5.4. What could have been done more for my Vineyard, that I have not Done in it: may Properly be applyed to the Churches here, and all for the Advantage and Good of our Holy Religion; that, in a word, there is no want in this Country, unleſs it be the want of good and honeſt Hearts; and I ſuppoſe you have none of thoſe to Bequeath.
Upon the firſt view of this ſtupendious Buſineſs, I was ready to phancy, whether or no you had Dream'd of or ſeen King Henry the Eighth a coming with his old Caſe and Queſtion which involved the Pope, his Conclave and all the Accademies in Europe, and whether you were getting a Mighty Caſuiſt ready to take the Kings Conſcience into Conſideration? Or whether you had news of the Old Arian War, its Breaking out again, that you ſhould in ſuch haſte, (without Citing other Eſtates for the Defence of the Kingdom, but only by vertue of your Prerogative) Run up ſuch a formidable and Coſtly Redoubt? But if it be all come to this, and there is no more to do, then what every Pious and Wiſe Man does every day, every Week, and every Seſſions, it is even another fit or Paroxiſm of the Mountains bringing forth, as the Poet ſays, Parturiunt Montes, &c.
But to Humour what would ſeem Serious in the Propoſal, I ſhall conſider both parts of the Work Diſtinctly.
The firſt is, To Inquire into the Condition of the Churches.
Anſwer.
Now, whether this Precept, ſo full of Sweat and Servitude, may not vie it for merit, as equal in Pains what any of the great Prelates in Europe, in their Laborious viſitations, who when they come into ſome Capital Town in the other Part of their Dioceſs, and being Treated with the Solemn Formalities of Sumptous Feaſts by the Nobility and Gentry in the Neighbourhood, and having ſpent the Bigeſt part of their Paſtoral Viſit in Glutting themſelves with Honour and full Tables, at laſt begin the other part of their Work, and Inquire (Poſſibly) How many Pariſhes in this great Town, and whether there be any Surgeons, Phyſitians, or School-Maſters that do good to their Neighbours with out Lycence? Or whether there be any new Golgotha's to be Dedicated, for the ſecurer Retreat of the Dead to that Place? Or whether the Pariſh Curates Read Service well, and obſerve to time their Particular Leſſons, with the Canonical Days? and eſpecially whether the Bells are kept in good Tune and Order, &c? All which makes up a Noble piece of Service, to Requite a Crown or Kingdom for the Revenues of a Barony! and, Whether it may be thought, that our Great and yearly Council, will come a whit behind the aforeſaid Miniſtry in the firſt or laſt part of ſervice Mentioned? And whether if they do but equal them, we may not be thought to have made a wiſe Settlement? But notwithſtanding we ſhall grant, the Propoſal makes mention of a Chriſtian Duty, for that it becomes all men, who bear a love to Chriſt, to enquire into the ſtate of his Churches, both for their Manifeſting their love to men, and directing their Prayers and Gratitude to GOD.
Therefore,
1. As to their outward and Temporal ſtate, we may inform our ſelves, by virtue of Neighbourhood, by Chriſtian Travellers and Publick Letters of Intelligence; and thus we may Rationally, and with very good moral Certainty know the ſtate of the Churches, both in other Countries and our own; and thus good Nehemiah informs himſelf at Shuſhan, how it fared with his Brethren at Jeruſalem, Neh. 1.2.3.
2. As to their Moral State (which conſiſts in their Profeſſion, Faith, manner of Worſhip, Diſcipline and Converſation) this is diſcovered particularly, by their Directories, Confeſſions of Faith, Plat-forms, Rubrick, Liturgies, and other Canonical Syſtems made Publick for that end, &c. And conſidering, that whatever of this nature is neceſſary for the advance of Religion, is well adjuſted in this Country, it muſt needs be but a vain Repetition, or ſenſles Tautology for a Council to meet yearly or quarterly for this end, viz. To Inquire what News, or whether New-Englands Confeſſion of Faith is the ſame this Year, as it was Laſt? Or whether all the Churches, their Manner of Worſhip, is this Sabboth as it was the other? And as to their Converſation (which may ſeem to lie moſt out of ſight) ſufficient Proviſion is made by the Principles of our wiſe Plat-form (for Upholding the Communion of Churches) for our Inquiry and Information here alſo. And Thus we come to the other part of this good Work, viz.
