more then an appearance of evil in such expressions by way of reproach It was the custom of the Heathens to upbraid the Christians by those names by way of disgrace And it is the guise and custom of too many profane English at this day to scoff and scorn those that truly love and fear God under those names of the Saints or the Brethren Do we not know that this is properly and truly our Titles our names that we ought to own For if we be not of the number of the Saints of the Brethren it had been better for us that we had not been The ungodly are apt enough and too apt to learn this custom we need not to put words into their months 2. Touching the second matter offensive it is because he doth often direct or incite the Magistrate against Separates Anabaptists Independents c. under these names in so much that the outward shew of his Writings strikes much at all of these sorts For the name of Separates there are few that doubtless he intends that call themselves by that name But thus much I should say for that matter M. Pryn himself is a Separate in some sence He is or ought to be separated from the evil works of the Devil he will acknowledg that he will separate from those works Secondly He is I beleeve in judgment and profession separated from Idolaters and Vnbeleevers Thirdly He is separated or ought to be separated from false doctrines and from the openly known obstinate and notorious sinful unrepentant sinners In these sences I conceive he will allow of Separation Therefore all Separation is not unlawful It maybe those Separates that he intends go something further They separate likewise from such Congregations as are out of order conceiving that where order is not there will be confusion in the administration of holy things conceiving that thereby Gods precepts must be made voyd by such confusions There is not power in the Church to purge and reform things amiss in the Church Thus much I would say That I beleeve amongst that number there are many of those little ones concerning whom Christ saith Mat. 18.6 That it were better that a milstone were hanged about the neck of them and that they were cast into the Sea that shall offend one of them that beleeve in the Lord Jesus Christ I shall propound to consideration the case first of the Anabaptists so called These deny the Baptism of Children this I beleeve is clearly their error yet if they differ in this point onely why may they not be suffered to live in love and in peace with us so long as they lead a godly a peaceable and a quiet life If they do not rail or speak evil of Baptism it self but onely differ concerning the circumstance of the time when it should be administred Let us consider that we our selves do not tie the Dispensation so to an hour or to a day but that upon several occasions we do differ So it is to be considered concerning divers other Opinions so long as they lead a godly a peaceable and a quiet life why may not they live lovingly and peaceably amongst us Consider circumspectly That concerning all persons that were not of the natural seed of the Israelites there is no part of Gods Law I beleeve that doth command or binde them to partake with the Israelites either in the Passeover or Circumcision nor in other holy duties that were peculiar or proper to the Church of God Consider likewise That there is no precept I beleeve in the Gospel that giveth authority to Magistrates to force men to beleeve or practise such holy duties This is considerable That God hath expresly given power and command to Governors in divers cases to punish matters of commission or evil things provided that Governors go not beyond the rule I am no Judg in these matters therefore these matters being weighty I shall refer it to those that God appointeth to judg This I would say to all men to all Opinions Let us keep close to Gods rules that so God may chuse our Governors for us and let not us then fear for if Governors be of Gods sending God will bless them with his Spirit they will love the Flock and give true and righteous and merciful judgment The point is weighty in matter of Separation I dare not presume to determine many points in controversie about that matter I do acknowledg that I do conceive That Reformation is more agreeable to the Will of God then rigid or total Separation But here I speak onely to defend them from more violence then I conceive is meet But further suppose that things matters in and concerning the Worship of God be so unsetled or disordered to their understanding that they can see no other present way to please God but by Separation I had rather leave them to God to judg then rashly to sentence them I am no Judg in this matter therefore I leave it to them to judg the cause whom God hath appointed for that purpose Touching the Independents I could wish that none would acknowledg that name without due and circumspect declarations of their intents touching Independency For there is a direct and total Independency and there is an Independency according to that reference or object or matter with which it is compared or to which it is referred As for instance if God command one thing and the Magistrate command that which is directly contrary thereunto in this case a man hath no such dependance upon the Magistate's Authority but that Gods command is to be kept although thereby the command of the Magistrate be neglected And I beleeve that this is the true intent of those or many of those that are called Independents On the contrary it would be a great Error to conceive That the Magistrate is not to meddle in spiritual matters as duties of the second Table for the Magistrate watcheth for Gods Glory he is to see Gods Laws kept and the Delinquents punished according to a Rule prescribed by God whether it be for the breach of the Duties of the first or second Table and for the distinction of Spiritual and Civil this is evident That the breach of any Rule of any Command of God is of a spiritual nature and either we must acknowledg no punishment for any sin or else for all sins according to a Rule This is only to be referred to the wisdom of them appointed to judg many are afraid to acknowledg that power which God hath given to Governors namely because so many Governors have exceeded the Bounds and Limits of the Rule prescribed and by that means many have been persecuted that should have been spared Now that which offendeth in this work of Mr Prynne in my apprehension is because he striketh too generally and by that means endangereth many that should be spared and helped I would not engage to try the equity of the whole work of The Sword of Christian
and appoint such over them Vers 22. And let them judg all small matters so shall it be easier for thee c. We may there note That this distribution of Justice into many hands was not to the intent that many should judg ordinarily in every one case for then it would have brought both a greater burthen upon Moses and upon the people because when the judgment of a cause goeth through many hands these many hands or Judges are with more difficulty brought together and with greater charge greater expences and likewise their judgments not easily reconciled And also such cases in such a manner heard are longer in issuing fewer causes can be heard and likewise the people will be burthened with long waiting and great expences to maintain this châ—rge Therefore there were not more Moses's added not more Governors of equal authority to assist Moses in the hearing such causes as came ordinarily to be judged by him But it is evident That this multiplying Judges was to that end that these Judges or Rulers being chosen might be distributed into the severall Tribes where the People lived to the intent that the People might not travell far but might have their causes tryed and judged near to their own habitations And this did not weaken or lessen nor diminish from Moses his authority there was this still reserved that Moses the chief Judge should still have the sole judgement and determination of the weightiest matters and affaires This further appeareth by the extent of Ioshua his authority Ioshua 1.16 17. Then they answered Ioshua saying all that thou commandest us we will do and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go as we obeyed Moses in all things so we will obey thee