Vindication of the Government of New England Churches 2, Answer · Part 1
SECT. I.
THAT the miniſters of the country form themſelves into aſſociations, that may meet at proper times to conſider ſuch things as may properly lie before them.
Anſwer. There is no doubt or queſtion to be made, but that the miniſters and paſtors of Chriſt's churches may meet in greater or leſſer numbers; for they are maſters of themſelves, and no more accountable how they ſpend their time, than other men are; but to meet at certain times & places, as political incorporate bodies, or in the form of claſſes, for the exerciſe and management of government, this muſt be determined by ſome precept iſſued from a legiſlative power; and without this, ſuch who give the advice, and exhibit the call, are very diſpotic and arbitrary; and thoſe who attend it, are ſervile in their ſubmiſſion; for there is no man in his right wits will take this honor unto himſelf, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron, Heb. 5.4. The offer or invitation, bids defiance to our conſtitution; for our platform denies the claſſical ſtate of the church under Chriſt, chap. 2. ſect. 5. Therefore this is a daring article, in the criminals caſe; and as it ſtrikes at the vitals of our government, it muſt in the TRIAL bear weight accordingly.
Sect. And that each of theſe aſſociations have a moderator for a certain time, who ſhall continue till another be choſen, who may call them together upon emergencies.
Anſwer.
1ſt. What limits ſhall be aſſigned for the precincts of every diſtinct aſſociation? Or may we conclude the beſt model is to follow the civil diſtinctions made by the counties? And if ſo, then the paſtors of each claſſes are ſcattered through a territory of twenty or thirty miles ſquare, more or leſs, and then it muſt needs follow, that the moderator, to diſcharge his duty, provide meſſengers to cite all theſe diſtinct gentlemen upon any emergency; but the great difficulty is, what kind of meſſenger it muſt be, whether king Solomon's tell-tale bird may be truſted with matters of ſuch importance? Or, whether the moderator muſt re-imburſe him? Or, muſt he go on his own coſt, contrary to equity in that law? 1 Cor. 9.7. Who goeth to warfare on his own charge? It is apparently an error, that care hath not been taken to find horſe and man, and bating-places for both on this journey, otherwiſe for a legiſlative power to preſcribe chargeable offices, and leave them deſtitute of a temporal ſupport, they muſt of neceſſity die to ſave charges, or turn mendicants, or hope in their travel to meet with the prophet's juniper-tree; all which are as diſagreeing with good reaſon as the propoſal it ſelf.
2. The moderator has an unlimited power during the prorogation of the aſſembly. (1.) He muſt judge of emergencies, that he may ſummon the members; and being left veſted with ſuch a prerogative, if after he has made his citation, he recants, he can then countermand his own order, though the gentlemen ſhould be all mounted, and ready to move. (2.) If there chance to be an emergency of common concernment, if he finds his own favorites involved in the guilt and danger; he then gives no notice, but ſtifles the buſineſs, and ſo cheats the company. (3.) And upon any diſguſt, it is now at his mercy to null the whole frame; for he muſt be in place till another be choſen; and how will they get together, if he will not give the word? Unleſs they are creators of themſelves the ſecond time, as they were the firſt. That to inſtitute ſuch charitable deſigns without a fund, and tie ſuch truſt and dominion on the ſhoulders of men after ſuch a lax and careleſs manner, and leave them at ſuch looſe ends, as eaſily to make fools of men; for my own part, I ſlight ſuch methods in government.
SECT. II.
THAT queſtions and caſes of importance, either provided by themſelves, or by others preſented unto them, ſhould be upon due deliberation anſwered.
Anſwer. I ſuppoſe there is no intent to erect a young or mock-royal ſociety, or that all queſtions and caſes of experimental philoſophy be admitted; if it ſhould be ſo, I think this ſome-what touches upon the prerogative of the crown, and may be called in queſtion, under the head of high miſdemeanors, if not Pro Crimini Ieſae Majeſtatis; but howſoever, though there be no diſtinction made, yet we will take it in a more charitable ſenſe, and that the propoſal (in intent) is wholly confined to church matters; and if ſo, we muſt then inquire, how many deep queſtions can be found in our country, grown mouldy with the Gibeonites bread, for want of wiſe handling? Or can we find any ſuch heaps of gordian knots, as Opprobria Theologorum? The reproach of divines laid up againſt this conſiſtory meet, to untie them, that we muſt needs moleſt our old ſettlements for their ſolution? For my own part, I cannot comprehend the propoſal, unleſs it be a plot to introduce the enemy, that is in the reer, that is, by making ſhew of great illuminations, we may be dazeled with their luſtre, and thereby the more eaſily taken in the ſnare here laid. But however, to conclude, as the wiſe ſays of things more phyſical or artificial, Eccle. 1. So I may ſay of queſtions and caſes, there are none new under the ſun. They have been all well ſpoken to; every learned caſuiſt, is full of them, &c. And Ames and Turrettinus, &c. for a few ſhillings will do more in a month, for an inquiſitive mind, than this propoſal can do in the tedious apprenticeſhip of many years, then certainly, computing by rules of proportion, we can no ways expect that the clear gains ſhould countervail the great damage we ſhall ſuſtain by ſwapping governments upon theſe terms.
SECT. III.
THAT advice be taken by the aſſociated paſtors, from time to time, e'er they proceed to any action in their particular churches, which may be likely to produce any embroilments.
Anſwer. This is very diſhonorable, and alſo a very unreaſonable incroachment upon the officers and government of the churches.
It diveſts the officers of the free exerciſe of that office-authority, which God's word and our platform places in them; read Platform, chap. 10. ſect. 8, 9. Theſe are to feed and rule the churches, they are to receive the accuſations, and prepare them for the churches hearing. This ſection of the platform fixes both proceſs and judicature in particular paſtors and churches, without any limitation? But the propoſal allows no proceſs to be opened. till letters of licence be obtained, from the claſſes. But why may not all other perſons in office be thus fettered, as well as paſtors of churches? Are theſe the only ſtudents of wiſdom and righteouſneſs, that are ſtrangers to the nature of actions, to the rule and application of it? All other officers, in truſt and commiſſion, who are wiſe and loyal, execute the hardeſt articles in their employ; and who may ſay to them, why do ye ſo? Our judges never ſtick to hang a man, ſo long as their commiſſions and the law will bear them out, and they themſelves are left, to be interpreters of both. And that this propoſal is a ſanctuary for officers againſt a ſtorm: alas! the moſt that we can make of it, is a covering of fig-leaves, and may ſerve for a harbour to cowards and fools, but not for men of ſpirit and conduct. The dream of an embroilment, can never counter-poize duty; if men are truſted with duty, they muſt conſult that, and not events. If men are placed at helm, to ſteer in all weather that blows, they muſt not be afraid of the waves, or a wet coat.