2. To Adviſe ſuch things as may be for the Advantage of our Holy Religion.
Anſwer.
Query. Whether or no there ben't Publiſhed weekly from the Oracles of God (and that with great Soundneſs and Zeal, more Truth in a day than all New-England can practiſe in a long time after? And whether all the Churches and the whole Land are not Honour'd and Addreſt, from week to week, in ſuch Meaſures by infallible Truth, if not by Infallible Men? whether or no theſe Methods don't Divulge the whole Mind of God to each Plantation?
Or, whether theſe Gentlemen have any ſecrets of Wiſdom, not yet made Known? Or whether they Intend to ſerve the Churches, as ſome great Philoſophers and Profound Artiſts in Medicine Serve the World, viz, ſuch who carry ſome great Ineſtimable Catholicon to the Grave with them?
And whether they will be thus hard hearted in Religion, as the other are in Philoſophy, unleſs we will gratifie them with this Piece of Prodigality here Exacted? I muſt Ackowledge I have little Patience towards theſe things, that under ſuch a ſpecious ſhew and Pretence ſuch a direful Cataſtrophy ſhould be Shrowded! I muſt needs ſay, Its plainly ſome of Joab's Friendſhip, when he ſpake quietly and peaceably to Abner, ſmiled in his face as his Friend, But ſtabbed him to the Heart, under the fifth Rib, that he dropt, and Dyed.
But however, I ſhall endeavour, to Reſcue my ſelf from all Impatience, and with Deliberation Sum up my Anſwer, in an appeal to your own Reaſon concerning thoſe ſeveral Created Truſts, which GOD eſtaliſhed, and Cloathed with his own Authority, every one of which is acted with great Vigour of Succeſs. And whether you think you can do more then all theſe for Religion? Or perſcribe ſomething New which they never thought of.
1st. Civil Authority, in two great Branches▪
1. Legiſlative Power (that Civil Omnipotence) is doing very great things for Religion, by their Proclamations, and all Paenal Laws enacted for the Cruſhing of Immorality and Vice, and in all their wiſe and exact Precepts for the Support of Juſtice and Piety. They are opening many civil Channels, whereby they are Conveying Judgment, Juſtice and Righteouſneſs down our Streets, from the great fountain. Nay, this great and Dread Aſſembly puts Awe upon all Mankind. And the more Daring and Deſperate are kept within Compaſs, from a ſence of this moſt Terrible Seat of Thunder hanging over their Heads, and upon every Affront ready to break in ſtroaks of Vengeance and Woes upon them, eſpecially if they grow beyond the reach of Common Law.
And in Ordinary Caſes,
2. The Executive Power, or Miniſters of the Law, are like a Standing Camp to awe, and a flying Army to beat the Enemy; They have their Spyes and Scouts out in every Quarter to obſerve his motions, and break his Meaſures, viz. in the Innumerable Numbers of all ſorts of Civil Officers; and thus by the Sword of Juſtice they hunt down Sin, and Impiety in the Land. They are a Terror to Evil men, and a Praiſe to them that do Well; for the Civil Authority, by their wiſe and juſt Precepts, their perſonal and Noble Examples and Zealous Adminiſtrations, out-do Plato himſelf with all his Moral Reaſons; for they can turn a Sodom into a Zion, and keep Zion to be Zion Evident by the Hiſtory and Chronicles of Several Governments of Gods Ancient People. Nam Regis ad Exemplum Totus Componitur Orbis ▪ for Chief Rulers, by their good or bad meaſures, can make or mar, kill or cure a nation, in a moral Sence.
2 The Churches.
View once more, from ſome lofty Promontory or Pisgah, thoſe Goodly Tents and Tabernackles of Iſrael! Liſten! is not God with Them, and the Shout of a King amongſt them? Are they not as Valleys ſpread forth, and as Gardens by the Rivers ſide, which the Lord hath Planted? And yet, notwithſtanding, may we, muſt we under your Conduct, break up their Fences, to give them another ſort of Culture? Nay, conſider well! are not the Flowers better wed, and the Weeds more kept down, than in moſt of the Incloſures in the World, belonging to the Great Huſband-man? And may you not (in Rekoning up of means) allow us peculiarly to Aſcribe to their Government, and other of their meaſures agreeing with the nature of it in Dreſſing the Ground? But I will not enlarge this head; it is obvious enough from their Miniſtry, from their Faith, Their Diſcipline and Converſations.
