* "a r<<.» ^/ y .< i^ r4lAAArv\ ■\ 0<\/ DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Treasure %oom ,//^ ,/. (j ^^Yi r/ f"^^^ ^^y JA. ^ /^J. /^ n /v ^^^ // *> . 1 Gildas Sahianm ; TbefirftPART: i.e. THE REFORMED Pastor. Shewing the nature of the Paftoral work ^ Efpccially in Private Inflruvlion and Catechizing. With an open Con fession of our too open Si n s . Prepared for a day of Humiliation kept at Worcejler^ Decemb.^. 1 65 5 .by the Minifters of that County, who fubfcribed the Agree- ment for Catechizing and Perfonal Inlbu- dion, at their entrance upon that work. By their unworthy fellow-fervant 'Richard ^Baxter. Teacher of the Church at Kedermnfler. Luke 1 1. 47 [ E* x,Hvo{ ^ • SzK^i yv^i 70 ::h'\H,wii rk Undon^ Prloccd by Kobert lf)»itc, for Se-M Sii^i'rr.ons, look-fcller at H^edtmir Ssr. i 6 5 6, ' ^ ^,.., 1-c. 7 2. 3 UnrversiVy l-i^'^^"' yO -^ ^-y To my Reverend aiiJ Dearly beloved Brediren;,tlie faidi- ful Minifteis of Clirift , in "Britt^in 2ind Ireland ^ Grace and Peace in lefus Chnft be increafed* Reverend Brethren, ^^i^a H E f^b]eEl of tins Treatifi fo nearly _^rz±\ concerneth your [elves and the Chur- ches committed to your care, that tt fer- fivadeth and emboldeneth me to this ad- drefs, notwithftanding the imperfedi- onf in the manner of handlingit , and the confcioufnefs of my great unmrthinefs to be your Monitor. Before I come to mi principal errand, IJhall^veyoH^ that account which Ifuppofe lorreyoH, of the Reafons oj th,s follomng work^, and of the freedom of fpeech which t9 Come may be diihleafiyia, . , The Preface. when the Lord had avpakened his Miniflers in this CoiMty, ^ndfome neighbouring parts to a ftnfe of their duty tn the work^of Catechising, and private Inflru^ Bion of all in their Parijhes that would not obftinatelr refufe their help , and when they hud fnbfcribed an Agreement containing their Refolmions for the future performance of it , theyjudgedit unmeet to enter upon the work^, without afolemn humbling of their fouls be^ fore fhe Lord , for their fo long negleU: of fo great and ncceffary a duty : And therefore they agreed to meet to- gether at Wc rcefter 5 Decern b. 4. 1655. and there to joynmfuch Humiliation, and in ear ne ft Prayer to God for the pardon of our negleEis, andforhis fpectal Afft fi- ance in the worl^ that we had p^ndertaken, and for the fuccefs of it with the People, whom we are engaged to in- firuEi : At which time among others, IwiU de fired by them to Preach : In anfwer to their defires I prepared the following Difcourfe ^ which though it proved longer then could be delivered in one or two Sermons , yet I in- tend.ed t^ have ent red upon it at that time , and to have defiveredthat which was mo ft pertinent to the occafton , and to have refer ved the reft to another feafon. But be- fore the ?neeti'ng, by the increafe of my ordinary pain and weaknefs, I was dtfabledfrom going thither: To re- compence which unwillmgomifiion, I eafily yielded' fo the vequefis of divers of the Brethren, forthwith to publijh ■the things which I had prepared, that they might fee that which they could not hear/Tf now it be objected, that I Ihould not have fpoken fo plainly or (harply againft tfie fins of the Minilby , or that I ftiould not have ptiblifhed it to the view of the world^or at lexft that I J fhoiiM have done it in another tongue ^ and not in I the ears of the vulgar, efpecially at fuclia time whenl C^ake/I "Quakers and Papifts arc endeavouring to bring the Miniftry into contempt, and the people are too prone to harken to their fuggeftions : / cmfefs Ithonght the OhjeEiion ve^ry confiderable ^ but that tt prevailed not to alter my refclations^ is to be.afinbed to the follovp- ing ReafoKs. i . It was a purpfed folemn HHmiliatU on that TV€ were agreed on, and that this was prepared and mended for, Andhorwjbouldwe be humbled with* out a plainConfeffton of our ftn ? 2. It was principally 9ur ownfms that the.Confejfion did concern •, and who can be of ended with w for confejftng our own^ and taking the blame andfhame to our fe Ives, which our confacnces told tf^ we ought to do. 3 . / have excepted in our Con^ feffions thofe that, are not guilty : and therefore hope that I have injured none. 4. Having necejfarily prepared it in the Englijh tongue,I hadno jpare time totranflate it. 5. where the fin is open in the fight of the world , it is in vain to at:3mpt to hide it. 6. Andfuch attempts vfill but aggravate it, andincreafe our fijame. 7. A free ConfeJJion is a condition of a fill Rcmijfion ^ and when the fin is publike y the Confeffion muft be publtk^^ If the MinifiersofEng\?.nd had finned only in Latine, I would have made fit ft to have admonified them in Latine, or elfc havefaid nothing to them. But if they will fin in Engltfh, they muft hear of it in Englijh. Vn~ pardoned fin will never let as reft or projper , thoug/j we be at never fo mj*ch care and coft to cover it : Our fin will furely find m out, though we find not it. The work^ -ef Confeffion ts purpofely to make known our fw, and freely to take thejhame to our filves : And if he that ' confeffeth and forfaketh be the-man that fijall have mer- ey, m wonier then if h; that coveretJ} it, proffer not , Prov. 28.13. If we^ befo tender of eurfelves , and fo The Preface. loath to confefs, Ged mil be the lefs tender of us , an^L he TviH indite our ConfeJJiomfor pis. He rcill either force our Confciences to confejfion , or hii Judgements pjall pro- claim our iniquities to the jvorld. Know we not how ma- ny malicious adverfaries are day and night at work^ againft us f Sorrie openly revile ^^f, andfome in f caret u"c Uying the defigns, and contriving that which others execute, and are in expeBation of a fuller Ji-roak^ at /^, which mayfiibvcrt m at once, what is it but our fins that is the ^rength of all the fe enemies ? Is not this evil from the ordering of the Lord ? Till wc are reconciled unto him we are never fa fe : He will never want a rod tofcourge m^s by. The tongues of Qr^kers, and Papifts, and many other forts, are all at worhjo proclaim our fins, becapife we will not co?ifcfs them onrf elves : Becaafe we willnot fpeah^ the trpith, they willfpcak^ much more then the truth, Ter if we had man only to plead our caufe I withyperhapswemighrdo'mpich to make it good : but while God accufeth pps, how fh all we be jufiified ? anJi who/ball hide our fns, when he will have them brought to light ? And God is our Accufer , till we accufe our felves : but if we would Judge our felves, he would not Judge pps. 8 . The fire is already kindled which reveal- eth our fn : Judgement is bcgpin at the houfc of God, Hath the Aiiniftry fuffered nothing in England , Scot- land, and Ireland ? and have there been no attempts for t'heir overthrow ? Hath it not been put to the Vote in an Ajfembly that fome called A Parliament of England ,i Tphether the whole frarr^e of the flab lijhed Afinifiry, and\ its legal maintenance fhould be taken down ? and were ■we not put to plead our Title to that maintenance , as if\ ree had been jallinginto the hands of Turks ., that had thirftcd for our fubverfion , as refolved enemies to the^ Chrijiian The Preface. Chriflian caufe ? AnX -who hnoras not how many of thefe men are yet alive f and hovf high the fame fpirit jet is, and buftly contriving the accompiijhment of the fame deftgn ? Shall we thinly that they have ceafed their enterp-rife, becanfe they are working r/iore fubtilly in the dark^? Whatarethe /warms of Mailers at the A^flni^ ftry,fent abroad the Land for, bi4t to delude , exafptrare and dif-ajfetl the peeple, and turn the hearts of the chil- dren from their Fathers, that they may be ready to pro- mote the main defign ? And is it not then our wifeft courfe to fee that God be our friend, and to do that which tendeth mofl to engage him in our defence ? 1 thinkjt is no time now tofiandupon our credit , fo far as to negleB our duty, and befriend our fins, andfo provoke the Lord again jl hs. It rai'her befcems its to fall down gt the feet of our vff ended Lord, and to juflifie him in his fudge- ments, and freely and penitently to confefs our tranfgref- fons, and to re five upon afpeedy and through reforma- tion, before wrath breaks out upon us , which will leave as no remedy. Its time to make up all breaches between tis and Heaven , when weftand infuch neceffity of the Divine F rote [I ion ? For how can an impenitent unre- formed people expeEl to bejheltered by Holinefs it felf f It is a fiubborn child, that undtr the rod will refufe to confefs his faults-^ When it is not the leaf ufe of the rod to extort confeffion. We feel much : we fear more -.^ and all's for fin: and yet are we fo hardly drawn tp a Con-*, feffion? 9. The world already k^ows thatwe^re^in- ners .- As none canfuppofe its perfeU:,fo our particular fins are too apparent to the world : And '^ if not meet then that they Jhould fee that we are Penitent ftnners ? It IS fure a greater credit to tis to be Fenitent fmners , then impenitent ftnners : and one of the two we Jhall be A 4 T9hil$ The Preface. while we are ^n earth. Certainlj a^ Ej^^zntance n necef- Cars to the recovery of our Peace with God , fo ystt alfi to the refaration of oftr credit with wife and^odtj men: It is befriending and excufing our fin that i4 oiyr fhAtne indeed, and leadeth towards everlafling P^arn; •, rohich the Jhame of ' Penitent confef/ionwoM prevent. 10. Our Penitent Confeffion and fpeedy Reformation Are the means iloAt mufi-Jtlence the reproaching advert farlcs. He i^- impudently inhumane that will reproach men with their fins , that hc)(vail them and penitently charge them upon themfelves. Suth men have a promife 4if pardon from God -^ and Jljall men take U^ hy the throat when Godforgiveth m ? Who dare condemn m, when God /hall jufiifie m f Who [hallLiyihatto our charge, whtch Gcd hath declared that he will not charge t4^ with ?%Vhenfm ps truly Repented of by Gofpel in- dulgenccit ceafeth tobe ours. What ready er way then € an we imagine to free Pi^ from the Jhame 0} it, then to 'fhame our f elves for it in Penitent Confeffions , and to breaks off from it hj fpeedji reformation ? II. Tht Leaders of the Flocks mufi be exemplary to the refl ^ And therefore in this duty as well as in any other. It U not cur part only to teach them Repentance, hut to go be- fore theniin the exercife of it ourfelves : As far as we excelltheniin Knowledge and other Gifts, fo far/bould we alfd excel! them in this and other Graces, 1 2. Too many that have fet their hand to this facred work^ dofo cbfiinately froceed in Self-fi eking. Negligence, Pride, Divtfibn, and other fins, that it is become our necejfary Auty to admonijh them. If we could fee thatfuch would reform without reproof, we could gladly forbear the fuhlipjing of their faults. But when reproofs them- felves do prove f& unejfetlual, that they are more offend^ ed at the reproof then at the f ft, and had rather that we filQfild The Preface. fiouldccdfe reprovingjthen themfelvesjhould ceafe fin- ningy tthinkjt ii time tojhar^en the remedy. For what elfe Jboilld'tve do ? To give uf our Brethren as uncure- able were cruelty, m long cu there are farther means to be ufed. We mufl not hate them, but plainly rebnke tbem, and not fuffer ftn upon them. Lev. 19. 17. And to bear with the vices of the Miniflers , is to promote the rtiine of the Church. For vhat fpeedyer way a there for the depraving and undoing of the people, then the prsvity of their Guides ? And how can we more cjfcElH- ally further a Reformation, ( which we are fo miich ob- liged to do ) then by endeavouring the Reforming of the Leaders of the Church f Surely Brethren, tf it be our duty to endeavour to cafi out thofe Miniflers that are Negligent, Scandalo 14^ and Vnfit for thewori^, and if we thinks this fo necejfary to the reformation of the Church ( as m doubt it is ) it muft needs be our Duty to endeavour to heal the fins of others •, and to ufe a much gentler remedy to them that are guilty of a lefs degree of fin : If other mens fin deferveth an efeclion, fure ours deferve and require plain reproof For my part 1 have done as I would be done bj : and it is for God and the fafetj of the Church , and in tender Love to the Bre- thren whom J do adventure to reprehend -^ Not ( 04 * others ) to make them contemptible and odidus , but to heal the evils that would make themfo : Thatfo no ene- my may find thu matter of reproach among ^. But efpecially becaufe our faithful endeavours are of fo great necefftty to the welfare of the Church andthefavingof mens fouls, that it will not confift with a love to either ( in a predominant fort ) to be negligent cur /elves , or ft tent ly to connive at, and comply with the negligent. If tlooufands of you were in a leaking jhipy^nd thofe that /kuld The Preface. JhotiLi pump oat fhe water and flop the leaks , JhouU be (porting or ajleepy yea or but favow thcmfelves in their labours, to the hazarding of you all , ivou/d you not awake them to their work^ and call out on them to labour its for your lives f and if you ufed fome Jharp-nefs and importunity with the floathful^wonldpu thinkjhat man were well m his wits that would take it ill of you , and accufeyou of pride, felf-mnceitednefs, or unmannerly- n?fs, to pre fume to t alk^fo fawcily to your fellow work^ men ? orjhould tell you that you wrong them by diminijh- ing thsir reputation ? Would yo^ not fay , The work muil; be done,or we are all dead men : is the (hip rea- dy to fink, and do you talk of Reputation ? or had you rather hazard your felf and us, then hear of your fioathfulnefs.^'7'^/k/io/jr cafe. Brethren I The work^of God mpifi needs be do-ne I fouls mufi not perifh while you mind your worldly bufimfs, or obferve the ride and times, and take your eafe, or quarrel with your Bre- thren ! nor muft we be [i lent while nicn are ha/lenedby you to perdition, and the Church to greater danger and confufionffor fear offeeming too uncivil and unmanner- ly with you, or di(j) leafing your impatient fouls I Would you be but jh impatient with your fins as with reproofs , you fljjuld hear no more from us , bpit we fhould be alb agreed ! But neither God nor good men will let you alone infuchfins. Tet if you had betaken your felves to ano- ther calling, and would fin to your fives only, and would periflj alone; we jhould not havefo much nece fifty of mo- le fiingjou, oi now we have : But if you will enter into the office, which is for the necejfary prefervation of m all, fathat by Icttlngyou alo'ne in your fin,we mufi give up the Church to apparent lofs and hazard •, blame m not if ws talk^to you more freely then you would have us do. The Preface. do. If J our own My befick^, andjou will dejplfe the re^ mtdy, or if your own honfe be on fire, and yon wiUbefmg^ ing or quurrelling in theftreetsjcan fojjibly bear it^and htyoii alone (which jet in charity Ifljouldnbt easily do.) But if yon will undertake to be the Phyfttian of an Hof- pital, or to all the Town that ts infeEiedtvith the plague^ or will undertake to quench all the fires that Jhallbe kindled in the Town, there is no bearing^ithyour remif- nefs, how mnch foeverit may dijpleafeyou : Take it how you willy you mufl be told of n : and if that will nctferve, you mufl be yet clofelyer fold of it .' and if that will notftrve, if you be rejeiied as well as refreioendcd , yoH muft thank^yourfelves. I fpeak^all this to none but the guilty : Andthu^ Ihave givm you thofe Reafons which forced me even in plain Englifi to publi/bfo much of the fins of the Alinifiry as in the following Trcatife I have done. And Ifuppofe the more penitent and hum- ble any are, and the more defirons of the truefi Reformat tion of the Church, the more eafily and fully will they approve fuch free confejfions and reprehenfions. ' I ' H E fecond fort of obje^ions againfi this free. ■^ Confeffion of fin, lexpeti to hear from the fever aL parties whofe fins are here confe^ed. Afofi of them can be willing that others be blamed, fo they might bejufti- fied thernfelves. lean truly fay, that what I have here Jpoken hath been as impartially as I could, andnot as x party, nor as fiding with any, but as owning the com- mon Chriftian caufe, and as fomewhat fenftble of the apparent wrongs that have been ojfered to common truth and godlinefs,and the hinder anees ef mens falvation, and fi\z^ Prctacc. •/ thehappinefs of the Church. But I find it imfo/f/hig to avoid the offending of guilty men. For there is no way 9f avoiding it, b'M by onrfdence, or their ^atie>Ke: And fiient we cannot be, bscaufe of Gods contmandf : and Patient they cannot be, bcca^tfe of their gttUt and par- tiality, and the inter efl that their fin hath got in their affections : I jliU except thofe humble men, that are Tviiiing to know the worjl of themfelves, and love the hght.that thtir deeds may be made mamfcfi , and long to know their fins that they mayforfake them , and their Amy that they may perform it. Some its like roill be offended mthm;, th At I blame themfo much for the negleH: of that DtfcipUne , which they have dilputed fur fo long. But what remedy ? If BifcipUne were not of God , or if it were unnecejfary to the Church , or if it were enough to difputefor duty , while w: deliberately refufe to perform it , then would L have given thefe Brethren no offence. Some its like wtll he offended that I m?nnon with dif- dHowance the Separ.ttlfis or Anabaprifls, at I under- fiand fome are offended mnch that I fo mentioned them in an Epifile before the Quakers Catechifm , as if they 9pemd the door to the Apoflacy of thefe times •, and they fay that by this it appeareth that while I pretend fo much Zeal for the Vnity of the Church, ! intend and endea- vour the contrary. To which I anfwer : I. Is it indeed ^fign that a man loveth not the Vnity of the Saint Sy becaufe he loveth not their dif-union and diviflon ? Who can efcape the cenfure of fuch men, but he that can unite the Saints by dividing them ? Z. I never in- tended in urging the Peace and Vnity t)f the Saints , to approve of any thing which I judged to be a ftn , nor to tje my own tongue or other mens from fe^fonable contrs- diEiinjf I The Preface. diBingit. Is there no vpiny to peace yuthy furticipatin Sed quid erit, ubi nee pater, nee hlius, j|| mail genitoris exemplo privatus, confpicitur caftus ? JSi quis autem domui lua? prxefT; nefcit, quomodo JEcclcrixDridiligentiam adhibebit? Hnec fa nt verba 11 (a) qu3r The Preface. quar indnbitacis atfedibus approbancur. Diaconos fi- m liter pudicos, non bilingues, non vino mulco dedi- to$,noa curpe luct-uni fedancesjiabence^ minittci-ium fidei, inconfcieiKiapura. Hi au tern probencurpn- mum, & lie miiiiiben: nullum crimen habences. His nimirum horrefcensdiu immorari,unum veridicc pof- fuiii uicei-e. C^j^inlixc omnia in cona-ai'ios adusmu- tantur, ica uc clerici quod non ablq- dolore cordis fa- teor, impLidici, bilingues, cbrii, turpis lucri cupidi , habences lide.n, & uc vei"iusdicam, inKdclicacem, in conrciencia imput a, non probaci in bono, led in male px^aefcici miniftrances, & innumei-a crimina habences, facro minifterio adfciilancur. AudiRis eciam illo die , quo mulco dignius, mulcoque rcdius erac, uc ad car- cci'em vel cacallam p.jcnalcm quani ad iacerdocium traheremini domino icicance, (pern fe efTe putarunc difcipuli , Pctrum rcfpondifTe. Tu esChri'lus fllius Dei, eiq.^ dominum pro cali confeilioac, dixifle. Bea- tus es Suiion Bar jona, quia caro & languid non reve- lavic tibi, fed pate' mens, qui in cctlis elr. Ergo Pe- trus a Deo Patre doclus red:c ChriRum conricetur. Vos aucem moniti a pure ve-lro Diibolo inique, fal- vatorem malis adibus denegicis. Vero laccrdoti di- cicur : tu es Petrus, & luper banc pecram, acdificabo cccleflam meam. Vos quiJcm airniiilamini viro llulco, qui afdiiicavit domum fuam, iuper arenam. Nocan- dum vero e!}, quod mlipientibus in aediiicanda domo, arenarum pendulae mobilicati Dominus non coopera- tur,fecundum illud.Fccerunc iibi rcges,& non per me. Itidemq-, quod fequicur eadem fonac dicendo. Et portaelnferi non pra'valebunt,e)urq',peccaca intelli- guncur. De veftra quidem exiciabili tadura pronun- ciancur. Veneirunc flumina, flaverunc venti, & im- pe^erunc The Preface* pegerunt in domum illam, & cccidit^ & fiiit ruina ejus magna. Petro ejufque fuccefforibus dicic Domi- nus, & tibi dabo claves regni ccelorum. Vobis vci'o ^ Non novi vos, difcedite a me, operarii iniquicatis , lit feparaci finiftrx partis hoedicacis in ignem ster- num. Itemq- omni fando facerdoti promittitur. Et quxcunqiie illveris fuper terram, erunt foluta&in ccelis,& qucecunq:^ligaveris fuper terram,erunt ligata & in ccelis.Sed quomodo vos aliquid folvctis, ut fitfo- lutam,& in ccelis^a coelo ob fcelera adempti,& imma- nium peccatorum funibus compediti ?Ut Solomon quoque ait, funiculis peccatorum fuorum unufquifq^ conitringitur. Qua ratione aliquid in terra ligabitis , quod fupra mundum etiam ligetur, propter vofmet- pfo.^ qu i ita ligati iniquitatibus, in hoc mundo tene- mini, ut in coelis nequaquam arcendatis,red in infaufta tartari ergall:ula non converfi in hac vita ad domi- num , decedatis. Nee nbi guifquam facerdotum de corporis mundi folum confcientia fupplaudat, cum eorum quibus praeeft, ll propter ejus imperitiam, feu defidiam, feu adulationem, perierint, in die judicii de e jufdem i lanibus veluti interfedoris animx exquiran- tur Quia nee dulcior mors, quam quse infertur ab unoquoq- homineq-, malo , alioquin non dixiflec Apollolus velut paternum legatum fuis fucceflbribus derelinquens. Mundus ego fum ab omnium fanguine, non enim fubterfugi, quo minus annuntiarem vobis omne minifterium Dei. Multum namq-, ufu ac fre- tjueutia peccatorum inebriati , & inceffancer irru- entibus vobis fcelerum cumulatorum,acli undis quaf- fati , unam veluti poft naufragium , in qua ad vivo- rum terram evadatis, poenitentiae tabulam toto ani- mss nifu exquinte, uc avertatur furor Domini a vo^ (a 2) bis. The Preface. bis, mifericorditer dicentis, nolo mortem peccatoris , fed lit convertatur & vivat. Ipfe omnipotens Deus totiu.s confolationis & mifei'icordix: pauciiiimos bo- nos pailores conlervet ab omni mr^Jo, & municipes fciciat ciWtatis Hierufalem codettis, hoc ell landorum omnium congregationis,Pater & 1- ilius ^fpiritus fan- dus, cui ,lit honor & gloria in fecula leculorum. Amen. Jf the Englip} trM-4flation of this booh^ ( for tranfla- ted it islon^ ago ) do fall into the hands of the vulgar, th'j will fee what language the Brittiflj Clergy received from ofie that wan neither a cenfurioits railer, nvr fchif' magically fclf-opmionated. Perhaps fime will fay, that the waiter is not much amended, when in former times we were almofl all of a mind , and now we have fo many Religions, that we know not well whether we have anj at all. Anfw. 1. Every different opinion is not another Religion. 2. This u the common Popiflj argument again fl Re for ^ mation , as if it were better that men believed nothing fide divira, then enrfuire after truth , for fear of mif- belief: And as if they woi^ld have all ungodly , that th:y might be all of a mind. lamfure that the mofi of the people /« England where ever I came, did maize Re- ligion, and the reading of Scripture, or (peaking of the way to heaven, the matter of their bitter fcorn and re- proach. And would yoH have us all oj that mind a(rain,for fear of differences ! A charitable wijh I i. If others run into the other extream, will that be any excufe to you ? Chrifls Church hath alwaies fuf- fered between profane Unbelievers , and Heretical di- viders, as hefujfered himfelf on the Crofs between, two thnves. And will the fin of one excnfe the other. f 4- Anl The Preface. 4. ildas, nor to the San^ity of Salvian [as to the degree : ) but by their nam.es I offer you an ex^ cufe for plain dealing. If it was n fed in a much grea^ ter meajjtre, by menfo wife and holy as thefe, why Jljould it in a lower meafure be dif-allowed in another ? At haft from hence I have this encouragement, thai the f Jain dealing of GiidasW Salvian being fomfich ap- proved The Preface. f roved hy us now they are dead, how much fcever they n:ight be defpifed or hated while thi^y were living, hy them whom thej did reprove, at the worft Imay txpeti fume ftich fpicccfs in times to come. But my principal btifinefs is yet behind. Imufinow take the boldnefs, Brethren, to become jour Alonltor coyjcerning fome of the riecejfary duties, of which I have fpoken in the enf'piing difcourfe : If anyof jou (hould charge me with arrogancy or immodefly, for this at- tempt, as if hereby I accufed you of negligence , or judged my felf fufjicient to admonijh you •, I crave your candid interpretation of my boldnefs, affurin^ you that J obey not the counfel of my flejh herein, but difp leaf e my felf as much as fome of you •, and had rather have the eafe and peace of file nee, if it would fl and with du- ty and the Churches good. But it is the meer neceffity of the fouls of men, and mj defire of their falvation, ayid the profperity of the Church, which forceth me to this Arrogancy and Immodefty, if fo it muft be called. For who that hath a tongue can be ftlent, when it is for the honour of God, the welfare of his Church, and the everlafting happinefs of fo many perfons ? I . And the firfi and main matter which T have to propound to you, is, jvhether it be not the un^ueflionable duty of the generality of Afiniftersin thefe three Na- tions, to fet themfelves prefently to the work^ of Gate- chiding , and Perfo'nal Inftrufiing all that are to be taught by them, who will be perfwadedto fubmit there- unto f I need not here ftand to prove it, having fuffici^ entlj done it in the following difcourfe. Can you ththJ^ that holy wifdom will gain- fay it ? will ^ealfor God, will delight in his fervice, or love to the fouls of men gain-fay it ? i . Th^t people muft be taught the Prin^ (2i^) cipU% The Preface. ciples of Religion, And matters of great efi necejfitj t9 falvAtion , is pafi douht amonff ur. 2. jinJithdt tkey ntufi be tatight it in the mojt edifjinga-iviinTugiOHs way , 1 hope we are agreed ? 3 . And th.it perfunal Conference, and Examination , and Infiruflion , hath many excellent advantages for their good, is bejond dif- pute, and afterward muni fe (led. 4. As alfo that per- final Inflraciion is commended to hs by Scripture , and the praBices of the fervants of Chrift , and uppruved by the ^odly of all ages, fo far as Icanfindwnhoht eontradiclion, 5. It is pafi doubt that we Jhofi/dper^ form this great diid exhorted every man, and that both pub likely and from hotife to houfe, night and day with tears. The ner cecity and benefits afterward mentioned prove it to be joHrduty. But what need we add mjr:,when experience fpeakj The Preface. /peaks fo loud ? I Am daily forced to admire yhuw U^ mentably ignorant many of our people are, that havt feemed ^li^ent hearers of me this ten or twelve years , while I fpckeaspLuNlyas 1 was able to ffeak^ I Some know not that each perfon in the Trinity ts God ^ Nor that Chrift is God and man •, Nor that he tool^his hu^ mane nature into heaven ^ Nor many the like neceffa- ry principles of our faith. Tea fame that come con-' flantlj to private meetings are fot:nd grofly ignorant : H'hereas in one hours familiar infir/^ftion of them it private J they feem to under ft and more, and better enters tain it, then the) did in all their lives before. Obj. But what obligation lyeth on us to tje our felves to certain daies for the performance of this workj Anfw. This is like the Libertines pleamainft fami- ly prayer* They ask^y where are we^und to pray morning and evening ? Doth not the nature and end, of the duty plainly tell you that an appointed time co'rt- duceth to the orderly fuccefsful performance of it .? How can people tell when to come if the time he not made known ? Tou will have a fixed day for a LeEiure, be- CAufe people cannot elfe tell when to come without a par- ticular notice for each day : And it is as necejfary here, becaufe this muft be a conftant duty , as well as that, Obj. But we have many other iuftnefes that fome- times may interrupt the courfe, Anfw. M^eightyer buftnefs may put by our preach- ing, even on the Lords day ^ but we muft not therefore rcglecl our conftant obfervance ordinarily of that day : And fo it is here. If you have fo much greater buft- nefs, that you cannot ordinarily have time to do the Minifterid work^, you [bould not undertake the office : For Tl^ Preface. For Minifters are men fepanitcd to the Gofpel of Clii"iil:, and mnft give themfelves wholly to thcfe things. Obj. All the Parlfh are not the Church, nor do I take the Paftoral charge of them, and therefore I am not fatisfied that I am bound to take this fains with them. Anfw. J yvillfafs by the queftion, Whether all the Parijlj be to he taken for your Church : becaufe in fome f laces it is foy and in others not. But Ift the >fegative befuppofed : Tet 1 .The common maintenance which mojl receive, is for Teaching the whole Parijh, though ■you be not obliged to take them all fur a Church. 2. What need we look^for afironger obligation, then the common bonl^at lyeth on all Chriflians, to further the work^ of mens falvation, and the good of the Church, and the honour of God, to the utmofi of their power : together with the common bond that is on all Adinijlers, to further the fe ends by Miniflerial teaching to the utmofi of their power ? Is it a work^fo good, and ap- parently conducing to fo great bencfts to the fouls of imn, and ytt can you perceive mobilisation to the doin^ of tt ? Obj. But why may not occafional Conference and In- f^ruclions ferve the turn ? Anfw. / partly kjiow what occafional conferences are compared to this duty, having trjed both. Will it fatisfie you to deal with one perfon of 20. or 40. or an hundred, and to pafs by all the refl ? Occafional con- ftrencesfall out feldom, and but with few ^ and (which is worfl of all ) arefeldom managed fo throughly , as thefe mufl be. When I fpeak^ to a*man that cometh ts me purpofely on that bufinefs , he wUl better give me leav$ The Preface. leave to examine him, and deal clofely with him , then when it falls in on the bj : And mofl occafional con- ferences fallout before others, whers plain dealing will not be taken fo well. But fo my.ch is fuid afterward to the fe and fever al other ObjeBions, that I fhall add no more. I do now in the behalf of Chrift, and for the fake of hjs Church, and the immortal fouls of men , befeerh all the faithf^'l Mini flers of Chrift, that they will pre- fently and cffcrtually fall upon this work^ Combine for an unanimous performance of it, that it may more eaft- ly procure the fubmiffion of your people. But if there fiotild be found any fo blind or vile as to oppofe it, or dijfent, God forbid that other Aiiniflers fljould bccaufe cf that forbear their duties. I am far from prefumino- to prefcribe yon Rjiles or Forms, orfo much as || mo- tion to you to tread in our fieps, in any circumfiances where a difference is tolerable, or to ufe the fame Cate- chifm or Exhortation as we do : Only fall pre fently andclufelytothework^. If there Jhould be any of fo proud or malicious a mind, as to withdraw from fo great a duty, becaufe they would not feem to be our fol- lowers, or drawn to it by us, when as they would have approved it, if it had ri fen from themf elves ^ / advife fuch , as they love their everlajling peace, to make out to Ch rift for a cure of fuch cankered minds -^ and let them ki^iow that this duty hath its rife neither from them nor us, but from the Lord ^ and is generally ap- proved by his Church : And for my part, let them, and, Jpare not, tread me in the dirt, and let fne be as vile in their eyes as they pleafe,fo they will but harken to God and reafon, and fall upon the work^, that our hopes of a more common falvation ofmen^and of a tr fie Reformat The Preface. tioH of the Church mujf be revived. I mnfl confefs 1 findbj/fomeejdperience that this is the wori^ that mtifi Reform indeed ^ that mufl expell our common prevail- ing ignorance ^ that mnft how the ft Morn hearts of men ^ that muft anfvoer their vain ob]en:ions ^ and take off their prejudice •, that muft reconcile their hearts to faithful Minifters ^ and help on the fuccefs of our pub like preaching ^ and muft make true godlinefs^ co7nmoner thing , through the Grace of God, which worketh by means. I find that wc never took^the right- eft courfe to demoli/h the Kingdom of Dark»efs till mw. I d'j admire at my felf how I was kept off from fo clear and excellent a duty fo long. But I doubt not but other mens cafe is as mine was. I was long cvnvin^ cedof it, but my apprehenftons of the difficulties were toogrtut,and\mj apprehenftons of the duty toofmall.and fo J was hindred long from the performance. I thought that the people would but have fcorned it, and none but Off ew that had leafl need would have fubmitted to it : and the thing feemed ftrange : and I ftayed till the peo- ple were better prepared-^ and I thought my ft rength would never go through with it, having fo great bur- dens on me before : and thus I was long detained in de- layes , whljh 1 befeech the Lord of mercy to forgive. Whereas upon tryal , / find the difficulties almoft no- thing ( fave only through my extraordinary bodily weaknefs ) to that which I imagined •, and I find the benefits and comforts of the work^to be fuch , as that I frofefs 1 would not wijh that I had for born it , for all the Riches in the world ( as for my felf ) fVe fpend Mun- d^y andJuM^Ly from morning to almoft night in the work^ • ( befid;s a Chappelrie catcchiz,cd by another ^Jpftmt ) taking aboutii $ . or 1 6. families inaweek^, (that The Preface. ( that we may go through the Pari/h ( which hath /ihove Soo. families) in a year : ) and I cannot fay yet that one familj hath refufedto come to me, nor hut few frrfons excufed andjhifted it »jf. And I find more outward figns of fuccep with moft that come, then efall my pihlike preaching to them. If you fay y It is notfo in mojl p/Aces : I anfwer, I . / wiflj that be not much longofoyrrfelves. 2. If fomerefufe your help, that will not excufeyon for not affording it to them that would ac- cept it. If you ask me, what courfe I take for order and expedition ^ / have after told you : In a word •, at the delivery ef the Catechifms , / take a Catalogue of all the perfons of under (landing in the Parijh • and the Clark^goeth a week^ before to every family to tell them when to come., and at what hour { one family at S. a Clocks, the next at 9. and the next at ten, &cc. ) And I am forced by the number to deal with a whole family at once •, but admit not any of another to be prefent ( ordi- narily. ) Brethren, do I now invite you to this work^, without Ziod, without the confent of all antiquity , without the confent of the Reformed Divines^ or without the convi- [lion of -jour own confciences ? See what our late Ajfem- ^lyfp^ak, occaftonally, in the Dire^ory, about the viftta- tion of the fick^. It is the duty of the Minifter not on- ly to teach the people committed to his charge in publike,but Privately and Particularly to admoniih, exhort, reprove and comfort them upon all feafon- able occafions, fo far as his time, ftrength, and perfo- nal faiety will permit. He is to admonifh them in time of health to prepare for death : And for that purpofe , they are often to confer with their Mini- iler about the eftate of their fouls, &c. Read thit (r The Preface comfort to be had for a dep^irtm^ foul in the reviews of ftich nei^icfieddutj/,as there is to them that have tvholly devoted themfelves to thefcrvice of the Lord. I amfure mj arguments for this duty will appear Jhongejl at the lafij whatever they do now. And again I fay, I hope the time is even at hand when it/hail be asgr^at a pjame to a Minifier to neglcEi the private Infirufting and 0ver fight of the Flock^, as it hath beentobe afeldoni Preacher ^ for which men are now jufily fecjue fired and ejected • And if God have not fo great a quarrel with Hs as tendeth to a removal of the Gofpel , or at leafl to the blafilng of its prolperity and fucccfs in the dc fired reformation , / am confident that this willpjortly be. And if thefe la^y worldly hypocrites were but quicken- ed to their duty by a Seque firing Committee, joufhould fee them flir more z^ealoufiy then all arguments fetcht from God and Scripture, from the Reward or Punifh- tnent , or from the Necejjity and Benefits of the work^ can perfwade them to do. For even now thefe wretched men , while they pretend themfelves thefervants of Chrift, and are ashing, What Authority we have for hiswork^ ? and if 7ve could but fljew them a command from the Lord ProteElor or Council, it would anfwer all their fcruples, and put the bufinefs beyond dijpute, as if they had a defign to confirm the accufitinn of the Pa- piftf , that their Minifiry only is Divine, and ours de- fendeth on the will of men. Well I for thofe godly zea- hus Minifier s ofChrifi, that labour in fincerity , and denying their worldly interefi and eafe, do wholly devote themfelves to God, I am confident there needs not much Jferfwafion. There is fomewhat within that will prefent- ly carry them to t'e work. : And for the refi, let therp^ cenfure thn warning as fubtilly as they can, they fiaH n9t The Preface. mt hMr/- It from nftng up againjl tlem in j^idrc- ment , unlefs it be by true Repent. oics arJ. Ilcfariv;.i- tUn. And let me [J'caI^ ow word of this to jot;, that are my dear fellow-Ld'enrers in thii County, who have eng^igcd yotir'felves to be faithful in tins work. It is your henoy.r to leadinlAcredRefolntions ii?id Agreements : b;:t if pu/bouldany of yen be unfaithful in the performance , it will be your double difljomur. Rev icv; your fubfcribcd Agreement, and fee that you perform it with diligence and conftancy. You have begun a happy work^ : fuch as Trill do more to the welfare vj the Church then many that the world doth mak^ a greater fiir about. God forbid now, that imvry^dence or negli<^ence fljonld frufirate all. For the (renerality of you, 1 do net rryixhfear it, having fo much experience of your fidelity in the ether parts of jour office . And if there fljould be any found among you, that will fhkffe over the work^. and deal unfaithfully in this and other parts of your cffce,JtakeitfornojuJl caufeof reprach to us that we accept of your fubfcri- pticn, wheny-UffertOjoyntvithHrS. J- or Catechi^'ng is a worli^ net proper only to a Alinifler •, and we cannot forbid any to engage tin mfe Ives to their unquefticnablc duty : But in our ylfjociation for Difapline we mafl he fomewhat more fcrupulous, with whom we jojn. I earneplj befcech jou all m the nam: of God, and for the fake of your peoples fouls , that yon will not (ligl^t/y flubbrr over thi^s work^ -^ but do it vigoroufly and with all your migh:, and make it your great andferious bufi- nefs : Much judgement is recjuired for the managing of it. Study therefore how to do it beforehand , as yon (ijidy fur your Sermons. J remember how earnefi I was with feme of the lafi Parliament, to haz>s had them- ( b ) fettU The Preface. fit tie Catcchifis in otsr Ajfemhlies •, But trtdj 1 am notforrj that it tool^ netc^cH ( milefs for a few of the larger Congregations. ) For Iferceive that all the life of the work^ tmder God; doth lie in the pr/ident cjfefiual managemerii -^ in fearching mens hea-ts , anJ fetting home the faving truths : and the ahleji MiniPer is vpeakjnofigh for this, and few of inferiour place or parts would he fotrnd competent : for I fear nothing Tnore, then that many Miniflcrs that preach well, will hef^und too unmeet for this work^ ^ efpeciallj to manage it with eld, ignorant, dead-hearted finners : And indeed if the 'Ali.'ijlers he not reverenced hj the people, they will rather (light them and conteft with them , then humblj learn 'andf-f'^bmit : how much more would thej do fo hy infe- riour men ? Seeing then the work^ts caft^upon Uf , and it 16 we that mt-'ft do it or clfe it -/m-'fl be undone, let us be up and doing with all our might, and the Lord will be with tis. I can tell you one thing for your encouragement •, It is a work^ that the enemies of the Church and JUiniflry do exceedingly vex at, and hate andfea.r more then any thing that yet we have undertaken, I perceive the figns of the Pi^pifis indignation again ji it. And me thinkj it\ hath the 'mofi notable charatier of a worh^ extraordina- rily and unqjiefiionably good : For they ftorm at it, and yet have nothing to fay againfl it. They cannot blame it, and yet they hate and fear it, and would fain undermine it^ij they knew how. Tou know how many falfe rumour i have heenjpread abroad thu Country to deter the peopL from it : aj that the Lord Prot. cior and Council wen againfl it : That the fubfcribers were to be ejefled That the Agreement was to be publikely burnt , &C And when we have fearcht after the authors, we ca^ drive it no higher then the fakers, the Papijis Emij^ fariss The Preface. farics ^ from whom ive may eafily k^oiv their minds. And yet -(i-hen d Papiftfpetiks openly as a Papifi , fome of them have faid , that it is agoodivcrk^^ but that it wants apnhority^ and is done by thofe that are not cal- led to it : Forfooth, hecas^fc we-have not the Authority of their Pope or Prelates : And fome that Jhopdd be imre fober have ujed the fame language : as if they would rMher have thoufands and millions of fouls ncg- leBedy then have them fo much as Catechized and In^ firucied, without Commijfionfram a Prelate. Tea and fome that differ from us about Infant Baptifm, I under- fland^repnc at it •, and fay that we will hereby infnuate our fe Ives tnto the people, and hinder them from the re- ceiving of the trmlo. A fad cafe that any thatfeem to have the fear of God, fhould have fo true a CharaTier of a partial , dividing, and fiding mind^ as to grudge at the propagation of Chrifliamty itfelf, and the common truths which we are all agreed in, for fear leafi it fhould hinder the propagation of their opinions. The common caufe of Chrifiidnity , mp{ft give place to the caufe of thefe lower controverted points : and they grudge us our very labour and f offering for the common work^, though there be nothing in it which mcdleth with them, or which they are able whh any /hew of reafon to gain- fay. I befeech you Brethren let all this, and the many motives that I have after given you, perfwade ycu to the greater diligence herein I Whenyou are f peaking to your people •, do it with the greatefi prudence and feriouf- nefs, and be as ear nefi with them M for life or death ^ and follow it as clofe as you doycnr publike exhortations in the Pulpit. J profcfs again, it is to me the mofi com- fortable work^, except pablik? preaching (for there 1 ffsnkjo more ^thot^.gh yet with lefs advantage to each (bz) ^ne) The Preface. cne ) that ever I yet Mdfet mj hand to : Ami I doubt ttit hnt yoH mil find itfotojofi,tfjo:i fai thfu I Ij/ per- form it. 2. \M T fecondrecjHcftto the Reverend Minifters xVX in thefe Nations is, that at I aft they would rpithout any TTJore d( Uj , unammoufly fet themfelves to the praRice of thofe parts of Chriftian Difcip line, which are P!nytrfli.>nably neccjfary , and part of their worl^ It IS a fad cafe that gcodmen under fo much liberty , Jhould fettle themfelves fo long in the conftant neglect of fo ^reat a dfity. The common cry is, QOur people be not ready for it : they will not bear it- ] But is not the meaning, that you will not bear the trouble and hatred which It will occafton ? If indeed you proclaim our Churches uncapable of the Order andCjovernment of Chnft, What do you hut give up the caufe to them that withdraw from them ? and encourage men to look-out for better foe ieties where that Difcipline may be had ? for though preaching and Sacraments may he omitted \ infome cafes, till a fitter fcafon, and accordingly Jo may Difcipline be ^ yet it u a hard cafe to fettle in a conftant negleH,for fo many years together m we have done, un- lefs there were a flat impojj/hility of the work^ : And if it werefoy becaufe of our uncapable materials, it would plainly call us to alter eur conftitution, that the matter may be capable. Ihavefpokc plainly afterward te yon of this , which I hope yon will bear, Andconfcionably confiderof. I now only befeech you that "would make a comfgrtable Mcamt tQthi chief Shef herd y and wotiU\ m The Preface. 'not hsfonnd unfaithful in the houfe of God, that you do not wilfully cr negligently delay it, as if it were a need^ lefs thing •, norJhrink^notfnM duty bccaufe of troy.hU to the ftejh that do.h attend it : For as that s too fad a fign of hypocrijte •, fo the co ft lye ft d:ities an afually the mofi comfortable -^ andbeftire that Chrifi null bear tl.ecofl. IcokLlherep'odMcea heaf of teflimvmes , of F athers and Reformed Divines , that charge thi^ d:ay irirh great imforttinity. 1 flj all only mv:> give you the 7vcrds of two of the mofi godly, laborious , judicious Di- vines that moft ever the Church of Chrifi had f nee the daics of the Apoflles. Calvin. Injiitut. li:^-cap. 12. fe^. 1,2. Sed quia nonnulli in odium Difciplinx ab ipfo quoq- nomine abhorrent, hi lie habeanc : Si nulla fccietas, imo nulla domusqux velmodicam familiam habeac, concineri in redo ll:atu line difciplina potell : Earn elTe mulco magis neccflariaci in Ecclefia , cujus flacum quam ordinatillimumefle decet. Proinde quemadmodum falvifica Chrilti dodrina animaell Eccleuae , ita illic difciplina pro nerviseR, qua fit ut membra corporis fuo quacq:^ loco inter fecohareant. Quamobrem quicunq-, vel fublatam difciplinam cupiunt , vel ejus impediunt reftitutionem, five hoc faciant data opera, five per incogitantiam, Eccleilcf certe extremam dif- fipationem quxrunt. Quid enim luturum eft, fi uni- cuiq- liceat quod libuerit ? Atqui id fieret nifi ad do- ftrinaf praedicationem accederehtprivatae monitiones, corrediones , & alia eiufmodi adminicula quae do- drinam fuftinent 6c' otiofam effe non finunt. Difci- iplina igitur veluti fraenum eft, quo retineantur & den imentur qui adverfus Chrifti dodrinam ferociunt ; yel tanquam llimulus quo excitentur parum volun- (b 3) tarii> The Preface. taril : interdum cciam veliit pacerna ferula qm cle- mcntcr & pro fpiritus Chriili manractudme cailigcn- tur,qui gravius lapfi lunc. Qiium ergo Jam unminere cernamus initia quxdam horrciidcc in Ecclelia valHta- t!S, ex CO quod nulla eft cura, ncc ratio conninendi populi , ipfa neceilicas clamac remedio opus cfTe. Porro hoc unicum remediumeft quod & Chrilius pr >> cipit, & femper ufitatum inter pios fuir. 2. Pnmum dildplina? fundamcntumen:, ut privatnr monicior.es locum habeant : hoc ell:, llquis officium fponce non faciac aut infolcntcr fegerat aur minus honelie viva:, aun aliquid admiferic repreheniionc dignum, uc paci- atur Te moncri, acq-, utquif(|-,fratrem Ilium uum res poflulabit monere ftudeat. Prxfercim vero in hoc ad- vigilent Paftores ac presbyteri quorum partes lunt: non modo concionari ad populum fi'd per linguhs do- mos monere & exhortari, licubi univeri:di docftrtna non fatis proieccrint, quemadmoduni docet Pauhis, quum referc fe docuiile privatim & per domos • & fe mundum a ianc^uine omnium atceRacur, quia non cedaveric cum lachrymis no(^ie cv die monere unum- quemque. Sec the reft. And feH. 4. he adds of the »e- cejfity : Sine hoc difciplinae vinculo qui diu Hare poiTe Ecdefias coniidunt , opinions Fallantur : Nifi forte carcrc impure poiiimus coadminiculo , quod Domi- nus fore nobis nece.Tarium providir.r>/£'f.5.Ar(|- hie quoq -^ habenda eilcoenae Dominicx ratio ne promif- nia exhibit ione profimetur. Vcnirimum eil: ertim eum cui commiiTa ell; difpenfatio fi fciens ac volens indig- num admiferit quern re[iellere jure poterat, proinde reum efle facrilegii acfi corpus Domini canibus pro- ftitueret. Hier. Zanchius dc Ecclefia VoL ^.f.ii-i,, 124J (Difciplina) The Preface ( DifcIpUna) eil adio qua Eccleda, recundiim facul- tacem \.hi a Cbriilo tracicc-m lidele^fuos non folum pubuce , fed eciam privatim, tamin vero Dei culcii ijuaiTi in bonis moribus idq-, ciun dodrina , turn cor- redionibus, rum Ecclei^ai'icif paenis 3c cenfuris, turn etiam ii opus £t excoinmuiiicacionibus inflicuit & in- rtituncsreanei:. fol. 1 24. ?rim'> habec privacam do- Otrinam. Habet eniinEccleiia pote.lacem , (1 publica dodrina in publico templo non lufficiac , privacas & delinm doTios ingrediendi, arq- ibi eospdvatim do- cendi, ac in vera dodrjna ac r.^ligions Chriliisna infli- tuendi : & Hdeles pati debent m Paftor fuas sedes ingrediacur , & eos privatim iniliLuat. Hujus ex- einplum e.r, in ^i(r/. 20. cvc. jdeai fecerunc reiiqui Apoftoli . 2 . Habec pri vatas admoniciones, corredi- ones, objurgai:ione>',C^r. Thi<< ^sfoy private teaching: New for the Sacrame?it, hear what he faith, ibid, fo/, 79. Ol^j. ManebimusinEccIeiia,audiemus verbum, C^c. fed qui pofTumus in ccena Communionem vobif- cum habere, cum ad earn admiccantur mulci impuri , ebrii, avari, &c. Refp. i . Quantum ad hospeccato- res, eos intelligi polTe bifliriam : vel qui ante fuerunt ebrii , c^c. Sed pollca reiipuerunt. Hos dicimus fe- cund urn verbum domini non tftc excludendos a Men- fi domini,quandoquidem vera pccnitentia & Hdeprae- diti funt : vel eos qui etiamnum ebrietati fludent , aliifqi, vitiis, & talis fine poenitentia & fide acce- dunt : Hos dicimus fimpliciter non effeadmittendos. Quod autem admittuntur plerumq-, hoc contingere poteft bifariam : velexignorantiaMiniiborum, eo quod non agnoverint tales efTi , quales funt : £t hanc ccrtc igmrantiam mn ^rohamiif, qmnia^r^ dehet Jliim- fier agnofcercj q^aUfnam fint illl qtdbii^ ccsnam DDmi- (b 4) ni The Preface. fti a^minlftrAt : qfiod fiignorut, mn potefi mn acc;:fari fafm^t e-7' reprchendoiddi negUfcntidC. c^c, Aiu cam Tint omnibus noci c[ualefnam iinc, non ihidenc nmen cos arcerc prx tlmore, vcl aliquo alio hiimano refpe- cUi. Hoc dAmnamm in A4r,nftr'o vlti'im tirrAiitAtis. D^betenim MinifterChrilli QiX-zcord^ttiffimm ot- /■'V- y^oicus. SjcI liicnonelirpsdandimKiuid unus auc al- ter vilis Miniiler agic {mai\thc Title) fjdquxiic r.aiellae inft itiitio, ^^i^ec}-, communis in omnibus Ec- clcfiis confiiecudo : In omnibus autem Kcclefiis nc- ilris ante:]uam cxnaMiniliretur, omnibus hujufmodi inte;diciau- , cV. Et cerco mag'/iiim e!l probi um , <|uod inter iilios ]J)ei locum babcanc & porcl & cane>: Multo ve:6 mag-s, fi illis prodituuntur facro-fanvia ccx^nac Dominica- iymbola, &c. '^^iwz Eccle.ix' Chri- iti lion debeut liujufmodi iccleracos/A? finu f^^u ferr: , necadfacramcccnam dignosfmiul & indignos p:o- mifcueadmirtere : idquod plerumq- fit in Eccle.'ns noflrls : {How nj:wy then wer: tie viSesMiniitri 1 ) But the frincifAl i > hchind of the n?ccjfny of Difcl - ■pUnc:And I defrre hoth Manjiratcs cr MimJlcrSyint') rAjofe handi theft' lines /hall fill, to rc.td and cunfidc' it. Ibid. fol. 13-1,135. Videanc iglcur prir.cipes (k Magiftratus qui b.anc difcip'inam in EccleJiam reliitu- tam noluiir, quid agant. Hxc inllicuta el a Chrifto, ut perpetuo in Ecclefla canquam iingularisthelaurus confervetiii : Ergo qui cam cxulare volunt , Iciant fe velle, (nu'iilum, exulare. Hxc pars eft EvangViii Jefu Chrifti. Ergo qui banc rcftitutam nolunt, fcianc fe nolle EvangeliumChrifti, 1 cut debet, re^licutum. Quomodo igitur gloriamur relitutum efle Evange- Jium in Ecclefiis noftris, fihanceamq- non poftre- piam partem Evangelii re.^atutam nolumus ? Hac ' vicia The Preface. vitia corrlguntur : virtutes promo venrur : ergo qui banc 4ifciplinam reftkutam nolunt, qiiomodo audent dicere fe vicia odifTe , virLutum vero amantes effe, piecacis promotores,impietatis ofore?. Hac conferva- tur & regicnr Eccler:a, imguhc]. Ecclel^r membra fuo qiixq-, loco cohxrenc : Ergo qiiomodo qui banc expiiUam volunc dirunt fe veile Chrilli Eccle.^am , bene rertam fi quando line hac bene regi non potelh Si nulla domus nullum opidum, nulla urb.% nulla ref- publica, nullum rcgnum , imo ne exiguus quidem iudusl:cerariu?,fine diiciplma regi potelt, quomodo poce:it:Ecclel.a? I wot^ld Adagtftrateswctdd read the r:j}, -ivhich is ftirpofelj to them. Et fol. 135. Ac timerur fedicio &: tumukus. Re^p. Ergo neq:, Evangelium eft pradicandum, (y^c. Quid; Annonvidenc Phncipes &: KagliratusnofTri qvancum malum in Ecclefia oriatur, cfc' intus &: foris ex negleducontempruve hujus dilciplinae ? Yoris nulla res eft quacmigis Papiftas &: al'.os, arcear,vel faicem recrud?: ampledendo evangelio, acq- hxc dif- ciplinac Ecclef^afucic deilitucio, qua^ el^ inEcclef.is nodris. ";ntu?,nihil quod magis alat vicla, hneren.s,eV. Anr.oii videnc Ecclef.as fuas principes plenas k<^h5 hxrecicorum , &: impurorum hominum ? Ad bj? confiui: omne genus hominum fanaticorum, impuro- rum, err. tanquam ad afylum. Quare ? quia ibi nulla difciplina. Scianr ergo principes &: quicunq, ilii fint qui Difci- plinamEccleiiailicam in Eccleliis reftitutam nolunt , fed ci adveriimtur eamq-,profcribunt,feChrifto adver- fari : qui minillros impediunt ne earn exerceant, fe Chrirtum ^c Deum impedire, ne fua fungantur pote- £aee. Quid enim agunt Miniitri cum excommunicant? pronunciant The Preface Pronunciant fententiam Domini. Ait cnim Chriflus : Qyicquid Iigaveritis in terris, (y-c Quid igicur agunc qui impcdiunc Eccleliam ne lentcntiam Domini pro- nunciec ? Peccant contra Chrillum, & rei funt lafaf Divinae Majeftatis. Annon rcuscfTcclxfx Majellatis Caefarea?, iiquis ejus judicem ne fentenciam Carfaris pronunciec impediat ? Vidcaiit igiCur quid agant. Hadenus Chrilhis rexic Ecclefiam luam hac Diicipli- na ^ & ipii Principe?, imo ik Miniftnaliqiiot, no* lunt eam fic rcgi ? Viderint ipfi. Pnnmcio, Procla- r/to, Protcfior,cos peccare, tj/ii cum pofpnt & debeant cam refit t^ere, mn rcflity^nnt. I hope both A'fagiflrates and Afmifiers that are gnil- tjy Kvillgive me leave to fay the iikr with Zanchy, Tfnot to call them Traitors againfl the Afajcfly of God, that hinder Difcipline, and adverfarics to Chrifi,yct at leafi to PronoHHce, Proclaim, Protcft, that thejfmagai»fi God, Tvho fet it not up when they may and ought, BaX ■what if the Magi fir ate will not help us f Nay , IV Lu if he were againfl It ? Sohe was foi' about ^oo. years, when Difciplme wm exercifedi/i the primitive Chfirch. To this Zanchy adds, ib. Miniitri Ecdeiia^ quan^tmi per confenfimi & pacem Ecclena' licec banc i^ifcipli- nam exercere dcbetis. Hanc cnimpv'-yteltatem vobis dcditDominus,neq- quifpiam auierre earn poceil; : nee content! e/Te debetis ut doceatis quid agendum, quid fugiendum lit, utut quilq • pro lua libidine vi- vat nihil curantes,fed urgenda dilciplina.vid. Jf^guft, deiide & operib. c. 4. Obj. At impedimur per Magi- ftratum. Refp. Tunc illi ligniiicace quam male agat , &c. Read the reft of thefolid advice that Calvin and Zanchy in theforecited places, do give both to Minifters and people where Difcipline is wanting. The The Preface. The great Ob'jeBion thatfeemeth to hinder fome from this vork^ IS bccaufe ivc are not agreed jet ^who it is that yntift do it f }Vhcthcr onlj a Prelate ? or whether a Pres- bjterie f orafingle P aft or ? or the People ? AnAv. Let fo mi4ch be exercifed as is out of duubt. i . Its granted that aftnqle Pafior way expound afid apply the word ef (iod : He may rebuh^ a notorioHS ftnner by name. He may maki kl^oivn to the Ch:.rrch that God hath com- manded them, with ftich a one no not to eat ? and require them, to obey this command, &c. 1 fh all fay no more of this now , then to cite the words of two learned, godly, moderate Divines, impartial in this caufe. The one is Air. Lyford a maintainer of Epifcopacj, in hts Lega- cy of Admiffion to the Lords Supper : whopag. 