controversies and make this their business ere many such know what the solide work and exercise of godliness is or what either the principles and power of Religion means and why is that so expresly commanded Rom. 14 1. Him that is weak in the faith receive but not to doubtfull disputations It is sure that it much concernes all who preach the Gospel to know the message they deliver be suted for solide edification and in bearing testimony to the truth in this day which is so unquestionably a duty that yet it be with such a grave ministerial seriousness and Christian wisdome as it may commend the truth to the conscience of the people so as this duty be neither neglected nor unsuteably managed otherwise a light and too ordinary a way in speaking on so grave a concerne or on publick differences without some convincing and suteable weight herein and when it is with personal reflections we may fear would stumble much more then convince as would seem a thrust rather at the persons of some than at their way and to gain an interest to a party more than for the truth PROP. IV. Are not such expresly called yea with an intense study to unite so far for the truths sake and in following clear uncontroverted duties who are otherwise like minded in things of the Lord what ever now may be in difference amongst us so as that union should not nor ought to sist untill a through onness of judgment be attained in this present controversy which were so much to be desired upon these grounds 1. That the Scripture clearly determines this so far as we have attained to walk by the same rule and mind the same things however even in some matters of truth not one Phil. 3 15. 16. and with hope that the Lord in due time may graciously convince such who are in the present difference most culpable And I should hope that more tender and affectionat condescendence in the way of dealing with such might tend more to reclaime and recover than any violent and peremptory way 2. Because if such an uniting in unquestionable duties should cease untill there be a full union in judgment amongst the truely godly what times of the Church have been favourable that we could then ever hope or essay any concord in duty 3. That it is sure the most eminent Instruments in the work of the Gospel both in the primitive times and since the Reformation have been oft at a very sad difference amongst themselves in the matters of truth whose concurrence otherwise in carrying on the work of the Lord hath been most remarkeably sealed with a blessing 4. That a bearing and forbearing in many differences of judgment amongst the godly for the Churches peace and without any involvement in the sin of others hath not been hitherto questioned by the greatest lights and witnesses to the truth in these late times especially where both the doctrine and Government of the Church hath been in the great and weighty concernes thereof adhered to Thus blessed Calvin doth so pressingly obtest the English Congregation at Francfort for a tender bearing and mutuall forbearing amongst themselves in that present difference was then with respect to the circumstances they stood under and for the truths sake though he was far from owning that party in that wherein the rest of their brethren had been sohighly grieved PROP. V. Is it not one of the great concernes and trials of Christian wisdome in the Church how to apply the rule in things lawful and commanded with a due regard to edification in such a case I propose this on these grounds 1. The express warrant of the Scripture 1 Cor. 10 23. all things are lawfull but not expedient all things are lawfull but edify not 2. That this hath been one of the greatest depths of Satan to turn men over in the managing of a duty on another sad extreame as the very way to break it but he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good The way of the Lord and a closs adhering to his truth doth never of it self occasion a breach in the Church but what our corruption and unsuteable following of duty doth on either hand occasion nor is there any jarre except what is from our selves betwixt zeal and Christian prudence since these are both expresly enjoyned and equally obliging by the holy Ghost nor can they ever part but with a sad prejudice to the truth There is a holy contemperature of zeal meekness and love all which being from one and the same spirit do with a sweet onness necessarily concurre for the same end Nor can I possibly reconcile a being professedly hot in the one with being cold and unconcerned in the other except I should quite the revealed rule of our duty for both 3. Because the truth may get a very sore thrust by the manner of our contending for it the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace and both should be seriously adverted to that the cause of God be neither neglected nor yet prejuged through a non-suteable following thereof A wound needs both a tender and skilfull hand to handle it else it were easy to destroy where the case and present constitution of the patient is not considered a right O! if that Scripture were more practically owned for a humble tender condescendence in our dealing with others for the truths sake I was all things to all that I might gain some Our bitter hot and unadvised expressions may some times wrong the interest of our blessed Master more than we may find easy with our furthest work to recover PROP. VI. Is there not ground both to fear and watch against a giving any thrust at the credit and repute of the Ministers of Christin our Church who in this hour of tentation and after many sore wrestlings and differences have yet obtained mercy to stand and suffer against prelacy what ever cause they may have to weep before the Lord over themselves for saddest failings and unanswerableness to the work of their day I most propose this on these grounds 1. Though I would be far from judging it to be designed yet ex intentione operis is it not too visibly inductive concurring with the same end and interest both of the Prelatick party and Quakers and thus may give a sadder thrust than is apprehended at the propheticall as well as the kingly office of our blessed head 2. That this upon the matter is some way all one as to silence them and cast them out of the Church since it must needs tend to disable and render them useless in their Masters work what ever tends to break their credit as Ministers of the Gospel And should it not be deeply considered if the charge be such and of that necessity to follow for making them in a manner contemptible to the people as the labour and fervice of such this day in the vineyard of the Lord may amount to 3. What help thus can the poor
The Church wounded and rent By a Spirit of Division Held forth In a short account of some sad differences hath been of late in the Church of Scotland with the occasion grounds and too evident product therof whose wounds are bleeding to this day Togither with some vindication of the truth and principles of our Church in this present state of things from unjust revilings and reproach And a few words in the close with respect to what are the greatest concerns of Christians exercise and duty in these times Heb. 10 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithfull that promised Philip. 3. 16. Nevertheless whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing Philip. 2. 2. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in Lowliness of mind let each esteem other beter then themselves James 3. 16. For where invying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work 1 Thessal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now we exhort you Brethren warn them that are unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weak be patient toward all men Printed M.DC.LXXXI THE PREFACE IT will be acknowledged by all who have any serious impression of the truth on their spirits what sore and trying times we are now fallen in and how deplorably sad the present state of religion is almost every where yea what need seems for our being awake with some deeper apprehensions of what may be coming and of so many presages that this night is not yet at the darkest but one of the sorest conflicts which the reformed Churches have hitherto mett with may be on a very near approach of which one remarkably sad and most threatning presage is now too obvious in this late astonishing rent and breach hath been in the Church of Scotland so impetuously driven and fomented by some there to the furthest scandal and reproach of the truth and giving the adversary such occasion to blasphem Thus hath there been so sore woundings of religion and the holy spirit of God greatly provoked and greived thereby I confesse such a tryal would have been litle either feared or apprehended in a time when so hot a furnace hath been set up amongst us and that the Church had smarted and been so sore brunt with the offence which followed upon former breakings yea when it is so joyntly acknowledged how much the honour of Christ the spreading of the Gospel and edificatione of the Church