3. The Nurſaries of Learning.
1. The Inferiour Schools, where the Leaven is laid, hid and kneaded in the ſoft dough; Et Emollit mores, nec ſinit eſſe feros, &c.
2. The College (That Artillery Garden from whence we receive our moſt expert Souldiers of Chriſt, and whence Chriſts Troops are ſupplyed with Cheif Commanders, who lead on to ſtorm the ſtrong holds of the Common Enemy, and ſecure our great Alley, Religion) This is the Seminary of Learning and virtue, and the Succeſs is almoſt to a Miracle, unleſs for Humiliation we muſt Secret the great Grace and Gifts of God which flow from that Fountain, and are Diſperſed thro' the Land.
Query. Were a Council called, of all the Learned heads of the whole Univerſe, could they dictate better Laws, and adviſe better Meaſures for the Acquirement of LEARNING the INCREASE of Virtue and good Religion than in that Royal Province?
4. The Families of the Country with their Oeconomies, and family Religion; If we take a Survey of the whole Land, we ſhall find Religion placed in the Body Politick, as the Soul in the Body natural. Nam eſt Tota Anima, in Toto Corpore, et Toto in Qualibet parte; That is, the whole Soul is in the whole Body, and whole in every Part. That were any other part of the Body Organized beſides the head, it would be capable to exerciſe Reaſon, &c. So Religion is placed and exerciſed in its Principles, Vertues and Governments, Through the Families of the Country, ſo many families ſo many little Sanctuaries.
I do acknowledge, there is no General Rule, but has its Exceptions; But under this Caution I may ventre to affirm, there is no ſuch Spot of Earth in the Earthly Globe (ſo Belaboured with family Devotion, Reading Gods Word, Catechizing and well Inſtructing Youth, with neat and vertuous Examples, and Divine Prayers, non ex Codice, ſed ex Corde, not out of Books, but out of Hearts, the Solemnizing Sabboths, and family Attendance on publick means) as is New-England. And if ſo, then what need have we of this late invention? Therefore to conclude, I ſhall, for my own part, with the Jealous Laocoon enter Caution againſt taking down the ſides of the City, or opening the Walls of our ZION to let in this Trojan Horſe; and let all Iſrael ſay, Amen! For, Bleſſed be God, tho' we want to have our hearts Renewed dayly, but as for means, tho' we have no glut, we have Plenty enough, and want no new Inſtitutions.
5. We Come now to meaſure, and find out the time Appoynted for the Council.
1. Certain, viz. Once in the year, at the leaſt, All the Aſſociations in the Country, and according to the moſt Plauſible Interpretation of the Propoſals, one or more Lay-Deligates ſhall joyn and Meet yearly and Every Year in the Great Aſſemblies.
Anſwer.
As Auſtin ſays of time, Nivo in Tempore, Loquor de Tempore, ſed Neſcio quid ſit Tempus, I live in Time, I ſpeak of Time, But yet I know not what Time is. So I do Imagin, the Dictators did not well weigh Time by an exact Ballance, in all its Contents, Sence and Meaning, when they Carved out ſuch a large Portion to this Illegal Claimer. Time is juſtly eſteemed Precious, in relation to Heaven and Grace, and alſo very valuable with reſpect to the intereſt of Nature and this Life. Therefore, care ſhould be had, that it ben't Squandered away waſtefully. Our natural Lives, Health and Honour, Families and Eſtates are all very ſignificant and Coſtly things, and their Dependence is much on the well husbanding of Time, inſomuch that in hard and penurios Climates, the Inhabitants had need be very ſaving of Time for the ſupport of all theſe great Intereſts, and ſeeing there is ſo much time already ſet for Religion. As,
1. The Seventh part of Time is aſſigned by the wiſe Author of Time, and that well Improved, will do much for the ſupport of Religion.