onely the Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses Ver. 18. Whosoever shall rebell against thy Commandement and will not obey thy Words in all that thou commandest him let him be put to death c. Here it may be noted that the chiefe judge or governor that was over Gods heritage had power to command and to determine all the weightiest matters that concerned the people of the Lord. If we looke but upon a Family which representeth a little common-wealth wee shall there finde that God appointed one chiefe governor although the woman be in such a relation yet God knew that it was meete to ordaine one to be chiefe governor whose word should be of force This doth avoide much contention where it is willingly consented unto by all in the Family But on the contrary where the wife which is the nearest relation and the most eminent in the Family next to the man doth contend for the guidance of all matters in the Family What sad events do follow in such cases That mutuall love that otherwise would be betweene the Man and the Woman is separated the Family disturbed servants and children grieved neighbours offended and God much dishonored Even so and much more I believe we shall finde the Common-wealth to be disturbed where no one is chiefe Object But is it not said that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety Answ That sheweth that the chiefe governor should not be so proudly lift up in his spirit that he should despise the advice of others in which respect David sheweth an humble frame of heart when he saith that hee will not reject the advice of his servant much more not of those that are in nearer relations It is a precious vertue to be of an humble frame of heart to hear the counsell of others but this doth not destroy the lawful authority of Order in Government Touching Parliaments or Assemblies of the Elders of the people doubtlesse I conceive they may be in diverse cases as in the case of the defect and want of a chiefe Iudge or in case that the chiefe Iudge shall degenerate and decline from the Institutions and Commandements of God they are ordained and approved of by God in such cases and in other cases provided that they do not diminish the power and lawfull authority that God doth allow to such good governors that walke in his wayes This appeareth by that quere that the Prophet Samuel maketh to the People when he demandeth 1 Samuel whose Ox have I taken or whose Asse have taken or whom have J done wrong unto or of whose hands have I taken any bribe to blind my eyes therewith as if he should have said if you could justly lay to my charge these things there might be some just cause wherefore you should come together to demand another governor although neither would this warrant you to change the forme of government for therein you should breake Gods institution This appeareth likewise when the people assembled to depose and punish Athaliah and divers others the reason is plain because God must be honord above al he is the supreme governor ruler of rulers people Doubtlesse that Law of God that bindeth all men without respect of persons to the observation of it must of necessity finde a way and allow a way for the observation of it otherwise it would fall short in the perfection of it but to say that God onely must punish chiefe governors for their offences in another world to me plainly appeareth to be of no validity for God gave the Lawes to Men on Earth to be observed and the breach of his Lawes to be punished upon earth without any respect of persons or limitation and one Law of God bindeth all men But to returne that lawfull power and authority that God giveth and hath beene given and yeelded to all good governors by Gods Church and People must doubtlesse be yeelded to all good governors in like relations and with the like respects therefore I believe this is evident from the whole premised that the principall governor of a Common-wealth must be one and must have neither lesse nor more authority then Moses and Ioshua had in those first and purest times of Gods institutions And because we have the like liberty to punish or to remove such offenders as break the Law of God that they had if we see that such chiefe governors doe evidently act to Gods dishonor and the Peoples ruine which are unseparable companions Gods Laws do helpe the people in case that God give the people hearts to improve them to his glory Do but warily cleave to Gods ordinances to his institutions Let the chiefest governor be subject to the punishment that God prescribeth in such cases for such offences in his sacred Word Secondly let none succeede by succession from Father to Sonne Thirdly take heede that God chuse governors let them be of his sending and this is of more validity then all the ties fetters charters acts and what ever inventions of man to secure Gods glory and the good of us and of our posterity as I believe for our danger and misery ariseth from this roote namely when governors creep in at the windowes and in by-pathes and
of an humble heart and I doubt not but that peace and truth will meet notwithstanding all other oppositions And on the contrary so long as you carry in your company proud hearts you shall not enjoy and obtain peace and truth the Reason is plain because God resisteth the proud he knoweth the proud afar off What saith Jam. 4.1 From whence are wars and contentions among you are they not hence even from your pleasures that fight in your members Vers 2. Ye lust and have not ye envy and desire immoderately I shall conclude this Exhortation with that Ephes 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouths but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Vers 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God Vers 31. Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and evil speaking be put away with all maliciousness Vers 32. Be ye courteous one to another freely forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake freely forgave you There hath been or is stil a great variety distance and difference of opinions amongst too many if I should or could answer to the satisfaction of all a work much beyond my compass yet new opinions springing up I should still have more and continued labour and trouble Yet I shall propound to the consideration of the godly and well-affected that way that God hath prescribed owned and blessed for the composing and ending of all differences that are or shall arise Much labour and travel and pains is and hath been taken to compose differences I pray you that you will consider That God who is wise and knoweth what is in man better then man himself this God brought his Church and chosen People out of Egypt through the Wilderness being a Type and Figure shewing us how we must through the wilderness of this world through many temptations and tryals pass before we arrive at the Land and place of our Rest Many are the sentences recorded by Moses that man of God which shew That God took an especial care of his Church and Chosen and as in other matters so especially in this matter namely That in all cases of difference whether it were in the duties of men appertaining to God in matters of his Worship or in such differences as did arise or should be amongst men which likewise had a reference to the breach of Gods Law in all of these cases God left not the people without order and means to try determine and compose differences for otherwise it had been the peoples great misery but God is the God of Wisdom and Order and not of Confusion Now if we do consider well of it the way that God ordained and owned and blessed to that end to compose differences was by appointing Moses to give Judgment in all cases of difference this plainly appeareth Exod. 18.15 16. by this means all matters of difference were desided And so likewise the Ministers counsel was of great use as appeareth Deut. 17.9 10 11 12. there God doth directly command his people to seek counsel of the Ministers and likewise doth will and command us to hearken to their counsel The Gospel is not against that good order that God in his wisdom prescribed Now Beloved Friends the way to compose differences I beleeve will lie much in this namely That we highly esteem of the counsel of our Governors temporal and spiritual Government is established and