Not to reject or despise any childe of God because of weaknesses whether the infirmities be error of judgment frowardness pride unthankfulness slips in conversation c. Where he directeth likewise unto the duties that are owing to them and that there ought not to be a judging for difference in judgment in Church Controversies nor an estranging in affection nor a neglecting means of reclaiming c. and there prescribing also requisite remedies in this case Vid. ibid. O therefore that such stirring useful inferences from heavenly doctrine by an Interpreter one of a thousand might cause our hearts to burn within us and sway us to vow unto the mighty God of Jacob not to enter into the Tabernacle of our house nor go up unto our beds nor give sleep unto our eyes nor slumber to our eye-lids until such time as some blessed expedient may be found and observed for establishing truth and peace amongst Brethren Now the Lord of peace himself give England and Scotland peace always by all means Grace be with you all Amen Matth. 5. 9. Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God AN APPENDIX Humbly offered and submitted to the most faithful prudent and godly-zealous Patriots of the Honorable House of COMMONS And of the English Nation Tending to vindicate Some late actings and proceedings of the High Court of PARLIAMENT and their puissant Army for the promoting of blessed Iustice and lawful Liberty As also the alteration of set days of Humiliation and appointing of occasional In certain short exemplary Observations and present parallel applicatory Inferences grounded on some select Texts of Scripture 1 Sam. 14. 36 38 39 40 43 44 45 46 47 48. 1 Sam. 15. 2 3 7 8 9 13 14 15 20 21 24 32 33. 2 Sam. 12. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 13 14. Zech. 7. 3 5. and 8. 19. Rom. 25. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Psal. 119. 133. Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me 1 Sam. 14. 36 38 39 40 43 44 45 46 47 48. Observation I. 1. Paralel inference KIng Saul had a due Soveraign Power and Supream Authority over the Israelites yea over the chief of them that were of the Army or Souldiery and accordingly did exercise the same even as cause and occasion required see Vers. 36 38. THe Parliament of England hath a due Soveraign Power and Supream Authority over the Nation yea over the chief Officers of their army and accordingly doth exercise the same in giving the Army their Commission and Direction c. This is taken for granted as being many ways sufficiently cleered see Master Prynnes Soverain Power of Parliaments II. The people of Israel yea the chief of the Souldiery acknowledged King Sauls due soveveraignty over them and loyally submitted thereunto as indeed it became them so to do see Vers. 36 40. They said once and again unto Saul Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee 2. The People of the English Nation yea even the chief of the Army and Counsel of War do acknowledg the due Soveraignty of the Parliament and also do submit thereunto as doth become them and as indeed they ought to do Thus much may appear to any ingenuous lookers on both by the Armies Declarations and also by their answerable conformity in the variety of incident occasions III. It is to be understood that the dueness of Sauls Soveraign power and the dueness of the submission of the people and 3. The due Soveraign power of the Parliament and the due submission of the people or chief of the Army have their Consistency in the Rules and Directions contained chief of the Army was onely In the Lord and according to the Oath of God and his direction In giving to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods see V. 45. Eccles. 8. 2. Matth. 22. 21. in the sacred Scriptures under this limitation According to the Oath of God and In the Lord. Note Lex inferioris non praejudicat nec derogat legi superioris that is The Law of the inferior is not prejudicial to neither diminisheth any thing from the Law of the Superior Note Reforming and Reformed Christians do not they dare not pretend or claim otherwise Sith they have learned to search the Scriptures and to prove all things and to observe and hold fast onely that which is good see John 5. 39. 1 Thes. 5. 21. Sauls guard did justly refuse to obey his unlawful command see 1 Sam. 22. 17. IV. King Saul transgressed very hainously and odiously in his devoting and sentencing his son Jonathan most unwarrantably and unjustly to capital punishment even to be put to death Sith such sentence tended not onely to the extream damage and prejudice of his son Jonathan and subjects but also the main violation of Gods Law see Vers. 39. 43 44 45. 4. The majority of the Soveraign Parliament in those their Votes asserting the Kings last Concessions to be a ground and foundation of a good safe peace swerved both highly and hainously Sith such his Concessions if rested in were evidently dangerous and destructive as being contrary to the Scripture and to the Solemn Covenant yea and thus deemed not onely by the Scots as hath been formerly declared but also by a great part of prudent and pious Members of the Parliament and the generality of the truly Religious in the whole Nation V. The people or chief 5. Some of the people of chief of Sauls Army having means and opportunity thereunto other meet means being at that time and on that occasion wanting did worthily hinder and restrain Saul on very just grounds though not altogether regularly from such procedure against Jonathan in his resolved way of acting unwarrantably what ever might have been alledged by him against the people speciously or pretended in case of Soveraign Perogative or Priviledg see Vers 45. This course held by Azariah the Priest and eighty Priests being valiant men in their forceable withstanding of King Uzziah in a case of emergent exigency was approved see 2 Chron. 26. 16 17 18. of the Parliament Army having probable power and opportunity thereunto other punctual regular means being then wanting on that occasion did prudently and worthily hinder and restrain some Parliament Members from entring into the House in that juncture when destructive overtures in agitation were in extream danger of too great concurrence thereunto by the plurality of Votes had not such seasonable anticipation given a stop Doth not extream necessity disregard and pass by lesser Priviledges and subservient Rules which otherwise might deservedly claim a sacred inviolableness Let the instance in the Text Ver. 45. be well weighed besides what is cleered by Christ himself Matth. 12. 3 4 5 c. Like as the Souldiers did well to cut off the Ropes of the Boat and let
preference and preeminence see Hag. 2. 7 8 9. True it is when strange and sudden changes do happen in the state of Nations it is no great marvel if mens spirits be much moved and greatly troubled If the good and grave Prophet Samuel did mourn for King Saul in such sort as he did and yet God himself did therefore reprove him see 1 Sam. 16. 1. yea when he was rejected from being King for his disobeying God and governing the people unworthily It is the less to be wondred at if the Scots after a succession of 107 Kings a total eclipse ensuing or like to ensue should be exceedingly moved in their mindes But however it may be may not the same reproof and complaint be applyed to them as was to Samuel for his mourning for Saul when now a door of hope as it were in the valley of Achor is opened for the taking away of the offender and troubler of Israel for the better fruition of just freedom Sirs ye are not ignorant what pressures and oppressions have been on your Nation from sundry tyrannical persons from generation to generation whatever garnishing is now adays of pretended glorious Kingly remembrances among you But for brevity sake as the concernments have been latest and therefore more sensibly affecting mention shall be onely made of King Iames and King Charls his son principled by his Father treading in his steps and in some things doing worse then all that were before him as was said of King Ahab see 1 Kings 16. 