2. There are great Proportions (out of the Time left to our diſpoſe) frankly bequeathed for the good of Religion, as in Courts, Churches, Colledge, School, Families, Cloſets, and in many other Sacred Intervals, breathing Spells, from the hurry of Buſineſs, to render men more Sedate and Heavenly (called Time out of Seaſon) and all for the ſervice of Religion; Then to add and make this Offering alſo, without a Divine Mandate, is but a work of Superarrogation or Superſtition, and ſo will prove not only a needleſs, but a extravagant Victim.
And moreover, to add a juſt Aggravation or two, to ſet forth the Evil in the Impoſition, I ſhall, with them, conclude the Plea.
Aggravation I.
Is taken from the Great and Sufficient Care and Proviſion made by the 15th and 16 Chapters of our Platform, for the Convening of Occaſional, and needful Councils, for the ſervice of the Churches, and Support of Religion upon all Emergencies. Then what need we throw away ſo many years of Time at a venture, as is here Tendred in the Propoſal, before our Neceſſities or Occaſions call for the Expence; unleſs we would in Imitation of the Rhodian Coloſs or Egyptian Piramids erect a Monument of our vain Glory and Pride, more than of our Prudence, Policy, or Duty.
Aggravation II.
Is taken from the great Affront, real and Rational, done to Empire.
1. Real, In making thus bold, with the Time and Eſtates of Loyal Subjects.
2. Rational; For let us but conſider, that about three hundred Men (Gown-Men, and Sword-men) with twice the Number of Attendants, which will make up near a Thouſand ſtrong (and all well hors'd and Provided) to be Muſtered, no man living on Earth can tell for what, cannot be well reſented by Crowned heads, thoſe Admirers of Order: That the Project carried on, may breed Jealouſies, in the heart of our Prince, leſt that Ket, Cade, Straw or Tyler have Pitch't upon an Oath of Reformation again, with an intent to over-hawl the Government, &c. And eſpecially ſeeing the Crown was never adviſed of any ſuch thing (as is Propoſed) by the Regular Forms of Empire. There is danger of looſing our Time, and the Credit of our Loyalty together, that all things conſidered, the beſt way will be, for us to keep well, whilſt we are well; and therefore let every Man and Society be adviſed to Improve their Time wiſely, keep in their Poſt, and honeſtly ſtudy to do their own Buſineſs, which God, Law and Regular Settlements has Inſtructed them with, and we may then hope things will go well with us and our holy Religion.
2. Ʋncertain, viz. When the Creators pleaſe, and can agree, for the more particular Time is beſt left to the Determination of each Aſſociation, as the Propoſal affirms. And thus we are left very Uncertain, When Where, or whether it will Ever be; ſo that, I perceive, you have no great Dependance upon it, neither muſt we: The Wiſdom of Civil Government hath another Sort of Conduct. Such things are not left to Diſcretion, for that would be Indiſcretion, and the way to turn the World into a Bedlam, or the Dwelling Place of Mad-men. And in the Example before us, ſuppoſe the Arbitrators (when the Queſtion for the Time is propounded) ſhould differ, and hotly diſpute the matter, and ſome ſhould Plead, it was beſt to be in the Winter, and ſome in the Summer; ſome argue for the Fall, and ſome for the Spring, according as every mans Temper leads him; and at laſt, referring it to a Majority of Voices, ſhould they (for want of an odd man) lock it by an equal Vote, and ſo, keep it like a Game at Cheſs, for ſeveral years on the Table, and neither ſide get the Maſtery, we may then in our Diſtreſſes Hollow whilſt our Throats ake, and no help comes; for they have voted themſelves faſt (like two Bucks in their own Hrons) and can't ſtir for our Relief.
6. We muſt, according to promiſe, make ſome Inquiry, Where this Council is to meet, or for the Place of Meeting?
It is held in opinion that Caſtles in the Air and Immaterial Subſtances do not occupy Place; Philoſophy aſſigns them no more then a Ʋbi, where many may exiſt in Puncto Indiviſibli, or on the point of a Needle, and if this Council is (as I Apprehend it) belonging to that Conjugation, or Catalogue of Beings, it will then have this Priviledge belonging to it, viz? There will be no houſe to build, nor houſe Rent to pay.
7. We come now (in the laſt place) to conſider its Maintenance, by three Queries.
1ſt. Query.