strengthened by the Gospel and who can or dare prescribe a better form for the Administration of Justice then God himself hath described and prescribed and never repealed Moses was the first in Gods Ordination and had the preeminence of matters of Judicature and Aaron likewise had his charge and authority very nearly assistant to Moses the Ministers counsel was to be of force By Moses all matters whether they were breaches of the first or second Table whether they were matters more immediately committed against the Majesty of God or whether they were mediately committed against our neighbor all these matters were examined tryed and judged by Moses God appointed him to judg and to put an issue to all matters The Ministers had their place likewise their counsel was of great use I purpose to speak more particularly to these in place afterwards This Use only I commend to the consideration of all who it may concern namely That seeing that God hath given such authority to Governors as it is evident that God hath for this was not cancelled or removed by the coming of our blessed Saviour but contrarily this was confirmed as seasonably I hope will plainly appear Consider of that place 1 Cor. 6.4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to the life set them up which are least esteemed in the Church c. Was not this the way to heal their distempered differences namely by Governors or Judges and rather then they should pretend some excuse he saith Set them up which are the least esteemed c. not that the Apostle intended that they should set up any carelesly but vers 5. he speaks this to shame them This matter being of such great concernment it behoveth us for the good of us and of our posterity to take special care that so far as it may be in our power let us use all circumspect care That we allow of set up and obey such men as may be according to Gods mind there lyeth much weight in it for let our differences be what they will be or shall be or can be yet the Governors will they must they ought to hear try and judg of them This is doubtless Gods own way it hath his Image and Inscription I grant That if any Governors any whatever shall not act for God but against Gods Laws the Body of the People or their Representatives have or ought to have power to depose and punish such for in relation to God and his Laws both the Governors and the governed are and ought to be subjects to Gods Commands But beloved Friends do not so far trust to this your liberty that by reason thereof you neglect to enquire and take counsel of God who shall be your Governors have an especial eye to the Rules contained in his Word about this matter ask counsel of God For consider well of it let the Experiences recorded in Scripture let the Experiences recorded in other Nations let our own Experiments recorded in this k nd teach us That when a Government is once setled it is a difficult matter to remove or alter either the person or the form of Government once established although we should apparently see that they were evil towards God and us We have I believe much cause to be thankful to God That he hath granted unto us more liberty now in these matters then our Fathers obtained from the days of Samuel to this day Those Governors that now we enjoy both in the Parliament and in the Army I believe they
successively I doe but labout to set before you these instances and it is because I am not like so far as I know to have any more opportunity in this World to speak in the cause blame me not therefore if I propound these things to your consideration for I and my posterity are like to be subject to what forme of government you establish and I evidently see that from Government will arise great blessings if it be such government as God approveth if it be such as God hath prescribed then I know that the blessed Spirit of God will rest upon such governors On the contrary I know that if you mistake in government I do expect that great afflictions will follow and Governors not entring into their places according to the Rule of Gods Word I shall not expect that the gracious Presence of God will accompany them And this I evidently see by the records of the Sacred Word of God and by the experience of all Ages recorded that where government is corrupted they are a meanes to draw the People from the sincere worship of God and they are a meanes to bring the Wrath of God upon the People I doubt not but there are amongst you many wise godly and men precious in Gods esteem I pray God double the Spirit of his grace upon you and direct you to see much more of Gods minde however let it not be grievous if I put you in minde of those things which you know and which are plainely recorded in Gods sacred Word Moses put the People in minde of the same things often and so did Ioshua and so did Christ and his Apostles This is all that I can do by all the instances or arguments I can alledge it is but only to perswade or put you in minde of what is already recorded plainly in Gods Word which is a bright shining light all that I can say in comparison of Gods sacred Word is far short of the darkest night compared to the brightest shining light of the day therefore all that draweth me or is any motive to me in this cause is this namely The records of the sacred Scriptures shew such a Government and such Governors God did prescribe in such a manner and they were blessed by God they were a blessing to the People and the holy good and blessed spirit of God was given to such God in his wisdom did so appoint On the contrary I have observed both from the Records of the sacred Scriptures and from the Records of all Ages and from well considered experience that although the inventions of men which swerve from the most approved Rules of Gods Word may have a faire shew in some mens eyes yet he that well noteth such inventions shall in the issue finde Gall and Wormewood bitter fruits and Gods good Spirit doth not accompany such inventions which causeth me to keepe a loofe from Mans inventions especially in such a weighty matter and of so great eminent and high concernment both for Gods glory and for the Peoples blessednesse I conceive we cannot possible be too circumspect nor cleave too close and stedfastly to the most approved and blessed forme of Government and Governors prescribed owned and blessed by God and recorded in the sacred Scriptures for our learning Dearely beloved Fathers I speake freely and willingly and with more liberty of speech to you because I am perswaded that your heartâ— do really seeke Gods glory because I believe that you seeke not your selves and have better learned to tread under foote these trifles these sublunary comforts and do seek for an immortall Crown of glory provided for those that seek Gods glory you beloved know how to value Eternity better then a moment better then this short span of time Therefore I pray you be not offended But further where there are many Iudges of equall authority though Men fearing God and seeking Gods glory yet in many or in some causes and most especially in the most weighty causes do not respects sway much As namely loth to displease one another and lothfully to discover themselves Are not numerous companies having all equall authority subject to emulation to jealousies yea and sometimes to be so divided that doth it not sometimes appeare so violent that it occasioneth civil warres or contentions I pray you to consider mortall man is subject to frailty Therefore seeing the Heavenly frame of government is by one â—od and unto Gods Word the whole Host of Heaven is willingly obedient and considering that that government that God appointed in the first and purest times when God most immediately appointed government to his beloved first borne and peculiar Church and People considering that God appointed this forme of government namely by one Man a chiefe Iudge who had sole power to judge and appoint and to determine the weightiest causes is not this the safest way to avoide confusion and contention and most like to be blessed Herein indeed will lie the great weight of all the matter namely that we cleave close to Gods Rules that so a Wolfe may be prevented for getting into the sheepe fold For let us but seeke God in those wayes he hath appointed seriously and heartily and I doubt not but