Account of the Present State of the Churches in New England, Text

Account of the Present State of the Churches in New England · Text

Triſtitiae Eccleſiarum OR, A brief and ſorrowful Account OF THE Preſent State of the Churches IN NEW-ENGLAND: IN A LETTER FROM A Miniſter in the Country TO THE PUBLICK. Wherein is contained, Some Remarks on the Riſe, Progreſs and unhappy Effects of the different Sentiments among Us at this Day in Matters of Religion. To which is added by Way of Advice Some healing Meaſures.

With an APPENDIX.

By Samuel Niles, A mournful Spectator and Sharer in the preſent Calamities. AND Paſtor of a Church of CHRIST in Braintree.

Nihil tunc Temporis ampliùs quam flere poteram.

BOSTON: N. E. Printed and Sold by J. DRAPER, in Newbury-Street. 1745.

p. 3A brief and ſorrowful Account of the preſent State of the Churches in NEW-ENGLAND.

THE Beauty and Strength of a Community (eſpecially Eccleſiaſtical) conſiſts in nothing more, than in the Harmony of it's Members. This has been the diſtinguiſhing Glory of the New-England Churches in general, from the Days of our Fore-fathers, who, under GOD, planted the Goſpel at the Peril of their Lives, in this American Wilderneſs.

But now, alas too ſoon! Strife and Contention is come upon us like a Flood, which threatens the overthrow of all Order, and the utter ſubverſion of our Goſpel Conſtitution. This gives us Occaſion to take up the Lamentation as of old and ſay, How is the Gold become dim, and the fine Gold changed? How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Zion with a Cloud in his Anger, and caſt down from Heaven to the Earth the Beauty of Iſrael? The Crown is fallen from our Head, wo to us that we have ſinned! But is our Condition now indeed ſuch, that there are none of the Sons which we have brought up, found worthy to lead us by the Hand and give Conduct to theſe Churches in this gloomy Day? Or ſhall we reſign them up to Strangers, and ſet them at the Head of the Miniſtry and our religious Affairs? Shall we imitate the Jewiſh Church in her Times of Degeneracy, and abundantly repleniſh our ſelves from the Eaſt and other Quarters (tho' not with profeſs'd Soothſayers, yet) with enthuſiaſtick and erroneous Itinerant Preachers, and Tribes of publick Exhorters? It is an Error eaſily imbib'd and practis'd upon, for Perſons to value themſelves and others on Account of ſudden Impreſſions and Impulſes on the Mind, placing theſe in the room of the immediate Dictates and Influences of the Holy Spirit, tho' they have no Foundation in the Word of God to ſupport them; but are the Effect of their own over-heated Imaginations, and vain Conceit of their ſuperiour p. 4Attainments in Knowledge and Experience of the Spirit's Operation. And this ſelf exalting Opinion leads Men to cenſure and condemn thoſe as carnal and unconverted, who don't gratify their Ambition, and give them the Pre eminence above all that are not in their Way of thinking, however otherwiſe diſtinguiſh'd in Station, Piety and Accompliſhments. How applicable to ſuch Men is the Parable, which our Saviour ſpake concerning thoſe who truſted in themſelves that they were Righteous, and deſpis'd others?

And how lamentable are the Wounds and bitter Effects which this Spirit has already produc'd among Us! And what a formidable Appearance of ſtill greater Miſery! Whilſt Party is engag'd againſt Party, Miniſters againſt Miniſters, Churches againſt Churches; open Violations of ſolemn Church-Covenants are become common, and , with ſome, commendable; Church-Members cenſuring, judging and walking with Slanders againſt one another; Party Councils are call'd to oppoſe each other, according to the different Denominations and Sentiments of the Parties inviting them: There have been ſome Inſtances in theſe Times of Husbands who have forſaken their own lawful Wives, with whom they have liv'd in Love and Peace, alledging that ſuch indeed are their carnal Wives, but as they think them unconverted, they reject them, ſuppoſing it to be warrantable and expedient to frequent the Company of other Women of the like pretended extraordinary Illumination.

Thus Communion of Churches is in a great degree loſt, the beautiful Harmony of Miniſters, as Fellow-helpers in their Work, turn'd too much into party Views and Strangeneſs one towards another; the religious Order of Families turn'd out of Doors, the Honour and Duty of Children to Parents, Servants to Maſters is neglected, and Reverence due to the Aged and Honourable is caſt behind our Backs. For theſe Things fearfulneſs and trembling is come upon us; the Ways of Zion do mourn, her Prieſts ſigh, her Virgins are afflicted and ſhe is in bitterneſs, for her Beauty is departed, and Shame hath covered her Face.

Now 'tis eaſy to point out the Troublers of our Peace and former happy Union. Every Man that will judge impartially and free from deſign, knows that the Rev. Meſſirs. Whitefield, Tennant, Davenport, and other Itinerants, with the many Exhorters under their Influence, have thrown us into this Convulſion and heat of Contention. Which plainly appears, in the firſt Place, from Mr. Whitefield's Conduct.

As ſoon as this Gentleman mounted the Stage here, he liberally threw out his Cenſures upon the Miniſters, Colleges and Churches. The generality of the Miniſters preaching an unknown, unfelt Chriſt; that they were dead Men, which was the Reaſon of the deadneſs of their Congregations in p. 5Matters of Religion. vid. N. E. Journ. p. 70, 71. Thus aſſuming to himſelf GOD's Prerogative, who claims it as his peculiar to know the Heart. The Diſciples of CHRIST, tho' converſant with Judas the whole Term of our Saviour's publick Miniſtry on Earth, did not know Judas to be an unconverted Man and a Traytor, 'till he diſcovered it; but were all ready to ſuſpect themſelves rather than him: They received Simon Magus into their Number as a true Believer, till he offer'd Money to purchaſe the Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt. Now can it be ſuppos'd on any rational Grounds that Mr. Whitefield, or any others of like Pretences at this Day, are endowed with greater Gifts of the Spirit, ſo as to be able to know what others feel of the Spirit of CHRIST in their Souls, and venture to publiſh it to the World, as Mr. Whitefield has done? This is the Man that brought this Spirit of pretended Penetration into this Land. And with what an amazing Spread has it gained Proſelytes in every Quarter? Some of whom pretend to determine the State of every Perſon they meet at firſt Sight: Others more cautious judge by comparing Experiences, ſtill making their own Experiences the Standard by which others muſt be tried. This Officiouſneſs of Mr. W—d we have paid dear for, but what it may yet coſt us none can foreſee.