55. faith, [ Q^. In which of the Minifters is this power placed? J yl'rifw. Every Vinifler hath the power of all Ch:iils Ordinances to difpenfe the fame in that Con- gregation or Hock, over which the Holy-Ghoft hath made him Overfeer ^ yet with this difference : he may preach the word, baptize, and adminifter the holy Supper alone of him.felf without the aflidance or confent of the People : But not excommunicate alone ( he means not vAthout the people, though of that m.ore muft be faid : ) becaufe excommunication doth prefuppofe an offence to the Congregation, a convi- dion and proof of that offence, and witneffes of the parties obllinacy : and therefore hereunto is requi- red the adion of more then one, o-r. Excommuni- cation com prizeth feveralads : Admonition, private, publike : the lad ad is, the cafting out of a wicked obftinate perfon from the fociety of the faithful. I . By the authority of Chrift, 2. Difpenfed and exe- cuted by the Miniftcrs of the Gofpd. 3. With the ailiftance The Preface afii {lance and confent of the Congregation , cV. 2. If you ask by whole office and Minilbry this fcn- tence is denounced ? I anfwer , by the Miniftcrs of theGofi>H: we bind and loofe dod:rinally , in our preaching peace to the godly and curfestothewic- Ked : But in excommunication we denounce the wTathof God agaiia't this or that particular perfon ( Thou art the man I the i- haft no part with us •. ) and that not only declarativcly, but judicially : It is like the fentence of a Judge on the bench, o-c. 3 . Ir you ask, Whether this be done by the Miniiler alone? i anfw. No-, it mull: be done by the alliftanceand confent of the Congregation, i Co?-. 5.4. Excom- munication muft not be done in a corner, by the Chancellor and his Regi(ler,d-r.But wholbever doth by his offences lofe his right to the holy things of God, he muft lofe it in the face of the Congregati- on, and chat after proofs andallegacions,as is above- faid : the people hear and fee the offence , complain of It, and are grieved at his focie:y with them , and judge hi^rn worthy to be caft out. This concurrence and confent being fuppofed, every Minifter is Eplfco^ pus Gregis, a Bifhop in his own Parifli {N. B.) A^, 20. 28. To all the Flock^over rphtch the Holy- Ghoft hath made jo:i t;?!^/^^^^ Ove/feers. And Hel^. 13. 17. Remember them rrhick have the Rule over jot4, who have fpoken to you the word of God. Where note, that they who preach the word of God , muft Rule and Govern the Church • and every Preacher is a Ruler, unto whom the people m.uft fubmit. v. 1 7. Befides every Minifter is veftedwith this authority at his Ordination, ( Whofe fms thou doft forgive, they are forgiven ; whofe fins thou doft retain, &c. 2, Every The Preface. 2. Every Miniflcr is vefted with this authority by the Laws of this Land : The words of the Kubrick for the adminirtration of the Lords Supper which do en- able us thereto are thefe [_ If any of thofe which in- tend to be partakers of the holy Communion, be an open notorious evil liver, fo that the Congregation by him is ofFended,or have done wrong to his neigh- bours by word or deed, the curate having knowledge thereof, fliall call lum, and advertife him in any wife not to prefume to the Lords Table , until he have openly declared himfelf to have truly repented and amended his former naughty life, that the Congre- gation may thereby be fatisiied, which afore were offended • and that he have recompenced the parties whom he hath done wrong to , or at leall declare himfelf to be in full purpofe fo to do as foon as he conveniently may : Befides this our Authority in this particular is^ confirmed by an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons m Parliament, &c. ' So far Mr. LyfordsTTf^/^/. The other li Mr. Tho. Ball of Northampton in his late BoGk^ for the Mimjlry, where Part I. Cap. ^. he hringcth many Arguments to preve it the Minifiers duty to cxercife Dtji, ipliyje as well as to preach : a?id the feventh Argument ts this y [^What was given by the. Bifhops unto fuch Miniiiers as they ordained and laid their hands upon,fhould not be grudged or de- nyed to them by any body : for they were never accounted lavilh or over liberal unto them, efpecially in point of Jurifdidion : that was alwaiesavery tender point, and had a guard and centry alwaieson it ; for conceiving themfelves the fole pofTefTors of it, they were not willing to admit of partners *. Whatevre The Preface. Whatever they indulged in other points, as Pharaok to fafeph ; Only in the throne I will be greater then fhoii 1 Vet Bifhops granted to all that they ordain- ed Presbyters, the ufe and exercife of Difciplineas well as DoArine, as appears in the Book of ordering Bifhops, Prieils and Deacons, whereof the! nterroga- torres propounded to the party to be ordained is , [ Will you then give your faithful diligence alvvaies fo to Minifter the Dodrine and Sacraments, and the Difcipline of Chrift as the Lord hath commanded , and as this Realm hath received the fame according to the Commandments of God , fo that you may teach the people committed to your care and charge with all diligence to keep and obfervethe fame: | Which a Reverend and Learned Brother , not obfer- ving would confine all jurifdic^ion to Diocefan Bi- shops, c^-c. ArgM. 8. What is granted and allowed to Minifters by the Laws and Cnifoms of this Nation cannot reafonably be denyed : for the Laws o?Eng- /^W have never favoured ufurpation in the Clergy, &c. But the Laws and cultoms of this Nation al- lows to the Minifters of England the ufe and exercife of Difcipline as well as Dod:rine : for fuch of them as have Parfonages or Redories, are in all procefsand • proceedings called Redors, crc. 2. And 06 to the point of the Peoples intereft^ the moderate feem to differ hf^t in wordf. Some fay the Peo^ ■pie are to Govern hy Vote : Iconfcfs if this were under- flood as itisjpokcn , according to the proper fenfe of the Tvords , and pra^ifed accordingly , it were contrary /• ^' 1. Entertain not any unworthy ^^'^' I thoughts To the Lny-%eader, thoughts of your Paftors ^ becaufe we here confefs our own fins^and ag- gravate them in order to our humilia* tionand reformation. You know it is men and not Angels that are put by God in the office of Church- snides ! And you know that we are imperfe(ft men : Lee Papifts and Quakers pre- tend to a finlefs perfedion ; we dare not do it ; but confefs that we are finners. And we fliould heartily re* Joyce to find the figns of imperfect fincerity, in them that (o confidently pretend to finlefs perfedicn ^ yea if I in lome of them we could find but common honefty , and a freedom 1 from fome of the crying abominati- ons of the ungodly , fuch as cruel bloodinefs, lyings flandering, railing^ 0*c. If it would make a man per- fect to fay he is perfed:^ and if ic would deliver a man from fin^ to fay (C4) I To the Lay 'Reader. I have no fin , I confefs this were an cafie way to perfed/on- There is one Richard Farnworth cal- led a Quaker^ that harh lately publiili- cd a Tamphlet againft our Agveemenc for Catech/zing; . and the fubftance of it is this : becanfe we confcis that by negledling that work of the Lord, we have finned ^ and do beg pardon of our mifcarriages ^ and lay that by Nature weave children of vvratb,and prone to do evil , isrc. therefore he will prove us deceivers and no Mi- nifters of Chrift , as from our own Confefsion. As if tht*y that are Dead by Nature, may not be made alive by Grace ! And as if ^re is not as proper a term as JFere ^ when wc fpeak of the ftate of all mankind in their natural condition , wherein the moft do ftiU abide ! And as if the confefsing our fin would prove us to 45e To the Lay^^eader. be ungodly ! O fhamclefs men ! God laichj He that confeflech andfor- faketh his fin fliall have mercy. And the Quaker maketh it a matter of his reproach. loJm faith ^ if we confefs, he is faithful and juft to forgive : And the Quaker maketh it a figrt-that wc are not forgiven. God will not for- give us^ if ivc rcfufe to confefs : And the Quaker makes us unpaidoncd, be- caufe wc do it. What would this wretch have faid to David ^E:^a^ Nehe^ mlah^ T>a?uel, &c« if he had lived in their daics, who made fuch full con- fefsions of their fins ! God hit them not in the teeth with them ; but the Quakers will ! Chrifl: did forgive even Meters denyal of him ! but it fecms the Quaker would have condemned him for the penitent lamenting of it.- i Is ^W damned for confefsinghincifelf I the chief of finners ( of whom 1 am chiefs To the Lay-Deader. chief, ( I Tim. i. 15O and that formerly he was a peifecutor, blafphemerj ci^r. Orbccaule he faith,£p/> ^, 8- ymo me, who am lefs then the leafi of Saints. Or for crying out , wretched man that 1 am ^ who Jhall deliver me from the body of this death ! What I would that / do not, and what I hate that do L I find a Law, that when 1 would do good, ea)d is prejent with me, &CC, Rom. 7. 14» 15. ii- Or is i/aiah a wicked man ^ and no Prophet of God, for laying , Ifois me^ ^ am undone, becauje ^ am a man of unclean lips^ isrc. Ifa. 6. y Or ^acoh , for faying , Gert,7^i,\0' I am not worthy of the lea/l of aH thy mercies, &CC. Or ^ob for abhor- ring himfelf in duft andafhes^ iob\ 41, 6. It irketh me to fpend words upon fuch Impudent revilers 1 But in this much you have a fufficicnt Reply to his book. ^^ .. But for our pStts we believe that he that to the Ldy^^ader. that faith he hath no fin, deceivcth himfclf,and the truth is not in him ^ I lobi \* 8* and that in many things we offend all, hinu yi. and we profefs to know but in part, and to have our treafure in earthen veffels, and to be infufficient for thefe things. And therefore fee that you love and imitate the hoHnefs of your Paftors, but take not occafion of dil^-efteeming or re- proaching them for their infirmi- ties. 2. I take it to be my duty as a watchman for your fouls ^ to give you notice of a train that is laid for your perdition.The Papifl:s who have found that they could not well play their game here with open face, have mask- ed themf elves, and taken the vizards of feveral fects ; and by the advantage of the licence of the times, arc bufily at work abroad this Land, to bring you To the Lay-^ader. you back to Rome* What names or garb foever they bear^ you may ftrongly conjedturc which be they by thele marks following- i. Their main defign is to unfettle you, and to make you believe that you have been all this while mifled, and to bring you to a lofs in a matter of Religion, that when they have made you diflike or fufpedt that which you had ( or feemed to have) you may be the more refpecStive of theirs, i- To which end their next means is to bring you to fufpeit firft , and then to con- temn and rcjed your Teachers. For faith Rujhworth^ one of their Writers , Kot one of ten among the people indeed do ground their faith on the Scripture , hut on the credit of their teachers^ &c« therefore they think, if they can but bring you to fufped your teachers, and Co to re- jcd them, they may deal With the iheep To the Lay^, that you Obey your faithful Teachers, II and improve their help for your faU ,(1 ration while you have it ; and take (d) heed heed that you refule not to learn when they would teach you. And in par- ticular, fee that you refule not to lub- mit to them in this duty of Private Tnftruvftion, which is mentioned in this Treatifc. Co to them when they dellre you, and be thankful for their help. Yea and at other times when yru need their advice, go to them of your own accod^, and ask it- Their office is to be your guides in the way to hfe:If you feelc not their DirciftioU;, it feems you either defpife lalvation it fclfjOr elfe you are fo Proud as to think your felves fufficient to be your own Dire(5lorS' Shall God in mercy fend you Leaders to Teach you and Con- du(5l you in the way to Glory, and will you ftoutly lend them back, or refufe their afsiflance^ and fay, Wc have no need of their Dire6tion ? is it for their own cafe or gain that they trouble To the Lay-Deader. trouble you, or is it for your own everlafting gain ? Remember that Chrift hath laid to his Mellengcrs, He that defpifeth you, defpifeth me ! if your obftinate refufal of their Inflni- (5lion , do put chem to bear vvitnefs againft you in Judgement, and to fay, Lord^l would hanje taught the fe ignorant Jinners^ and admonijhed thefe worldly impe^ nitent wretches ^ but they would not fo much as come to me^ nor [peak with me ! look you to it, and anlwer itas you can ; For my part I would not be then in your cafe for all the world. But I fhall fay no more to you on this point, but only defire you to read and confidcr the exhortation , which is publifhed in our Agreement it felf which fpeaks to you more fully: (Vnd if you read this book, remember hatthcDuty which you find to be- ong to the Minifters,doth flicw alfo ( d 2 ) what To the La^'^eader, what belongs to your felves. For it cannot be our duty to Teach^ Cate- chize, Adviie, crc. if it be not yours to riear, and Learn^ and leek Advice. If you have any temptation to quefti- on our office^read the London Minifters Jus Diui?ium Munfter- Enjang^ and Mr. T/?o. lB^//y book for the Miniftry : if you doubt of the duty of learning the Principles^ and being Catechized, read the London Minifters late Exhor- tation to Catechizing, apd Mr* Zach. Croftons book for Catechizing ( now newly pubhfhed.) ^^ril i6. 1656- ^h^ "Baxter. Dr. H. Hammond of the Power of theKeyes, cap. 4.. fedt. io.|. pag. 113. ^T ^ 7" tijnd/y, there will he little matter of J doubt or con' rover fie, hut that private , frequent ^ If (ritual conference betwixt fclhw-thrijUans^ hut efpectally {and in matters of high concernment and difficulty ) between the fresbper and thofe of his charge , even in the time of health •, and peculiarly^ that part of it, which is Jpent in the difcufston of every mans Ipecialfns and infirmities, and inclinations may prove very ufeful and advantagious ( in or- der to fpirttual dire^tons^ reproof and comfort ) to the making the man of Cod pafeci. And to Ull truth ^ if the Pride and fdfconceit of fomCy the wretchlefncfs of ethers, the baflfulncf of a \third forty the naufeating ^ and injlant fttiety of \any good in a fourth^ the follies of men^ and ar- \tifices of Satan had mt put thispra^ice quite \$ut of fafhion among us , there is no doubt but \more good might be done by Minifiers this way , ^hen is now done by any other means feparated ( ^ 3 ) from from the ufe of this particHlarly,^ thenhphat of Puhlike Preachmg ( rvhich yet neei not be neg- levied the more rvhen this is ufed' ) which hath now the fate to be crjedup, and almojl feUly de- fended on^ it being the hkelyerway^as Qointiliaii faith, ( comparing Publike andprtvate teaching §f jouth ) to fill narrow mouth' d bottles ( and^ fucb are themoft of us ) by taking themfmgle in the hand^ and pouring in w^ter into each^ then by fetting them altogether^ and throwing never Jo many bottles of rvater on them. Mr. mi^m.m.mmm.m if/Vfr. VViliiam Gurnal in his excellent 'Bool{^ called ^ T^hc Qhrijlian in compleat Armour, pag. 1,5. H E icnoranc foul feels no fuch (mar J If the Minifter ftay till he tends for him to inftruft hira, he may fooner hear the bell go for him, than any MeiVenger come for him .- You muftfeek themout^ and not exped that they will come to you. Thefe are a lort of people that arc afraid more of their Reiredy, than their difeafe , and ftudy more to hide their ignorance, then how to have it cured ; which lliould makeuspitty them the more, becaufe they can pitty them- 'felves fo little. I confefs it is no fmall un- ihappinefs to fome of us, who have to do with la multitude, that we have neither time nor jftrength to make our addreffes to every parti- :ular perfon in our Congregations, and at- tend on them as their needs require •, and yet rannot well fatisfie our coofciences other- vife. But let us look to it , that though we (d 4; cannot cannot do to the height of what we would,we be not found wanting in what we may. Let not the difficulty of our Province make us Hke fome 5 who when they fee they have more i work upon their hands, than they can well j difpaichjgrow fickof it, and fit down out of I alazydefpondeocyjand do juft nothing. ■ i O if once our hearts were but filled with Zeal for God and compaflion to our peoples fouk, we would up and be doing, though we could but lay a brick a day • and God would be with us. May be, you who find a people rude and fottiflily ignorant,like (tones in the quarry and trees unfell'd, fliall not bring the work to fuch perfection in your daies as you defire ! Yet as David didkr Solomon, thou mayfl: by thy pains in teaching and inftru(!^ting them 3 prepare materials for another, whofhall rear the Temple. Read the reft. The THE CONTENTS. CHAP. I. SeA. I. "TTH^ brief exfUcmon of theTsxt. 1 Sed. 2. what Jon «/ JE/^frj r/E^f; nf^^, r/?/*^ Paul fpoke to. ^ Sed. 3. The DoUrine and Method. Sed. 4. T/7f terms opened, Sed. 5,6, 7,^»^8. ivhereinmmfifitAk^heed to optr felves, Sed. 9. f Eafonsfor this Duty, i . From the Be- XV nefits. The great Hopes we have of a blejfedfuccefs ef thu yvork if faithfully managed ^ S hewed tn ZO. particulars. kct. 2 . 2 . From the Difficulty of this tvork^. Sect. 3 . 3 . From the Necejfnj of it : Tvkich u mani- fold. Sect. 4. Vfie : ivhat great canfe of HHmiliation we have for negleiiing thisfo long. 5ect. 5. An Exhortation to the faithful performance of this work' Twenty aggravations of our fin, and witnejfes which will condemn the wilful refufers of fo great duties, a^ this Private Inflruhion, and Difii- fline are. Sect. 6. The ObjeQions of lazy unfaithful Minifiers, Mgainft Perfonal Injirn^ion and Catechizing, an- fmred. CHAP. The ContenCf CHAP. VII. Sect. I . r^ JreBioftf to the lefs experienced, for the L-/ right managing of this work^. I . For hinging onr People tofnbmit to it. Sect. 2 . 2. To doit fo as is likejl to fuccced. i . For the Converfion of the ungedly , and awaking of thefe- cure. In trvelve Dire^ions. CHAP. VIII. DJreEiions how to deal with felf-conseited Opinio- nijis, and to prevent ur cnre Erronr and Schifm \ in our People. And how to deal with thofe of whofe condition we are between hope and fear ■ Readers, Readers, you will right me, and eafe your felves , if you will mend thefe mif-Printings with your pen , before you read the book. FVg. 46. II. 1 4. for confcierce read cofjfcrefice j p. 90. 1. 9. r. rr>0)Wido > p. ^^^. 1. 4. blot cut that\ p. 106. 1. 19. blot cue ;#J ; p. J 1^1. I J. r. ^y/ J p. 115. I. 19. after ui^mr, it I p. > 3 5- '• ^5* ^'/fe^k'^gfor j p. H^. I. penulr. r. iefmioni p. 144.1. i6.T.bi^,iomcal\ p. i45.1.i^ r. «/f/tt/ 5 p. 146.I.18. r. ^f/r^y ) p. » 50. 1. 16. r. contrive i p. 168. J. antlpen. r.fn > p. i8o. I. antlprn. r. that , p. 186. 1. ^. r. hottonm^ p. 188. 1.15. and p. 189. 1. 8. r. ft (iki ; p. lo^. 1. id. ioi fljimth r. tbnveth\ p. 211. 1.8. ihti andr.ihcn jp. ii^ I. 17. blot out /c>: p. 117. I. 17. after cfi//r. ikw : p. ixi. 1. 18. r. ihe- p. ^86. J. 11. r. goh^ to Chunh : p. 1^9. 1. 9, 10. r. continncd : and 1. 20. r.feey p. i90. 1. 1 5. r. conipofe ; and 1. 17. r. will never 5 and 1. i4. r. fervc i and 1. i8. r. confcfsiom 5 p. 148. 1. 14. r , promi (ftombusi p. ^c9. ), II. fcr h It not r. It U not ; p. J 14. 1. 2-0. for recover X. cover y p. J39. 1. 24. for//)r r. ro 5 p. 341. 1. 9- ioither. thati p. J 4 3. 1.2. 2. r. frofccutlon 5 p. J51. l.ii. for w(?/f r. «7«yj p. gS^. 1. ii.r. s^iyjhct h p. 377.1. 25 x.ufeit j and ). 27. r.awrf thatfe^ i p. 578. ]. 19. r. ij w . p. jS^. I. 23. (or kyfuchrjhnn ky tilling Inch *, p. ^89. 1. ulr. for One r. 3fr J p. 390. 1. 17. for prfifijfion r. proper place 5 p. 394. 1. 10. r. fofar as > p. 3 98. 1. 21. for (enfual La\arm r. /f»/«fl/ La':^nefs ; and 1. 27. r. Hiknawledg- tdi p. 40J. 1. 19. r./^ow i;;w 5 p. 401. j. 10. for I fay r. They . pjf S p. 4^9. ]. 10. r. i>gain^ d /^ j p. 4 1 8 . 1 . 1 i. for profefs r. poj- fefs i and I. 14. r. ifunyhave y p. 422. 1. 2. r. ra live leng > p. 430. 1. 5. for elocution r. ek&ion j and ]. 29. fcr 0/ r. /bit i p. II 45 1. 1. 20. for of tb^t 5 r. of Chrifi ; p. 4 3 8. 1. 1 5. for them r. ^'«;p. 442. 1. ii.r,tothe bean 5 p. 444.I. i^.r.bcfet'yip. 44f' 1.7.forwf r./<>. p. ^$9,1. 19.(01 till then r.teU thefT' p.46j. . 1. p?nulr. for they r. /i^//- mouth, and had thence called tu him the Elders of Taris^ht muft have ftaid many dayes or weeks , be- fore he could have gathered alfo the Bifhops of Rhemet^^^rles ^ Orleance ^ and the reft of f r^ -rr, 5 . T he numbers of Prophets and gifted men in thofc t mes, and the ftate of other particular Churches, doth give us fufficient reafon to conjefture that Ephe/us was not fofcant of help,3sto have but one Presbyter. Grotius thought that Jimothy with his Com-Presbyters made this appearance ; but ochers have given very probable reafons that Jimothj was none of them. 6. The Judgement of Expofitors antient and modern running fo commonly the other wav, commandech fome refpe(fl from us. But I . I confefs the matter feemeth but conjcftu- ral on both fides, and neither pare to have a certain- ty ; but if probability may carry it, there fecms to be many of the Elders of Epheftf.^, though poflibly fome of the neighbouring ( ities mi<;hc be with them. 2. But let this go how it will, it maketh not much to the main matter in liand. What if Erhejus and each other City or Cliurch had then but one Presbyter f will it follow that he was a Prelate? No ; but the contrary : h will prove that there was then none fuch at all, if there were no fubjed Pref bytcr<:, I'or there is no Kinj: without fubje^^s ; nor iTjafter without fcrvMn-s. i. I he iheam of antient and modern Expoikorsdo take this Text to fpeak of Presbyters in the common fenfe. And we muft be rautelous before we be fingular in the expounding of fo many texts as fpeak the fame way. 2. If men be put now in the end of the world to find out a ntw foundation T^he Reformed TaBor. 9 foundation for Prelacy, luppofing that ic hath been airifs defended till new, and all thefc Texts (ex ej-)r. by one or two ) amifs expounJed , it will occafion the (baking of the frame it fclf. ^ But the bcft is^ wc begin to be pretty well agreed, at Icaft about the whole vJovernmen: that de faUo V!^s in beinrjin Scripture- times. For i . 1 1 is now at lall confefTed , that the word Presbyter is not certainly taken a ly where in the New \ ellament, for one bat is fubje:t CO a Bifhop,havmg not power of Ordination or Ju- rifdidion 4 and ihat no fuch Presbyters were in be- ing in Scripture-times. And by what authority they are fincc erected let chem prove that are concerned in it. 2. We are agreed now that they were the fame perfons who in Scrjprure arc called i^ilh ^pF-Sc Pres- byters. 3, ^- nd that tLefe perfons had the power of Ordination &:JurifdiAion 4.Andthat thefe perfons were not the : ifhops of many particular Churches, /)ut one only •• They ruled not many AfTembltes Or- dinarily meeting for Church Communion : for there could noluch meetirig? be kepr up without a Bifhop or Presbyter to adminiOcrtne Ordinances of Chrift in each. And if there were in a Diocefs bu: one ii- (hop, and no other Presbyters in Scripture times, then it muft needs be that a Diocefs contained buc one ordinary <. hurch AlTemhlv, and ihat d? f^Hn no Bifhip in ^ cripture-timcs had under him any Pref- byters, nor iriore fuch Afiemblics rhen one. '1 hat js, they Ruled the particular Churches juft as our Pa- ri!h PaftoR do. So that we are fattshed that we po that way that the Apoftles eftabliihedand was ufed ^f/^^oinScriprurc-timcs : And if any will prov^ the lawfulnefs of latter mutations^ or will prove that tlic lo Gildas Salvianuss the Apoftles gave power to thefe particular Pafrors to degenerate into another fore of officers hereafter, according to the Cogency of their Evidence, wc fliall beheve it. In the mean time, defiringtobc guided by the word of God , and to go upon fu re ground, and take only fo much as is certain, we hold where we are,and are glad chat we arc fo far agrecdr Yet not prefuming to cenfurc all fuperiour Epifco- pacy, nor refufing to obey any man that command- eth us to do our duty , but refolving to do our own work in faithfulncfs and peace. For my ovm parr, I have ever thought it caficr to be Governed then to Govern ; and I am ready ( as the Brittipj told Atiftin ) to be obedient to any man in and for the Lord : Nbr can I think that any Go- vernment can be burdenfom , ubich Chritt ap- pointcth; but all beneficial to u ;as making our bur- den lighter and not heavycr , and helping and not hindering us in the way to heaven. Were Chrifts work but throughly done -, I (hould be the back- wardeft in contending^who (hould have the doing of it. Let us agree but on this one thing which is plain here in my Text , That the Churches or Flocks (hould be no greater then the Paftors can perfonal- ly over-fee, fo that they may T^ksheedto all the Flock ; and then let but able faithful men be tlic Over-feers , that will make the word of God the Rule, and lay out themfclvcs for the faving of mens fouls, and I am refolved never to contend with fuch about the bufinefs of fuperiority ; but cheerfully to obey them in all things lawful, if they require my obedience.Ifthe difference were not more about the matters commanded, and the work it felf to be done, then. •J The Reformed Tajlor* u then, who (hould command it : me thinks humble men fhould be eafily agreed. Would they but lay by all ncedlefs humane impositions and obtrufions, and be contented with the fufficient word of God, and not make new work to neceflitate , new Canons and Authorities to impofe it, but be content with the Gofpel (implicity, and let us take that for a fufficicnt way to heaven, that Peter and 'Paul went thither in, I think I (hould not difobey fuch a Bidiop, though I were not fatisfied of his differing Order or Degree. Yca,if he were addided to fome enaoaching ufur- pation of more power then is meet, would he but forbear the EcctdnoiUdii^^nd come to usontjrwith the fword of the fpint, which will admit of fair de- bates, and works only upon the conTcieoce, I know no reafon much to fear fuch power, though it were un- due. But enough of this. SECT. III. TH E Obfcrvations which the Text affordeth us are fo many, that I may not now ftay fo much as to name them : but (hall only lay down that one which containeth the main fcopc of the Text, and take in the reft as fubordinate motives in the handling of that, in the method which the Apoftle doth here deliver them to us. Doft. ii Gildas Salvianus; Dod. rj-'H' E Pajlors or Over-furs of the Churches ■^ of Chrifli mnfi take great heed hoth to themfelves^and to all their Flockj tn all the farts of their Pa-ioralwork^ The method which we (haU folic w in handling this paini^lhaii be this i . I ftiali briefly open to you the terms of the fubjcA : What is meant by Paftors and Churches. 2. / Ihall (hew you what it is to Take heed ro our fcives^ and wherein it muft be done, 3 . 1 (hall givelome brief Reafons of that part of the point. 4. i lliall (hew you, What it is to Take heed to all the Flock in our Paftoral work, and wherein it muft be done. 5. I (hall make fome Application of all. SECT. IV. I. \7\ T'H^^ ^^c words, Paftor, Bifhop and V \ Church do fignifie,! will not waft time to tell you, they being fo well known. As for the things fignified. i. By a Paftor or Billiop hereis meant, e^« O^cer appoDited by O^^^fl f<^'' ^^^ ordinary Teaching and (juiding a particular Church and all its member s^ in order to their falvation and the pleafing of^ God. Chrid appointcth the Office it felf by his Laws. The perfon he callcth to it by his qualifying Gifts , Providential difpofals, fccret impulfcs , and ordi- narily The Reformed ^aHor^ 13 narily by the Ordination of his prcfcnt Officer5,and the Acceptance of the Cfeurch. Teaching and Guidance contain the main parrs at ie?.^ of :he work to which they are dcfigned. The particulars we (hall further ftand upon anon. A particular Church is the objcd of their work ; by which they are diftinguifhcd from Apoftolical un- fixed itineran: Minificrs. They are the ftated Ordinary Teachers of fuch a Church, by which they are differenced , both from private men, who do occafionally teach ; and from theforcfaid itinerant Minifters, that do but »« tranji- tuy or feidom teach a particular Church. The fubjed is the matters of Salvation and Oljedience to God , and the end is falvation itfelf, and the pleafingof God therein; by which work and ends the office is diftinguifhed from all other offices, as Magiftrates , School-maftcrs, ^c, though they alfo have the fame remote or ultimate ends. By the Flock and Church is meant that particular fociety of Chriftians of which thefe Bifhops or El- ders have the charge, affociated for perfonal Com- munion in Gods publike worftiip, and for other mu- tual a(I]ftance in the way to Salvation. Exad De- finitions we may not now ftand on ; we have more fully made fomc attempts that way hereto- fore. SECT, 14 Gildas Salvianus S ECT. V. II. T ET us next coniider, What it is to take JLi heed to our felves, and wherein it muft be done. And here I may well for brevity fake adjoyn the A pplication to the Explication, it being about the matter of our Pradife, that I may be put to go over as little as may be of the fame things again. Take therefore I bcfcech you all this Explication, as fomuch Advice and Exhortation to theduty^and kt your hearts attend it as well as your underftand- ing«. I, Take heed to your fclves, left you (liould be void of that faving Grace of God which you offer to others, and be ilrangers to the effedualworkings of that Gofpcl which you preach ; and left while you proclaim the nccefHty of a Saviour to the world, your own hearts (hould negled him, and you (hould mifs of anintereft in him and his faving be- nefits .? Take heed to yourfclvci, left youpcrifh, while you call upon others to take heed of perifliing/ and left you famiih your felves while you prepare their food. Though there be a promife of (hining as the ftars tothofe that turn many to righteoufnefs , Dan, 12. 3. that is but on fuppofition that they be firft turned to it themfelves : Such promifcs are meant, c^ttris pariifw, & fuppofitisfftpponendii* Theic own fincerlty in the faith is the condition of their glory (imply confidered, though their great minifte- rial labours may be a condition of the promife of their greater glory j Many a man hath warned others that The R£formed ^aTlor. 1 5 that they come not to that place of Torment, which yet they haded to themfelvcs: Many a Preacher is now in hell, that hath an hundred times called upon his hearers to ufe the utmoft care and diligence to efcape it. Can any reafonable man imagine chat God (hould fave men for offering f^\lvacion to others, whik they refufed it themfelvcs ; and for tel- ling others thofc truths which they themfclves neg- ledcd and abufcd ? Many a Taylor goes inraggs, that makethcoftlycloathes for others ; And many a Cook fcarce licks his fingers, when he hath drefl''c for others the moft coftly dirties. Believe it Brethren, God never favcd any man for being a Preacher, nor becaufe he was an able Preacher : but bccaufe he was a juftified, fandificd man, and confcquently faithful in his mailers work, Take heed therefore to your felves firft, that you h that which you per- fwade your hearers to i^e, and believe that which you pcrfwadethem daily to believe .- and have heartily I entertained chat Chrirt and Spirit which you offer unto others. He that bid you love your neighbcvurs asyourfelves,didimply that you (liould love your fclves.& not hate and deftroy your felves and them. SECT. VI. z, 'npAke heed to \out feJves , lefl you live in 1 thofc adual fins which you preach againft mothers, and left you be guilty of that which dai- ly you condemn. Will you make it your work to snagBLJfie God, and when you have done,dirtionour him as much as others ? Wil! you proclaim Chrift? Govcrni«ig 1 6 Gildas S.ilvianus-, Gcvernipig Power, and ycc conrcmn ir, and rebel your felves? Will you preach his laws, and willfully break chcni ? If finbecvil, why doyoulive in it ? If it be not, why do you d iff wade men from it ? If it bedangerou':, how dare you venture on it ? If it benot,why doyou tell men fo ? \f Gods threat- rings be true, why do you not fear them ? li they be falfe, why do you trouble m?n necdiefly with them.and put them into fuch frights w thout a caufe? Do you know the Judgement of God, that they that commit fuch things arc wortliy of death , and yet will you do them ? Rom. t. 31. Thou that teach- cftanother,teathcft thou not thy felf f Thou that faieft a man lliould not commit adulfciy,or be drunk, or covetous, art thou fuch thy fclf? Tliou that makeft thy boafl of the Law, through breaking the Law dif-^ honourcftthou GodPRom. 2. 21,21,2^ vvhar,fhall the fame tongue fpeak evil, that fpeaketh againft* evil ? fhallit cenfure, and (lander, and fecretly back- bite, that cryes down thefe and the like in others ? Take heed to your felves, left you (hould cry down fin, and not overcome it , left while you feek to bring it down in others, you bow to ir, and becomd- its flavcs your felves. For of whojn a man is over- come, of the fame is he brought in bondage, 2 "Pet, 2.19. To whom you yield your felves fervants to obey, his fervants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of fin unto death, or of obedience unto righteouf- ncfs. Rom. 6. 16. Itiseaficrto chide at fin, then to overcome it* SECTo The Reformed TaHor* if SECT.VII. 3. *T^Ake heed alfo to your fclves,thac you be rot X unfit for the great employments that you have undertaken J cmuft not be himfelf a babe in knowledge, that will teach men all thofc mylterious things that are to be known in order to falvation. O What qualifications are neceflary for that man that hath fuch a charge upon him as we have / How many difficulties in Divinity to be opened ? Yea, about the very fundamentals that mufl: needs be known/ How many obfcure Texts of Scripture to be expounded ? How many duties to be done , wherein our felves and others may mifcarry, if in thcmatrer, and end, and mannerjandcircumftances, they be not well informed ? How many finsro be avoided, which without underftanding and forefighc cannot be done ? What a number of flye and Tub- tile temptations muft we open to our peoj^cs eyes , that they may efcape them ? How many weiglity and yet intricate cafes of confcicnce h?.ve we almoil idaily to refolve ? Can fo much work , and fuch iwork as this be done by raw unqualified men ? O what ftrong holds have we to batter, and how m my 3f them ? What fubcile, and diligent, and ob(l - nate rcfiftance muft we cxped at every heart we deal with? Prejudice hath blockt up our way: we can fcarce procure a patient hearing. They think ill of A^hat we fay while we are fpeaking it. We cannot Dake a breach in their groundlefs hopes and carnal peace, but they have twenty fhifts and fceming ren- C fono '1 8 Gildas Salvianusi fjas to make i':up again , and cwcncy enemies, thnc are Teeming friends, are ready to help them Wc difpute not with tliem upon equal ccrms Due we have children to reafon with ch.utannjt undcrttand ws ; wc have diftradcu men (m fpiritualsj to reafon wich, chac will bawl us down With raging non-fenfe : Wc hrtve wilful unrealbnable people to deal with , that when they are fiiencedjthey are never the more convinc'c ; and when they can give you no reafon , they Will give you their refolucion : hke the man.thac S tlvUn hid to deal with ( lrethren what men fhonli webe inskil.rc- folution & unwearied diligence; that have all this to do? The Reformed Tajior* 19 do ? Did Prf«/ cry ouC> pyho is fu^icient Jorthefe things ? 2 Cor, :. 16. and (hall we be proud or care- Icfs, and lazy , as if we were fufficienc ; As Teur faith CO every Chriitian in Confideration of our great approaching change, 1 1'et. 5. 1 1. ivhat ff^^an- Tier of ferfons ought yve to hi in all holy (^onverfatfon andGoMinefs ? fo may I fay to every minifter, feeing all thefe things do lie upon our hands, What manner of perfons ought we to be in all holy Endeavours and Refolutions for our work / This is not a burden for the (houlders of a child. What skill doth every part of our work require ? and of how much mo- ment is every part ? fo preach a Sermon I think is not the hardelt part ; and yet what skill is neceffary to make plain the truth, to convince the hearers ^ to let in unrefiftible light into their confciences.and to keep it there , and drive all home / to fcrue the truth into their minds, and work Chrift into their affedions ; to meet with every objedion that gain^ faies ; an(i clearly to rcfolve it ; to drive fmners to a ftand, and make them fee that there is no hope , bun they njuft unavoidably be converted or condemned: and to do all this fo for language and manner as be- feems our work , and yet as is moil fuitable to the capacities of the hearers -, this and a great deal more that (hould be done in every Sermon, (hould furebe done with a great deal of holy skill. So great a God whofc meffage we deliver, ihould be honoured by our delivery of It I Ic is a lamentable cafe, that inameffage from the God of heaven, of everiaftiog confequence to the fouls of men we (V-ould behave our fclves fo weakly, fo unhandfomly, fo imprudent- ly, or fQ ileighdy , that the whole bufmets (hould C 7. roiftarry :o GildasSalvianus; mifcarryin our hands, and God be di (honoured t and his work diTgraced, mid fmncrs raiher hardened then converted , and all this much through our weakncfs or n'gle(^ / How many a time have carnal hearer? j^one jearinc home at the palpable and dif- horourable failings of the Preacher ' How many fl-ep under us, bccaufe our hearts and tongues arc flecpy : and wc brini^ nor with us fo much skill and zeal nsto awake them I Moreover what skill is necefTary to defend the truth againH g.iii>raycrs,and to deal with difputing Cavillers according to their feveral modes and cafe I ^ nd if we fail through weakncfs, ho'.v will they in- fult ? but that is the fmallclt matter : but wj^o knows how many weak ones maybe perverted by the fuccefs, to their own undoing and the trouble of the Church? What skill \s there neccfTiry to deal in private with one poor ignorant foul for their convcrfion (of whicli more in the end ? ) O Brethren, do you not flirink and tremble under thefenfe of all this woiklVVill a common mcr4rureof holy skill and ability of prudence and other qualifi- cations, ferve for fuch a task as this / 1 knowne- cefsity may cau^e the Ciiurch to tolerate the weak: But woe to us if we lolci ate and indulge our own vt7eakr}efs. Df )th not reafon and confcienee tell you, that if you dsLre venture on fo high a work as this , you (hoold fprrc no pains to be fr red to perform it ? It is not now and then an idle fnatch or tafteof ftu- dies that will ferve to make a found Divine. I know that lazinefs hath lately learned to pretend the low- neft of all our ftudks, and how wholly and only the SpiriC The '^formed Tajlor. i \ Spirit muft qualtfic and afilrt us to the work •• and fo, as Salvian faith in another cafe {Ub.^,p, 13^.) tu^ftthorem quodammodo fmfcehris dtum faci;i>it : Ai if God commanded us theufe of means, and then would warrant ustonegled: t!)em / As if it were hs way to caufe us to thrive in a couiTe of idlenc s j and to bring us to knowledge by dreams when wc are aflecp, or to take us up into heaven, and fhew us his counfcls, while we chink of no fuch matcer , but arc routing in the earth. O that men (houli dsrc fo finfully by their iazinefs to quench the Spirit, and then pretend theSpiric for the doingof it. Qulstsn- (luam i faith he before mencioned ) Cftdtret ufc^uein fidit^tis ( ignaviit ) 'iudjciam ,' nt tu ip(um in ^ho Chv'.flo ir.juriam faiiunt ^dic.nt {e ob (^hrifti r.omsn e[fe fuclmoj 1 ineftimy.bi'e fadnus C^prodi^iofumJ God hath required of us, that we be act jh.ithful m (pMfinefi^ httt fervent in fpir'u.jerving the Lord , Ro^n. 12. lit Such we murt provoke our hearers to be , and fuch wc muft be our felves. O therefore Bre- thren lofe no time: ftudy , and pray-, and confer, and pradife : for by the fe four waies your abilities muft be increafed. Take heed to your felves left you are weak through your own negligence, and icaft-you marr the work of •• ?od by your we:iknef«. As the mn is^ fo 15 his ftrength, Jn^'g. 8. : i . SECT 2.1 Gildas Salvianus ; SECT. V 1 H. 4* \ /I Orcover take heed to your felvesjleft your ^^^ example contradid your Doftrine,and left you lay fuch ftumbling blocks before the blind , as may be theoccaiionof theirruine. Left you unfay that with your lives, which you fay with your tongues; andbc thegreateft hindcrers of the fuc- ccfbof yotir own labours. It much hinderethour work when other men arc? all the week long contra- didln^ to poor people in private, that which we have been fpeaking to them from the word of God in publike, becaufe we cannot be at hand tomanifeft their folly : But it will much more hinder , if we contradidt our felvcs, and if your aAions give your tongue the lye, and if you build up an hour or two with ) our mouths, and all the week after pull down with your hands I This is the way to make men think that the word of God is but an idle tale : and to i make preaching feem no better then prating. He that means as he fpeaks, willfuredo as he fpcaks. One proud furly Lordly word , one needlcfs con-; tention , one covetous acflion may cut the throat of many a ^ermon, and blaft thefruitof all that YOU have been doing. Tell me Brethren, m the fear of God: Do you regard the fuccefs of yo.r labours, or do you not ? Do you long to fee it upon the| fouls of your hearers f l[ you d<^ not, What do you preach for / What do you Oud. for / and what do you call yourlclvcs thi Minilkrs of Chrift for ? But if you do , then fure you cannot find in your heart the Reformed Vafior, 25 heart CO mar your work for a thing of nought 1 What , do you regard the fuccels ot your labours, and yee will not part Wich a little co the poor^ r.or put up an injury or a foul word, nor ll:oop to the tneanell , nor forbear your pafiijnace or 1 ordly carriage, no not for the winning o^" fouls, and at- taining the end of all your libouis I You much re^ gard the luccefs indeed, that wil! fell it at fo cheap a rate , or will nut do fo (mail a mancer to attiin /t is a pftlpahie errourin thofe Minillcr^tharmake fuch a difpropoition between their preaching and ther living, that they will ftudy hard to preach ex- adlY,and iiuJylitdeor HOC at allto liveexndly .- All the week long is little enough to ftudy howci fpeak two hours : and yet one hour feems too much to ftudy how to live all the week. 1 hey are loth to- mifpl.'ce a word in their ^ormons or to be guilty of any nocablc infirmity ^ and i blame them not, for the Kiaiter is H iy and of weight ; ) bur they make nothing of mifplacingaffe^ions, words and adions^ in the courfe of their lives. O how turiouOy have I heard fome men preach ! and how circkTIy have 1 feen them live! They have been ^o accurate as to the wordy part in their own preparations, thiit feidom preaching feemed 2 vertue to th.m, that th ir Ian-- gaage might be the more polste, r.nd all the Rheto- rical jinqling writers they could meet wich, were p;cft to ferve them for the adorning of their ftile ,- ( and gawds were oft their chieicll orn.'^menrs. ). Tiicv were fo nice in hearing others, that no man pleafed thr^m that fpoke as he-thought » or that drowned not affcdions , or dulled not, or diftemper* C 4 cd. 24 Gildas Salvianiis 5 ed not tbe heart by the predominant ftrains of a pliantaftickwit. Andyctwhenitcamc to matter of pradjcc, and they were once out of Church, how incurious were tliemen and how little did they re- gard what they faid or dia, fo it were not fo palpably grofs as to difhonour them ! They that preached piccifely.would DOtliveprecifcly .' What difference between their pnlpit fpecches and their familiar dil- courfe ? They ihat arc moft impatient of Barbarifmsi bolecifms, and ParalogiTms in a Sermon, can caGIy tolerate them in their converfations- Certainly Brethren, we have very great caufe to take heed wl.ac we do, as well as what we fay : If we will be the lervanrs of hrift indeed, we muft not be tongue fervants only , but mull (erve him with our deeds, AyJ Ipcfl'ofr/ of the ^'ork^ that in our deed vn ma) be hli^i-ij 'jam. i. ^5. As our people muft be 'Djtrs ^a>.d tend to their falvd' tion ? And (1 culd you fiot as d;ligently bethink your felves, Ho'Oi fi' ill J itve^ar.drvb&tfhail I fay and do ^ and how Jhall I diffofe of all that I have ^ as way mofi frcbrihlj tend to the fav'rj£ of mins fot;ls ? Brethren; J ■ , ■ ■ . . ' . " ■ if T/;e Refonned TaHor. 25 if favirig fouls be your end, you will certainly intend it as well out of the pulpit as in it/ If it be your end, you will live for it, and contribute all your en- deavours to attain it : And if you do fo^you will as well ask concerning the money in your purfe, as the wordsof your mouth, Tyhich way pjottld 1 lay it 9Ht for the greateji good^ efpecUU) to mtns fouls } O thaC this were your daily fludy, how to ufe your wealth, your friends, and all you have for God, as well as your tongues ? and then we fliould fee that fruit of your labours that is never elfe Ike to be feen. If you intend the end of the Miniftery in the pulpit on* ly,thcn it feems you take your felvesfor Minifters no longer then you are there. And then I think you are unworthy to be efteemed fuch at all. r ~ SECT. IX. ^I^- T T Aving (hewed you in four particulars^ .Li How it is that we muft Take heed to our felves, and what is comprized in this command; I am next to give you the Reafons of it ^ which I intreateyou to take as fo many Motives to awaken you to your duty , and thus Apply them as we go- Re^(. I. You have a Heaven to winorlofeyouf fclves, and fouls that muft be happy or mifcrable for ever ; and therefore it concerneth you to begin at home, arid to take heed to your felves as well as un- to others. Preaching well may fucceed to the fal- vation of others, without the holinefs of your own hearts or lives; Itispoflible at leaft, though lefs ufual : 26 Gildas Salvianus. ufual ; bun it is impofllble it fhould ferve co ^i\c your feives : • Many (liali fay at that day, Loni^havr we KOt prepfjefieii m thj At-^Wf? A/4t. 7. 22. V\' ha fhaji be anfwered with an ^ nevir i^»e^ yot4 , t/^/^^rr /rcw me je tlojft rvork^tnufuity. v»ii. O Sirs how mai}y men have preached Chnii, and perifticd for want of a faving incereft in hipi ! How many that arc now in hell, have told their people of the torments of hell, and warned them ro avoid ic 1 How many have preached of the wrath of God againft finncrs, that are now feeling ir/0 what faddercafe can there be in the worId,rhcn for a man that made it his very trade j^nd calling to proclaim falvation,and to help others to ?cta\in it, yec after all to be himfelf Qiut out I Alas tharcver we (houldhave fomany books in our li- braries that tell us the way ro heaven , that we fhould fnend f that you thought had been weeded out by the roots. It is moft neceffary there- fore, that men of fuch infirmities fhould take heed to 7 be K e formed Taflor. 1 9 to themfelves, and be careful in the dieting and ufage of their fouls. SECT. XI. 3. A N D the rather alfo Take heed to youi l\ felves ; bccaufc fuch great works as ours do put men on greater ufe and tryal of their grace?, and have greater temptations, then many other mens. Weaker gifts and graces may carry a man ouc in a more even and laudable courfc of lire,that is not put to fo great tryals. Smaller ftrength may fcrvc fot' lighter works and burdens. But if you will venture on the great undertakings of the Miniftery , if you will lead on the Troops of Chrift againft the face of Satan and his followers ; if you will engage your felves againft principalities and powers^ and fpiritual wickednefTes in high places ; if you undertake Co refcue captivated linners, and to fetch men out of the Devils paws : do not think that a hecdlefs^care- lefs Minifter is fie for fo great a work as this. You muft look to come off with greater {hame,and deep* er wounds of confciencc, then if you had lived a common life, if you will think to go through fuch things as thefe with a carelefs foul. It is not only the work that calls for heed, but the workman alfo, that he may be fit for bufinefs of fuch weight ; v/e have fcen by experience, that many men that lived as private Chriflians, in good reputation for parc^ and piety, when they have taken upon them crther mtiitary employment, or Magiftracy,whcre the work was above their parts, and temptations did over- match 30 Gildas Salvianus- match their ftrcngth, they have proved fcandalous difgraccd men. And we have fecn fome private Chriftians of good note, that having thought too highly of their parts, and thruft thcmfelvcs into the Minifierial office, they have been empty men,and al- moft burdens to the Church , and worfc then fome that we have endeavoured to calt out. They might have done God more fervice in the ftation of the higher rank of private men, then they do among the loweft of the Miniftery. If you will venture into the midft of the enemies , and bear the burden and heat of the day, Take heed to your felves. SECT. xir. ^. AND the rather alfo, Take heed to your /v felves ; becaufe the Tempter will make his firft or (harpcft onfet upon yeu. If you will be the leaders againft him,he will fpare you no further then God rcftraincthhim. He beareth youthegreateft malice, that are engaged to do him the greatelt mif- chief Ashehatcth C hrifl more then any of us, be- caufe he is the General of the field, and the Captain of ourfaIvatio?j ^dinddoihvnoic then all the world bcfidcs againft the Kingdom of darkncfs ; fo doth he hate the Leaders under him, more then the com- mon fouldiers on the like account ( in their propor- tion ) He knows what a rout he may make among the reft, if the leaders fall before their eyes. He hath long trycd that way of fighting,«f »/^ffr a^^i^amfi great «r/«i4//c©mparatively, but thefc : ^niof fmtu»^ the ShfpherdSi that ht may fcatter the FhcJ^ : And 7be Reformed fajlor. 3 1 fo great hat-b been his fuccefs this way, that he will follow it on as far as he is able. Take heed therefore Brethren , for the enemy hath a fpccial eye upon you. You Hiall have his moft fubiile infinuations, and ince(rantfoliicitations,a-nd violent affaults. As wife and learned as you arc, Take heed to your felvcs left he over- wit you. The Devil is a greater Scholar then you, and a nimbler difputanc : he can tr arts form ht^yUxlf iftto An ^n^el of li^ht to Jfcrive" : He Will get within you, and trip up your heels be- fore you are aware : He will play the juglar with you undifcerncd.andcheat'youof your faith or inno- cency, and you (ha:l not kfiow that you have loft it ; nay he will make y^ u believe it is mukiplyed or in- creafcd, when it is loff. You (hall fee neither took nor line, much Icfs the lubtile Angler himielf,wh Ic lie is ' fferingiyou his bait, f^nd his baits (Trtall be fo fi[ted to your temper and difpofitton, that he will be furc to Hnd advantages within you , "and make your own pr.ncipks and inclination to betray y€U , and when ever he ruinethyou^he wiW make you the in- ihuments of your own ruine. O what a conqueft will he think he hath got, if he can make a Mmitier lazy and unfaithful j if he can tempt a Minifter into covetoufnefs or fcandal 1 He will glory againft'tfce Church and (sLy^Thefe are jour holy Preachers : ysti fee'^hAt their precifenefs it ^ and "^^kith^ it 19 1 II brM them He will glory againft Jefus Ghrift himfv If, ami fay, Theft are thy Champions I Icanrnake thj chiif- efifervartts toahnfe thee ; lean make the Stefv^rii tf thy koufe unfaithful. If he did fo infult againft God upon a falfe furmife, and tell him he could make ^ob to curfc him to his face (lob i- 11. } What would he ii Gildas Salvianus-, he do if he (liould indeed prevail againft us ? And atlafthcwillinfultasmuchovcryou, that ever he could draw you to be falfe to your great truft , and-, to bleraifti your holy profeflion, and to do hi mfo nauch fervice that was your enemy. O do not fo far gratifie Satan, do not make him fo much fporr. : fuffer him not to ufe you as the PhiUflines did S^m- ffon^ firft to deprive you of your ftreogth, and then to put out your eyes, and fo to make you the matter of his triumph and dcrifion. SECT. X HI. 5. npAke heed to your felves alfo > bewufe there X are many eyes upon you , and therefore there will be many obfervers of your fa Is. '/ou can- not mifcarry but the world will ring of it. The Ec- clipfesof theSunbyday time are feldom without witneflei. If you take your felves for the Lights of the Churches, you may well expcft that mens eyes fhould be upon you. If other men may fin with- out obfervasion , fo cannot you. And you fhould thankfully confider , how great a mercy this is , That you have io many eyes to watch over you , and fo many ready to tell you of your faults, and fo have greater helps then others, at leaft for Aerc- ftraining of your fin. Though they may do it with a malicious mind, yet you have the advantage by it : God forbid that wefliould prove fo impudent, as to do evil in the publikc view of all, and to fin w ilfuj- ly while the world is gazing on us ! He that i$ drunk, is drunk in the night; and he ckat fleepcth , The^eformecVPap/. 