is concerned and in the highest measure prejugded herein this is a sad subject which should call each to that serious inquiry and tryal of their own work and frame of spirit in such a day as may lead in to peace and assurance of heart before the Lord in this mater and to be seriously affected with what we have seen following thereon yea might have been feared with the first breaking up of this strange rent of the spirit of error and delusion in the Holy righteousness of God now with such prevalence over some whose work had been to put the Church in a flame and unsetle others as they can find no ground where to fix themselves but are like to shake loose all principles and run that length as is incompatible not only with Christian but humane society Some few things with respect thereto I would premit now in the entry to be considered 1. First what light doe thus break forth out of the very bowels of such confusion both for conviction and confirming of us in the truth if we be but serious observes of the work of the Lord in this day and I would yet hope may tend to put some Deeper impression of these things on this generation when as with one audible voice from heaven so much hath occurred to seal our instruction herein 1. That none thus so easily adventure after what we have seen on such a publick rent and breach of the Church as this and to hazard on a precipice and rock on which so many hath dashed and been broke and where the losing of communion in love hath not long wanted a sad breach in the unity of faith 2. That there may be now more fear and dread of managing differences in judgment within the Church with that bitterness and passion as hath too visibly been of late to stumble and beget wrath more then conviction or to make ane offering of such strange fire the truth and cause of God can be promot only by these meanes and that spirit which he doeth himself require 3. That Professors of the truth be more deeply pressed about the ground work and for a solid founding on the great fundation-truths and principles of religion when this sad want may be so visibly now read on all our distempers and make us yet fear where some great pretences to religion may end Here is one of the sadest judgments of the time much Ignorance of the truth and rule of the Gospel with a louse and unstable mind tho with greatest confidence otherwise amongst too many under a Profession of godliness this day through which the tempter hath gotten such advantage yea on some whose affection and tenderness of spirit I dar not question but thought they could not run too far at a distance from what they judged wrong not fearing a destroying snare on the other hand and that corruption of the mind by error is no lesse mortall then in the life and practice yea which is too sadly obvious less hope of a cure where such a leprosy is once broke forth in the head 4. And have we not now seen for our furthest conviction herein that none lift up themselves above that which is meet upon the repute and credit of their profession before him who is no respecter of persons and resisteth the proud to so sever a smiting and thrusting down of their Brethren and fellow-servants as hath too obviously been in these late differences and without that suteable fear and dread leist these whom they gave so sore a thrust to under the warrant o◠some opprobrious designation be such whom Jesus Christ will own and finds his servants and messengers thus lye a bleeding under that wound 5. I would hope also that such a witness of the jealousy and displeasure of the Lord against despysers and revilers of the Ministers of the Gospel may have more weight on the conscience of many after this when with so discernable and awfull a voice this I humbly judge hath been spoke and may be applyed to all such who professe the truth and the generations yet to come to fear and dread to give thus the authority of the Son of God the supreme head of his Church so publick ane affront in the Ministry of his servants as this party hath of late done in our Church or rise up in such a conspiracy againe and no pretences when tryed at that bar of the scriptures of truth can possibly bear out 6. And should not
this clear the spotless way of the Lord and seall our instruction from what we have seen that when no answerable fruit is to such a season of the meanes of the Gospel as hes been of late nor ane embracing the truth in its simplicity and with desyre after the sincere milk of the word as might have been hoped for but a seeking more after new and strange doctrine and to follow these things which tended not to edify that so sad and dark ane ecclipse should follow Tho I hope some blessed fruit of these times past shall be yet found and abide with many O that after this a more fervent and serious respect to the ordinances of Christ might yet revive in our Land and a keeping close by this appointed way not only to beget but to confirme feed and make the saints perfect Ephes 4 12. I hope such as under these meanes hath known a neir and sensible fellowship with Jesus Christ with that ineffably sweet and fragant savour of his name and that surely he feeds his people there cannot at so easy a rate be taken off these breasts as too many of late hath been It is sure the more true growth and livly the work of grace is on the soul the more felt need and desyre will be then after the ordinances of Christ and it may be feared besides all we have seen if so sad a falling off from those be still owned as to reject the message of truth from such known godly and eminently qualified Ministers of Christ to his Church upon that pretence of the late indulgence leist they lose even what they had once attained when thus out of the way of the Lord and from under his promise for protection and being keeped from the prevalence of that spirit of error and delusion which by the very same entry hath now got such visible power on others I nothing doubt but many hath beene ingadged herein without fear or apprension of such hazard and as judging it duty and that some whose appearance this way hath had most weight and credit with others their heart would have trembled at what hath beene now seen to follow thereupon whilst the tendencie and product of such things hath out-rune so much their intent but it should be mater of grief to all what ground we have thus lost and what the great adversary of the Church hath gained to prejudge the interest of the Gospel 2. I must premit this further to be considered that it is not so much want of light as of practice which is the greatest let to the Churches cure and I would humbly offer some few things where both unquestionable duty and the remedy of these sore distempers now amongst us are joyntly obvious as we might yet hope to see another appearance on the Church when these are in earnest followed 1. To keep closse by the scripture with a sincere humble inquiry for light there and a more intire reference to its alone decision It is sure the conscience must be no rule to us nor can alter the nature of things to make that good which is evill but must have a rule for its selve nor is it further the voice of God then it is truely inlightened yea nothing hes beene more threatning to the Church then the strong impulses of one erring conscience which seldome keeps within any bounds And tho I would desyre with the furthest tenderness to speak in this present case so far as a necessare owning of the truth can admit yet I must say it hath beene to me one of the astonishing things of this day How such violence in driving this sad rent in our Church and on these grounds as hath beene pretended could seek shelter under this patrociny of the Scriptures of truth or plead its warrant from that blessed rule of the Gospel which is so expresse plaine and full herein and what should meane this strange halting if the Lord be God let us follow him and subject wholly to his word for at that bar only I hope it is we desyre to appear and be tryed what a sweet testimony will this then be on the soul of a dying Christian that the truth was so dear to them as no preingadgment nor any interest of their supposed credit did interpose between the authority of his word and their conscience or betwixt their conscience and a declaring the same to the world both for giving glory to the truth and the advantage and edification of others yea this from some of greatest repute in the Church hath tended to transmit their memorie with a most sweet savour and credit to after times 2. A serious inquiry and tryall by all of their own way with much fear and jealousy of themselves should be a blessed ingredient in our cure and relieffe this day when snairs and hazards are so thick spread and I think it may be now further convincing that whatever be the case of our Church such a way and methode was no sutable cure as did visibly tend to inflame the wound more then to heal nor that the wrath of man worketh the righteousness of God I hope a second inquiry and tryal by any of a serious spirit will let them yet clearly see that such pretences they founded on