that we shall obtaine a blessing a Man sent of God And then let us never fear but God will accompany such a man with his blessed Spirit Did ever a People seeke GOD humbly following GODS Rules and heartily and failed I believe no Record of Divine authority will demonstrate such an example in such a cause so prosecuted Object But was not this forme of government peculiar to the state of the Israelites is it not abolished at the comming of Kings Answ I desire every one that doth unfeignedly desire to do Gods Will to be wary of this Objection and consider that it is too much for us to turn aside from Gods Institutions but to deny Gods Institutions this is a sin of a deep impression How often doth GOD bid us beware that we do neither add nor diminish this being duly considered I answer First this Order of government by Iudges in this manner was Gods owne Order God did most immediately appoint this Order Secondly God did prescribe this to his Church and People before the Law was given Moses was appoinâ—ed and had his power and place and the rest of the Judges were orderly distributed before the Law was given at Mount Sinai Thirdly this order of government was continued confirmed and blessed immediately by God himself undâ—r the Law Fourthly this O der was further confirmed by GOD when the People in the Dayes of Samuel desired a Government by Kings which appeareth in that GOD plainely affirmeth that the People cast God off when they altered this forme and further it appeareth that God was the same long after by the expressions of the Prophets Fifthly there was never any Government since to this Day to be compared with this Government nor so blessed by God
as appeareth by the Records of the Chronicles and the bookes of the Kings of Israel and Iuda to which we may add the experiments of all Ages Sixthly Gods Wisdome is most perfect and God is unchangeable Seventhly this Order was never repealed in any Age to this day Eighthly the Promises of God in the Scripture do plainely shew that when God will have mercy upon his beloved People it shall be shewed the most eminently and apparently by restoring Iudges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning Ninthly this government by one chiefe as head and governor doth the nearest resemble that Heavenly frame of government Tenthly consider who ever thou art that harbourest such thoughts that such thoughts do arise from unsound Principles I believe not well ballanced considerations Because admit or suppose thou were left at liberty now to prescribe a forme of government what forme of Government couldest thou invent Consider that God witnessed evidently and eminently that when God prescribed government by Judges in such order as Divine records do mention this forme was better then any other Nation had in the whole World No Nation was so blessed by God in those times that had Lawes and Ordinances so righteous by which is meant Governors or Iudges and Lawes to be their Rules as God in those first and purest times did prescribe to his first borne Son And further consider that we are not now a separated People from the true Israel of God we are not strangers to those Lawes which God then in those times gave to them but contrarily we by Faith in Iesus Christ are ingrafted into the true Olive Tree we now are part of Gods houshould and doe subject to all the Lawes of Gods first borne Sonne and though they were our elder brethren yet now also God hath in his rich abundant and not to be sufficiently expressed mercy begotten us also to a lively hope so that we also are their yonger Brethren Therefore for any man to conceive that he could invent a better forme of government then any in the World in those times had and a better forme of government then God himselfe did the most immediately prescribe and own and confirm and blesse such a man if there be any such had neede to consider this matter first very advisedly least wanting wisdom to prescribe and power to uphould and power to blesse and prosper such his inventions he should be found to be an opposer of God himself and likewise exalt his wisdom above the wisdom of God The next matter I conceive it will be meete to propound to consideration other judges or governors that are in order inferior to this chiefe Judge before mentioned Exod. 18.25 And Moses chose Men of courage out of all Israel and made them heads over the People Rulers over thousands Rulers over hundreds Rulers over fifties and Rulers over tens Ver. 26. and they judged the People at all seasons but they brought the hard causes to Moses for they Iudged all small matters themselves The end wherefore judgement or Iudges were thus distributed is to that intent that both the chiefe governor may not be over burdened nor the People over burdened recorded Exod. 18.18 Thou both weariest thy selfe and this People that is with thee greatly the end being duly considered we may more easily distribute the governors Governors are sutable to this proportion to be distributed into the severall Shiers Cities Townes and Places where the People live which plainely appeareth the end being considered for the very affection of a loving Father is so prevalent that love causeth him to seek the comfort of his children and to provide for their comforts and conveniences to this purpose the Apostle saith that he is worse then an Infidell that provideth not for his Family Now consider that the Common-wealth in some respect is the Family of the chiefe Governor It is a lamentable case to consider have not the People bin I could wish it were not so still forced to travell many miles to their great detriment for to get those causes decided and determined that might with much ease have bin ended at or near to their own dwellings Yea moreover have they obtained the determining or ending of their causes without making many or diverse such chargable journies to the undoing of too many Men Widdowes and poore Fatherlesse Children have not many for want of means bin forced to loose their rights and lawfull maintenance Consider of it dear Fathers and now let it be remedied and doubtlesse God will shortly say unto you well done good and faithfull servant thou hast beene faithfull in these things come be ruler over more and better things enter into thy Masters joy But on the contrary consider that oppression is a crying sinne God will certainely hear the cry of the oppressed the cry of old and yong the cry of the Widdowes and of the Orphanes God will certainely hear them God will do it for the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Therefore dearly beloved Fathers I humbly beseech you let Governors be distrâ—buted into the severall Shires Cities Townes and Places where the people dwell And keep close to the rules prescribed in these first and purest times namely let the determination of causes be in proportion to these first patterns let not the end be neglected which is that Gods Lawes be observed and the People may be eased I pray you to consider what is recorded concerning Samuel that good and pious Governor he rather then the People should travell far did travell himself to the places where the People dwelt 1 Sam. 7.16 And Samuel went about yeare by yeare to Bethell and Gilgall and Mispeh and judged Israel in all those places No doubt he appointed Judges all over the Land that did judge the people l kewise I pray you to avoide multiplicity of Iudges being of equall authority to judge at one timâ— in one and the same cause I believe it will not be so much for the Peoples comfort not so sutable to the first and most pure institutions and I believe t will be too great a burden to those that should be Governors in such causes in such a manner constantly I do conceive that from that end of the multiplying Governors recorded Exod. 18. which was to ease the People and Moses and that Gods Commandments might not be broken and from the acting and president that Moses left there recorded it appeareth that many governors are needfull in their severall places but not many governors of equal authority constantly to act in one cause and not in the weightiest causes more and most especially My reasons mentioned are gathered from the president and wisdom of God himself Now I shall proceed to describe that way for the calling or entrance of thâ—se governors into their places Being a matter of the highest and greatest consequence to us next under God we cannot possible use too much diligence nor too much intention nor too much