35 doth fleep in the night, i Thfi, 5 . 7. What forni- cicor fo impudent as to fin in the open ftreets %hilcall look on / Why confider that you areftill in the open light; Even the Light of your own Dodrne will difclofc your evil doings. While you are as Lights fct upon a hill, look not to lie hid, C^lfat. 5.14. Take heed therefore to your felves , and do your works as thofe that remember that the world looks on them, and that with the quick- fighted eye of malice, ready to make the worft of alliand to find the fmalleft fault where it is, and ag- gravate it where they find it , and divulge it and make it advantagious to their defigns ; and to make faults where they cannot find them. How cauteloufly then fliould we walk before fo many ill-minded ob- fervcrs / SECT. XIV. 6, T^Ake heed alfo to your felves ; for your fins "*■ have more hainous aggravations then other mens: Its noted among King u^//'^5«/«/ f^ying^ , that a great man canno: commit a fmall fin j we may much more fay, that a learned m3n,or a Teach- er of others cannot commit a fmall fin : or at leaft , that the fin is great, as committed by him , which is fmaller in another. I. You arc liker then others to fin agiinft know- ledge, becaufe you have more then they, ^t Icaft you fin againft more light or means of knowledge. What, do you not know that Covetoufnefs and Pride are fins ? do you mr know what it is to be D I on- 34 Glldas Salvianus ; unfaithful to your truft, and by negligence or felf- feeking to betray mens fouls ? You know your ma- fters will, and if you do it not, fb.Ul bj beaten w^^ many ftripcs. There muft needs therefore be tre more wiifiilnefs, by how nuich there is the more knowledge. If you fin , it is becaufc you will fin. 3, Your fins have more hypocrific in them then other mens, by how much the more you have fpok^ againft them. O what a hainous thing is it in us, to fiudy how to difgrace fin to the utmoft, and make it as odious to our people as we can^and when we have done, to live in it, and fecretly cherifti that which we openly difgrace / What vile hypocrifie is it, to make it our daily work to cry it down, and yet to keep it ? to call it publikcly all to naught, and privately to make it our bed- fellow and companion? To bind heavy burdens for others, and not to touch them oar felves with a finger 1 What can you fay to this in judgement ? Did you think as ill of fin as you fpokc ? or did you not ? Jf you did not, why would you dif- lemtlingly fpeakitplf you did, why would you keep it and commit it ? O bcarnot that badge of a mi- ferable Pharifec , They f^ty hut do not^Mat. 25.3. Many a minifter of the Gofpcl will be confounded , and not be able to look up, by reafon of this heavf charge of hypocrific. 5. Moreover, your fins have more perfidioufnefs in them then other mens. You have more engaged your felves againtt them. Befides all your common engagements as Chriftians, you have many more as Minifters. How oft have you proclaimed the evil and danger of it , and called finncrs froffl it ? bow oft The Reformed Ta/ior. 35 ofc have you declared the terrors of the L^rd ? all thefc did imply that you renounced it yourfelvcs. Every Sermon that you preacht againft it, every pri- vate Exhortation , every Confeliion of it in the Congregation, did lay an engagement upon you to forfakc it. Every child ti^ac you have baptized , and entred into the Covenant with Chrift : and every adminiftration of the Supper of the Lord , wherein you called men to renew their Cove- nant, did import your own renouncing of the flefli and the world , and your engagement unto Chrift. How oft and how openly have you born witnefs of the odioufncfs, and damnable nature of fin ? and yet will you entertain it againft all thefe profefliions and teftimonies of your own f O what treachery is it to make fuch a ftir in the Pulpit againft it, and after all to enter- tain it in the heart , and give it the room that is due to God, and even prefer it before the glory of the Saints? Many more fuch aggravations of your fins might be mentioned : but as we hafte over thefe, fo we mul pafs them by through our prefent hafte. D 2 SECT. S6 G\\^xs Salvianus SECT. XV. 7. np Ake heed to your felves ; for the honour of X your Lord and Mailer, and of his holy Truth and waies , doth he more on you then oil other men. As you may do him more-jervice, fo al- fo more dif-fervicethenotherF. ] he necrer men ftand to God the f;reater diflionour hath he by their mifcarriages; and the more will they be imputed by foohnimcn, to God himfctf The heavy judge- ment was thrcatncd and executed bn ^ii and on his houfe , becaufe 4\ty k^ck^id at hisfacnfice atJ oftr- ing : I Sam. 2. 29. For therefore p^asthejin of the Jott*jjr men great before the Lord, for men e^hhorred theoferirjg of the Lord^ verf. ij. It was that great aggravation , of c^nfinjr the ertemiet of the Lordte bUfpheme ; which pr(woked Cod to deal fharplycr with D4vtd\\\QT\ clfe he would have done, 2 Sam. \ i. 11,12,1:,, 14. ]f you are indeed Chnftians, the glory o God is dearer to you then your fives, rake heed therefore what you do againft it , as yoa would take heed what you do againft your lives. Would it not wound you to the heart to hear the name and truth of C od reproached for your fakes ! To fee men point to you, and fay, There goes a co- vetous Pr el\afecret Tipler, a Jcandalous man ; thtfe are they that Treachfor flri[}nefs^ rvhen thtrnfelvis C4n live AS loofe as others ; thei condemn us by their Sir- mons^afidcondemnthfmftlves by their lives'. For all their tail^ they an 04 bad 04 ^e, O Brethren , could your hearts endure to hear men call the dung of your The Reformed faHor. 37 your tuiquicics in the face of the Holy God , and in the face of the Gofpel, andof allchacdefire cofcar the Lord > would it not break your hearts to think on it, chat all the poor godly Chriftians about you fhould fuffer reproach for your mil-doings ? why, if one of you that is a L eadcr of the Flock fliould byt once be cnfnared in a fcandalous crime , there is fcarce a man or woman that feckcch diligendy after their falvation, within the hearmg of it, but beiides the grief of their hearts, fir your fin they are likely to have it cafl in their teech by the ungodly about them , though they never fo much deteit it and la- ment it. The ungodly husband will tell the wife . and the ungoJly parents will tell their children, and neighbours and fellow fervants will be telling one another of it , and faying , Thefe are your godly ^PreAckers } Jon may fee n-h.2t comes of all) our frir ; are jou asy heiter then others ? ycu tire even all aUke. Such words as thefe mull all che godly in the Coun- trey perhaps hear for your fakes. It muii be that of- fence come ; but wo to that man by whom it com- eth , 'J\tat. li. 7. O Take lieed brethren in the name of God of every word that you fpeak, every ftep you tread, for you bear the Ark of the Lord , you are intruftcd with his honour ; and dare you let it fall, and caft it in the dirt ? If you that k.Kovf h^ "iviilj and apfrove the things thtt are more (xceiley.t , being infiruCied out of the L^rp^ anlhcin^ confident th.it y OH y our f elves are Cjmdfs of the blirj, and I'j^hts. to them that are indarkj-cfs^ in jl meters cf :hc foolilh, teachers ofbahts^ &c. If you I fay, (bould live con- trary to yourDo^rine, and hi hreahng the Law dipj^nour Gody the name of God would he hlafphemed D 3 amvr>^ 38 Gildas Salvianuss among the ignorant and urtgodlj through j on ^ Roml 2 . 14, 20, 21, 2g, 24. And you are not unacquaint- ed with that (landing Decree of Heaven , 1 Sam. 2. 3 O. Thim that honour me, I ^ill honour : and t hi} that de/pife me^pjnll heUghtljf efieemed. Never did man diihonour God,butit proved thcgreateft diihonour to hirafelf. God will find outwaics enough to wipe o9F all that can becaft upon him ; but you will not fo eafily remove the (hame and forrow from your felves. SECT. XVI. 8. 'T^Ake heed to your felves ; for the fouls of X your hearers, and the fuccefs of all your labours do very much depend upon it. God ufeth to fit men for great works, before he will make them his inftruments in accomplifbing them. He ufeth to exercife men in thofe works that they arc moft fuited to. H the work of the Lord be not foundly done upon your own hearts , how can you expeft that he (hould blefs your labours for the effcding it in others f* He may do it if he pleafe, but you have much caufe to doubt whether he will. I (hall here fhewyou fome particular Reafons under this laft , which may fatisfic you, tliat He that would be a means of faving others , muft take heed to himfelf , and that God doth more feldom profpcr the labours of unfandified men. Reaf. I. Can it be expefted that God fhould blefs thatmans labours ( I ftill mean comparatively 1 as 7he Reformed Tajlor. ?9 asto other Mimfters) whoworkcch not for God, bu: for himself ." vvhy this is the cafe of every un- fandified man. None but the upright do make God their chiel- end, and do ail or any thing heartily for his honour : They make the Mmiftery bu: a trade to live by.- They choofe it rather then another call- ing, becaufe their parents did deiiinate them to it, and bccaufe itisa pleafant thirgto know, and it is a hfe wherein they have more opportunity to furnifh their intellects with all kind of fcience; and becaufe it is not fo toylfom to the body, to thofe that have a will to favour their flefli ; and becaufe it is accom- panied wrth fome reverence and rcfpcft from men, and becaufe they think it a fine thing to be Leaders and Teachers, and have others depend on them, and receive the Law at their mouth, and becaufe it af- fordeth them a competent maintenance. For fuch ends as thefe are they miniiler-s , andfor tfiefedo they preach ; and were it not for thefe, and fuch as thefe, they would foon give over. And can it be ex- peded that God fhould muchblcfs the labours of fuch men as thefe ? it is not him they preach for , but themfelves, and thcir own reputation or gain : It is not him but themfelves that they feek and ferve, and therefore no wendcr if he leave them to them- felves for the fuccefs, and if their labours have no. greater a bleHing then themfelves can give them, and the word reach no furclicr then their own flrength is able to make it reach. X Can you think that h'e is likely to be as fuccefs- fal as others, that dealeth not heartily and faichfully in his wor4,& never foundly believeth what hefaitb, ^z never is truly ferious when he feemeth to be moll D 4 diligent ? 40 Gildas Salvianus; ligcct f And can you think that any unfardified man can be hearty and ferious in the minifterial work? It cannot be. A kind of Icrioufnels indeed he may have, fuch asproceedeth from a common faith or opinion that the word is true, and is a(!^uated by a natural fervour, or by felfifli ends : But the fc- noufnefs and fidelity of a found believer that ulci- niaieiy intendeth Cod and mens falvation,thi8 he hath not. OSirs, all your preaching and perfwading «jf others will be but dreaming and trifling hypocri- fie , till the work be throughly done upon your i Ives. How can you fet your felves day and ni^ht to a work that your carnal hearts arc averfe from .<" How can ycu call out with ferious fervour upon j'oor linners to repent and come in to God, that i.ever Repented or came in your felves.? How can you heartily follow poor finners with importunate folliciracions, to takeheedof rin,and to fet thcm- fclves to a holy life, that never felc your felves the evil of fin, or the worth of holinefs? 1 tell you, thefe things are never well known till they are felt, nor well felc till they arc poflcfled .• And he chat fceleth iliemnot himfelf, isnot fo 1 ketofpeak feelingly to otiiers, nor to help others to the feelin<». of them. >"Owcan you fillow finners with companion in your heartland tears in your eyes, and befeech them in the name of i!)e T.ord to llop their ccurfe and return and live , that never had lo much compafvionon your own fouls as to do this much for your felves? Wliar, can you love other men better then your feives ? r?nd have pitty on them that have none up- on your felves ? Sirs, do you think they will be hear- ty and diligent to favc men from hell. «iat be not '!• ' , heartily 7he Reformed TaUor. 4 1 heartily pcrfwaded that there is a hell ? Or to bring men to heaven , that do not foundly believe that there is fuch a thing ? As Calvin faith on my Text ; Nf^ue enim aliorum faiuttm fedulo HnquAtn curAhit quifuam nfii:git. He that hath not fo ftrong a be- lief of the word of God, and the life to come, as will take off his own heart from the vanities of this world, and fct him upon a refolved diligence for faivation, I cannot exped that he Qiou'd be faithful in feeking the faivation of other men. Sure he that dare damn himfelf, dare let others alone in the way to damnation ; and hethat will fell his mafter with 'Judai for filver, will not (tick to make merchandize of the flock • and he that will lee go his hopes of heaven rather then he will leave his worldly and fltfhly delights, 1 think will hardly leave thefe for the faving of others. Inreafon we may conceive, that he will have no pitry on others, that is wil- fully cruel to himfe f ; and that he is not to be trufted with other mens fouls, that is unfaithful to his own, and will fell it to the Devil for the fliort pleafures of fin. I confefs that man (hall never have my confent to have the care and charge of others , and to over- fee them in order to their faivation, that takes not heed to himfelf 5 but is carelefs of his own ( except ic were in cafe of abfo- lute Necefsity , that no better could be had.) 3. Do you think that it is a likely thing, that he will fight againft Satan with all his might , that is a iervant to Satan himfelf? And will he do any great harm to the Kingdom of the Devil , that is himfelf a member and fub-ed of that Kingdom f And will he be true toChriftthacisin Covenant with 41 Gildas Salvianus^ with his enemy , and Chrift hath not his heart ? why this is the cafe of every unfandified man, of wh^t cloth foevcrhiscoat DC made. They are the fervants of Satan, and the fubjeds of his Kingdom; It is he that ruleth in their hearts.* And are they like to be true to Chrift that are ruled by the Devil ? What Prince will chofe the friends and voluntary fervants of his enemy to lead his Armies in war againft him ? This is it that hath made fo many Preachers of the Gofpel to be enemies to the work of the Gofpel which the^' Preach : No wonder if fuch be fecretly girding at the Holy obedience ot the faithful • and while they take on them to preach fora holy life if they caft reproaches on them that ufe it ! O how many fu^jh Traytors have been in the Church of Chrift in all ages, that have done more againft him under his colours, then they could have done in :he open field / That have fpokenwell of Chrill and Scripture, and godlinefs in the general , and yer llily and clolcly do what they can to bring ic into difgraCt. and make men believe that thofe that fet themfclvcs to feek God with all their hearts, are but a company of hypocrites, or felf-conceited fan- tafticil fellows ! And what they cannot for (hamc fpeak rhat Way in the Pulpit, they will doit in fecrci amofifft t^t'irLrrnp-^nion^-. How many fucii Wolves have been fet over rhc fhcep^bccaufc they had flieeps tloaihing . pr'jtcfding ro be Ch' jltians and as good as others If thee were a Traytor amon?^ the twelve in Chrifts fr»mi)v , no marvel if there be ma- ny now. It cannot be expeded that a flave of SiL' t^n ^ who ^s Cad it his i?eiij, an J ^' ho nsinacth enrthlf thtngi , fhould be any better then ar, CK-e^jf to the Crojs. The Reformed ^afior. 43 (^rofs of C^ri[i. What though they live civilly, and preach plaufibly, and have the out-fide of an IJafie cheap Rcligioufnefs ? They may be as faft in the Devils fnares by worldhnefs, pride,a fecret diftafte of a dih'gent godlinefs, or by an unfound heart that is not rooted in the faith, nor unrcfervedly devoted to God in Chrift , as any others arc by drunkennefs, nncleannefs and fuch difgraceful fins. Publicans and Harlots do foonercome to heaven thenPharifeesjbe- caufe chey are fooner convinced of their fin & mifery . And though many ot thcfe men may feem excel- lent Preachers, and cry down ?in as loud as others , yet is it all but an affe^fled fervency, and too com- monly but a meer uneffeSual bawling. For he that cbcrifhcth it in his own heart, doth never fall upon ic ia goodfadnefs in others. I know that a wicked man may be more willing of anothers reformation then his owH) and may thence have a kind of real earneft- nefs in diffwading them from it ; becaufe he can preach againft fin at eafier rates then he can forfake it, and another mans reformation may ftand with his own enjoyments of his lufts. And therefore many a wicked Minifter or Parent may be earned with their people or family to amend , becaufe they lofc not their own finful profits or plcafores by anotliers re- formation, nor doth it call them to that felf denyal as their own doth. But yet for all this, there i«^none of that seal, refolution and diligence, as is in all that are true to Chrift. They fet not againll fin as the enemy of Chrift,and as that which endangereth their peoples fouls. A trayterous Commander, that ftiooteth nothing againft the enemy but powder, may caufc his Guns to make as great a found or re-* port, 44 Gildas Salvianus-, pore, as fome that are laden with bullets: but he do:b no hurt to chc enemy by it. So one of thcfe men miy fpcak as loud, and mouth ic with an affcA- ed fervency : but he feldom doth any great execu- tion againft fin and Satan- No man can fight well , but where hehateth, or is very angry ; Much lefs againft chtm whom he loveth, and loveth above all. Ever)' unrenewed man is fo far from hating fin ta purpofc,that itishisdeareft treafure , though not as fin, yet the matter of it is, as it affordcth delight to his fcnfual dcfit cs. So that you may fee, that an unfandihed man is very unfit to be a Leader in Chrifts Army', who loveth the enemy i and to draw others to renounce the world and the fledi, who clcaveth to them himfcif as his chiefeft Good. 4 And it is not a very li iNcly thing that the people will regard much theDoftrme of fuch men , when they fee that they do not live as rhcy p'"cach. They will think that he doth not ^r in thepulpit,fo you will but let them alone afterwards, and be friendly and merry with them when you htve done,and talk as they do , and live as they, and be indifferent with them in your confeitnce and your converfation. For they take the Pulpit to be but as a ftage; a place where Preachers rauft (hew themfclves and play their parts ; where you have liberty to fay what you lift for an hour .- and what you fay the/ much regard not , if you (hew them not by faying it perfonally to their faces, that you were in good earnelt, and indeed did mean them. Is that man likely therefore to do much good, or fie to be a Miniftcr of Chrift, that will fpeak for him an hour, and by his life will preach agiinft him all the week befides ; yea and give his publikc words the lye ? And if any of the people bewifer then to fol- low the examples of fuch men, yet the loathfomnefs of their lives will make their Doftrine the lefs cffe- dual. Though you know the meat to be good and wholfom yet it may make a weak ftomach rife againft it, if the Cook or the fervant that carryeth it have pocky, or leprous,or dingy hands. Take heed there fore to your fclves, if ever you mean to do good to others. 5. Laftly„ The Reformed Taftor. 47 ^. Laftly, confider, Whether the fuccefsof your labours depend not on the grace and bleffing o^ the Lord ; And where hath he made any promile of his afliiftance and blefsing to ungodly men? If he do promife h^ (^hnrch a blclsing even by fuch, yet doth ht not ^xomk them any blefsing. To his faithful fcrvants be hath promifed that he will be with them, thathe will put his Spirit upon them, and his word into their raouthcs , and that Satan (hall fall before them as lightening from heaven. But where is there any fuch promife to the ungodly , that arc not the children of the promife .? Nay, do not you rather byyourabufeof God, provoke him to forfake and blaft your endeavours ? at leaft, as to your felves , though he may blcfs them to his chofen. For I do not all this while deny but that God may often do good to his Church by wicked men, but not fo ordi- narily nor eminently as by his own. And what 1 have faidof the wicked themfclves, doth hold in part of the godly while they arc fcanda- lousandback-fliding, proportionably according to the mcafurc of their fin. So much for the Reafons. CHAP. 48 Gildas Salvianus. AAAAAAA.AA A AAA ^A£AA £A&A CHAP. IL SECT. I. AvingQicwedyou, What it is to Take heed to our felves , and ij'cl tl ^, Why it muft be done? I am next j[^^^^| to (hew you. What it is to Take ^ heed to all the Floek^ and wherein it doth confift and muft be exercifed. It was firft neceflary to take into Confidcration , if'h^t \\>emufi be , and -what we mt$fl do for our o^n fouls > before we come to that which muft be done for others : Ne ^uit aliorum vulnera medendo ad falutem^ipfe per neg^ liientiam fu£ faint is intuvtefcat] ne proximos ]uvando^ jedeferm ; ne alios erigens, cadat, faith Qregor* Ad^ decur.pafij. 4. Yea left all his labours come to nought, becaufe his heart and life is nought that doth perform them. Nonnu/ii enimfunt^uifolerti cur^piritualia prxcepta prefcrutantur^fed (fu Thenvvo to poor Prelates ? This were to impofe on them a natural or unavoidable necefsity of being damned* Is it not therefore a moft doleful cafe that learned fober men (hould plead for this as a d^'firablc privt- ledge ? or draw fuch a burden wiUully on thera- felvcs ? and that they tremble not rather at the thoughts of fo great an undertaking f O happy bad it been for the Church, and happy for the Bi- (hops themfelves, if this mcalure that is intimated by the Apftole here had been ftillobferved; and the Diocefi had been no greater then the Elder! or Blfhops could Over-fee and Rule , fo that they might have Taken heed to all the Flock^} Orthat Paftors had been multiplyed as Churches mukiplyed , and the number of Over-fcers proportioned fo far to the number of fouls, that the/ might not have let the work be undone , while they affumed the empty ti- tles, and undertook irapofsibilities / And that they had rather prayed the Lord of the harveft to fend forth more Labourers, even fo many as had been proportioned to the work ; anu not to have under- taken ail rherafelvs. I fhouU fcarce commend ihc prudence or humility of that Labourer ( let his parts iti all other refpc { It be. then they that nullihe it by undertaking impofsibiiities, do go about to ru nc the Chnrche« and thcmfclvc?. if only preaching be ne- ceflary, let us have none but meer Preachers : what needs there then fuch a ftir about Government > But if Difcipline (in its place ) be nereffary too , what is it but enmity to mens falvation to exclude it ? and it is unavoidably excluded, when it is made to be his work that is naturally uncapab'e of performing ir. Hcthatw 11 command an Aimyalonc, may as well h'^'t It p^all bedejuoycdfor want of commani : And thc^chool-mailcr that will Over-fee, or Govern all the SchooFs in the County alone ^ may as well fay ^\i\n\^^thcj fhall be all ungovtmed : And the Phy- fitiaii that will undertake the Guidance of all the fick people in a whole Nation, or County, when he is not able to vifit or direft the hundfeth manof tfeem , may as well fay, Lee them perijh. Oh But though they cannot Rule chcm by tbem- felves, they may do it by others. Anfw, The nature of the Paftora! work is fuch , as muft be done by thcPaftor himfclf. He may not delegate a man that is no Paftor to Baptize or admi# The Reformed TaUor. 53 niftcr the Lords Supper, or to be the Teacher of the Church : No more may he commit the Goveriimenc of ic to another. Ochcrwife by fo doing he makes that mm the Bi{hr.p,if he make him the immediate Kuler and Guid oi the Church : And if a Bifhop may make each Prtsbyter a B:(bop,lo he do but de- rive the power from him^thcn let it no more be held unlawful for ther.i to Ijovcrn, or to be Bifhop?. And if a Prchtc may do ir, iti:^ likeChritcr hts Apoftles might and have done It; for as we are to preach in C brifis name, and uo in any mans ; fo its likely that we muft Rule in his name. But of ihis fomewha. more anon. Yet ftiil it muft be acknowledged that In cafe of necefsity,where there are not more to be had, one man m.Ty undertake the charge of more fouls then he is able wtll to over-fee particularly. Tut then he I tnuft only undertake rand not to do all that a Pafror ordinarily ougiu t.o do. And this is the cafe of fome of us that have greater Pari(hes then we arc able to take that fpccizcl heed to,as their ftate rcquireth ; I muft profefs for my cv;n part, I am fo far from their boldnefs that dare venture on the fole Government of a County, that 1 would not for all £«^/j«^have undertaken to have been one of the two that fhould do all the Pai'oral work that God enjoyneth to that one Par'fh where i live, had I not this to fatisfie my confcience > that through the Ckarchej nectffitiss more car.nct he l^ad \ ayid therefore 1 mujl rather do y?:h^t ^ can , t^.^i* leave aU undone, bee ^[i I cannot do all. But cafes ©f un- avoidable necefsity, arenottobe the ftanding con- dition of the Church ; or at leaft it is cot dclirahle E 3 that 54 Gildas Salvianus, that it fliould fo be O hupfj C^^t^rch ofChnft^ were tht Lahftrerj but Able anci Faithful^ a» I proportion- ed in number to the number of fottis ; So that the Pa- ftors rvirefo manj/^or the farticuUr Flockj or Churches fo fmall^ that ^e might be able to Take heed to All the Flocks. SECT. II. HAving told you thcfc two things that are here implyed. I come next to the duty it felf that is exprcft. And this Taking heed to All the Flock in general is, A very ^reat care of the whole ami ever J p<^yt^ ^ith ^reat '^'afchfulnefs land diligence in the uje of all thofe holy actions and Ordinances which ^ matter of it. 2. In refpcA to the ob]tct. 5. Inrcrpedtothcworkitfelf, or the cy^ctions whichwemuft do. And 4. In refpcd to the End which we muft in- tend. Or it is not amifs if I begin firft with this laft, as being firft in our intention, though laft as to theaccainnient. I. The ultimate end of our Paftoral over-fight , is that which is the ulcimate end of our whole lives ; Even the Pleafing and Glorifying of God, to which is connext the Glory of the humane nature alfo of Chrift,andthe Glorification ot his Church , and The Reformed Ta/ior. 55 and of our felves in particular .• And the necrcr ends of ourofficejarcthe fandification, and holy obedi- ence of the people of our charge, their unicy,order, beauty, ftrength, prefervation and increafc ; and the right worfliipping of God, efpecially in the fo- lemn Afiemblies. l>y which it is m3nife(l,that before a man is capa- ble of being a true Paftor of a C hurcti according to the tn\r.d of Chriil:, he muft have fo high an efti- mation of thcfe things, that they may be indeed his ends. I. That man therefore that is not himfelf taken up with the predominant love of God and is not himfclf devoted to him, and doth not devote to him all that he hath and can do ; that man that is not ad- dided to the pleafingof God, and makethhiranot the Center of all his adions, andlivech not to him as his Cod and Happinefs : That is, that man that is not a (incere Chriil>ail himfe'lf, is utterly unfit to be a Paftor of a Church. And if we be not in a cafe of defperate necefllty, the Church (hould not admit fiich.fo far as they can difcover them. Though to inferiour common works (as to teach the Languages, and fome Pbilofophy.to tranflatc Scriptures, o-c.) they may be admitted. A man that is nor heartily devoted to God,& addifled t ) his fervice & honour,will never fet heartily about the Paftoral work : nor indeed can he poiTibly ( while he remaineth fuch) do one part of that liork.no nor of any other, nor fpeak one word in Chriftian fincerity. For no man canbe fincere in the means, that is not fo in his intentions of the end. A man muft heartily Love Cod above al! , E ^ before 5^ GildasSalvianus; before he can heartily fervc him before all. 2. No manis fit to bea Minifter of Chnft that is not of a publike fpirit as to the Church , and de- Irghtcth not in its beauty, and longeth not for its fe- licity : As the good of the Common-wealch muft be the end of theMagiftrate (his neererend ) fo muf^ the felicity of the Church be the end of the Paftors of it. So that we muft rejoyce in its welfare, ar.d be willing to fpcnd and be fpcnt for its fake. 5 . No man is fit to be a Paftor of a Church that doth nor fet his heart on the life to come, and regard the mnttcrs of cveilafting life , above all the mat- ters of th's prcfciu life : and that is not fenfible in f^me meafure how much the ineftimable riches of g'ory are to be preferred to the trifles of this world. For he wil never fet his heart on the work of mens falvation, that doth not heartily believe and value that falvation. 4. He that dellghteth not in holincfs, hiteth not iniquity, loveth not the ^niry and ^urity of the ( hurc\and abhorreth not diftc^rd and divifions ^ and taketh not plcafurein the 'Communion of ^aints, and the publike worlhip of God with his people, is nor fit to be a Paitor of a Church For none of all thefc can have the true ends of a Paftor, and there. fore cannot do the works. For of what neceHlcvr th- end is to the Mean^, and m Rclaciors, is eafily known. SECT. IheKeformedTaUor. 57 SECT. III. I I. ""T^HE fulfjcet matter of the Minifteml i work, is in general, fpintual things, or matters that concern the Pleafing of God, and the Salvation of our people. It is not about temporal and traHlitory things. It s a vile ufurpation of the Pope and his Prelates to alTume the management of the temporal fword, and immerfe themfelves in the bufineliTcs of the world ; to exercife the violent coertion of the Magiftratc, when they fhould ufc only the fpiritual weapons of Chrift» Our bufinefi is not to difpofe of Common-wealths, nor to touch mens purfes or perfons by our penalties : but it confifteth only in thefe two things. 1. In revealing to men that Happinefs, oc chief Good , which muft be their ultimate end. 2. In acquainting them with the right means for the attainment of this end, and helping them to ufe them, and hindring them from the contra- ry. I. It is the firft and great work of the Minifters of Chrift to acquaint men with that God that made them, and is their Happinefs • to open to thetn the treafurcs of his Goodnefs, and tell them ot the Glory that is in his prcfence , which all his chofen people (hall enjoy; That fo by (hewing men the Certainty and the Excellency of tbe promifed felici* ty, and tbe perfed bleffednefs in the life to come , compared with the vanities of ihisprefcnt life, we may 58 Gildas Salvianiisj may turn the ftrcam of their cogitations and afFc- dions, and bring them to a due contempt of this world, and fet them on fecking the durable treafurc. And this is the work that we fhould lie at with thcro night and day : could we once get them right in regardof thecnd, andfct their hearts unfeignedly ©n God, and heaven the chiefeft part of the work were done .• for all the reft would undoubtedly follow. And here we muft diligently difgrace their feem • ing fenfual felicity, and convince them of the bafe- ncfs of thofe pleafures which they prefer before the delights of God. a Having (hewed them the right end , our nexc work is to acquaint them with the right means of at- taining it. Where the wrong way muft bedifgra- cedjtheevilof all fin muft be manifcfted , and the danger that tt hath brought us into, nnd the hurt it hath already done us, muft be difcovercd. Then have we the great myftcrie of Redemption to diftlofe ; the, Perfon , Natures, Incarnation, ^enedion. Life, Miracles, Sufferings, Death, Burial, ReiurrcdiOD , Afcenfion, Glorihcation, Dominion, Inrercfftion of thcblcffed Son of God. Asalfothe tef;orof his promifes, the conditions impofed onus, the duties wh ch he hath Commanded us, and the Everlafting Torments which he hath ihrcatned to ihe final Im- penitent nejJJeclers of his grace O what a treafury of his bieftlngs and Graces , and tlie priviledges of his Saints have we tr unfold ! What a blefTed life of Holinefs and < ommunion therein have we to re- commend to the fons of men : And yet how many temptations, difficulties and dangers to difdofc, and allift The Reformed ^ a/lor* 59 aflift thcrn againft / How many precious fpiritual duties have we to fee them upon, and excite them to, and dire*!^ them in ! How many obeAions of flc(h and blood, and cavils of vain men, have we to confute! How much of their own corruptions and finful inclinations to difcover and root our / Wc have the depth of Gods bottomlefs Love and Mer- cy, the depth of the myfterics of his Defigns and Works , of Creation, Redemption , Providence, Juftification, Adoption, Sandification, Glorificati- on ; thedepthofSatans temptations, and the depth of their own hearts, to difclofe. In a word, we muft teach them, as much as we can of the whole pford and fVcrkj of Godr O what two volumns arc there for a Minifter to Preach upon / how great, how ex- cellent, how wonderful and myfierious / All Chri- ftians are Difciplcs or Schollars of Chrift , the Church is his School ; wc are his U(hers, the Bible is hisGrammer.-This is it that we muft be daily teaching them. The Papifts would teach them without book , left they (hould learn herefics from the Word of truth ; leaft they learn fallliood from the Book of God, they muft learn only the books or words of their Pricfts. But 0«r bufinefs is not to teach them without Book, but to help them to undrftand this iBookof God. So much for the fubjcd matter of our work. SECT. 6o Gildas Salvianus SECT. 1 V. III. np H E OAjfcf of our Paftoral care is, ^/l J. theF/ocl^: That is, the Church and every member of it. Icisconfidered by us, i. In the whole body or lociety . 2 . In the parts or indivi- dual members. 1. Our firft care muft be about the whole* And therefore the firft duties to be done arc publike du- ties which arc done lo the whole. A$ our people are bound to prefer publike duties before private, fo are we much more. But this is fo commonly confefled, that J (hall fay no more of it. 2. But that which is lefs undcrftood or confider- cd,is,That y^// the Flock, even each individual mem- ber of our charge muft be taken heed of,and watch- ed over by u in our Miniftery. To which end it is prcfuppofed neceffary, that j' unlefs where abfolute necerfity forbiddeth it, through the fcarcity of Pa- ftors, and greatnefs of the Flock ) H^eJhouU know tvery per/on that heionj^eth to our charge. For how can we take heed to them, if we do not know them I Or how can we tike that heed that belongeth to the fpccial charge that we hive undertaken, if we know not who be of our chargc.and who not (chough we know the perfons? ; Our obligation is not to all neighbour Churches, or to all ftraglers, as great as it is to thofe whom we are fet over. How can we tell whom toexcbde, till we know who are includ- ed } Or how can we refcl the accufations of the ofFended,that tell us of the ungodly or defiled mem- bers The Reformed faflor. ' 6i bers of our Churches, when we knew not whp be mcmbersj and who not .? Doubtiefs the bounds lot our Pannieswillnottellus.as long as Papifts and fome worfe do there inlwbir. Nor will bare hearing us certainly difcovcr it, as long as thofc are ufed to hear that are members oF other Churches, or of none at all. Nor is mecr participation of the Lords Supper a fure notc,while ftrangers may be admittedf and many a member accidentally be kept off.Though much probability may be gathered by thefe, or fome of thefe, yet a fuller knowledge of our charge is neceflfary where it may be had, and that muft be the fittcft expreflion of Confent , becaufe it is Con* fcnt that is neceflary to the Relation. 9^// the Flock being thus k^o^n^ muft afterward be Heeded. One would think all reafonable men (hould be fatisfied of this, and it fhould need no further proof. Doth not a careful Shepherd look after every individual Sheep ? And a good School- maflcr look to every individual Scholler, both for inftrudion and corredion ? And a good Phyfitian look after every particular Patient ? And good Commanders look after every individual fouldicr .«' Why then (liould not the Teachers, the Paftors the Phyfitians, the Guides of the Churches of Chriil:, take heed to every individual member of their charge ? Chrift himfelf the great and good Shep- herd, and mafter of the Church, that hath the whole to look after, doth yet take care of every in- dividual. In the 15. of L^^it^hetelleth us that he is as the Shepherd that leaveth tkeninetj andniMc Jheep in the fVildernefs tofgek ^fff^ one that ^as lofl : Or as the woman that light nh a Candli , andfwsepeth (Li 62 Gildas Salvianus^ thei^tife^ and fe^rcheth diligently to find tJot ottegroAt that WAS loft ; and hdVi^ig found it ^ doth rejoyce-, and call her friends and neighbonrs to rejoyce. And Chrift telleth OS, that even in heaven there is Joy ovr one finnerthatrepentetk The Prophets are oft fcntto (ingle men. (f^f^^'e/ismadcawatch man over indi- viduals : and muft fay to the wicked , Thon [halt furely dye^ E^c!^. 3. 18, 19. and 18 And Tani taught them VHblikely and from honfe to hoH^e^ which was meant of his teaching particular families; for even the publike teaching was then in houfes ; and puiflil^/y and from houfe to honfe , fignifie not the fame thing. The fame Pant Earned every man , ^nd taught every m.in^ in all ^ifdoM^that he m^ght frefent every mAn verfect in Chrift lefus^ QoL I. i 8. Chrift expounded his publike parables,to the twelve a f Art ^ Mark^ 4. 3 \, Every man muft (etk^tbe LiW at tht month of the Priefl, MtL 2 7. We muft ^ive an ac- count oi our watching for the fouls of all that are bound to obey us, Hcb.i ^. ' 7. Many more pafTages in Scripture afTure us that it is our duty to Take heed to every individual perfon in our I'lock . And many paiTiges in the ancient Councils do plainly tell us, it wis the pradice of thofe times, till Churches began to be crowded, and to fwell io big that they could not be guided as Churches fhould be (when. they (hould rather have been multiplyed , as the Converts did increafe.; But I will pafs over all thefe, and mention only one paffage in Ignatius 'or whoe- ver it was I matter not much. feeing it is but to prove what was then thccuftomof the Church; 4^ Pfl/7. carp. 'rruKv'^n^9p (ruyu.y^}at j^v'i^Ttcy l^no/Mi7v( TrnvT^-i ^(nti'S'vKzvi -^ y%hf,i fj^-vi ifj75fK^xV«.i.e. Let Ajfemklies h The Reformed TaHor . 6 } he often gat h end • feek^afier (^or enijHire of) allhy name', ciefpift not ferv ant- men or maids. Y'ou fee it was then caken for a duty Co look after every mem- ber of the flock by name, though it were the mean- eft fervant-man or maid. The Rcafons of the necef. fityof thislfhailpafsover now, becaufe feme of them will h\\ in when we come to the duty of Catechizing and perfonal inftrudion in the end. Obj. Bnt the Congregation that 1 4m fet of^r u fo great that it is not foffthle for me to know them all, much lefs to take heed of all individu- als* ^nfw, I. Is it neccfsity or not that hath caft you upon fuch a charge / Jf it be not, you excufe one fin with another : How durft you undertake that which you knew your felf unable to perform, when you were not forced to it ? It feems then you had fome other ends in your undertaking, and never in- tended to make it good, and be faithful to your truft. But if you think that you were necefsitated toit,Imuftask you , i. Might not you pof- (ibly have procured afsiftancc for fo great a charge? Have you done all that you could with your friends and neighbours to get maintenance for ano- thertohelpyou f 2. Have you not fo much main- tenance your felf as might ferve your felf and ano- ther } What though it will not ferve to mairtain you in fulncfs } Is it not more reafon that you ftiould pinch your flefh and family, then undertake a work that you cannot do , and ncgled^ the fouls of fo many menf I know it wil! fcem hard to fome thac I fay J But come icfeems an unquefiionabie thing: Ihat 64 Gildas Salvianus. That if you have but an hundred pounds a year , it is your duty to live upon pare of it, and allow the reft to a competent afsiftant, rather then the Flock that you are over (hould be negleded. If you fay , That this is hard meafurc; your wife and children cannot fo live. 1 anfwer, i. Do not many families inyour Parifti liveonlefs ? 2. Have not many able Minifters in the Prelates daies been glad of lefs, with liberty to preach the Gofpel ? There arcfomc yet living ( as I havq heard) thac have offered the Bi(hops to enter into bond to preach for nothing, fo they might but have had liberty to preach. 3. If ftill you fay, that you cannot live fo neerly as poor people do , I further ask ; Can your Parifhoners better endure damnation, then you can endure wane and poverty ? What, do you call your felves Mi' nifters of the Gofpel, and yet are the fouls of men fo bafc in your eyes that you had rather they did eternally perifti, then your felves and family fhould live in a low and poor condition ? Nay, fhould you not rather beg your bread., then putfuch a thing as mens falvarion upon a ha7:ird, or difadvantage ? Yea or hazard the damnation but of one foul ? O Sirs, it is a miferable thing when men ftudy and talk of Heaven and Hell, and the fewnefs of the faved , and the difficulty of falvation , and be not all this while in good fadnefs 1 If you were, you could ne- ver fureftick at fuch matters as thefe, and let your people go to damnation , that you might live at higher rates in the world ? Remember this, the next time you are preaching to them , that they cannot, be faved without km^ledge • and hearken whether confcience do not conclude, Its likthf^^y^ The l^efomed 'Pa/lor. 6j mi^ht be brcHght to k^§79leJge^ if they h^dhtit diligent inflruEiion and exhortation frivutely man bj man ; and then were there anoth.-r minifler tJ af/i/l me^ thii mij^ht be done : and chen if ^ would live neerly and deyij mj fiep*^ ^ might hive an afjiflant : and then ic muft conclude, 04re I let my feople Ine inth>it ^gnc- ranee which I my felf have toii them is damning ; rather then pttt m/ felf and fajifly to a little ^0int f And I muft further fay, that indeed this poverty is not fo fad & dangerous a bufinefs as it is pretend- ed to be. So you have but food and rayraenc, mud you not therewith be content ? and what would you have more then that which may enable you /or the work of God > And it is not purple and fine linnen, and faring delicioufly every day, that you muit ex- ped as that which mull content yoU. A mans Irfe con- jifleth not in the abundance of the thing* that he pof- feifeth, Soyourcloathing be warm, and your food be wholfom, you may as well be fupported by it to do God ff their duty for the promoting of mens falvation. Some more of thefe ObjcSions we (hall anfwer non, under the Ufes. So much for the diftriburion the work of the Mmiftery , drawn from #lhc Objcd materially Confidered. fi 68 Gildas Salvianus • \Vc are next ro confidcr of it in reference to the feveralqualiiicsof chcob;ed. And becaufc we (hall here fpeak Iomewh.1t of the A(^.<; with the ObjeA , tlicre wil: be the Icfs afterward to be iaid of them by themfelves. I. The firll part of our Minifterial work lyeth #« hringifig unjonrd Profijjorj of the fntth to finceri- tj , that they who before were * hriftians in name and fhew, may be fo indeed. I hough it belong not tons as tloetr /'''// c?r/^to convert prokfTcd Infidels to the faith, becaufc they cannot be members of the Church while they are profefTcd Inhdels ; yet doth it belong to ii*; as their Pall.»rs , to convert thefe Teeming Chnftians to fincericy, becaufe fuch Teeming ( hriOians may be vifihle members of uuf Churches. And though we be not abfolutely ccr- tai 1 that this or that man in particular is unfound, aid unTandified, yet as long as we have a certainty that many Tuch are uTually in the Church , and have too great probability that it i"; To with Teveral indivi- duals whom we can name, we have therefore ground enough to deal with them for their converfion. And if we be certam by their notorious Impiety that they are no Chnlbans, and fo tobeejcAcd from the Communion of Chriftians ; yea if they were profeffed infidels, yet may we deal with them for their converfion, though not as Their Paftors^ yet as Minifters of the GoTpel. So that upon thefe terms we may well conclude that, The work of con- verfion is the great thing that we liiuft firft drive at, and labour with all our might to effeft. Alas, the mifery of the unconverted is fo great, thatitcallcth lowdeft lousforourcompaffion. If a truly The Reformed Tasior. 69 truly converted (inner do fall, ic will be but into fin which will fure be pirdoned, ^nd he is not in that hazard of damnat on by ;t hs oihers be. Not (as fome unjuftly accufe us to fay ) I hat God hateth not their fins as wtJl as ocher% or that be will bring them ro hcaven,let them live never To wickedly : buc the fpinr that is within them will not let them live wickedly, nort> fin as the ungodly do ; but they hate fin habi^ually^ when through temptation they commit ir aftually ; and as they have a General Repentance for all , fo have they a particular Re- pentance for ail that is known; and they ufually know all thats grofs and much more, an i they have no iniquity that hath domi: ion over them. But with the unconverted it is far otiierwife. They ate in tht g^H of hitter Kefs and bond of -nlcjitity^ and have yet no p^rt fjor feltovppjip ifttht pardon of their fins , or the hopes of j:lory : We have therefore a work of greater neceliity to do for them , even to operi their eyes, and turn tloemfror/i da>k'^e/j ro light , and from the power of Satan H/ito Cjo^\ that they ma) re- ceive forgiveKefs of Jin s^ and inheritance amor^ the fannifiedhy f^ithinChriJl^ ^[lsi6,\'^. To foften and open their hearts to the entertainment of the truths if Godperadventure vpill give them R^epentnnce to the acknowledging of it. that thej m^j e/cai e out of the fnart of the Deiil^ Who are takfn C^, tive by htm at his )i^U/, 2 Ttm. 2.25 That fo tUy may be cor.' vertcJyand their fins m^y be forgiven them/J^tark 4. I ?. He that Teeth one man fick of a mortal direare,& mother only pained with the tooth ach , will be novcd more to compafiionatc the former, then the latter, and will fure make more hafte to help him , F 3 though JO Gildas Salvianus j though he were a ftranger, and the other were a Son. Ic is fo fad a cafe to fee men in aftatcof dimnation, wherein if they Qiould dye they are rc- medilefly loft that aie thinks we (hould not be iblc to let them alone, either in pubiike or private, what- e\*er other work we have to do. I confefs, I am for- ced frequently to negled that v.hich (hould tend to the further encreafe of knowledge in the godly, and may be called ftrongcr meat, becaufe of the lamen^ fable ncccfsity of the unconverted. Who is able to talk of Controvcrfies or nice unneccfl^iry points, yea or truths of a lower degree of necefsity, how excellent focver, while he fceth a company of igno- rant, carnal, mifcrable finners before his face , that muft be chang'dor damnM ? Me thinks I even fee them entring upon their final woe ! Me thinks I even hear them crying out for help, and fpeedyeft help. Their mifery fpeaks the lowder, becaufe they have not hearts to feek or ask for help themfelves. Mnny a time have I known, that I had fome hearers of higher fancies, that lookt for rarities, and were addi(^cd to defpife the Miniftery, if he told them not fomewhat more then ordinary ; and yet I could not find in my heart to turn from the obfervation of the necefsities of the impenitent, for the humouring ofthefe, nortoleavefpeakingtothe apparently mi- ferable for their falvation, to fpcak to fuch noveliftf^ for the clnvng of their ears; no nor fo much as otherwife fliould be done, to the \^eak for their con- firmation, and increafe in grnce. Me thinks as 'Pauls Spirtt was ffirdtvitbirj btnj, when hi'fav,' the Athcni- iiV\%[oaddiEiedt6 Idolatry^ AUs \j.\6. fo it {hould| caft us into one of hisparoxifras, to fee fo many, men 7 he Reformed Tajlor: 7 1 men in great probabiiitie of being everlaftingly un- done ; and iF by faith we d d indeed look upon them as within a ftep of hell , ic fhould more cflFedu. ally untye our toT gues. then they tell us that Crcefus danger did his fons. He that w:l- i:t a finner goto hell for want of fpeaking to him , doth fet lefs by fouls then the Redeemer of fouls did, andiefsby his neighbour then rational Charity will alloiv him to do by his greatcft enemy. O therefore Brechreo, whomfoever you negled ^ neglcft not the molt mi- fcrablc / Whatever you pafs over, forget not poor fouls that are under the condemnation and curfe of the Law , and may look every houx for the infer- nal execution, if a fpeedy change do not prevent it. Ocafl after the impenitent , and ply this great work of converting fouls whatever elfe you leave undone. 2. The next j^art of the Minifterial work, is for the building up of thofe that arc already truly converted. And according to the various Itatcs of thefe.the work is various, in general.as the perfons are either fuch as are young and weak^ or fuch as are in danger of growing worfe, or fuch as are already declining, fo our work is all reducible to thefe three, Confirmation and Progrefs^ Trefervation and RelJau^- ration. I. We have many of our flock that are young and weak ; though of long (landing , yet of fmall proficiency or ftrength,Hf^. 5. 11, 12. And indeed it is the moft common condition of the godly : Moftof them flick in weak and low degrees of grace ; And it is no eafie matter to get them higher. To bring them to higher and flridcr opinions, is F 4 very > 71 GildasSalvianus; >'cr^' cafic; that is, fo bring them from the truth in- to error, on the ri^ht hand as well as on the left : but to encreafe their knowUd^ and gifts is not cafie ; but to encreafe their graces is the hardeft of all. Jt is a very trouble fom thing lo be weak : Ic ke:peth under dangers , it abateth confolacion,and dclig,ht in God, andtakcth off the fwectnefs of his waies, and maketh us go to work with too much backwardncfS; and come off with little peace or pro- fit . Ir maketh us Icfs ferviceable to God and man , to bring lefs honour to our Maftcr and profefsion , and do Icfs good to all about u?. Wc find fmall be- nefit by the means we ufe ; we tooeafijy play with the Serpents baits and are infnarcd by his wiles. A Seducer will eafily make us (hake, and evil may be made appeartousas Good. truth as falfhood, fin as a duty ; and fo on the contrary ; we are lefs able to rcfifiand ftand in an encounter jwcfooner fall ;wc hardlicr rife ,• and are apter to prove a fcandal and reproach to our profeflion ; We lefs know our felres,and aremcre apt tobe miftaken in our own eflate, not obferving corruptions when they have got advantage ; wc are dfhonourablc to the Gofpcl by our very wcaknefi, and little ufeful to any about usjand m a word, though we live to lefs profit to our felves or others, yet are wc unwilling and too unrea- dy to dye. /.nd feeing the cafe of weak'inefsis comparative- ly fo fad, how diligent fliould wc be to cheril'h and encreafe their grace .' 1 he Ihengthof Chriftiansis the honour of the Church When men are inflamed uith the Love of God, and live by a lively working faith^ and fct 1 ght by the profits and honours of the '^ . ^ ' world, 7he K e formed Taltor. 73 world, and love one another wich a pure heart fer- vently, and can bear and heartily toigtv€ a wrong , and fuffer joyiully for the caufe of Chnrt and ikdy to do good, and walk inoffcnfivcly and harmlefly in the world,as ready to be fcrvants of all men for their good, becoming all things to all men to win them , and yet abftaining from the appearances of evil,and feafoning ail their adions with a fweet mixture of Prudence, Humility, Zeal and Heavenly fpirituality; what an honour arc fuch to their profcflfions ? What ornaments to the Church ? and how excel- lently ferviceablc to God and nwn / Men would fooner believe that the Cofpel is indeed a word of truth and power, if they could fee more fuch effefls of it upon the hearts and lives of men. The world is better able to read the nature of Religion in a mans hfe then in the Bible. They that obey not the word, miy be won by theconverfationsof fuch as thefe , 1 Pet,^. I. It is therefore a neceffary part of our work, to labour more in the poliftiing and perfedmg of the Saints, that they may be ftrong in the Lord , and fitted for their maimers ufe. 2. Another fort of t onverts that need our fpecial help, are thofe that labour under fome particular dftemper, that keeps under their graces, and ma- keth them temptations and troubles to others ^and a burden to thcmfelves . For alas too many fuch there arc. Some that are fpecially addi(?led to Pride, and fometo worldlinefs, and fome to this or that fenfual defire, and many to frowardnefs,and difturbing paf- fions. It is our duty to fet in for the afsiftance of all tbcfe , and partly by diffuvafions and clear difcove- ries of theodioufiufs of the fin, and partly by fuit- able 74 Giidas Salvianiis. able dire Aions about the way of femedy, to help thcmto a fullcrconqueftof tlicir corruptions. VVc are leaders of Chrifts Army ag^'^ft the powers of darknefs , and muft relift all the works of darknefs wherever we find them, though vc be in the children of light Wc muft be no more tender of the fins of the godly then the ungodly, nor any more be* friend them or favour them. By how much more we love the pcrfons above others, by fo much the more mutl we exprefs it in the oppofirion of their fins. And yet we muf> look to meet with fome tender perfons here, efpecicllv when iniquity hath got any head, f^nd made a pirty ; and many have fallen in love with it ; '"hey will bea, ppc:r-i and impatient of a reproof as fomc wnxkr mc?n. and interett piety itfelf into their faulrs, and fay that a Miniftcr that preicheth agai..