can never justify this late rent and falling of thus from Church fellowship where not only they could continue without sinne but with much hope of a blessing 3. And doeth not here both the rule of duty and our relieffe in this sad case convincingly meet in a seeking to overcome evill and privat injuries with good It is true this is a specialy pungent tryal and will not want some conflict but I am sure is found one of the choisest opportunities of a Christians life for theirafter peace yea the more wrestling may thus be upon special provocations and with some peculiar aggravating circumstances to reach this blessed victory over themselves the more comfort and joy will be upon their after thoughts heirof and I am sure thus is greater advantage for a just vindication by Christians of themselves whilst pressed thereto as this is with least bitterness or recrimination followed 4. It is clear that the spirit of God expresly cals for keeping a distance with such things as may tend to engender striffe and debate in the Church and not to edifie as our dutie and I think it may be too seen how sad influence this hath had to break the comfort and edification of Christian fellowship where once professors of religion hath beene involved in such a way There was no such practice or custome in these first pure times of the Church whilst the Apostles lived and was specially adverted to then but if any be contentious we have no such custome in the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 5. It is duty also for the furthest convincing tenderness to be used by such who through grace have beene keeped fixed for restoring of others with the spirit
as a testimony thereto with greatest respect is then necessarily called for when a publick opposition is made to the same 2. That this great truth of the visible Kingdome of Jesus Christ over his Church and its independance on the Magistrat and his being the alone supreame head and Lawgiver thereto is of such high concerne and elevation as we should not count our life dear if called of the Lord to be offered up as a Sacrifice thereon yea that a publick testimony should be then more specially owned thereto with a clear and distinct sound when so visibly opposed as in this day 3. That is must on all hands be confessed a sad decay of a true publick spirit now amongst us and of that zeal integrity and watchfulness for the things of God and deep impression of the Covenant with God these nations are so solemnely engaged to as hath formerly been with too sad and unsensible a wearing out from under former impressions of duty in this long continued triall now in the Church and that success which seemes to wait on a sinful course for which all of us have cause for being deeply humbled before the Lord this day 4. I would hope also this will not be under debate that an endeavour for a safe union and without any prejudice to the truth amongst these who have been helped in this day to witness and suffer against prelacy and are one in the great concernes of truth godliness is both a commanded and indispensibly necessary duty and will be found as expresly charged upon us as any duty I know in the Scripture 5. That there may be differences in a purely Reformed Church in matters of truth consistent with mutuall edification and without any division or breach amongst such yea that such will be still here whilst we know but in part 6. This concession I hope may not come under question that it is a part of our guilt this day our not being more suteably affected with both the sin and judgment of this present rent and division as we ought when our Master hath so expresly told that a Kingdome divided against it self cannot stand and no less thus threatned than the utter dissolution of such a Church 7. That there is now need of more closs correspondence and personall freedome with greatest tenderness to be managed in this present difference with other since they may thus tear one another at a distance before they understand them and that prejudice thus entertained with personal reflections and alienating of affection must necessarily tend on every hand to widen the breach 8. That this deplorable rent now amongst the godly hath that sad gravamen therewith that it is a striving and devouring one another in the furnace whilst so sore pressed otherwise under the cross yea in the publick view of all our Adversaries who so eagerly thus watch for our halting 9. That there is a great hazard in credulity and easy entertaining reports to the prejudice of others in a time when too many seem designedly to tread in the dark this way as if it were to promot a party rather than to seek the truth and follow an interest on the ruine and fall of the repute of others who have had a most sweet savour in the Church of Christ and been much blessed for the edification of many this we may fear is one of the provoking evils in this time and as a smoak in his nostrils who hath said such as sow discord amongst brethren are an abomination unto him Pro. 6 19. and hath cursed such as smiteth his neighbour secretly Deut. 27 24. which may be no less sad and sore by smiting by the tongue than by the sword 10. I hope this also will be mutually granted that a safe managing of differences and rents amongst the godly in so breaking a time as this is one of the most difficult things in Christianity so hard it is to get our own spirits kept out to reach that tender and due regard to present circumstances for publick edification yea to be kept in an humble and spirituall frame in such a case and to have the life of grace kept in vigorous exercise so as thus to have pride wrath and bitterness of spirit made to melt down in meekness humility and love Having premitted these few Concessions which may be found of some weight in this sad case we are now in I must humbly offer these following Proposals to be considered PROP. I. Should we not with greatest fear and trembling look on a breach and rent of the Church and amongst the truely godly in this day on these grounds 1. That it so expresly controlls the authority of our great Master who hath enjoyned by such reitereated commands love and concord amongst his Disciples so as I can find no duty in the New Testament with more frequent obtestations and arguments pressed than this And though it is unquestionable that some must be more culpable in the cause of the difference than others yet doth he press thus with such vehemency and without any such reserve to sist untill there should be an intire onness in judgment amongst themselves else there were no such difficulty or neid of it to be thus pressed 2. That it was his dying charge Joh. 15 17. to love one another and to guard against any breach amongst themselves and seemes to have been the thing his heart was most fixt on when he was to leave the world as a witness of their being his Disciples and that the world might know him to be sent of God Joh. 17 21. and thus be for a testimony to the truth of the Gospel and to enforce a conviction of the excellency of Christianity and doctrine thereof on the greatest Atheists 3. And may we not see these prejudices which follow on a formed and growing breach of the Church are oft such as the cause and occasion thereof do bear no proportion thereto when brought to the Test of that great rule of Christian love in its due latitude as prescribed by our blessed Master yea that thus there is a being so sadly engaged in disputings sidings with parties with such exasperation of spirit and neglecting of these offices of love we ow to others 4. That we may see such a sad rent the more it is followed the more it becomes a labyrinth and maze and no way found thus to get out but that by which they first entered 5. That conspicuous beacon also which in all ages hath been set hereon may make us tremble hereat and how this hath resolved not only into strife debate confusion and disturbances both publick and private but to hazard the very ruine and dissolution of such a Church We find Salvian shewing that this was one of the saddest presages of that desolating stroak that came upon the Affricain Churches and we may see the very first visible degenerating of Christianity in the primitive times begin here for it is at such a