when the glorious and brightest Sun appeareth the eye of the blessed God and their Maker looked clearely upon them and vouchsafed to some of those poore prisoners of hope to looke upon him also have not you godly Souldiers bin a means to redeem us the people of England had we grace to see it to acknowledge and be thankfull for it from that Egyptian bondage a corrupt forme of government wherein we like Lands Beasts and Asses were left as inheritance from the Father to the supposed Sonnes the Father of one Religion the Sonne of another did they not run and ride with fury and all possible speed horse and man from generation to Generation to seize upon us thus entring in at Windowes back-doores and in By-pathes they too often proved inâ— sheepes clothing and the blessed Spirit of God was not given unto them and they kept the People from true Shepherds men of Gods sending upon whom the good and blessed Spirit of God would have rested I should much admire that all men should not joyfully see and acknowledge so great deliverance and salvation were it not that I consider Gods righteous judgements for sinne and also considering how prevalent custome is insomuch that often times it consumeth truth and yet is lean still are not your Carriers horses often very sore loaded and yet being accustomed to beare burdens they are even contented or looke no higher they keepe jogging on loth to go out of their pace nor out of their accustomed way although it sometimes be up to their bellies in mire and dirt where because of times quick motion I must leave them to their content and I and my house will by Gods gracious assistance freely joyfully and with all hearty praise blesse the God of our protection salvation and deliverance for our freedome and better way Have you dearely beloved godly Souldiers bin used by God as instruments to accomplish the precious promises of God recorded concerning Babels fall corrupt government and governors and should I forget you No verily for I believe that the generations to come shall have cause to blesse God for you and your memory shall be blessed times quick motion bids me unwillingly to forbeare and because I conceive I shall never more in this World speake of you or to you in this kinde till I believe wee shall very shortly meete though of our selves unworthy yet through the free and abundant mercy of God in Christ with joyfull hearts before God and his blessed Angells with whom we shall be and never more be separated to eternity this span of time hasteneth and shorteneth our glasse runs apace as swiftly as the Sun runs round the World when our worke is done come Lord Iesus come graciously and quickly Therefore I shall at present conclude my speech to you Revel 12.10 being sorry that I have not opportunity to see the faces of many of you and to rejoyce with you for all the great workes God by youâ— hands Numb 23.23 According to this time it shall be said of Iacob and Israel what hath the Lord wrought Then I heard a loude voyce saying now is salvation and strength the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our Brethren is cast downe Ver. 11. But they overcame him by the bloud of that Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Vers 12. Therefore rejoyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them And now beloved Countreymen let me speake a word to you may I not say to many of you with Ieremy O that mine eyes were a Fountaine of teares that I might weepe day and night for the iniquity of the People is it possible that after such cleare evident and wonderfull gracious workes and actings of our good God in these very times that any rationall man should be so far led aside and prejudiced that he should not acknowledge with joy and thankfulnesse to God and to those that God hath used as instruments of so great deliverance it is possible for some they cry out Oh the King the King is gone is so great pompe and riches come to desolation in one houre others they would have all opinions openly manifested to be tolerated under pretence of liberty of conscience others would have their owne opinions and no other to be tolerated that they may lord it over their weake Brethren Others they speake with a double heart as David tooke notice and so make ready their arrowes and bend their bowes that they may shoote at all that are upright in heart Psal 11. For they speake against Government and Governors saying they hate these opinionists they by this meanes shew too evidently by their fruits that this is but a cloake for their owne sinnes for under pretext of conformity they shoote at Government and governors and in truth at those that are the humble true and faithfull servants of our God at all such as are circumspect and fear to offend God I would first say to them that unfeignedly desire to do Gods Will though in some matters some having larger talents then others there be difference in their judgements although in many matters the difference being throughly and truely considered is more in shew then in reall substance would you take the best and safest way Then begin in the right manner and place labour to strengthen and encourage this present government who I believe many of them do humbly cordially and unfeinedly desire to do Gods good Will now stand still and see the salvation of God proceede regularly pray earnestly to God for them that the good Spirit of his grace may leade them into all truth for doubtlesse in their peace your peace and prosperity in a great measure is contained Let government be thoroughly setled according to Gods owne wayes which if we pray earnestly and walke humbly with our God I believe God will direct them to establish government according to Gods minde you would have this issued namely what liberty shall be granted to severall or to all opinions which is a matter unpossible to be done for much must be left to the judgement of authority it cannot be avoided because many opinions doe not yet appear and the Governors do not know their own hearts before hand I know this by well observed experience and could instance in many cases but I forbeare Therefore joyne unanimously in this to seeke and to pray God so to direct our present governors that they may be so directed by God that they may discerne and follow that way for the calling of our Iudges into their places that God hath prescribed owned and blessed for this is the roote from whence our greatest safety under God consisteth Such Governors sent of God I know God will blesse with his holy Spirit and agree upon what you will before hand it will be of little moment because it is not agreeable to Gods proceedings and if governors enter in at
is a jealous God There was a great ado a great tumult but I beleeve the greater part know not what they would have done Some cry out against the Government who if they well consider of it they know not their own hearts For this I do beleeve Let them have what Government they desire yet they would still finde some matter to be discontent Beloved Country men A great part of England surfet with pride and wantonness Take heed God hath many ways to abate our pride and to humble us Do we not forget the great mercy of God in giving us his holy and sacred Word in our own Language Do we not forget that other places worship Idols and have their Inquisition houses where many sad hearts do not behold the light of either Sun or Moon I do verily beleeve if some men were in other Countries and should speak but the hundred part of what they say here they should then know the difference of Government But if some do speak what they list as if there were no God yet let us all lay it to heart there is a righteous God And now I desire without offence to propound to them that are separated from the Assemblies namely Whether that now in these times wherein the Government are desirous and do endeavor a Reformation first ought not there to be in all good Christians a readiness and willingness and not a backwardness and unwillingness to joyn in and to help forward this work It is recorded for out Learning Judg. 5.15 That for the Division of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart It is noted That when the Children of Israel for the sin and obstinacy of the Benjamites destroyed their City when the matter was over how did they lament for their Brethren They had no pleasure that a Tribe should be cut off from the Church of Israel Read Judges 21.2 And the People came unto the house of God and abode there till even before God and lift up their voyces and wept with great lamentation Vers 3. And said O Lord God of Israel why is this come to pass in Israel that this day one Tribe of Israel should want We may see here what a loving and godly frame of spirit was in this people They were so far off from rejoycing that there was likely to be a Tribe separated from Israel that they do consult and consider and use means That this Tribe may not wholy be cut off O that I could evidently now in these times of Liberty and opportunities see such a frame of spirit But alass doth it not on the contrary appear That here are now but a few wet eye but little lamentations for the differences that are so great and so many Dear Friends On all hands lay it to heart and be humbled for it That there is no neerer affinity in your affections Do you expect on all hands that you are not to move forwards towards this uniting in brotherly fellowship till you be sent to or till you be drawn to it with strong bands I pray you consider Is not our union by faith in Jesus Christ as neer a relation as any bond or tye that Israel had Is not Christs Precepts and Exhortations and Commands as prevalent and as evident and as strong to perswade us to unity and a closing in brotherly fellowship now under the Gospel as before under the Law Doth not Christ say A new Commandment I give unto you That you love one another Doth not Christ tell us That if we forgive not men their Trespasses neither will our heavenly Father forgive us our Trespasse who was the Samaritans Neighbour was it not hee that bound up his wounds Luke 10.30 Doth not the Apostles tell us That if we had faith to remove Mountaines yet without love it profitteth us nothing The Apostle asketh this question hee that loveth not his Brother that hee hath seene how shall that man love God that he hath not seene I stand not in such knowne truths to particularize Chapters and Verses where can you read the Doctrine of Christ or of his Apostles where these matters are not evident to be seen Beloved friends may I not say with the Apostle that I am afraid of you that your hearts are not right in the presence of God Object But you will say unto me what would you have us to do are there not many lets in the way to hinder us from reaching out the right hand of fellowship to our Brethren or Neighbours for some will not allow of the brotherhood are there not many sinfull practices and much disorder Answ Is there not a wise man amongst you to heale and to make up these breaches Let mee propound this to your consideration doe but remove one poysonous weede out of your hearts and insteed thereof plant two sweete smelling Herbes and meete when you will I should not doubt by Gods assistance but that all other differences may easily be composed so that you may joyne together in brotherly fellowship a great many of you that now stand at distance The poysonous weede to be removed is Pride pluck up that by the roots The graces or herbes to be planted in the steed thereof are Love one to another and Humility be sure these be safely preserved in giving honor go one before another Friends or Countrymen you stumble at some failings but doe you not in the meane time leap over Mountaines and plung your selves into dangerous places It was the very leaven Christ reproved in the Scribes and Pharisces they tithed mint and annise and at the same time were guilty of the breach of the Law of God in weighty matters You are loth to close lest you should hould communion with sinners It may be so but consider well That that heavenly wisdome that is from above is first pure Let us search well our own hearts let us try them well and I doe believe we shall see as many and as great sinnes there as wee doe see in many of those with whom we will not close because they are sinners Remember forget not what condition we were in when Christ layeth downe his life and sheddeth out his precious blood for us were we not then all over from head to heele defiled in our bloud And did then Christ reach out the right hand of his fellowship to us and are wee so shy one of another Christ wisheth us to be mercifull as our heavenly Father is mercifull Dearely beloved Countrey men I must forbeare times quick motion bids mee go on I pray you yet that I may propound to your consideration whether Reformation bee not now more meete and more agreeable to the sacred Scriptures now in this time of liberty and when wee may have the strength of authority to helpe us then separation in such a manner as that wee seeke nor greatly the love fellowship or communion of many more then we now doe I propound it in as easie termes as I can For
the unfoulding of this matter I conceive it necessary for expedition to propound the objection that may afterward arise in the chiefe Object Jer. 15.9 If thou take away the precious from the vile thou shalt be as my mouth let them returne unto thee but returne not unto them Answ In such matters as wee finde recorded in holy Scriptures that leads us to extraordinary duties or to such practises as are not usually followed in other places of Scriptures being construed or understood in the severest interpretation for otherwayes being favourable taken consonant to the continued practice and presidents of the Prophets Christ and his Apostles there will not in my apprehension be any matter of moment to hinder communion betweene many that now are divided I hold it a lafe way to have recourse to other and in ore plainer laces of Scripture which shew us how these darker places are to bee understood construed and practised I believe the Prophet Ieremy directed by God sought to draw and win the godly in his time from those sinnes that the People many of them then lived in so that they might not partake with the wicked in those evils which God had forbidden and in this sence he enviteth the godly not to returne to the abhomination of the wicked but let them returne to thee that is to say let them returne to thee and then in those things that God instituted in Gods Ordinances thou mayst joyne with them but note I pray you That the People were not hereby exhorted to devide in the Passover nor in any of Gods own Ordinances for then I conceive it had beene vaine for the Prophet to have left that door open that the wicked might have forsaken his evils and have returned to them if upon their returne the godly had stood at a distance in houlding fellowship in Gods own institutions If the question now were Whether it be lawfull for Believers to joyne with other though believers in the commission of sinne it might easily be issued for it is cleare wee may not breake Gods Commandements But now I conceive the case may be otherwise considered of for it is desired that there may bee fellowship in those things which both parties acknowledge to be Gods owne Ordinances as in the celebrating the Sacrament c. It is to bee well considered that many times the state of the Iewish Church was much corrupted many corruptions there were and yet the Prophets did in those times joyne with the people in these Ordinances that God had instituted as namely the Passover Circumcision c. but not in their sinnes The People in the time of Elijah were fallen fouly he joyned not therefore with them in their sins but when the People were present hee offereth Sacrifice 1 Kings 18. and upon the Peoples acknowledgement of God hee then joyneth with the People in doing Gods Will namely in staying Baalls Prophet The People of the Iewes in the time of our Saviour were very sinfull Christ doth not speake with them in sinning but in Gods owne Ordinances hee joyned with the People or did celebrate with them the Passover and so did the Apostles joyne in the celebration of the Passover and in the observation of circumcision The height of my perswasions reach no further then to this effect namely that there might be a Brotherly closing and the right hand of fellowship in those things that are of God and so acknowledged by both parties Friends there are many Lions in the way to hinder your closing but this I believe that if there were unfeigned love and sound humility in many of your soules there would bee great sorrow in your hearts for the divisions of Reuben and also an attempt meanes would bee used to joyne together in Brotherly fellowship now that there are so faire opportunities as to my apprehensions there are to be reconciled But I speake it with griefe I see but little meanes used do not Christians Acquaintance and Friends carry themselves as if there were no great matters in it whether former breaches be healed or no Note and consider well of the Apostles words recorded Philip. 