30 c. It seemeth therefore it is now high time for you to call to remembrance those former days in which ye endured a great fight of afflictions First through King Iames his tyrannical oppressions who was the notorious Covenant breaker as your frequent sighing and groaning complaints both in publiks and private have spoken in the ears of the Lord and of his people and he who did rend in sunder the Kirk of Scotland as in his nonage in a sullen and peevish fume he rent of his Hanks head even as his Tutor G. Buckanan on that occasion and throughly acquainted with his untoward disposition sagaciously presaged So wilt thou rend the Kirk of Scotland The precious names of Master Andrew Melvin Master David Chalderwood Mr. John Sharp and many many other glorious Confessors together with the infamous Articles enacted at the pretended Assembly at Perth 1618. do give full and pregnant evidence hereunto Besides the havock made of the Ministry of many many hundred Worthies of the Lord in England Secondly through King Charls his oppressing and vexing tyranny who fiercely assayed at the time of his Coronation in Edinburg 1633. the introducing of spiritually poysonous means for prevailing of Hierarchy and superstitious Conformity not so fully taking place there as in England howbeit he was at that time repulsed therein the Parliament at that time suffering aborsion But his expectation being disappointed and many Common-prayer Books and other English superstitious utensils drowned and himself in greater danger of drowning also he returned into England full of rage and fury posting with great hast even in four hours space from Berwick to Newcastle which is fifty long miles where assoon as he came his breathing himself was in breathing out in a cursing way threatning and persecution to the true religious Ministery not onely not conforming to Hierarchy but conforming also if any whit zealous Preachers both in England and Scotland as some of Newcastle being present did with grief of heart report unto their friends Ever after which time he either by open hostility or by subtil undermining imposture pursued that his malicious designe as many woful instances might be mentioned if need required until when there was no remedy the sword of justice drawn out in England for his blood-gueltiness gave a stop to the swift and violent torrent of blood issuing from many many thousands of English Irish and Scots which had cryed in the ears of the Lord of hosts for vengeance And O that your remembring hereof may be more and more effectual unto you for your hearing the rod and who hath appointed it for giving instruction if probably ye may escape the danger of a giantly generation and if after such threatning storms ye may safely arrive in the Harbor of wel-grounded Peace To this end observing the Lords proceedings alluded unto Ezek 21. 25 26. above mentioned compared with Mal. 2. 12. Ye may do well to serve Gods providence in the use of means in becoming followers of our English Parliament and in walking so as ye have them for an ensample who have also had the united Netherlands in casting of the Spanish tyrannical yoke for their example in obtaining freedom A course approved and justified throughout all the Reformed Churches in Europe contributed unto from the first all along by the English to this day in a special maner And as touching the sound mindes of the Orthodox Theologues expressing their sense of Scripture according to Scripture It is presumed that ye do certainly like well what venerable Master Knox and others heretofore and of late of your own Countrey have suggested and published touching the lawful warrantableness of present necessary undertakings besides what forraign Professors of Divlnity have written and commended to the Christian world Let the judgment of judicious and faithful D. Paraeus in stead of many suffice for instance who was a man of God highly reverenced and accepted in the Reformed Churches of Christ and was evidenced as otherwise by his learned and pious Commentaries so by his Letters and advice inserted in the Acts of the Synod of Dort 1618. touching the five controverted Articles debated and determined there however his most approved and learned Exposition on the Epist. to Rom. suffered Martyrdom in England being burnt at London and elsewhere by the tyrannical persecution of King Iames for its opposing tyranny This worthy man in his way of resolving doubts on Rom. 13. touching civil Anthority in a second Proposition there hath five Reasons the last whereof in special from sacred examples and others speaks fully in vindication of our matter in hand whether the Reader is referred to see further Object Buy whereas it is vehemently objected by your Nations Commissioners in their Papers and otherwise represented to our Parliament and likewise it is suggested by your Correspondents of London Province in a little Pamphlet stiled A Vindication of the Ministers of the Gospel in and about London subscribed with divers names as if they had promoted the bringing of the King to justice do they not blush in so speaking The purport whereof is As if an unlawful and unjust course was used for the doing of justice and judgment on the King notwithstanding all the blood guiltiness which by you and them was charged on him and most substantially by witnesses evidenced for the more compleat satisfaction of his Judges which proof also had been publikely managed had he pleased to answer to the Charge And
as if thereby likewise there were a notorious breach of the Solemn League and Covenant Will ye be pleased to weigh and consider what is offered to your view in the short ensuing Answer tending to satisfaction and resolution Answ. 1. Be it known unto the Objecters whether Scots or English that at least some of the prime promoters endevorers and contributers unto the doing of justice and judgment on the capital Delinquent and Delinquents are persons truely fearing God exercising themselves to have always consciences voyd of offence towards God and men partaking in their measure of all the properties and marks of true Church members asserted in Psal. 15. And who have not forgotten God nor delt falsly in his Covenant so that whatever cometh on them they will not they may not suffer their integrity to be taken from them 2. Let all men know whoever they are That Ministers of the Gospel and people professing the Gospel fearing God have not been wont to esteem it nor yet do think it any disparagement at all to be zealous with a perfect zeal against the crying sin of blood-guiltiness Doth not the Moral Law expresly prohibit murther And doth not the Iudicial Law expresly direct unto the satisfactory expiation thereof by putting to death the blood-guilty And is not Gods controversie with a Land defiled with blood 〈◊〉 judgment be executed Blood-guilty King Saul left unto himself and doing execution on himself 1 Sam. 31. 4. Had he been alive when inquisition was made for blood by occasion of a three yeers famine he ought to have been put to death as well as those of his bloody house were because of his sinister zeal in slaying his servile subjects the Gibconites see 2 Sam. 21. 1 2 6. David for his blood-guiltiness in the exposing Uriah to the sword of the Ammonites deserved death his own mouth conscientiously passing sentence however the One absolute Lawgiver who might do what he pleased according to the full Soveraignty of his own Will exchanged his death for his childe 's at that time see 2 Sam. 12. 5 12 13. All this the Objectors do know well enough howbeit they are someway transported to elude herein Non tutum est ludere sacris Cavete 3. It is taken for granted That the contrivers urgers and takers of the Solemn League and Covenant did mean endevor and act according to the sacred conditions of an Oath prescribed in Jerem. 4 2. Thou shalt swear The Lord liveth in Truth in Iudgment and in Righteousness If otherwise it is a taking of Gods Name in vain An Oath may not be vinculum iniquitatis an obligation to sin This plea the defendants have against the plaintiffs 4. In the preamble unto the taking of it it is expressed That the end of the Covenant as a last refuge was the preservation of the takers of it and their Religion from utter ruine and destruction So that the six particular Articles of it were intended and pretended to have a tendency to such an end and not otherwise Now such hath been the end and hereunto have served the means of the defendants in this case Let the adversaries judg if otherwise apparent 5. In the Parliaments Order of Septemb. 25. 