It is certain, it was no dimunition for Timothy to carry St. Paul's cloak and parchments from Troas, 2 Tim. 4.13. Yet for particular paſtors in the management of church-government to do little more than to carry the copies and parchments of aſſociations about the country, and hang up th…ir decrees on the pillars of churches, according to the order of the propoſal can never entitle them to ſuch a tribute of love and honor as the ſcripture does aſſign them, as the purchaſe of their great merits, 1 Tim. 3.5. 1 Theſ. 5.12, 13. Such bequeſtments as theſe from the fountain of honor, muſt ſignify more than ſome ſuch poor low ſervile buſineſs (no ways too high for Jereboam's prieſt to execute) as is laid out in the propoſal, but eſpecially if they have but ſome one head man to conduct and draw up the concluſion.
Sect. That the aſſociated paſtors do carefully and lovingly treat each other with that watchfulneſs which may be of univerſal advantage.
Anſwer 1ſt. Whether watchfulneſs is proper, or a term applicable to perſons ſo qualified, ſo ſacred, and in ſo high a function as thoſe who are here intended?
2dly. Whether to inſtitute watchmen over watchmen, be not to diſtribute the clergy into inferior and ſuperior degrees, and ſo ad infinitum, &c. or at le… till the churches of this country (for you muſt know this is one propoſal made for their ſupport) be ſupported and well ordered by ſuffragons, metroplitans, and other great pillars of thoſe churches, where clergy-men in higher orbs, inſpect thoſe in the ſame order, who are beneath them in truſt and dignity?
3dly. But if you intend honeſtly, only the watch of one brother over another, as is the duty of all chriſtian people, one towards another, then I cannot underſtand the ſenſe of the word, as applicable here, with the leaſt good meaning or ſyntax imaginable.
1ſt. For though there is a deſign of new-modelling of men, and bringing clergy-men into another form of ſociety; yet there is no intent divulged, that they ſhall co-habit, bed and board together upon certain charters, as the Friars or Benedictines, in their royal monaſtries. Indeed, the ſection might have been ingroſt with the firſt canons of the Dominicans, or St. Bennets laws, when firſt entering upon their monaſtic life; but it no ways agrees with this conſtitution.
2dly. For, as for the occaſional meeting of men, eminently ſober and virtuous, what buſineſs can be ſuppoſed for a watch, for about the ſpace of twenty-four, or forty-eight hours in ſuch examples? Very bad men will hold out longer than ſo, in a good behavior, under the awe of but ſome one venerable perſon, or a grave Cato.
3dly. And when theſe eminent perſons, members of the aſſociation, are diſperſed to their own proper precinct, the propoſal ſurely does not intend they ſhall follow the chargeable example of princes, who uſually keep ſpies in each others courts, to inform themſelves, how things are managed there; for its plain, the charge and expence in managing ſuch a watch as this, will reduce all clergy-men to this dilemma, that they muſt either vote up the ſ…l…ry, or vote down the method. But then the thing itſelf is not fair; for it would ſeem as tho' they watched more for the halting than the help of each other. But as for the propoſal, a riddle I found it, and a riddle I leave it.
Sect. And that if any miniſter be accuſed to the aſſociation where he belongs, of ſcandal or hereſy, the matter ſhall be there examined, and if the aſſociated miniſters find juſt occaſion for it, they ſhall direct a calling of the council, by which ſuch an offender is to be proceeded againſt.
Anſwer. I muſt boldly and freely enquire, whether this is an honeſt anſwer to the queſtion propounded in the head of the propoſals? Or whether in reality this is the ſupporting, preſerving & well-ordering the intereſt of the churches there meant? If you mean as you ſpeak, I am ſure there is either ſo … diſhoneſty or miſunderſtanding between the queſtion and the anſwer; for it cant poſſibly be otherwiſe, unleſs the parts of ſpeech are lately become a chaos, and all words are not only of the doubtful gender, but ſuch unreaſonable epiceens, that not only both kinds, but both contraries are ſignified in them; or thus, that to build, plant, repair, pluck up, pull down and demoliſh, are all now become convertable terms; for take away theſe high prerogatives from the churches, and you take away their being. Theſe and ſuch like royalties, are their Formalis ratio, or the formal cauſe (per Quam Res eſt id quod eſt) by which they are, what they are; and this will be very evident, if we do but read a ſhort lecture on the churches eſſence anatomized, or let their eſſential and conſtituent parts and powers be viewed in the hiſtory, and philoſophy of their own beings, and we ſhall quickly diſcern your miſtake; for that end read platform, chap. 5. ſect. 2. Ordinary church power, viz. of privilege belongs to the brotherhood, and may be acted or exerciſed immediately by themſelves. And more directly to the caſe in hand, look into chap. 10. ſect. 6. Where there we read▪ If an elder offend incorrigibly, the matter ſo requiring, as the church had power to call him to office, ſo they have power, according to order (the council of other churches, where it may be had, directing thereto) to remove him from his office; and being now but a member, in caſe he add contumacy to his ſin, the church that had power to receive him into their fellowſhip, hath alſo the ſame power to caſt him out, that they have concerning any other members.
Now herein we find an eſſential article in the government and being of theſe churches, that they have and hold ſuch juriſdiction over their own members; that the higheſt tribunal eccleſiaſtical on earth, is there; and that their own delinquent private members, and publick officers are triable only there, and there they muſt receive the definitive ſentence, and abide the execution of it.
And if ſo, then I ſhall make bold to revive my query again, viz. Whether the propoſal is either honorable, civil or honeſt, thus to tumble down at one blow, this high ſeat of authority? and to break open our priſon doors▪ and looſe the fetters of our great offenders? and at the beſt to take them out of our hands, and make their mittimus to foreign paſtors to do juſtice upon them, and yet in the mean time to profeſs, they are doing us no other injuries but only repairing and mending our churches? Again, whether this is fair, and work-man-like amongſt honeſt men.