What can we think this Gentleman means? Would he have us believe that in this he acted the Part of a Miniſter of CHRIST, or a Chriſtian? Was it from the Dictates and Direction of the Spirit of GOD he ſpake thus? That could not be, for the Spirit of Truth can't contradict it ſelf; and the Spirit expreſly tells us that him that ſoweth Diſcord among Brethren, God hates, Prov. 6.19. And we are ſtrictly forbidden to receive an Accuſation, againſt an Elder, but before two or three Witneſſes, 1 Tim 5.19. If we are not to take up an Accuſation againſt a Miniſter, but with a Proviſo, much leſs may we publiſh it. Was it poſſible for Mr. W—d to produce authentick Vouchers to ſupport his Charges againſt our Miniſters, Colleges and Churches? No, verily. Nay, if all the invidious and diſaffected Perſons in the Land, had come from all Parts with their united Complaints againſt their Miniſters, yet it was impoſſible for him (a perfect Stranger in the Country, and but a little while with us) to form an adequate Judgement on the State of Perſons and Things, ſo as to juſtify the Accuſations he has brought againſt them. Will Scripture, Reaſon or civil Juſtice countenance ſuch Conduct in any Man however otherwiſe fam'd? Does not this Gentleman arrogate to himſelf a ſuper-intendancy, the Authority of Dictator-general, and a Power ſo abſolute that whom he will be ſets up, and whom he will be pulls down. What an unbecoming Slight does he p. 6put on the Miniſters in general, however deſerving, except ſome few who are in a ſort canonized in his Journal? But his Authority in this and his Itinerancy (as by him manag'd) we deny, becauſe not commanded: For what is not appointed in the Word of GOD, in Matter, of Religion and Order, is a Degree of Idolatry, and forbidden in the ſecond Commandment.

Did Mr. W—d intend thus to ſmite the Shepherds, that the Sheep might be ſcattered? If ſo, he may behold with Satisfaction (if any can be had in it) that his Deſigns are wonderfully ſucceeded in the preſent ſcattered State of our Churches, from the Prejudices which he has inſtilled into the Minds of many againſt their own Paſtors and Brethren.

Moreover, This Gentleman's Conduct is the more exceptionable, for that many of thoſe Miniſters whom he has ſo liberally loaded with Infamy and Contempt, are Gentlemen whoſe Characters have been eſtabliſhed in the Conſciences of all that knew them, for their Soundneſs in the Faith, and good Example of Life, and that for more Years than he has liv'd in the World, their Enemies themſelves being Judges, 'till he had prejudic'd their Minds by his evil Inſinuations. Yet theſe good Men are now loaded with manifold Calumny, under which they go heavily and hardly beſtead, in an advanced Age, becauſe Reproach has broken their Bones; the Reproaches not of Strangers only, but their Brethren in the Miniſtry, and in their Communion alſo: And now they have but little proſpect of healing, and expect to live in a great Meaſure uſeleſs, and then go to their Graves with the bleeding Wounds of this Gentleman's cenſorious Pen, and the Reproaches of Exhorters and others which have fallen upon them.

What an aſſuming Temper does Mr. W—d alſo ſhew in condemning our College? vid. Journ. p. 96. When he ſays, "their Light is become Darkneſs, Darkneſs that may be felt." This is a ſad Reproach upon a Society which GOD has remarkably ſmil'd on, and made a rich Bleſſing; from whence has iſſued a Succeſſion of able and faithful Miniſters, for the Supply of theſe Churches for a Century of Years, without Mr. Whitefield's Aſſiſtance: But we truſt GOD will appear in the Behalf of our Colleges, and wipe off the Aſperſions caſt upon them, and ſtill continue them rich Seminaries of Piety and Learning. What can be the Deſign of this Gentleman in publiſhing ſuch Repreſentations of our Colleges, unleſs it be to induce us to content ourſelves with illiterate and enthuſiaſtick Exhorters, whom he or his Friends have ſet up, 'till we can be ſupplied from England, Scotland, Ireland, the Orphan-Houſe in Georgia, or the Shepherd's Tent?

p. 7But as preſſing Repreſentations and juſt Complaints have been publiſhed on theſe Heads, by the Governours of our Colleges, united Aſſociations of Miniſters, and ſeveral of our Rev. and aged Fathers ſeparately: I ſhall only Remark at preſent, that it is the Opinion of many, that ſince Mr. Whitefield has not manifeſted his Repentance for the Offences he ſtands charged with, tho' call'd to it from all Quarters, he therefore ſtands indited, F…ro Eccleſiae, and in the Memory and juſt Reſentment of all that act up to the Rules of Goſpel-Diſcipline, for raſh Judging and Slander. They think he has been guilty of a Breach of the ninth Commandment, or in other Words, has born falſe Witneſs (as is ſometimes ſaid) with a witneſs.

And then as tho' Mr. W. had not ſufficiently broken our Churches, we were ſoon viſited by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent; who was ſent by him, and redoubled his Aſperſions on the Miniſtry; yet not with ſo much Openeſs in theſe Parts, as he has done in his Nottingham Sermon, wherein he declares the Body of the Clergy of this Generation to be unconverted. And that he might the more effectually promote Diviſions among us, did, in his publick Exerciſes at Boſton, thank GOD for the Diviſions which began to appear there, and pray'd they might be increas'd as an hopeful Omen of an happy Reformation. As if the People were Barbarians or Mahometans, and needed now by him to be taught the firſt Principles of the Oracles of GOD. That he was of ſuch a diviſive Temper, his Sermon on unconverted Miniſters is a ſufficient Proof. His Words are theſe, Pag. 12, 13, GOD's People have a Right to all GOD's Miniſters; why mayn't they uſe them as they have Opportunity? And if they ſhould go a few Miles further than ordinary to enjoy thoſe they Profit moſt by, whom do they wrong? This was a Leſſon of Indulgence ſo pleaſing to the Diſaffected, that they ſoon put it in Practice, and thereupon ſeparated themſelves from their Paſtors and Brethren in greater Numbers than before, perſiſting in it as laudable and a Duty from this Act of Toleration and Advice.