1643. about the taking of it It is required That the Ministers who were appointed to tender it should read it and then explain it and then perswade to the taking of it This Order seemeth to imply not onely a necessity of the explaining of it but also a requisitness in so taking of it as explained in its just sense and latitude and end and not otherwise And this also is the plea of the Covenanters honestly and uprightly disposed as all must needs acknowledg 6. Whereas the title prefixed unto the Covenant is A Solemn League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion the honor and happiness of the King and the Peace and Safety of the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland The explanation must needs be That such Reformation and defence ought to be prosecuted in lawful and just ways and means for the accomplishment thereof and not otherwise And in this sense no doubt the faithful Covenanters have taken it 7. It must needs be understood rationally That the course for the due accomplishing of what is in the title or more full expression of the six Articles of it ought to have their mutual consistency without any prejudice to any of the particulars whether they be absolute or conditional onely whether they be primary or subservient onely Our Lord Christs vindicating of his Disciples touching the keeping of the Sabbath against the calumnies and exceptions of the Pharisees see Matth. 12. 1 2 9. may vindicate the objected against in the case in hand 8. Touching the endevor Covenanted in the first and second Articles it is charitably hoped That all the takers of it have complied therein more or less according to their calling capacity and opportunity thereunto Every one standeth or falleth to his own master howbeit it is most probably conjectured That such Parliamenteers and their adherents who voted against the Concessions of the King in the treaty at Newport in reference to Religion and Covenant as no just ground and foundation for a good Peace argued thereby much faithfulness to the Covenant Ye your selves acknowledg Testim against Tol. pag. 12 That those Concessions if acquiesced in were dangerous and destructive both to Religion and Covenant 9. The third Article of the Covenant in the first branch of it touching Endevor mutually to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliaments and Liberties of the Kingdoms must be understood of known and just Rights and Priviledges and Liberties otherwise there must needs be a transgression of the Rules prescribed above mentioned see Iere. 4. 2. Answ. 3. 10. Touching the second branch of the third Article viz. To defend and preserve the Kings person and authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms it is to be taken notice of That this branch is propounded and taken conditionally and with limitation viz. With respects unto the ends specified Supream or subordinate Authority is custos utriusque tabutae the Keeper of both Tables Now as the Governors do act answerably to the just nature of their Offices they ought to be honorably assisted and defended but if they shall act contrarily even tyrannically then it may and ought be said and done unto them as just means and opportunity do serve thereunto as Iehu said to Ioram see 2 Kings 9. 22. 24. What peace so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many And Jehu drew a bowe with his full strength and smote Jchoram between his arms and the arrow went out at his heart and he sunk down in his chair 11. Whether the fourth Article of the Covenant hath not been endevored by our Covenanting Parliament and their adherents for discovering Incendiaries Malignants and evil Instruments whoever
A RELIGIOUS SCRUTINY CONCERNING Unequall Marriage To be represented To the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of SCOTLAND Together with a POSTSCRIPT to the Commissioners of the KIRK Whereunto is subjoyned AN APPENDIX Humbly tendred to the Parliament of ENGLAND In reference to the late Transactions of State And now lastly is added A Faithfull and Conscientious Account FOR Subscribing the Engagement By Thomas Paget Minister of the VVord in SHREWSBURY Jer. 6. 16. Thus saith the Lord Stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths which is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls John 8. 31 32. Then said jesus to those Disciples which believed on him If ye continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed and ye shall know the truth and the truth shalt make you free London Printed by John Macock and are to be sold in Popes-head Alley 1650. To the Reader THis last addition mentioned in the title of these following discourses should have come forth eight moneths since but many occasions intervening and among them the Author observing that many learned discourses were about that time published by others on the same argument he thought the world would have lesse need of his but finding since that time besides the perswasion of such as had viewed it to whose judgement he owed much many notable things come to passe in the event of affairs in a manner then foretold to those of that faction pretended to be the old Presbyterian to whom the advertisement agreeing with the scope of the book was particularly directed and many dangerous conjunctions since discovered which were then foreseen when they seemed to be most conceal'd repented him not that it was defer'd till now having more hope that after so many means of conviction they might be now found the willinger to open their ears to that evidence of truth which is laid before them inducing them with the same solidity and clearnesse of Reason to submit to the Engagement as he had done before in exhorting them to a peaceable compliance with the present Government though then for some private Reasons under the assumed name of THEOPHILUS PHILOPATRIUS And thus much was thought good to be prefixt to the former advertisement which now follows By the same friend to pure Religion and his Native Countrey An Advertisement by way of Preface to the Neophyte Presbyterian Ministers of England and Ireland THe reverend Author of these several Discourses following though a stranger to me appears throughout the whole Treatise to be of that judgment in Church-Discipline which is called Presbyterian but far different from some opinions which so many of those who in these days assume that name have under that pretext lately broached among us with such disturbance of the Peace and Civil Magistracy of the Land His yeers likewise intimated in a passage of his Book with other Arguments give us to believe him more then ordinarily versed both in the writings of the good old Non-Conformists of this Nation and the acquaintance and familiarity of many grave and worthy Ministers whose faith and constancy endured the tryals of long persecutions and exiles under the raign of the two last Kings Whereby the world may know besides what hath been lately shewn in several other Treatises and chiefly from Histories of the Scotish Reformation penned by the most eminent of the Presbyterians and principal managers of those Affairs that these subscribers in London of the Representation Vindication c. against the tryal of the late King c. and their copartners in subscriptions on the same accompt in Lancashire Essex or any other County of England with the Presbytery of Belfast in Ireland as many of them at least whose countenance of names have not been made use of without their knowledg are not as they profess to be the followers of those sincere and pious men of this or other Reformed Protestant Countreys whose doctrine and holy life in the midst of all kinde of sufferings unto which they were then exposed hath yet left a Religious memory of a sweet smelling savor behinde them Which Contratenor of these mens appears not onely in those assumed Vindications with their other slightings of the present Authority and defaming the higher powers placed over them in the manage of their trust and these Representations attended in odium tertii by an unnatural coition in so palpable steps with the tumultuous spirits of their old and by themselves declared inveterate enemies of that part of their old and once owned friends which is now become unto them a principal abomination by reason of those their late avowed and pursued principles most inconsistent with their interest and of the rude multitude of whose crying one day Hosannah and by and by Crucifie they need not more experience They all this while not foreseeing how naturally these courses do tend to settle on their own heads by their own hands those very evils whereof they are most afraid But also that they may be sure to keep distance from their most faithful and inwardly approved friends their countermining is yet more evident a new opportunity to shew themselves arising in their tenacious adhering to set days of Humiliation in opposition to occasional wherein the opinion and practice of the Reformed Churches