But to make a ſtop here, I muſt remind you, that this head is not to be paſſed over ſlightly; for this is the one thing in the eſſence of our churches, it is their peculiar infranchizement and birth-right, and we may not ſell it with Eſau, at a cheap market; if we do, we undo ourſelves; for indeed you muſt know, here lies the marring or making of our churches; here is laid up their ſtrength, and here hangs the pick-lock of their treaſure; for by this key ſtolen, or wrinched out of their hands, the churches of Chriſt in the world, have been expoſed and plundered, for more than a thouſand years, and many of them have nothing at this day left them, comparatively, but a poor, ſtarved, ſhabbid implicit faith, and a dull, fa…urnal blunt and blind obedience, that a man would ſcarcely give a groat for both of them. In a word, the uſurpations of the paſtors, ſince the great revolt, having unſhackled one another, and broke looſe from the reſtrictions they are juſtly ſubjected to, under the churches power of privilege, has utterly undone the chriſtian world, from this root of bitterneſs and pride, from this ſeed ſprung up, the man of ſin, as we have it in an anomulous author, viz. the Eletherians, page 4. In words to this purpoſe, "Then a little prieſt had an opportunity to eſtabliſh himſelf, then there appeared in the temple of God that anti-chriſt, who calls himſelf the vicar of Chriſt." And then the ſame author going on to diſcover the original of this monſtrous birth; he ſays thus, "Anti-chriſt was conceived in, by, and from certain …ffectations of eccleſiaſtical preheminencies." As though he ſhould ſay, the firſt ſpawn or embryo of that inſolent Hector, or aſpiring Nimrod, (who firſt robbed the laiety of their chriſtian liberties, and then hunted down the potentates of the world, and brought them as a rich ſpoil, into his habitation of violence) took its commencement from this principle, viz. from the clergies aſſuming to themſelves this eccleſiaſtical preheminence, viz. firſt their obtaining an exemption from the cognizance of the churches, for their crimes, and then in poſſeſſing themſelves of the ſole and abſolute juriſdiction (by a diſpotic government) over the churches themſelves.
But however things have been hitherto, I ſhall no longer uphold the debate, by reviſing the abuſes that have been done to the chriſtian churches by an ambitious clergy, in the ages paſt, which might more amply be diſcovered, by tracing the foot-ſteps of the great apoſtacy: But I ſhall end the whole diſpute on this head, by drawing up a proteſt, and denying the juriſdiction of the court, erected and opened by the propoſals, as being perfectly diſagreeing and repugnant to our former ſettlements, and preſent conſtitution.
SECT. IV.
THAT the candidates of the miniſtry undergo a due trial by ſome or other of the aſſociation, concerning their qualification for the evangelical miniſtry; and that no particular paſtor or congregation, imploy any one in occaſional preaching, who has not been recommended by a teſtimonial, under the hands of ſome aſſociation.
Anſw. To monopolize (in the great articles of trade) ſome very rich ſpecies, and of ſuch uſe for the good of kingdoms, that they muſt needs periſh without it, or be greatly injured by exceſſive ſales, is accounted by good common-wealths-men intolerable; for ſuch men or companies, ſo inveſted, can, with Joſeph in Pharoah's court, buy and ſell a country at their own prices; even ſo, when theſe churches have delivered up the right in their candidates to the claſſes, they may then go a begging to their doors for their miniſters, and be contented to take what they are pleaſed to put off, and at their own lay.
Obj. But you may object, Exomni Ligno, non fit Mercurious. Therefore the judicious muſt determine and ſet their mark upon what is merchantable, and throw by what is refuſe ware, or elſe there may be great damage done for want of caution. And thus we come to the plain point in hand, which is to be debated by diſputing this queſtion, viz.
Queſt. Whether a trial by aſſociation is preferable to the old cuſtom of the churches, in promoting their candidates for the miniſtry to public truſt?
Anſw. In the reply, I ſhall, firſt, conſider our candidates under trial; as to their qualification; and (ſecondly) implead the propoſal on a juſt prejudice from the corruption of the clergy.
1ſt. We may conſider our candidates under trial, as to their qualifications, (1.) As to their human learning; and here we abſolutely object againſt the trial of aſſociations, as bootleſs, uſeleſs and perilous, both to them and to us.
1. As to the aſſociation, it is no diminution, or treſpaſs upon the laws of honor or truth to affirm, "That the ſettled miniſtry in general (with ſome reaſonable exception) is leſs expert in grammar and points of philoſophy, than our learned children are at the degree of junior batchellors," and that from diſ-uſe, proved from all experience, Nam uſus Promotos facit; and alſo for the ſake of more divine ſtudies, which croud out thoſe firſt ideas a great pace, according to that obſervation, on a learned memory, Imago Imaginem Expellit, Aliiſ que Aliae Succedunt, for as one wave thruſts out another, ſo one idea another. Therefore it is a pity to expoſe ſuch venerable perſons to the hazard in this ſervice, leaſt when they become poſers of others, they ſhould be poſed themſelves. I do remember an odd ſtory when I was at college; it was retained as a reproach on a very divine and worthy perſon; tho' he was bred in England a good ſcholar, and alſo had been a ſchool-maſter, and had taught the grammar in his young times, but yet having laid by in a great meaſure, the uſe of ſuch things, for the ſake of more valuable and heavenly ſpeculations, being at the ſolſtice, and one of the corporation, ventured in the hall, to propoſe this queſtion, to one of the commencers.
Quot ſunt Caela!
To which the lad with ſauſineſs enough, yet with a grammatical niceneſs, only anſwered,
Sed Audi.
Maſcula Duntaxat Caelos vacitabis et Argos:
That Priſians head will in likelihood be kept bleeding from one generation to another, by reaſon of ſome unlucky ſtrokes, if this form be eſtabliſhed, and that to the great detriment of thoſe who ſtrike the blows.
2dly. To US. Accademical learning we profeſs to be a very eſſential accompliſhment in the goſpel miniſtry. It is introduced by the ordinary bleſſing of God upon human endeavours, to ſupply the place of the cloven tongues, and thoſe other miraculous gifts and endowments of mind, impreſt upon Chriſt's ambaſſadors, whereby fiſher-men commence (per Saltum) doctors of divinity; and in an inſtant were ſtock'd with ſuch principles of religion, reaſon, and philoſophy, that they were capable to diſpute with Athens it ſelf, and baffle the greateſt wits ſhe could produce, in defence, and for the advancement of Chriſt's kingdom, Act 17.18.
Thus it is very reaſonable that the churches ſhould be well aſſured of the ſufficiency of the learning of thoſe perſons, e'er they preſume on the miniſtry; yet there is a fairer way in view, fuller of honor and ſafety, than what the propoſal directs to.
Our accademy is the ſtore-houſe of learning, and this all mankind will aſſent to. When you have loſt the company of the muſes, there they are found in their freeholds, where they hold the ballance of honor amongſt the learned. This is the place, if not of the goddeſs Minerva or Apollo, yet the Bethel or temple of God himſelf; the God of wiſdom, where he, as chief architect, with his under workmen, form wiſe and learned men, and where you may have them wrought off at firſt-hand: Then certainly here we are to ſecure our credulity and confidence in this affair; here we are to know whether they be of the right ſtamp, yea or no.
That of all men living, the beſt and moſt infallible ſtandard for the philoſophical accompliſhments of our candidates, is the judgment of the honorable preſident, and noble fellows of our famous col…ege; for this I am ſure muſt needs ſtand for a verity, that the judgment of a real honeſt and ſkilful artificer (keeping cloſe to his ſhop) concerning the nature and qualities of an edge tool which he hath wrought, and hammered on his own anvil, out of its firſt rude matter, muſt certainly excel him that hath been long from the trade, that only takes it, turns and tries the edge ſlightly, or has but a tranſient view of it: ſo that hence we may fairly infer, that (as to human learning) Harvard's Commendamus is moſt valuable and ſufficient, and juſtly ſupplants theſe teſtimonials.