(l them, doth preach againft the godly ; A moft b«ynou? crime ! to make God and godli.icfs acc[r»ry'to ehcir fiis ^ When all the world befidc- b?^ri nr>r the rhoufandch part of that enmity and dp^^tjfitt'm agiinl\ them. But the Mi- nifters of Chrill mu^ do their duties, for all mens pcevifhnefs ; and mul^ not fo far hate their Brother^ 4/ to forbear tke pUin i eh>ikjng of him^ or fuffer fin to /teuton hit foul Levt. 19. 17. Though it muft be done with much prudence , yet done it rauft be. 3. Another fort that our work is about, is De- clining Chrift,ans, that are either fallen into fomc fcandalous fin, or elfe abate their zeal and diligence, and (hew us th^t they have loft their former Love I As the cafe of back- (liders is very fad, fo our dili- gence muft be great for their recovery, Its fad to them The KeformedTdHor. 75 them to lofe fo much of their Life, and peace, and fcrviceablcnefs to God : and 10 become fo fcrvice- ableto Satan & his caufellc IS fad tons to fee that al our labour is come to this and that when we have taken fo much pains with men , and haJ fo much hopesof thcm,all(hould be fo far fruflracc. Ic is faddeft of all to think chat ood (hould be fo abuf- ed by thofe that he hath fo loved and done fo much for, and that the enemy fliould ^et fuch advantage upon his graces,and that Chrift (hould be fo wound- ed in the houfeof a friend, and the name of God evil fpokcn of among the wicked through fuch ; and all that fear God (hould be reproached for their fakes Bcfides that partial back-fliding hath a natu- ral tendency to total Apoftacie,and would effcd it, if fpecial grace prevent it not. The fadder the cafe of fuch Chriflians is, the more lieth upon us for their eflfedual recovery , to reftore thofe that are but overtaken with a fault by the Spirit of mecknefs,(74/. 6.1,2. and yet to fee that the fore be throughly fearcht and healed, and the joynt be well fet again, what pain foever it coft ; and €%ecially to look to the honour of the Gofpel,and to fee that they rife by fuch free and full confcflions and fignifications of trueRcpenrancc, that fome re- paration be thereby made to the ^hurch, and their holy profcffion , for the wound of diflionou^* chat they had given ic by their fin. Much skill is required to the rcftoring of fuch a foul . ^. Another part of theMinifterial work 15 abouc thofe that are fallen under fome great 1 empution. Much of our afliftance is needful to our people in fuch a cafe. And therefore every Minifkr (hould ~ " be yd Gildas Salvianus • ^ be a man that hath much infight into the Tempters wiles. \Vc fhould know the great var.ety of thcra> and the cunning craft of all Satans inftrumeots that lie in wait to deceive, and the methods and devices of the grand deceiver 1 fomc of our people lie un- der ''emptations to Error and Hcrcfie, efpecially thcyoun^ iinfettled, andmoft felf conceited ; and thofe ch ii are moft convcrfant or familiar with Se- ducers. Young, raw, ungrounded Chriftians, are commonly of their mind that have moft intereft in their efteem,and moft opportunity of familiar talk to draw them into their way. And as they are tin- der, fo deceivers want not the fparks of zeal , to fee them on a flame. A zeal for error and opinions of our. own , is natural , and eafily kindled and kept alive : but it is far otherwife with the fpiritual zeal for God. O what a deal of holy Prudence and In- duftry isneceffary ina Paftor to preferve the flock from being fainted with herefies, and falling into noxious conceits and pradices , and efpecially to keep them in U-iity and Concord, and hinder the ri- ling or incrcafc of D.vifions. If there be not a notable conjundion of all accomplilhments, and a skilful improvement of parts andinterefts, it will hardly be done, efpecially in fuch times as ours , when the fignisin the head, and thedifeafeisEpide- niical. r wedonor publikt'ly maintain the credit of our Miniftcry, ?i\-\(!i fecond it by unblamable ex- emplary live5, and privacely meet with Seducers, and fhame them ; if we be not able to manifeft their folly,and follow not clofe our daggering people be- fore they fall, how quickly may we give great ad- vantage to the enemy, and let in fuch an inundation of Tk ReformedTaHor. yj of fin and calamity, that will not cafily be again caft out I Ochcrs lie under a temptation to worldlincfs / and others to gluttony or drunkennefs ; and others to 'uft ; fomc to one lin, and feme to another A faithful Pallor therefore (hould have his ey;^ upon them all, and labour to be acquainted with their natural temperament, and alfo with their occafions and affairs in the world , and the company that they live or converfe with that fo he may know where iheir temptations lie ; and then fpeedily , prudently and diligently to help them. 5. Another part of outwork is to comfort the difconfolate, aud to fettle the Peace of our peoples fouls, and that on fure and lafting grounds. To which end, the quality of the Complainants,and rhe courfe of their lives had need to be known j for all people rouft not have the like Confolations that have the like complaints. But of this 1 havefpoken already elfewhere, and there is fo much faid by many, efpc- cially Mr. Bolton in his Inftfuf^ions for right Com*^ forting, that I (hall fay no more. 6. The reft of our Minifterial work is upon thofe tliat are yet ftrong : For they alfo have need of our afsiftance: Partly to prevent their temptations and declining*, and preferve the grace they have; part- ly to help them for a further progrefs and encrcafc ; and partly to dired then) in the improving of their ftrength for the fcrviceof Chrift»and theaiCftancc of their brethren As alfo to encourage them, efpccially the aged,the tempted,and afflidcd to hold on , and to perfcvere that they may attain the Crown. Allthefearctheobjeftsof the Minifterial wcrk. 78 Gildas Salvianus. work, and in refpcd to all thefc we muft Tdkf hted toalltioeFloc\. Abundance more diftributions of our work, with direAons how to perform it to rich and poor, young and old, &c. You may find in gre^or. : ;!/. de cHrap>iftorali- worth the reading. You may have the Book by it felf of Ut.JenSte- phem Edition. SECT. V. ^ ^' TTAvinp done with our work in rcfpc(5lof JlJL ics Objeds ; I am next to fpcak of the Ads themfclves. But of this 1 (hall be very brief. I. Becaufe they are w to fpeak to God in prayer » when ■The Reformed ^ajlor. §5 when every bf f'gjft' can find words to ask an almi ; and therefore tell them that this form is but for ne- ceffity, as a crutch to a Cripple , while they cannot do as well without \t ; but they mult not rcfolve to take up there, but to learn to do better as foon as they can, feeing prayer Oiould come from the feel- ing of the heart, and be varied both according to our ncccdicief and obfervations. Yet is \i nc- cefTary to moft unaccuftomcdilrbred people, that have not been brought up where prayer hath been ufed , that they begin at firft with the u(c of a form, becaufc they will clfc be able to do no- thing at all, and in fenfe of their difabilicy will wholly negledl the duty, though they defircto perform it. For many difufcd perfons can mutter out fomc honcft rcquefts in fecrct, that be not able before others to (peak tolerable fcnfe. And I will not be one of them that had rather the dury were wholly negleded, or clfc prophancd and made con- remptible,then encourage them to the ufe of a form, cither recited by memory, or read. 4. Sec that they have fome profitable moving book (bcfides the Bible J in each family: If they have not, perfwade them to buy fomc of fmall price, and great ufe ; fuch as Mr, wlyit^Ujs New Birth . and Dod on the Commandments; orfomQfmaller movingSermons ; If they be not able to buy them, give them fomc if you can : if you cannot, gee fome Gentlemen or other rich perfons that arc willing to 1 good works, to do it. And engage tbcm to read on it at nights when they have Icifurc^ and efpccialiy on 1 ihc Lords day. 5, By all means] perfwade th«m to pro-. G 3 care S6 ■ GilJas Salvianus • cure all their children to Icafn to read Eng* liHi. 6 Dircd them how to fpend the Lords day : how to difpatch their worldly hulinefTcs i'o as to prevent encomhrances and dilrsftions ; and when they have been at the AfTembhe , how to fpend the tune in ths. they lofe all, and will remain ignorant a^id bru- tirti, Specially perfwadc them to thefetwothings.i Jf they cannot repeate the Sermon, or otherwife fpend the time profically ir hom.', that they take their fa- mHy with them, andgotofomc godly neighbour that fpends it better, tliat by joyning with them,they may have the beccer help. 2. That the Mailer of. the family will every lords day at night caufe all his fimtly CO repeat the Cacechifm to hmi, and give himi fome account of what they h^ve learn'c in publike that day. 7. If there be any in the family that are known to be un»Dly, give ihe Ruler afpecialchargccon. cerning them , and make them underftand what a fin ic ^ to connive at them and tolerate them. Neglednot therefore.- this neccfTary part of your work: Get tnafters of families to their duties , and they will fparevou a great deal of labour with the ret^ , or turther .r.uch rh.e fntcefsof your labours. If a Captain can get his Lieutenant Corner, and other inferiour officers ro do rhcir duties, he ^lay rule the Souldiers with lefs trouble, then ifallfhould! lie upoQ hi'; own hands alone. You are liketofeej no general Reformation, till you procure family Rc- torraatioa. The Reformed Tajlor: 87 formation. Some 4ittlc obfcure Religion there may be in here and there onCibuJ: while ic fticks in fingle perfons, and is not promoted by thefe locieties, ic doth not profper, nor promilc much for future in- creafe. 5. Another part of the work of our private Over-fightconfiileth in a vigilant oppofing of Sc- ducers^and feekingto prevent the Infcdion of our Flock, and fpecdy rsciaimino tho'e thatbeg-nto itch after ftrangc Teachers, and turn into crooked paths. When we hear of any one that lies under the influence of their temptations , or that s already deceived by them, we muft fpeedily with all our skili and diligence make out for their relief. The means 1 (hall (hew in the Dire<^ions in the end. 6 Another part cf this overfight lieth in the due encouragement of thole that are hunable , up- right, obedient Chrillians, and profit by our teach- ing, and arc an honour to their Profeflfion : We muft in the eyes of all the Flock, put fome difference be- tween them and the reft by our Praifes, and more fpecial familiarity, and other teftimoniei of our ap- probation and rejoycing over them ; that (6 we may both encourage them , and incite others to imitate them. Gods graces arc amiable and honourable ia all ; eveninthe poorcftof the Flock, as well as in the Paftors ; and the fmulleft degrees muft be cher- riQied and encouraged, but the higheft more openly honoured and propounded to imitation. They thac have flighted or vilified the mofx gracious , becaufe they were of the Laity, while ^hey clafcied to them- felvcs the honour of their Clergy , though adorned v.'irh little or none of thac grace, as they (hewed G 4 thciTi- 88 Gildas Salvianus ; ihcmfclvcs to be Proud and Carnal, fo did they take the next way to dcbafe thcmfelvcs by fclf- exaltation, ^: CO bring the office ic felfmtocontcmpt.For if there be no honour due to die Real fan^ity of a Chriftian, much icfs to the relative fanftity of a Paftor ; and he that vilifieth the Perfon^ cannot well plead for the honouring of Rohs and empty Titlts : Nor can he expcd chat his people (hould give him the ho- nour of a Paftor, if he will not give them the love an i honour that is due to Chriftians and members of Chrift. Ai the Orator faid to Domitiw , ^ «r eg9 te huheam ut frincipem-, cum tu me non kabeas ut St' r,atorem. It was an unchriftian courfe therefore , which our late Prelatei and their Agents took, who difcountenanced none fo much as the raoft godly , whom they fliould have rejoycedin, and encourag- ed ; and made them not only the common fcorn , but alfo the objeds of their perfccuting rage, as if they had fed their Flock for the Butcher^and called them out for fuffering as they came to any maturity. This vilifying and perfecuting the moft diligent of theFlock, was neither the note of Chriftian Shep- herd?, nr>r the way to be fo efleemed. As Hierom faith, Otiid de Epifcopis , (jui verberibus timeri VO" Ittnt , cancHts dicant , bene fraternitas vejira novit. *TallorttenmfdRtfHmu4^ »on percnjfores. E^egtnt frdd'tCMor dixit ^ Argute obftCY A ^ increpainomni pa^ TientiX G^ dutirina : Nov.*. vero ^.tej-^ in^i^itA f/? tHa pried'caziot^iir ve'birtbt4f exi^it fidtm» Much more might he have faid, ^ujt vetberibitj cjfiigat pietn' rem. 7. Another part of our Over-fight lieth in vifi- ting the lick , and helping them to prepare either for 7he Reformed Tajlor. 8^ for a fruitful life, or a happy death ; Though this be the bufinefs of all our hfe and theirs, yet doth it ac fuch a feafon require extraordinary care both of them and us. When time is alinoft gone , and they rauft be now or never reconciled to God ^S: porTeffed of his grace ; O how doth it concern them to re- deem thofe hours, and lay hold upon eternal life I And when we fee that we arc like to have buc a fev/ daies or hours time more to fpeak to them in order to their endlefs ftatc, What man that is not an Infi- del or a block, would not be with tbem, and do all that he can for their falvation in that (hort fpacel Will ft not waken us to compaflion to look upon a hnguifhing man, and tothink that within a few daies his foul will be in heaven or hell > Surely it will much try the faith and ferioufncfs of Miniftcrs or others, to be about dying men / and they will have much opportunity to difcern whether they arethemfelvcs in good fadnefs about the matters of the life to come. So great is the chaiige that is made by death, that it (hould awaken us to the greateft fenfibili:y,to fee a man fo nccr it.and IfiOnld provoke us inthedeepcft pangs of corapalTion , to do the office of infcriour A ngels for the foul before it is departed from the flefh, that it may be ready for the convoy of fuperiour Angels, to tranfmit it to the prepared glory when it is removed from (in and mifery. When a man is almoft at his Journeys end , and the next ftep puts him into heaven or hell , i:s time for us to help him if we can,while there is hope. As Z?#r«4r^ faith , The death of the righteous is ifo>JA propter reifitTe»9f me/ior propter ffovtSatem, opti- ma propter fecnritAtem : fed mors peecAtorum e.l po Gildas Salvianns. maid i*t mMnAi amiffione^ pejor in carnis fepariitio»e , ttffimsinvirmii *gnt(if -^ duplici contritiont. Could tlif y have any hope that \i would be their minm* lined rerum > and that they have no more to fuffer when that difmal day ispaft, they might have fuch abatements of their terror as to die as brutes, wh© fear no forrow after death. But its fo far othcrwifc, f hit death it fclf is the fmallcft matter that they need to care for: SalmotfeHdu quo ire Cogantttr^Mt Auguft^ Ics not the primd mors ^ha aninjam pettit 'violenter e corpore , thats the molt terrible, fed ftcundacjHdt ammam nohntem tenet ificorpore^mejHit Idem. And as their prefert neceflity iliould move u$ to take that opportunity for their good, fofhould the advantage chat ficknefsand the fore- fight of death affordeth, Thrre arc few oftheftoutcft hearts but will hear us on cheir death-bed, that fcorned us be- fore, rhey -rill rhen let fall their fury, and be as tame as lambs, that were before as intradaWeas wafps or mad men. A man may fpcakto them then, that could not before. I find not one of ten of the moftobftipaic kornful wretches in the Parifh , but when they come to dye, will humble themfelveSjCon- fefs their fault, and feem penitent, and promife if they (hould recover, to do fo no more. If the very Meditations of death be fo effectual in the time of I'.ealth that it is fxich o<*^;^/?. ijuaH CLvi^^ cam'n cmKesmottis JHperhi£ ^ij^>io cruas *<,(/^^*«/ ( Li,de DjB, Chrift. ) much more when it comes in as it were at the window , and looks men in the face* Cyprian faith to thofe in health, S^ife ^uttidte re- cordAtnr moritHYHm r(/V, contemn^t prd.[entiA^& ah. fafura fcjlinut : much more qni fentit fe (latim mart- 7he ReformedTaHor. 91 merit UTHnt, 2^1 itarevoCAiApecc^to, faith At*/li» , if /4am fre^uens mortismtdtt^tto. O bow refolvcdly will the worft of them feem to caft away their fins , and promife a reformation, and cry ouc of their fol- ly, and of the vanity of this world, when they fee that death is in good fadnefs with rhem , and away they muft without delay / Perhans you will fay, that thefe forced changes are not cordial, and there- fore we have no great hope of doing them any fa- ying good. I confefs that it is very common to be frighted into uneffedual purpofes , but not fo com- mon CO be at fuch a fcafon converted to fixed refo- lutions. And as iAujiin faith, T^npotefl maU meri^ qui bent vixerit; & vix bene mcrttur (jui mi!t vixit* Yet vix and KumjUAm be not all one : It fhould make both them and us the more diligent in the time of health, becanfc ic is vix ; but yet we fhould bc- ihr us at the laii , in the ufc of the la ' remedies , becaufe it is not yjuncjuAm, And It will not beunufefu! to our felves to read fuch Leduresof our own mortality : (t is better to go into the houfe of mourning, then into the houTe of fcafting : for it tendeth to make the heart better, when we fee the end of all the living , and what it is that the world will do for thofe that feli their falvation for it- When we fee that it will be our own cafe, and there is no efcape ; ( Scii cet omne Sacrum mors irnpyrturnt pro^'h^iftat^ OnaKihm obfcHras irjictt ill a ruantis. ) it will make us talk to our felves in Bem^rdshn- gunge, ^lu^re O mifir non em/ji kora ad mortem te 91 Gildas Salvianus. tt Mff0ttf ? C^gitM tij4m mortuttm^ tjutrnfcu mctf' fit Ate moritMrumx diftimgut ^naimr tCMiivertintur $w cMptttt VtnJt rumpentMr in cprp§r0 , ^ cor fcindf^ tf^rdclori. When wc fee that (as he faith ) death fpareth none : ifiopiit men miferttur^ n»n nverttur di^ vitias -J fion fapientU, non merOffiS^non aitati dtni^; parcii ; nifi qnodftmbni mors eft in januh^ juvembus vere in infdiu ; it will excitc US the better to confi. ^r the vife of faith and holinefs ; that it is not to put by death, but to put by hell; not that we may not dye as certainly as others, but that wc roay dye bet- ter, and be certainly happy after death. Bcraufe I intend no fuch thing as a DIredory for the whole Minifterial work , I will not ftand to tell you particularly what muft be done for men in that laft cxxreraity ; but only choofe out thcfe three or four thing? to remember you of, parting by all the reft. 1. Stay not till ftrength and undcrftanding be gone, and the time fo fliort that you fcarcc know what to do ; but go to them as foon as you hear that they arc fick ( whether they fend for you or not.) 2. When the time is fo fhorr, that there is no op- portunity to endeavour the change of their hearts in that diftind way, as is ufualwith others, nor to prcfs truths upon them in fuch order , and ft ay the working of it by de<;recs ; we mut therefore be fure to ply the main , and dwell upon thofe truths which muft do the great work : Shewing them the certaincy and glory of the life to come, and the way by which it was purchafed for us, and the great fin and folly of their negleding it in time of health ; but yet The Refof-md TaHor* 95 yet the poflibility that remaincth of obtaining it, if they but yet clofc with It heartily as their happt- ncfj, and with the Lord Jefus as the way thereto, and abhorring chcrnfclvcsfor thetr former evil, can nowunfdgnedlyrelignopthemfc!ve$t« him to be j«{lified,fanAified, ruled and faveU by him. Three things rouft be chiefly inliOed on. 1. The End : The Certainty and Greatncft of the Glory of the Saints in the prcfencc of God; that fo their hearts may be fez upon it. 2. The fnfficicncy and ncccflity of the Redem- ption by Jcfus Chrift ; and the fulnefi of the Spirit, which we may and muft be made partakers of : This is the principal way to the end ; and the necrcc end it felf 3. The Neceffity and Nature of faith , repen- tance and rcfolutions for New Obedience according as there (hall be opportunity. This isthelubfer- vient way , or the means that on our part muft be performed. 3. Labour,upon Convidionand Deliberation, to engage them by folcmn promife to Chrift , and new obedience according to their opportunity : fpecially if you fee any iikelyhood of their reco- very. 4. If they db recover, be fure to mind them of their promifes. Go to them purpofely to (^t ic home, and reduce them into performance. AnJ whenever after you fee themremifs^go to them then, and mind them what they formerly faid. And bc- caufe it is of fuch ufe to them that recover ( and hath been a means of the converfion of many a foul) it is very ncftlTary that you go to thera whofc fick- nefs 94 Gildas Salvianus ; nersi$normortal,as well as to them thacarchcercr death ; that io we may have lome advantage to move them to repentance, and engage them to new- nefsof life; and may afterward hive this to plead againfttheiifiiii; Asa BiQiopof C^/^;? is faid by ty£nea4 Sylvius to have anlwered the Emperour Sigifmuni^ when he askt him, v\ hat was the way to be faved | that hemnfl he i»h*t he put^po/cd or proml- fedfo hg^VffhfV he wu /aft tronhled ^ith the fiont 4tt i the goHt \ So may, we hereafter anfwer tbcfe. 8. Another pirt of our MinifteriaV Overfight confirtetb in the right comforting the confciences of the troiibted, 6c fee jmg our people tn awwll ground- .ed peace, i^uc tbis i havefpoken of clfcwheref, and others have done it more at large. *. ) 9. Another part of this Overlight , is^ in Re- proving and admoniftiingthofe that live offenfiv-ely or impcriitentty, and receiving the information of thofe that have admoniOied them wore privately in vain. Before we bring fuch matters to the Congre- gation, or to a Reprefencative • church, it isordtna- rily molt fi: f vfho ^hen thej cannot fave aficl^man^ do yet willingly try all means for cure^ leaft they feem to want fuccefs through their o^h negleEls^ 2. I further anfwer , It ill bcfcems the filly crea- ture to implead the Ordinances of God as ufclefs,oc to reproach his fcrfice inftead of doing it , and fee H i:hcir 98 Gildas Salvianus • their wits againft their Maker. God can nial; as if ic were beer formahty and hypocnfic, to take fuch aching as fatisfadlory,when true Repentance is abfent) hath difcovered more of the accufers error then of theirs. For no doubt, it is true Repentance that they exhort men to ; and it is true Repentance which offendors dp profefs : and whether they truly profefs it , who can tell but God f It is not nothing that fin is brought to fo much difgracc, and the Church doth fo far acquit themfclves of ic f But of this next.) 2. Next, Totheduty of Publikc Reproof, muft be joyned an exhortation of the perfon to Repen- tance , and to thePubiike ProfeHion of it for the fatisfaAion of the Church. For asthe Church i^ bound to avoid Communion with impenitent fcan- dalous (inner5,fo when they have had the EvidcEce of their fin , they mnW fee fome Evidence of their Repentance; for we cannot know them to be peni- tent without Evidence. And what Evidence is the Church capable of, but their Profeflion of Repen- tance firfl, and their adual reformation afterwards ? both which mufl be expected. ^ 3. To tbefc may moll fitly be adoyned the pub- like prayers of the Church, and that both for the Reproved before they are Reje(fled , and for the Rejeded C fome of them at leaft) that they may repent and be reftored : but we are now upon the former. Though this is not exprefiv/ affixed to Dif- ciplinc, yet we have fuiTicient difcovery of Gods will concerning it in the general precepts: We are commanded to prajal^iy^ and mall things^ and for H 2 all loo GildasSalvianus; 4// m(^^ and In a/i pheet^cind alith'tjgs are faid CO be j\irrt.fe\ibj it. U is plain therefore chit fo great a hbfincK as this Oioulu not be done without it / And who can have any juft reafon to be offended with u% 1/ we pray to L^od for the changing of their hearts, jnd the pardon of their fins, it is thcrcfocc in my judgement a very laudable courfc of thofe C hur- (hesthat ufc for the three nextdaics together to de- fire the Congregation to joyri in earneft prayer to God fo'" the opening of the Tinners eyes, and fofc- r.ing of Iiis heart, and faving him from impinitency and ercrrn! death / And though wehavenoex- prcfs dircdion in Scripture juft how long we (hall flay to try wliether the finner be fo impenitent as to be nece/Tarily excluded, yet we mftO follow the ge- neral direcftions, with fuch divcrfity as the cafe and cjualify of the perfon and former proceeding (hall require, it being left to the difcretion of the ( hurch> v.ho arc m j;cneral to ftny fo long till the perfon manifeft liinifelf f)bftinatc m liis fin • not but that a temporal cxdufion (called fufpenfion) may oft be inf^K^cd in the mean time; but before we pro- ceeded to an exdufion a (l^ittf^ it is very meet ( ordi- narily'. ) tlidt three daies prayer for hifB; and patience towards him (liould antecede. And indeed I fee no realign but this courfe (hould be much more frequent iben it is; and that not only upon thofe that are members of cur fpccial charge , and do confent to Difcipline, but even to thofe that deny our Paf!oral ovcrfight and Difcipline, and yet «rc our ordinary hearers. For fo far as men have Chrif^ian Communion or familiarity with us , fo far arc they capable of being excluded from Communi- The "B^ formed ^ajlor^ i o i on. Though the members of our fpccUl charge have fuller and more I'pecial Commanion, and foarc more cap ible of a fuller and more f pccial exdufian; yec all chofe ch.u dwell among us, and arc our ordi- nary hearers, [rave fome Communion. For as they convcrfe wichus- fochey heir the word, not as hea- thens, but as Chrirtians^ and members of the univer- fal Church into which they are baptized . And they j':^'n with usin publike prayers and praifes in tiie celebration of the Lords day. From this therefore they are capable of being excluded, or from pare of this, at leaft, MoraUy, if not Locally / For the pre - cept of Avoid'.n^^ and wlth-^^ruwin^from. ani not s.tt' ing W'ith fuch,is not reftrained to the members of a Governed Church^but extended to all Chriilians that arccapabic of Communion. When thefe ungodly perfons are fick,wehave daily bills from them to requcll the prayers of the Congregition : And if we muft pray for them, agamft ficknefs and temporal death ; •L'know no rcafon but we (hould much more earnetlly pray for them againft fin and eternal death. That we have not thcirconfentjis nodifTwafive .♦ For that is their difeafe, and the very venom and malignity of ir;3nd we do not take it to be fober arguing to fay, I may not pray for fuch a man agiinft his (ickncfs, becaufc hcisfick : Or, if he were not fick, 1 would pray againft his ficknefj. No m )re is it to fay, Jf he v/erc not impenitent fo as to refufc our prayers, I would pray that he might be faved from his irapenitency. I confefi I do not take my felf to have fo ftrida charge over this fore of men, that renounce my overlight, as I do over the reft that own it ; and H 3 that* 101 Gildds Salvianus . tbats the reafon why 1 have called no more of thcfB ti) publike Repentance, becaufe it requirech moft commonly more time to examine the matter of fad , or to deal withrhe perfonfirft more privately, tli3t his impcnitcnc'/ may be difcerned, then I can poHibiy fpare fr. m the duties which I owe to my fpecial charge, to whom I am moreindcbccdj and therefore may ordinarily expend no more on the rcfV ( who are to me but as ftranger?, or men of ano- ther Paridi, and of no governed particular Churcfi) tl.en 1 can fpare when I have done my main duty to my own Flock. But yet though 1 cannot ufe any fuch difcipline on all that fort, nor am fo much obli- ged to do it, yet foHiC of them that are moft noto- riouHy and openly wicked , where Icfs proof and {horter debates are requifice, I intend to deal thus with Kereafter, having found fomc fuccefs in that kind already. But fpecially to all thofe whom we take fur Members of that particular Church which 'we are Paftors ofj there is no queftign but this is our duty. And therefore where the whole Parifh arc members , Difcipline muft be exercifed on the whole. I confefs muih prudence is to be exercifed ip fuch proceedmgs, lead we do more hurt then good ;' but Jtrault be fuch Chriftian prudence as ordereth du- tics,and futetii them to their ends, and not fuch car- nal prudence as fhall enervate or exclude them. Ic may be fit therefore for younger Minifters to confulc with others, for the more cautclous proceeding in fuch works. And in the performance of it,wc (hould deal humbly, even when we deal moft fharply , and make it appear that it is not from any contending , or Jhe Reformed Tajlcr: i O} or Lordly difpofition, nor an ac^ of revenge for any injury but a neccflary^ duty which we cannot con- fcionably avoid .• And therefore it will be meet that we difclaim all fuch animofities, and lliewthe people the commands of God obliging us to what we do. £• G. Neighhurs and Brethren , fin is Co hateful an evil in tbs eyes of the mofl hoCj God, horv light fo- tver impenitent finners m^he of it^th^t he h.ithprovi* dedthe ever la fling torments of Hell for the ptn'^JhrneKt of it\ and no lejfer me Ant can prevent that pHnipymet3t then the Sacrifice of the blood of the Son of God , ap- plyedto thofe that trttlj Repent of it and forfak,e it ; and therefore God that calleth all men to Repentance , h^th commanded us to exhort one another dcith, while it is called to day^ leaf} any be hardened throstgh the de»> ctitffilnefs of fin^Wth, 3. 1 5. and that rvedo not hate our Br othtr in our heart, but inany^ife rebuke our neighbour , and not fuff'crfin upon him ^ Lev. 19. 1 7. and that if our brother offend us y "^e pjouldtell him hi^ fault between him and us ^ and if he hear not^ take two or three] andif he hear notthenf^tell the Church ; -and if he hear not the Churchy he mufl be to us as a heathen or a Publican , Mat. 18. 17. and thofe that fin , We mufi rebuke before all, that others may fear , i Tim. 5. 20' and rebuke y^ith all author ity^ Tit. 1. 15. Tea ^ere it an ^poftle of ^hrift that fhould openly fin , h^ mufi be openly reproved^ ioh to be againft the Mmiftcry : and to be againft the Mimiicry^'is tantum non to be abfolutcly againft the Church ; and to be againft the Church is neerto being abfolutely againft Chrift; Blame not the harfhnefsof the inference, till you can avoid it, and free your felves from the charge of it before the Lord. Prelates would have fomc Difcipline ; and other parties would have fome. Yea Papifts thern- fclves would have fomc , and plead only againft •ther? abovit the form and manner of it. But thefc are The T\efGKnied Tajlor- 1 1 j are fo mueh worfe then ail, that they would have none. WasnotChrift himfeifthe leader of thefe Difcipiinarians. whoinftituted Ditciplme, and made his Mmifters the Rulers or Guides of his Church , and put the Keyes of the Kingdom into their hand » and co'mmandcd the very particular ads of Difci* pline, and requireth the people to fubmit to them, and obey them in the Lord ? What would thefe men have faid, if tbcy had feen the Pradice of the anci- ent Church for many hundred years after Chri(l,who cxercifed a Difciplinc fo much more rigorous, then any among us do, and that even in the heat of heA- then perfecutions ? as if they read but the ancient Canons , and Cyprians Epiftles. they may foon fee , though they look no further. And it was not then ( no nor after under Chriftian Magiftratcs) taken to be a ufclefs thing ,• nor would it appear fuch nc^v', if it were fhewcd in its ftrcngth and beauty by a vigo- rous PraAicc : For its a thing that is not effedu- ally manifefted to the ear, but to the eye : and yr u will never make men know well what it is by meer calking of it ; till they fee it they will be ftrangers to it : As it is in the military alrt^ or in Navigation, or in the Government of Common-wealths , which arc fo little known till learned by experience. And thiE will tell us thac,as/f;^n/«« faith, Difciplmi efi tuflosfpei^ retinaculum fidei , tiux itinerU falutarls ^ fame J ac nutrimenttim boni; you may ice that they were then no contemners ' of Difcipline : Vide e$iam, eundcmdeOrat, Dominis. pag, ^l^.in Pet, 4. Saith eyf/4gujii»e, ^bi/f^pfrbia^ubl ne^ligitUr Dif- Ciplina : Nam Difciplma efi C^Ugifira Rtligionis & verA The Reformed Ta/Ior* ii j verapietJitis, qtitt mcideo increp0it ut idtdat , nee idea cafii^atnt noceatfiic faith EerrtAvd, Ep* 1 1 3.O ^uam compofitum reddit omnem corporis fi^ At nm, nee non cr tjoeyitu habit km Difciplina! Cirvicem [uhmittit ^fonit fuptrciltjt^ compor.it vultum^ Ugat ochIos , moderaitir lingf4:im , franat gulAm , fedat iram , format in* cejj'a-m, I know that when the Church began to be taint- ed with vain inventions, the word Difcipline began to have another iignification ( for their own various Rules of life and aufterc impoiitions, topicio mt^tafie nn, loAndle not ) but its the antient and truly Chrifti- an DifcipHne that I am contending for. So much of the Adsof PaftoralOverfighr. From what hath been faid , we may fee that ther Paftoral office is aiaother kind of thing then thofe men have taken it to be, who think that itconfiftcth' iH preaching and adminiftering Sacraments only •- much more then they have takef^for, that think iP confillcth in making of new Laws or Canons to bind the Church .• As if God had not made us Laws fuf- ficient ; and as if he had committed the proper Legiflative power over his Church toMiniftersor Bifhops ? whofe office is but to expound 5 and ap- ply and execute in their places the Laws of Chriil. Ob\ But will you deny roBilliops the power of making Canons ? What are all thofe Articles that you have here agreed on among your felves about Catechizing and Difcipline, but fuch things ? Ar^frv. I. I know Paftori may teach, and expound Scripture^ and deliver that in writing to the people, and apply the Scripture Generals to their own and the pcoplespartifular cafcs^if you wil cal thi> making 1 1 Canons. i\6 Gildas Salvianus . Canons, z^ And tlicy may and ought to Agree among thcmrdves for an unanimous performance of their duties, when they have difcovcrcd ir ; that fo they may excite one another,and be more ftrong and fuccefsful in their work. 3 . And they muft determine of theCifcumdancesof worrtiipin fpecial , which Cod hath only determined in General, (as what time , and place they (hail meet in , what Chapter read, whatTcxtprcacht on, what (hape the Table, Cups^ &c, (hall be ; where the Pulpit , when each pcrfon fhall come to be catechized or inftruded, and whither, &c.) But thefc are adions that are fitter to be ordered by them that are in the place, then by diftant Canon- makers : And to Agree for unity in a nccefTary dury ( as we have done ) is not to make Laws, or arrogate Authority over our Brethren. Of this I refer you to Luther de Conciliii, at large ; and loGrotiuidf Impir, fum.pot. That Canons arc not properly Laws. CHAP. The Reformed Tatior* uj CHAP. I 11 SECT. I. P^I^^'Aving Ipoken of the matter of our M H ^^ the manner i not of each pare diftind- |N^"*^.<^c-iS:^ lyjcaft we be too tedious, but of the [ '-- ■^— — whole in general : But fpecially refer- ing to the principal part. I. The Minifterial work muft be nonaged Pure- ly for God and the falvation of the people, and not for any private ends of our own. This is our finceri- ty in it. A wrong end makes all the work bad , as from us, how good foever in it (elf its not a ferving God, but our felveS)if we do it not for God,bat for our felves. They that fet upon this as a common work, to make a trade of it for their worldly lively- hood, will find that they have chofco a bad trade, though a good imployment. Sclf-denyal is of A b- folute necelTity in every Chriftian , but of a double ncceflity in a Minifter, as he hath a double Sandifi- cation or Dedication to God. And without fclf'- de/iyal he cannot do God an hours faithful fervice. I I 3 Hard u? Gildas Salvianus . Hard ftudics^much knowledge, and cicellcnt preach- inj^, is but a more glorious hypocritical finning , if the ends be not right. The faying of BernArd^ :>erm, inCdfJt* 26. is commonly known. Stint ^ni fcire vo- hftt tofine taKtumutJctant^ ^ turpis cnriofttM eft : Cr funt €jHi fcire vo(nnt^Ht fcientfam fuam vetidAnt ; Cfr turpu cjudfitii eft ' Junt qui fcire volnnt utfciantttr ipfi : C^ turpis vanitAS eft : Sedjunt (jtioque qui fcire vo'unt tit adificent ; (^ C^^^^^^ ^ft ; & ff^"f ^«* fcire volunt nt ad:ficevtur j ^ prndentia eft. 2. This work muft be managed Laborioufly and Diligently : as being of fuch unfpeakable confc- quence to others and our fclvcs. We arcfeekingto uphold the world,to fave it from the curfe of God , tx) pcrfe«3 the ( reation, to attain the ends of Chrifts Redemption , to fave our fclves and others from Damnation, to overcome the Devil, anddemolifh his Kingdom, and to fet up the Kingdom of Chrift, and attain and help others to the Kingdom of Glo- ry. And are thcfe works to be done with a carelefs mind, or a lazy hand ? O fee then that this work be done with all your might. Study hard, for the well is deep, and our brains are fliallow; and (as C^ffto^.) Decorum hie ell lermiKum non habere ; hie honefta ^robattir anfbitio ; Omnefi quidemfciesitificum quanta profu^iditis qudritur^tanto gloricfius invenitur. BuC cf^ecially be laborious in Pradicc and exercifc of your knoKvledge. Let Tanls words ring in your ears continually, Necefft^y is Uiduponme ^ And woe unto me if ^ preach not the Gofptl. Still think with your felvcs, what lyeth upon your hands. If / do not be- ftir me^ S^tan mn) prevail^ and the people evtrlafting' I) perijhfund their blood be rtAnired at my hand. And >y I he Reformed Tdjlor . J i p by avoiding Labour and Suffering, I OaaW draw on me a.thouliind times move then I avoid : tor as Ser* tiard iaith, Q^ in labor e hominum non fnnt^ m lahore frofe^o Djimmtim erunt ^ VV hcrcas by prefent Dili- gence ycu prepare for future blefledncfs. For, as Gregor. tn Aior, faith, Q^ot Libores ventati yjunc f.v- kiheSftot et^amremnneraitonis i:ignorA intra fpei tujt cnhictiltim cUuf^ffnienci, No man was ever a lofer by God. 3. This work mud be carried on Prudent'y, Or- derly and by Degrees ; Milk muft go before tlrong meat ; The foundation rauft be firlt laid before we build upon it. Children rriuft not be dealt with as men at age. Men muft be brought into a ftate of Grace, before we can expcd from them the works of Grace. The work of Conveifion and Repen- tance from dead works, and faith in Chrift muft be firft, and frequently, and throughly taught. The Stewards of v;ods houfhold muft give to each their portion in due fcafon. We muft not go beyond the capacities of our people ordinariy, nor teach them the perfeAion, that have not learned the principles. As LAuguji. faith, /'r 1 2. ^^ Civ it. St fro Veritas Juis aUtttr iPifans^ fiet ut crefcendo flus c^fit^i : J\ modtan fu£ capacitatii excedat, deficit anticjtsam crefcat. And SisGregor, N)TefJ, failh^Oraf, ^e Pauper, amand. As ^e teach not infants the deep precepts of fceytce , but frfl Utter Sy and then fj liable s^^c. So alfo the Guidei of the Church do firfi proround to their hearers certain documents^vphich are as the elements., A^d (0 by degrees do of en to them the more perfect and m^iteriotiF matters. Therefore did the Church take fo much pains with their Catechnmeni^ before they baptized them , and 1 4 would 120 GildasSalvianiiS; ivoDld not lay unpoliHiCd ftones into the building; as Chryfojl. faith, Horn, 40. [mperfefJ* optrij ( or who ever clfe it be) p. {miht) 3 1 8. ay^MficatoTTufunt S^cerJotes , ^ui ;- domum Dei compon uv: fie fit fKtm ddi fie At ores-) nodofos lapfdes cfr bahentes torturaSy ferro doUnt^ pofiea vcro ponHnt cos in dtdificio , alto(jm fion doUti Upides Upidihus non coherent : Sic (^ Ec- ciefitt deplores vitla homnum cjUAfinodos acHtis irtcre- pr.tiomhus prirrJHm circHmcidere dehent , <;^fic in Sc" cl(Ji£ adificAtioKe collocarei alio(jnin vitiis manentihus Chrtfliani (^hri [Giant's cone or dare non pojfttne. 4. Through the whole courfe of our Miniftcry , v;e muft infilt moft upon the Greateft, moll Certain and NeceiTary thing?, and be more feldom and fpa- ring upon the reft, if we can but teach Chriftto our peoplcjwc reach them all. Get thera well to heaven, and they will have knowledge enough. The great and commonly acknowledged Truths arc they that men muft live upon, and which are the great inftru- rocnrs of raifing the heart to God, and deftroying men^ fms. And therefore we r.-iuft ftill have our peoples r.ccffttic! in our eyes. It will take us off gawdes, and needlcfs Ornaments, and unprofitable Controvcrfies, to remember that One thing u Necef*- fary. Other thingf are defirable to be known, but thefe w;//? beknown,or elfeour people are undone for ever. I confefs I think Necellicy (hould be a great difpofcr of a Minifters courfe of ftudy and la- bours. If wc were fw'^^cient for everything, we iTjglit fail upon every thing, and take in order the whole Encuclopddiit : But life is (hort : and we are dull ; and eternal things are necefTiry ; and the fouls that depend on our teaching are precious : I confefs 1 heR e forme i Taftor. 1 2 1 confefs Ncceflity hath been the Condudor of my Hudies and life : Ic choofeth whac book I (hall read, and tells when and how long ? it choofeth my Text, and makes my Sermon for muter and manner, fo far as I can keep out my own corruption. Though I know thcconftant expcdation of death hath been a great caufe of this, yet Iknownoreafon why the moft healthful man fhould not make fureof the Necefdries firft , confidering the uncertainty and rhortnefs of all mens lives. Xtnophon though:, thtre ypAS MO better Teacher then '^^ajfttjf , which teacheth all things mofl dligtntlj. Cur tin /faith, EfficAcior efl omni arte Necejfttas. Wbo can in ftudy, preaching , or life, aliudagere^ be doing other matters, if he do but know, that 7i^«iw«/?^f this Light that will difpofc an unprepared mind. And , at bcft, its a fign that he h<»th not well digcftcd the matter himfelf,that is not able to deliver it plain- ly to another. 1 mean, as plain as the nature of the matter will bear, in regard of capacities prepared for it by prereqnifite truths For I know tbat fomc men cannot at prcfent undcrfland fomctrtirhs, if you fpeak them as plainly as words can exprefs them: as the eafieft Rules in Grammar moft plainly rauphr, will be no whit undcrftood by a child that is but learning his Alphabet. 6. Our whole work muft be carried on in a fcnfe of our infufficiency, and in a Pious, Believing dc- pendance upon Chrift.We muft go to him for Light, and Life, and ftrength, who fend? us on the work ; And when we feel our own faith weak, and our hearts grown dull, and unfuitable to fo great a work as we have ro do, we mutt have recourfe to the Lord that fendcth u$, and fay, Lord,)Sfdt thttfend me ^^ith fftch an unbelieving heart to perftvade others t§ bc" lieve f muft / daity emdenrnejllj plead Vfith finyters about tverUfting life a^^d death, and have no more bi' Itef and feeling of thefe height) things my [elf ? O fend me not naked and unprovided to the rvork^ • but as thou commandefl me to do it^ furniflj me with a [pirit fuitable thereto, k^ Afiftin {iwh/Je Dotlr.ChriftJ,^-) A T/;e ReformedTaHor. iij A Preacher mufl Ubour to be he^rd underl^Anding- Ij^wUUKgh and oheditntlytC hoc f$ fojfe magu pie^ tate oratioKumy^udm oratoris facultatsnoH dubittt : ut crandoproft ac pro alii6-iCjuoseji nUocuturttSifitprius orator tjkam dct}or • c^ *« tp/a hora uccedens , priuf- 4jitHm (xejit^ profirat ItngUAm ad Deum^ levet animam JiiieHtem, &c. Prayer rauft carry on our work as well as preaching ; He prcachcch not heartily to his people, chat will not pray for them; Jf we prevail not with God to give them faith and RepentaHce, wc arc unlike to prevail with them to Believe and Repent. Paul givcch us frequently his example, of praying night and day for his hearers ; When our own hearts are fo far out of order and theiri fo far out of order, if we prevail not with God to mend and help them, we are like to make butunfuccefsful work. 7. Our work mud be managed with great humi- lity • we muft carry our felves meekly and conde- fcendingly to all ; and fo teach others, as fo be as ready to learn of any that can teach U5, and fo bo:h Teach and learn at once j Not proudly venting our own conceits , and difdaining all that any way contradiA them, as if we had attained to the top of knowledge, and we were dcftinated for the chair,ard other men to fct at our feet : Not like them tha: G^f£2 'JMor, Latet pierumtf^/uperbia , (^ caftitdi innotefcit , at^; ideo terttat^t diucaflitoi^ cifcttfittem vit£ perditur ; (juia coopertM fttperbiA ttf^; nd fifiem, in csrre^a retineiur. And the fame may be faid of other vices, which oft revive when they fcemed dead , be- caufe Pride was unmortified, which virtually contairis them all. Hence alfo is the non- proficiency of too many Minilters.becaufc they are too proud to learn; unlefsitbe as Hteroms ^^wtr hr\ts ^pu blic t detrahtfiUs\ lej^erttesindyjguli'f; and fcarccly will thcyftoo[>to that. But I may fay of Minifters as Af^uftine to Hiercfff^ even of the Aged of them, Etfi fenes mugU decet doctre ^ttam difcere ; w^j?/.< tttmtn decet difcere ijHcim ignorare \ Humility Would teach them another lefToa ; VtWi^^c^^ ^b omnibus libenter difct ^u&d tu nefcis : ^«x4 humilitas commtsne tibi facere patefi , qnod f$atura CHi^ne prtprtpr^ fecit ^ fapientior ofhiii^ but The Reformed T^Jhr. x 17 l^us sris^fi Ahomrnhns difcerevolmns : Qui ab ^mni' bfis ACCipinnt^ omrtihus ditioresfptnt, 8. There muft be a prudent mixture of fcverl&y and mildnefs both in our preaching and difciphnc ; each mult be predominant according to the quality ot the pcrfon, or matter that wc have in hand. If there be no feverity, there will be contempt of ouf reproofs. \(a/i feverity we (liall be taken as ufurpers of Dominien, rather then perfwaders of the minds of men to chc Truth. .\ s Gre^or. Ad. faith,cJl/or>i/. /. 20. .Mifctn^4 tfl Unit as cum I ever it at e^^ facie^- dum ex Htraq\ ijHoddam temper amrhfu/rf^ tit tiec mf^lta dIptritAte exulctrtntur fubditii nee mmia benigmtnte folvjtntur. ' '"■ -••■»"(.^i' 9. WemuflbefTnccre!yAffe(5!ionate, fcrlousand zealous in all di]r pubiike a-nd private Exhortation?* The weight of eur nrratter condemneth coldners>atTd flccpy duinefs. We (hould (tedrk we be Well awak- ned our felves, and our fpirits irr itich a plight as may make us fit to awaken others. Af QregorS^nhiOifor. 1. 30. c. 5. Wcfhoold beKfce the Cock that Cnm eJere cantus par at ^ prins ^fas folerfer txcmit^ & fe ipfuiKferiens vigilantiorem rt^drt ', Ita pradica tores cnm verbim pr^dieaticnis Mover: ^ prius fe infanElis aUionibHS exercevt^ neinfeipfis tcrptntti ofere , alios excitent voce ^ fed ante fe per fnhlmia fatia excutiunt^ & tnnc ad bene agendftm alios folticitos reddfiTti. Prius fna pHmre^etihfis cptrant^ & tunc qtt}0)f per oratorej docMt pifcatores ^ Jed per PtfcAtoref fui^egit Oratores, The Learnedft men (hould think of this. Let all writers have their due crteem, but compare none of them with the word of God. We will not rcfufe their fervice, but we muft abhor them asGom- pctkors. Us a fignof adiftempercd heart that loof- K cih J JO Gildas Salvianus ; cth die rdiili of ' cripturc excellency. For there Is a cornacurality in a fpiriiual heart to the word of Ciod-.becaufe this is the feed that did regenerate him; The word is that feal that made all the holy Imprcf- fions chat be in the hearts of true believers, and Ihmpt the Image of God upon tbem. And there- tore they muft needs be like that word, and highly cllecm it as long as they live. /iuj}in tells us ( in his Ith. lO. ^eCivit, DtiC.29- ) ^f*oi initium [An- Bt SvAn^eliicHi nomert efi fecundnm Joannem , f««- dAm'PUtonicus (JicHt afanBoJeKe Si^npitctuno , qui poflea MedioUntnft Ecclefi^frdfedit EptlcQfHs^ folc b^mtit audire ) aureii Uteris confcrtheKdum , & per omr.ef EccUJi.ts in locU eminenlifsimii pro^onendtim ffe dicebAt. Jf he could fo value that which fuitcd with his Platonifm, how (hould we value the whole which is fuitable to the Chriftian nature, and in- tereft? God is the bell Teacher of his own nature and will. II. The whole courfe of our Miniftery muft be carried on in a tender Love to our people ; we rauft let them fee that nothing pleafeth us but what pro- fiteth them; and that which doth them good doth us good • and nothing troublcth us more then their hurt. VVc muft remember as Hterom faith ad T^po* tiAn. Thtt Bt/hopi are not Lords hut Fathers ^ and therefore muft be aflfeded to their people as their children : Yea the tendereft love of a mother fliould nor furpafs theirs. We muft even travel in hirth of tloem till Chrifl be formed in them. They (hould fee that we care for no outward thing, not money, not liberty, not credit, not life, in compari- fon of their falvation ; but could even be content with The R e formed T a ft or. I } I with (JMoJes to have onr Mdines rvij^edout of the 'Book ef life^ f» e. to be removed e numtro viverMtm : rather then they (hould pcrifh and not be found in the Lambs book of life, in numtro falvandorum. Thus (hould we as 7&^« faith, be ready to lay down our Jives for the brethren , and with Paul not to count our lives dear to us, fo we may but finifh our courfe with joy in doing the work of God for their falva- tion. When the people fee that you unfeignedly love them , they will hear any thing , and bear any thing , and follow you the more eaGly. As Anflin faith* Dilige, & die (jmc(juid voles. We will take all things well our felvesfrom one that we know doth entirely love «s. We will put up a blow that is given us in Love,fooner then a foul word that is given us in anger or in malice. Moft mcnufe to judge of the eounfcl, as they judge of the affedion of liim that gives it : at leaft fo far as to give it a fair hearing. O therefore fee that you feel a tender love to your people in your breads, and then letthe4ii feel it \a your fpecches, and fee it in your dealings. Let them fee that you fpend and are (pen: for -their fakes ; and that all you do is for them, and not for any ends of your own. To this end the works of charity arc ne- ceflary , as far as your eftate will reach For bire words will hardly convince men that you have any great love ro them. ^^rnwieU a dando & acdfienda nxfcitur^ Chryfofl. But when you a^re not able to give, (hew that you are willing to give if you had ic, and do that fort of good that you can ; Stpotes d^re, da: fi non potes^ affahi/em teftc. CoroKat Dens ituus boni-- tatem^ ubi non invenit facultHtem. Nemodicat^ non habeo, Charitas nofi de faccnlo erogntur:, AuguJ}, in K 1 P/^/ iji Gildas Salvianus . Tfal. 103. But be Aire to fee that your love prove not carnal, flowing from pride- as one chat is a fuiter for himfeif, rather then for Chrift, and therefore doth love becaufc/;f/5 beloved, or that \\tmdy he^ pretcndeth it. And therefore take heed that you do not connive at their fins under pretence of love : for that were to erofs the nature and ends of Love : Amici vitia fi f eras ^ facts tua- Senec. Friendfhip muft be cemented by piety 7'« primum exhih te bontim , ifr (]U£re alterHmfimiiemtibi. Sen. A Wicked man can be ho true friend ; and if you befriend their wickedncfs, you (hew that you arc fuch your felves. Pr^:cnd not to love them, if you favour their fins, and fcek not their falvation. SoUjanBi, c Dei funt^ (fr inter ft amici, Bafil. ImprohorHm ^ flultorum Tiemo amictis, ^ d. By favouring their fin you will fhcw your enmity to God,& then how can you love your brother ? Amiens e[fe hornini non ^oteflyqui Deo fueritinimicHs, Ambrof. If you be their beft friends, help them againft their worft enemies. Amicus anima cujlot. And think not all (harpnefs inconfiftent with Love ; Parents will correft their children. And God himfclf will chaften every fon that he ioveth. iJlfel'ttt efi cumfeveritate ^Uigere, (jnam cum lenitAtt decipere. Aug. Befidcs this, the nature of love is to excite men to do good, and to do it fpeedily, diligently , and as much as we can. Alios cttrat adificare, alios contrtmi' fcit ojfendere, ad alios ft inclinatfCum aliis blanda, aliU fever a , nulli inifmca , omnibus mater. Augufl. de Catech, Ecce quern amas Domine tnfrmatur : Non dixerunt veni • Amanti enim tantum nunciandum fuit 2 fufficiet Ht mverit : Non enim amat , & The Reformed TaHor. 1 3 3 & defmt. Auguft. in foun. So will ic be with us. 12. Another neceffary concomitant of our work is Patience. We muft bear with many abufes and in- juries from thofe chat wc are doing good for. When we have ftudyed for them, and prayed for them, and befeeched and exhorted them with all condefcenli- on, and fpent ourfclvesfor them, and given them what we are able, and tendered them as if they had been our children, we muft look that many (hould requite us with fcorn, and hatred, and contempt, and catt our kindnefs in our faces with difdriin, and take us for their enemies becaufe we cell them the truth ; and that the more we love,t'ie lefs we (hall be belo- ved. And ail this muft be patiently undergone , and ftill we muft unwearyedly hold on in doing good , in mecknefs inftrufting thofe th u opp. fe rhemfelvcs, if God peradventure will give them repentance, &c^ If they unthankfully fcorn and rejed our Teaching, and bid us look to our felves and care not for them , yet muft wc hold on : We have to deal with diftra- Aed men, that will flye in the face of their Pbyfitian, but we muft not therefore forfake the cure. He is un- worthy to be a Phyfitian, that will be driven away from a phrcnitick patient by foul words. '.