and especially of the Church of Scotland with whom they most plead to have uniformity is cleerly no less against them of the which such of them as have either been conversant in their Writings about their Discipline against the Prelatical or have had the opportunity of any free discourse with their Commissioners in the Assembly at Westminster or elsewhere cannot possibly have any colour to plead ignorance Into both of which so opposite aspects that they did not upon their own principles chuse to fall but were indeed by emergence of occurrences surprizing them driven is very apparent by that ready Testimony which the most forward of them at first were observed to give besides former expressions that way looking to the very Remonstrance of the Army in what concerned even the calling of the King to account and afterwards so perfectly falling out with it by reason of the maner of doing viz. The suspension of some Members of Parliament c. The which maner notwithstanding made voyd does sweep along with it whereof they cannot be ignorant the Alpha and Omega of their friends transactions for the re-establishent and preservation of Presbytery c. in Scotland against the Prelatical inundations they having in the beginning of these conflicts no Parliament till their sword fencing their other addresses begot both it and their assembly and that Parliament in a few successions degenerating these again with their own sword assisted with the followers of their copy in this Land having altogether overturned that line and cut out a new Parliament in affect of another Constitution of Members and 〈◊〉 passed sentence of Non-Communion in an Admonition upon the acquiescers
in the settlement of this Nation upon the Concessions at Newport as being destructive to the specially profest Interest of themselves and their Presbyterian friends in England The which acquiescers seeing they were those very heterogeneous Members who could not but let any building save on that foundation till they were taken out of the way what a chain of security their continuance at the stern might have framed the consideration of the links of their adherents Inchiquin Belfast Ormond c. Yet going on who knows how far further will help themselves to give judgment It is heartily therefore wished by me and with me I doubt not but by all those who duely ponder the present carriage of the most of them That if their judgments be indeed inclined to the Presbyterian way they would be more cautelous in the offering to engage a whole Party in what is too too evidently the meer driving on of the self-interest of some discontented persons and indeed apply themselves without partiality to the Law and Testimony as they have this aged and reverend Author in these his grave and judicious Discussions upon special Reason we see directed to those our neerest neighbors of Scotland for an example together with such other worthy ancients whether in yeers or understanding which do yet remain exemplary who being of a fuller age in controversies of this nature then by such as satisfie themselves to swim in a stream is attained by reason of use have their sences exercised to discern and are become more skilful in the word of righteousness and shine with greater brightness in the rendring of what is due unto all as ordained of God And that they would timely cease their causing of many to stumble an evil of old complained of by the Prophet as raigning in the Ministery of that generation see and consider Mal. 2. 7 8 9. and that they would not go on to render themselves contemptible before the people by their corrupting the Covenant which is the main scope of this premised Advertisement to these Leaders of the over-credulous into the snare wherein they have led themselves captive By a Friend to pure Religion and his Native Country A Religious Scrutiny Or an important expedient QVESTION To be represented to the GENERAL ASSEMBLY Of the Kirk of SCOTLAND Touching the unlawfulness and nullity of some kinde of unequal Marriage As a Consectary to the late Necessary and Seasonable Testimony against Toleration in reference to Religion From the Commissioners of the Kirk The Preamble to the Question IT is most humbly and sincerely desired That the Reverend and godly-wise Pastors and Elders of Scotland conveening in the General Assembly of the Kirk may be pleased to take into their grave and mature deliberations the ensuing Question of grand importance and expediency They are earnestly and religiously solicited hereunto the rather sith a satisfying Resolution of the case in hand may argue not onely their unfeigned and impartial zeal against Toleration in reference to Religion which the necessary and seasonable Testimony from their Commissioners of the Kirk with their Admonition and Exhortation unto their Brethren in England together also with the Concurrence of the Estates in Parliament allowing and attesting the same and a Letter likewise from the said Commissioners to the Ministers of London Province dated at Edinburg Ian. 18. 1649. do fairly and learnedly pretend unto and in the judgment of Christian charity do piously contend for according to the Scriptures but also may tend to instruct and establish pure mindes studious of truth and p 〈…〉 in this conjuncture of cloudy and scrupulous emergencies occasioned by the extraordinary overtures and mysterious transactions of the Parliaments and Souldieries in England and Scotland even in the one Nation as well as in the other both in the State and Church affairs But let the Answer be ingenuous punctual solid plain and cleer grounded on the holy and good Word of the eternal God and let it be truly weighed in the balances of the Sanctnary which deceive not nor can be deceived For so it becometh the truth which is after godliness This is brotherly and modestly requested by an English Minister of the Gospel in his measure zealously affected to the honor of the true God and sincerely loving to his most endeared native Country and a hearty wel-wisher of the best good unto theirs who hath now about the space of fourty yeers served God with his Spirit in the Gospel preaching the Word in season and out of season reproving rebuking and exhorting with all long-suffering and doctrine save in some intervals when a first second and third time hindered and restrained by Prelatical suspension and Tycannical persecution for the Testimony of Jesus Christ and thereby necessitated to keep silence till the indignation was overpast and who still aged endevoreth diligently and industriously according to his capacity ability and opportunity the propagating of the Gospel and Kingdom of Christ the utter extirpation and subversion of Popery Prelacy Superstition Heresie Schism and Prophaneness and the establishment of the Ministry and Discipline of Christ in Presbyteries and Synods in all Churches joying greatly in beholding such order and contributing prayers That notorious Delinquents may in a due way be censured and proceeded against according as the nature and degree of their offence may require in doing justice and judgment upon them that so the Lords people may not be left to oppressors whose designes and machinations do portend to make voyd God his holy just and good Laws and Ordinances The Question WHether the marriages of men professing the true Religion of God according to the Faith of Gods elect and acknowledging the Truth which is after godliness contracted and made with the idolatrous daughters of a strange god and through strong delusion beleeving a lye after the working of Satan in all deceiveableness of unrighteousness ought not in a due way to be separated and made voyd as being a nullity de jure from the first And whether the children born of them in their pretended conjugal Society ought not to be separated and cast out from patrimonial Inheriting And consequently whether the marriages of Protestants of the true Christian Religion made with Papists of the Antichristian false Religion ought not to be separated And whether the children born of them ought not to be cast out from inheriting in Christian Nations of the Reformed true Religion The state of the Question discussed and ventilated in the consideration of certain Observations Cases and Restrictions for anticipating misprision and futile prevarication I. THe subject of the Question is taken for granted viz. There is a lawfulness and requisitness of separating and making voyd the marriages of some persons unlawfully contracted at the first and there is a lawfulness of the casting out the children born of them The Word of God giveth very evident testimony hereunto holding forth a most direct and undeniable president beyond all exception as being practicable according