He then draws a Compariſon from the leſs to the greater, viz. From the irrational Creatures, the Beaſts, Birds and Fiſhes, which are led by an inſtinct in Nature, to ſeek the Food which they like beſt▪ A weak Way of arguing indeed! (however plauſible it may appear to ſome) to make Men as diſorderly and voracious as the wild Beaſts of the Earth and Fiſhes of the Sea, who bite and prey upon one another. This indeed is too much our Manner at preſent, and is encouraged by many who take Sanctuary under the Sentiments of thoſe Gentlemen I have mention'd and others of the like diviſive Spirit.

p. 8The Rev Mr. James Davenport, in Succeſſion, made a Viſit alſo to theſe Parts of the Country, deem'd to be a Man full of the Spirit, as indeed he was of the like cenſorious, judging and uncharitable Spirit: But he did not care to take Things meerly upon truſt and evil Suſpicion, as others had done before him; and therefore proceeded to a formal Examination into the Experiences of Miniſters, in order to form a right Judgment of their State, and whether they preach'd an unknown unfelt CHRIST, or not. But becauſe of this and other ſuch like Steps, and being apprehended to be under a deep Tincture of Enthuſiaſm, he had not Admiſſion into the Gentlemen's Pulpits at Boſton, which 'tis probable he and others expected. And 'tis thought by many that if there had been the like Caution with Reſpect to the former Gentlemen, the Proſpect of Peace in our Churches would have been more hopeful than now it is like to be. When Mr. Davenport firſt came among us the Expectations of many were rais'd to an high Degree; but by reaſon of his enthuſiaſtick Conduct here, and his burning the Books at New-London, and his partial Retractations, moſt of his Admirers have chang'd their Minds, and call him delirious, or an Apoſtate, or both.

If theſe Gentlemen had ſupported their Conduct by divine Revelation, it would not have been wonder'd at, that they had ſo many Admirers: But as they bring no ſtronger Teſtimony than their own bare Word, and the Meaſures which they have taken are ſo contrary to the known Rules of the Goſpel,—we ſay, — Let God be true, but every Man a Liar. To the Law and to the Teſtimony, if they ſpeak not according to this Word, it is becauſe there is no light in them.

But as theſe two Gentlemen Meſſirs. Tennent and Davenport have publiſhed ſome Retractations on theſe Heads, I ſhall leave them at preſent, more ſeriouſly and penitently to reflect on the Hurt they have done to Religion, the Miniſtry and the Order of our Churches, wiſhing that they and all other Itinerants and publick Exhorters which they have dextrouſly promoted may be prevailed with to be equally ſollicitous, to reſtore our Peace as they have been inſtrumental to deſtroy it.

We have alſo had the the Rev. Meſſirs. Croſswell, Wheelock, Parſons, Bus…, Moorehead, &c. in their ſucceſſive Excurſions, not as Healers of our Hurt, but Augmentors of Strife in our Societies.

To return to Mr. Whitefield. He is now making a ſecond Viſit to us, in pompous Progreſs from Town to Town follow'd with the loud Acclamations of many People, while ſome, from whom more manly Things p. 9might be expected, ſeem to lay their Necks at his Feet to trample on at Pleaſure, as if his Word was not only his own but their Law alſo,—according to that—Stat pro ratione Voluntas.

I ſuppoſe this Gentleman would be thought to act in the Capacity of an Evangeliſt; but I think his Methods no ways anſwer this Character; for according to the generally receiv'd Notion, he muſt then Preach chiefly where Miniſters are not ſettled, and the pure Goſpel and the Ordinances thereof eſtabliſh'd, which is the unhappy Caſe of ſome Towns in this and the neighbouring Government: Whereas he ſhuns theſe**Since the Writing of this Mr. Whitefield has taken a Tour into ſome of the Towns which are without ſettled Miniſters, and the Ordinances of the Goſpel., and preaches chiefly in our great Towns where there are ſettled Miniſters, as able and perhaps more ſo than himſelf; and ſo inſtead of healing our Diviſions, increaſes them, as is the evident Effect in moſt of the Towns where he has preach'd both now and when he was here before.—What Conſtructions can be put on theſe Things, but either that he acts too much on Mr. Tennent's Principle, viz. The more we are divided, ſo much the more hopeful Proſpect of the revival of Religion; or elſe that he retains his declar'd Opinion of the Miniſters in general, that they are dead Men, &c. —And agreeing with Mr. Davenport that it is as dangerous to the Souls of Men to hear ſuch Miniſters preach as a Potion of Ratsbane would be to their Bodies; perhaps Mr. Whitefield tarries among us to deliver our People from this mortal Poiſon.

But whatever may be the Deſigns of this Gentlemen, I think the melancholy Condition of our Churches calls upon all that love Zion and pray for her Peace and Proſperity, to conſider, take Advice, and ſpeak their Minds. I am thus free to offer my Opinion, under affecting Apprehenſions of the Evils come and coming on our Conſtitution. And as I have no Deſign to offend any Perſon, but only deſire that Things may be weigh'd in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, and that our loſt Love and Unity and Order may be reſtor'd, therefore crave Leave, to offer the following Queries to the Publick, and eſpecially to thoſe Reverend Miniſters who have given Mr. Whitefield ſuch free Admiſſion into their Pulpits.