3.15 Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded and if any be otherwise minded God shall revâ—al even the same unto you Ver. 16. Neverthelesse in that whereunto wee are come let us proceede by one Rule that wee may minde one thing Ver. 17. Brethren be yee followers of mee and looke on them which walke so as yee have us for an example Ver. 18. For many walke of whom I have told you often and now tell you weeping that they are the enemies of the Crosse of Christ ver 19. whose end is damnation whose glory is their shame Consider of it upon all hands there is much evil somewhere the mouthes of the wicked are much opened by reason of our divisions and the hearts of the Godly Ministers much grieved and our Government much weakened and disturbed by the many divisions that are amongst us consider it looke to it for the many precepts presidents exhortations and invitations that are recorded in the Scriptures will not be as water spilt upon the ground but they shall either prevaile in our hearts and shew themselves in our fruits or else it had beene better for many that they had never knowne such precious directions We have many or diverse examples in the Scripture recorded for our learning which speake of Reformation of Churches but not one that I know of that sheweth a willfull and contented separation of Believers from Believers in those things agreed on to be Gods owne Institutions being considered in a generall way whole Churches There is an apparent difference between that separation when the Church casteth out a sinner for some offence obstinately continued in wherein wee may note that the person offending is a passive and not an active in the matter of his exclusion hee doth not voluntarily exclude the Church but the Church him and also during the time of his separation hee is not to be counted as an enemy or unbeliever but admonished as a Brother and betweene this separation so much now practised is it not a willfull or contented separation whereby many stand at a manifest and great distance from Believers and Churches that are willing to be at peace and unity with them I should desire all men that willingly separate to consider that their is a great difference betweene partaking in sinne partaking in those duties which God hath prescribed And that suppose that there be blemishes or some things wherein wee conceive there is sinne if we according to rule do proceede therein so far as our places do extend we may then live in some societies wherein some may remain and not excluded which wee count sinners I conceive Christ his example is evident and cleare in this matter who continued his fellowship in the Church of the Iewes in Gods Ordinances and neverthelesse did not partake with them in their
not then let us within some little considerate time before the time be ended which God directeth you to set apart for this work proceed to chuse by lot It is a safe way it is a way God himself prescribed it never erred Will it not be a way to remove all jealousies and subtleties and to compose all differences and to put an end to all strife But dear Fathers I pray you however in some convenient time chuse some one chief Governor eminently known for courage and for piety and give him all the lawful power that God in his wisdome gave unto Joshua and to other lawfull governors This will be a way for Gods glory and for the peoples for us your childrens safety and comforts for Gods Wisdome is infinitely beyond all mans inventions I pray you let us not have a Titular Governor if you shall not think meet to condescend to any of these wayes I know whom I trust and I hope I shall shew my selfe obedient in all lawfull matters to such as God and you shall see meet to appoint and I shall not cease to entreate God so to direct you with his good and blessed Spirit that you may do that which is well pleasing to him Now I conceive it will be meet to speak something touching those Governors inferior to the former which are for the glory of God for the ease of the chiefe Governor and for the Peoples ease and comfort Now again I look upon the most glorious perfect and beautifull frame of Government which the blessed Angells do and the elect children of God shall enjoy to all eternity Where I find one blessed God the governor and the rest all appointed and distributed into their severall places by the power and wisdom of that blessed God This leadeth me to conceive that God proportioneth his Works like unto himself for so God did in the Creation of the World and the creatures therein God made one man governor of all the creatures upon Earth and that man named the Creatures and disposed other matters it had bin mans happinesse provided that Gods glory had bin maintained that the government of the World might have continued in and according to that lovely order Secondly God made that one man in his owne image like to himselfe and I believe we shall finde that God composed or framed the Government of his Church and People in some proportion like to the frame of the Heavenly Government my time will not admit to speake much of that blessed Spirit of God part whereof God did communicate or bestow upon Moses and so let him represent his place so far as might stand with Gods glory that is so far as Moses might be subject to Gods Commandements for therein God reserved to himselfe his own glory in Adam the great Emperor or governor of the World Yet hee was subject to Gods Commandements from these considerations I shall proceede When God in those first and purest times did appoint the distribution of governors recorded thus Exod 18.25 And Moses chose men of courage out of all Israel and made them heads over the people Rulers over thousands Rulers over hundreds Rulers over fifties and Rulers over tens Here I finde that God gave Moses authority to appoint the governors that were to govern the People Which authority I do believe doth undoubtedly belong to all good governors being chiefe governors onely this is to be considered that the People here were neâ—re to Moses so that Moses knew many or all of them Therefore I believe that God that is the God of wisdome and of Order will allow that where People live further off and the chiefe governor may not know all the men whose dwellings are further off from him and therefore cannot so well know the qualifications and fitnesse of men for government in such cases it doth much differ but Moses must I meane the chiefe governor must doubtlesse approve of all governors under him that governe for Gods glory and for the Peoples good ease and comfort There must be no inferior governor that he approveth not for that would be directly against the frame of the Heavenly government and against the expresse letter of these first and purest institutions And Moses must I meane the chiefe governor must chuse immediately if it be possible with convenience the chiefe next to himselfe namely the governors of thousands this most nearely resembles Gods President God chose Moses and Moses chose them under him the words are expresse and I dare not alter them I dare not prefer my wisdome before Gods Wisdome nor dare I add nor diminish to or from Gods Prescriptions the rest of the Rulers of hundreds fifties and tens may be chosen proportionable to this president provided that the chiefe Governor approve of them Now that this way is most for Gods glory and the Peoples good appeareth if we consider that government distributed resembleth or supplieth that defect of man who cannot be every where present nor here all causes for otherwise they all represent but one intire and absolute governor therefore God appointed one chiefe governor