to Law in the case of divers of the people of Israel returned from the Babylonish captivity who had transgressed abominably in making mixt marriages and who therefore as the case required did institute Reformation and accordingly did reform This appeareth Ezra 9. 10. throughout and more particularly Chap. 10. 3 16. Hereunto also the Apostolical allusion in the business in hand doth notably serve for illustration See Gal. 4. 30. Cast out the bond-woman and her son c. Such was the known famous case in some sort infamous of King Henry the eighth of England who in an Oration to his Subjects gave them to understand That the Lady Mary his daughter was not reputed his lawful daughter nor his Queen Katherine her mother his lawful wife but their pretended conjugal society had been most detestable adultery as he had been informed by divers learned Clerks Whereupon afterwards the marriage was declared and made voyd See 2. Vol. of the Book of Martyrs pag. 327. Edit 1641. Thus it is manifest that some pretended conjugal society and fruit of it may be separated and cast out II. It is to be observed that the God of Heaven and Earth doth really distinguish and put difference betwixt person and person and requireth likewise that his people should do so too in their walking and conversing with humane society according to occasion in such Scriptural notions and expressions as following are specified and instanced for better discerning herein viz. 1. The seed of the woman and the seed of the Serpent Gen. 3. 15. 2. The sons of God and the daughters of men Gen. 6. 2 4. 3. Noah his family and the old world of the ungodly 2 Pet. 2. 5. 4. The tents of Shem Canaan his servant Gen. 9. 27. 5. Circumcised persons and uncircumcised ones Gen. 17. 13 14. 6. Children of the free-woman and of the bond-woman Gal. 4. 31. 7. Israelites and Gentiles Exod. 19. 5 6. 8. Precious ones and vile persons Jere. 15. 19. 9. Jews and adversaries of Judah Ezra 4. 1 2 3. 10. Righteous and the wicked Mal. 3. 18. 11. Children of God and children of the devil 1 John 3 10. 12. Regenerate and unregenerate John 3. 3 c. 13. Spiritual man and natural man 1 Cor. 2. 14 15. 14. Beleevers and unbeleevers 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. Christians and Antichrists Acts 11. 26. 1 John 2. 18. 16. Within the Church and without 1 Cor. 5. 12. Acts 2. 47. 17. One inwardly in the heart and one outwardly Rom. 2. 28 29. 18. Quickned and dead Ephes. 2. 5. 19. Children of the light or day and of darkness or the night 1 Thes. 5. 5. 20. Baptized and unbaptized Luke 3. 7. and 7. 30 c. Hence it may be discerned how marriages may be made in the Lord. III. The Question is not propounded touching a separating of the marriages of such persons who were married when both of them were idolatrous but after the marriage one of them through the dispensation of the Gospel becometh a convert to the true Religion Neither is it touching the casting out of their children sith such their condition and such state of their children likewise is cleerly and punctually spoken unto and determined by the Apostle Paul in the case of desertion or non-desertion according as occasion may offer See 1 Cor. 7. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16. The case of Galeacius Caracciolus Marquess of Vico declared in his life translated into English by W. Cr. cap. 25. is a singular instance in the specified occasion IV. Neither is the Question about the abrogating of the marriage of such a professor of the true Religion who in a due way doth espouse himself unto such a woman whose parents and progenitors are grosly idolatrous and she her self was lately such but she is now converted and embraceth the true Religion before the marriage be made For there are approved presidents in the Word of God of the lawfulness of such their matrimony See Ruth 4. 13. compare chap. 1. 16. 1 Kings 1. 3. compare Psal. 45. 13. V. Nor yet the Question is not instituted with a partial respect and exception of some sorts of persons but it equally and indifferently concerneth any sort and degree of persons whomsoever whether Civil or Ecclesiastical Supreme or Inferior Rich or Poor c. Sith by occasion there is a possibility that any sorts and degrees of persons may be tempted and fall into one miscarriage as well as another as is implyed Gal. 6. 1. Yea and the Scripture instanceth the transgressions in such kinde even of Kings Princes Rulers Priests Levites and People See Nehe. 13. 26. Ezra 9. 1 2. The Scripture giveth instance likewise of course held for redress see Ezra 10. Nehe. 13. VI. Moreover the Question is not whether the professors of the true Religion having transgressed by making mixt marriages may or ought at their own pleasure put away their wives by their own and sole authority and so likewise cast out their children Sith such procedure it may seem if admited of ought to be by the decision and order of such as have calling and authority thereunto As it may appear Ezra 10. 2 3 4. Nehe. 13. 23 24 25. VII Likewise the Question is not touching a making voyd the marriages of the professors of the true Religion who are married to professors of the said true Religion for the substance of it but some difference is in some circumstantial matters and superstructive opinions which do not destroy the foundation and principles of the true Religion Sith such condition of difference in judgment about lesser matters in Religion may be incident unto some members of the true Churches of Christ. See 1 Cor. 3. 3 4 12. Phil. 3. 13. VIII Neither is the Question concerning professors of the true Religion who are charitably and probably reputed to be truely religious having the Spirit of power and of love and of a sound minde but their yoke-fellows professing outwardly onely and having a form of godliness but deny the power of it professing indeed that they know God but in their works deny him whether these should be separated and their children cast out Sith profession denominateth the Religion Howbeit in the seventh and eighth Cases special and uttermost faithful endevor ought to be used by persons of good knowledg to free their yokefellows from the entanglement of erroneous opinions and unchristian conversation and to establish them in the truth if so they may yet be brought to approve themselves as becometh the Gospel of Christ and if God through their due way of instructing them with meekness may peradventure grant them repentance unto life and unto the acknowledging of the truth see 2 Tim. 2. 25 26. Whereas on the other hand in this case God hateth putting away as being a trecherous dealing against ones companion and wife of his Covenant see Mal. 2. 14 15 16. save in the case of whoredom alone for in such case it is lawful to procure
the foresaid marriages were nullities as incestuous marriages are no marriages by reason of the absolute prohibition of God Thus Master Perkins in his Warning against the Idolatry of these last times meaning the idolatry of Popery as the scope of his Treatise importeth vide Vol. 1. pag. 677 678. 4. The judgment of some sound and much honored English Ministers of the Gospel most of which are now asleep in the Lord yet a few still alive who conferring and humbling themselves frequently in private at such times as overtures were with Spain and shortly after with France about King Charls his mixt marriage The Questionist demanded the same he now represents to Disquisition and the most and best approved for their learning and piety inclined to the affirmative 5. The Solemn League and Covenant 1643. engaging unto an extirpation of Popery in the second Article For the course insisted on in the Qnestion seemeth to have an effectual tendency to the keeping of the said Covenant in that Article of it 6. The Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Kirk in Scotland in the Necessary and Seasonable Testimony against Toleration approved by the Estates of present Parliament who amongst other Texts of Scripture alleaged by them against Toleration have these words Pag. 5. The children of Israel after their return from Babylon made a Covenant and entered into a Curse and into an Oath to walk in Gods Law and to observe and do all the Commandments of the Lord their God Nehem. 10. 28 29 30. Let this Text alleaged be compared with Ezra 10. 