^-.V^nfc^ {Mf.ivit^ci )u'T^v*t^'T(^yi&c, i.e. Sicut infamet'tamme" dicHtn impetere conantttr^ it 4 & iiiiy faith Ckrjfofl. of the Sodomites, Hom. ^'^,iyiGen» Et alibi, A^fedid ferant ttgrotum CAlcibfisferientemt inceffentem cantu- mthifi^convitii^^nec offendftntur I <]ma nihil aHud ^uam faiutem a^rotiejuttrentes, licet facientis indeco- ra^ non ideo a cum defiftunt-^ fie ccftciorator licet mala patiatur nb auditoribuf, &c. If wc tell them that na- K 3 tuf^ 134 Gildas Salvianus ; rural men favour not the things of the fpirit, and arc bcfidcs themrclves in matters of fahacion, we muft meafurc our expcdations accordingly, and not look thar fools (hould make us as grateful a return as the wife. 1 hefe are things that all of us can fay, but when we come to the pradice with finners that re- proach and flander us Lr our love, and arc ready, r to fpic in our faces,thcn to give us thanks for our ad- vice, what hcart-rifings w II there be , and how will the remnants of old t^dam ( pride and palTion ) iiiuggle againd the meeknefs and patience of the n<'wraan ? Andhowfadly domany Minifters come off in this part of their tryal? Having given you thefe 1 2. Concomitants of our Miniflcrial labour as fingiy to be performed by every Minlfter, lee me conclude with one other that is ne- ccffary to us as we arc conjoyned,and fellow-labour- ers in the work • and that is this ; We muft be very fludious of L nion and Communion among our fclves, and of the Unity and Peace of the Churches that wcoverfee. We muft be fenfibli how needful this is to the Profpcrity of the whole, the ftrengthc- ningof our common caufc. the good of the parti- cular members of ourflv'ck, and the further enlarge- ment of the Kingdom of Chrift. And therefore Mi- nifters muft fmart when the Church is wounded, and be fo far from being the Leaders in divifions, that they fhould take it as a principal part of their work to prevent and heal them. Day and night (hould they bend their ftudies to find out means to clofc fuch briaches. They muft not only barken to motions forllaity^but propound them and profecute them.- Nor only entertain an offered Peace , but even fol- low The Reformed ^afkr. 1 35 low it when it flyeth from them They muft therefore keep dole to the anticnt fimplicity of the ^ hriftian faith, and the foundation and Center of Catholske Unity. They muft abhor the arrogancy of them that frame new Engins to wrack and tear the Church of God, under pretence of obviating .Errors, and maintaining the truth ; The Scripture- fufficiency muft be maintained, and nothing beyond it impofed • on others ; and if Papifts or others call to us for the Standard and Rule of our Religion, iris the Bible that we muft hew them, rather then any Confedions of Churches, or writings of men. V\ c muft learn to difference well between Certainties and Uncer- tainties, NecefTiriei and UnnecefTaries, Catholikc verities ( ijnx ab omnihns^ ub'^^ ^ jimper iunt reun- t£, as Vtmtnt Licen. fpe^.ks i and private opinions ; and to lay the ftrefs of the Churches Peicc upon the former, and not upon the latter. VVe muft therefore underftand the Dodrinc of Antiquity, that we may know what way men have gone to heaven by m for- mer ages , and know the writings of later Divtnes , that we may partake of the benefit of their clearer / Methods and Explications ; but neither of them 'v^'^ff" muft be m^de the Rule of our faith or charity. We ^i^J' muft avoid the common confufion ol thole that dif- ference not between verbal and real Errors^and hate that ^hies qHorHn^amTholo^ortim^ that tear their Brethren as Hereticks, before they underftand them. And we muft learn to fee the true ftate of Controver- fies. and reduce them to the very Point v>/herc the difference lycth, and not to make them feem greater then they are. Inftead of quarreling with our Brethren, we muft combine againft the common ad- K 4 verfariesj 1^6 Gildas Salvianus ; verfarics : And all Minifters muft aflbciace, and hold Communion, and Corrcfpondcncy, and Conftunt meetings CO tliofe ends; and fmallcr differences of Judgement are not to inrerrupt them. They mult do as much of the work of God in Unity and Concord as they can. Which is the ufeof Synods; not co Rule over one another, and make Laws ; but to avoid mirundcrftanding5,and confait for mutual edi- fication; and maintain Love and Communion, and goon unanimoufly in the work that God hath al- ready Commanded us. Had the Miniftcrs of the Gofpelbeenmenof Peace, and of Catholikc rather then fadious fpirits, the Church of Chrift had not been in the cafe as now it is ; the Nations of Luthe^ ran: and C^lvwfti abroad, and the differing parties here at home, would not have been plotting the fub- verfion of one another, nor remain at that diflance, and in that uncharitable bitterncfs, norftrengthen the common enemy , and hinder the building and profperity of the Church as they have done. CHAP. 77;e (Reformed fafior. 1 3 7 CHAP. IV. SECT. I. Vfc Evercnd and deaf Brethren, our bu- fmcfs here this day is to humble our fouls before the Lord for our for^ mer negligence, cfpccially of Catc- chizing and perfonal inftrufling thofe committed to our charge ; and to defire Gods affiftancc of us in our undertaken employment for the time to come. Indeed we can fcarce expcd the later without the former . If God will help us in our future duty and amendment , he will furc humbk us firllfor oar former fin. He that hath not fo much fenfe of his faults as unfeigncdly to lament them , will hardly have fo much more as may move him to reforna them. Theforrpw of Re- pentance 138 Gildas Salvianus ; pentancc may go without the change of heart and Jife ; becaufea Pafsion may be caller wrought then thenatrueconverfion : but the change cannot go without Tome good mcafure of the forrow. Indeed wc may juftly here begin our Confcffions ; Ic is too common with us to expcd that from our people , which we do litcleornoching inour felves. What pains take we to humble them, while our felves are unhumbled ? How hard dowe fqucezethem by all ourexpoftulations,convidio and feeling, and motion as well as the head. And that you may fee that it is not a caufelefs for- row that God t allcth us to. I (ball talce jt to be my duty to call to remembrance our mamfold fins, or thofe that are mod obvious, and fet them this day in order before God and Our own facc«, that Godmay caftchem behind his back : and to deal plainly and faithfully in a free confefsion • that he who is faith- ful and juft may forgive them ; and to jwlg^ our felves that we be nor fudged of the Lord Wherein I fuppofe I have your free and hearty confcnt,and that you will be fo far from being offended with the dif- grace of your perfons and of others in this oflfice,that you will readily fubfcribc rhc charge, and be humble felf-accuferk ; and fo far am I from juftifying my felf by the accufation of others , that I do unfeignedly put my name with the firft in the bill. For how can a wretched finner of fo great tranfgrcflions , prefume to juflifie himfelf with God ? Or how can he plead Guiltlefs, whofe confcience hath fo much to fay againft him Mf I caft (hame upon the Miniftery, it is not on the office , but on our perfons, by opening that fin which is our (harnc ; The glory of our high imployment doth n6t commanicatc any glory to our fin ; nor will affdrd it the fmalleft covering for its nakcdnefs. Vor fin is 4 reproach to any pe9p/e^ or per- fons, Pfov. 14. 34. And it is my felf as well as others on The ^formed Tajloy. 1 41 on whom I muft lay the Ihame. And if this may noc be done, What do we here to day t Our bullneff; is to take (hame to our felves, and to give God the glory, and faithfully to open our (ins that he may cover them, and to make our felves bare by confeffi- on, as we have done by tranfgrcfsion , that we may have the white rayment which cloathcth none but the penitent ; For be they Paftors or people, it is only he that conffjfeth andforfAkjth his fins^ that fhall k^ve mercy, rvhen he that harAenethkts htart Jhallfalm^ to mifchiefy Pro. 28. 1 3. And I think it wiU not be amifs if in the beginning of our Confefsion we look behind us , and imitate Z>4«/>/and other fervants of God who conteffed the fins of their fore- fathers and predeceflors. For in- deed my own Judgement is fo far from denyir^ Ori- ginal fin, even the imputed part, with the antient op- pofers of it, or thofe of the new Edition, that it doth not fo much excufe me from the Guilt of my later progenitors offences j as moft other mens do feem to excufe them. Let us fetch up then the core of our fhamc, and go to the bottom, and trace the behavi- our of.the Minders of the Gofpel from the daies of Chrift till now, and fee how far they have been from innoccncy. VVlien Chrift had chofen hira but twelve Apoftles, who kept neer his perfon,that they might be acquain- ted with his Dodrinc, Life and Miracles: yet how ignorant did they long remain, not knowing fo much as that he muft dye and be a facrifice u-r the fins of the world, and be buried and rife again, and afcend intoglory,n0r what was the nature of his fpiritual Kmgdom ?fo that it puts us hard to it to imagine how men i4i Gildas Salvianus ; men fo ignorant could be inaftateof grace; but that we know that thofe points were after ofablb- lute neccility to falvation, that were not fo then. * How oft doth Chrift teach them publikcly and apart } Murk^ 4. 54, and rebuke them for their unbelief and hardnefs of heart : And yet after all this , fo ftrange were thefe great* myfterics of Redemption to them, and thefe ( now ) Articles of our Creed , that Teter himfelf difTwadeth Chrift from fuffering, and goeth fo far in contradiding his graci- ous thoughts for our Redmption, that he is called Sat4n , and ^4«-* r»tti «eadoi^ thefimplicity of Difci;,line and Government, they Corrupted the Church with Pompc and Tyrannie.and varieties of new orders and rules of Religions ; and inftead of the fimplitity <5f wor(hip, they fet up fuch a train of their own inventions of which the C burch had no necelTity, that the Bifhops were become the Mafters of Ceremonies , who fliould have been the faithful and humble obfervers of the pure Laws and Ordinances of Chnft. Though their ' ouncils were ufiijS^l for the Churches Communion had they beeir -^^ rightly ordered , yet fo unhappily did tbev manage them f )r the moft parr, that Greg. T^'z^^-.n^ene pur* pofed tocomeatrhem no more, as having never feen any thit did not more harm then good ; And fo bold and bufie were they in additions and innovati- ons, even in making new ^ reed% that Hilary fadly complainsof it, not fparingthe Council of T^^ce. it fclf ( though their Creed were allowable) becaufe they taught others the way, and fct the reft a work. And Lutker (heweth us at large in his Pook de (^on^ cilti^, what thoughts he had of thofc AfTemblics. Three lamenrable victs did the Prelates of the Church then commonly abound in, Pnde the root; CoKtentiony^udyaifttmpofificvs and inventions, the fruits. No charity that is not blind can hide this gui't. We had never elfe had the ( hnft.an vi'orld (a plagued with their quarrels about fuperioritv . and vain Traditions , after fuch warnings, and Icffons and examples asChrifthAdg ven his own Apoftl?5» When on.ce th? fgyoyr ot 4 Chpifttan Princedic} 146 Gildas Salvianus ftiineupon the ' hurches , what relf-cxaltation and contention of the Prelates d;d enjuc ? So that if they had not been retrained and kept in quiet by the Emperor, how loon would they have made a fadder havock then they did ? perhaps in their firft General Council it feif. And though that Council had a good occalion, even to fupprefs tlic ^inan herefie , yet had not Confiantine committed their mutual accufa-- tion? to the flames, and (hamed them from their con- tendings, it had not had fo good an end. And yeras good as It was, Luther {mh^ p. 226 de Concii /iria* 914 hdrefit pcus ftiit ante Nicennm gondii ftm^ praiUM confHJione cjuam ipfi pofi Concilmm excUaverunt. yin^Hliines fad complaint of the loading of the Church with ceremonies, and comparing them to Judaifm, is commonly known. Of which fee Luthert Comment, ih, />• 55- 56. And fo ftrange did it feera to Luther that the learned Prelates of thofe ^er times fhould fo fcold circa mnia cr w«^4/, about pre* hcmincnce and ceremonies, and things of nought > that he is again and agam taken up in admiring* it. Read that Treatife throughout. Is it not fad to think of the heat of an Epiphamut SindTheophi/ht ^^lexand. againft (^hryfoftom, and of Chryfoftome againft them / Of Hierom againft Rf{ffi>im,(^hry/ofiom^andvn2iny others ; and if y^»- ftin had not been more peaceable then he, one of them muft have been an Herctick , or Schifmatick at leaft. How many more fuch fad examples have we I And for their damnatory Sentences, they were more prefumptuous then their Laws ; Few men could fiand in anotheri way, or fall out , but one of ♦' them The B e formed TaUor. 1 4 7 them muH: be an Heretick before they had mide an end. SmalldifFerences were named damnable Hcrc- fies. Though they had enough among them thac were fucfi indeed , ( whereof fomc of the Clergy were alcnoftalwaiesthecaufes and fomentcrs)yctdrd they (0 multiply them by their imputation, that their Catalogues fwelled beyond the credit of charity. And he that had the highett reputation, was ufuall^f fafeil from the blot, and had power to make others hereticks almoft at his pleafure ; and if a man had once got the vote and fame, it was dangerous gain- faying him. Had F*gilantius or Jovinian had H eromi name, fomc of their hcrefies might poITib'y have been artic'esof faith. And as they were dangcroufly forward on one fide to make every fmall miihke a Herefie, and caufe divifions in the Church by their unjuft condemnati- ons; fo miny on the other hand were as forward to provoke them, by novelties or falfe conceits, efpeci- ally about the Trinity, and the pcrfon and na^u'-es of Chriit ; So that unquiet fpirits knew not when or where to reft ; And multitudes of them did turn xrheaters and deladers of the vulgar, bv pretending to Miracles , and Revelations , and Vifions , p.nd drawing the people deeper into fuperftition by fuch means, ( as Bornfacius C^trguntinus wrote to ^'ope Zach^ry about the hypocritical Saint Aldehen.) And in that age efpecially when few learned men ^as Erafmus complaineth^ did cfcapc the rufi-iitionoF herefie,and he that was a Mathematician was- counted a Magitian , it had been more wit to have filenced ibme unneccfTiry verities, then to havf angred im- patient ignorance. f7r£t/<«i might have talkt rn^re L 2 -of 148 Gildas Salvianus . of the ivorld above iis , and let the world below us alone, rather then to force the learned Pope Z icba* rj ro fay to his brother Boniface of ^^JVlentK,: Dt pirverfa ^ in'^ua dcBrina^ ^ua^ contra^Dtum C^ Mtjimam [HAtn locHtus rfl ; (SL hi[;h crime ) ft c/artfica" tHmfnerit ita ef4f^ xonfiteri^ t the Divine right of their own government, yet could it not be fo for the abfolute Necefsity of the Crofs, Surplice, and every part of the forms in their litur- gy I Had they but countenanced moft their own party , and filenced all that did fpeakagainft their Government and Ceremotiies , and only allowed them to preach the Gofpcl without fubfcriptiort to the Uwfulne's of thefe things, and with afilenc forbearance of the ufe of the Ceremonies , they might have better fecured tfieit own power and way, and have exercifed fome fenfc of brotherly lovc,and tompafsionon the necefsitous ftatc of the Church , And in all likelyhood might have flood fafe them- felvcs to this day. A. wonderful thing it feems to me, that wife and good men (for fuch I doubt not but many of them v/ere ) lliould think it better that many hundred Congregations in Fn^Und (to fay nothing of IriLifjdoT Scotla)id)(hou\d be without any preaching at all , to the apparent hazard of the dam- nation of mens fouls ( who were fo deep in Popiih ignorance before) then that a man (hould preach to them that durft not ufe the Crofs or Surplice ? were thefe of more worth then fo many fouls ? It was lawful in the Apoftlesdaies to baptize without the Oofs, and te pray, and praife Cod without thi Sur- plice? and why might not the Prelates of SngUnsi have tolerated that in the Churches neceflities, at • Icaft TJ^^ ^formed fajior- i53 Jcaft as a weaknefs in well-meaning Brethren, wfiich thcApottolical Churches ufcd not at all > What if they were lawful ? They that thought fo might have them. Were they now become more neceflary then the Preadnng of the Gofpel, whenin the /\poftles times they were of no necellicyorufeatall- If ic were obedience to the Prelates that was ncceffiry, they might have requircdobediencet' undoubted and flcccffary things , and they fhould foon have found it. Had they contented thcmfelvcs to be as Of- ficers under Chrift . to fee to the execution of his Laws, and to meddle at lead witb no needlcfs new Lcgtflation, ! think few would have queftioned obe- dience to them but the ungodly. But it was fadly concrived to have fuchlmpolitiom on mens confcien- cesin ncedlefs or indifferent things, as the moil ten- der confcienc't men were likcft todifobey, and as might be fnares to thofc that defired to pleafc God , ( when; the bufincfs of Church Governors (hould be to promote the obedience of Chrifts Laws, and to encourage thofe that are mod fearful to difobcy them) and to do as the Law makers, Ban 6, 5. JVe fljall not find anj occafion agAittfi thi^s Daniel , except yte ^n-i it againfl him concerning the Law of his God. But thus it came to pafs that the enemy of the Church did too much attain his ends : fuch excel- lent men as Hilderfbam, "Brightman, P. B^y}^, Par- ker ^ tyfmes^ Bradfhaw, Dod, Nicolb , with multi- tudes more were laid afide and filenced ; and multi- tudes of them that petitioned for liberty in Lincoln- pAreyD§von/hire^zr\doihcrp2irts^ fuppreffcd ; and ' the Nation in the mean t me abeunding with grofs ignorance , 154 Gildas Salvianus ; ignorance, was brought by obfcrving the counte- nance of the times, to like their own Readers better then painful Preachers^ and to hate and Icorn the zealous obedience to the Laws of Chvift , and all di- ligence for falvation , becaufe they obfcrved, that rhofe men that were fuch , were fomany of them hated and perfecuced by the Rulers, though on the occafions before mentioned. And here was the foundation of our greatett miftry laid : While fome of the Rulers themfelves began ro turn their hatred againftpradicalgodlinefs ( which corrupted nature bacesin.all.) and the common people took the hint, and no longer confined the wjri Piiritan to the Non-c nformifts, but applyed it commonly through all parts of the Land* to thofc that would but fpeak ferioufly of heaven, and tell men of Death and Judgement, and fpend the Lords day in preparation thereto, and defire others to do the like ; that did but pray in their families, and keep their children and fervants on the Lords day to learn the way to falvati- on, in ftead of letting them fpend it in gaming or revelling ; they that did but reprove a fwear^r or a drunkard ; thefe were become tiie ^uritans and the Preciluns, and the hated ones of the time , fo that they became a by-word in all the Towns and Villages in En^Undihn ever 1 knew, or heard of (as to thefe things.) And thus when the Prelates had engaged the vulgar in their caufe, aud partly by themfelves , and partlv by them, had fo far changed their caufc, as chat all ferious Chriftians that fedred fin, and were moft diligent for falvation, were prefently engaged «mong their adverfaries, and they were involved with the rcftjthough they did nothing aga'mft the Govern- ment The Refonned TaUor. i5J ment or Ceremonies, and the moft ignorant and im- pious became the friends and agents of the times, and everywhere made the moft pious and fcdulous Chriftians a common fcorn,to the diftionour of God, and the hardening of the wicktd and difcouraging of the weak, and filling men with prejudice againlt a godly lite, and hindringmany thoufands from the way of falvation : then did Cod himfelf appear more evidently as intcrefted in the quarrel, and rofe againft them, and (hamed them that had let in fcorn and (harae upon his waies ; And this , even this was the very thing that brought them down. Bcfides this , there was fcarce fuch a thing as Church-Government or Difdpline known in the Land ^ but only this haraflTing of thofe thai dilTented from them. In all my life 1 never lived in the Pa- ri(h where one perfon was publikely admonifhed or brought to publike penitence or excomrrunicated , though there were never fo many obftinate drun- kards, whoremongers or vileft offenders. Only I have known now and then one for getting a baftardj that went to the Bifliops Court and paid their fees; and 1 heard of two or three in all the Countrey (in all my life) that flood in awhite Qieet an hour in the ChurchiBut the anticnt Difcipline of the Church was unknown. And indeed it was made by them impof- fible , when one man that lived at a diftance from them, and knew not one of many hundreds of the Flock, did take uptin him the fole furifdidion C and executed it not by hiafelf, but by a jay-Chancellor ) excluding the Paflors of the feveral Congregations, who were but to joyn with the Church- wardens and the Apparitors in prcfcneiftgmen^and bringing them into X5^ Giidas Salvianus. into their Courts : And ah impoHible task muft needs be unperformed ; And rothecontroverfieas to the letter and outfide was , ivho JhouN be ^he Go- vernors of all tlo^ varttCuUr Chftrctoes ? but as to the fenfe nnd infide of it, it wa^, fi^hether thtre fhouldht anj tffe^Hil ChHrch-Qovernment ^ or not } Where- upon thofe that pleaded for Difcipline , were called by the New name of Difciplinirians • as if it had been a kind of Herefie to defirc Difcipline in the Church. At laft the heat began to grow greater, and new impofuions raifcd new adverfaries. When conform- able Puritans began to bear the great reproach ("there bcingfcwof the Nen- conformifts left ) Then muft they alfo be gotten into the Net ; Altars muft be bowed to or towards ; All muft publilL a Book for dancing and fport? on the Lords day, difablirg the Mailers ofFamilies,& parents (though they had fmal time on the week-dales, by reafon of their poverty orjjbour - tv^ keep in their ovn chldren or families from dancing on chit day, that tbcy might inftruft them in the .hauersof ^ -od. 'f a man as he read a Chap er to his family, bad perfwaded them toob- fervc and prafticc it , and with my reafons urged them thereto, chis was ca lied f.vp<7«?3^/>;^, and was enquired of in i^eir Articles , to be prefcntcd toge- ther wirh Adalrcry an J fuch like fins ; fo alfo was he ufed that had no prcachin» at home, and would go hear a conformable Preacher iibroad : So thac multitudes have I known exceedingly troubled orun- donc for fuch matters as thefe, when not one was much troubled for fcandalous crimes. Then LecJturcs were put down , and afternoon Sermons, and ex- pounding 7he (Reformed ^ajlor. ^57^ pounding the Catcchifm , or Scripture in the after- noons. And the violence grew fo great, that many thoufand families left the Land , and many godly, able Miniilcrs, Conformifts as well as others, were fain to flie and become Exiles, fome in one eountrey and fome in anocher^andmoft in the remote jmen- can parts of the world : Thicher went Cotten , Hooker^ Davenporty ">hti hard^ Allen^ Cchhet,Hojies^ PMrker^ with many another that deferved a dwell ng place in EngUnd, .. Yet I muft profefj 1 ihould fcarce have mentioned any of this,nor taken it for fo hainous a crime, had it been only cruelty to the perfons of rhefe men > though they had dealt much hardlyer with them then they did , and if it had not been greater cruelty to the Church , and if they had but had competent men for :heir places when they wore catt out. But alas the hurche^ were peftered with fuch wretches as arc our (liame and crouble to this day. Abundance of meer Readers, and drunken pjoianedeboiit men, were the Minifters of the Churches ; lo th^r we have been this many years endeavouring to deanfethe Church of them , and have not fully effcded ir ro this day. And many that had moreplaufibiecongue% did make it their chief budnefs , to brine thole due x\\^ called Puritans into difgrace, and toKeep wc people from being fuch. So that I muft needs fay, chat I knew no place in thefe times, where a man might not more fafely have been drunken every week, ( as to their punifhment ) then to have gone to hear a Sermon if he had none at home. For the common people readilv took the hint, and inceafed their reproach, as the Rulers did their pcrfecvtion ; fo i^g Gildas Salvianus J fo that a man couJd not in any place of f-n^hnd that I came in, have faid to a fwearcr or a drunkard, do not fin a^atn/i Go^, and rvoand or hMK.€rdjour ovfn foul , but he (hould have been prefently hooted at as a Puritan : He could not have (aid to an ignorant or carelefs neighbour, Rtmember your evtridflingfiatei prepare for desth andjudgement : or have talked of any Scripture matters to them, but he was prefently jeered as a Puritan or Precifian: and Scripture it felf was become a reproach to him that talked of it, and they would cry out , H^hat ! we mufi hsve talkof Scripture now ! jou will preach torn \ ^e fl) ill have thefe Preachers ordered ere long. So that it was be- come commonly in Sngla^d a greater reproach to be a man truly living in the fear of God, then to live in open prophaneis , and to rail at godlinefs , and daily fcorn it , which was fo far from being a matter of danger, that many took it up in expectation of preferment ; and the Preachers of the times were well ware thai the rifing way was to preach againft the precifi- Puritans, and not to live precifely them- felves • And thus both Minillery and people grew to that fad pafs, that it was no wonder if God would bear no longer with the Land. ^jjEven as it was in the Weftern Churches before ine inundation of theCrof^jandK^iw^^//, as Salvian among others telU us ; Indeed I know not a Writer that more fitly painteth out the ftateof our times ; 1 (hall therefore borrow fomc of his words to ex- prefsour cafe , which it feems had been then the Churches cafe. ^pfa^Dei Ecclefia ^ua in omnii^us effe dibetplucatrix Dei^ quid efl aliud qnam exuceriatrix Dei ? am pra - tsr The Reformed TaJIor: ijq tvrfaucijftmos ijaef^am (jai malafugiunt^cjuidefl altud pene omni^ catHS Chrijiiancrftm ^uam jentimvith- rum ? J^otum enim ^utm^ invenies in Ecclefid koh ant Ebriofhrn nut he//uonem ^ MHt aMterftm^icc. imntofuctlitts invenias ^ni totumfit cjuam ifui mhil Et ijuoiLdiximitsnihUnmii^ for jitan gravis vtdeatur ejfe ccnfnra ; plus mnlto dtcam^ faciit»j invenias reum ma- lornm omnium cjuam non omnium^faciiius major um cri* minum (juam minor um : id efl, facilius ^ui c-r major a crimina cum minor thus -> ijuam ijui minora tantum fine majorikus per:etrari»t. In hancenim mornm prcbrofi- tatem prope omnis Scclefijjttca pL hs ndtiBa eft , Ht tn cun^o papu/o C hri ft iano genus ifHodammodofanQ^tatis fit, minus (jfevitiofum, Itatj; Ecc/eftas velfotms tern- fU at(j 3 a/taria Dei mmortA reverenttA quidem loahnt Cfuam cu]u^ het minimi ac mumcipa/ia ^udicis domuni. Si^uidem intra j^nuas non modo tlluftrium potefia- tum^fed etiamprapdum^ prapofitorum , non omnes piijjtm wtrare pra/umur^ , nife ijuos uut judex vocave- fit ^ nut negotium traxerit , aut ipfa honoris proprii M' gnitas introire permijerit : iPa ut fi ijuifpiam fuerit in- planter ingrejfusyautcadatftr^aut propellatur aut alt" {jUA verecnudid atcj\ exifttmaiionis jut labe mulBetnr. ^n teW' U autem vtl potius in altar'ta at^utfacrarin Dei paffim omnet [ordidi ac fi^gitiofi fine ulla penitns Tiverentiafacri honoris irrumpunt^non ejuia non omnes adexorandum Deum currere decent ; fed cjuiaijuiin* greditur ad placandum^ non debet egredi ad exacerbanr dum, 2^^; emm ejufdem offcti eft indulget^tiam pO' fcert ^ tracundtam provocare ; Novum fie^uidem mon^ firi genus eft ; eadem fane omnes jugiter faciunt , (fuc feciffe (e plangunt : Et ^ui intrant its Ecclefiafticam ay feem harfli ro thofe of after- times that knew not this I or that by the P atronsof iniquity are perf evaded of th^ contrary,' The R e formed faslv. 1 6 1 contrary. But i fay as Salvias J. 6. p. 197. SeJgra^ vis €J}forfit4n b^c ai^^ inicjua congefiw. ijrav^^ p o^ Yet through the mercy of God, It was not all the Prelates of the C hurch that thus mifcarried •. we have yet furviving our Vf^jtr^ our Hall, our Aiortrr?^ learned, godly and peaceable men ; whofe names are as dear to us as any mens alive. And O that ic had been the will of ^^od that all had becnfuch ! Then had we not been like to have fccn thofe dales of blood that we have ften : nor thofe great mutations in Church and ftate 1 But fo far were thefe good men from being able to do the good that they would, that they were maligned for their piety- and found - n^fs in the faith, and many a time have I heard rhem defpiied as well as others, and ("corned as Puritans for all they were Prelates. And yet it were well if all the guilt had lain upon that party ! But alas it wa not fo / Thofe pious and painful Divines th^t were opprcfTed, and much more that part of the people thric joyned with them, were toainparient under their ftrffering I and bent them- felves ( feme of them j more then was meet againft the perfons of thofe that they fuffered by ; and too much endeavoured to ma'^ethe Prelates odious with the people, as perfccutors of the Church of God : and were ready to go too far from them on the* other hand ; and to think the worfe of fome things becaufe they commanded them. Doubrlefs had we all fuffered with more p-uience , and carried our- felves wfth meeknefs and gent en^'fs to thofe thai we differed from and given them fo much commendati- on as was their due;arvi put the beft conflrudion*: or\ M iTieir \6i Glides Salvianus 5 rhcir actions that we could, and covered their infir- mities with the moft charitable interpretations, we ir!!j;ht have done more to molhfie their minds ; or at lealt, to have maintained our own innocency. But as there- was no room on their pare to a motion for peace, or a petition for liberty, in the time of their profperity ; fo when advantages did feem to appear to us of vindicating our liberties, we looked upon them a^ unreconciieablc , and too inconfideratcly rufhc on , and were waHting in thofe peaceable c 1- deavours that were our duty. We did nor in our Af- fcmbly invite them to a free confultation, that their caufc mfght have the fulleft and faireft hearing, be- fore it had been condemned- Propofals that had any tendency to healing and accommodation, had never that entertainment from us that they did deferve. What moderate Propofals were made to one party by Bifhop Vfber, which both parties did diflike / How many pacificatory motions and excellent Trea- tifes came from that Heavenly peaceable Billiop Hal/ ^ efpccially his Peace-maker ^ his Pax terris, ^ndh\sAioMf}ofer\ But how little did they cffedl Certainly fome of the men were fo venerable for their admirable learning and piety, that they deferv- ed to have been heard, and confulced with too, as wife and moft Judicious men. A nd Prelacy was not fo young a plant in the Church, nor had it in former and latter ages, had fo few or mean perfon; to adorn and credit it, but that it well defervcd the faireft hearing and debate. But thus have we all (hewed our frailty , and this is the heeJ that we have lal^erj to our f elves and to all the Flocks The Lord opea our eyes at laft,that we may The Reformed Ta/lor^ i6j may all fullyer fee our own mifcarriagcsi for fiirely they lie as Mountains before us, and allcheworW about us may fee them, and ycc we will hardly fee them our felves A man would think now that if the heart of mao be cureable, we fhould by this time be all brought to the fenle of our mifcarriagcs, and be prepared to a clofure OH any reafonable terms ? Who would think but after all the fmart of our divifions , we (hould long ere this have got together, and prayed, and confulted our felves into peace ! But alas there is no fuch matter done ; and few do I find that mind the. doing of it. We continue our quarrels as hot as ever : As 5'^i:7'^« faith in another cafe,c^//Ar;;^-7z^ jumus : ^ nee dnm nngaces {Sfcerdes ) effe ceffamas, I. 6. p. 20 2. £t pag. 203. fJMaU tKceffabiliter malu addimuSj (^ peccata peccatis cumftlamus : ^ cum maxima ncjlri pars Urn perierit. id agimus tit pereamus omncs. — — — Nos non vicmoi no[lros t ant am ar- dere vidimus, fed ipji iam ex maxima noflrortim corpO' rum fart e arfimus. Et ijuidhoc.proh nefas^maii eft ? arfirau/^ arjimuf, & tamen fl^mmM qui bus iam arft^ mus non timemus. Nam cjuod non ubi^ ; agantur €>uds. prius aStajunt, miferija. eft beneficium^ non difcipln£. Facile h:c probe. Da enimpriorps temporisfttitumf ^ fiatimubi^' funt ^u,tfuerunt. The minds of many are as much exafperated or cRrangedasever. Three forts I meet with, that all are too backward to any accommodation. I . T he violent men of the Prelates fide, efpecially thofc of the new way, who are fo far from Reconci- liation and healing of our breaches, that they laboar to perfwade the world that the contrary-minded arc M z Schif- 164 Gilclis Salvianiis j Schifmat'cks, and ihat all the Miniftersthat have not EpiTcopai ordination are no Minifters^ nor any of- the Chu ches that have not Prelates arc true f hur- chc% rat leaft,except it can be proved to be through unavoidab'enecefncy.J And they fay, To agree with fuch were to (Inkc a Covenant with Schifm ic 2.^ome on the other fide fay , Do you not fee that ex- cept an ir^confiJerahU number •» theTreUtieal party are aU^ empty ^ carelefs^ if not fc4ndalous unno'lly men I ff'here are almnfl ayjj of them \cloo/e Commuy^ion u de- ftrable ! Jh^tfet themfelvej tothc winmnaardfaving (>f (oulsf and are ierjous men in the matters of fahatf^ on^ in vpJoomjoH can perceive a heavenly converjation ? llath God brought eio)X>n thefe e*^emies of ^od/ine/sy and per/ecufors atiddepopuUters of his (^kn^ch , and rvouid jou make a league rvith them a^ain } Do yon not fet thAt they areas bitter ar»^ impl'^cob^e as ever / an^ have not [owe of them the faces tojulltfie all the former im- pofuionsand pey(fCution\and draw or continue the guilt of it upon tlceir heads ? ^nd ?? ^uld mai^e the worldbe^ tieve tbu they art verono fully eiecled , when fo many accujatians tn PMrUameHt before the divtfion , jo many Centftrjes of horribly [candalous ones j tsblifieti by Mr. White, andfo many more Centuries that lie on Record under depo/ifons i-a ths fever al Cottntjes of the Nation )^here the Committees eiecled them^mill be per" petftal >^itne^fes of the cfnality of thefe men. 7. Others there be that are peaceable men on both fides, that will not juftifie the former mifcar- ringcs, nor own the prefent evils of any ; but think though there be too njjrch truth in thefe later accufa- tions yet the nature of the Difference and the Qua- lity The Reformed TaHor* 1 6 j litybf fomeof the perfons is fucfi, as defcrveth our dcfires and endeavours of lleconcil ation. But they think the work to be hopelels and ftnpoITiblejai.d therefore not to be attempted. '\ nd thus our breach is made ; buL bow or when ic will be well he.'icd, the Lord knowetli. But (his is not al)^ ic behoveih us yet to eome neerer home, and en-, quire wito the waies ol the prcfent approved Godly Minillcrs, of what party fbcver ; and doubtlcfs if we arc wilhng to know cur fd vcs we may Toon find that which will lay us very low before the Lord, 1 fljal! in all have an eye at my own corrupt heart whith 1 am fo far from Juftifymg in th scOH^imon lamentation, that I take ic as my ncccffary duty to call the ftrft ftone at my fclf. The great fins that we are guilty of,l fliall not un- dertake to enumerate; and therefore my pallingovcr any particu'ar is not to be taken as a cenyal of it for our JuftiHcation. But 1 (lull take it to be my duty to give inilance of fome few, that cry loud for humi- liation and fpccdy lleformation. Only 1 mufl needs firftprcmfe this profellion ; That for all the faults that are now among us, 1 do not believe that ever SngUnd had fo able and faithful a Miniftery fince it was a Nation as ic hath at this day ; and I fear that few Nations on earth, if any, have the like. Sure I am the change is fo great wit h- in this 12. years, thatitisone of thegreatell jo\G5 that ever I had in the world to behold it. O how ma- ny Congregations arc now plainly and frequently taught, that lived then in great obfcuricy ? How many able faithful men arc there now in a County fn tomparifon of what were then ? How graciouflv M : ' hath. \66 GildasSalvianus- hath Cod profpered the fludics of many young men, that were Ii:tle children in the beginning of ch.e late troubles? fo that now they cloud the moft or" their feniors : How many miles would I have gone twen- ty years ago, and iefs, CO have heard one of thofc an- r cnt Reverend Divines, whofe Congregations ate now grown thin, and their parrs efteemed mean by reafon of the notable improvement of their Juni- ors / And in particular Jiow mercifully hath the Lord dealt with this poor Coutrey of ^r^rce-y/fr- JJjirt^ in raifing up fo many of thefe, that credit their f.icred office, and felf-denyingly, and freely, zealoufly and unwearyedly do lay out themfelves for the good of fouls / I blefs the Lord that hath placed me in fuch a neiglibourhood , where I may have the bro- therly feli.>wftiip of fo many able, humble, unani- mous;, peaceable and faithful men. O that the Lord would l.ng continue this admirable mercy to this unwJorchy Countrey : And I hope 1 (hall rejoyce \n God while I have a bdng. for the common change mother parts that J have lived to fee : That fo ma- ny hundred fiithful men are fo hard at work for the favingof iou\s, fre»r.entibHS licet & frendeKtiht4S inU micis ; and that more are fpringirg up apace. I know there are fome men wliofe parts I reverence,* who be- ing in point of Government of another mind from thcm> will be offended at my very mention of this happy alreration : buti muftprofefs if I were abfo- lutely Prehtical, if I knew my heart, ( could-^ot chofe for all that but rejo ce .- What- n6t rejo ce at the profperity of the Church, becaule the mcndo differ m one opinion, about its order / feould I fhut iTiy eyes agaifift the mercies of the Lord ' T^fcnik of The Reformed 1?aUoi» 167 of men are not (o contemptible to me, that I (hould envy them the bread of life, becaufe it is broken to them by a hand chat had not the Prdacical appro- bation- O that every congregation were thus fup- pjyed ; but all canmt bedoncat once. They had a long time to fettle a corrupted Miniftery ; and when the ignorant and fcandalous aie caft out, we cannot create abilities in others for the fupply ; we muft ftay the time of their preparation and growth ; and then if En^Und drive not away the Gofpei by their abufe, even by their willful unre- formednefs, and hatred of the light, they are like to be the happieft Nation under heaven. For, as for all the Seds and Herefics that arc creeping in and dajly troubling usj doubt not but the free Gofpei managed by an able felf denying M niftery , will cffcdually difperfc and fhame them all. But you may fay. This is not cor^.feAlng fin, but applauding thofe whofe fins you pretend to confets I Anfw, It is the due acknowledgement of ^ od^ gra- ces, and thankfgiving for his admirable mercies, that I may not feem unthankful in Confefsion , much lefs to cloud or vilifie Gods graces while I open the frail- tics that in many do accompany thijm. M4 SECT. i6Z Gildas Salvianus > A' SEGT. II. Mong the many things that are ytt fadly^out of order in the bc/l, I flrtall couch upon thcfe kw part'culars following.. ilCiie of our moit hainous & pilpabl: fins is PriJe: rXiin that hath too much intereil in che'beft ; but is / more hateful & uncxcufable in us then in any men. Yet / IS it fo prevalent in fomc of iis, tharic tiidiceth our ' difcourfes for us ic choofeth us our con^any,ic form- ' cch our councenances , ic patccch the accents and cmphafis upon our words ; when we reafon, it is the decerm^ner and exciter of our Cogitations ? It fills fome mens minds with afpiring deHresandde- figns ; It pofTeHeth them with envious and bitter thouf;hts againll chofe that ftand in their light, or by any means do ecclipfe their glory, or hinder the pro- grefs of their idolized Reputation. O what a con- ftanc companion, what a tyranous commander, what a fly and lubcileinfinuaring enemy is this fin of Pride! It goes with men to the Draper, the Mercer, the Taylor ; ic chofeth them their cloth, their trimming and their fafhion. It dreHeth ihcm in the mornin^,ac lead the out fide. Fewer Mmilkrs would ruftie it out in the fafhion inhiir and habit, if it were not for the command of this tyrannous vice. And I would that were all, or the worft : But alas how fre- (^ucntly doth it go with us to our ftudies , and there ^^ ^t with us and do our work ? How ofc doth it chofc ouriuhjedl ? and more often chofe our words and ornaments. God biddeth us be as plain as we can, for The Kefonned Tajlor: 1 69 for the informing of the ignorant, and as convincing and ferious as we are able,for the melting and chang- ing ot unchanged hearts ; And. Pride ftands by and concradi(!^cth all ; and fiomerimc it puts in toycs ind trifles, and polluteth rather then pohfbech , and un- der pretence of laudable ornaments, it dilhonourcth our Sermons with childifli gawdes : as if a Prince were to be decked in the habit of a Stage- pla^ er or a painted fool. Itperfwadethusto paint the window that it mav dim the light : and to fpeak to our people that which they cannot undcrftand,to acquaint them that we arc able to fpeak unprofitably : It taketh off the edge, and dulls the life of all our teachings, under pretence of filngoflf the roughnefs, unevennefs and, iup^rfluity ; If we have a plain and cutting paflage, it throws it away as too ruftical or nngrateful. When God chargethusiodealwithraen asfor their lives, and befeech them with all the carncftne fs that we are able ; this curfed fin controlleth all, and condemocth the moft holy commands of God, andcalleth our moft neccffary duty a raadnefs ; and faith to us, PVhat Vfii/you msk^peop/e thinly you are mad f wiUyofi make them jajjoH rage or rave ? cannot yon fpeak^foberly and moderately ? And thus doth Pride make many a mans Sermons , and what Pride makes the Devil makes; and what Sermons the Devil will make, and to what end, we may cafily conjedure. Though the matter be of God, yet if the drefs, and manner, and end be from Satan,we have no great reafon to expcd fucccfs. And when Pride bath made the Sermon, it goes with them into the Pulpit, it formeth their tone, it animateth ihcm in the delivery^, it cakes them off from 170 Giidas Salvianiis . from that which may be difpleafing, how necefTary foever , and fetteth chem in a purfuitc of vain ap* plaufe. And the lum of all this is, that, It makech men both in Itudying and preaching to feek thcm- felvcs, and deny God, when they Chould feek Gods glory and deny themfclvs. When they (hould ask, . ivhat pjould I fay^ and how (h oh id I fay it, to pleafe God bifi, and do mo jl good r Jc makes them ask, ivhatfljali I fajiy andhoVp pj^ll ^ deliver it, to be thotight a learned able Preacher^andto be uppUudedbj all that hear me ?. When the Sermon is done, Pride gocth home with them, and maketh them more eager to know whe- ther they were applauded , then whether they did prevail for the laving change of fouls. Phey could find in their hearts, but for Ihamc, to ask folks , how they liked them, and to draw out their commendati- on. If they do perctive that they are highly thought of, they re Joyce as having attained their end j but if they perceive that they are eftecmed but weak or common men, they arc difplcafed as having mift the prize of the day. But yet this is not all, nor the worft, if worfe may be. O that ever it fliould be fpokenof godly Mini- ftcrs, that they are fo fee upon popular air, and of fitting highe(t in mens ellimation, that they envy the parts and names of their Brethren that arc preferred before them , as if all were taken from their praifes, that is given toanothers, and as if God had given them his gifts to be the mecr ornaments and trap- pings of their perfons, that they may walk as men of reputation in the world, and all his gifts in otheri were to be trodden down and vilified, if they feera to fland in the way of their honour I What, a Saint ,a Preacher The ^formed Tajlor* \ 7 1 Preacher for Chrift, and yet envy that which hath the Image of C hrift , and malign his gifts for which he (hould have the glory, and all becaufe they feem to hinder our glory / Is not every trucChriftiana member of the body, and therefore parcaketh of the blellings of the whole, and of each particular mem- ber thereof ? and doth not every man owe thanks to God for his Brethrens gifts, not only as having him- fclf a part in thcm,as the foot hath the benefit of the Guidance of the eye ; but alto becaufe his own ends may be attained by his brethrens gifts as well as by his own f For if the glory of God and the Churches felicity be not hi'- end, he IS not a C hriftian/^'ill any work- man malign another becaufe he helpeth him to do his matters work?yet alas how common is this hai- nous crime among men of parts and eminency in the Church ! They can fecretly blot the Reputation of thofe that ftand crofs to their own ; and what they cannot for fhame do in plain and open terms, left they be proved palpable lyers and flanderers, they will do it in generals and malicious intimations, rai- fing fufpicions where they cannot fatten accufations. And fo far are fomc gone in this Satanical vice, that it is their ordinary pradice:. and a confiderable part of theit bufingfs to keep down the eftimation of any that they diflikc. and to defame others in the flyeft and raoft plaufible way. And fome goe fo far, that they are unwilling that any one that is abler then themfelves fhould come into their Pulpits, leatt they ftiould be applauded above themfelves. A fearful thing, That any man that hath the leatt of the fear of God, fhould fo envy at Gods gifts , and had ra- ther that his carnal hearers were unconverted , and the 171 Gildas Salvianus 5 the drowfie not awakened, then that itfhouldbc done by anorhcr who may be prefcrned before them. Yea fo tar doth this cut ltd vice prevail, thiic in great Congregation? that have need of the help of many Teachers, wc can fcarce m many places gee two in equality to live together in love and quietnefs, and uiianimoufly to carry on the work of \Jt d .' But unlcfs one of them be quite below the odier in parts, and content to be fo efteemed, or unlefs onebea Curate to the other or ruled by him, they arc con- tending for precedency^ and envying each others in- terelh and walking with ftrangnefs and jealoulie to- wards one another, to the fhameof their profeAion, and the great wrong of the Congregation. 1 am afhamcd to think of it, that when 1 have been endea- vouring with perfons of publike interell and capaci- ty to further a good work , to convince them of the great neceflity of more Minifters then one in great Congregations,they tel! me , they will never agree together / I hope the objedion is ungrounded as to the mod ; but it is a fad cafe that it (houlJ be fo with any. Nay fome men are fo far gon: in Pride, that when they might have an equal alfiftant to further the work of God, they had rather take all the bur- den upon themfelves , though more then they can bear , then that any fliould fhare with them in the honour; and for fear leaft they fhould diminidi their intcreft in the people. Hence alfo it comes to pafs that men do fo magni- fie their own opinions, and are as ccnforious of any that differ from them in lefler things as if it were all one to differ from them and from God ; and do ex- pert that all (hould be conformed to tjjeir Judge* ments. The Reformed TaUor, 175 ments, as ifthey were the rule of the Churches faith/ and whjic we cry down Papal Infallibility, and deter- mination of Controvcrfie*, we would too many of ui be I'opes our fdves, and have all ftand to fur deter- n?ination, as if we were infallible. Its true , we have more modcfty then exprcfly to fay fo ; we pretend that it is only the evidence of truth that appeareth i^ our Reafons that we exped men fliould ) ield to, and our zeal is forthe truth and nocforour felvcs : But as that muft needs be taken for Truth which is ours , fo our Reafons muft needs be taken for valid ; and if they be but freely examined, and found to be infirm and fallac!Ous,and fo difcovered, as we are exceeding backward to fee it our felves, becaufe they are ours, io how angry are we that it (hould be difdofedto others ? and we fo efpoufe the caufe of our errors, as if all chat were fpokcn againft them were fpoken againft our pcrfons, and we were hainoufly injured to have our arguments throughly confuted, by which we injured the truth and the minds of men ! fo that the matter is come to that pa fs through our Pride , that if an errour or fallacious argument do fall under the Patronage of a Reverend Name ( which is no whit rare) we muft either give it the vi(!?Jory, and give away the truth, or elfe become injurious to that name that doth patronize it.For though you meddle not with their perfons, yet do they put themfelvcs under all the ftrokes which you give their arguments; and feel it as fenfibly as if you had fpoken it of ibcm- felves, becaufe they think it will follow in the eyes of men, that weak arguing isa fign of a weakrcan. If therefore vou take it for your cuty tofliamc their errors and falfe reafonings hy difcovcring their na- ked nefs, 174 Gildas Salvianus ^ kcdnefs they take it as if you fhamed their perfons; and fo their names muft be a Garrifon or fortrefs ti> their miftakes, and their Reverence muft defend all their (ayings from the light. And fo high are our fpirits, that when it becomes a duty to any man to reprove or contradid us , we are commonly impatient both of the matter and of the manner. We love the man that will fay as we fay, and be of our opinion, and promote our reputa- tion though he be lefs worthy of our love in other rcfpeds ; Kut he is ungrateful to us that contradi- dech us, and diffcreth from us, and that dealeth plainly with us in our mifcarriages,& telleth us of our faults / Efpecially in the management of our publike arguings, where the eye of the world is upon us , we can fcarce endure any contradidion or plain dealing. I know that Railing language is to be abhorred,and that we (hould be as tender of each others reputati- on, as our fidelity to the truth will permit .• But our Pride makes too many of us to think all men con- temn us that do not admire us, yea and admire all that we fay, and fubmit their iud|;cments to our moft palpable miftakes / v\'e are fo tender thac no man can touch us fcarce but we are hart ; and fo ftout and high-minded that a man can fcarce fpeak to us : Like froward children, or fick folk that cannot endure to be talkt to ; the fault is not tliat you fpeak amife to them, but that you fpeak to them So our indigna- tion is not at men for writing or fpeaking iniurioufly or unjuftly againft our words , but for confuting them. \r\i a man that is not verft in complementing! and skilled in fiatteric above the vulgar rate, can fcarce tell ho^ to handle them fo obfervancly^and fit ihcit 7 he Informed Taftor. 1 7 j their expedations at every turn, but there will be fome xord, or lomc negled which their high fpirits will falten-. and take as injurious to their honour j So that a plain Countrey manthat fpeaks ashe thinks, murt liave nothing to do with them unlefs he will be eftecmed guilty ot diflioncnring them. I confcls I hive ofccn wondered at it,thatthis m ft hainous (In (hould be made fo flight of, and thought fo confiltent with a holy frame of heart and life, when far leffer fins are by ourfelves proclaimed to be fa damnable in our people I And more have I wonder- ed to fee the difference between ungodly finners, and godly Preachers in this refpcd. When we fpeak to drunkards, worldlings, or any ignorant unconverted men, we dilgrace them as in that condition to th« ut- moft| and lay it on as plainly as we can fpeak 5 and tell them of their fin, and fhame, and mifcry : and wccxped!, not only that they fliould bear all pati- ently.buc take al thankfully; and we have good reafon for all this: And mo^ that I deal with do take it pa- tiently, and many grofs finners will commend the clofeft Preachers moft , and will fay that they care not for hearing a man that will not tell ihem plainly of their fins But if we fpeak to a godly Minifter , againft his errours or any fin, ( for too many of them ) if wc honour them and reverence them, and fpeak as fmoothly as we are able to fpeak, yea if we K>ixt commendations with our contradidionsor re- proofs , if the applaufe be not apparently predomi- nant, fo as to drown all the force of the reproof or confutation, and if it be not more an applaufe then a rcprehenfion,they take it as an injury almoft infuffer- ablc. That is r4i7/»^ againft them, thatwould be no better 176 Gildas SalvianiiS; better then flatterie in them to the common people ; chough the caufe may be as great. Brethren, I know this is a fad and harfh confelTi- onl but thac all this fhould be fo among us, (hould be more grievous to us then to be told of it. Ceuld this nakednefs be hid, I (hould not have difdofcd it , a: #aft fo openly in the view of all. But alas it is long ago open in the eyes of the world : We have difhonourcd our felves by idolizing our honour ; We printout (hame, and preach our (haroc, and tell it unro all. Some will thmkthat I fpeak over charitably to call fuch perfons Godly men, in whom fo great a fin doth fo much prcval. I know where it is indeed predominant, not hated, and bewailed* and mortified in the main, there can be no true godlinefs ; and 1 leave every man to acautelous jealoufie and fearch of his own heart ; But if all be Gracelefs that are guilty of any, or many, or moft of the foremention- cddifcoveries of Pride, the Lord be merciful to the Minilters of this Land, and give us quickly another fpirit ; for grace is then a rarer thing then moft of us have fuppofed it to be. Yet I muft needs fay that it is not all that I in- tend ; To the praifcof Grace be it fpokcn, we have fome among us here, (and I doubt not but it is fo in other parrs ) that are eminent in humility and low- lynefs and condefccntion, and exemplary herein to their flocks and to their Brethren : and it is their glory and fhall be their glory ; and makech them truly honourable and amiable in the eyes of God and all good men ; yea and* in the eyes of the ungodly themfelves : A nd O that the reft of us were but fuch.' But alas this is not the cafe of all. O The Reformed ^PaJIor* 177 O that the Lord would lay us at his feet , in the tears of unfeigned forrow for this (in I i-rethren 5 may I take leave a little to expoftulate this cafe with m/ own heart and you.that we may fee the fhamc of our fin and be reformed ? Is not Pride the fin of Devils ? the firft-born of Hell ? is it not that where- in Satanslmage doth much confift? and is it tol- lerable evil in a man that is fo engaged agiinft him and his Kingdom as we are ? The very defignofthe Gofpel doth tend to felf abafing ; and the work of grace is begun and carried on in Humiliation. Hu- mility is not a meer ornament of a Chriftian^ but an efTential part of the new creature. It is a contradi- dion to be a fandified man, or a true Chriftian, and not humble. All that will be Chriftians mui\ be C hrifts Difciples, and come to him to leurn j and their IcfTon \%,x.ohe mf€kaKdlov!