on a small remove and secession in our Church fellowship such have made more haste than good speed nor have found it easy after to fixe untill they have been a length their heart would some time have trembled at yea thus besides the wounding the heart of the godly darkning the glory of 〈◊〉 Gospel and shaking the faith of many have been forced to run on saddest inconveniences and new principles to maintain their way What ever length the difference about the publick resolutions of late came to which was a visible presage of the stroak that after came yet was there no dashing on such a rock as this is now And we may know that what ever tends to divide amongst the godly or betwixt people and Ministers gets but too easy an hearing oft amongst many it is so sib to our corruption and one of the strongest lusts of the flesh 3. Is there not an undoubted necessity this day to essay to the farthest an union and healing in the Church when of no less import than the keeping up of the worship of God the salvation of the people the credit of the Gospel and a preventing the stumbling of many now in such visible hazard which are more than our souls are worth And can we see how these shall be safe if this breach be still widned The longer continuance will make it the more difficult to heal when on all hands we are made to mourn and see the issue which we would not formerly believe and is not this a strange rent and distemper in a day when the Lord hath cast us all down that our great work should be to bear down others with such a pronness to take offence as well as there is in giving it is one of the high provoking causes of wrath and judgment which as in greatest letters I must say hath been write before our eyes in the late providences of this time 4. Since each is concerned to prove his own heart and work herein and what may be his accession to so highly a provoking guilt and stroak as threatens no less than an utter quenching the light of the Gospel in Scotland and to be overwhelmed with Popery Atheisme and all ungodliness which so much gain ground by our breach It were well if there could be so impartiall a search herein and triall more of our selves than by rolling it over on others what may be our part therein and if these things bring not a sad involvement in such a guilt 1. When there is no tender abstaining from harsh censuring of others 2. When there is a pressing more of that which tends to divide than what there is to unite and in how far we are still one in our former principles 3. When high prejudice and alienation of affection is not closly watched against which like the predominant humour of the jaundice will quickly present all things in the same colours and make it difficult to judge of the way of others we differ from without a sad by ass 4. When contendings even for the truth are more passionat and breaking than with humble seriousness to be rationally convincing and healing which is so unlike the way of the Lord and in being defamed yet to intreat 5. When there is not some study to walk closs together in so far as we are one and mutually convinced which I am sure would help to come more neer in what is now the matter of difference I must here confess for my self it hath been heavy on my spirit that I did not with more seriousness and according to my small measure move herein when last in my own countrey and had so neer a prospect of these deplorable confusions nor have been under that suteable weight as such a time calls for when the Church there is as strugling betwixt life and death though I may say it hath oft made me covet a hiding and more abstractness from so sad a noise but O blessed they to whom it it shall be given to stand in such 〈◊〉 breach this day so as it may be convincingly evident the zeal of God and a healing spirit do most sweetly concurre 5. And what can we possibly answer to our own conscience and to all the Reformed Churches this day yea at the appearing of Jesus Christ that now the poor Church of Scotland when in the furnace and so long in a suffering condition is like to be more ruined by our selves than by other Adversaries and such a sore rent now amongst these who are still one in doctrine worship and Government and we hope have access to the Father by the same spirit as have in a sad measure broke up Church fellowship in the Gospell ordinances and in the most concerning duties of Christian society amongst many yea this to be still growing and yet no essay nor endeavour to prevent such a ruine that is like to be entailed even on the offspring and what may be the thought of the generation that succeeds when so deplorable a history shall be put on record SECTION II. IT may be strange and matter of astonishment this day what so severe a stretching of that controversy about the late Indulgence in our Church and bringing things to such ane extreme can possibly meane As though no party else were to contend with when the whole of Religion is like to be swallowed up betwixt Popery Prelacy and Atheisme and that the peace and true edification of the Church were now so low and cheap as to sacrifice them upon such ane account yea while so many are in that hazard to be shaken as they are like to lose all setted perswasion of the truth but since such stresse hath been by some layed on these grounds adduced in the late History of the Indulgence for not hearing or receaving the ordinances of the Gospell from such Ministers as have accepted thereof to a further widening thus of the breach and that I have been expresly referred thereto as a full answer to what is held forth in the forgoing Paper or whatever can be said to the contrary I was pressed to some perusall thereof so far as to know whence a conclusion so strange and of so high and universall concern to all the Churches could possibly be inferred or established by any who admit the Truth and Authrity of the Scriptures and these principles wherein we have hitherto walked But ere I touch this more particularly I must to prevent mistakes premitt some few things in the entry First That it is sure the question of Separation is one of the most difficult things and lyes more in the dark then most things that are controverted and that all acts of extremity such as this should be with greatest reluctation and on convincing and necessary grounds followed nor can we ever see such away hath in any time been blessed how favourable soever it might seem in the eyes of some which hath tended to perplex and precipitantly to break a poor Church and
how sad a mark is put thereon by the holy Ghost may be read Jude vers 19. Secondly Though some seem too visibly unconcerned and in stead of being sutably affected to account this growing breach rather ane ornament and matter of boasting yet when seriously considered of such import is it and that question anent Church fellowship and communion as this may be truly called Articulus stantis cadentis Ecclesiae and upon no lesse hazard now if grace doe not marvelously prevent then the dissolution of a Nationall Church and is not that James 3. 16. written in greatest letters this day before us that where strife is there is confusion and every evill work and that thus both the work of conversion and interest of the Gospell is most visibly obstructed Thirdly We must take no measure of present duty from the event but whatever proposalls or essayes should be for any composure or healing now in the Church I hope I may say it is no sinfull tampering or with any ceding or latitude in the least in the matter of God but let truth still have the first place for I should reckon any such peace with greatest terrour which might cause a breach with God have salt in your selfes and peace one with another Fourthly It is not the case of the Indulgence or the acceptance thereof by any of our Brethren that is now the controversy amongst us nor is here touched further then a necessary opposing so strange and unjust inferences as hath been made thence to make this difference seem greater then it is and for renting the poor Church but it is known when that design of the Magistrate was set on foot what sutable and serious freedome in the opportune season was used to prevent any dividing among us and to keep of any concurrence therewith yet with that due and tender respect to there Ministry with whom we herein differed to prevent any publick rent or breach and as we judged these most sutably consistent so it is sure the thoughts of such things we now see and of such a spirit as is now aloft would have made our hearts then tremble Fiftly I doubt not that this great duty will be acknowledged by all if it had a sutable weight on us in such a day to adore the holy and spotlesse righteousnesse of God in what he hath done and ly in the dust before him against whom we have sinned and be much in humble and serious selfjudging for we should tremble either to justifie or extenuate the sad declinings which hath been in our Church in these later times from that first love tenderness and zeall for God and the great concerns of his truth yea mourn that so sad a faint hath been among us and despondency of spirit for such a sutable unite and solemne appearance as was called for in bearing testimony against these invasions made on the Kindome of our blessed Master whilst many opportunities hath been too visibly lost of this great duty by us al. Sixtly Yet upon the other hand we must not shut our eyes nor conceall such a ground of hope and token for good that the Lord will not destroy but dwell in our land that he hath accepted a testimony by the sufferings of his poor people even of all ranks now for these years past who have cheerfully endured with much long-suffering some unto death banishment imprisonment and the spoiling of their goods as I may adventure to say upon this account a greater testimony hath not been given to the way of the Lord and his truth in our Church since the first begun