namely Moses like to himself but through the occasion of mans weakenesse to supply that defect God suffereth the Government to be distributed Secondly it appeareth that this is the best way that the chiefe governor should appoint or at the least approve the rest because the Wisdome of God saw meete it should be so as is expresly recorded Thrdly consider that it doth strengthen uphold and knit together the whole frame of Government forces united are the strongest Fourthly it doth prevent divisions and may be a meanes to reforme abuses when inferiour governors are offendors thus God when he seeth his Lawes broken doth remove and punish delinquents For if you should admit of governors against the minde and approbation of the chiefe governor it must needs follow that that State so doing must be corrupted divided or sore shaken and endangered in short time for let but Gods Lawes take place and then the governor in chiefe is subject alike with the rest and the rest acting for God have power to punish him because God is their highest governor and they must obey God although it be against the chiefe of men Therefore the danger cannot be great thereby but on the contrary it is for Gods glory and for the peoples good that the chiefe governor should appoint or approve of the rest at the least Fifthly it will appeare to be Gods appointment by the Records in the sacred Scriptures not only in the first institution which is the best and the surest but also in the continued practice of chiefe governors all along from time to time This appeares Ioshua 1.17 As we obeyed Moses in all things so we will obey thee but Moses had the authority to appoint governors therefore Ioshua had so and it appeareth by Ioshua his actings afterwards Thus we may reade that Saul and David did appoint governors recorded in many places
and so did the Governors and the Kings of Israel and Iuda I shall refer these matters to the consideration of the godly and of the learned if any lust to be contentious I strive not to contend but contend to bee quiet and seeke for Peace and Truth And now I conceive it is requisite to speake a word touching the Lawyers Gods Lawes if we observe them well are pithy and short they are contained in a little roome if we substract the Historicall matters or matter which shew Gods actings and mans actings which are not so properly Lawes but rather shew Gods glory and mans conversation from the direct Commandements of God in what a little volume would Gods Lawes be contained which sheweth the purity and excellency of them of Gods Lawes The Lawes of some Countries containe great Bookes or Volumes in comparison of Gods Lawes many Lawyers looke much upon the Letter of the common Lawes I would there were many more looked faithfully to the true meaning of those Lawes contained in the Sacred Word of God We reade but little of other Lawes during the times of the Iudges of Israel I do believe that the multitude of Lawes did originally spring from the iniquity of the Lawyers and from the iniquity of the People scarce any words were sufficient so to expresse the truth but either the Judge or the Lawyer or the People would break through the Law I believe there is just cause of sorrow and of shame to consider it The best way that I know to reforme this is to keepe closest to the true Originall which is the most true perfect and clear rule and is the rule of all rules because all other rules are but derivatives from thence Doubtlesse our Lawes ought to be as few as may be and those Lawes distributed into such severall places where the People dwel such as do concern those People in those parts for the Peoples ease and comfort Secondly the Lawes ought to be in our own language so as the People may reade and observe them because God doth afford that benefit to the People in the giving and publishing his Lawes which are of the most excellency And if we consider the end why Iudges were multiplied as Gods glory was the chiefe so likewise the Peoples ease and comfort is expressed so ought it to be in those Lawes that are branches of Gods Lawes as Gods glory is the highest and true end of them so likewise the Peoples ease and comfort by and from them is to be respected A great helpe both for Gods glory and for the Peoples comfort is to have good and faithfull Iudges for such will not so much seeke themselves which is truely to destroy themselves as they will seeke Gods glory and the Peoples good These things have bin mightily perverted yet God hath not left us without hope but that God will restore Iudges as at the first and counsellers as at the beginning then shall we be called a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City What ever I have written in this little Booke or Treatise I doe and have onely propounded to the consideration of all you that do love honor and feare the true and ever living God who is blessed for ever I doe humbly with all due respect to the godly and to the learned acknowledge I am but a weake fraile man of my self I may erre therefore if any man can and will shew we any error provided that they bring the authority of Gods Sacred Word according to the plain and sincere meaning of the blessed Spirit of God I hope God will give me a heart willingly not constrainedly to acknowledge any error I ever held it as a principle that wee cannot please God better nor bring more true honor and safety to our selves then by hunble unfeigned and willing acknowledgement of any of our errors in some proportion sutable to our offences Receive nothing from me further then you finde it agreeable to Scripture But this I say that in what ever I have here in this Booke written I have set God alwayes in my sight I knowing that I am ever in his sight to whom I must give account for what I have written I account it to be a matter of no small moment to write any Booke neither had I written if I had not believed God called me to it of my selfe I can do no good matter but this J do believe that in this writing contained in this Booke I am strengthened protected and guided by the good and blessed Spirit of the true and ever-living God To whom I desire to acknowledge and give as is Gods due and my duty all praise and service glory and honor and power because God is worthy of it for he hath created all things and for his Wills sake they are and have bin created Rev. 4.11 Now beloved and approved Commanders and Souldiers you that have bin helpers of the Lord against the mighty although I have not made mention of your Names in this little Treatise yet you are in my eye as men of precious esteeme and so I believe you are in Gods accompt precious I meane such as out of godlâ— zeale and true love have acted in these Wars of which sort I bâ—lâ—eve there are many amongst your Army may I not account you amongst Davids worthies yes I believe I may and further I believe I may truly say that many of you Revel 21.27 Are written in the Lambs booke of life and that you Ver. 24. Are of the people that shall be saved and walke in the light of it Ver. 1. That new Heaven Ver. â— That holy City that new Ierusalem God himselfe shall be your God with you Vers 4. And God shall wipe away all teares from your eyes and there shall be no more deathâ— for the first things are passed Cha 22.12 And behold I come shortly saith God and my reward is with me to give to every man as his works shall be Ver. 14. Blessed are they that do his Commandements that their right may be in the Treâ— of life Ver. 11. He that is righteous let him be righteous still and he that is holy let him be holy still Have you been co-acters in fighting Gods battells and should I or my Posterity be forgetfull that you many of you have borne a meanes that we enjoy Gods Word freely preached and that we still enjoy Gods sacred Word in our own Language and that we are not forced to bow down to dumbe Idols to Idolatry and that we are not cast into those darke miserable noysome golgotha's those places which have bin the destruction of thousands where no eye could see or speake to them to pitty them where they have bin murdered out of the view of men I meane those accursed inquisition Houses This comfort only they had which those workers of iniquity could not take from them that there was one open place where the bright and beautifull eye like to the eye of the Morning