Whether the Churches in their Expiring, muſt (as all Criminals do) Pay for their own Execution, and their Eſtates be Confiſcate, and reſerved as a Fond, yeilding a certain ſtipend per Annum, to ſupport their Executioners?
2nd. Query.
Whether the Contingent Fees of the Seſſions, Or the free and voluntary Contribution of Clients, may be thought a medium ſufficient? Or
3d. Query.
Whether it muſt not be here, as it is in ſome Civil Caſes under the Cognizance of a very peaceable and good natured Juſtice, that for the healing of a Difference amongſt Neighbours adviſes them to Agree, &c. and ſo let every man bear his own Charges?
But how it is, or which way they intend to raiſe a Support for a ſtanding Council, Yearly, and every year, I cannot find out; there is no ſtipend ſettled, or Proviſion made, in the Canons which give it being.
It is certain, in the Hiſtory of Gods Works, be firſt makes his Houſe, &c. then furniſhes his Table with great Varieties, and then invites his Gueſts, and makes them welcome; and ſo it is with all Regular Created Efficients, both Rational and Natural; But in this Scheme there is nothing done for the Support of the new born Infant, but, like a Run-away Dam, you leave it to the Mercy of the Heavens. But poſſibly the Relief is ſtored up in your Creating Power, ſo that if the Charitable Churches will but find a Cradle for the firſt night, and Naturalize it, you will by your Creating Fiat, ſoon find a Fortune, if all the Tythes in the Province will do it.
Thus, according to Ingagement, we have paſſed Through the ſeveral heads, relating to the ſtanding Council, and I think by the Analyſis, it is ſufficiently Reſolved into its firſt Nothing, and therefore what remains, I ſhall be more brief in my Anſwer.
SECT. II. THat to this End theſe Aſſociated Paſtors, with their Reſpective Churches, ſhall Conſociate and Combine.
Anſwer.
There is plainly an Hyſteron and Prot…ron (a praepoſterous Speech or miſplaceing of Terms, Paſtors and Churches) in this Section, and tho' in Rhetorick it breaks no great Squares, yet in Politicks, where the juſt Boundaries of Governments are to be ſet out, the Miſ-placing ſome great Words, may Ruffle the whole Scheme, ſo that according to the mere wary Idiom of our Church Government, it ſhould be written thus, viz. The reſpective Churches, ſhall Conſociate and Combine, and their Paſtors ſhall attend and Miniſter, as their Duty does oblige them.
SECT III. ACcording to what has been by the Synods of theſe Churches recommended, that they Act as Conſociated Churches in all holy Watchfullneſs and Helpfullneſs towards each other.
Anſwer.
Titus, the Roman General, is very honourable for his great pity to the Iſraelites, in many Examples that fell into his hands; But all this while he was in Seige of their famous Town and Temple, and Deſigned to rout them out of houſe and home, or Subject them to the Mercy and Pleaſures of a Conquerour.
So here, Tho' you ſmile upon us, in reciting ſome of the Principles of our own Government (for which we thank you) yet ſtill we muſt obſerve the noiſe of your Mattocks, that we may meet with your Trenches, for you are ſtill carrying or your Works and undermining us.
SECT. IV. IT is Propounded, as that which from our Beginning has been recommended, &c.
Anſwer.
You ſeem to Reflect upon our Beginings, with a Singular Air and Aſpect, when you find any Word or Paſſage, that falls in with your Deſign, as tho' you were ſenſible thoſe things were very Argumentative and Binding; and Indeed they are ſo. Then why can't you fall in with the whole Settlement, and ſay to your ſelves, What need we ſtand Puzling our heads for New Schemes about Church Government? there is one from our Beginings, That is Compleat, being Adjuſted by the Laws of Honour, and aſſigns to all parties their Due, and gives to Officers Rule, Power and Honour enough; Therefore let us, now we are met, order a new impreſſion, and ſo break up. For, Alas, Alas! What need you, like the Thieveſh Bird; pick here and there a ſtraw or a Feather in our Yards, to Build a new Neſt? or now and then gather up a kernel, or a Grain out of our firſt fruits? The whole Plantation and Crop is yours, if you pleaſe to make uſe of it; and it will be your livelyhood, as it has been hither to; only you muſt Remember to pay the Quit-Rent, as honourable Tenants, and not take your ſelves to be Lords of the Mannour.