Quer. 1. Whether there is not at leaſt an Appearance of Inconſiſtency in thoſe Gentlemen's Conduct who had ſubſcrib'd in their publick Teſtimony againſt Itinerant Preachers? Unleſs the Proviſo of Subſtance, Scope and End, annex'd to ſome of their Names was deſign'd to preſerve a Liberty in that Caſe to act as Occaſion might call for: Or muſt the Subſcription be p. 10underſtood to mean all Itinerant Preachers except Mr. Whitefield? Or was in then thought that Mr. Whitefield would not come among us again? Or muſt we ſay that it is allowable after Vows to make Enquiry?—

Quer. 2. Whether theſe Gentlemen have exerciſed due Love and affectionate Regard to their Brethren in the Miniſtry, in inviting Mr Whitefield to preach when they might at the firſt Glance foreſee, that it had a direct Tendency to revive Suſpicions in the Minds of their diſaffected Brethren, and to open the Wound which was then under hopeful Symptoms of Healing?—

Quer. 3. Whether theſe Gentlemen have diſcover'd a juſt Regard to our Colleges, which have ſo long been the Glory and Strength of our Civil and Eccleſiaſtical Polity? Have they been fir'd with a becoming Reſentment at theſe Aſperſions caſt upon theſe Societies, by that Gentleman whom they ſo much careſs? Where is the Honour and Gratitude due to their venerable Mother in whoſe Boſom, theſe very Gentlemen have been nouriſhed and tenderly brought up, and to whom under GOD they owe their Academical Acquirements and publick uſeful Improvements?

Quer. 4. Whether it has not a manifeſt Tendency to weaken our Conſtitution, if not deſtroy the Order and Diſcipline of theſe Churches, for publick Offenders to be admitted to Communion, or ſpecial publick Acts of Religion, ſuch as Preaching and Adminiſtring the Sacraments, until they evidence true Repentance and give Satisfaction to the Party offended, as the Goſpel requires? This Mr. Whitefield has not attempted to do (as we hear of) tho' call'd to … a publick Manner. Don't we hereby lay our-ſelves, and theſe Churches …, to the juſt Inſults of the Church of Rome it ſelf, which does not admit of Abſolutions without antecedent Pennance?

Quer. 5 Will it not throw the Miniſtry under farther Contempt, and diſpoſe all that pleaſe to call in Queſtion the Validity of our Ordination, for a Gentleman by the Conſent of …o many Miniſters and others, to arrogate a Super-intendency over our Churches, as Mr. Whitefield has done and is doing in Fact, tho' not as yet in …, when at the ſame Time he profeſſes himſelf a Miniſter of the Church of England? And has it not a direct Tendency alſo to lead many People, if not Miniſters, to renounce the Order and Diſcipline of theſe Churches, and turn back to the Church of England, from whence our Fathers firſt came?

p. 11Quer. 6. Can it be rationally ſuppos'd, that a Goſpel Reformation and Revival of Religion, muſt be built upon Separations and Contentions as many now pretend? drawing it as an Inference from CHRIST'S ſaying I came not to ſend Peace but a Sword, Mat. 10.34. As tho' CHRIST had conſtituted his own Members for whom he died, to be the common Executioners one of another; which muſt lead directly to the Deſolation of his Church and Kingdom, as he proves Ch. 12.25. Every Kingdom divided againſt it ſelf is brought to Deſolation.

Quer. 7. Is it not highly probable, that the Moravians, a People wild in their Principles, and big with Euthuſiaſm and vain Glory, ſhould make a Deſcent upon us in their Turn, when they hear what ſucceſs this Gentleman has had in working over ſo many into his own Way of thinking and to ſuch an Admiration of his Perſon? eſpecially when they have ſuch Numbers of their Brethren the Exhorters actually engag'd in their Cauſe; and many others under rais'd Apprehenſions of their own ſuperiour Abilities, already ſettled among us; waiting the firſt Opportunity to exerciſe their Gifts, ſo pleaſing to the People, and in their Apprehenſions vaſtly exceeding their own Miniſters, by whom they think themſelves unreaſonably reſtrain'd.—

Theſe Queries I ſubmit to the ſerious Peruſal and Conſideration of all my Brethren in the Miniſtry, eſpecially thoſe whom they do more immediately concern.

But if theſe Reverend Gentlemen can not only free themſelves from Inconſiſtency, but alſo anſwer all the other Objections contained in theſe Queries, yet one would think, that only the Sight of Mr. Whitefield's Life and Journals muſt have made Them, as well as all others, very cautious of inviting into their Pulplts, a Gentleman of ſuch a Temper and caſt of Mind as he appears to be.

In theſe Writings how much does he diſcover of Enthuſiaſm, Oſtentation and vain Boaſting of the Spirit's Influence and immediate Conduct to a ſuperlative Degree, as tho' he had arrived to the higheſt Familiarities with the divine Being. As a Specimen of which, I ſhall inſert a few Inſtances extracted from his Journals.— GOD has given me a double Portion of his Spirit indeed.— I ſhould quench the Spirit, did I not go on to ſpeak as He gives me Utterance.—The Eternal Almighty I AM hath ſent me.—This I know, what I have ſpoken, GOD will bring to paſs; lo! It will come, then ſhall Scoffers and Deſpiſers know that a Miniſter of CHRIST has been among them.—Wherever I go People will follow p. 12me—When I ſaid, Finally Brethren, Farewell; Thouſands immediately burſt out into ſtrong Cryings and Tears.—In the Morning I talk'd with the LORD in the Garden, as a Man talketh with his Friend.—It was revealed to me that nothing griev'd Satan ſo much as the private Societies.— The Power is ſuch among the Societies that ſometimes when they go to ſay Grace before Meat, the Spirit of Prayer falls on them one after another, that they are kept in Prayer near 3 Hours.—Such of the Exhorters as had publick Gifts were ſettled as Superintendants over the reſt.—Nothing confirms me more in my Opinion that GOD intends to work a great Work upon Earth, than to find how his Children of all Denominations every where wreſtle in Prayer for me.—

Such ſuper-intendant Exhorters as Mr. Whitefield ſpeaks of, we may expect, when he becomes Super-intendant here, as many appear to give him the Power.—