>!y ^C^-:ut. ii. 28. O how many precepts, and admirable examples hath our Lord and matter given us to this end ? Can we once conceive of him as purpofely wafhing and wiping his fervants feet, and yet be ftout and Lordly ftill f (hall he cor- verfe with the meaneft, and we avoid them as con- temptible people , and think none but perfons of riches and honour to be fit for our fociccy }■ How many of us are oftner found in the houfes of Gentle- n\en, then in the poor cottages of thofc th^iC. have moft need of our help ? There are many of us that would think it a bafenefs, to be da ly wiih the moft needy and beggarly people , to inftrud: them in the matters of life, and fupply their wants ? As if we had taken charge only of the fouls of the rich / Alas what is it that we have to be proud of ? Of our body ? why, are they not made of the like N materials 178 Gildas Salvianiis; materials as the brutes ? and muft they not lliortly be as loachfom and abominable as the dung ? Is it of our Graces i Why the more we are proud of them, the lefs we have to be proud of. And when fo much of the nature of Grace is in Humility its a great ab- furdity to be proud of it. Is it of our Learning , Knowledge, abilities and gifts ? Why fure if we have any knowledge at all,wc muft needs know much rcafon to be humble ; and if we know more then others, we mufl: know more rcafon then others do to be humble. How little is it that the moft Learned know, in comparifon of that which yet they are ig- norant of ? And to know that things are paft your reach, and to know how ign©rant you arc, one would think (hould be no great caufe of Pride / However , do not the Deviis know more then you ? And will you be Proud of that which the Devils do excel) you in / Yea to fome I may fay as Salvian^U. ^\.de Guherrj.p, 98. ^luidtibi blandtruO komo quifquii is, Credulitfite, ^u a fine timort at^ne ohf^tjmo Dei nulU efi > ali^uid p/us Damonej loabent. Tu emin u»am rem hahes tayitummodo \ i-Hiduas.TH (^redulitatem hahs ; Tionloahes timorem : ilU or (^redulitatem loabent pari" ter & fimorem. Our very bufinefs is to teach the great IcfTon of felf-denyal and humility to our peo- ple; and how unfit is it then that we (hould be proud our felvcs? We muft ftudy Humility, and Preach Humility ; and muft we not poflefs and pradicc ic? A proud Preacher of Humility, is at leaft a felf-con- demningman. What a fad cafe is it that fo vile a fin is no morecafi- ly difcerncd by usfbut many that are moft ProDd,can blame it in others, and take no notice of it in thcoi- fetvci. The K e formed TaHor, i y 9 felves. The world takes notice of fomc among us , that they have afplring minds, and feek for the high- eft room, and muft be the Rulers, and bear the fway where- ever they come, or elfe there is no ftanding before them. No man mud contradid them that will not partake of the fruits of thcii: indignation : In any confultations, they come not to fearch after truth, but to didate to others chat perhaps are fit to teach them. In a word , they have (uch arroganc domineering fpirits, that the world rings of it ; and yet they will not fee it in themfelves. Brethren I defire to deal dofely with my own heart and yours. I befcech you confider , Whether it will fave us to fpcak well of the ^race that we are without ? or to f^ eak againft the fin that we live in ? Have not many of us caufe to enquire once & again. Whether fincerity will confift with fuch a meafure of Pride / When we are telling the drunkard that he cannot be faved unlefs he become temperate, and the fornicator, that he cannot be faved unlefs he become chaftc ( an undoubted truth ) ; have we not as great rcafon if we are proud, to fay of our felves, that we cannot be faved unlefs we become humble / Certainly, Pride is a greater fin then whoredom or drunkennefs: and Humility is as neceffary as Chafiity and Sobriety. Truly Brethren, a man may as certain- ly.and more flily and dangerouH /, make hafte to hell in a way of Profefiion and earned preaching of the Gofpcl, and feeming zeal for a Holy life , as in a way of drunkennefs andfilchyncfs. For what is true Ho- lincfs but a devotedncfs to G^ and a living to him ? and what is a wicked and damnable ftate , but a dc- Votcdnefi; to our carnal felves, and a living to our N" 2 felves ? t8o Gildas Salvianus . Telvcs > And doth any man live more to himfelf then the proud ^ or lefs to God ? And may not t'ride make a Preacher ftudy for himfdt, and pray, and preach and live to himfelf, even when he fcemcrh to out-oo others in the work , if he thereiorc ouc-go them that he may have the glory of it from men ? it is not the work without the prmcipleand endch»t Will prove us upright. The work may be ods, and yet wc do it,not for God but for our felvcs. I confefs 1 feel fuch continual danger in this point, that if i do not watch agamftit, leaft 1 fhould ftudy for my fclf , and preach for my felf and write for my Mf^ rather then for Chrift, I ihouid foon mifcarry ; and after all, I juftific not my fcif, when . muft condemn the fin. Confider I befeech you i^rethren, what baits there are in the work of the Miniftery, to entice a man to be felfiin, that is, to be carnal and impious, even in the highcft works of piety / The fame of a godly man is as great a fnare as the fame of a learned man: And woe to him that takes up with the fame of god- Jinefs inftead of go'^^linefs. Verily I fay unto you , they have their reward When the times were all for learning and empty formalities, then the Terafyation of the proud did lie that way ; r>ut now through the unfpeakable mercy of God, the moft lively pradical preaching is in credit . and godlincfs it felf is in cre- dit : and now the 1 emptation to Proud men is here, even to pretend to be zealous Preachers and godly men. O what a fie thing doth it fecm to have the people crowd to hear us , and to be affeded with what wc fay, and thj#we can command their Judge- ments and Affed^ions 1 What atakmgthingisit to be cryed up as the ableft and godlycft man in the Countrey I the Reformed TaHor. 1 8 1 Countrey / and to be famed through the Land for the highert fpiricual excellencies. Alas Brethren a Jittle grace will ferve turn to make you co joyn your f Ives with the forwardeft of thofe men, that have thcfe inducements or encouragements. To have the people plead for you as their felscity,and call you the Pillars of the ^ hurch of *ood, and their Fatbers^the Chariots and hori'e men o( Ifraei , and no lower language then excellent men,and able Divtnes.and t<^ have them depend upon you and be ruled by yott^ j though this may be no more then their duty, yet I mult again tell you,tbat a little grace may ferve to make you feem zealous men for this. Nay Pride may do it without any fp.cial ^^raccO therefore be jealous of your felves and in all your Itudies, be fuie to ftudy Humility. He that exMieth htmjeif fi^d h brought low. and he that k^mhleth htm' elf fjall he ex* alted* I obfervc commonly that almoft all men good and bad do loath the Proud, and. love the Humble ; fo far doth Pride contradi<^ it felf,ua- Icfs it be where it piirpofely hideth it felf, and ascon- fciousof its own deformity doth borrow the homely drefs of humility. And wchavecaufe to be the more jealous, becaufe it is the moft radicated vice, and as hardly as any extirpated from the fouL Na"if,tpefibi de fe menf tpfa mentitur , ^ fingit fe de hono of ere amare ^ued non amAt \ de mundt autem gloria, ftott amare (fuod amat ; 'irK^Htt Gregor. Cylf. de cura Pafior, T>. I.e. 9.; When it was a difgrace to a man to be a godly zealous Preacher, then Pride had not fuch a baite as now ; As the fame Cjregor, faith, ihid, p. 2 1 . r. 8. Eo tempore qm (^uifquis pleblbus pr^eerat, frimus ad Mart jr is torment a duabatHr ; Tunc A?«- N 3 dMe i8z Gildas Salvianus • Ja^iU fuit Epifcopatum ^ntrere^ cjUAndopgr Ijunc ^tiem have learnt to be Orthodox and to vilifie and fcorn them. Miftakc me not ! I do not flight Orthodoxnefs. nor jeer at the name ; but difclofe the pretences of Devilifh Zeal, in Pious or feemingly Pious men. If you are offended with me for my harfli language, becaufe I can cell you that I learnt it of God, 1 dare be bold therefore to tell you further, that you have far more caufe to be offended at your Satanical Pradices. The thing it felf is fure odious, if the name be fo odious as to tarn your fto- Cnaeks.How (houid the prefcnee anil guilt of it terrific yoH, ipi Gildas Salvianus • you, if the nime make you ftart? I know that many of thefe Reverend Calumniators, do think that they (hew that foundnefs in the fairh , and love to truth which others want. But I will rcfolve the cafe in the words of the Holy-Ghoft, f^m.^. ivloo « a wife mav^- andendi4ed rvitlo knowledge amongyou ? Let himjhew out of a good c&nverfation lois tvorkj with nteeknefs of rrifdom ; 'BfitytfjoH have hitter envying ( or xi^ealouf- nefs) and flrife in your hearts^ glory not^ and lye not agatnfi the Truth ; Thi^ wlfdom defcendeth not from above ^ but :s earthly, fenfual^ devili/h. for ^here f«- vying ( or zsal ) and fir if e is, there is confufion^ and every evil ^orkj, But the wifdom that is from above , is fir fl pure •> then peace'^ble^getitle, eafie to be entreated^ full of mercy and good fruit Sy without partiality ^>^ithout hypocrifie ; AndthefruitofRtghteoufnefsisfown in peace of them th^t m^l^e Peacf* 1 pray you read thcfc words aj^ain and again, and fludy them. O doleful cafe to chink of ; that awhi'cago wc were afraid of nothing, but leaft PapKh and Deboift perfons (hould have fwallowed up the Gofpcl and our liberty , and deftroyed us together ; And now when the work hath been put into the hands of thofe men, that were joyncd in thefe fears, and are joyncd in the ftrideft profcfsion of Piety, and are of one judgement in all chc Articles of the faith ; they can- not or will not unanimonfly joyn in carrying on the work ; but they cither fall upon one another, or live at a didancc, and caft their work upon a hundred difadvantages by the bi:ter difagrccments that arc among themTelvcs. O what a Nation might Eng- land have been ere now, if it had not been for the proud and obftinacc contentions of godly Minifters? What The Reformed Taflor, 195 What abundance of good might we have done/ Nay, what might we not have (lonc,if our pcrverfnefs had not mari'd our work ? Did we but agree among our felves , our words would have fome Authority with the people ; But when they fee us fome of one mind, and fome of another, and fnarling and reviling at each other, they think the^' may well enough do fo too ; Why may not wccallthem Scdariesor De- ceivers , fay they , when they call one another fo? Nay, if we were not ail of a mind in fome fmaller matters,'yet if we did but hold Communion and Cor- refpondency, and joyn together in the main, and do as much of Gods work as we can in concurrent una- nimity, the people would far more regard us, and wa might be in a greater capacity to do them good : But when we are fingle, they fleightus ; andwjhcnwc difagree and divide, they defpife us : and who can marvel at it, when we defpife one another? What, fay they, (when a Minifter doth his duty alone) CMufi we he rnled hj every jtnguUr m^n ? ^re Jou wifer then all the ^J^'tiniflers in the Countrey ? i^re- mt fuch and fuch aa learned its y oh ? But when we go hand in handjit ftopstheir mourhs. They chink either themfelves may be wifer then one or two Minifters,or at leaft, other Minillers may be wifer tlien they ; but common modcfty will not fuffer them to think thac they are wifer then all the Minirtcrs in the Country, or in the world. I know that matters of faith are noc to be received upon our credit alone : but yet our credit may do much to remove prejudice, and to un- block the entrance into meni minds, and procure the truth a more equal hearing, and therefore is neceffa^ ryto our peoples good. O Nay, 194 Gildas Salvianus ; Nay, more then all this ; I know it • I fee and heat- it that there are feme Miniftersthat nre glad when they perceive the people dcfpife their Brethren that differ Irom them in iome leffer things ; They would have it fo , and they foment it as far as they can for (Viame ; and they fecrctiy rejoyce when they hear the news of it. This is next to i-rclatical filcn- cing them,and calling them out of the C hurch. And I confefs I cannot but fufped that fuch men would go ncer to filencethem, if they had their will and way. For he that would have a Minitler under d;f- grace, would have him ufeicfs ; which is next to fi- lencing him, and tcndcth to the fa pe end. You will fay, we do notdefirethathe fhouldbe difabledtodo good, but to do hurt I anfwer ; but the qucrtion i«. Whether his error be fo great, that the holding or propagating it doth more hurt, then all his Preach- ing, and the labours of that whole parry which you would difgrace i is like to do good r- Jf fo. then I think it is a defirable work to difgrace hi'm, and fi- lence him in a iuft meafure,and by juft means , and I would concurr therein ; bur if it be otherwifc, we arc bound to keep up that reputation of others , which ts neeeffary ordinarily to the fuccefs of their la-, hours. 1 may not here without wrong to my corjfcicnce, pafsover the late praftifes of fomc of our Brethren of the New 'PreUtical way ; ( For thofe of the an- tient Prelacy are more moderate- ) I know it will be difpleafmg to them ; and I have no mind to difplcafc them : but yet I will more avoid the treacherous or unfaithful filence which may wrong them, then the wofds of faithful fricndfliip, which may difpleafc them. The Reformed Taftor. iQ) them. And ! will fay no more Co rlu'm, then ( if I krow my fcif) I HiiailJ fay if I iverc refolvcJ for i'rcl icy, : c is the judgement of thcfe men chac I now rpeik ot , chat a vrelate is eHentuil to a Cliurch,and there is no church wichouc t!iem ; and chac th;:;r Ordinacionisofnccefsicy tothe eif^^nce of a Presby- ter : and ch.ic thofe that are ordatncd vvithouL them ( though fome will except a cafe of nece/llcy ) are not Minillers of Ohrirt. Hereupon they conclude that Q-.ir Congreg.ttions in E^^hnd^xc no true Chur- ches (except where the Presbyter dependech 0:1 feme Prelate) and the MiniHers ordained by Prcsby- ter» only are no true Miniilcr?; and they will noc al- low men to hear them or communicate with them , but withdraw from our Congregations Ike ^epara- lifts or Recufanr5. Ani the fame nore m^ny of them brand upon all the Reformed Churches abroad,thac Iiave no Prelates, as they do on us : hoihattlie Church of R)me\% admirably gratitied by ic; and in- ftead of dem^'nding where ourChu'c- was before f.Hthey^hz^ b:g n'o demand of us, Where ir is now? And indeed had ic been no moie vifible ?n the ag s before Luthe^-.ihtn a Reformed Prehtical Clmrcii is now, they would hare a rairer pretence t'len » <>\7 they have, to call upon u^fjr the proof of irs v.H- bility. Suppofe that th.e ^'resbyf^-''^^ who rejeded Prelacy were gudcy of all thac fchifm apid other fin » as they arc ordtnarily accufed of (Fo'" f will now go on fuch fuppoficions. ) Mull the people ihereforc turn their back on tlie Affemblies and Oidmances of God ? Is it better for them t^) have no preaching, and noSacramenrs, and no publike - ommunion m Codsworfliip then to have it in an Aflembly thaj; O i hatU 19^ Gildas Salvianus; Iiath not a '^relate over it ; or from a Minifter or- dained wicjour his confen: ? 1 confcfs I would not for all the world Hand guilcy before God of th?* in- jury that this Dotl'lrine ha:h already done to mens fouls , much lefs of what ic evideiuly tcndech to. There are through the great a-ercy of God , abun- dance of painful and able young Minitters, that were in the Univerficics in the time of the wars , and had no hand in it. and were ordained fince Bifliops became to them either ifivifible, or inacceflible •. and its like they )udge not /^j^iV Ordination to be of neceilky, I'hcy lay out themfclves faithfully for the healing of that Ignorance and common prophancnefs which got fa much head under their carelefs or drunken prcdc- certors. They defire nothing more then the favmg of fouls ; They preach found Dodrinc ; They live in Peace. And it is the greateft of their grief that many of their hearers remain fo ignorant and obfti- natc ftill. And fee what a help thefe poor impenitent finners have for clieir cure ? They are taught to turn their backs upon their Teachers; and whereas before they heard them but with difregard, they arc now rauoht not to hear them at all. And if we privately fpeak to them, thev can tell us that its the Judgement of fuch and fuch learned men, that we arc not to be ijcard, nor our Churches to be communicated with, nor we to be at all regarded as Chrifts Minifters. And thus Drunkards, and Swearers, and worldlings j and all lorts of fenfualifts are got out of gun- (hot , and beyond the reach of our teaching or reproof: And thofe that do not ( for ftiamc of the world) obey their Dodrine to ftay from the Afrembly,yet do they tfier? hear us with prejudice aiid contempt, and from The Reformed Tasior i 97 the Communion of the Church in thcj^Lords Supper they commonly abftain. Were it oMy the cafe of thofe few Civil perfons, that conrcientiuiiflv go tlrii way, and addrefs thfmfeivestothefe kind of men for Government and -acramentsj would never h:ive mentioned [he thing: For it is not them that I intend. For what care I what MiniQer rhey hear or obey, fo it be one that leadeth rhem in the waies of truth and holinefs ? I et them follow Chrift, and lorfake their fins,and go to heaven, and I will never much contcrd with them for the forfakihg of my Condud. But ic is the common fort of prophane and fenfualmen, that arc everywhere hardened agalnft the Miniftery, and they have nothing hut the reputation of the Prelatical Divines to countenance it with. If their Teachers do but differ in a geiiurc from thefe men, they vihfic them, and rejed their guidance , having nothing but the authority of fuch men tofupporc them. Fain would we reach their confcienccs to, awaken them from their fecurity ; for k plttyeth us to fee them fo neer unto perdition. But we can do no good upon them; for our Miniftery is in contempt becaufe of the contrary judgement of thefe m.cn. Not that the poor people care any more for a Prelate, as fuch, then for an ordinary Mirifter .• For if Pre- lates would have troubled them as much with their preaching,and reproofs, and difcipline , they would have hated them as much as they do the Minifters : But becaufe they found by experience, that under their Government they might fin quietly , and make a fcorn of godlinefs without any danger or trouble , and that to this day,the men of that way are fomuch againft ihofe precifc Minifters, that will not let them O5 tfl tpS GilJas Salvianiis . go quietly to h:li, therefore are ihey all for Prelacy , and ma'\e this the great fheler for their dilob:dicnce and unreforrrrcd lives. So that I confefs 1 tliink tliac tli: hurc tlut Sipiiatiftsand Anabaptiltsdo iii Sng* l^md at this day, i; little to the liurt that is done by tliefe men. Fo: 1 count that the greateft hurt, which hardcncth the greatcft nuniber ii» the ftate and way o\ grca:eftdang:r. An Anibaprill may yec be a pt- nicent and g-^dly perron,and be Tived ; Bu: the Ten- fuil and impeniccnt worldlings cm never be raved4n that condition. 1 lee by experience, that if f-.^pariti- uii infed: cwo or three, or lialf a fcore in a Parkfii; or if Anib.ip:i[lry infe.l as miny T and perhaps nei- ther of them mortally) this obftinatc contempt of Minifterial exhortation, encouraged by the counte- nance of the contrary minded, doth infed them by the fcorcs or hundreds. If we come to them in a cafe Vv'here titcy hwe no countenance from the Miniltery, Low mute, or tradable comparatively do we find ih»c:i ! Due if it be a cafe where they can but fay , tine the S-'rclatical Divines ar.^ of another judge- ment; how unmovcable are tney,though tliey have no:li'ng elfe to f.iy r Try when we co:fle to fet afoot this work tli.u we arc now u/on,of C atechizmgand private inltrudion, whether tiiis will ru)t be one of our greateft impedimencs ; though in a work of un- queftioned lawiulnefs and ncceility : Even becaufe tncy are taught that we are none of their Pallors , and have no auchority over them. I know that fome of thefe men are Learned and Reverend, and intend not fuch mifchicvous ends as thefe. 'I he hardening of men in ignorance is not their defign. But this is the thing effidcd. Tointend well in doing ill, is no rarity. The Reformed Tajlor . i p 9 rarity. Who can in reverence to any men on earth, lit ftill and hold his congue, while he leech people thus run to ihcirown deftrudion , and the fouls of men be unJone by the cor.tcndmgs of Divines for their feveral parties and intereVst* The Lord that knows my heart, knowb ihat ( if I know it my felf ) as I am nut of a.y one of rl efe parties, fo i fpeak not a word of this ina lafticus pircialicy, foi one party,or againH another, as fuch ; much lefs in fplecn agaiRft any f ciToii ; btu if I du.ft in confciencc, 1 would have iilenced all rhis, for fear of i;iving them offence whom 1 much honour ; But what am 1 but a fervant of Cbrift ? and what is my life worth, but to do him fervice ? and whofe favour can rccomperce for the ruines of the ^- hurth > and who can be filei c while fouls arc undone ? Not I for my part, while God is my Mafter, and his word my Rule ; his work my bufinefs ; and the fuccefs of it, for the faving of men - my end. Who can be reconciled to that which fo lamentably croffeth his Mailers intercft, and his main end ? Nor yet would 1 have fpoken any of this, if it had been only in refped to my own charge; yet i blcfs God, the fore is but fmall. in coraparifon of what it is in many other places. But the obferva- tion of fome neighbour Congregations and others more remote me thinks, (hould make the very con^ trary minded Divines relent , if they were prefenc with them. Would it be a pleafant hearing to them, to hear a croud of fcandalous men to reproach their Minifters that would draw them to repentance, and to tell them they have no authority over them, and all this under the pretence and (hekerof their judgements ? O 4 Had 200 Gildas Salvianus . Had they rathcrmcn went to Hell, then be taught the way to Heaven by Presbyters that had not their Impoficion of hands ? h that point of order more necefTary then the fubftance of the work, or the end itfelf ?Nay,l muft needs infaichfulnefs fay yet more; That it is no credit to the caufeof thefe Reverend roen, nor ever was, that the generality of the moll: wicked men, and haters and contemners of all Devo- tion, are the great friends and maintaincrs of it. And the befriending of fuch a party did more to gain their love, then to fave their fouls. A nd the engage- ing fuch a Party for them , hath not been the leafi: csufe of their fall. This is true , however it be taken. And what a cafe would the Churches of England be in, if wc fhould yield to the motions of thefe Re- verend men ! fuppofing that mens judgements arc nor at their own wills , and therefore many cannot fee the reafons for Prelacy ; muft we all give up our charges asnotrueMinifters, and defertthe Congre- gations as no true Churches ? Why.whoin will they then fet over them in our i^e.id ? Firft, it is known that they cannot,if they had fit men, procure them what liberty their way requires, becaufe of thedif- countenance of authority ,• and it is known that they have not fit men for one Congregation of very ma- ny. And had they rather that the doors were (hut up, and God had no publike worlhip, nor the people any publikc teaching or Sacraments, then any but they (hould have a hand in the performance of it? Or if the Minifters keep their places, can they wifh all the Congregations to ftay at home , and live like Heathens ? Nay, arc they not angry with us for cafting The Reformed Tajlor: loi cafting out a grofly ignorant, infufficient/candalous fort of Minifters, who were the great means of the perdition of the people, whofe fouls they had taken charge of? As for the cafting out of any able god- ly men upon meer differences about the late troubles and State affairs; I fpeak not of it, 1 approve noc of it ; If any fuch thmg were done, let them maintain it if they can that did it ; for 1 neither can nor wilK But its a very fad cafe, that any men o^ judgement & piety Qiould not only be indifferent in matters of fuch moraint,but (hould think it a perlecuiion and an injury to their party and caufe,to have hundreds of unworthy wretihes to be ejcded>when it wasa work of fo great ncceflicy to the Church. And indeed by all this they plainly (hew what a condition they would reduce this Nation into again, if it were in their power. Sure they that would have the people difown and withdraw from them as being no Minfters , and turn their backs on the word and Sacraments ^ would filence them if they could : I think there is no doubt of that. And furely they that arc fo offended that the infufficient and Icandalous ones are caft out, would have them in again if they could. And if this be the change that they defirc , let them not blame men that believe the Scripture , and value mens falvation , if they have no mind of their change. If it were a matter of meer opinion, we (liould be more indifferent with them : Or if the qucftion were only whether men fliould be conduc- ed in waies of holinefs by a Prelate, or by meer Prcf- b^'ters only, we (hould think it of lefs moment, then the matter that is before us : But when it comes to this pafs, that the Prince of darkncfs mu(t be fo gratified , 20I Gildas Salvianus 5 gratified and fo much of the Church of Chrift de- livered overmuch into his power, and the people led by multi:udes to perdition ,and all for the upholding of our own parties, or interefts, or conceits ; we can- not m^Ke light of luch matters as thefe : Thefc arc nor mycr fpeculation; buc matters that are fo obvi- ous CO feiife and ChnlVian experience, that they muft noc chink much that ferious experienced Chriitians are agsimft them. But that 1 be not raiftaken ., it is far from my thoughts lO fpeak what I have done of* any peace- able man of the Preiatical way, or to meddle in the Cor.trovcrfie of the beft way of Government ; nor d© I rpcak to any of the New Prelatical way,but on- ly thofc who are guilty of the raifcarriages which 1 have fpoken of; and for them, I had rather bear their indignation, then the Church (hould bear the fruits of their deftruAive intemperate conceits. The moft common caufe of our Divifions and un- peaceablenefsji?, mens high eftimation of theirjown Opinions. And it ordinarily worketh thcie two waies ; fometimes by fecting men upon Novelties; and fometimes by a cenforious condemning of all that differ from the party that they are of. Some are as buiie in their enquiries after new Do - Arines, as if the Scripture were not perfed or Chrid had not told us all that is neceffary ; or the way to heaven were not in all ages one and the fame, from Chrift to the end of the world ; or the ^.hurch were not ftill the fame thinq. And they look not only after new difcoveries in leffer things, but they are making us new Articles of faith, & framing out new waies to heaven. The body of Popery came in at this door ; Their 7he ^formed fajlor. 203 Their new fundamentals were received on thefe terms ; Their new Cacholikc Church, which their fore* fathers knew not, was thus fet up. Before, it confifted of all Chriftlans through the world ; and now it inuft confift of none but the Popes fubjej^«. So is it With the Anabapcifts ; fhcy mull: now m the end of the world have a new Church fnr Chrift , even in the natural capacity of the matter ! Never fince the creation can it be proved that God had any where a Church on earth wnere Infants were exclu- ded from being members (\t ihcre were any among them.) They were members before the [.aw , under . the Fromife , under the Law, and under the Gofpel, through the Chriilian world to this day ; and yet they would needs make Chnft a Church now with- out them. A s if Chril\ had mift it in the forming of his Church till now / Or as if he begun to be awea- ry of infants in his Churcli now at laft .' Or ss if the Providence of ooJ did now begin to be awakened to have a right formed ^ hurch in the condufion of the world, and to tjtd thofe infants as incapable > who till now have been in the bofom of his fa- mily. Yea this diilurb-ng vice doth alfo work by fetting "a higher late of i.eceAity upon fome truths, then the Church of ChriH bad ever done; When we will needs make that to be of abfolute Cerrain- ty, which hath been erh-. r not before received , or but as a dark & doubtful ihiigjand we will make that to be of neccfiity to falvation, which the former ages did hold but as a point of a far lower nature, which fome were for, and fome againft, without any great difjgrcement or mutual cenfure. I confcfi I do hold fome 204 Gildas Salvianus; fomc points of Doftrine my fclf to be truc^ which I cannot find that the Church or any in it did hold of many ages after the ^ potties ; but then I cannot lay fuch a ftrefs on them,as to think them of flat necefli- ty to the welfare of the Church,and thefavmg of foul? ; As che Oodrine of the certain pcrfevcrance of all the Juftified, and fome few more : If I may think that &//«/?/», Tr^fiery^nd all the Church in thofe Ages did err therein (as I think they did ) : Yet to think that they erred fundamentally, were to think that Chritt had no Church .- I will not take the Judgement or Pradice of the Church in a,ny age fincc the Apoftles as my Rule of faith and life -.but I will fuppofe that they had all things in the raoft de- filed age, that were of abfolute neceflity to falvati- on. I know that we muft be Juftified in the fame way as they were, and upon the fame terms. Fai:h is the famethingnowasit was then ; and hath the fame objed to apprehend for our Juftification, and the fame office in order to our Juftification. Many new notion? are brought in by Difputcrs, which muft not be made matters of necellity to the Ibundnefs or in- tegrity of the Churches faith. We may talk of Peace as long as we live ; but we lliall never obtain it but by returning to the Apoftolical fimplicity. The Papifls faith is too btg for all men to agree upon: or all their own , if they enforced it not with arguments drawn from the fire, the halter, and the ftrappado. And many Anti-Papifts do too much imitate them in the tedious length of their fubfcribed Confefllon8,and novelty of impofition?, when they go furtbeft from them in the quality of the things impofed. I (hall fpeak my mind to thcfc in the words of Vificentius Tk Reformed faHor 205: Llrinenfif^ cap. 26. 0\^irari fatu ne^ueo t ant am ^ho' rundam hominttm vafamamt Cdntam jxceecatd mentis impietatem; tantampofiremo errandi libtdtnem ut cotjm tentt non fint traditajemel C^ accepta antitjuittts ere-" iiendi rtgulk^fed rtoi^ ac nova in diem ^Udrnnt , feW" per ijne alt^ma gellinntreligiom adder e^ mntare^ detra' here : Qttafi non coelefie dogma fit ifuod/emel reve/a* turn ejfe juffciat^fed terrena inftitmio^ e^tu aliter per» fici ntfi ajfidna emendatione^immo pottus reprebenfione non pejfit. When wc once recum to the antient fimpli- city of faith, then,and not till then, wc (hall return to the antient love and peace. But the Pride of mens hearts doth make them fo overvalve their own conceptions, that they exped all men clfc (hould be of their mind , and bow down to thofe reafons which others can fee through, while they are as confident as if there were no r©om for doubting. Every Scd is ufually confident in their own way, and as they value themfdvcs, fo they do their reafons. And hereupon anfe fuch breaches in affedions and communion as there are , while moft men cry down the divil^ons of others, but maintain the like. Some will have no Communion with our Churches, becaufe we have fome Members that they take to be ungodly , and do not pull up the Tares in doubtful unproved cafes,where we cannot do it with- out pulling up the Wheat. Others are fo confident that Infants (hould be unbaptized,and out of the Church, that they will be of no Church that hath infant members, till thefe fcandalous infants be ( I fay not excommunicated, for that fuppofeth a former right, but) taken as fuch that have no part or fcl- lowfliip in the bufineft, they will not jojn with fuch a fociety; 2o6 Giidas Salvianiis 5 (oclcty; (^hrlfttcllcchu*;, tliit except we become as litclc clnldrcn, we (hall noc enter into bis Kmgdom j and they fiy, except licde children be kept out of the Church, they will not enter or abide in ic. Is not this extream Iieight of fpirir, to b^ fo confident, as to avoid Communion upon it , in a cafe where the Church hath been in all ag:s (or almoft all by their own confeflion ) fo much againft them ? Would they not have feparated from the whole Church on the fame gro'.'nd, if they had lived in thefe times > Others : as is before faid ) arc fo confident that we are no Minilkrs or Churches for want of Prehtical Ordination and Government,rhat they feparatealfo, or deny (Communion with us. ^ nd thus every party in the height of their felf-concntednels is ready to di- vide^ & condemn ali others that be not oFihcir mind. And it nfually falls out chat this confidence doth but bewray men? ignorance', and that too many make np that in pi 'ion r.nd wilfiilncf^jwhicn they want in reafon. How miny have I heard zealoufly Condemn- ing what they little underlhnd ? Its a flir eafier mittcr to fay rliit another man is erroneous, or here- tical, or rail ar him as a deceiver or blafphemer, then to give a found account of our belief. And as 1 re- member twenty years ago, I have obfcrved it the common rrick of a company of ignorant formal Preachers, to get the repute of that learning which they wanted, by railing at the Puritans, as being all unlearned : fo is it now the trick 6f fom.ethat can fcarce give a found reafon for any controverted pare of their belief, (^nor it may be of the fundamentals) roufethis as the chief remedy, to get the name of found Divines, by reproaching feme that differ! from them, I Tl)e ^formed Taftor . 207 thcm,asunfound ; and to be eftccmed Orthodox, by calling others Erroneous or Heterodox. The truth is, moft Minifters in the world do take wp their opinions in complyance with rheirfeveral parties; and they look more who believcth it, then what is believed, andon what ground, or they have noaiin^ but what is fpoken by the men that they muft concurr with • And thus too many take up their Re- ligion in a faf!ion ; even the truth it felf. And there- fore they null fpeak ?ga>nrt thofc that they hear that party fpeak againft. As 'Projfer faid of the detra(flor5 of y-ufin , Prsf, ad capit. Qa/L ^njuflis opfrohriii ^atholUi prtedicatoris mtmorta carpitur : in cjuod pec- cat nm cadttnt, (juialieyia inflioatiene commotio fcriptom rem ceUbtrrimi nomir,i when the matter doch not correlpond. It would grieve one to hear what excellent Dodrinrsfome Minifters have in hand, and let it die in their hands for want of ciofc and lively application. What fit matter they have for convincing Tinners : and how little they make of it ; and what a deal of good it might do if it were fet home ; and yet they cannot or will not doit. O firs, how plain, how clofe and carncftly ftiould we deliver a mefT^igc of fuch a na- ture as ours is ? when the cverlafling life or death of men is concerned in it ; Me thinks we are no- where fo wanting as in this ferioufnefs ? There is nothing more unfuitable to fuch a bufinefs, then to be flight and dull. What ! fpeak coldly for God ! and for mensfalvation I Can we believe that our people muft be converted,or condemned, and yet can wc fpeak in a drov^fie tone 1 In the name of God , Brethren, labour to awaken your hearts, before you come, and when you are in the work, that you may be fie to'waken the hearts of finners. Remember that they mult be wakened or damned ; and a fleepy Preacher will hardly wake thera. If you give the holy things of God the higheft praifesin words, and yet do it coidlv, you will feem in the manner to un- P 2 fay 2 12 GildasSalvianiis- fay what you fiicl in the matter. It 15 a kind of cod- icmpt of gi't^at things efpecially fo great, to fpeak of them without great afTedion and fervency : The nanner as well as the vvord^ muft fet them forth. If ive are commanded whatever ourhand hndethto do, to do it with all our might,- then certainly fuch a work as preaching for mens falvation lliould be done with all our might : But alas how few, how thin are fuch men / here one and there one, even among good Minifters,that have an earned perfwading wor- king way, or that the people can feel him preach when they hear him. SECT. VI. 3. TF we are all heartily Devoted to the work of 1 God, why do we not compafsionate the poor unprovided Congregations about us , and nke care to help them to able Minilters ? and in the mean time, ftep out now and then to their afsiftance, when the bufincfsof our own particular charge will give us any leave. A Ledure in the more ignorant places purpofdy for the work of converfion, performed by the moft hvely working-preachers, might be a great help where conftanc means is waoting. SECT. Tbe Reformed Ta/Ior, ^ 1 3 SECT. VJI. 4. npHE negligent execution of acknowledged X duties, doih (hew that we be- not fo wholly Devoted to the work as wefhould be. If there be any workof Refontiation to be kt afoot, how many are there that will go no farther chen they aredravrn? A nd it were well if all would do but that much. If any bufinefs for the Church be on foot, lio-.v many negled it for their own private bufinefs ? when we fhould meet and confult together for the unani- mous and fucccfsful performance of our work , one bath this bufinefs of his own, and another thac bufinefs, which muft be preferred before Gods bufi- nefs. And when a work is like to prove difficult and coftly,how backward are we to it, and make excqfes and will not come on ? Forinftance ; What hath been ^ more falked of, and prayed for, and conten- ded aooiu-itriE'.y^/rfw^ for many years paft, then the bufinefs of Difciplir-e ? And there are but fv;w men (the E^.i/liA'fii) but they feem zealous in difputing for one fide or other ; fome for the Prelatical way, and fome for the Presbyterian, and fome for the Congregarional. And yet when we come to the pra(flice of it, for ought I fee we arc molt of us for no way. It hath made me admire fometimes; to look on the face of England^ and fee how few Congrega- tions in the Land have any confiderable execution of Difcipline, and to think withall what volumns they have written for it ; and howalmoll^ail theMini- P 3 - i^ery 114 Gildas Salvianus ; i\cry of the N acion is engaged for it .' how zealoufly they have contended for ic,and made many a ( juft ) exclamation ngainlt the oppofcrs of it ; and yet for all this will do hctic or nothing in the exercifc of it. 1 have marvelled what (houid make them fo zealous in Tiding for that which their graftice (hews that their hctrts are rigainft. But I fee a difputing zeal is more natural then a holyobidient pradizing zeal. How many Minilters in ^^«^/ If they keep away ihemfelvcs, ts not that a fin which a brother (l^ould n-^t be permit- ted to remain in ? Is it not a fcandal for r.om to avoid the Ordinances of God and rhe Corr^munion of the Church for fo many years togethoras^ they do ? Vca and many a one of them avoiderh alio the very hearing of the word : The anr.ient Dilc plme was ftrider. when the fixth general Council at Truil. in Co^iftantiKop.otdz'mcd 0« 8:^.that whofcever wm three ddies together pom Church, wtthotit urgent mcef' ftjyTViU to be excommunicateJ. Brethren, for my part, I defirc not to offend any party ,nor to bring the lead difhononr to them ; but I mull needs fey that thcfe fins arc not to be cloaked over with cxcafcs. extenuations or dcnyals. We have P 4 long 2i6 Gildas Salvianus . long crycd up Difcipline, and every party their fevc- ral waics* Would you have people value your way of Government or not ? No doubt but you would ; Why if you would have them value it, it muft be for fom excellency.fhew them then that excellency .What is it ? and wherein doth it confift ? And if you would have them believe you, Qiew it them not only in pa- per, but in pradice, not only in words, but in deeds. How can the people know the worth of bare notions and names of Difcipline, without the thing ? h ita name and a Qiadow that you hive made all this noife about ? Howcan they think that that is good which dorh no good ? Truly 1 fear we take not the right way to mamtain our caufc, but even betray it, while we are hot difputcrs for it» Speak truly ; is it not thcfe two things that keep up the Reputation of the lonj^- contended for Difcipline among men; viz with the godly, the meer'repnt^itioH of their Mtnijltrs that ftA-Jfor it; and with many of the ungodly , the non- ixecution of />, becaufc they find it to be tooth-lefs, and no: much troublefom to them? Verily Brethren, if we get the late PrcLues carnal wifdom. and go their way to work, by mgratiating our way of <^jo- vernmcnt with the ungodly multitude , by the mecr negled of pradice, and the befriending of their fins, wc may well look for the fame bleffing and iffue as the Prelates had. If once our C tovernment cometo be upholden by the votes of thofe who fliould be corredcd or ejeded by it, and the worli men be friends to it,becaufc it is a friend to them in their un- godlinefs, we chen engage it againft the Lord, and he will appear as engaged againft us. Set all the execu- tion of Difciplin.' together that hath been pradi/ed in 7he ^formed Tajlor. 2 1 7 in a whole County ever fince it was fo contended for, and I doubt it will not appear fo obfervable as to draw godly people into a liking of it for ihe effcds. How can you wonder if many that defire deeds and not words, Reformation and not the mecr name of Reformation, do turn over to the feparated Congre- gations, when you (hew them nothing but the bare name of Difcipline in yours ? All Chriftians value Gods Ordinances, and think them not vain things ; and therefore are unwilling to live without them. Difciplme is not a necdlefs thing to the Church : 1{ you will not difference between the precious and the vile by Dircipline,pcople will do it by feparatjoa If you will keep many fcore or hundreds in your C hurches that are notorioufly fcandalous, and con- temners of Church-Communion, and never openjv ( nor perhaps privately J reprove them nor calHo Repentance, nor caft them out, you cannot marvel if forae timorous fouls do runout of your Churches as from a ruinous aedificc, that they fear is ready to fall upon their heads. I pray you confider, if you (hould doin the fame manner with them in the Sacrament, as you do in Difciplme, and (bould only (hew the bread and wine, and never let them taftc of it, could you exped that the name of a Sacrament (hould fa- tisfie them, or that they (hould like your Communi- on ? Why (hould you think then that they will be fatisfied with the empty found of the word, f^hurck- Cjovernnunt ? And confider but what a difadvantagc you caft your caufe upon in ail your difputations with men of another way. If your principles be righter then theirs, and their pradicc be rightcr then yours, the people will fuppofc that the Queftion is , Whether 21 8 Gildas Salvianus ; whether the name or the thing, the (haddow or the fubflancc , be more defirablc ? and they will take your way to be a mecrdclulory formality , becaufc they fee you but formal m the ufe of it, yea that you life it not at all. I fpeak not againft your Govern- ment, but for it, all this while ; and tell you, that its youtjatare againlt it, that feem fo carneft for it ; while you more difgrace it for want of excrcife, then you credit ic by your bare arguments : And you will find before you have done, that faithful execution Will be your Ikongeft argument. Till then, the peo- ple will underlhnd you, as if you openly proclaimed, H'e X^pould h.tvt ino 'Vubbke AdmomtionSy(^onfefiiQns or Excommunications ; oftr tray is to do no good^btit to fet j» / the nakjd fi,tme cf >z Qovernment* Doubtlefs it was a fault more paft all difputation, for the Prelates to d^eftrc y Difcipline and do little or nothing in it, then for them to be Prelates ; 5nd if they had but done the good that Difcipline is ordained for , Prelacy might have ftood to this day for ought I know ; I am furc it would have had no oppofition from many a hundred godlv people that have oppofed it .* And again I fay, if you will run into their error, you may cxped their fate. And what are the hindrances now that keep the Minifters of England from the Execution of jiv^t Difcipline which th-ry have fo much contend^ed for f I hear not all fpeak ; but I hear fome, and fee more. The great Reafon as far as I can ietrn, is , The diffi- culty of the ^ork,t and tht trouble or [nffering that wt are lil^ to incurr hj it .• ^Ve cannot pt^bltkely reprehend one finner, but he ^ill florm at it^ and bear hs a detd/j malice. PVe can prevail with very few to m^^ks ^ fttblik^e fro* The (B^efomed TaHor. 219 frofejjiorj of true Repentance. If m freceedto excom- mnvicate them , the) ^ili be raging mad againji us i They vill bf ready to vow rever.ge againft us , and to do us a mi [chief : Ifwejhould deal as Godrejuireth mth all the ohfiinate finners in the Partfh, the^e v^ere noli" virigamoKgthem. thij Vcouidconfpirein b^treddgainfi us to the hazard of our lives. J^Ve jhould befo hated of 4ll^ that as our lives would be uncomfortable, Jo our la- hours would become unprofitable ; for men would not hear us when they art foffeffed^ith a hatred of us ; therefore dntj ceafeth to be duty to us , becaufe the hurt that would follow ^culd be greater then the good ; and affirmatives bind not ad femper. 1 hefe arc the great Reafons for the non- execu- tion of Difcipline , together with the great labour that private admonition of each offender would colt us. Andtothcfe I anfwer. I. Are not thefereafons as valid againft Chniha- nity it felf in fome times and places, as now agamft Difcipline ? Chrift came not to fend us peace ; we (hall have his Peace, but not the worlds ^ for he hath foretold us that they will hate us. Might not Mr. Bradford^OY Hooper, or any that were burnt in Queen cJif^rfVidaies have allcdgcd more then this agamft duty ? They might have faid, It will make us hated, if we own the Reformation, and it will expofe our lives to the flames. How is he concluded by Chnft to be no Chriftian , who hateth not all that he hath and his own life for him ! and yet we can rake the hazard of our life as a reafon againft bts work ; Whatisitbuthypocrifieto (brink from fufferings , and take up none but fate and cafie works, and make our felves believe that the reft arc no duues ? Indeed this iio Gildas Salvianus ; thikis the common way ofcfcaping fuffcring, to neg- Icd^ the duty that would expofeus [hereunto. If wc did our duty faithfulIy,Miniftcrs ihould find the fame lot among profefTed Chnftians, as their predccefTors have done among the i nfidels. But if you could noc fuffer for C hrift , why did you pu: your hand to his plough ? and did not firft fee down and count your colU ? This makes the Minifterial work fo unfaith- fully done, becaufei: is fo carnally undertaken ; and men enter upon it as a life of eafe, and honour , and refped from men and therefore refolve to attain their ends, and have what they exp?ded by right or wrong. They looked not for hatred and fuffering, and they will avoid it^though by the avoiding of their work. 2. And as for the making your felvcsuncapablc to do them good : lanfwer, That reafon is as valid againft plain preaching, reproof, or any other duty which wicked men will hate us for. God will blefs his own Ordinances to do good, or elfe he would noC have appointed them. If you admonifli, and publike- ly rebuke the fcand \lou5,and call men to repentance, and caft out the obllinate, you may do good to ma- ny that you reprove ; and poflibly to the excommuni- cate.- lam furc it is c jodsmeans ; And it is his laft means, when Reproofs will do no good: ItLs therefore perverfe to ncgleA the laft means left wcfruftrate the foregoing means, when as the laft is not to be ufed but upon fuppofition that the former were all fruftrate before. However, thofc w)ithin and thofe without may receive good by it, if the offender do receive none ; and God will have the honour, when his Church is manifeftiy differenced from the world, the Reformed Tajlor. ^^^ world and the heirs of heaven and hell are not to- tally confounded, nor the world made to think that Chrift and Satan do but contend for fupcnority, and tha: they have the like inclination to holmcls or 3 And 1 would know whether on the grounds of this obicaion before mentioned all Difciplme (hould not be C3ft out of the Church, atlcaft ordinarily ; And fois not this againft the Thing it fclf, rather thcnagainftthcprefentfeafonof it ? For this rea- fon iJnot drawn from any thing proper to our times, butcommon to all times and places. Wicked rnen will alwaies ftorm agalnft the means of their publiKe Ihame ; and the ufe of Church cenfures is purpolely to (hame them , that fin may be (hamed,and difown- cd by the Church. What age can you name lince tt\e daies of the Apoftles wherein you would have exe- cuted the Difciplinc that you now refufe,if you goon thefc grounds , fuppofing that it had not been by Magifterial compuliion? If therefore it be Difciphne it felf that hath fuch intolerable inconveniences, why have you fo prayed for it, and perhaps fought for it, and difputed foritasyou havedone? Wnat muft all diflentcrs bear ) our frowns and cenfures, ana all for a work which your ielvcs judge intolerable , and dare not touch with one of your fingers ? Wtien do you look to fee all thefc difficulties over, that you may fct upon that which you now avoid ? Will it be in your daies ? Or will you wait till you arc dead, and leave it as a part of your Epitaph to poltcnty . that you fo deeply engaged and contended for that which you foabhordto the death, that you would never be brought to the pradiceof it I And doth 222 Gildas Salvianus ^ not thfs Objcdion of yours plainly give up your caufc CO the Separacifts ? and even tell them that your contCRding is not for your way of Difciplmc ; but that there may be none, becaufe it will do more harm then good. Certainly if this be true, it would have been better to fpeak it out at firft, before all our wars, and tears, and prayers, and contentions^ then now in the conclufion to tell the world, that wc did all this but for a name or word, and that the thing is fo far from being worth our coft, that it is not toler- able , much lefs deferable. 