SECT. V. THat the Aſſociation ſhall Direct, when there is occaſion, for this Council to convene, on any Emergency, and ſhall Direct whether the Whole, or only a certain Number of theſe Conſociated Paſtors and Churches ſhall convene on ſuch occaſions.
Anſwer.
Theſe Beg'd Prerogatives of Clergy-men come ſo thick in this place, and ſmell ſo ſtrong of the POPES Cooks and Kitchen, where his Broaths and Reſtoratives are prepared, That they are enough to ſtrangle a Free-born Engliſh-man, and much more theſe Churches, that have lived in ſuch a clear Air, and under ſuch enlargements ſo long a time. For indeed, (for ſooth) Four ſcore Years has brought (not our Hogs, but) our Innocent Flock to a fair Market, if it is come to this, that Clergy-men may buy and ſell them (as the Romans did the Jews) thirty for a penny, or at leaſt ſay, Pro and Con, at their pleaſure, upon all the high Immunities and Ancient Liberties of the Churches, Lyon-Like (who claims the whole Prey, and leaves no ſhare to his Allies, vel Actum eſt de Amicitia) all is mine (ſays he) or Farewell Friendſhip.
SECT. VI. IT appears agreeable with the preſent Condition of our Churches, and from our Beginning acknowledged, that no Act of the Council is to be reckoned, concluded and Deſicive, for which there has not been the Concurrence of the Major part of the Pastors therein concerned.
Anſwer.
1. The Specificating Act, that Impowers any Member for an Eccleſiaſtical Council, is the Churches Election or Deligation, according to our Government; ſo that the Members Sent, are Inveſted with the Power, and repreſent thoſe who ſend them; The Officers have no More of this Power devolved upon them, than any member, and therefore can Challenge no more Right (as Elders) in a Major or in a Negative Vote, they any others, as is very apparent in all Repreſentative Bodies; therefore all Acts muſt be Determined by the Majority of the whole, as in the houſe of Commons, tho' made up of Men of very Different Characters, when in their own Countries, both as to their Truſt, Learning, and Wiſdom, and other Diſtinguiſhing Qualifications, yet the meaneſt man there has as great a Force and Power in his Vote or Suffrage, as the beſt man in the Houſe, for that they all equally repreſent the Nation, one Man as much as another; So in this Caſe; For that the Churches and Officers were never yet Since New-England ſtood, held or accounted two diſtinct Eſtates, in an Eccleſiaſtical Council. Therefore,
2. Your Challenge plainly Defines your Intention, that is to Null the Power of Churches, and ſet up your ſelves, as the Subject or Fountain of a ſuperintending Power. And then, if the Churches may have ſo much favour as to Repreſent themſelves by their Lay-Deligates, in a Council you ſhall ſee meet to call, you muſt needs allow them to be a diſtinct Houſe and Eſtate. And if ſo, then you muſt grant them the Priviledge of a Major Vote, as well as your ſelves, and ſo nothing can be acted but by their Compliance alſo. But I muſt acknowledge, I have no Plenipotentiary Power to ſettle Articles of Agreement, for the Infringing any of the Rights of the Churches, and therefore muſt draw up my Memorials or Complaints of Incroachments upon Ancient Lines and Boundaries, and ſo leave them.
SECT. VII. THE Determinations of the Councils, thus Provided for the Neceſſities of the Churches, &c.
Anſwer.
Let any man Read the 15th and 16th Chapters of our Plat-form, and then judge, whether the Neceſſities of theſe Churches are ſo urgent as this Propoſal, with too much Falacy inſinuates, or whether they are any ways in Eſau's ſtraits, who thought he might Sell his Birth-right for a meſs of Pottage, if not to ſave his Life, yet to gratifie his Pieviſh and Diſtruſtful Hunger.
SECT. VIII. IF a perticular Church will not be Reclaimed, &c.
Anſwer.
This whole long Section is the third way of the Communion of Churches, laid out in the 15th Chapter of our Platform, almoſt Totidem verbis, or, in ſo many words. And whether or no the Annexing ſome of the Principles and Rules of our Vindictive and more Publick Juſtice to the Scheme, will Sufficiently Attone for the Diſſolution of the whole Frame, which is Intended by you?