Reformation from Popery yea that what ever be these sad deplorable differences now amongst us yet are they not stated upon a publick disowning of any principle of truth either in doctrine worship or Government and hopes that many of these who are most severly reflected on by some would through grace if called to publick confession of the glorious headship and supremacy of our blessed Head King and Lawgiver to his Church not account their life dear unto the death to be offered up as a sacrifice thereon Wherein I judge as is meet and with more peace of minde now when I write this then to judge with that severity and peremtorinesse which have been by some against their Brethren and fellow-servants this day I shall but add that what is here touched hath been with some desire and aime to keep a distance from any personall reflections or to provoke and give a thrust at the repute of any but Oh if a delivering ourselfes up to the truth were reckoned to be the greatest Victory and however provoked or injured yet by manifestation of the truth to their consciences in a humble tender and convincing way to deall with such surely this should be matter of peace and joy in the shutting up of our dayes and not to have recompenced evill with evill but to have thus endeavoured the gaining the soul of their Brother by overcoming evill with good Having premitted these I must touch alittle some grounds layed down in that history of the Indulgence for not hearing of the indulged Ministers and such measures as seem to have been taken for a stretching this difference so far as to break of Church communion and fellowship with these whom yet they dare not but own as the Messengers of Christ to his Church which I must say upon some serious reflection hath been astonishing to see so high a charge and arguments adduced there and with such confidence followed which if fearched unto by any serious and unbyassed Reader may enforce them to see the conclusion would seem to have been established befor the premisses though in this as to the tendency thereof and these sad and deplorable consequences that are like to follow I hope was neither designed nor forseen by the Author to whose memory if such as is pretended to be I doe own great respects and to have no further reflection on what is there then the truth which must have preference to all indispensibly requires First We may see in stead of Arguments some high and confident assertions where I must say the enditement goes above the evidence and that 1. There is both ane imposing of a sense upon their Brethrens practise and a being judge also themselfes and such a sense as these who have been known most averse from any acceptance of that Indulgence yet can neither see nor admitt but how hard is it in a dividing time when all humors are so much aloft to censure without slander 2. Here is a pressing of that sense on this practise which themselves doe with a professed abhorrence disown whose candour and sincerity otherwayes in the greatest concerns of Religion I hope none dare debate and how sad is it when deductions and inferences are rather forced then found from the way of others and a designe more to defame and make things worse then they are to reclaime and to urge things beyond
others then such this hath been to known an evill in our Church VI. Ground this practise seemes ane expresse violation breach of Covenant wherein we are so solemnly engaged before the Lord which I know not how any possibly can evade when we are no lesse solemnly engaged there against Schism then either Prelacy or Erastianisme and if this be not ane unwarrantable Schism and renting of the Church I know no such charge could have been given against any since the primitive times and that on these grounds 1. That by Schisme is not to be understood a dividing from the doctrine but from the communion of the Church and that it tends to a disyointing from the body thus we finde even in the most pure times of the Church these put in a peculiar class and looked on with no lesse dread and fear as such who did oppose the doctrine of the Church and it is but to manifest that in all times the most destroying errors hath been still grafted on this stock whilst on the other hand the more near fellowship with our blessed head is keept up and where the life and power of godlinesse is much in exercise the more hath this sad rock been keept of as the more near the lines are to the center the more near are they and close to one another 2. It is clear also from the Apostles dealing with the Church of Corinth and about which he used such sharpnesse that they took a divided way of communicating and going about other duties as tending to make a breach and Schism then in that Church whatever gave the rise thereto se 1 Cor. 11 18 19. yea does thus rebuke them not only that some said they were of Paull and others of Apollos but even these that said they were of Christ so far as this upon the manner was in a contentious and divided way since of him and him alone must the whole Church be named 3. It hath not hetherto been under debate from the Scripture and doctrine of the Reformed Church thereannent to be ane unquestionable Schisme where there is a departure from that union in the publick worship and ordinances of the Gospell in which they had formerly walked and thus a dividing and designed falling off from the same without any just cause or warrant from the Scripture to a publick disturbance of that order appointed by Christ in his house yea contrary to that commanded love tenderness prudence and forbearance so expresly required of Church members towards one ane other and to his blessed authority who has so clearly warranted such a forbearing with these as in some things may be contrary minded upon different apprehensions of the truth so far as both love amongst themselfes the publick peace of the Church may not be thus disturbed it is sure the choisest of the saints doeth carry to heaven with them both errors mistakes and prophesieing in part and some overclouding must still be of the brightest stares while they shine here Oh! if that now which is the present cause of these differences were but once brought to that rule of the word should it not inforce many to be a wonder to themselfes at the strange way they have been upon and whether they have been carried in this deplorable rent of whose seriousness otherwise I doe not question VII Ground this is a practise contrary to most expresse Scripture commands for forbearance and condescendence among the godly in breaking times which we may not only see Rom. 14 3 4 5. Eph. 4 2 3 4. 1 Cor. 9 19. 20. but that it was for this end the Spirit of God doe enjoine the same that there may be no breach or rent in the Body of Christ about which he hath so tender a care and is such a forbearance as we finde expresly commanded in this very case upon a controverted practise of the Church and difference of judgment therein whatever upon the one side might be more culpable herein then upon the other as is clear in that debate about meats 1 Cor. 11. and Oh! what can it mean Whiles both our duty and remedy doth here meet at once yet this should have so litle weight with us at this day for if such a commanded forbearance can have no place among these who are one and agreed in this same principles even in the point controverted and only differ in the application yea are mutually perswaded of others sincerity I know no place then it could have ever had since there was a Christian Church which hath put me to some astonishment what the peremtory way of some can intend and to obstruct ane union in the way of the Lord only fought without ceding in any truth or being put to condemn any thing they judge lawfull or approve what they judge sinfull in the way of others and if this be denyed I would desire then to know what sinfull complyance or yeelding in any concerne of the truth can be herein challenged or if such a suteable essay hash yet been for a tender serious communeing with such they keep so great a distance with to meet and concurre in what are uncontroverted duties in such a day But oh the temper of this time seems more now in passion than argument which is so naturall and pleasing an evill as the most expresse authority of the Scripture is not like to restraine I must adde this further to be considered if such a departure from Church fellowship should be admitdon this head of the late indulgence and the discretive judgment of any which can only be pretended here stretched to such a hight as without the Church to impose this which is of so publik and universal concerne on the conscience of the people these consequences of greatest import must need follow 1. To breake up Church fellowship and communion with most all the Reformed Churches this day yea is a caice and practice under these circumstances it is now stated as will finde no precedent even from such who have formerly most pleaded for separation who did never own this on any such ground as a different practice upon various apprehensions thereof among such who are most intirely one in the same doctrine and principles 2. This also must follow to withdrauw from Fellowship in hearing of the most choice and eminent Non-conforme Ministers now in the Church of England whose liberty they had for a peaceable accesse to their publick meetings some years now past was of that same nature and in al 's expresse termes one with this indulgence Yea it must necessarily tend like wayes to fall of communion in publick with the whole Ministry of the Belgick Church which to the furthest conviction of any who will question this can be demonstrat on clearest ground 3. Nothing can be more evidently contrair then this practice is to the known judgments of the old Non-conformists yea of such who have been most eminent both in the Churches of Old and New-England of