2 3 5. And the Reader is desired to take the Bible and to turn to and observe the Texts cited which undoubtedly must needs affect greatly and the rather sith cited by such interested persons and to such purpose IV. The same Texts of Scripture and Scriptural Reasons which do make against the marriages of the people of God with the daughters of a strange god and all that are born of them do seem also by necessary consequence to conclude against the marriages of Protestants with Papists and all that are born of them viz. Because 1. Popery is the Religion of the Roman Antichrist who is the man of sin the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped So that 〈◊〉 as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God see 2 Thes. 2. 3 4. And who is the king of the Locusts as singularly described Apocal. 9. 3 5 7 8 9 10 11. Yea who is the whore of Babylon on whose forehead was a name written Mystery Babylon The Great The Mother of Harlots And Abominations of the Earth see Apocal. 17. 5. 2. The Antichristian Religion was inspired and promoted by Satan with all power and signes and lying wonders and with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish through divine effectual permission see 2 Thes. 2. 9 10 11 12. Even as the Heathenish idolatry is devilish and is therefore in no wise to be communicated with see Deut. 32. 17. 2 Chro. 11. 15. compared with 1 Cor. 10. 20 21. 3. There are the same or the like sacred precepts requiring to come out and separate from the Antichristian Religion and to have no communion therewith lest uttermost peril do overtake see Apocal. 18. 4. as are for the relinquishing of Pagan Idolatry see 2 Cor. 6. 17. Isaiah 52. 11. 4. The idolatries of the Papists being compared with the idolatries of the Heathen they are every jot as gross and vile if not more as are the Heathenish yea they are indeed so odious as is not meet to be once named amongst Saints further then just cause requireth See by way of allusion the Psalmists expression Psal. 16. 4. V. Magistrates in new Testament times ought to hold course against sinful evil in any kinde committed as well as they did in old Testament times see Rom. 13. 3 4. To this end let it be well weighed and application be made accordingly what is asserted by the Commissioners of the General Assembly in the Testimony against Toleration pag. 6 7. in these words For it cannot be shewn that any part of that power which Magistrates had under the old Testament is repealed under the new Neither can any convincing Reason be brought why it should be of narrower extent now nor then May it not seem hence That the Estates and Ministers and Elders of Scotland are of one minde That Popish wives ought to be separated and their children ought to be removed from patrimonial inheriting in a Christian reformed Nation VI. And who knoweth but that as the Question agitated and resolved in King Henry the eighth his case touching the unlawfulness of his incestuous marriage with Queen Katherine portending extream prejudice to the Kingdom in such spurious succession as might be by the Lady Mary as appeareth in the History above cited Acts Mon. Tom. 2. p. 326 327 c. and as indeed most wofully ensued afterwards in the Marian days yet tended through divine providence unto a making way for true Reformed Religion in some degree by his marrying with Anne Bullen mother to Queen Elizabeth So it may please God that the Question represented touching the marriages of Protestants with Papists and touching their children if it shall be duely discussed it may become remarkably occasional unto a safe and wel-grounded establishment of Peace with Holiness even throughout England Ireland and Scotland too The premises being rightly observed according to the Question as it hath been stated and grounded seeming to be for the affirmative Epilogue NOw then forasmuch as the Question hath been fairly plainly submisly and Christianly represented to the General Assembly conveening to discuss and determine arising Questions that are of notable and high concernment Their grave wisdoms are once again beseeched to confider of it To speak their mindes to take advice and give counsel They shall have joy by the Answer of their mouths soundly and impartially uttered And a word spoken in its season how good is it And let the Lord whose the preparations of the heart and answer of the tongue are Prov. 16. 1. be graciously present and propitious in giving understanding in all things Amen Amen A Postscript To the most able and Religiously affectionate Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland Tending to Pacification betwixt the two Nations concerning the present State proceedings Mercy unto you and Peace and Love and Truth be multiplyed from the King of Saints and Prince of Salvation who worketh all things after the counsel of his own Will and doth all things well expecting that Wisdom be justified of her children REverend Sirs behold now the proposer of this Question hath taken upon him to interrogate your General Assembly a word in the cause of God and his people even as cause hath seemed to require knowing well how much it behoveth and becometh all those that make mention of
they have been for the hindering Reformation of Religion c. contrary to the League and Covenant and for the bringing them to publike tryal and to receive condign punishment as the degree of the offence deserveth Let the lookers on yea and your own consciences judg 12. Whether the fifth and sixth Articles of the Covenant are not likest to be fulfilled if ye shall do and approve as our Parliament hath done and doth Let the Reader understand 13. Lastly Let the Apostolical retorsion be reverently observed and made use of viz. see Rom. 2. 13. Thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking of the Law dishonorest thou God And likewise the expostulation and conviction used by Samuel against King Saul who boasted of his performing Gods Commandment in bringing the Delinquent Amalekites to condign punishment when yet he had spared King Agag alive so as he himself was necessitated to put him to death O that that the mouths of unworthy complainants against miscensured Covenant breakers who yet have not deit falsly in the Covenant however calumniated might hereby be stopped and whereas in truth such bitter complainants themselves taking the Covenant in their mouths are deep in the breach of it c. The premisses duly weighed and considered your faithful Remembrancer observing your worthy and effectual Admonition in your Seasonable Testimony against Toleration to the secluded Members of Parliament pag. 12 13. And he taking noticae how gracious ye are not onely in the eyes of your Estates and Ministers but also in the eyes of very many in our Land taketh encouragement and confidence to stir you up to exhort all those in whose hearts ye are ingratiated both in Scotland and England to repent of miscarriage in any kinde and degree hitherto and to set and prepare their hearts fully to seek God if yet every thing that doth offend may be taken away and that so the grand work of Reformation both in Doctrine and Discipline may be no longer obstructed but that a great door and effectual may be opened there being so many adversaries This is moved the rather because friends do at least a little suspect but enemies do strongly charge the sometimes subscribing and conforming Hierarchical Ministers in both Nations in too great a generality of them that whatsoever pretence may seem to be of their being Covenanters as if they hankered still after Egypts garlick and flesh pots under the deceiving and deluding notion of moderate Episcopacy Sith there is such a tumultuous stir because the Kings destructive Concessions were not accepted nor he spared whose expressions sounded to the last breath Episcopacy Episcopacy But to draw to a conclusion Give your zealous Remembrancor leave to represent in a word unto your affectionate compassionate bowels of love to the brotherhood What if your selves and brethren in Scotland and by your advice the Ministers of London Province together with others in some Counties of this Nation ambitious to tread in your and their steps shall set all your hearts and hands more and more to understand and pursue an holy and just way of brotherly peace to be walked in with those godly brethren that are otherwise minded then your selves in some lesser points of the Discipline till God shall further reveal to them whilst you that are perfect do minde the same thing and do endevor to walk by the same rule of Church-government held forth in Scotland and other Reformed Churches and in our own Church now also Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity see Psal. 133. 