Theſe high Pretenſions to the extraordinary Guidance of the Spirit brings to my Mind a Man whom I once knew, Thomas Caſe by Name, of whom Dr. Mather writes in his Mag. Amer. He pretended as much to the extraordinary Guidance of the Spirit, as any in theſe Days; even to Prophecy and ſpecial Revelation, but finally prov'd a grand Impoſtor. It was credibly reported by Eye-witneſſes, that at his Meetings (for he had gain'd a great Number of Followers) the People us'd to fall down as with ſtrong convulſive-like Fits, with Foamings at their Mouths, remaining for a Time ſpeechleſs and without Senſe. Then Caſe and his Company were wont greatly to rejoice, looking on it as a ſure Sign of their Converſion; and therefore ſang and danc'd round them, ſaying, the Joy! the Joy, Joy, Joy! — with extatick Appearance and Geſtures. Theſe Perſons us'd to ſing in the Streets and high-Ways as they paſs'd along, and ſo were diſtinguiſh'd from other Sectaries by the Name of ſinging Quakers or Hie-hoes. It was uſual with him alſo as he paſs'd the Streets at the Head of his Company, and when alone, to cry out (under the Pretence of an extraordinary Miſſion, like that of the Diſciples) Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Thus he proceeded from Rhode-Iſland to Block-Iſland and Long-Iſland, and to the new Country (then call'd) viz. the Jerſeys, to Pennſylvania, and then back again with ſeveral of his Admirers, who ſoon after his Death, finding themſelves deceiv'd of the great Things, which his pretended Predictions had made them expect, they ſoon diſpers'd with ſhame, that they had been led away with ſuch ſtrong Deluſions. And now for many Years the very Name of this Man, and his Company as ſuch, is remembered only with Reproach and Contempt, as a deluded Company of People p. 13who were made to believe a Lie. I offer this Inſtance not as a Parallel, but by way of Caution; leſt any ſhould in like Manner be led away with too high an Opinion of the Sanctity, Zeal and Preſence of GOD'S Spirit with any Man, and thereby fall into the like Deluſion in this perilous Age.

—But to return,—

If Mr. Whitefield had, at this his ſecond coming, ſeen Cauſe publickly to declare, that on better Light receiv'd he thought proper to recede from his ſolemn Oaths and Subſcriptions to practice according to the Rites and Forms of the Church of England; and had alſo evidenc'd his ſincere Repentance by retracting his raſh and groundleſs Charges thrown on the Miniſtry in general, Colleges, &c. — And had at the ſame Time us'd his Endeavours to ſweeten the Tempers of thoſe whom he had diſaffected towards their Paſtors and Brethren, and to recover from their unſcriptural Separations, and to return them to their Duty, as one under ſuperiour Advantages for that Purpoſe above all Mankind, conſidering his Influence on them; and had he likewiſe put himſelf under the Quality of a Candidate for the Miniſtry in order to a ſettled Improvement in any of theſe Churches, or elſe had better anſwer'd the Character of an Evangeliſt by preaching in un goſpeliz'd Places: I ſay had he done thus, then his Conduct in general would not have lain open to the ſame Cenſure in theſe Churches as now it does. But it is the Opinion of many (and as they think founded on Scripture and Reaſon) that unleſs Mr. Whitefield had come into ſuch Steps as theſe, he ought not to have Admiſſion, much leſs Invitation, to any Gentleman's Desk in the Country, but to be rejected as a diſorderly walker.

It is alſo Matter of Grief and Surprize to many in the Country to hear that a Reverend Father, (whoſe Praiſe has been in all theſe Churches, and whoſe Character has been bright in this and remote Countries) ſhould now be the firſt of his Order in theſe Parts, to introduce Mr. Whitefield to preach in his Pulpit, and to adminiſter the Sacrament of the LORD'S-Supper in his Church: But 'tis hop'd that for the future, this Inſtance will be improv'd as a Caution rather than an Encouragement to others, in this Day of mighty Expectation, when Example goes beyond Precept. However, Honour and Reſpect command us to form a Conſtruction in this Caſe according to conſtant Experience; viz. That the moſt pious, wiſe and ſingularly accompliſh'd Men are but Men, and evidence themſelves ſuch in more or leſs obvious Inſtances. Many are as much and ſome more ſtumbled at Mr. Whitefield's Conduct in this Matter, and think him chargeable with Arrogance and Uſurpation as well Breach of ſolemn Vows and Promiſes. Let that be as it will. — It was certainly a very ſtrange thing p. 14that a Gentleman under his Circumſtances, and doubtleſs acquainted with the Order of theſe Churches, ſhould make ſuch a Puſh at our Conſtitution, unleſs it was with a Deſign to overthrow it, and with this View, — The ſooner the better.—

It is needleſs to enquire here, whether the Brethren of that Communion were led into this ſtep of Innovation, as free Agents, or thro' ſurprize? We charitably hope they have ſeen their Error and are feelingly qualifyed to become Monitors to themſelves and others for the future.

Who can Account for the like Meaſures come into, in ſome other Churches? Unleſs the high Eſteem of this Gentleman has led them ſuperſtitiouſly to imagine, that the Elements in that Holy Ordinance are ſo much the more ſacred and efficacious, when receiv'd from his Hands. Have they forgotten their Catechiſm which tells them, that The Sacraments become effectual Means of Salvation, not from any Virtue in them, or in him that doth adminiſter them; but only be the Bleſſing of CHRIST, and the working of his SPIRIT in them, that by Faith receive them.

What a criminal ſilence would it be, after all the formentioned Evils which are come upon us, when our Breach is great as the Sea, if the Miniſters of CHRIST (who are ſit as Watchmen on the Walls of Jeruſalem) don't open their Mouths like a Trumpet and warn the People whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. Shall we ſtand as idle unconcern'd Spectators, and as treacherous Dealers, dealing treacherouſly, betray our invaluable Church Privileges into the Hands of our Enemies, and become a willing Prey to them that oppreſs us? Let the Prieſts then, the Miniſters of the Lord, cry with one conſent, ſaying, ſpare thy People, Oh Lord, and give not thine Heritage to Reproach.

Were it poſſible for our venerable Fathers, whoſe renown'd Heads are laid in the Duſt, to behold ſuch Multitudes, and perhaps not a few of their own dear Offspring, following and applauding enthuſiaſtick Strangers and ignorant Exhorters, whilſt their dear and beloved Brethren ſtand neglected and deſpiſed, wounded not only by Enemies, but in the Houſe and by the Hands of their Friends, as not worthy to be compar'd with thoſe of the new make; (I ſay could our Fathers ſee this) with what Indignation would they reprove the early Apoſtacy of their Children, who are turned out of the Way ſo quickly after their Fathers have fallen aſleep? As a Confirmation of this we may conſult many of the Diſcourſes of theſe excellent Worthies, wherein they gave their dying Teſtimonies to the Order of theſe Churches, and charge their Poſterity to endeavour to preſerve it.

p. 15Nay even a Stranger that had been kindly receiv'd, and liv'd and died among us in the Work of the Miniſtry, has left us theſe Words as his dying Advice. It was one of the Glories of New-England, that they had ſhewn ſo much Reſpect to Miniſters educated abroad; but then reflecting on ſome late Occurences, he added,—That for the future it was adviſeable for us to make a more due Enquiry into the Principles of Strangers that come among us, leſt inſtead of moderate Presbyterians, which the Churches honour & embrace without any diſagreement or difficulty; they ſhould commit themſelves into the Hands of raſh Incendiaries.