2. With reſpect to the more evangelical qualifications of the goſpel miniſtry, we ſhall be ready to honor the ſufficiency of the aſſociates, yet muſt take liberty to object a few things.
1. Suppoſe we, that the trial is made per Contionem ad Clerum, by preaching a ſermon, in audience of the aſſociation, and I think this is the way propoſed and generally agreed upon, as the ſquare or rule moſt agreable with gunter, to take the dimenſions, length and breadth of our candidates by.
Reply 1. What can a ſermon do at deciding this queſtion? for that the moſt ſenſible and valuable, who are uſually moſt humble and tender, are liable by this ſtupendious examination, to be baffled by their own timerity, and quite daſh'd out of countenance by their own fear. Alas! upon their firſt entrance upon the ſtage, to appear in ſo auguſt and awful a preſe…e, this muſt needs diſanimate and put their thoughts into a raffle, as having in their affrighted minds the reſemblance of their going into the Spaniſh inquiſition, rather then dwelling amongſt the ſofter meaſures of the goſpel? Luther himſelf, (that unparallell'd inſtance of ſpirit and magnanimity, as I remember of his life) hardly ever got over ſomething of a panick fear attending him, through the courſe of his miniſtry; and indeed men of the quickeſt ſenſes are moſt liable to theſe paroxiſms. Then ſurely to put our tyros to this teſt, which may daunt and diſpirit the greateſt hero, is no ways proportionable, eſpecially ſeeing they may under the inſpection of learned, honeſt and judicious men, both paſtors and churches, and thereby under covert of more private invitations (with all their natural fear) creep into this noble work, and keeping on, as their courage and ſtrength will bear the journey, may, gradatim attain a juſt and ſufficient probation, as our learned youth have hitherto done.
Indeed, the bold and brazen, who can make a greater figure with half the ſtock, by many ſhirking tricks, and diſſembling artifices, defended and ſupported with confidence and delivery, may obtain the Euge Juvenis, that they no ways deſerve, as will be found, when they come to be detected by a more dilatory ſearch, or a more tedious Analyſis made of them. That, to conclude, as the proverb is, Una Hirundo non facit ver; one ſwallow makes not the ſpring; ſo in this trial, one good or mean ſermon cannot determine the man, or umpire his caſe.
2. Suppoſe the trial muſt be made, and the queſtion determined by a perſon's converſation. And this is a very great article in the ſtate of all ſerviceable men, and eſpecially in the miniſtry, 1 Tim. 4.12. 1 Pet. 5.3. Being enſamples to the flock. Then certainly a more intimate converſe and ſociety, is a very invincible plea. By the laws and cuſtoms of England, the vicinage muſt be allowed, as affording the moſt competent judges, when perſons reputation lies at ſtake in criminal caſes, becauſe they are preſumed to know ſomewhat conſiderable of perſons and caſes of their own knowledge; and ſo more capable of giving a juſt verdict. So in the caſe, what do thoſe perſons know of our learned youth, who make up the aſſociation? Our candidates appear on a certain day, (as blazing ſtars once in an age, and are gazed on, and then they vaniſh) Now what judgment can be made on a mans converſation, by ſuch a tranſient view? unleſs they muſt be handled in this conſiſtory, as perſons that have been bound to the peace, and in open court are to be delivered from their recognizance by three outcries?
3. Suppoſe the whole ſtock of miniſterial qualifications muſt be enquired into, and judgment muſt paſs by the direction of apoſtolic law, 1 Tim. 3.2. Tit. 1.6.9. Let them be blameleſs, ſober, apt to teach, &c. and add what more you pleaſe, which the ſcripture mentions, to fill up the character of an evangelical miniſter, to compleat him in all his gifts and graces, either in his beginnings, or in his riper ſtate; and it is moſt apparent, that our particular paſtors and churches, with the learning, experience, grace, wiſdom and diſcretion they are owners of, can make a more upright, judicious and ſolid trial; and give a better account of our candidates from their frequent converſe with them, and their occaſional and repeated preaching amongſt them, than the wiſeſt aſſociation in the world can do; and it is eaſier diſſembling with the latter, than the former, unleſs the aſſociation will take them home, and both winter and ſummer them.
Now then, conſidering that their degrees with the expreſs teſtimony of the college (when particularly deſired) are ſufficient teſtimonials of their learning; and the experience of their other good gifts and miniſterial qualifications, obtained by converſe, and their occaſional preaching, has been the chief teſt and trial for our candidates; and by theſe methods they have been approbated in order to ſettlement in office-truſt; and this has been the cuſtom of the country and churches for near four ſcore years. Wherefore to conclude this argument, I make this proclamation, That if any perſon or perſons, diſaffected with our old ſettlements, and way in church conduct, will produce one example led into the public miniſtry by this practice, which has juſtly offended him, and he will or can evince this to be the blameable cauſe, we will then ſurrender the cuſtom to your mercy.
2dly. I ſhall now implead the propoſal on a juſt prejudice or preſumption of corruption in the clergy, tho' we are in charity for the preſent, yet in this way propoſed, we have no aſſurance for the future, againſt the corruptneſs of ſuch ſocieties; and let any ſober man obſerve, and he will find abundance of poor tools under the mark of the office, where theſe meaſures, and ſuch like, are in force and form. How oft is it repeated, that poor ſordid, debaucht wretches are put into Holy Orders, when as they were fitter to be put into the ſtocks, or ſent to bridewell for madmen, than to be ſent with their teſtimonials, to work in Chriſt's vineyard? How long have the Indies, the ſeas, the provinces, and many other parts of the empire groaned under this damnable way of cheating God of his glory, and the world of ſalvation?
Simony we know began almoſt as early as the chriſtian church, and has prevailed amongſt clergy-men to a prodigy. The ſacred things of God's houſe have been a trade and merchandize, which has beggared churches, and filled the clergy in ſome kingdoms with a ſacriligious and exorbitant pile of wealth, and the world with a flood of debau…h…es; and this propoſal puts us into the way to open the ſhop-windows again, and expoſe the ſame wares to ſale upon a little indulgence in our country; for who can render a reaſon that the ſame opportunities, the ſame temptations, the ſame corruptions, the ſame nature, and the ſame power, would not produce the ſame effects? or that the ſame climate, ſeed, ground, and manner of culture, ſhould not yield the ſame grain at harveſt?
And what have we in pledge for our ſecurity, more than the fallacy and ſickleneſs of human nature, when the power is delivered out of our hands?
Obj. You may object, that our candidates, thro' their own ambition, and the indulgence of particular paſtors, thruſt themſelves into the work too young, and this our way will preſcribe due boundaries to them?