hearing and joining in the publick Ordinances knowes not where to finde themselfs or to be in one measure in such a caice I desire to speake this with a tender respect to such who I darre not question hath had a serious regard to the truth yet hath not been awarre of the subtilty of this snare and with hope that upon serious after thoughts some more fixt uniting both in judgment and heart may yet follow amongst all who are indeed lovers of the truth in our Church with some more suiteable fear to dash againe on such a rock yea to see how true and sweet a consistence may be betwixt Zeal and fervency for the Lord and that humble fear and tendernesse in our private judgment in such a difference as this where on no side the truth is denyed so as to keep of any publick rent in the Church QUEST IV. Which may be yet needful to touch on these late publick differences if it be either matter of duty or expedient and for edification to bring these in publick and engadge the people therein and if some forbearance thus by Ministers of the Gospel be not in such a time and under these circumstances we stand called for For clearing of which I hope there is no debate upon that great duty of a faithful and free wairning against publick sins and though with a suiteable prudence yet impartially to apply the rule against them and to shew both the duties and dangers of the time but I humbly judge no justleing will be found here with a tender abstinence and forbearance in such a caice as this where a different judgment and practice is now amongst the most serious godly and faithful Ministers in our Church who yet does so jointly concurre and are one in the same truth upon these grounds 1. That this can not be pleaded as a publick Testimony to the truth as it thus reflects on the practice of their Brethren with whom they differ on whom no disouning or opposing of the same Without the furthest breach of charity can be thus fixt nor is this before any such as are the known and publick adversaries thereto or upon any visible hazard Luke 21 12. When you shall be brought before Kings and rulers for my names sake this shall turne to you for a testimony but I must say the tendencie of such ordinare and publick reflections is rather like to darken the credit and beauty of so great and honourable an appearance as a Testimony indeed for the truth is and if these necessare requisites thereto according to the Scripture were this day more understood there could not be so ordinare a pretending of this 2. I would know wherein this way is usefull or expedient to most of hearers who can so little judge on these things We are indeed called to declaire the whole counsell of God Acts. 20 27. But this is most evidently qualified by the same Apostle verse 20. that he kept nothing back hereof which might be profitable for them and thus expresly showes what bounds Ministers hath sett herein by the holy Ghost in their delivering of the message of God to his Church that it be not only truth but such as may be for the edification of these they preach to 3. Since it is clear that positive duties do not binde ad semper and no cause can be now pleaded in this caice for guarding against any present snare or hazard to the Church should not the inconvenience which the contentious keeping up of these differences may occasion have more weight with us which the Apostle so sharply rebukes 1 Cor. 11 16. But if any seem to be contentious we have no such custome nor in the Church of God and oh that the losse and gaine herein were more impartially weighted what both the Lucrum cessans and Damnum emergens hath been this way 4. And is this so small a thing as may seem to some to bring in publick and before the Church so high a charge of Erastianisme and defection from the truth against these their Brethren who are thus as expressely pointed at as they were named since it is sure there can be no publick rebuke and admonition before the people as this most evidently is but as a publick Church censure and juridical act of Discipline yea which is no lesse manifest then that of excommunication and if so publick a violation of that order which our blessed head hath expressely fixt for his Church be so lightly regarded where are we Nor can this be pretended as a doctrinal reproof which is such an applying of the rule against sins of the time must as stil leave the particular application thereof to their own conscience who are thus guiltie without any expresse designing of particular persones where no judicial procedour and conviction by the Church hes gone before but here is a most publick and expresse fixing of so sad a scandal even before the Church against so many particular Ministers of the Gospel who are still labouring in the vineyard of the Lord as if they were designed by name 5. And are not these unquestionable requisites for a publick reproofe not only their calling thereto that it be orderly and upon clearest evidence but that this be not exposed to any prejudicate exception from their way who do thus reprove which may be on too just ground feared this day that some have put themselves out of the furthest capacitie to edifie by any such mean from their own unsuteable manageing hereof 6 What if these who are thus so openly reflected upon should take the same freedom for publick contradiction Wherein would this quickly resolve but a furder growing scandall to ruine the Church and make way for the endlesse debatings which as the Apostle showes does rather engender Questions then any godly edifying in the faith We know the Apostle Paul withstood Peter to the face but it is observable on what ground it was stated that when Peter knew the differences then amongst these of the Jews and Gentiles who beleeved was such as should cause no rent or dividing thereon yet to please the Jews had withdrawn and separat from fellowship with the beleeving Gentiles yea that this rent was like to grow so as Barnabas also was drawn into the same dissimulation and thus a sad and ruining breach like to follow 7. Should we not be to the furthest tender of unsettling of the spirits of the people when so much allready shaken and in that manner now racked and tossed to and fro with every winde of Doctrine as many are like to losse all persuasion of the truth yea when it is so hard and all most impossible to keep some within any bounds and whilest thus the triumph of adversaries and strengthening the hands of the ungodly upon such strainge reflections brought in publick does visibly gaine ground and what interest can be thus pretended for the Church of Christ in so publick a going to Law with their
joint acknowledging of the same principle about which some difference may be in the application thereof to some particular caice 8. I shall but adde that it 's known what sweet harmony and onenesse of heart hath sometimes been among such as did Professe the truth of all ranks in our Church and in a fixt adherence to the same cause and how it was at a sad ebb that some differences broke up amongst the most eminently godly both Ministers and professors there for some time on that head of the publick resolutions though without any formed breach or schisme but after among such who thus differed a most sweet concord and concurrence in a joint opposition against prelacy and to suffer rather then in the least to consent thereto did follow yea though since amongst the most serious Non-conformists a greater freedom hath been in the judgment and practice of some then others for hearing of Conformists to prelacie yet so farre as I know hath it been with a due and tender respect as was suteable to keep of either dividing or alienation in such a caice but oh it must be confest to what a hight have these late confusions and breaches amongst us come and what fewel this hath been to a great increase of sin yet is there one ground to hope when almost there seemes no comforting signe els that he who hath seen our wayes can he all them also by a marvellous surpriseal of grace 2. Prejudice it which is by some highly entertained in these times for their own breaking is the perplexedness and hesitation they are in what way to choice when the truth seems now involved in such a confusion of different judgments and such visible contradictions amongst professors thereof For Answer