Upon the whole. If Mr. Whitefield's Meaſures have the moſt direct Tendency to ſtrengthen the Diſcipline of theſe Churches, to promote Love and good Agreement among Miniſters and Brethren, to eſtabliſh the Reputation of our Colleges, and are the only hopeful Means to bring about a thorough Reformation,—Then let this Gentleman and his Friends rejoice in the Fire which he has kindled, tho' it has already burnt many excellent Cedars in our Lebanon, and yet continues to flame in theſe Churches with Rage and Violence: But if not,—Then let us all come to a ſtand and conſider, whether the Good ſuppos'd to be done in ſome Places, can countervail the King's Damage, who is the Head of his Church, and the Glory of it where he walks.

I am now to proceed in the next Place,

To offer ſome Healing Meaſures in order to recover us out of our broken State, and to reſtore Peace and Love.

They will greatly miſtake my Deſign, who ſuppoſe it to be any other than this, in all that I have offer'd in the former Part of my Letter. It exceedingly grieves me for the Occaſion of it, and I hope it may affect the Hearts of ſome in reading, as it does mine in writing.

We find by ſorrowful Experience that wiſe and good Men have fallen into very different Ways of thinking, ſpeaking and acting in Matters of Religion. In purſuing my Purpoſe therefore it may be proper to enquire into the Grounds of our preſent Difference. If I have a true Idea of Things, our preſent Controverſy is not about the fundamental Points of Religion. All agree in the Doctrine of Original Sin, the Neceſſity of Converſion or the New-Birth, of Juſtification by Faith in the Merits of CHRIST▪ the Imputation of CHRIST'S Righteouſneſs received by Faith, and good Works or an holy Obedience as a Fruit and Evidence of true Faith. All my Brethren in the Miniſtry, that I am acquainted with, aſſent to theſe Doctrines, and preach them to their Hearers. They can't therefore p. 16on this Account with any Propriety be term'd Oppoſers of the Work of GOD. Moreover, if at any Time it has been prov'd againſt any Mininiſter, that his Doctrine or Life is not according to the Goſpel, he has by our Conſtitution been removed from his Miniſtry. For what is it then that ſo many of the well-principl'd Servants of CHRIST are at this Day call'd Oppoſers of the Work of GOD? Certainly they have not deſerv'd this odious Character: And it will appear unreaſonable that their ſeparating Brethren have branded them with this Name, if we conſider, What it is they oppoſe▪

In the firſt Place, they oppoſe the ſo much applauded Method of Itinerant Preaching; becauſe they don't know of any Scripture Warrant to ſupport it: Nor can the Itinerants prove their Miſſion by their miraculous Healing, &c. as the Evangeliſts of old did,—and it breaks in upon Order which is abſolutely neceſſary to the Support of Religion: For tho' ſometimes there may be external Order without true Religion, yet true Religion can never ſubſiſt long in a Country without Order.

Again,

They oppoſe publick Exhorters; becauſe they are neither that Order of Men to whom CHRIST has promiſed his Preſence to the End of the World, Matth. 28. ult. Nor are they of the Number of the Apoſtles, Prophets, Evangeliſts, Paſors or Teachers, which Chriſt has given for the perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Miniſtry, for the edifying the Body of Chriſt, Eph. 4 11. Nor are they of the Elderſhip ſpoken of, Tit. 1.5. Nor thoſe mentioned, 1 Tim. 4.14. They are therefore to be oppoſed as a ſpurious Offspring, not legitimated in Scripture, but of the Number of falſe Teachers whom the Apoſtle mentions, Gal. 4.17. which ſeems to be exemplified in the Itinerants and publick Exhorters of this Day, They zealouſly affect you, but not well; yea they would exclude us (as 'tis render'd in the Margin the true Miniſters of Chriſt) that you may affect them Inaſmuch therefore as theſe Men take this Honour to themſelves, when they are neither called of GOD, nor can they produce any Teſtimony or Example from Scripture to ſupport their Pretences, Duty and Intereſt calls upon both Miniſters and Churches to oppoſe them, and the Errors and Diſorders they have introduced. It is good to be zealouſly affected in a good Thing, for which ſome are to be commended at this Day: But when Zeal for Reformation is beclouded with uncharitable Judgings of Fellow-Chriſtians, it is not according to Knowledge, and therefore ſhould be watch'd with Caution. One ſays, Take heed that when Zeal for Reformation knocks at the Door, ſome new Error ſteps not in with it, which will as much need an after-Reformation.

p. 17Moreover, They oppoſe (not the regular Conduct of thoſe who have appear'd to be wrought on in a genuine evangelical Manner, but) that unlimited Liberty which many have given themſelves, to judge and condemn the State of others; even thoſe who are of known Orthodox Principles and unblemiſhed Lives. This is not warranted, but ſtrictly forbidden in Scripture, as might be abundantly prov'd.

They oppoſe Dreams, Viſions, Revelations, &c. and bodily Appearances of CHRIST to the natural Sight of the Eye, which many have lately pretended to: As tho' the holy Scriptures were not a compleat Syſtem of Divine Revelation, and ſufficient Rule of Life, but that we ſtill ſtood in need of ſomething farther to direct us in point of our Faith and Practice: Which muſt be denied, and conſequently oppoſed, as that which leads into manifold dangerous Errors and Deluſions.