Anſw. 1. In general, Paul ſolves a worſe caſe, than can be found (pick whilſt you are weary for an example to quadrate with the objection, and render it forceable) amongſt all our learned youth, who have hitherto adventured upon the miniſtry, Phil. 1.18. What then? &c. as tho' he ſhould ſay, What's that to you ſir? If Chriſt be preached, all is well. And as to our caſe, we may ſay, deſpiſe not the day of ſmall things, all men muſt have a beginning, and every bird which is pretty well fleg'd muſt begin to fly. And ours are not of the neſt where Icharus was hatch'd, whoſe feathers were only glewed on; but theſe belong to the angelic hoſt, and their wings grow out from their eſſence; therefore you may allow them, with the lark, now and then to dart heaven-ward, though the ſhell or down be ſcarce off from their heads. And ſo we conclude with our charitable and divine apoſtle▪ "What then! if Chriſt be preached, whether in pretence, or in truth, either by old or by young, yet therein we do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, &c. to ſee our Nazarites, ſo forward and well-diſpoſed, it ſhall add to our joy, and no ways increaſe our horror, unleſs our ambition ſhould ſurprize us with fear, that ſuch young ſtars ſhould out-ſhine us.
2. In particular, where will you ſix the Quando, & ſettle the preciſe aera, or period of time, for their beginning?
1. There is no college or ſtatute-law yet enacted, to decide this queſtion: Then of neceſſity you muſt do domage to long and laudable cuſtom, as to a ſuperior authority, and honorable ruler; & where that fixes the time, you muſt ſubmit; for cuſtom, when full of days, and of noble examples, becomes the common law of a nation; and is as ſovereign and pleadable, as the dictates of a parliamentary power; at leaſt it ſhelters from rebukes and calumny: That for any gentlemen to affront, talk high and frown at the early zeal and beginnings of our candidates, is but too much in imitation of the Great Mogul of India, who after he hath dined, orders his trumpets to be blown, to ſignify to the princes of the earth, that they have liberty now to go to dinner; and when he hath finiſhed his formalities, if they pleaſe, they may vail their royal bonnets, and thank him for nothing; for where there is no law, there is no tranſgreſſion.
2. Under the goſpel, we have no preciſe time, though there was under the law, when to begin and enter into the miniſtry, the goſpel knows no bar from time where perſons are other ways meetly qualified. Days and qualifications, are divers things, and the latter are the eſſentials of a miniſter of Chriſt. It is not how old, but how capable a perſon is, which is the main point to be enquired after here. Therefore where (in ſome good meaſure) there is an honeſt life, a gracious heart, an orthodox head, and a learned tongue, there is no reaſon to ſend ſuch youths to Jerico, with David's meſſengers, (though their beards are not yet grown) to wait upon time and nature, for ſuch an accompliſhment; for certainly thoſe recited are the principal in the argument. It is a ſtory in the hiſtory of Perſia, "That when the Grecians ſent ſome very young noblemen upon an embaſſage to that court, the Perſians reflected upon the Grecian republic, for ſending b…rdleſs boys on ſo grave a meſſage to ſo mighty a monarch," To which the young Grecians very ſmartly anſwered, "That if ſtate policy did conſiſt in beards, then he-goats would do for embaſſadors, as well or better than men." I muſt confeſs, I am ſome-what of their mind▪ and therefore I think it is not, how long men have lived, but how wiſe they are grown: God hath oadained praiſe out of the mouths of babes. Jeremiah pleads he was a child, but that cannot null his commiſſion for the miniſtry, Jer. 1.6. Paul guards the miniſtry of young Timothy, by heavens authority, to defend him from cenſure for audaciouſneſs. What! for a child to teach old men their duty! Hold! ſays Paul, 1 Tim. 4.12. Let no man deſpiſe thy youth. What ſhall not our great Lord illuſtrate his grace and power in what examples he pleaſes? Has he not formed all the powers of nature? and does he not furniſh them with their diſtinct virtues, &c.
Object. But you may ſay, days are full of wiſdom, and youth of ignornce in the great affairs of ſalvation.
Anſw. Not always and univerſally ſo; as in the examples juſt now recited, and in many others that may be named, called in at the third and ſixth hour, Mat. 20. But however, if our candidates muſt never begin till they are without ignorance, or not till they have gained all points (ad unguem) in the vaſt ſtudies of divinity, then it may be ſaid of all our miniſters, as queen Elizabeth was wont to ſay of biſhops, when ſhe viſited the ſchools (ſtudy hard children, ſtudy hard, for) biſhops are old men. So of neceſſity, all our miniſters muſt be very old men. But I think that is more agreab… with our neceſſity and ſtate, both in nature and grace, which one of the ancients was wont to ſay of himſelf, viz. that whilſt he ſtudied to teach other men, he learnt himſelf. That conſidering theology, as well as art, is a long ſtudy, and life is very ſhort, why may they not begin young? And alſo, conſidering that our churches are no ways over cluttered with candidates, there is no need to ſerve them as Chriſt did the money changers, who with a whip of ſmall cords, he drove them out of the temple; and eſpecially they having hitherto acquitted themſelves in the main as men that need not be aſhamed, and yet never any one of them, to this day, has been repreſented as learned or virtuous, or any ways ſupported by theſe teſtimonials.
SECT. V.
THAT they together be conſulted by bereaved churches, to recommend to them ſuch perſons as may be fit to be employed amongſt them, for preſent ſupply, from whom they may in due time proceed to chooſe a paſtor.
Anſwer. According to my apprehenſion, this propoſal inſults very daringly over the churches in two things.
1. By ingroſſing the right of juriſdiction, not only over the viſible freedom and liberties, but conjugal and ſecret powers of Chriſt's virgin and widow churches. That it ſeems to me very adviſeable (if this propoſal may ſtand for a ſound precept) that forthwith another office be erected▪ and put into the hands and under the government of a few men, exactly ſkilled in phyſiognomy, and deeply ſtudied in the ſympathies and antipathies of human nature, with an abſolute ſuperintending power to controul and direct all wooers in their choice for the marriage bed; for that there is many a fond lover who has betrayed the glory of wedlock, by making an unwiſe and unfortunate choice; and why may not particular beds be over-ruled, as well as particular churches? both being for the good and ſervice of mankind, and for that both parties, huſband and wife, paſtor and church, by our ſort of government, are bound for term of life, or ſo long as both ſhall live. Indeed, were our conſtitution in church order under the ſuperintendency of a patron, or a lord biſhop, who can ſend (pro Tempore) a curate, &c. and then recall him, and place another in his ſtead, the project might be very adviſeable; but ſeeing theſe churches are ſettled congregational, and by their principles, the ordination is, as it were, the nuptials, or marriage day of two lovers, that nothing but death, or a bill … divorce (for betraying the glory of the union) can part; it is then good and reaſonable, that they be left to chooſe as they beſt affect, and not forcibly be tied up to a kind of Hobſons choice, one of theſe or none. This apparently puts too hard upon the churches liberties, and overthrows the government; for that our platform, in chap. 2. treating of the nature of the churches, aſſerts, ſect. 5. That the ſtate of the viſible church ſince the coming of Chriſt, is only congregational; therefore neither national, provincial, nor claſſical; then what does this propoſal do here?