4. But yet let me tell you, that there is not fuch a Lyon in the way as you do imagine ; nor is Difci- pline fuch a ufelcfs thing. I blefs God upon the fmall and too lace tryal that 1 have made my felf of it , I can fpeak by experience, it is not vain ; nor arc the hazards of it fuch as may excufe our negled. But I know thalTpinching reafon is behind ; Thfy fay that ^ PVhen ^e ^Igaded for Dijcifltnt , rve meant 4 *I>tfciplint tljAt pjonld be efiabliPjed an^im^ofed bj the fecklir power : and rvithout them what good can we do} when every m^n hath le.xve to defpife our cenfures, and ftt Hi at nouyht : and therefore Vfe V^iil not medd/e with i( {ftythey) "Without authority. To which I anfwer, I. I thought it once a fcornful indignity that fomc fellows attempted to put upon the Miniftery, that dc- nyedthem tobctheMiniftersof Chrift, and would have had them called the Minillers of the State, and dealt with accordingly. But it fcems they did not much crofs the judgements of fomc of the Miniftery themfelves, who are ready to put the fame fcorn up- on their own calling. WearefentasChrifts Embaf- fadors to fpeak in his name, and not in the Princci ; and T he Reformed fujlor: ^ ^ 3 and by his Authority we do our work.as from him we have our Commifsion. And (hall any of his Meffen- gcrs quedion ihc Authority of his comn>ands ? The fame Power that ydi have to preach without or againll the Magiftratcs command,the fame have you to exercife Paftoral Guidance and Difcipline without it. And fliouldall Miniftersrefufc preaching if the Magiftrate bid them not ? yea or if he forbid them? 2. What mean you when you fay , you Wt// tjst do it wi'hoHt iy^uthoritj } Do you mean tht Leave, or the Countenance and approbation, or the C^mwW upon your felves, or do you mean a forcr or Pen Alt j on the People to obey you ? The Magiftrates Le.ive we have; who hindereth or forbiddeth you to fet up Dif- cipline. and exercife it faithfully ? Doth the fecular Power forbid you to do it,or threaten or trouble you for not doing ic? No, they do not. Tothefhameof the far greateft part of the Miniftcrs of England ic muft be fpoken (for we have fo opened our own (hame that it cannot be hid; we have had free Liber- cy to have done the work of Chrift, which we have defired and pleaded for, and yet we would not do it. W hat might not the Minifters of England have done for the Lord , if they had been but willing ? They had no prohibition, nor any mantorife upagainft them, of all the enemies whofe hearts are againft their work : and yet they would not do it. Nay more, for f)ught you know, you have the Approbation of Authority. You have the commands of former powers not yet repealed. You have the Protedion of the Laws and prefent Governors ; If any one fcek revenge againft you for the fak-e of Difcipline , vou have not only Laws, but as many willing Magi- ftratcs 224 Giidas Salvianus ; ftr.ites to rellrain and punifli them as ever you knew I think in England. And what would you have more? Would you have a Law made to Punifli you if you will not do your duty ? What / dare you tell God ihit you w.Jl not do his work unlefs the Magiftrate drive you to it with fcourgesr* I confefs if I had my will itftiouldbefo; and thatman (Lould be ejedcd as a nei^ligent Paftor, that will not rule his People by Difcipline (though yet I might allow him to be a Preacher to the unchurched J as well as he is ejeded as a negligent Preacher that will not preach. For Ruling is as ElTential a part of a Paftors office as preaching I am fure. And therefore feeing thefe men would fam have the Magiftrate interpofe, if he did cjedt them for unfaithful negligent Piftors ( were ic not for the ncce/iicy of the Church that hath not enow better ) I kno -v not well how they could blame him for it. Its a fad difcovery of our carnal hearts , when man can do fo much more with us then God , that wc would ob^y the commands of men , and will not obey the commands of Chrift. Is he fit to be Chrifts Officer, that will not take his Command as obliguory? But I know the thing expeded is, that all the peo- ple (hould be forced under a penaky to fubmit to our Difcipline. I confefs, I think that the Magiftrate ftiould be the hedge of the Church and defend the Minlftery, an i improve his power to the utmoft to procure an univerfal obedience to Chrifts Laws, and reftrain men from the apparent breach of them, efpe- cially from being falfe Teachers and Seducers of others. How far I am againft the two extreams of Uaivsrfal Licence, and Perfccuting tyrannic, I have frequently The Reformed ^ajlor. 2 2 5 frequently manifefted on other occafions. But! ftiall now fay buttliis. i. Doth not this further difcover the carnal frame ot our hearts, when we will not do our ducyunlefs the Magiftrace will do his to the full, and all that we conceive may be his duty ? What / will his negleA excufe yours ? Hath Chrift bid you ufe the Keycs of the Kingdom.and avoid a fcan- dalous (inner upon condition that the Mag:ltrate will puniHi him wuh the fword ? is not this your meaning if you would fpcakic ou-,ihat you find a great deal of difficulty in your work, and you would have the Magiftratc by terrifying offenders make it eafic to you? for if it be not fafe, and cheap and eafic , you are rcfolved you will not do it ; A nd fuch fervants Chriil may have enough. Nay is not your meaning, that you would have the Magiftrateco do your work for you } Juft as your pious people have long cryed and prayed for Difcipline, and called upon Miniliers to do it, but wecannot get ihcm to reprove offcn- dors and deal with them fcrioully and lovingly for their good. and inform theChurth-Ofh'cers of them that are obftinate. So do wc toward the Magiftrates: The work of God is fo much beholden to us, that we would all have it done, but few w 11 doit. We can eafilycrccnfurc and t.ilk againft others for not doing it, then do it ourfelves. O the guile and hypocriiicot our hearts/ 2. Rut further. What is it that you would have the Magiftrate to do ? I pray you confider ic how yf u will anfwer it before God, thar vou (liould will- fully ncgled your own duty . and then make it your Religion to quarrel vvirh others. Is it not a fearfel deceit of heart for a man t^ think himfclf a godly CL M ini- 126 Gildas Salvianus; Miriider for finding fau'c with them that are lef$ faulty then himfclf r I fay, lefs faulty. For tell me truly, Whether the Magiitratedo more of his part in t jovernmenc, oryou in yours. 1 am no more a flat- terer of the Magiftratc then of yoj; nor was ever taken for fuch, that I could underliand : but we muft deal juftly by ail men. Would you have the Magi- ftrace to punifh men eo mryfiney becaufe excommuni- cated, without any particirlarcognifance of the fad and cafe? i. That were unjuft ; Thenhemuftdo wrong when ever we miftakc and do wrong ; If an honelt man were an hangman, he would be willing to know that he hanged not a man that wasunjuftly condemned : However the Magiftratc is not the mecr executioner of the Minifters, but a j udge : and therefore muft be allowed the ufe of his Reafon, to >inow the caufe,and follow his own judgement, and not punifh men againft it. 2. And cxcommunicati- orvisfo grcata punifhmentof itfelf, that 1 hope you do not think it nothing, unlefs the Magiftrate add more : If fo, then the temporal piinilhment might fcrve turn , and what need of yours ? But I fuppofe that this is notyourfenfc,but you are fo juft,that you would have the Magiftrace to punifh a man as an of- fcndor, and not as excommunicate. And if fo , I think it is not nothing that he doth. Are all the penalties againft Swearers , Curfers , Drunkards, Peace- breakers, Sabboth- breakers, &c, nothing ? Certainly the Laws of the Land do punifh much fi« againft God. Well ! What do you as Church-Go» vernors againft thcfe fame fins ? The Magiflratc fincth and imprifoncth them : that is his part -. It is your part to bring thera to open Repenwnce, or to cafi The R e formed TaHor, liy caft them out : r'ave you done this asofL as he hach done Ins part ? Doth not [hcMagiftracy of £;ii^- l<%ni punilh ten, twenty, what if 1 fay an hundrecl Sw.arcrs, Drunkards or Sabboth- breakers by the fevordjfor one that the Elders of the Cliurch do pu- nidi by cenfures or bring to publike Rcpentv^nce for the fatishd«on of the Church / Brethren, thefe things fecin rtrange to nne ; that the cafe fhould ftand thus as it doth, and \ et that the deceit of our Iiearts (houtd be fo great, that we fliould go on to account our fclves fuch blamelefs godly men, whom Mag- ftrate^ and people arc all bound to reverence, and to rpeak againit the Mag' (hate fo much as we do. ] be- lieve they are all Il^ick and faulty ; but are not we much morefauhy > Whac if they (bould p.iy us in our owncoyn ? VVnac language might they give the Mini(ler$,thac after fo many years talk of Difcipline will do nothing in it ! I lay nothing in moft pices: To meet together for confulcation, is no exercife of Difcipline, nor reformation of the Church^which our meetings (hould conduce to 3. And I give you this further anfwer : What had the Church of Chrift done till the daies of Con- fiantme the great, if it had no better Paftors then you that will not Gov:rn it without the joynt com- pulfionof the Magiftrate > Difcipline. and fevere Difcipline wascxercifed for three hundred years to- gether, where the Prince did not give them fo much as a Protedion , nor Toleration, bur perfecured them to the death. Then was the Church at the bell,?.nd Difcipline moft pure and powerful ; fay not then any more for {hame,that it is to no purpofe without, atMagiftpace , when it hath done fo mach agijnft. Q^i their 2i8 Gildas Salvianus . their wills fO wha: an aggravation is it of our fin / That you cannot be concent to be negligent and un- fjirhful fervants, but you muft alio flie m the face of your Lard and Maller,and obliquely lay the blame on him / What do youeifc, when you blame Church- ccn ures as uneffcdual, when you fhould blame your 1 \zy felf feeking hearts, that fhifc off the ufe of thcm.^ Hath Chriit put a leaden fword into your hands, when he bids you fmite the obftinate finner ? Or are you cowardly and carelefs , and then blame your iword inftead of ufing it , as thinking that the eafier task ? Are the Kcyes of 1 hrifts Kingdom fo unmeet and ufclefs, that they will not open and fhut without the help of the fword ? or arc you unskillful and Jazy in the ufe of them / If they have contra(!!^cd any ruft, by which they are made lefs fit for fcrvice, next to the Prclares we may thank our fclves,that lee them lie fo long unufed. 4. And 1 muil tell you, that too much intcrpofiti- on of the fword with our Difcipline, would do more harm then good. It would but corrupt it by the mix- ture , and make it become a humane thing. Your Government is all to work upon the confcicnce ; and the fword cannot reach that. It is not a defirable thing to have Repentance fo obftured by meer forced Coiifeflions , rlia: you cannot know when men do mean as they 'peak; and fo it will be the fword thac do:h all , by forci',i;men to diflemblc, and you will not difcern the po-vcr of the Word and Ordinance of C hrift. T conr^jfs fince i fell upon the cxercifc of fgme r/ci^nirv,! find by fxpericncc that if the fword did in^.erpofe r..J force all thofe PubHke Confc/lions of lin, and Proftfsion of Rcpencancc , which I have per- The Reformed faUbr. ^ 29 perfwaded men to by che light of the word of God; re would have left me much unAtisfied concerning the validity of fuch Confefiion? and Prom.fcs , whe thcr they might indeed be fatisfat^ory to the Church: And I find that the godly people do no further re- gard it then they perceive it hearty and frcej and if it were forced by Magiftratcs, they would take him for no Penitent pcrfon , nor be any whic facisficdi bu: fay , He doth it bccaufe he dare do n other' TVf/e. And I muft add this word of plainer dealing yet. Yoia blame the Magiftrate forgiving lo much liber- ty; and is it not long of your felves that he doth lo ? You will fcarce believe that fuch enemies to Liberty of Confciencc , arc the caufes of it : I think that you arc ; and that the kecneft enemies have been the greateft caufes. For you would run too far to the other cxtream, and aBefo confident in every contro- verfie that you arc in the right, and lay fuch a ilrefs upon many Opinions of your own as if life or death did lie upon them, f when perhaps tlie difference may prove more verbal then real,if it were fearcht to the quick) that this occafionethMagiftrates to run too far the other way ; and if they look on fuch as and dare not truft the fvvord in fuch hands, you may thunk your felves. Truly Brethren, I fee by experience, that there is among many of the moft injudicious of us, fuch a blind confufcd zeal againft all that is called error by their party, that without being able to try and make a diffv^rencc, they let flie pell mell at all alike, and nuke a great out- cry againft errors , when either we know not what they arc 5 nor how to confute them, nor which be Q^] tolerable. I'^o Gildas SAlvianus •, tolerable in the Churcli, and which intolerable, nor how far wc may hold or break Communion with the owners of them, and perhaps arc the errojieous per- sons our felvcs. Theobfervationof this hath made tlic Magiftratcs fo over- jealous of us that they think if they fct in with a party in each conrention,we fhall never be without blood and mifery. And I confefs I Ice in fome Minilters Co little of the fire of Divine Love, and Chrirtian Charity, and compadion, nor heavenly mindednefs, nor humble fenfe of their own inhrmities , and fo much of the zeal thn Jawcs de- fcribeth C f^nj. ^. 14, ^ 5') which is kindled from another fire, that makes them full of fufpicions and jcaluufie5,and keen and eager againll their Hrethren, cenfuring, defaming and unconfcionably back-biting them, and flraining an ill fenfe out of their well meant words and adions, and living towards them in plain envy and malice, inftead of Cnnftian love and peace; I fay. I fee fo rruch of this in many that affeA the Repurarion of Orthodox, while they are indeed fa(3io'j5, that I am the lefs lorry that the Magiftrare doth fu iiL:ic interpofc. For were the fword in fuch envious angry hands » there would be little quiet to tlieCiiurch : For there is no two men on earth but d;ffcr in fomethingjif rhcy know or believe any thing. And thcfc men muft fqiiare the world to their own judgements . which are not al'.vay the wifeft in the world : They that dare fo rail at others as Blafphc- mers. when they kno-^^' not what they fay themfclvcs, durft fure fmite them as Biafphemers, if they had power. This may pofilbly make the Magiftrate chink meet , ( feeing we are fo quarrelfom and impatient) to Ice us fight it ou: by the bare fills , and not to put fword s The Reformed Ta^br, ' i j i fwords into our hands till we are more fober ard know better how to ufe them : For if every paAio- natc man , when he hath not wit enough to make good his caufe, (hould prefently borrow theMagi- iiratcs fword to make it good, truth would be upon great difadvanrage in the world / Magiftratcs arc commonly the moft tempted and abufed men, and therefore I know not why we (hould call fo loivd to have them become the Arbirators in all our quar- rels, Icfl error have two victories where truch gets one. I could wifh the Magiftrate did more; buc 1 1 e do but give us Protedion and Liberty Cfp^callyif he will but reftrain Deceivers from preaching r:gainft the great unqucftionable truths of the Gofpej , and give publike Countenance and Encouragement to thofe mafter- truths ) I ftiall not fear by the Grace of God, but a prudent, fober ufianimous Miniflery will ere long fhame the fwarm of vanities that we think fo threatning. But I have been too long on this. I iliall only conclude it with this earnetl rcqucft to my Brethren of the Miniftery,that they would fpeedily 2nd faith- fully put in execution, at leaft all the unqu; itionable part of the Difcipline, that they have fo much con- tended for. When we were fo offended with the Par- liament for their enumeratiofi of fcandals, as too de- feSive, and a Proteftation was publfhed that we aded only on fuppcficicn thn iL wasdciiedive, fure we little thought then that we that were fo earneft ta have had more power, would ufe none and we that muft needs have authority to rejed: more then the Parliament did enumerate- would ccnfure fo few even CL4 ^i 23 i GildasSalvianus; of them as we have done, fince we have had more li^ berty c>doit. But one objcAion is common, which I forgot ; They fay, We are but (ingle Paflors, and therefore cannot excommunicate men alone , unlefs we (hould make every Pallor a Pope in his Parifli , or a Bifliop at leaft. ay^nfw. For my part I have no mind to obtrude my own opinion on fuch ( for the power of a fingie pcrfon to excommunicate ; 1 have fufficiently already proved my fclf a Noveliit and fingular with fome,by alTerting antient and moft common Truths. But yet T . I could wiili thefc men fo much moderation, as to be furc that they are in this as much wifer then the contrary'-minded, as their confidence doth import , before thy proceed in calling them Popes ; Leaft j)s the cunninc^ of the times is by making many Anti- chriftf , to make none ; io thefc men fliould contrary to their intention , credit the Pope, by msktng lo many Popes, and the Prelates too by makmg fuch kind of Prelates. 2. A Pope is the pre:endcd head of the Carholikc Church, and an univerfal Bifhop to govern it ; Are fingle riilinp Paftors fuch ? A Diocefan Bifhop is the Ruler of all the Paftors and Churches in a Diocefs : Is fuch a Purtorone of thcfe ? 5. Why do you in your difpurcs agninft the Pre- lates maintain that every Minif-^r is a Bifhop of his own Church ; :nid do \ou now abhor it ? 4. What if y.u mighi not excommunicate, may you not therefore do the reft? mnyyou not perfo- nally and publikely reprove thera,pray tor them, c?-r. 5. Muft The ^formed Tajlor. ^33 5. Muft not the people avoid a Notorious drun- kard, c^c. whether you bid them or not ^ If not; why hath God commanded it ? If yea ; why may you not bid them do that which is their duty ? 6 Have you none in your Panili, not one or two tomakeRulingEidersof thatby their conjunftion you may be authorifed to do more then now you do? I mean, according to your own principles- for I con- fefs its not according to mine. 7. And what hindereth but you may joyntoge- ther if you will ? if it muft needs be rtiany Paftors con jund, that muft exercife any ad of Difciplinc, why is it notfo done > Dothany forbid them, or threaten them if they dolt f If you fay, lam alone, becAufe »o neighbonr CMhijler wUl^oyn )>Piih me, Yi,U fpeak hardly of all the Minifters about you ? What I are they all fo negligent / Blame us not then to re- prove them, r.ut its an incredible thing that they ihould be all fo bad that are of your judgement, that no one or two will be perfwaded to alTjft you. And Ithinkyou will confefs that two or three may do it authoritatively, though no oneelfe in the C ounty do it. I could widi that the Prelates had not fuch an argument given them as this ; No one Treihjter hath the fewer of the Keyes^ hj their own (^onfejfion : there- fore two or three have not ; leaft they go further in proving the confequencethen you exped. i ut if id muft be fo. I could yet wi(h that no fingle Paftor for the exculir.g of himfclf, would lay fuch a reproach- ful charge upon all the Minifters in the Country that be of his own Judgement, as to fay tf\gt DifcipHnc is caft afide , becaufe they can get none to joyn with them in the execution/ at leaft till they have 1^4 Gildas Salvianus . have throughly trycd whether it be fo indeed, or nor. SECT. VIII. 5- A Nothcr fad difcovery, that we have not fo J~\ devoted our felves and all we have to the fervice of God, as we ought, is , The l^revalency ef VforlMj flejhiy inter ej^s tso much agawft the Inter e[l And Tvork^of chrift. And this I (hall further manifeftin ihefe three inftancee following. i.Our temporizing. 2. Our too much minding worldly things,and ftirink- ingfrom duties that will hinder our commodity. 3. Our barrenncfs in works of Charity, and in the improving of all that we have to our Matters ufe. I. ^ would not have any to be thwart and conten- tious with thofc that govern them, nor to be difobe- dicnt to any of their lawful commands- But it is not the leaft reproach upon the Miniftery, that the mod of them for worldly advantage do ftill fuit thcm- fclves with the party that is moft likely to fuit to their ends. If they look for fecular advantages , they fuit themfelves to the fecular Power : if for the air of Ecdcfiaftick applaufe, then do they fuit themfelves to the party of Ecdefiafticks that is moft m credit. This is not a private,but an Epidemical malady. In Con- p- amines daics , how prevalent were the Orthodox > In Conflantius daies, they almoft all turned Arrianr, fo that there were very few Bifhops at all that did not apoflatize or betray the truth i even of the fame ipen, 1 he Reformed Tajlor: 255 men that had been in the Council of 2^V* ; And when not only Lihtyiw^ but great Oy7«j himfelf fell, who had been the Prefident or chief in fo many Or- thodox Councils,what better could be expeded from weaker men I Were it not for fecular advantage or Ecdefiaftick fadion and applaufe, how could it come to paf$ that Miniftcrs in all the Countries in the world , are cither all, or almoft all, of that Religion and way that is moft in credit, and mofl confiitenc with their worldly intd^eft/ Among the Greeks, they are all of the Greek profeflion : and among the t^ibaffinii^ the Nejlorians^ the CMaronites^ the Jaco- hitesx\\t Minifters generally go one way. And among the Papifts they arc almoft all Papifts. And in Saxony^ Swedey.^ T>inmark^^ &c. almoft all Lutherans : In Holland, f ranee, Scotland^ almoft all Cahinifij* Its ftrange that they (hould be all in the right in one Countrcy, and allin the wrong in another, if carnal advantages and reputation did not fway much^When men fal upon a confcientious fearch,thc variety of In- telledual capacities caufeth unavoidably a great va- riety of conceits about fomc hard & lower things.Buc let the l^ince and the ftream of men in credit go one way, and you ftiall have the generality of Minitlers agree to a hair, and that without any extraordinary fearch. How generally did the common fort of Mi- nifters too often change their Religion with the Prince at feveral times in this land ? Not all (as our Martyrologie can witnefs ) but the moft. i will pur- pofely forbarc the mention of any later change. If the Rulers of an Univeriicy (hould but be corrupt , who have the difpofal of preferments, how much might they do with the moft of the ftudents , where meer 236 Giidas Salvianus 5 mccr Arguments would not take ? And the fame tradable diftemper doth fo often follow r hem into the Min:lhry , that it occafioneth the enemies to fsy, that Reputation and preferment is our Religion: and our Reward- 2. And for the fecond. How common is it with Minifters to drown thcmfelves in worldly bufincfs ? Too many are fuch as the Scflarics would have them be,who tell us that we (hould go to plough and care, and labour for our living, and preach without fo much ftudy : And this is a leflon eafily learnt. Men take no care to caft off and prevent care , that their fouls and the Church may have their care. And efpecially how commonly arc thofc duties negleded, that are like if performed to diminilh our eftates } For example : Is there not many that dare not, that will not fet up the cxercife or any Difclpline in their Churches (not only on the fore- mentioned accounts {but efpecially ) becaufc it may hinder the people from paying them their dues? They will not offend finners with Dilciplinc, leaft they of- fend them in their citates, ( yea though the Law fe- cure their maintenance.) I find money is too ftrong an Argument for fome men to anfwer, that can pro- claim the love of it to be the root of ail evil, and can make large orations of the danger of covetoufnefs. I will fay no more now to thefe but this ; If it was fp deadlv^ a fin in Simon C^ai^us to offer to buy the Gift of God with money ; what is it to fell his gifts , his caufe. and rhe fouls of men for money ? and what reafon have fach to fear leaft their money pcrifh with them ? 3. But che mpft that I have to fay is to the thir4 difcovery. 7he (Reformed fajlor. ^ 3 7 difcovery. If worldly and flefhly intercft did not much prevail againft the intercft of Chnft and the Church/urely moft Minifters would be more fruitful in good works, and would more lay out that they have to their mafters ufe. Experience hath ful- ly proved it, that works of Charity do moft potendy remove prejudice , and open the H^ andfpectallj thofe ef hi^s family , hath denyed the faith^ and is worfe then an fnfideL This is made a pretence for gathering up portions , and providing a full eftatc for poftcnty, when the Apoftle fpeaketh only againft them tliat did caft their poor kindred and family on the Church to be maintained out of the common ftock , when they were able to do it themfelvcs. As if one that hath a widdow in his houfc that is his mother or daughter, and would have her to be kept on the Parilh when he hath enough him* felf. His following words (hew that it is prefent pro- vifion , and not future portions that the Apoftle fpeaketliof, when he bids r/j^w r^.tr h:ive Wuddoxvs ^ adminiftcr to them ^ or give them vrhit is fujficient. 2. You may fo educate your children as other mean perfons do , that they may be able to get their own livings, in fomc honeft trade or imployment, without other great provifions. I know that your charity and care muft begin ac home, but it muft not end there : You arc bound to do the belt you can to educate your children, fo as they may be capable of being moft ferviceablc to God, but not to leave them rich or a full eftate ; Nor to forbear other neccffary ^orks of Charity, meerly for a larger provifion for them. There muft be fome proportion kept between our provilion for qjit families, and for the Church art(f The Reformed Taflor. ^^^ and poor. A truly charitable fclf-dcnying hcart,that hath devoted it felfand all that he hath to God, would be the beft judge of the due proportions, and would fee which way of expence is likely to do God the grcateft fervicc, and that way he would take. 3 . I confcfs I would not have men lie too long under endangering ftrong temptations to incontinency ; left they wound themfelvcs and their profeflionby their fails .• But yet methinks its hard that men can do no more to mortifie theconcupifcence of the flefli, that they may live in a fin glc freer condition, and have none of thefe temptations from wife and chil- dren, to hinder them fr©m furthering their Minifterial ends by charitable works. If he that raarryeth not, doth better then he that doth, furc Minifters ftiould labour to do that which is beO. And if he that can receive thisfajw^^ muft receive it, we fhould endea- vour after it. This is one of the higheft points of the Romifh policy, which they pretend to be a duty of common neceflity, that all their Biftiops, Priefts and other Religious orders muft nC>t marry, by which means they have no pofterity todrain the Churches revenues^ nor to take up their care : but they make their publike caufe to be their intereft, and they lay out themfelves for it while they live, and leave alt that they have to it when they die ; So that their Churches wealth doth daily increafe,as every BiQiop, Abbot, Jefuite or other perfon doth gather more in their life time, and ufually add it to their common ftock. Its pitty that for a better caufe we can no more imitate them in wifdom and fclf-denyal, where it might be done. 4. But they that muft marry, (hould take fuch as can mamtain themfelves and their chil- dren, ^A^ Gildjs Salvianus ^ dren, or mii .tain them at the rate a? their tcmporaf means will afford , and devote as much of the Church means to the Churches fcfvicc as they can. I would put no man dpon extreams ; But in this cafe flefh and blood doth make even good men lb partial, that they take their duties, and duties of very great worth and weight to be extreams. )f worldly vanities did not blind us, we might fee when a publikc or other greater good did call us to deny our felves and our families. Why fliould we not live neerlyer and poorer in the world, rather then leave thofe works undone, which may be of greater ufc then our plentiful provifion ? But we confult in matter of du- ty with flerti and blood ; and what counfel it will give us, we may eafilyknow. h will tell us wc muft have a competency ; and manv pious mens compe- tency, is but little below the Rich mans ratci, Lukj i6. If chey bcnot cloathcd with the bed, and fare no delicioufly every day, they have n )t a competen- cy. A man that preacheth an Imnnortil Crown of glory, mull not feek much after rranfitory vanity .• And he that prc.icheth the contempt of Riches, itiuft himfelf contemn them, and (hew it by his life ; And he that preacheth fclf-dcnyal and mortification, muft pradifethefe intheeyesof them that he preacheth to, if ever he would have his Do(^rine profper. All Chriftians are fand.fied i and therefore themfclves and all that they have are confecrated and dedicated to their maftcrsuTc ; Bat Miniftcrs arc doubly fan- ftified ; rhey are devoted to God both as Chriftians and as Miniilcrs ; and therefore the/ are doubly ob- liged CO honour him with what they have. O The Reformed Tajior. 241 Brethren, what abundance of good works arc before 115, and how few o^' them do we put our hands to ? 1 know the world expcdech more from us then wc have .- but if we cannot anfwer the expeda- tionsof the unrcafonable.lec us do what we can to anfwer the expeftacions of God, and confcience,and all jullmen. ^i is the witlof god th.4t with well dotng^ \X^c pyotild put to fitence theignortiKce of fooltjhmen* Efpecially thofe Minifters that h a vc! a rger mainte- nance murt be larger in doing good. 1 will give but one inftance at this time, which I mentioned before. There arc (ome Minifters that have 1 50. or 200. or ^oo.per4n,oi Church means, andhavefogreatParirtiesthat they are not able to do a quarter of the Minifterial work, nor once in a year to deal perfonally with half their people for theirinftrudion, and yet they will content thcmfclves, with publike preaching,as if that were all that were neccfifary , and leave almoft all the reft undone, to the evcrlalting danger or damnation of multitudes , rather then they will maintain one or two diligenC men to afsift them. Or if they have an afsiftant , ic is but fome young man to eafe them about baptizings or burials, or fuch work, and not one that will faith- fully and diligently watch over the Flock, and afford them that perfonal inftrudion which is fo neceflary- If this be not a fervin ■ our felvcsof God, and not a ferving God, and a felling mens fouls for our fuller maintenance in the world ; what is f Me thinks fuch men fhould fear leaft while they are accounted excel- lent Preachers and godly Minifters by men, they fliould be accounted cruel foul murderers by C hrift ? and leaft the crycs of thofe fouls whora they have R betrayed t^i Gildas Salvianus -, betrayed to damnation fhould ring in their cars for^ ever. Will preaching a good Sermon fervc the turn> while you never look more after them , but deny them that clofer help that you find to be neceffary , and alienate that maintenance to your own fle(h, which (hould provide relief for fo many fouls? How can you open your mouthes againft opprefTors.whcn your felvcs arc fo great opprcffors, not only of mens bodies but their fouls ? How can you Preach againft onmercifulnefs, while you are fo unmerciful / And how can you talk againft unfaithful Minifters, while you arc fo unfaithful your felvcs f The fin is not therefore fmail becaufeitisunobfervcd, and not be- come odious in the eyes of men ,• nor bccaufc the charity which you withhold is fuch as the people blame you not for withholding. Satan himfdf their greatcft enemy hath their confentall along in the work of their perdition. It is no extenuation therefore of your fin that you have their confcnts : For that you may fooner have for their hurt then for their good. The Keformeil TaHon 145 I Shall proceed no further in thereconfcfsions and difcovcrics ; but befeech you to take what is faid inro Confideration ; and fee whether this be not the great and lamentable fin of the Miniftcrs of the Gofpcl, that they be not fully devoted to Qod , and give not up themfelves and al) that they have to the carrying on of the bleffed work which they have undertaken ? and whether flefh-pleafing and felf- fecking, and an intereft diftind from that of Chrift, do not make us neglcfl much of our duty , and walk too unfaithfully in fo great a truft, and refervedly ferve God in the cheapeft andmoft applauded part of his work, and withdraw from that which would put us upon coft and fufferings } And whether this do not (hew , that too many are earthly that feem to be heavenly, and mind the things below while they preach for the things above, and Idolize the world while they call men to contemn it ? And as S4/vM«faith,/<. ^.adEcclef. Cath, fag. 454. NuHus faiuttm plus neglig it cfuam ^ui Deo ali^uid anteponit. Defpifers of God will prove dcfpifers of their own falvation. R 2 SECT, 2 44 Gildas Salvianus SECT. I X. AN OWtv'Brechrcn. whatremainecli, but that wcUi cry guijt.y, of too much of tbefe forc- mentioii^d fihi .' and bumble our fouls in the lamen- tation of our rtiifcarriages before the Lord / Is this Takjn^ had to our ftlvts and to all the Flo. k, ? Is this like tihe pattern thar is given us here in the Text ? 1 f we fhould prove now ftout-hearced and unhumbled men, and fnuffat thcfe Confcfsions as tending to our difgraccVhow fad a fymptom would it be' to our ' felves and to the Church ? The M niftcry hath been oft threatned herc,and is ftill maligned by many forts of adverfaries ; Though all this may (hew their impious malice, yet may it alfo intimate to us Gods )uft ind gnation. Believe it brethren, the Minittcry of England is not the leaft or laft in the fin of the Land ; It is they that have encouraged the common prophanefs ; It is they that have led the people intodivifions , and are now fo backward to bring them out. And as fin hath been found in them, fo Judgements have been found and laid upon them. Its lime therefore for us to take our part of that Humiliation which we have been calling our people to fo long. If we have our wits about us, wc may perceive that Cod hath been offended with us s and that the voice that called this Nation to Repen- tance, did fpeak to us as well as others. He there- fore that hath ears let him hear the voice Of railing enemies of all forts, the voice of them that cry ,dowQ with the Reformed TaHhy. 245 tvith u?" even to trc ground , all caHirr'g us to try W waies and to reform. He that h^th e>'es let hinn fee the precefjts of R'epenrancc wiiccen in fo ro^ny ad-' mirable deliverances and prefervations , and written in fo many lines of blood By fii*e and fword hath God been calling ei'en ustoHumiltatioh ; And ir Judgement hath begiin at the houfe of Godjfoif Humiliation begin hot there too , it will be a fad prognoftick to us and to the Land. Wh^t 1 (hall we deny, or excufe, or extenuate cur fins, while we call our people to fuch free ConfefiionsPis it riot be:ter to give glory to God by a full andhumBle'Cqnfefsion, then in rcndernefs of our own glory to feCk for Fg- leaves to cover our nakedncfs ; and to put (jod to ic. to build his glory which wedenyed him, upon:hc ruines of our own which we preferred before him ? and to diftrain for that by a yet forcr judgement; which we denyed voluntarily to furrender to him >' Alas if you put God to get his honour as he can , he can get it to your greater forrow/ and difhonour. If any of our hearers in a day of Humiliation when fin is fully confefled and lamentedi (hould be offend- ed at the Confefsion, and ftand up againft it, and fay, Tou wrong we; I am not fo ba^ \ Tcu fljould have t U we of th ' in private ^ aninot have ^ifgr.iceime befori the Cong- egat'wn. What could we think of fuch a man but that he was a hardened impenitent wretch ; «nd as he would have no part in the Confefsion, fo he (hould have none in theRemiflion. And (hallwc do that which we fcarce ever fee the moft hardened rinnerdo?Shallwefay, This (hould not have been fpoken of us in the cars of the people, but we (hould have been honoured before them ? Certainly (ins R 3 openly IJ^o oildas balvianus; openly committed are more diOionourable to u$ when we hide them, then when we confcfs them. It is the (m and not the Confe/Hon that is our diflio- nour : And we have committed them before the Sun. To that they cannot be hid. Attempts to cloak them, do increafe the guilt and fhame : There is no way to repair the brcachw in our honour which our fin hath msde, but by free Confciiion and Humilia- tion. IdurftnotbutmakeConfe/fionof my own • and if any be offended that I haveconfcfTed theirs " let them know, that I do but what I have done by rnyfelf And if they daredifown theconfe/fionof their fin, let them do it at their peril. But as for all the truly humble Miniftcrsof the Gofpel, I doubt not but thty will rather be provoked more folemnly in the face of their fcveral Congregati- ons^ to lament their fins, and promife Rcfor- mation. CHAP. The Reformed faUor^ 1 47 CHAP. V. SECT. I, ^Ihe Vfe oj- Exhortation. Aving difdofcd and lamented our mif- j carriages and negleds, our dCitv for the future lies plain before u?. God for- bid that wc (hould now go on in the fin that we have confcHcd, as carekdy as we did before. Then would that exclamation of Salvian fall upon US, de Gubern. I, 3. p. 87. IS^ovum Ji^fiidem monftri genus eft ; e4i:iem fene omnes jHgitir faciunt, ^ffafeciffe pUngnnt. Et (jui intrant Ecclefia- (licamdomttm^ m maUa»tl^f4d deflednt, exeunt \ & ^uid dico exeunt } intpfit jene hoc oratioKtlfusfupsAC fupplicatiomhuj moliuntur ; ty4liud^Mippe or a homi" ftum^ aliudcorda agunt; Etdum verbis prater it a maid pUngunt^fenfuffttura nteditantur : ac fi oratio eorurfT rixa eft magis criminum Who hath ever tryedit, thnt knowech it not by experience ? What a pitiful life 's it, to realon with men that have almoft loft the u'e of reafon, and to talk with obftinate willful people, that know what they will and refolvc, but not why they do it ? and to argue the cafe with th< m that neither undet ftand themfclves nor you ; and yet think ijo Gildas Salvianus ; think chat no man bath undcrftanding that contra- didcth them, and that ar? confident they arc in the right, when they can (hew nothing but that confi- dence to make them confident ? their will is the rea- fon of their judgements and lives : it fatisfics them, and it mult fatisfic you. O Brethren, what a world of wickednefs have we to contend againft, in fomc one foul I and what a number of thofe worlds ? what rooting have their fins ? what di fad vantage muft truth come upon / How ftrangc are they to the Heavenly mefTagc that we bring them : and know not what you fay when you fpcak in that only lan- guage that they underftand ? And when you think' you have done fomething , you leave your feed among the fowls of the air ; wicked men are at their elbows to rife up and contradi^ all that you have faid. They will cavil, and carp, and flander you , that they may difgrace your meltage, and deride ind fcorn them away from Chrift, and quickly extinguifli the good begnnings that you hoped you hadfeen. They ufe indeed weaker reafons then yours, but fuch as come with more advantage, being neer ihem, and , familiarly and importunately urged, and fuch as are fctcht from things that they fee and feci, and which are befriended by their own flefh. You fpcak but once to a finner, for ten times or twenty times that the Meffcngers of Satan fpeak to them; moreover, how eafily do the cares and bufineflcs of the world devour and choak the ked which you have fown ? And if it had no enemy but what is in themfclves, how eafily will a frozen carnal heart, extinguifti thofe fparks which you have been long in kindling ? and for want of fewcl and further help, they will go out of The Reformed TaHor. 251 of thcmfelvcs. What abundmcc of diftempcrers, and lulls, and paiHons, do you caft your gracious words amongft ? and what entertainment fuch com- panions will afford them, you may cafily conjedurc. And when you think your work doth happily fuc- ceed, and have fecn men under troubles and com- plaints, confefsing their fins,and promifing reforma. tion , and living as new creatures and zealous con- verts, alas after all this, they may prove unlound and falfe at the heart, and fuch as were but fuperficially changed, and took up new Opinions, and new com- pany, without a new heart : How many are after a notable change,deceived by the profits and honours of the world, and fallen away while they think they ftand r" How many are entangled again in their for- mer fenfuality ? and how many do but change a difgraceful way of flefh-pleafing for a way that is lefs dilhonourable , and maketh not fo great a noife in their confciences ? How many grow proud before they reach^toa fettled knowledge,& greedily fnatch at every error that is prefented to them, under the name of Truth ; and in confidence of the ftrength of their unfurniflied intelleAs, defpife them that they were wont to learn of, and become the greateft grief to their Teachers,that before rejoyced in their hope- ful beginnings ? And like Chickens that ftraggle from the hen, they are carried away by that infernal Kite , while they proudly defpife the Guidance and advice of thofe that Chrift hath fet over them for their fafety. O Brethren, what a field of work is there before us ? not a perfon that you can fee but may find you work. In the Saints themfelves, how foondotheir^raceslanguifhif younegled: them ? and ^52 Gildas Salvianus . and how cafily arc they 3rawn into fcandalous waics, to the diihonour of the Gofpel , and their own lofs andforrow I If thisbe theworkof aMinifler, you may fee what a life he hath to lead. Up then,and let us be doing with all our might : Difficulties muft quicken and not difcourage in a Pofsible and Necef- iary work. If we cannot do all, Jet us do what wc can: For if we negled ;t,'Voe to us and them. Should we pafsover ali thefc needful things, and by a plau- fibje Sermon only, think to prove our felves faithful Minilters, and to put off God and man with fuch a (hell and formal vizor y our Reward would prove as fuperficial as our work. 2. Confider alfo that it is by your own voluntary undertaking and engagement , that all this work is laid upon you. No man forced you to be Overfeers of the Church, And doth not common honefty bind you to be true to your truft ? 3 . Confider alfo that you have the Honour to en. courage y^ou to the Z«?^<9«r. And a great honour in- deed It is to be the Embaffadors of God, and the inftrumencsuf mensconverfion and falvation, tofavt mens fonls from death, andcover afnultitude oj fins , Jam. ^ uU. Indeed the honour is but the attendant of the work. To do thtrefore as the Prelates of the Church in all ages have done, to drive for preceden- cy, and fill the world with vile contentions about the dignity and fuperiority of their feats, doth fhew that they much forget the nature and work of that office which they flrivc about. I feldom fee men f^rive fo f-^rioufly who (hall go firft to a poor mans cottage to teach him and h s family the way to heaven ; or who (hall firft endeavour the converfion of a finner ; or flrft 7be Reformed fajlor. 2 y ^ firft become the fervantof all ; ftrangcl that for all the plain exprcflions of Chriil, men will notun- derftand the nature of their office ! If they did , would they drive who (hould be the Paftor of a who'e Cv/unty and more,when there are tenthoufand poor fir.crs in it that cry for help ; and they are not fo trtger to cngqge for their relief } Nay when they can patiently live in the houfes with riotous pro- fane perfons, and not follow them ferioufly and un- cciT'ntly for their change ? And that they would have the Name and Honour of the work of a Coun- t)^, who are unable to do all the work of a PariQi , whed ihe Honour is but the appendix of the work ? Is it N^^mts and Ho?2 To live among fuch excellent helps as our libraries af- ford,and havefo many filent wife companions when- ever we pleafc and of fuch variety. All thefe and more fuch Priviledges of the Miniftery, befpcak our unwearied diligence in the work. 5- You arc related to Chrift as well as to the Flock. He therefore being alfo related to you, you. «re not only advanced butfecured by the relation, if The Reformed Tajlor: 255 you be but faithful in the work that it rcquireth. You arc the Stewards of his tnyftcries, and Rulers of his houfhold : And he that cntruftcd you will maintain you in his work : But then, it is re^ntred of a Steward that a nmn be foH*td faithful ^ I Cor. 4. 2. Bc true to him, and never doubt but he will be true to you. , Do you feed his Flock ; and he will fooner feed you as he did J?//^, thenforfake you, If you be in prifon,hc will open the doors ; but then you muft re- lieve imprifoned fouls. He will give you a tongue and wifdom that no enemy (hall refift : but then you mnft ufe it faithfully for him. If you will put forth your hand to relieve the diftreffed, and willingly put it to his plough , he will wither the band that is ftretched out againft you. The Minifters of England^ I am fure, may know this by large experience. Many a time hath God refcued them from the jaws of the devourer. O the admirable prefervations, and delive- rances that they havehad, from cruel PapiRs/ from tyranicalperfecutorslfrom malicious Seftaries,& mif- guided paflionate men I Brcihren,inthefearof God confidcr. Why is it that God hath done all this ? Is it for your perfons, or for his Church f What are you to him more then other men, but for his work and peoples fakes ? Are you Angels, or men ? Is your fle(h of any better mettle then your neighbours? Are you not of the fame Generation of finners,thac need his grace as much as they ? Up then and work as the Redeemed of the Lord ; as thofe that are pur- pofely refcued from ruine for his fervicc. O do noc prepare a remedilefs overthrow for the Englifli Mi- niftery by your ingratitude after all thefe deliveran- ces. It you believe chae God bath refcued you for himfelf; i5^ Gildas Salvianus . Iiimfclf, live to h m then, as being unrcfervedly his chat hath delivered you. SECT. II. II. T^HE firft Motive mentioned inthc^cxt^ X we have fpoken of, which is from the Confideratit-in of our office it fclf. The fecond is from the efficieKt cattfe. It \%Qodb) hi^ fpirit that makes us Ovcrfcers of his Church, therefore it con- cerneth us to Take heed to our felvcs and it. 1 did be- fore (hew you how the Holy-Ghoft is :aid to make Bifliops or Paftors of the Church in three fevcral re» fpeds. By Qualifying them for the office ; By di- refting the Ordainers to difcern their Qualifications, and know the fitteft men : and by dircAmg them, the people and themfeives for the affixing them to a par- ticular charge. All thefe were done then in an ex- traprdinary fort, by infpiration, at Icaftvery ofc. The fame arc all done now by the ordmary way of the fpirits aililhncc. But it is the fame fpirit ftill : and men arc made Over-feevs of the C hurch ( when . they are rightly called ) by the Holy-Ghoft now as well as then, Us a ftrange conceit therefore of the " Papifts to think that Ordination by the hands of man, is of more abfoluce necefiity tothcMinifte- rial Office, then the calling of the Holy-Ghoft, God hath determined in his word, th^t there fhaH be fuch an office , and wh^tthe fi^orl^ancl Power /hall be , and wW/i^-foy^i^w^ as to their qualifications 5 fliall ttr".. ccivcic ; None of thcfe ca« be undone by man. or ' 0)ade The B efonned ^aHor. 1 5 7 Hiadc unnccefTary. God fAio^iveth men th Q^:/ f- cainnt which he requircth. So that all that the Chu'-ch hach co do, vvhechei Pallors or People , Or- dainors or Electors, is but ictdifctm, and ceterrr.tne^ Tvhi,h etre the mt^ ih^t God lotth iktsf Qjialifiedj^r.d (o ^4ccept of them rh^t <*> e fo provided , and tip oh conje-^it to injiuH ihem fotemr.ly m Thuofcc, i UC I purpofsrly cur fhorcche controvertible part. What an Obligition then is laid upon us by onr call? If our ^ ommifTion be fentfrom Heaven, its not to be difobcycd. When 'P-^ui was called by the voice of Chri(l,he wv^ not djfohedient to the heiven- h Vifnn \ When the Apoftlcs were called by Chrift fronn their fecularimployments they prefently leave friends, and houfe, and trade and all, and follow him. Though our call be not fo immediate or ex- traordinary yet is it from the fame fpirit. Its no fi!e courfe t) imitate fonah, in turning our back upon the commands of God. If wenegled ourwork, he hath a fpur to quicken us : and if we over-run it, he hath Meffengers enough to (ver-takcus, and fetch us back , and make usdoic ; and it is berrer to do i: at firll then at hft. This is the fecond Mo- tive. SECT. 25S GildasSalvianus- SECT. Hi, III. "TpH E iLUfd Motive in the Text, is, from JL the dignity of the Objed- It is the Church of God which we muft Overfee, and F^ed. It is that Church which the world is much upheld for; which is fandified by the Holy-Ghoft ; which is uni- ted to Chrift, and is his myftical body •. that Church which Angels are prefent with, and attend upon as Minlftring Spirits ; whofe very little ones have their Angels beholding the face of God in heaven : O what a charge IS it that we have undertaken I And fhall we be unfaithful to fuch a charge ! Have we the Stewardfliip of Gods own fannily , and (hall wc neglef^ it I Have wc the conducfl of thofc Saints that muft live for ever with God in glory, and Qiall wcncglecfithem/ God forbid I 1 befcech you Bre- thren, let this thought awaken the negligent * You that draw back from painful, difplcafing , (uffcring duties, and will put off mens fouls with uneffedual formalities ; do you think this is an honourable ufage of Chrifts Spoufe ? Are the fouls of men thought meet by God to fee his face, and live for ever in his glory, and arc they not worthy ofyour utmoft cod and labour ? Do you think fo bafcly of the Church of God, as if it defervcd not the beft of your care and help ? Were you the Keepers of fticep pr fwine , you might better let them go , and fay, Xhcy be not worthy the looking after ; and yet yoa would fearce do fo if they were your own. But dare yoo The Kefoi-mcl faUor. ^59 yo'i Hiy 10 by the fouls of men, eveii by tbe Church of God ? Chrift vvalkech among chcm : Remember his prefcnce , and keep all as clean as you can. \ he praifes of the molt high God arc in the midft ut them. They are a fandified peculiar people, a Kingly Prielihood, an holy Nation, a choice gene- ration, to (hew forth the praifes of him that hath called thcm^ i '/'fr. 2.9- and yet dare you negled them ? What a high honour is it to be but one of them, yea but a door ket per in the lioufe of God I but to be the Prieftof thefe Triells, and the Ruler of thefe Kings this is fuch an honour as multiplyeth your obligations to dil'gence and fidelity in fo noble an employment. SECT. IV. I y. -p H E laft Motive that i? mentioned in my JL Text, IS, from the Pr ce that was paid for the Church which we Overfee, God the ^on did purchafe it with his own blood. O what an Argu- ment is here to quicken the negligent ? and what an Argument to condemn thofe that will not be quick- ncd up to their duty by it ? O faith one of the an- tient Dodors , if Chrifi had but committed to my keeping one fpoonful of his blood in a fragile glafs, how curiouflyfliould Ipreferveit, and how tender (hould I be of that gUds f If then he h we commit- ted to me the purchafe of his blood, fhould 1 not as carefully look to my charge ? What Sirs, (hall wc S 2 defpife 26o Gildas Salvianus \ defpife the blood of Chrifl ? Shall we think it was fhcd for them that j^re not worthy of our utmoft care - Vou may fee here it is not a little fault that negligent ^'altors arc guilty of ? as much as in them Jveth, the blood of Chrift fhould be fhed in vain ; They would lofe him chofe fouls that he hath fo dear- ly bought. O then let us hearthofe Arguments of Chrift, when ever we feel our felves grow dull and carclefs ; Vid I dj€ for them y and Wilt not thou look^tifter i hem ? Jl'ere they worth mj hiood^ and are the) not worth thy labour ? Did ^ come do^^n from Heuvento Earthy to [eek^and to fave that >^hich wot lojl : and Wilt not thou go to the next door-, or Jirett^ or Village to jeek^ them ? How f mall is th) labour or con de [cent ion as to mine '^ / dibafea my fdf to this^ hut it is thy honour to be fa imployed, Hdve / done and fuff ere d fomttch for their falvation ? and voju I Willing to makj thee a co-Worker with me J and wilt thou refuje that little th^t lyeth upon thy hands ? Every time we look upon our Congrega- tions, let us believingly remember, that they are the purchafe of Chrifts blood, and therefore (hould be regarded accordingly by us. And think what a confufion it will be at the faft day tea negligent Minifter,to have this Blood of the Son of God to be pleaded againft him .' and for Chrift to fay , It Woj the purchafe of my blood that thou didfi Jo Make light of and dofl thou thinkjo be faved by it thy f elf ? O Brethren, feeing Chrift will bring his Plood to plead with u»,!et ic pl§ad ustoottr 4uty, left re plead us to damoaLion. SECT. Tl^e Re formed TaUor. 26 SECT. V. IHave done wich the Motives which I find in the Text it fclf : There are many more that might be gathered from the reft of this Exhortation of the Apoftle; but we muft not May to take in all. Ir the Lord will (et home but thefe few upon your hearts, 1 dare fay we lliall fee reafon to mend our pace : and the change wifl be fuch on our hearts, and in our Miniftcry, that our fclves and our Congregations will have caufc to bicfs God for it. I know my felf unworthy to be your Monitor ; but a Monitor y^u muft have ; and its better for us to hear of our fin, and duty, from any body , then from no body. Re- ceive the admonition , and you will fee no caufc in the Monitors unworthynefs, to repen- of it ; but if you rejed it, the unworthycft Me(Tenger may bear that witnefs againft you that will corifound you. But before I leave this Exhortation, as 1 have ap- plycd it to our general work fo 1 (hall carry it a lictle further to fomeofthe fpecial parts and rodes of our Duty which were before exprefTed. ^r T. And firftand above all , See that the worl^of faving grace hetlorour^hli wrought on ycur ow>i fouls. It is a fearful cafe to be an unfan<^fied ProfefTor ; but much more to be an unfandified Preacher Doth it not make ycutremble when you open the Bible, left you iLouid read there the Sentence of your own Condemnation?when you pen your Serm.onrjittle do yoa think that you arc drawing up indircmentsagainft S 5 your i6i Gildas Salvianus 5 your own fouls / When you are arguing againft fin, y(iu arc aggravating your own: v\ hen you pro- claim to your hearers the riches of ( hrilt and grace, ' you pubhfh your own iniquity in rejeding theni,and yourunhappinefs in being without them. What can you doinperfwadingmen to Chrift,in drawing rhcm from the world, in urging them to a life of faith and holincfs; hut confcienccif it were but awake mighc tell you, that you fpeak all this to your own confufi- on ? If you mention Hell, you mention your own inheritance : If you defcribe tiie Joyes of heaven , you defcribe your mifery tha*: have no right to \t, V^ h \t can you devife to fay f ,r chc: mod part , but i: will be againftyour ownfuuis?0 miferablc life I that a man (hould ftudy and preach againrt himfelf , and fpend all hisdaies in a courfe of felf condemning I A giacclefs unexperienced Preacher, is one of the mol): unliappv creatures upon earth. Andyetishc ordinarily moil infcnfible of his unhappineis. For he hath fo many counters that feem Ike the gold of fa- ving gricc , nwA fo m.my fp'eidid ftones that feem l;ke the ' iinftians Jewel, tha: he is feldom troubled with the thoughts of Lis poverty, but thinks he is Rich and wantcth nothing, wlien he is poor, and mi- ferable, and blind, and nnkcd : He is acquainted with the holy *Jcripture, he is excrcifed in holy du- ties, he I'veth not in open difgr.iceful fin. he fcrvcth at Gods r\ltar, he reprovetl^ other mens faults , and preaclrth up holincfs both of heart and life ; and how cm this man chofcbut be Holy ? O what an aggravated mifery is this, ro perifh in the midft 6f plenty 1 and to fan^'fli with the bread of life in our hands , while we offer it to other?, and urge it on ihcm 1 The Reformed Tajlor. ^63 them I That thofe Ordinances of God (houJd be the Occafions of our dcluiion, which are inihtutcd to be the means of ourconvidion and lalvacon ? and that while we hold the Looking glafs of the Gofpel to others, to (hew i:')em cht true face ot the ftate of their fouls, we llioiild either look on the back fide of it our felves, whtre we can fee nothing, or turn itafide, thatit may mif reprefentu co our felves, If fuch a wretched man would take my coun- fel, he (hould make a Hand , and call hishcirtand life to an account^and fall a preaching a wh:!e to hinir felf, before he preach any more to others ; 1 e (hould confider whether food in the mouth will nounfn that goeth not into the llomac' ? whether it be a Chrilt in the mouth or in the heart that will favc men ? Whether he thM nnmeth him fljmUnot depart from tmcjmtj ? and whether God ^tll he^r their prayers/tf they regard ini^uUj^H their hcArts ? and whether it will ferve the turn at the day of reckoning to fay, Lord tve have pro^hejjed in thy nafre-^ when they (hall hear, Depart from me-, JI^kowjgu net ? and what comfort it will be to Judds when he is gone to his own place, to remember that he preached with the reft of the Apoltles, or that be fate with Chnft , and was called by \\\m,Friend} and whether a wicked VreachQVjhallftdHd in the Judgement iorfi^ners in the tiy^ffembl) of the ]«/? ? When fuch thoughts as thefe have entred into their fouls , and kindly workt a while upon their confciences, I would advifethem next to go to the Congregation, and there preach over Origens Sermon, on PfaL 50. 