if no thing were to shake or offend there should then be no tryed establishment yet since this seems one of the saddest diseases of the time in many's being soon saken in minde with such wavering and unsettledness in the truth I must speak a few words thereto to witness what greatest advantage such as desire to walk in the light may have to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and for the furthest quiet and assuring of their heart therein on these grounds 1. That the Scripture is so near these living oracles of truth which do with so clear and distinct a sound speake if men had but ears to hear 2. That the Lord hath given to his people a spirit of discerning in some greater and lesser measure so as to prove all things by a serious personal tryal yea that none needs receive the truth upon trust or to lean on the authority or example of any herein but to judge their own eyes and conscience should be al 's faithfull to them as any 3. He hath given also as a special help a fixt Ministry to his Church yea for this very end Ephes 4 14. that we should henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro with every winde of doctrine and therefor with a divine mission hath given such spiritual gifts as the necessity and service of the Church may require for interpreting and clearing up of what may be the counsel and minde of the Lord to his Church according to his own word 4. That the most weighty things of religion both as to faith and practice are not interested in most of these sad contests which are now amongst but he hath so graciously condescended that what we should most live by should not cost us so dear and that the greatest subtilties and most intricate controversies which are so oft in the Church ye most out of our way yea such as should cause no trouble or disquiet of minde herein 5. Is not also most clearly sheued us how we may know our being led and kept in the way of truth and what should qualify and make us meet for the blest conduct and teachings of the spirit by his word such as a holy fear and sincere resignation of the soul thereto meekness humility with a fixt and serious resolving to close therewith how crosse however it should be to our own private affection and credit 6. There is this advantage to know that blest and approven way wherein we may have peace as that in which the footsteps of the saints and so innunerable a company hath gone before who received the spirit this way and with greatest assurance did know the truth of that seal on their own soul so as after no new or strange light we need to inquire 7. And hath not the meanest of the saints these peculiar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and marks whereby to discerne the way of truth in a dark and trying time by plainest Scripture light both for clearing and confirming of their minde herein 1. That we should follow these things which tend to peace and to edify Rom. 14. 19. For thus surely does the way of truth tend to build and not to cast doune and if many caices which some does now agitat with much disquiet both to themselfs and others were more brought to that great rule of solid edification I should not fear that so much time should be lost therein 2. It is sure the way of truth must be stil rationally convincing such as doth persuad by teaching and to fix and clear the judgment before the will by manifestation of the truth to mens conscience for thus we are taught and be alwayes ready to render a reason of the hope that is in yow with all meeknesse and fear 1 Pet. 3. 15. 3. Such is this blest way as it is cautious and advertant to hazard on each hand and to guard against the dephts of Satan as well as to resist his fury a way which lyeth betuixt extreams either on the right or left hand for thus we are taught 2 Cor. 6. 7. 2 Cor. 11. 14 2 Thess 2. 2. 4. It is such a way as leadeth us to regard the special varying of a caice as to some present duty with a due respect and ballancing of circumstances and to see that the same way at all times is not to be followed in our practice since what may be most requisite and edifiing some time and in one caice may be destructive in another for this hath the Holy Ghost shewed that all things are lawful but not expedient 1 Cor. 10. 23. 5. Thus we may know and discerne the truth and way thereof which is according to godliness Tit. 1. 1. when it is such as visibly tend by its power and efficacy on the heart to heal the distempers of the minde and judgment and by practical obedience to a more full assurance of understanding in themselves and may thus see its very native result and tendence is to make professours of the truth humble meek sober and temperat in their personal conversation yea tender to provoke or excite the corruption of any 6. Is ther not this necessare tendence also of the revealed way of truth to walk wisely
of any advantage herein and that where such a poisenous cloud of prejudice interveens and a prejudicat impression of the truth and of serious godliness is the glasse there cannot but be very sad reflections thereon I must yet crave leave in a few words as a witness to the truth of our profession and for a just vindication offer these things to be considered by the conscience of our greatest Adversaries herein 1. That we should seek no greater favour but that upon clearest evidence from the tryall and judgment of the Scriptures of truth which we are ready to render to all that ask there might be such free access to a publict and serious reasoning herein as that the truth might be heard for it self judging it no less our concerne to convince mens judgment for commending the way of the Lord to their conscience then to engadge the affections 2. That it is in no new or strainge caice we are now stated and do own no other judgment and principles this day then what are expresly acknowledged by the most purely Reformed Churches of Christ since the Reformation and is that good and old way and the same truth for which our worthy predâ—cessours did by their wrestling prayers and sufferings so vigourously contend yea wherein so innumerable a company of most serious solid and tender Christians have been sealed and found such abounding comforts of the spirit of truth upon their suffering and testimony upon the same 3. That it is no privat interest or for our own things no temporall honour greatness or riches in this world that such sore wrestlings by the godly in our Church hath been which I hope may now have some conviction and witness on the conscience of our Adversaries and how such have not wanted an very obvious and alluring baite this way may be easy to judge if some greater interest did not preponder at of being to dear a purchase at so sad a rate of unfaithfullness to our blessed Lord and Master in his truth 4. That it hath been no matter of indifference or any small and triviall interest such have been concerned in these late tryalls to appear for bot for the lawes and interest of Christ and the rights and liberties his Kingdom which after some blest and confortable possession so long yea with the furthest concurrence of the civil lawes herein we should reckon as our birth right and inheritance whatever sad short coming have been by all in that measure of the testimony of our fathers thereto against such invasion on so great an interest as hath been in these tymes 5. We have confidence to say that we own no doctrine or principles but what tends to give all due respect and obedience to the Magistrate without detracting from his just rights and power bot to gave unto Cesar the things that are Cesars yea without the least denying to the Christian Magistrat whatever with any Scripture warrant we may allow of an externall objectively ecclesiastick power such as is cumulative for the truth not against it bot that he can have no power formaly ecclesiastick and what is purely Spirituall or any immediat power of cognition in matters simply ecclesiastick antecedent to the judgment of the Church which is so incompatible with the order and Governement established by him who is the alone head and Lawgiver to his own house whose Kingdom is not of this world 6. We may say with a humble appeal to their conscience wâ—o do most reproach that it is for no preheminence or to be Lords over Gods heritage or owning any power bot what is ministeriall to declare and execute our Masters will and such a power which hes the inward man for its proper object and the true edification of the body of Christ for its peculiar end wherein we own a speciall regard to be had in the whole exercise and application thereof and in dealing with the conscience of gainsayers that it be with greatest tenderness and Christian prudence such as may most tend to edifie and gaine upon their conscjence and therefor are privat essayes expresly appointed to go before a publict and judicial procedour And if any just ground of offence hath been given in the excess of some this way let it cause no reflection on that blest and beautiful order in the house of the Lord our God appointed by himself yea which with grief