Alſo, our platform aſſerts the free electing power of the churches, chap. 5. In theſe words, ordinary church power is that of privilege, ſuch as belong to the brother-hood, whereby they deſign perſons unto office. So alſo in chap. 10. In theſe words, the power granted by Chriſt unto the body of the church and brother-hood is a prerogative or privilege which the church doth exerciſe in the admiſſion of her own members, and in chuſing their own officers. Now if Chriſt has given theſe high powers and authorities to his churches, he has certainly furniſhed them with ſkill and wiſdom to manage them.
So we come to the ſecond part of the affront in this propoſal, and that is,
2dly. By its making a plain preſumption of incapacity in the churches of doing their own proper work with out the…r graces help. It is as much as to ſay, Alas! Alas! It is w…ll known that the churches are generally a ſort of plain men, little ſkilled in deep matters; that there is app…rent danger, if left in their elections to their own conduct, of introducing very illiterate perſons and doleful creatures, to preach in the temple of God, as officers there. Now this is much agreeing with the old arguments, againſt the laity, who were deſcribed by the learned to be without the knowledge of the original languages, and other parts of polite learning, and ſo no ways fit to interpret ſcripture; therefore it is very rationally enacted, that the BIBLE be taken from them leſt they ſhould ſtudy hereſie and not holineſs out of that divine book. But to paſs by all ſuch pleas, I ſh…ll come to the main point in plain terms, and that is this, our platform is our ſettlement, and it has ſecured to the churches theſe preroga…ives, and they are part of their entailed inheritance; and it is a vain thing to pretend to plead the incapacity of right owners and rich proprietors, eſpecially whilſt there is a competent ſet of ſenſes left them. Indeed, when any gentleman can ſhew any precept, and produce a commiſſion for the taking into their hands the eſtate of idiot-churches, they may then cite their intellectuals to a proper bar, and verdict going againſt any particular example, they then, Ipſo facto, become guard…ans, and may enter into their worſhip. But in the mean time, as to our own churches, and the whole conſtellations of them, and every individual or particular church amongſt them remains compos mentis, and therefore muſt not be intrigued by ſuch offers as theſe are.
Bu… yet before I cloſe this argument, I ſhall a little further …umour the preſumption of inſufficiency here laid down; and therefore I ſhall deſire, that a ſurvey be made of the ſtate of the churches, and if their free election be ſound for this thirty years laſt paſt (and we will go no higher) have by the major part of voices introduced inſufficient officers, then let the platform be null'd, and the propoſal ſtand as a more valid canon. And in this inquiry we would know, whether the dictators will give leave (in drawing up the catalogue of defective elections) that they themſelves be put on the back of the title page, and there ſtand as the errata of our old government? Or whether they themſelves are the only exceptions?
But ſuppoſe we, when we have accompliſhed our ſearch, we find their own, and all other elections for the main have hit right; and if ſo, then whether we ought not to pay a veneration to the practice, as …ving more of Chriſt in it than we can in the rufflings of ambition preſently find out, or perceive? And whether after ſuch long experience and good ſucceſs, it may'nt be our wiſdom to keep this via Trita, which we have found to be via Tuta, that is to ſay, keep the good old way of our bleſſed predeceſſors, leſt going into a new and untrodden path, we fall into ſome ambuſcado, and come off with broken bones and ruin'd churches?
Quicquid Praecipiti via.
Certum Deſerit Ordinem
Laetos non habit exitus. Boetious.
Raſhly to leave the plain and good old way
Turns into mournful night, a joyful day.
SECT. VI.
THAT hereunto may be referred▪ the direction of proceeding in any of their particular churches, about the convening of the councils, that ſhall be tho't neceſſary for the welfare of the churches, about the convening of the councils, that ſhall be tho't neceſſary for the welfare of the churches.
Anſw. Query, Who muſt give the direction, and judge what councils are neceſſary for the welfare of the churches?
Anſwer. The aſſociation.
Reply, I thought as mcuh; for the ſole and whole power, is, by theſe propoſals, reſigned to them, as their indiſputable and undoubted right, inſomuch that their Ben… placita, the Elicit and free reſolves of their will, ſhall and muſt be the abſolute and uncontrolable rule of conduct; that is to ſay, the churches are to be in vaſſalage; and the aſſociation is to rule all by prerogative; ſo that forever hence forward, we may inſcribe acroſs the door of the conclave (to notifie the rule of the houſe) that imperial law.
Sic Volo, ſit Jubeo, ſtat pro Ratione Voluntat.
We will and doom, none now can us withſtand;
Our will is reaſon; for the churches in the land.
Indeed, when great men turn beggars for ſmall booties, with the famous general Baziliareous, it ſignifies, the ebb of fortune runs low with them; but when they aſk an ancient inheritence upon gift, it ſignifies either the doner to be in a languiſhing poſture, and that his eſtate is like to eſcheat to the crown, through failure of natural heirs, or elſe great boldneſs in the beggars. But what ſhould be the meaning of this demand, who can divine? I hope they don't reckon the churches to be making their laſt will, and deſign them for their heirs.
The churches in New-England are fairly poſſeſt of this high prerogative, viz. Of convening councils neceſſary for their own well being, they are alſo as likely to continue as they were forty years ago, unleſs their own paſtors ſhould betray them. And they are alſo as capable of managing all inſtruments devolved upon them by Chriſt, as they were in the days of their youth. Then what can we make of this contrivement, viz. When the churches ſhall have occaſion to ſeek relief by council (as ſometimes the emperor, has been confined at the inſolent threſhold of his holineſs, and upon his coming forth in his infallibility, this pile of temporal glory has been his horſe-block; and ſo here) they muſt humbly wait at the door of the aſſociation, till they ſhall be informed, When, what, who, and where they ſhall have one. But not to interrupt the world with long ſtories, we muſt again here demur upon title.
Sect. That the ſeveral aſſociations in the country maintain a due correſpondence with one another.
Anſw. If the platonic notion concerning the univerſal ſoul of the world or ſpirit of nature (whereby one body is affected by the operations of another at ſome conſiderable diſtance) where eſtabliſhed for an infallible theorem, and theſe ſocieties could circulate their intelligence by the power and echoes of his mighty eſſence, the deſign might then be practicable; or had we in all corners of our country, doves trained up to carry mails or packets of letters, from country to country, there might be ſome hopes for ſupporting this mighty correſpondence; but to do it wholly by human means, the charge plainly threatens to eat out the profit.