The extraordinary Out-cries and bodily Agitations in Time of divine Worſhip, ſo common in Aſſemblies, and applauded by many as Signs of the Spirit's powerful Operation, is objected againſt, as no ways profitable to Souls, but an hindrance of the true Ends of Worſhip. Preaching is a rational as well as a religious Act, both in the Preacher and Hearer of the Word; but theſe Out-cries, &c. deſtroy both. It would be ſtrange to conceive, that there were cryings-out in the Congregation when Samuel reaſoned with the People to convince them of their Sin, in asking a King; and what can he mean when he ſaith, Now therefore ſtand ſtill that I may reaſon with you before the Lord,—1 Sam. 12.7. But that they ſhould give their united Attention to his Reaſonings with them? Or how was it poſſible their Reaſon ſhould be duely exerciſed, or the true Ends of his Preaching anſwered, which as I ſaid was for their Conviction? And it prov'd effectual as we may ſee in the following part of the Chapter; and why did it ſo? becauſe they ſtood ſtill, i. e. they were not noiſy and tumultuous.—The like Inſtance we have in Paul, when he reaſoned of Righteouſneſs, Temperance, and Judgment to come, Acts 24.25. it is ſaid, Felix trembled. He reaſoned,—but what Effect could his Reaſoning have had on Felix if it were obſtructed by Out cries? Or on Agrippa, when he was almoſt perſuaded to be a Chriſtian, Acts 26.28.

Furthermore, That quick and inſtantaneous Aſſurance many now boaſt of, is juſtly objected againſt. As they pretend, it follows immediately upon their recovery out of ſtrong Convictions for Sin, and when the Mind is calm'd, and Terrors of the Law worn off, they preſently arrive at Aſſurance, which is dangerous to the Souls of Men; for ſuch an Aſſurance Hypocrites themſelves reſt upon. That Aſſurance, in its true meaning, is attainable in this Life, none of the Orthodox deny; but hold p. 18that according to the ordinary Method of Grace, GOD leads true Believers to reſt in a well-grounded ſcriptural Hope of Juſtification thro' the Merits of CHRIST, evidenc'd by the Mortification of Sin in them, and lively Actings of Grace, in a Life of ſweet and holy Communion with GOD: Such an Aſſurance is to be depended upon; and not ſuch an one as riſes like a Muſhroom, or as Jonah's Gourd, that grows in a Night and periſhes as in a Night.

That prevailing Opinion alſo, That all true Converts muſt know the Time and Circumſtances of their Converſion, is juſtly to be objected to; for as CHRIST is Lord of his own Grace, he beſtows when, to whom, in what Manner and Meaſure he pleaſes. Jeremiah was ſanctified in the Womb; and Samuel we may conceive was ſanctified then, or ſoon after in his Childhood: Timothy knew the Scriptures from a Child. Some GOD reveals himſelf to in a gradual Way, under the Means of Grace and the Spirit's Operation, that are made effectual by his Bleſſing for their Converſion; and others in a more apparent, ſenſible Manner, as he did to Paul: Which different Method of Grace CHRIST ſhews by the Compariſon he uſes, John 3.8. CHRIST as much prov'd the Sovereignty of his Grace in opening the Eyes of the blind Man by weak and gradual Means, John 9.6.7. as he did by unſtoping the deaf Man's Ears with a Word ſpeaking Mark 7.34.

The laſt Thing I ſhall offer here by way of Objection in the preſent Caſe, is that prevailing Practice of having ſome Miniſters Perſons in ſuch high Admiration, as in a ſort to Deify them. GOD has given different Gifts to Miniſters as well as others; and as thoſe of ſuperiour Qualifications are not to be overvalued, neither ſhould thoſe of lower Gifts and Attainments be deſpiſed: In theſe Caſes its often that People are acted more by Fancy than Judgment, which ſeems too much our preſent Caſe. This was what the Apoſtle Paul faulted the Churches of Corinth for, as they liſted themſelves, ſome under one Miniſter, and ſome under another, and tells them they were carnal and walk'd as Men, not as Chriſtians, and he gives the Reaſons, 1 Cor. 3.3, 4. This too high Eſteem of one Miniſter, and too low Eſtimation of another, led them into Envying, Strife, and Diviſions, as the neceſſary Conſequence of ſuch a Conduct▪ He had before reproved this Practice of theirs, Chap. 1. v. 11, 12, 13. And complains of their Contentions, One ſaith, I am of Paul, another I am of Apollos, another I am of Cephas, or Peter, another I am of Chriſt. Then v. 13. he proceeds farther to detect this Corruption by ſaying, is Chriſt divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the Name of Paul? Now as this Caſe is become ſo remarkably ours at this Day, I ſuppoſe it not amiſs to gloſs a little on the Text above cited and ſay.

p. 191. That nothing (ordinarily) has a more direct Tendency to break the Peace of fellow-Chriſtians and Churches, and throw them into Envyings, Strife, Diviſions and Contentions, than when they fall into Parties, from a different and too high eſteem of one Miniſter above all others.

2. The true Miniſters of CHRIST will aim more at the Glory of GOD the Peace, Unity and good Order of his Church and Churches, than at the higheſt popular Applauſe and partiſan Acclamations of Praiſe. This we find in Paul, tho' firſt in order, and perhaps the Number of his Admirers and Followers exceeded the reſt of the Miniſters, yet, his faithfulneſs to CHRIST, and his Zeal to reſtore Peace in this Church, led him in ſo ſharp a Manner to reprove their Sin and ſeparating Diſpoſitions. Which is left as an Example for all CHRIST'S Miniſters, and for the warning and Inſtruction of his Churches and People in every after-Age and Generation.

3. The third Thing I ſhall note from the Apoſtle's Words above, is, that when Churches, or the profeſſed Followers of JESUS CHRIST fall into Parties from their different Eſteem of Miniſters, it is then moſt probable CHRIST will have the ſmalleſt Numbers of ſincere Followers on his Side—For we find ſome were for Paul others for Apollos, others were for Cephas, here were three Parts of the Church of Corinth, ſome for one, and others for another Miniſter, CHRIST could therefore have but a very ſmall Part among them: It is therefore obſervable, he ſaith, is CHRIST divided, or do you expect to find CHTIST dividing himſelf into theſe Miniſters; and to prove the contrary, he ſaith, was Paul, or any of theſe Miniſters you ſo much admire, crucified for you? Or were you baptized in his or any other of their Names? As the Words and Senſe of the Thing Import.