1. Beloved Brethren ye cannot be ignorant That the Canaanite and the Perizzite even the Antichristian Papists Prelatical Royalists Malignant Hyppocrites Blasphemous Hereticks Pernicious Sectaries and Prophane Atheists are in these Lands observing and making advantage of the strife betwixt holy Brethren to harden themselves in sinful folly against Gods ways and to consult and take crafty counsel against his people his hidden ones in the Land and to cut them off from being a people that their name may be no more in remembrance O that in this case the children of faithful Abraham would say as he did to his nephew Lot We are Brethren Let there be no strife between us nor between our Pastors Our Lord Jesus Christ the head of his Church and their pattern when he was in the days of his flesh did suffer long and much those his Disciples that followed him in the regeneration albeit he did not indulge them in their infirmities but reproved them sharply on occasion for their dulness in understanding and for their perversness folly and slowness of heart in beleeving yet notwithstanding he did not therefore reject them but exercised wonderful patience towards them instructing them with meekness and all long-suffering and doctrine Yea and he tells them he gave them example that they should do as he did My good Brethren of England and Scotland do not count it grievous to be called on to remember your guides who have spoken to you the Word of God even those good old Non-Conformists to Hierarchy and Superstition who ruled with God and were faithful with the Saints when Prelacy and the generality of the reputed Clergy compassed God with deceit if ye may follow their faith and being compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses ye may follow peace with holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. I shall produce for instance two witnesses onely whom for their honors sake I do make mention of viz. Mr. Arthur Hildersam of England and Mr. Alexander Henderson of Scotland both of them of blessed memory The one namely Mr. Alexander Henderson of your own Nation whose praise in the Gospel hath been so great in the Churches abroad and whose love so abounded at home in all knowledg and in all judgment in the worst of times with you and in special his most prudent and unwearied acting in the Assembly of Divines at Westminster in England in a time of need till preproperous death put a period to his days I refer the reflecting of thoughts on him to your selves who abundantly knew the proof of him with what natural love he served you in the Gospel He was a burning and a shining light to walk by Be ye followers of him as he followed Christ in walking in love The other namely Mr. Arthur Hildersam of our English Nation of him I chuse to speak in Mr. John Cotton of Boston his expression in giving testimony of him for his singular worth see Epist. prefixed to Lect. on John 4. He was like one of the chief of Davids Worthies not amongst the thirty but amongst the first three This blessed man of God as otherwise and otherwhere so in special in his Lect. 98. on John 4. August 27. 1611. handleth at large and very effectually not with inticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power the useful lesson for Gods people viz.
her fall off when the Ship men who were the supream Governors of the Ship were about to flee out of the Ship to the utter endangering of the lives of all the Passengers as the Apostle Paul did confidently advertise see Acts â—7 30 31 32. So it may seem the chief of the Parliament Souldiers did well to hinder and restrain at present from entring into the House some of the Members who had they been in the House were of equal Authority Note Events do usually make very cleer and sure discoveries and manifestations of the prudential and faithful manage of important expedient undertakings which in their present enterprisings have seemed very dark to some As it may easily be  discerned by diligent observers of Heroical Actions and of the generally received principle Salus populi suprema Lex in Voting with the rest whereas if they had not been so restrained or secluded it was with most likely probability apprehended that the majority might have swayed by Votes to the extream prejudice both of the Civil State and Church Affairs VI. K. Saul having been justly hindered and restrained in his unworthy and pernicious designe against Jonathan even by the chief of the Souldiers He doth notwithstanding afterwards apply himself to act as became him according to his office in the behalf of the Kingdom and against the enemies of the peace of it see vers 47 48. And such his approved course tended very much to the vexing of the common enemies and the delivery of Israel out of the hands of spoilers see vers 47 48. 6. May it not be inferred hence That such Members of the Parliament as were restrained in that nick of time from the opportunity of acting unworthily then onely ought notwithstanding to have applyed themselves to have returned seasonably and gone on as formerly in the discharge of Parliamentary Authoritative power and weighty employment committed unto them by the Countries and Corporations for which they were the Representatives Verily had they so approved themselves or shall any yet do so in a due way it might much have conduced to the publike good to the peace of their own consciences and obtaining the Spirit of Glory to rest upon them 1 Sam. 15. 2 3 7 8 9 13 14 15 20 21 24 32 33. Observation I. 1. Parallel inference SAul in his reign over Israel the Israelites having earnestly desired a Kingly Government see 1 Sam. 8. 19. And having approved Sauls designment unto it see 1 Sam. 10 â—4 He in process of time had a special Commission and imployment put upon him even to execute Iustice on certain enemies whose Ancestors had raised an unjust and unnatural war against the Israelites about four hundred yeers before see Vers. 2 3. compared with Exod. 17. 8. THe English Parliament long long desired and longed for and now by the good hand of God providentially over-ruling and it happily continuing to sit unto this day did in due time effectually and seasonably engage it self unto a faithful endevor as the cause of God and his people required to restore the Nation to their Just Liberties and to reform Religion which had been withheld and depraved by Tyranny and Antichristian Hierarchy as is to be seen in the English Histories of Civil and Ecclesiastical Occurrences yea and bring notorious Delinquents to Justice as the Parliament Remonstrances do testifie And blessed be the God of England who with such unspeakable merciful goodness hath visited the languishing Nation II. Saul and the people did in good part very vigorously pursue their Commission in engaging and fighting those Amalekitish enemies who had been such grand Delinquents against the Israelites 2. The majority of the English Parliament for some time after their first convening did act strenuously unto the reforming of sundry grieoppressions both in Common-wealth and Church Affairs engaging themselves many ways therunto yet nevertheless afterwards But yet notwithstanding they failed greatly in their not executing impartially according to the commission and trust assigned unto them in that they spared King Agag and the best things see Vers. 7 8 9. they fail'd greatly in unvoting their votings against future addresses when clear and evident discoveries were of unsufferable desperate tyranny yea and at last in voting unworthy Concessions to be a just Foundation of safe Peace which were indeed most dangerous and destructive tending to spare the capital Delinquents and such seeming best things of a flourishing vain condition as in greatest likelihood would in short time have involved into the former deep gulf of misery and ruine and worse then before III. Saul notwithstanding such his rebellious miscarriage against God yet he professeth and protesteth the contrary either justifying or denying or disguising or exousing or extenuating his sinister prevarication howbeit he was again and again effectually convinced thereof by the Prophet Samuel see Vers. 13 14 15 20 21 24. 