But we may ſuppoſe the ſeat of theſe things ſhall be univerſally ſettled, fully butting upon the poſt road, and what a mighty buſineſs is a ſix-penny or four penny letter in ſuch a good cauſe? Nay, indeed that's no great matter in itſelf, yet theſe ſix-penny, or four pennys, are like the ſand on the ſea ſhore, a great many of them put together grow very heavy, eſpecially where wife and children are to be maintained upon 70 or 80 l. income …er annum.
Wiſe men may do as they pleaſe, yet for my part, I can ſee no good policy in the propoſal, unleſs you can court ſome rich potentate to eſpouſe the cauſe, and ſacrifice annually ſome part of his royal revenue to ſupport the Phantaſie.
Sect. So that the ſtate of religion may be the better known and ſecured in all the churches?
Anſw. Religion in its infallible original, the wiſdom and authority of God! in its infinite object, the ineffable perſons and perfections of the divine eſſence; in its mean…, the goſpel of ſalvation: In its inſpired, wakeful and capacious miniſtry; in its ſubject, the ineſtimable immortal ſoul of man; in its tranſcendent effects. (1.) In time, the charming peace and joys of conſcience. (2.) In eternity, the joyful retreat and ſhouts of glory, is the moſt incomparable gift of Paladium, which ever came from heaven; amongſt all the favours of the father of lights, there is none parallel with this; when diſcloſed in its beauty, it raviſheth all the intellects of the univerſe; and challenge may be made, that the prerogatives and glory belonging to all the crowned heads in the world, do how and wait upon its proceſſions thro' the earth, to guard it from its innumerable and inveterate enemies. Yet in paying our veneration and attendance, we muſt diſtinguiſh right, and place every thing properly, and the means muſt be proportionate with the end, and agreable in their natures; or otherwiſe whilſt we go about to accompliſh a good end, viz. the ſecurity of religion by improper means we may loſe our attempt, and have no thanks, but be blamed for our pains; for we muſt not do evil, that good may come.
It is certain, that the church of Chriſt is the pillar of truth, or ſacred recluſe and peculiar aſſylum of religion, and this ſacred gueſt, religion, which came in the worlds infancy from heaven, to gratify the ſolitudes of miſerable man, when God had left him, hath long kept houſe with us in this land, to ſweeten our wilderneſs ſtate, and the renowned churches here, are her ſacred palaces. Then certainly it is not fair for her lovers, under pretence of maintaining her, welcome in greater ſtate, to deſolate her pleaſing habitations, tho' they ſtand ſomewhat low like the myrtle grove, Zach. 1.8, &c.
Sect. And paticularly it is thought neceſſary to the well being of theſe churches, that all the aſſociations in the country meet together, by their reſpective delegates, once in a year.
Anſw. Th…s is a great theſis; and whoever was the father, the womb of it is very fertile, and big with articles of moment; it comprehends a large territory, and a great treaſure, we muſt therefore ſurvey it by coſinography: And then nextly by the laws of the church ſtock.
1. The country contained in this propoſal, by a juſt conſequence, and from the nature of the deſign, muſt extend ſo far as we can find any goſpel churches planted, or to be planted within the Engliſh dominion on the firm land or continent of America, there is no reſtriction made to exclude any; and charity is a grace that would have every one virtuous, and equally privileged with means for that end; ſo that we may begin our lines of latitude in in the ſouth, ſomewhat northward of the capes of Florida, and then extend them to the north, to ſome parts of Nova Scotia, if not to the bay of St. Laurence, and from thoſe points on to the atlantic; we muſt ſtretch our lines overthwart, keeping equal longitudes, till we meet with other princes dominions.
Now this is a noble territory; enough for an empire, and all Engliſh; and why may we not be thus extenſive for the good of the churches therein planted? Other countries have ſent their delegates near as far as this comes to, to wait upon the conventions of his holineſs. But, the miſchief is, the revenue won't hold out. But I have tho't of one way, and that will do, if we can but obtain; tho' I acknowledge it is ſomewhat chimerical, or whimſical; yet though it be, the propoſal has no reaſon to repine or …nd fault, for that it is it's near kinſ-man.
The project is this, viz. Upon the great ſettlement… which we hope for, between the two crowns, I adviſe, that petitions be made (if the articles of ſettlement will allow it) that either the rents of Toledo, or, ſome good ſtout gold mine in Peru, be reſerved wholly to the uſe of this deſign, and if you are pleaſed to keep or ſettle within narrower limits, (when we know your territory) we can by rules of porportion and ſubſtraction, compute the charge; and if there be any over-plus, when your own charges are defray'd, the reſt may be aſſigned to the next province, for ſuch good uſes. But however, let the petitions go forward, for you will have want enough of your ſhare; for I am ſure your preſent ſupplies are not full enough for your daily bread, and theſe contingent and unexpected charges; eſpecially ſeeing they were never thought of, or provided for, in your firſt ſettlements.
SECT. VIII.
AND finally, that miniſters diſpoſed to aſſociate, endeavor in the moſt efficacious manner they can, to prevail with ſuch miniſters, as unreaſonably neglect ſuch meetings with their brethren in their proper aſſociations, that they would not expoſe themſelves to the inconveniencies that ſuch neglects cannot but be attended withal.
Anſwer. This propoſal ſeems to be founded upon the Epicurian doctrine of atoms; for by the ſcheme which athieſtical atomiſts give concerning the beginning of the world, by their account; it was after this lucky manner, that is to ſay, there was before time a vaſt pile of incoherent atoms, which globically hung ſleeping upon a centre-atom, without the leaſt grain of ſenſe, thro' the vaſt eternity, a Parte Ante; but at laſt, and no body can tell how, they were inclined to throw off their preſent poſture; but being neither of one form, inclination nor prop…nſion, quickly great heaving and ſhuffing (from various ſympathies and antipathies) began to be amongſt them, that a chaos is preſently rolled together, and in a little time, this magnificent and curious world, which you look upon, came out of the horrid womb of this diſtracted heap of atoms, and that without any help from a creating power, but by a wonderful good chance. Thus far you have the doctrine of atoms, which I could not well avoid, becauſe of ſo much noble matter pre-exiſting, and repeſented in various ſhapes and forms, with a ſound of motion, and various ſympathies and antipathies appearing, and repreſented by the propoſal; but yet can hear of no ſuperintending ſiat, or any creating voice to over-rule, or ſay, Let it be. But only if perſons are diſpoſed, or indiſpoſed, the buſineſs muſt be managed as wiſely as you can; and if it ſhould ſo chance, that ſome fine thing (never before ſeen in the country) ſhould be made out of theſe materials, without the help of a creating power, the world would be a great debtor to the accident; and the churches may they not be juſtly ſtript of their being to make room for it, and maintain it?