Inaſmuch then as theſe ſeveral Heads of Particulars, mentioned above, are what make and foment our Diviſions, and are not ſupported either by Scripture or Reaſon, Can the Conduct of thoſe be juſtified who brand the Characters of their Paſtors and Brethren as Oppoſers of the Work of GOD, and under that received Notion, unwarrantably ſeparate from them?—It was with great Satisfaction indeed, that the pious and well-meaning People in general, in the ſeveral Governments here, at firſt receiv'd the Tydings of thoſe remarkable Awakenings that many, and eſpecially thoſe of the younger Sort, ſeem'd to be brought under; and it is Matter of great Thankfulneſs to GOD, that their Hopes have been ſo far anſwer'd, as that there are Evidences of ſome Perſons who have been ſavingly wrought on, and brought home to CHRIST in theſe Times of Commotion, in one Place and another, as in Charity we are oblig'd to believe: Yet nothing is more evident than that the State of Religion is in a more languiſhing Condition p. 20in our Churches in general, than ever before has been known in the Memory of Man. Where is the Reformation, ſo much talk'd of, to be found, except in a few Places? Nor can it in Reaſon be ſuppos'd that a noble Structure can be built without a ſolid and proper Foundation; nor when the principal Artificers pull down with one Hand what they build up with the other; which appears too much our unhappineſs, and is Matter of Lamentation, and ſhall be for a Lamentation; and the more ſo, if after all the Means of Conviction and Healing that can be offered, the Language and Reſolutions of the Times remain as of old, ſaying, there is no hope, no, for we have choſen Strangers, and after them we will go; which GOD forbid: For without a wonderful Interpoſition of Providence to reſtore our loſt and long baniſhed Peace, what can be expected, as an Event of the prevailing Contentions and Separations, but the utter Demolition of theſe Churches, and the Conſtitution on which they are ſo happily founded: The prudent Man foreſeeth the Evil and hideth himſelf; it highly behoves us to hide our ſelves in this evil Day under the Covert of CHRIST'S Wing, and pray for that Wiſdom which is from above, and is profitable to direct us in this critical Juncture, to throw off the different Denominations, and disband the contending Parties, Uniting in Love as CHRIST'S myſtical Body and Members in particular, and as ſuch conforming ourſelves as much as in us lies to Goſpel Commands, which in no Part of it that (I know of) will juſtify, but contrary-wiſe condemn our ſubſiſting Heats and Animoſities and Methods, in which they are carried on in the general, on the one ſide, and on the other. I therefore humbly recommend that Text of many others that might be offered, Phil. 2.1, 2, 3. If there be therefore any Conſolation in Chriſt, if any Comfort of Love, if any Fellowſhip of the Spirit, if any Bowels and Mercies, fullfil ye my Joy. — That ye be like-minded, having the ſame Love, being of one Accord, of one Mind; let nothing be done through Strife, or vain Glory; but in lowlineſs of Mind, let each Eſteem other better than themſelves. Now then as the End of the Commandment is Charity, out of a pure Heart, — which we are commanded above all Things to put on, and as Chrſtians to arm our ſelves with, as by it we are led to hope and believe the beſt Things one of another, and to cover a Multitude of Faults and Imperfections we ſee one in another; and as vital Piety and practical Chriſtianity conſiſts ſo much in the right Exerciſe of this Grace of Charity, and by the want of it ſo much the more in Proportion, will Contentions be ſtrengthned and abound among Chriſtian Profeſſors, as our preſent and very ſorrowful Experience does Evidence, let us all throw off an uncharitable cenſorious judging, diviſive Diſpoſition, and be deeply humbled before GOD has who ſuffered Satan that Accuſer of the Brethren to ſow the Seeds of Diſcord among us, and p. 21animated them, thro' his ſubtle Inſinuations, to become Accuſers one of another in this Day of Temptation, too much whereof is to be found on one Side, and the other.

It was once a wiſe and very ſeaſonable Enquiry made by a Captain and Leader in Iſrael, — Shall the Sword devour for ever? An Enquiry highly applicable, and with great Propriety to be impreſſed on the Minds of all, in theſe Times, eſpecially thoſe that appear foremoſt in promoting the preſent Controverſy: Then it follows, Knoweſt thou not that it will be bitterneſs in the latter end? An Admonition, truly worthy to be writ in Capital Letters of the largeſt Size, and fixt in all Places of publick Reſort, that they who run may read and learn to leave off Contention, before it be further meddled with.

As I am free from an Attachment to a Party, but if I know my own Heart ſincerely deſirous, that that Peace and that Charity, without which our Religion is vain, and that Truth and Holineſs may be reſtored, ſtrengthened, eſtabliſhed, and more and more abound among us, I ſhall addreſs my Brethren, thoſe Churches, and my Country, in the Words of a late**Mr. Flavel. excellent and approved Writer in a like Time of growing Diſſention. — For my own Part, It is my fixed Reſolution to provoke no good Man, if I can help it; but if their own inveterate Zeal ſhall provoke them in purſuit of their Errors or Miſconduct, — I will earneſtly contend in the Cauſe of Truth: — I have ſincerely aimed at the Purity and Peace of the Church of GOD; and he greatly miſtakes that takes me for a Man of Contention, — But an hearty Deſire and ſerious Motion for Peace among all the profeſs'd Members of CHRIST.—Let all Letigations of this Nature (at leaſt in this critical Juncture) be ſuſpended by common Conſent, ſince they waſte our Time, hinder our Communion, imbitter our Spirits, impoveriſh practical Godlineſs, grieve the Spirit of GOD and good Men, make Sport for our common Enemies, who warm their own Fingers at the Fire of our Contentions, and place more Truſt in our dividing Luſts, than they do in their own feeble Arguments.—

To conclude, My Heart's Deſire and Prayer to God, is, that all who love theſe Churches of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and that pray for their Peace & Proſperity, would labour to their utmoſt to allay Animoſities, &c. and eminently the Miniſters of CHRIST thro' the Land; by their Doctrine, Example, and Influence, endeavouring to turn the Hearts of this People to CHRIST, and one towards another, in the ſtrongeſt Ties of Charity and united Goſpel-Order. Then, and not till then, may we hope to ſee Jeruſalem a quiet Habitation and a Praiſe in the Earth.