3. It is very much to be lamented and deplored that many of the Parliament Members after their votings for the Concessions as a Foundation of good Peace and after the remarkable Occurrences which have ensued thereupon even hitherto they do yet notwithstanding justifie disguise excuse or extenuate such their votings whatever conviction is or hath been since that time yea and do hitherto seem to be well pleased in their pretended whole seclusion which was onely pro tempore IV. When Saul the supream Magistrate had bewrayed a very great degree of unfaithfulness in his sparing King Agag from death yet the uprightness justice and 4. When the Majority of the Parliament failed in great degree as hath been hinted already then the faithfulness justice and zeal of the lesser number remaining and sitting in Parliament who yet were a full number of constituting zeal of Samuel the Prophet and Iudg though of inferior Authority then Saul is singularly approved in his bringing King Agag to justice see Vers. 32 33. Members of an undeniable Parliamentary power is highly praise-worthy in their appointing an high Court of Justice for the due bringing of capital Delinquents to just Tryal and Sentence for the executing of condign punishment upon them V. Notwithstanding that Agag was a King yet his Kingship did not priviledg him to be above Law neither did his prerogative exempt him from legal proceeding against him see Vers. 32 33. Joshua Gideon and Jehu were approved in their due executing of Delinquent Kings see Rogers 53. Serm. on Judges 5. It is a weak and unwarrantable plea for Kings if their Might do not overcome Right that their Kingship taketh them off from being subject to Law Note There is one onely absolute and independent Lawgiver who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords see Isai. 33. 22. Jam. 4. 12. 1 Tim. 6. 15. Note All grant that subjects may have the benefit of the Law against the King in case of Goods and Lands by vertue of the legality of the eighth Commandment of the Decalogue And tryals in such case have been very usual in
England Why not much more therefore in the case of notorious blood-guiltiness by vertue of the sixth Commandment of the Decalogue VI. Samuel did justice on King Agag being Iudg of Israel to execute the sentence of God pronounced 6. The High Court of Justice erected by the Parliament have justly sentenced the great and hainous Delinquents unto just punishment against Amalek which was neglected by Saul That it might be also a terror to other Kings that they persecute not the people of God see Doctor Willet on 1 Sam. 15. 33. however such proceeding hath not been ordinarily means having been wanting used That this course also may be a terror to the greatest personages that they may not oppress nor raise unjust and unatural war in the Nation 2 Sam. 12. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 13 14. Observation I. 1. Parallel Inference DAvid the King of Israel having highly and hainously transgressed in the matter of Uriah the Hittite see 1 Kings 15. 5. compared with 2 Sam. 11. 2. He was therefore according to Gods direction to be convinced and reproved of such his capital sin by Nathan the Prophet see Vers. 1. 2 7 8 9. KIngs in all ages and times as well as others falling by occasion into scandalous and capital offences a faithful and impartial course of conviction and reproof ought to be held with them by meet persons as just opportunity may serve thereunto The Law is given to Kings as well as to others and therefore they ought to know it and be convinced by it that their hearts may not be lifted up see Deut. 17. 18 19 20. Hos. 5. 1. II. For the better and more effectual convincing David the King of his odious sin of oppression adultery and murder God directed Nathan to take up a parable in his mouth Sith in such way of expression there was a special 2. It is Gods will that such persons whom it may more specially concern do hold the most effectual course for the detecting and convincing grosse offenders of the vile and odious sins they are tainted with whether oppression tyranny adultery murder c. And in case of effectual course held and efficacious vertue see Ver. 1 2 3 4. see also Jothams Parable in such case Judg. 9. 7. Yea and our Saviours most authoritative course therein Mat. 21. 45. not prevailing whether by similitudes or otherwise the Delinquents shall remain untractable and obstinate they may certainly be left without excuse see Hosea 12. 10. III. King David who had more understanding then all his Teachers see Psal. 119. 99. And who was also a man singularly zealous see Psal. 119. 139. He having now heard and observed a cleer eviction in the case represented in the parable of the implied Delinquent he even as right reason guided gave this just sentence That he was worthy to die see Vers. 5. 3. Hainous capital Transgressors whoever they are whether high or low ought without any respect of persons to be adjudged by the Magistrate sitting on the seat of Justice and bearing the Sword to such corporal punishment as the nature of the offence calleth for in its desert whether death or any other see Rom. 13. 4. Note There ought to be an unresistable force in Right Reason to sway Judges to act according to it see Acts 4. 20. IV. The general and indefinite expression in the parable uttered by Nathan Vers. 1 2 3 4. Moving David on just ground unto such his sentence Vers. 5. is particularly applyed by Nathan to David himself vers 7. So as David saw it did belong unto himself although a King as well as to any other faulty in such kinde see vers 13. 4. The Law and Minde of God touching the capital punishment of the polluting and crying sin of wilful murder whosoever is the committer of it yea though he be a blood-guilty King may not be by the Magistrate looked upon as one to be dispensed withal see Gen. 9. 6. Numb 35. 30 33. Matth. 26. 52. V. Gods sparing David 5. The unsearchable ways of the from death and yet appointing the childe to death see vers 13 14. as it argued Gods absolute soveraignty and indepency in doing what he will yea touching his Laws so it sheweth his just severity against murder see Ibid. 13 14. one onely absolute Lawgiver even the infinite most wise holy and just God ought to be admired and adored see Rom. 11. 33 34. But the people of God ought to walk and act according to his revealed Will in his Word see Deuter. 29. 29. Zechar. 7. 1 2 3 4 5. 8. 19. Observation I. Parallel Inference 1. IT was well understood by the people of God the Jews unto whom one ly in the Old Testament times were committed the Oracles and Ordinances of God as their singular advantage and preferment see Psal. 147. 19 20. Rom. 3. 1 2. yea even by those Jews who lived in the time of the Babylonish captivity and newly after the return thence that the divine Ordinance of Religious and Solemn Humiliation in Fasting and Prayer on just cause and occasion thereunto was very requisite and IT hath been well understood by the Reformed Churches in Europe and particularly by the people of God in England who heretofore lived under the spiritual Babylonish captivity that the sacred Ordinance of Religious Humiliation on just cause and occasion is very requisite in New Testament times as well as it was of old even according to the New Testament doctrine of Christ and his Apostles and accordingly they do exercise themselves therein This may evidently appear to any that observeth the doctrine and practice of the Reformed Churches and particularly and in a special and effectual maner in the English Nation even unto this day as the accordingly did exercise themselves therein see Vers. 3. 5. Dan. 9. 3. Ezr. 8. 21. Nehe. 1. 4. Acts of Parliament for Fasting and Prayer in April 19. and May 17. do bear witness 1649. II. The Jews of those times also knew well what were the kindes and ways of such religious Humiliation in Fasting and Prayer and answerably as the emergency of the cause and opportunity served thereunto they exercised themselves 2. The people of God in England do likewise by the patterns in Scripture know well the approved kindes and ways of religious Humiliation in Fasting and Prayer and answerably as any just occasion and opportunity requireth and serveth they are wont to set themselves thereunto viz. 1. Publikely as publike Authorised Persons ordered Ezra 8. 21. 1. Publikely as Parliament and Rulers do appoint and require 2. Privately as the Governors of Families saw it meet Esth. 4. 16. 2. Privately as Families approve themselves in England above other Nations 3. Secretly and alone as any singular person saw fit Dan. 9. 3. Nehe. 1. 4. 3. Secretly as conscientious persons having ability and opportunity approve themselves to him that seeth in secret III. The Jews had likewise the prudence to discern what were special