upon any convincing evident thereof we should to the furthest dissown 7. It is evident that these sacred tyes of our oath and covenant with God we are so solemnly engadged in containe no other duties or obligations then what the Scripture indispensibly obleidges to and are stated on these great concerns of truth and righteousness 8. We can also witness with some quiet and assurance that the great anne and concerne of the most serious Non-conforme Ministers of Christ in our Church in their adventuring to preach the Gospel not withstanding of any prohibitions by the present Law hath been upon no sactious or privat designe bot under constraint of duty upon so pressing a call and necessity of the people as these unto whom the dispensation of the Gospel and ordinances is commit and a necessity thus laide upon them with some serious aime and desire I hope to pursne this end and to sheu the indispensible nead of imbracing that blest offer of reconciliation by Christ as also to presse holiness and give warning of any share when it is evident the people might be in hazard thereby Nor dare our respect to the persons of any in the least ballance with the interest of truth here for a publick disowning with grief what ever in their way have given just cause of offence and stumbling in such a time 9. It is the revealed truth of the Scripture which we do expresly own as the alone formal object of our Faith and that it is there each should come to prove his work bot a that it be â—ust and warrantable on the matter according to these unchangeable rules of truth and righteousness and to know our warrand and calling herein else no security could be from the greatest confusion and irregularity among men 10. That extraordinare motions or impulses must be no rule or warrand of duty nor for any going beyond these express bounds set to us in the word by which they must be known and tryed for God hath assigned to each their station and calling and that a serious and tender regard should be against all exorbitance in the excess al 's well as any sinfull deficience or neglect therein And I hope whatever be found unauswerable this dâ—y in the practice of any to these known principles and doctrine of our Church which are confessed and most universally adhered to by the non-Conformists there as we do with grief disown so I have confidence there cannot want some testimony thereto even on the conscience of our greatest adversaries 8. I must nere yet add on strange ground of quarrell and prejudice that
dealing with his people that so straite and wearysome away should be here to an eternity of glory in that life which is to come and no getting there but thorow some degrees of sore breaking and anguish and going through a state of tryall befor that of enjoyment when they consider how unconceiveably great and excellent that state which is above is and their being trained in so sharp a a school of tribulation here shall at length tend to an unexpressible joy and comfort that ever they had such an occasion to prove their love and adherence to Jesus Christ and of crediting his truth against all visible grounds and in having with patience and hope got through such a throng of temptations when they thus see the most bitter grieving and difficult part of their warfare was but to make the victory more full and triumphant 3. Thus we might have a more clear and confirming look of the holy judgment of the Lord in the product of these sad breakings in our Church that when so strange a spirit hath been aloft and a strong affection in some without a humble and deliberat judgment it should at last resolve in a fervor of error and delusion yea to come that length of breaking down what they supposed to be bulding up and to adventure with greatest confidence for engadging the Holy God to a concurrance in these wayes which his word doth expressly testify against whilst so impatient to be touched herein as they have been ready to turne again and tear such who hath with tenderness sought their recovery But tho such sad things should deeply affect us yet there is no cause for stumbling to any pure religion and undefiled is the same this day that ever it was and the redeemed of the Lord are a broken and diseased company whielst here by the way full of sores and Distempers but all under cure which will ere long be perfyted and I hope through grace there is a generation of tender solid and humble Christians yet in our land who shall be owned and accepted at the appearance of Jesus Christ as this day I know on the earth and many much hid there but what is too visible the temper and complexion of this age may cause much fear upon these peculiar hazards professors now seem to be exposed to beyond former times when a forme of knowledge and the theory of practical religion hath so farr outgone tenderness and practice and become so much a matter of art and Invention whilst Christians formerly with a smaller measure of light and in a plainer dresse walked in the love and simplicity of the truth a bold and professing age where a too easy and suddain growth to a forward appearance amongst many hath so visibly out run a solid rooting in the truth and that fear and serious exercise on their own soul about their spiritual state and the soundness of conversion as hath sometimes been an age where it may be feared that not at a common rate many are like to adventure on the furthest hazard of perishing amidst these strange distempers in our Church but with highest pretences seem to out darre all means of conviction even while with greatest tenderness and love to their souls followed yea an age when that dreadful engine of Sathan is now so discernibly on foot and in such different formes and shape by the spirit of error and delusion to turne men off all setled persuasion of the truth and give the credit and interest of the Gospel a sorer wound then the open violence and rage of others hath yet ever done and is not here one sad influencing cause of so deplorable a State of the Church this day that many professing godlinesse in this age are not more taken up with the great and weighty things thereof and in these retired exercises which hath the clossest communication with the vitals of Christianity and so indispensibly necessar to a honourable appearance for the Lord in any publict duty and service of the time 4. What a choise study in so extreme an exigence now of the Church should this be to know and bring near by some more deep reflection thereon how great these things are which a humble and serious Christian hath to converse with and to oppose all his griefs and fears this day even when they seem to presse above measure which this might not only confirme but overcome the heart with unexpressible joy when he but thus alone reasons with himself 1. What ever shaking winds now blow almost from evry airth yet hath he firme and surest principles of trust for a safe founding the rest and peace of his soul and his security here is full though not his enjoyment yea what ever want now be of the certainty of adherence in resting on the truth with such full repose and quiet of minde he is called to yet he knowes thereis no want of furthest certainty of evidence 2. That not in a dream but in the most serious composure of spirit he can retire into the Gospel of Christ and there see how unexpressiblie blessed poor lost man is made by a redeemer on whom he hath choiced to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth to all eternity yea this in so marvelous a way when no possible help could be found in us that the Holy God would take satisfaction to himself by himself not only to save his people but to preserve the rights of justice inviolable yea hath thus brought us under a Law to come and be blessed in his Son to whom he bears record that in him is life and an eternall salvation made sure 3. That the clear intent of this astonishing mistery is not only to save his people from wrath but to make them meet by the spirit of holyness for that state which is above since it is not pardon alone or a heaven without us can make any blessed untill the soul once be framed for it and this first begun and wrought there and now what hath a Christian this day to converse when amidst the multitude of his saddest thoughts he can with such assurance retire into the Gospel and thence look up to an eternity of glory as that which ere long he shall know and enjoy 4. That this is so sure for his confirming that such a signature and Impress of the Gospel in the truth and reality of holiness is to be seen this day in the earth I hope yet in innumereable instances even in these declining times with so visible an assimilation and likness to a higher state herein that if men but exerce reason they might see it is Sure a marvelous transforming power could ever make such a change and that miracles if rightly considered does not this day cease in the Church whilst so great a witness to the power and truth of godliness is continued 5. He thus sees that tho no resemblance of our blessed head hath been left to the Church of his human