But to be more diſtinct, and ſomewhat more cloſe in my anſwer, I muſt remind you, that our bleſſed Lord commands us to pray, Mat. 6. Our father which art in heaven, &c. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And if ſincere, he hath promiſed, to ſtabliſh us, and keep us from evil. 2 Theſſ. 3.3. From theſe divine principles, the queſtion is, whether thoſe paſtors are the ſtable or unſtable, the reaſonable, or unreaſonable men, viz. Either thoſe who have promoted this deſign in the country, or thoſe who have withſtood it? And alſo where has temptation prevailed moſt? And to put this debate under a brighter light, I will make bold to recite a brief hiſtory of this matter, till we bring you to the nativity of theſe propoſals, and to the day wherein they were born; with ſome preſent improvement of the hiſtory.
About thirty years ago, more or leſs, there was no appearance of the aſſociations of paſtors in theſe colonies, and in ſome parts and places, there is none yet. But after the country had ſuffered much in the ſlaughters and depredations committed by the heathen, and by many other afflictions, the neighbouring miniſters in ſome counties, met to pray together, &c. and for no other intent, that I ever knew or heard of. But after they had continued their meetings for ſome years, and others following the example began to converſe together, and communicate caſes, as beſt ſuited each perſon; and at laſt perceiving they were almoſt gotton into a claſſical form, before they tho't of it, they began to give their meetings the ſpecious titles of claſſes, aſſociations and eccleſiaſtical conventions, &c. as ſecurely as tho' theſe titles were a fruit growing out of our own conſtitution; and by degrees began to dream that they were really, and de Jure, what their new titles and late cuſtom had made them only de facto; and time increaſed their inclinations and purpoſes to compaſs a more formal and compleat ſettlement. It is certain, their opportunities were conſiderable, the keys of the church treaſures being put into their hands. The more the main point is ſtudied, the more glory appears to feed mens ambition, like the impreſſion by the eye, on our great parents in paradice, Gen. 3.8. The tree was pleaſant to the eyes, a tree to be deſired. Alas! Alas! empire and ſupream rule is a glorious thing! Parcere ſubjectis et debellare Superbus, is a very royal buſineſs. Now this conceit did begin pretty much to predominate, eſpecially in ſome gentlemen that were inclin'd to preſbyterain principles, men of worth and learning, who improving their advant…ges of ſenſe and influence, to intreague others of a lower ſet of intellectuals, &c. bro't the buſineſs ſo near to a concluſion, as you find it in the laſt recited propoſal, wherein you have the main of this hiſtory contained, like Homer's Illiads in a nut ſhell. But to make ſhort, and conclude my ſtory; when they had thus far advanced and ripened their deſign, out comes theſe propoſals, like Aaron's golden calf, the fifth day of November, 1705.
Thus have you a ſhort account how things have been carried on, relating to aſſociations; and having a convenient criſis, I ſhall improve the hiſtory, to promote my preſent deſign, in a few particulars.
1. By conſidering the preſent duty of our erring paſtors.
2. The juſtice to be done on theſe propoſals.
3. Make ſome ſmall aſtrological remarks relating to the date, which the clew of our hiſtory has bro't us to.
1. As to the duty of ſuch as are involved in the charge, whether or no (upon a preſumption that thi… hiſtory be true) they ought not to ceaſe exciting others to wander from their proper poſt, and they themſelves (if not by the open acts of the churches authority, yet) by the good government of their own wiſdom, prudence & grace, be remanded within their proper boundaries, & there continue as ſtars within their own orbs, to influence and act, Tam in Modis quam in ſtatis, qua prius, according to the former uſage▪ and the nature of their truſt, and no more go beyond their own line, 2 Cor. 10.16.
2. Whether theſe propoſals here offered to view, be not like Aaron's golden calf? And whether they ought not to be ſerved, as Moſes dealt with that, (Exod. 32.20.) when he took it, and burnt it in the fire; and ground it to powder; for that it is very evident, that though it be but a calf now, yet in time it may grow (being of a thirſty nature) to become a ſturdy ox, that will know no whoa, and it may be paſt the churches ſkill then to ſubdue it.
For if I am not much miſtaken (and Pareus too) That great and terrible beaſt with ſeven heads and ten horns, deſcribed in the Revelations 13, was nothing elſe a few ages ago, but juſt ſuch another calf as this is. It was indeed finely ſhap'd, & of neat limbs, when it was firſt calved; inſomuch that the great potentates of the earth were much raviſhed with its aſpect and features; ſome offered to ſuckle it on the choiceſt cows amongſt all the herds of royal cattle, (that it might be large) hoping to ſtock their own countries with the breed, & when it was grown to a conſiderable magnitude, to render it more ſhapely and fair, they put iron tips on to its horns, and beſet its ſtupenduous bulk with very rich ornaments, that they might make it the more awing to all beholders, and if poſſible, by ſuch artifices to add to the natural pride rnd choler of the creature.
But alas, poor men! they have paid dear for their prodigality and fondneſs; for this very creature that was but a calf when they firſt began to feed it, is now grown to be ſuch a mad furious and wild bull, that there is ſcarce a chriſtian monarch on earth, unleſs the great Anne, their Sweediſh and Pruſſian majeſties, and their High Mightineſſes, with this exception, there is ſcarce a potentate in the world, the beſt horſe-man or huntſ-man of them all, that dare take this beaſt by the horns, when he begins to bounce and bellow. Indeed the emperor within theſe few years, has recovered ſo much courage, that he took him by the tail, to drive him out of his royal granges, being quite angry, and weary with his cropping and brouzing on the flowers of his imperial crown. But otherwiſe the beaſt generally goes at large and does what he will in all princes dominions, and keeps them in awe. Therefore to conclude, and infer, Obſta Principiis! It is wiſdom to nip ſuch growths in the bud, and keep down by early ſlaughter ſuch a breed of cattle. Nam omne malum naſcens facile opprimitur.
3dly. In all the aſtrological remarks I have made, I find its nativity full of favoruble aſpects to Engliſh churches. The fifth day of November has been as a guardian angel to the moſt ſacred intereſt of the empire: It has reſcued the whole glory of church and ſtate, from the moſt fatal arreſt of hell and Rome. That had I been of the cabal, or combination, which formed theſe propoſals; ſo ſoon as I had ſeen and perceived the date, (as I imagine) my heart with king David's, would have ſmo…e me, and I ſhould have cried out, M…ſerere noſtri Deus: The good Lord have mercy upon us; this is the gun-powder treaſon day; and we are every man ruined, being running Faux's fate! why gentlemen! have you forgot it? It is the day of the gun-powder-treaſon, and a fatal day to traitors.
Our meaſures certainly intend the blowing up the churches, as Faux's did the parliament; that for my own part, I have ſuch an awe upon my mind of this very day, that I have made a ſettled reſolution, that of all the days of the whole year, I will never conſpire treaſon againſt my natural prince, nor miſchief to the churches on the fifth day of November.
And ſo farewel, gentlemen, for I dare not join with you in this conſpiracy.