16, 17. But to the wicked^ faiih God , ivhat hafi thou Po do to declare my fiatHtes -> or that then pjof^dji tcil^tny (^ovenant into S 4 thy :64 Gildas Salvumus • thjf mouth, feeing thru hate ft ir. fit net ion y and h:»ft c^fi mj Vcndt behiri'} tie: ? And wlien they have read this ttx', CO ^\i down, and expound, and apply ic by their tears. And then to make a freeConfclimn of their lln, and lament tlieircafe before tl.e affembly , and defire their earneft prayers t.> God for pardoning and renewing grace ; and fo to dole with i hnft in I'.cat Cjwho before admitted him no further then into the brain • that hereafter they may preach a Chrift whom riicy know, and may feel what they fpeak, and may commend the riches of the Gofpel by cxperi. encc. Verily, it is the comm;nd-inger and cahimity of the Church, to have unrcgcneratc and unexpcn- crced Payors : and to have fo many men become Preacher^, before they arc Chriftians ; to be fandi- iicd by dedication to the Altar as Gods Prielb, be- f )re they are fandified by hearty dedication to Chrift as his DifcipleS; & fo to wc^rfhip an unknown j God, and to preach an unknown C hrift.an unknown fpirit, an unknown ftate of holmefs and Communi- on with God ard a glory that is unknown, and like to be unknown to them for ever. He is like to be buc a heartlcfs Preacher, that hath not the Chrift and grace that he preachcch in his heart. O that all our Students in the Univerfuy would well confidcr this / What a poor bufinefsisicto themfclvcs , to fpend their time in knowing fome little of the works of God, and fome of thofc names that the divided tongues of the Nations have impofed on them, and . not to know the Lord himfelf, nor exalt him in their hearts, nor to be acquainted with that one renewing work that (hould make them happy. They do hue walk Ihe %c formed TaHor. 2 6$ walk in a vain (Lew,and fpcnd chcir lives like dream- ing men , while they bufie their wits and tongues about abundance of names and notions, and are Grangers to God and the lite of Saints. If ever God waken them by favinggrsce , they will have cogita- tions and imploymcnts fo much more ferious , then their unfaniilified ftudies and difputarions were, that they will confefs they did but dream before. A world of bufinefs they make thcmfelvcs about T{othir,^ , while they are wilful (Ira: gers to the Primitive , in- dependent neccfTary Being,who is all in all. Nothing can be ngktly known, if God be not known : ncr is any ftudy well managed, nor to any great purpofe , tvhere God is not Itudyed. We know little of the creature till we know it ss it (Undeth in its Order and refpefts to God : fingle letters and fyllables un« compofed -^re non fence. He that over lookcth the e^/ploa and Omega and fceth not the beginn ng and end , and him ina 1, who i& the «//of ^//, doth lee nothing at all. A 11 creatures arc as fuch broken fyl- lables ; they fignifie noth ng as feparated from God. Were they feparated Mualh^ they would ceafe to be, and the feparation would be an annihilation ; And when we feparatc them inourfdKciei , we make Nothing of them to our felves. Its one thing to know the creatures as ^nfiode^^ and another thing to know them as a Chridtan. None but a Chriftian can read one line of his Phyficksfo astounder- ftand is rightly. Ic is a high and excellent ftudy, and of greater ufc then many do well underftand ; but its the fmalleft part of it that /^r (lotle can teach uf. When man was made perfed:, and placed in a perfect world, where all things were in perfed order, '^^ Gildas Salvianus . order, and very good, the whole Creation was then mans book in which he w:is to read the nature and will of his great Creuor ; Every crearure had the Nameof Oodfo legibly engraven on it , that man might run and read it. He could not open his eyes , but he might fee fome image of God : but no where fo fully and lively as in himfelf. And therefore ic was his work to ftudy the whole volume of Nature; but firfl and molt tortudy himfelf. And if man had, held on in this prefcribed work he would have conti- nued and increafed in the knowledge of God and binrlelf,* but when he would needs know and love the creature and htmfelf, in a way of feparation from God, he loft the knowledge of all, both of the crea- ture himfelf and God,fo far asit could beatifie.and was worth the name of knowledge, and inftead of it be hsth got the unhappy knowledge which he affc- <^ed, even the empty notions, and phancaflick know- ledge of the creature and himfelf as thus feparated; And thus he that lived to the Creator and upon him, doth now live to, and as upon the (other; crea- tures and himfelf ; and thu?, Evtrj man at his hefi efiate{the Learnei m well tu the iliiter ate) is did- ^eth^r vamtj ; Surely every man rvalketh in a Vain Shew : fur el) they are dif^uieted in vain , l^fal- ^9. 5,6. And it muft be well obferved, that as God laid not by the Relation of a Creator by becoming our Redeemer. nor the Right of his Propriety ^nd Go- vernment of us in that Relation , but the.work of Redemption ftandeth in fome fubordination to that of Creation, and the Law of the Redeemer to the Law of the Creator : fo alfo the duties that we owed God as Creator arc not ceafed, but the duties that wc 7he Reformed Tajlor. ^^7 we owe to the Redeemer, as fuch, arc fubordinate thereto. Ic is the work of Chrift to bring us back to God, whom we fell from, and to reftore us to our perfcftionof Holincfs and Obedience ; and as he is the way to the Father, fo faith in him, is the way to our former employment and enjoyment of God. I hope you perceive what all this driveth at, vU, That to lee Ood inhiscreatures,and to love him and converTe with him, was the employment of man in his upright Ikte ; That this is fo far from ceafirg to be our duty, that i: is the work of Chrift by faith to bring us back to it : and therefore the moft holy men are the moft excellent ftudents of Gods works : and none but the holy can rightly ftudy them, or kiow them. His works are great, fought out of all them that have pleafure therein, T^Ja/. iii. 2. But not for themfelves but for him that made tht m. Your ftudy of Phylkks and other Sciences. isHOt worth a ru(h, if it be not God by them that you feek after. To fee and admire, to reverence and adore, to love and delight in God appearing to us in bis works, and parpofely to perufe them for the know- ledge of God, this is the true and only Philofophy, and the contrary is meer foolery, and fo called and called again by God himfelf. This is the fandificati- on of your ftudies, when they are devoted ro God, and when he is the life of them all , and the/ all intend him as the end , and the principal Ob- jed. And therefore I {hall prefume to tell you by the way. that ic is a grand error, and of dangerous Confequenceinthe C hriftian Academies, ^pardon the Cenfure from one fo unfit for it, feeing the ne- cefsity «68 Gildas Salvianus ; ccfTityoftheCafeco'Dmandechit; that they fiudy the Creature before the Redeemer, and fee them- fclvesto Phyficks, and Mctaphyficks, and Mathe- marcks, before they fee themfelves to Theology; when as no man that hath not the vitals o^ Theolo- gy i^ capnblc of going beyond a fool in Philofo- phy ; and all chat fuch do is but Noting ahout tjueftU jlions , and oppojition of Jciences fa/Jljf fo called. I Tim. 6. 20 21. And as by aflfcd:ing a feparated Creature- knowledge Ad^m fell from God , fo thofe that mind thefe fi^)]h^i Mvcf^mi-'i^yucivn^'yai r,-i -^AjSavCfj^ yo'Tcaf , they mifs the end of all right fludesi tJ^J TV V 'zhv i}c:y^f^ : while they will needs preferr thefe, ibev mifs that faith which they pre- tend to aim at. iheir prerence is, that Theology be ng the end-, and che moft pJrfcA, muft be the laft,and all the fubfcrvienc fciences mu't go firft.-Buc, T. There is fomewhat of Natural knowledge in- deed prerequifire, and fomcwhat of art, before a man can receive Theology ; but that is no more then their mothers can teach them before they go to fchool. 2. And its true that all right natural knowledge doth tend to the incrcafe of fheologi- cal knowledge '.bur chat which is a means to its perfc6^ion, maybecheeffeft or Confequent of its beginning: And 3. The end muft be tirft known, becaufe it mail be incendv?d;. before the choice or ufe of m^ans- \nd 4 The Scripture revealeth tousthe thingj of God himfelf in the mofteafic way, and therefore he muft be firft learned there .• And 5. The book of the Creatures is not to (hew us more of God then the Scripture doth; but by rcprereacinghiiTi to us in more fcnliblc appearan. ces . 7 he Refortned fajlor , 2 69 CCS, to make our knowledge of bim the more intenfe and operative, and being continually before our eyes, God alfo would be continually before them, if we could aright difcern him in them. ]ts evident therefore that Theology muft lay the ground, and lead the way of all our ftu- dies , when we are once acquainted with fo much of words and things as is needful to our underttarding the fenle of its Principles. If God mull be feaiched afier in our fearch of the Creature, and we mutt affed no fcparated know- ledge of them, then Tutors muft read God to their Pupils in all ; and Divinity mult be the beginning, the middle, the end , the 1 fe , the all of their ftudies : And our Phyficks and Meta- phyficks muft be reduced to Theologie ; and nature muft be read as one of Gods books, which is pur- pofely written for the revelation of himfelf. The holy Scripture is the eafier book : when you have firft learnt C^od and his will therein the necejOfary things,addrefs your felv<.s cheerfully to the ftudy of his works, that you may there fee the Creature it felf as your Alphabet, and their Order as the Com- pofure of fyllablcs, words and lentcnces and God as the fubjVd: matter of all, and the refpeA to him as the fcnfe or fignification ; and then carry on both together, and uever more play the meer ^cri^'encrs^ fticknomorein your letters and words, bu: read every Creature as a Chriftinn or a Uivine.If you fee not your felvcs and all things as hvmg^ and moving and fcAvi^g being ?« Cjod, you fee nothing, what ever you think you fee If you perceive not in y ' ur perufah of the Creatures^thac God is all, and in al) and 270 Giidas Salvianus 5 and fee not ^^ altQ, ^//i'.TO, -^ tU ziv :^a' rd v^vra.^ (Rom 11.36.) youmay chink perhaps that you k}io\>^ [ometbtngibHt yoH k:'iow Nothing uS jou opfglot to kpo^v ( I (^or. 8.2.) Bat he that Teeth and lovethGodU the Creatu^Cj the fame is k,'io\\>n and loved of him. (Ferf 5,) Think not fo bafely of the works of God, and your p'lyficks, as that they arconl) preparatory ftudies for boyes; Itisa moft high and noble part of holincfs to fearch after, behold, admire> and love the great Creator in a'l his works : How much have the Saints of God been imploycd in it ! The beginning of (7f«f//.f, the books of fnh and the Pfa/ms may acquaint us that our Phyficks are not fo little kin to Theology as fome fuppofe. I do therefore in zeal to the good of the Church, and their own fuccefs in their moit necef- fary labours, propound it to the confideration of all pious Tutors, whether they fhould not as time- ly, and as diligently read to their Pupils (or caufc them to read) the chiercft parts of PraAical Divi- nity (and there is no other) as any of the Scien- ces ? and whetlier they fliould not go tog'.ther from the very firrt.Mt is well that they hear Ser- mons, but that is not enough : If they have need of private help in Philofophy befides publike LcSures, much more in Theology.^ If Tutors would make it thei' principal bufinefs to acquaint their Pupils with the do Arine of Life, and Labour to fet it home upon their hearts tliat ail might be received accord- ing to its weight, and read to their hearts as well as to their he ids and fo carry on the reft of their iidruAiona, that it may appear they make them but The ^formed fajlor . 271 but fubfervlenc unto this, and that their Pupils may feel what they drive 2tZ in all, and fo that they would teach all their Philofopby in hablm Tloeologt- co^ this might be a happy means to make happy fouls, and a happy Church and Commonwealch. ( The fame I mean alfo along of the Courfe of Schoolmaftcrs to their fcholars.j 1 ut when Lan- guages and Philofophy have almoft all their time and diligence, and inftcad of rcad:ng Philofophy like Divines, they read Divinity like I'hilofophcrs, as if it were a thing of no more moment then a leflbn ofMufick, or Arithmetick, and notthe dodrine of Everlaiiinglife; this is it that blafteth fo many in the bud, and peftereth the Church with unfanflihed Teachers 1 Hence it is that we have fo many worldlings to preach of the invifible felicity, and fo many carnal men to declare the myfteries of the Spirit; and I would I might not fay, fo many Infi- dels to preach Chnft, or lo many Atheifts to preach the living God : And when they are taught Philofo- phy before or without Religion, what wonder if their Philofophy be all or nioft of their Religion ; and if they grow up into admirations of their unpro- fitable fancies, and deifie their own deluded brains, when they know no other God ; and if they reduce all their '1 heologie to their Philofophy, hke Cuw parse/la, rr;^irf, and other felf admirers ; or if they take Chriftianity for a me.r delufion, and fall with Hoh^s to write Leviathans^ or wich the L. Herhrt to write fuch Trcatifcs de veritare,3LS fhall (hew the world how little they efteem of verity ; or at beft, if they turn Taraceif$an Behmenifls, and fpin them a Religion from their own inventions / Again there- fore 17- Gildas Salvianiis ^ fore I addrcfs my fclftoalJ them thac have the cda- cation of youth, efpecialiy in order to preparation fortheMmirtcry; You that arc Schoolmalters and Tutors . begin and end with the things of God. Speak diily to the hearts of your Schollars thofe things that rauft be wrought into their hearts, or clfe they arc undone, i.et fomc piercing words fall fre- quently from your mouthes, of God, and theftate of their fouls, and the life to come ; Do not fay, They are too young to underftand and entertain them You little know what impreflions they may make which you difcern no: ; Not only the foul of that boy, but a Congregation, or many fouls therein may have caufe to blefs God for your zeal and dili- gence, yea for one fuch feafonablc word. You have a great advantage above others to do them good ; You have them before they are grown to the worft , and they will hear you when they will not hear ano- ther. If they arc deftinatcd to the Miniftery, you arc preparing them for the fpecial fervice of God ; and mu;l they no: firft hive th? knowledge of him whom they muftferve I O chmk with your feives, v/hat a fad thing it will be to their own fouls , and what a wrong to the Church of God, if they come out from you with common and carnal hearts, to fo holy, and fpintual and g-eata work/ Of an hun- dred Students thit be in one of your Colledges,ho;v many may there b; that are fcrious experienced godly men / fome talk of too fmall a number. If you (h^iild fend oni half of them oa a work that they are uni: 'or, what bloody w>rk will they make in the Charch.or Councnes, Whereas if you be the means of their throagh-fanftncuion , how many fouls The Reformed IPaHor. 275 fouls may blcfs you, and whac greater good can you do the Lhurch > ^^ hen once their hearts arc faving- iyaffedcd wich the Doflnnc which theyitudy anvl preach, they will duJy it more heartily^and preach ic heartily: their own experience will dired them to the fictefl fubjed:?, and will farniih them with mat- ter, and quicken them to fet it home ; and I obfcrv?; that the beft of our hearers cm fee! and favour fuch experimental preachers, and ufualiy do lefs regard others , what ever may be their accomplilhments. See therefore that you make not work for Scqueftra- tors. nor for the groans and Jamtntarion of the C hurch, nor for the great Tormenter of ihe murder- ers of fouls. SECT. VI. 2. \/I^" fecond particular Exhortation is this: -^^■^ Content not your lelves to have the mam work of grace, but be alfo very carffnlth^it jatr gra- ces be kept in life and Alitor,^ and tioytt jofi preach to jfour /elves the Strmom th tt you flm'- ^before you preach them to others. If you did this for your own fakes, it would be no loft labour ; bun f am fpeaking to you upon the publike account, and that you would do it for the fake of the Church. When your minds are in a heavenly holy f rame.your people are like to par- take of the fruits of it. Your prayers, and praifcs, and dodrine will be heavenly and fweet to them ! They will likely feel when you have been much with God : That which is on your hearts raoft, is hke f o- T be 274 Gildas Salvianiis •, be mod in their ears : J confefs J muft fpcak it by U- men:able experience, that I publifh to my Flock the diftempcrsof my foul ; when 1 let ray heart grow cold, my preaching is cold; and whcnitisconlafed, my preaching will be fo ; and io Icanobfcrve too> oft m the beil ot my hearers, that when i have a while grown cold in preaching, they have cooled ac- cordingly ; and the next Prayers that I have heard from them hath been too like my preachmg. We aretheNurf.sof C hrifts little ones, l\ we forbear our food > we fliall famlfh them ; they will quickly find it in the want of Milk ; and wc may quickly ^k^ it again on them, in the lean and dull difchargcOf their feveral duties : If we lee our Love go down, wc are not fohke to raife up theirs : Ifwe abate our holy care and fear, it will appear in our Dodtrinc : If the matter fhew it not, the manner will. If we feed on unwholTom food, either errors, or fruitlefs controverfies, our hearers arc like to fare the worfe for it. Whereas if we could abound in Faith, and Love, and Zeal , how would it over- flow to the re- frcfhing of our Congregations , and how would it appear in the incrcaic of the fame graces in others I O Brethren, watch therefore over your own hearts ; keep out lulls and pafllons,ar.d worldly inclinations ; Keep up the life of Faith and Love ; Bcmuch at home : and be much with God. J fit be not your daily ferious bufinefs to ftudy your own hearts , and fubdue corruptions, and live asuponGod if yoU make it not your very work which you conft antly at* tend, all will go amifs, and you will ftarve your audi- tors J or if you have but an affedcd fervency, > otf cannot exped fich a bleffing to attend iff Be ititicb, ai»or^ TJyeRefonnedTaHor. 175 above all, in fecrct prayer and meditation. There you muft fetch the heavenly fire chat muft kindle your facrifices ; llcmembcr you cannot decline and negled your duty, to your own hurt alone ; buc many Will be lofers by ic as well as you. For youc peoples fakes therefore look to your hearts. Jf a pang of fpirirual Hride fhould overtake you, and you ihould grow into any dangerous or fchilmatical con- ceits, and vent your own over- valued inventions , to draw away Difciples after you, what a wound might this prove to the Church that you are fct over I and you might become a plague to theminflcad of a bleAlng, and they might wirtithey lad nfver feen your faces. O therefore take heed of your own Judgements and Affedions. Error and vanitv vvill flily infinuate. and feldom come without fair preten- ces ; Great diftemp^r^ and apoftacies, have ufuaily fmall beginnings, ifhe Prince of darknefs doth fre- quently perfonate the An^elf of light, to draw chiU dren of light again into hisdarknels.Hoxv eafily alfo ^wi!l diftempers creep in upon our affedions, and our firil: love, and fear, and care abate/ VVatch therefore for the fake <)f your felves and other And more parricularly , me tfiinks a MiriiHec fliould take fome fpccial pains with his heart , before he is to go to the ongregation : f ic be then cold, how i> he like to warm the hearts of the hearers / Go therefore then fpecially ro ' od for life ; and lead fome rowfing waking book, or meditate on t.hc weight of the fubject that you are to fpeak of, and on the great neceflfKy of vour peoples fouls,rhac you may go in the zeal of the Lord into his houfe. Tz SECT. <^N^> ij6 GildasSalvianui. SECT. VII. J. \ >f Y next particular Exhortation is th'y, xVJL Stir «_) jour (tlvei to the great vporl^of CoJ^ivheyj pa a e tiponif, and fee th be tinfatisfied till they have the thing they preach for ; He had never the right end of a Preacher, that is in- different whether he do obtain them, and is not grieved when he miffeth them, and rejoyced when he can fee the defired iffue. When a man doth only ftudy what to fay, and how with commendation to fpend the hour, and looks no more afrer it , unlefs it be to know what people think of his own abilities, and thus holds on from year to year, I muft needs think that this man doth preach for himlelf-, and drive on a private trade of his own, and doth not T J- preach iSo Gildas Salvianus . preach for Chrifl even when he preacheth Chrift , how excellently foever he mayfeemtodo it. No ivifc or charitable Phyfician is content to be iVill gi- ving Phyrick,and fee no amendment among hiS Pa- tienrs, but have them all ro die upon his hands : nor Will any wife and honeH: School.maftir be content to be itiil teaching chough his Scho lars profit rtot ; but ci:hsr of them would rather be weary of the em- ployment. I know that a faithful Minifter may have comfort when he wants fucceis, and tliough Ifrael be noi gathered; our reward is with the Lord : and our acceptance is not accordmg to the fruit, but accord- ing to our labour ; and as ^'reg. c^'. faith, Et ?y±'.thi'jps etji balneum vi'iger irttratj ^ n''gir fgreditttr , tamen b^lneMornumm^s acapit. If God let us ro wafh Blackamores^ and cure thofe that Will not be cured^ we (liall not lofe our labour, though we perform not the cure. luc then i. He that lon^th nor for the iuccefs of his labours, can have none o^ this com- fort, becaufc he was not a futliful labourer : This is only for them that [ fpeik of, ihacare fee upon the end, and grieved if they mils it 2. And tins is not tlie full comf >rt that we mull defire, bur only fuch a partasmayquet us though wcmifs the rcih What if God will accept a Phyfitian though the Patient c!ye ? Hf! muft work in compiilion , and long for a better iffue, and be forry if he mifs of it, for all that; For it is notonly our own Reward that we labour for, but other mens falvation. 1 confefs for my part, I marvel at fome antient Reverend men, that have lived 20. or 40. or 50 years with an unprofitable people, where they have feen fo little fruit of their labours, that it was fcarce difcernable, how they can with 7he1{efomedTaJlor. ^^^ with fo much patience there go on ? Were it my cafe, though I duift not leave the V^ineyard,nor quit my calling , yet I fhou d fufpeft that it was Gods will, 1 (hould go fome whether elfc, and another come thither that might be fitter for them ; and I (hould not be eafily fatisfied to fpcnd mydaicsin fuch a fort. SECT. IX. 5. T\0 well as well as fay weli \ be zealous of JLx good work«:. Spare not for any cort , if it may promote your matters work, I. Maintain your innocency , and walk without offence. Lee your lives condemn fm . and pcrCwade men to duty. Would you have your people be more careful of their fouls, then you will be of yours ? If you would have them redeem their time , do not you miffptnd yours. \^ you would not have ihem vain in their conference , fee that you fpeakyour felves the things which may edifie, and tend to mi- nifler grace to the hearers. Order your own families well if you would have them do fo by theirs. Be not Proud and Lordly if you would have them to be lowly. T here is no vertue wherein your example will do more, at leaft to abate mens prejudice, then humi- lity, and meekncfs, and felf-dcnyal. Forgive injuries, and be not overcome of evil , but overcome evil W'th good • Do as our Lord , who when he was re- viled, reviled not again ; If finners be ftubborn,and ftour, and contemptous, flefb and blood will pcr- fwddc a8* Gildas SalvianuS; fwade ycu to rake uptheir weapons, and to maftef them by their carnal means : but thats not the way , ( further thennecelTiiry felf-prefervation or pubitkc good rcqiiir:th it j but overcome them with kind- nefs, and patience, and gentlencfs. The former may fhcw that you h^ve more worldly power then they ( wherein yet they are oidinarlly too hard for the faithful ) ; but its i he later only that will tell them that you ov^rc. p them in fpiritual excellency, and in the trucqual ficatiijnsofa Saint. If you believe that Chrift was more i mi table then Cafar or Alexander ^ and that its more glory to be a Chriftian then to be a Conqueror, yea to be a man then a bead, ( who oft exceed us in ftrength ) contend then with charity , and not with violence ; and fct Meeknefs, and Love , and Patience againft force, and not force aga nft force : Remember you arc obliged to be the fer- vantsof all. Condefcend to men of low cftate; be not ftrange to the poor ones of your Flock. They are apt to take your ftrangenefs for contempt .- Fa- miliarity improved to holy ends, is excecdmg neccf- fary, and may do abundance of good. Speak not ftoutly or difrefpedively to any one : but be cour- teous to the meancft as your equal in Chrift. A kind and winning carriage is a cheap way of advantage to do men good. 2. Remember what I faid before of works of Bounty and Charity : Go to the poor, and fee what they want, and (hew at once your compaftion to foul and body. Buy them a Catechifm and fome fmall Books that are likeft to do them good, and bcftow them on your neigh- bours, and make them promife you to read them. Ike Reformed Tailor, 283 tficra, and fpecially to fpend that part of the Lords day therein, which they can fpare from greater du- ties. Stretch your purfe to the utmoft, and do all the good you can. Ihink not of being rich, feek not great things for your felvcs or poftcrity. What if } ou do iropoverifh your fclves to do a greater good; will it be lofs or gain I If you believe that God is your fafcrt purfe-bcarer, and that to expend in his fcrvice is the greatert ufury, and the moft (hriving trade, fhew them that you do believe ir. I know that flefli and blood will cavil before it will loofe its prey , and ^iii never want fomewhat to fay againft chat duty that is againft its intercft ; But niark what I fay, and the Lord fet it home upon your hearts ; That man L that hath an) thing in thi World (d dear to kirn that he • caKnot [fare it for Chrifl if ht call for it -^ is no tr tie ) Chn'fiian^ And becaufe a carnal heart will not be- lieve that C hrift calls for it when he cannot fpare ft , and therefore makes that his felf deceiving lliift, I fay furthermore ; that That man that ^ill not hperf^ad- ed that duty is duty, bicaufe he cannot fp.ire thjt for Chrijl n'hich /V therein to be expended^ ii no true C^^i- flian : For a fajfe heart corruptcth thcundcrftand- ing, and that again incrcafeth thedelulionsof the heart. Do not take it therefore as an undoing to make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteouf- nefs, and tolayupatreafureinheaven. though you leave your felvcs but little on earth. 2{emo tarn pauper fotefi effe ^ttam natus efi ; ^vesftne patnmcm nio vivtint, cfr in diem pecua pafcuntur ; & hxc nohii tamen natafuKt ; ()U£ omnia ft nonconcttfi/cimfit pof- fidemus, incjptit C^iinutitss Felix, p. ( mihi ) 5 97. You lofe no great advantage for heaven by becom- ing ^84 Gildas Salvianus ^ ingpoor ; Q^i viam terit , eo faitcior ^/ittt levior inct' dtt. Id. I know where the heart is carnal and covetous, words will not wring their money out of their hands; T hey can fay all this, and more to others ; but faying is one thing, and believing is another. But with thofc that are true believers, me thinks fuch confiderations (hould prevail. O what abundance of good might Miiiifters do. if they would but live in a contempt of the world, and the riches and glory of it , and expend all they have for the bed of their Matters ufe, and pinch their flcfti that they might have wherewith to do good. This would unlock more hearts to the re- ception of their Dodrine, then all their oratory will do ; and without this, Angularity in religioufnefs will feem but hypocrifie, and its likely that it is fo. ^i innocent iam colitJ)omino lupplicat ^fii hominem piricfth furripit^opimam vtftlmam Cd^it ; Hzc noflra facrificia \h€ love to Uvt privately. To whom I fay, why do you not on the fame grounds C^'"'^'' forbear going to Chtifv^and fay You love to live privately ? Is notMiniftcrial Commnnion a duty, as well as cocnmon-Chriftian Communion? and hath not the Church always thought fo, and pradifed ac- cordingly ? Ifyou mean that you love your own eafeorcomTodicy better then Gods fervicc, fay fa and fpeak your minds, i-ut I fuppofc there are few ofthemfo filly as to think that is any juft excufe, though the. will give us no better. Somewhat elfe fure leth at the bottom. Indeed fomc of them are empty men, and afraid their weakncfs fliould be known, when as they c?nnot conceal it by their fo^ l:tarinefs,and m'ght do much to heal it by Commu- nion:fome of them are carelefsor fcandalous men:& for them we have no dcfire of their Communion^nor fhall admit it.but upon pablike Repentance and Re- formition. Some of them are ^o in love with their parties and opinion?, that they will not hold com- munion with us becaufe we are not of their parties and opinions ; whereas by Communication they might give or receive bett:er information, or at leaft carry on fo much of Gods work in unity as we are agreed in. Bat the mifchief of fchifm is to make men Ihe Refonned Tajlor: ^87 men cenforious and proud,and take others to be un- meet for tlieir corainunion, and themfclvcs to be the only Church (or pure Church) of Chrift. The Pap'i'S will have no Catholick Church but the Romans ^ and uachuif h ail bclide themfelves. The Separatifts anu many Anabaptifts fay the like of their parties *• The new prelatical party will have no Ca- tholick Church but Prelatical, and unchurch all ex- cept their, party, and fo avoid ^ ommunion with bthers; and thus turning Separatifts and Schifma- ticks, they imitate the Papifts, aud make an oppo- fition to khil'm their pretence. Firlt, All muft be ac- counted ichifmaticks that be not of their opinion and party (when yet we find not th;it opinion in the Creed j , and they muft be avoided becaufc they are Schifma ticks. But werefolve by the grace of God to adhere to more Catholick principles and pradfces, aud to have Communion with all Godly ChriftiJins that will have Communion with us, fd far as they force us not to adual fin. And for the feparating Brethren, as by diftance they arc like to cheri(h mifinformations of us, fo if by their wilful cftrargedncfs, and diftance, any among us do en- tertain mjurious reports of them, and think worfe of them, and deal worfe by fome of them, then there iscaufe^they may partly thank themfelves. Sure I am by fuch means as thefe we are many of us^ grown fo hardened in fin, that men make no great matter what they fay one againft another, but ft and out of hearing and fight, and vent their fplecp r^gainft each other behind tlieir backs. How many jter^ and fcorns have they aniong their Com- panions loa^ thofe that arc againft their party I and they 288 Giidas Salvianus . they eafily venture be the matter never fo falfe. A bad report of fuch is eafily taken to be true;and that which ts true is eafily made worfe ; when as Seneca faith , [_Affi/tffs abfolve^'US, fi coeperimnf ante jn- dicare ijudm irafci : khyic antem primum impetfimfe- (jtiimur^ h is pafiion that tels the talc, and that re- ceiveth ic. Thefecond thin^ therefore that I intreatofyou i^that you would be very tender of the Unity and. Peace of the Catholick Church; not only of your own parties, but of the whole. And to this end thefe things will prove neceflary. i.Do not too eafily introduce any Novelties into the C hurch ci- ther in faith or practice : I mean not, that which feems a novelty to men that look no further then yefterday ; for fo the reftoring of Ancient things will feem novelty tothofe that Know not what was Anciently ; and the expulfion of prevailing novelties will feem a novelty to thena, that known not what is fuch indeed, ^othe Papift^cenfure us as Novelifts for calling out many of their Innovations ; and our common people tell us we bring up new Cuftoms if we do not kneel at the receiving of the Lords Sup- per : (^ A notorious Novelty : Even in the fixth Gc- neral Council at Trnll. in Conliantinop. this was the ninth Canon ; Ne 'D omtnicu dlebiis gtnuA fle^amtis^ a Divin's TatrihHS nofiris ^anontCf acceplmHS : ^Are fo]} vefpertintim tngrejftiin Setcerdotum in Sabhitoad Altaretit more obfervattim efl, nemo g^' fits fisEtit ufqfie ad feejHenHm vefperem po(t domiril- cam,) It is thit which is indeed Novelty that I diffvvade you from , and not the demolifliing of Novelties. Some have already introduced fuch New Pbrafcs,' rhe Reformed TaJIor. ^^9 Phrales, at lead, even about the great points of faith, ^Jultihcation andtheiikc. that there ma.y be rcafon to reJucc them to the Primicive Patterns. . A great ihr is made in the world about the ted of aChriltianand true Church, with whom we may have Communion, and about that true Center and Cement of the Unity of the Church, in and by which our Common calamitous breaches muft be , a healed. And indeed the true caufe of our Coivl^^^:^ t^wcd divifions and mifcry is for want of difcerning the center of our unity, and the terms on which ic muft be done : which is great pity, when it was once fo cafie a matter, till tlie ancient teft was thoughc infufficienc ! If any of the Ancient Creeds might ierve, we might be I'oon agreed. ^VincnttHs Li^ rinettf. tefl: might ferve, we might yet make fome good (hift. z/>^. To believe (explicirly) all that c^aod ub-ijue cjt4od(emj)er.ijitod c^.b ommbiti cre^itHm f/? For as he addech[^^^c (ft etenim vcre propriety Catho^ licttm] But then we muft eeflft€ i.That the firft age may not be excluded wiiich gave the rule to trie reft. 2. And that this extend not to every Ceremo- ny which never was taken for unalterable, but to matters of faith; andthatthe ads and Canons of., . Councils, which were not about fuch matters of faith, but meer variable order,and whxh newly corir ftituted thofe things, which the Apoftolike Age l^ncw not and therefore were not properly Cred^ta. much lefs, f mper, ^ ab omnibus^ may have no hand in this work. 1 fciy if eitlier the ancient Weftern, or Eaftern Creed, or this Catholick faith pfKiwffft/iw/ might betaken as the teft for expjicic laixh, prdfcrathcr all chofc Scripcurc-t^xcs. tha; IT exprefs if/ir, or the Papal Judgement our telt; or if wc mult: make a bind bargain, wi-li the Pjfifts tocorr.e asncar them as ever we dare, - and fo to com. p^Te another Jntenm^ and make that a tcft (when God never ma •€ it fo, and ail Chrifti- ans never be of a mind in it, but fome dare go nearer Roms, then others dare , and that in feveral de- grees) or if wc'mufl thruft in all the Canons of che former Councils about matters of order, difc'plinc and ceremonies into our teft, or gather up all the opinions of the Fathers for the three orfourfirft ages, and make them our teft ; None of all thefc ^efVt will ever feewtto do the bufinefs / and a Catholike Union will never be founded in them- It is an eafic matter infallibly to foretel this. Much lefs can the writings ofany fingle man, as Auflin^ Aejuinas-, Lu^ ther^ Calvin, Be-^a &c. or yet the late Confeflbnsi of any Churches that add to the ancient teft, be ever capable of this uic and honour. J know \z is faid that a min may fabfcribc the Sciipture, and the ancient Creeds, and yet main- tain Sociniantfra Or other hercfics s To which I anfwef. The R e formed Tafior^ 2p i anfwer. t. So he may another te.l which your own brains (hall contrive ; and while you n:jake a fnare co catch hereticks , inllead of a tcft for the Churches <- ommunion, you will mifs your end , and the here- tick by theflipperynefsof his conlcicnce will break through , and tlie tender Chrirtisn may poilibly be enfnared. And bv your new Creed the Church is like to have new di\ ifions, if you keep not dole to the wjrds of Scrip:ure. 2. In fuch cafes when hereticks concradid the Scripture,which they have fubfcribcd, this calls not for a new or more fufficient tell, but the Church murt take notice of it, and call him to account, and if he be impenitent exclude him theic Communion. What 1 mull we have new Laws made cverv time tl^eold onesarebroken?asiftheLaw were not fufficicnc becaufe men break it ? Or rather muft not the penalty of the violated i aw be executed ? It is a moll fad cafe that fuch reafjns as ihefe fhould prevail with fo many learned godly men, to deny the fufficiency of Scripture as a tclt for C hurch-Commu- nion,and to be llill framing new ones that depart (ac kaft ) from Scripture- phrafe, asif this were necef- ary to obviate herefies ? Two things arc neceff-iry o obviate herefies, the Law and good execution ; God hath made the former, and his Rule and Law s both for fcnfe and phrafe ( tranQited ) fufficient : ind all thciradditional inventions as CO the forefaid ijjft arc as fpiders webs. Let us but do our part m he Due execution of the Laws of Chrift, by que- lioning offenders in orderly Synods, for the break- ng of thefe Laws, and Ice us avoid Communion with he impenitent ; and what can the Church do more } The reft belongs to the Ma^i (Irate ( to rcftrain him U z from 79t Gildas Salvianus 5 from reducing his fubjeds ) and not to us. Well ! tins is the thing that I would recommend therefore to all my orechren as the molt ncccfTary thing to the Churches peace, that you Vniieinm- ceffarj truths^ and tolerate tolerable f^tUings j and bear TVith one another m things that m^j be born >Xith ; a>id do not make ^ Urq^er (^reed^ and more neceffaries then God hath done. And to that end let no mans writ- ings) nor the judgement of any party though right , be taken as a teft, or made that rule, rnd i^La^ not too great a ftrefs upon controverted opinions, vkhiih have godly fflif«,and fpcciaily whole Churches On both fides. 2. Lay not toogreat a ftrefson thofe ' on- crovcrfies that are ultimately rcfolved into P ilofo- phical uncertainties ( as fome unprofitable contro- vcrliesare about Free- will, and the manner of the fpirit5 operation of Grace, and the Divine Decrees and Predetermination.) 3 Lay not too great a ftrcfs on thofe controverfiesthat are meerly verbal , and if they were anatomized would appear to be no fnore Of which for: are far more, ( 1 fpcak it con- fidently upon certain knowledge ) ihat now make great noife in the world , and tear the Church, then almott any ofthe eager contenders that ever I fpokc with do feem to dircern,or are like to believe. 4, Laj not too much on any point of faith which was dif. owned of , t)r unknown to the whole Churcb o Chriftin any age fince the Scriptures were deliverer us. 5. Much lefs Qiould you lay too much o«i thofi which any of the more pure or judcious ages wer< wholly ignorant of 6, And leaft of all ,(hould ym lay ipo much on any point which no one age fim die Apoftlcs did ever receive, but ajl conmionly boll J T/;e Reformed Tafior. ^93 the contrary. For to make fuch an error which all the Church held . to be fuch as is damning were to unchurch all the Church of Chrirt : and to make ic fuch, as rauft exclude them from our Communion. I Doth make the whole Church excommuntcable which is ablurd. 2. And doth (hew that if we had lived m that age, vou would ic fecm^ have feparated from the wh.le Church. To give an mftance of the difference among errors. Thar any clcd perlon Ihall fall away totally and finally,is a palpable condemned error • of dangerous conkqjence. But that there arc fome juttiftcd cncj not ele(^ ihat (hall fail away and periib, is an errour of a lower nature,which may not break the Communion of C hriftians : For other- wife we muft renounce Communion with the Catho- like Church in -^H^^hef dau s,and much more be- fore r as is faid before. ) What then? Shall I take this therefore for a truth wh-ch the <^ hurch then hcld^ fome will think me immodeft to fay. No ; as if 1 were aiferthenal the ^ hurch , and thatmfo learned an 3ge if not for fomnny; But yet! mult befoimmodert. aslonrasScnprure feemeth to me to warrant it / Why might not c^«(T«//»»^f, Profper, and all the reft mUkke in fuch a thing,as that ? But then I am not fo immodeft nor unchriftian as to un- church all the C hurch on that account : Nor would Ihavefeparatedfrom /^«//m.and all the Church, if I • had then lived ; Nor will do now fromany mt^non ' that account. Both fides will be d-fpleafed with this refolution, one,thatI fuppofe all the Church to err, and our fclves to be in the right ; and the other, that I take it for no greater an error : but whatre- mcdv ' it will , it muft be fo; Read Profpers Rffp- > U 3 ^^, 294 Gildas Salvianus; ad^apit. Cjall. and you may qaickly know both Am- y?i«/mind and his. He that (hall live to that happy time , when God will heal his broken Churches fhall fee all this that I am now pleading for rediced to pradicc , and this moderation take place of the new dividing zeak and icripcure-fufficic-ncy take place,and all mens Confef. fions and Comments to be valued only as fubfcrvi- cnt helps, and not to be the teft of Church-Corr- munion, any further then they are exactly the fame with Scripture. And till the healing Age come, wc cannot exped that healing truths be entertained, becaufc there a'-e not healing fpirics in the Leadeis of the Church. But when the work is to be done the -workmen will b? fitted for it ; and bled'cd will be the agents or fo glorious a work But becaufe the Love of Unity and Verity, Peace and Turity muftbe conjunftiy manifeft^d , we mult avoid the exrreams both in Doctrine and Commu- nion. The cxtreams in Dodrme are y making thole poitus to be fundamental or neceflarytofalvacion, thatare not fo. 3 By pretending of Prophetical ;and other ob- fcurcr pafTages of the Scriptures that they have a greater objedive Evidence,and we a grea ter certain- ty of their meaning, then indeed is fo. As I have met with fome fo confident of their right nnderlhndiilg of ihQ Rivelation ( whchCai- The R e formed Taflor. i p 5 vin durft not expound, and profcft lie underftood i: not) that they have framed pare of their Confer- fions orArticlesof faith out of it; and grounded th^^ wcightyeft adtons of their hvcs upon their expo- ficion ; and could confidenrly tell in our late changes and differences , which CidQ was in the right and which in the wrong , and all from the Revelation ; and thence would fetch fuch arguments as would carry all, if you would but grant the foundnefs of their cxpofitions ; but if you put them to prove thac> you marr'dali. And thefe corruptions of facred Dodrlnc by their Additions are of two forts : fon^e ihatarethe fir!^ Invcnters .- and others that arc the prop^gsrors and m.iintainers : and thefe when Additions ^row old, do commonly maintain them under the notion of anticnt verities, and oppofe the amient verities under the notion of Novelty , as is before raid. The other extrcam about Dodrinc is by hincring the progrcfs of knowledge: and this.iscommon- Jy on pretence of avoiding the Innovating cxcrcam. Ic muft be confidcrcd therefore, how far we may grow, and not he culpable I nnovaters. And i. Our Knowledge muft mcreafe extcnftvely ad p/f4ra ; wc muft know more verities, then wc knew before, though we may not feign more. There is much of Scripture that will remain unknown to us when wc have done our beft. •Though we fn.iil find ovt no more Articles of faith which muil be ^.xplicirly be- lieved by all that will be faved,yet we may find out the fenfe of more particuLnr Texts and fevcral Do- drinal Truths, not contrary to the former, bu: fuch U 4 - a9<^ GildasSalvianus; as befriend tlicm, and are connrxcd with them. An4 we may find oucmorc thcOrdcr of Truths and how they are placed in refpcd to one another, and fo fee more of the true mechud of Theologiethenwe did, ^•hich will give usa very great light into the matter it k\f, and its confedarie*. 2. Our knou'Icdge alfo muft grow fubiec^ively , intenftvely- and in the manner, as well as in the mat- ter of it. And this is our principal growth to be fought afcer. To know the fnme great and necefTa- ry truths with a founder and clearer knwledge then ue did • which is done > T. By getting ftrong Evidence and Reafons in ftead of the weak ones which we tru{}cdto before j' ( for many young ones receive Truths on feme un- i'ound grounds J 2. By multiplying our Evidence and Reafons for the fame tru:h. 3. By a clearer and deeper apprehenfion of the fame Evidence and Reafons which before we had hut fuperficially reccived.-For one that is ftronr^ in know- ledge feeth the fame trutb,acin the clear lighr, which the weak do fee, but ^s in the twi light. To all this muft be added alfo the fuller Improvement of the Truth received to its ends. 1 fh^ll give you the fummc of my meaning in the words of that gre^tt enemy of Innovation, Vincent. Lirinenf. C Z^. Scd forfitnv riicit AltCfuU : ^^uUnfr.e trgo in Ecclefia {^^'^ffii prof eH us hibebitur } Feligioni4 Haheatpir piti^ie, cr rKaxim**f : N-^m c^H'^ tile eft tiim iftvidfij homimbus-t tarn exofus Deo^ ^ui ifu^pt obibere conetur } fed iu tamen ut vere profc&us fit tile fi^ei ^ rton pertTjatatlo. Sijuidem ad perft^nw fertir.ety ut in 7k Reformed Taftor. 2 97 infemet ipfa unaqt4d(jue resam}lificetur : ati permuta" ttonem vtroftt ali^ttid ex alio in aliftd tranjvertatur, Crefcat i^itur oportet^ (^ multum^vthementer^ue prom ficiat , r*w /i'^gulorum quam omnium ; tarn unint komlnid quam totius Eccltft^ atatum ac feculorum gradth^s ir.tilUgentia^fcienti^'^fapientiA'y fed in qua duntaXAt geneic^ in eodtm Jciltctt dogmate^ eodem fenftiy e^dimq-f fe^fentfa. And more plainly, and yet more briefly, Cap. 30. Jus eft etinim^ut prifca ilia Cdlejlis ThiloJcphi^ cor da^it regions. And is it not a wonder that godly Minifters that know all this how the common ad* verfary derideth us all, and what a fcandal our divi* fions are through the world , and how much the Church doth lofcby it,(liould yet go on , and afccr all the loiidcft calls and invitations to peace, goon ftill, and few,if any found a retreat? and ferioufly call to their Brethren (or a recreat : Can an honel^ heart be infenfifile of the fad diftradionsand ladder Apoftacies that our divifions have occafioned t S^pi vixam concUmatum tn vicmo inceTtdtum Johif, faith Seneca. What icolds fo furious that will not give over,when the houfc is on fire over their head^ Well ; if the Lord hath given that evil fpirit wliofe name is Legion, fuch power over the hearts of any , that yet tli^y will fit ftill, yea and quarrel at the pa- cificatory endeavours of others who hunger aftrr the healing of the ^ hurch, and rather carp, and re^ proach,and hinder fuch worJi* then to help them on, Jihailfayhutthjstothem How diligentlv foever fuih ir«en may preach , and how pious foever they may z^oi Gildas Salvinnus • may fcem to be, if this way tend to their cverlarting' peace,and if they be not preparing forrow for them- felves. then I am a ftranger to the way of peace. SECT. XI. 7' 'Tn H E next branrh of my Exhortation is , X ihdiiyouwottlcino tongcrnegUti the execu- tion of fo much Dlfcip/ine in your Congregations, dj if of confeffed neceffitf cirj right. I dcfire not to fpur on any one to an unfeafonable performance of the greacell duty. But will it never be a ficfeafon ? Would you forbear ^ermons and Sacraments fo ma- ny years on pretence of unfeafonablenefs ? Will you have better fcafon for it. when you are dead ? How many are dead already before they ever did any thinginthis work that were long preparing for it ? U is novV near three year5,fince many of us here did engage our felves to this duty • And have we been faithful in performance of that engagement ? I know fomc have: more difcouragements and hinde- ranees then orhers : Hue what difcouragements can cxcufe us from fuch a duty ? Befidcs the Keafons that we then confidcrcd of, let thcfc few be further laid to heart. I. How fad a fign do we make it to be in our preaching to our people , to live in the willful conti- nued oraiffion of any known duty ? And fhiU we do foeven year after year ani allourdaies. If excufes will take offche dinner of this fign . what man will not find rhcra as well as you ? Read Ameftus weduL cap, I7*de Dlfflplin. Ecclef. & Gglefp's^ ^arom rod ,; with The Reformed ^aHor^ 50> with "Rfithfrford and many more that arc written to prove the Need and Duenefs of Difciplmc, faith Amef, ikfefl,'). Immopeccat in Chnfium Autloorem ac infiitutorem ^uifjuis nonfacit ^uodtnfe efi^adhanc Di/cipiinam in Ecclefiis Dei tonliituend^m C^ promo- vendam. And doyou thinivit fafc to live and dye in fuch a known fin ? 2. You gratifie the prefcnt defigns of dividers , whofe bufinefs is to unchurch us and unchriften us ; to prove our Parifhes no true Churches ( and our fclves no baptized Chriftians.) For if you take them for people uncapablc of Difcffjline, they muft be un- capable of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and other Church- Communion ; and then they are no Church. And fo you will plainly fcem to preach meerly as they do, to gather Churches where there were none before. And indeed if that be your cafe that your people arc not Cbriftian?,and you have no particular Churches, and fo are no Paftors, tell us fo and manifcft it, and we (hall not blame you. 5. We do manifcft plain lazinefs and floath>if not unfaithfulnefs in the work of ChrilK Ifpeakfrom experience ; It was lazinefs that kept me off fo long, and pleaded hard againft this duty. It is indeed a troublefom and painful work, and fuch as calls for fome felf-dcnyal, becaufe it will caft us upon the dif- plcafure of the wicked. But dare we { referr our carnal cafe, and quictnefs, and the love or peace of wicked men , before our fervice to Chrift our Ma- tter ? Can floathful fervants look for a good reward? Remember Brethren , that we of this County have thus Promifed before God in the fecond Article of bur Agreement, IVe Airtenncirefolvebj Qects help, that 3^4 Gildds Salvianus j that f> far 04 God doth miks k,nown our d't) to u\ vtc ^ifl faithfnH) endeavonr to dtfchar^e it , a^d ^t/i not dtfili through any feirs or lojfes in oHr ejiates , or the froWnt arti dtfpUifure of men^ or any the Ukje CArnal indiicements whatjoever. I pray you ftudy cKis pro* mifc^and compare your performance wich ic. And do not think chac you were enfnarcd by thus engag- ing i for Gods Law hath laid an obligation on you to all the fame ducy, before your engagement did ic.v Here is nothing but what others are bound to, as well as you 4. The Miniftery that are for the Presbyterian Government, have already by their common negled of the execution, made thofe of the feparating way believe, that they do it in a meer carnal compliance with the unruly part of the people, that while we exafperatc them not with our Difcipline , we might have them on our fide. And we (hould do nothing needlcfs,that hath fo great an appearance of evil, and isfo fcandalous to others. It was the fin andruinc of many of the C.lergy of the laft times, topleafc and comply with them that they (hould have repro- ved and corredcd ; by unfaithfulncfs in preaching, and ncgled of Difcipline. 5. The neglcifl of Difcipline hath a ftrong tenden- cy to the deluding of fouls ; by making them think they arc Chriltians that are not : while they arc per- mitted to live in the reputation of fuch , and be not fcparatcd from the reft by Gods Ordinance : and it may make the fcandalous to think their fin a to- lerable thing which is fo tolerated by the Paftors of ihe Church. ^. Wc do corrupt Chriftlanity it felf m the eyes. cif* The Reformed ^aflor. ' 3^^ of the world ; and do our part to make them bch'eve, that to be a Cli iltian is but to be of fuch an Opini- on,and to have that faith which James faith the De- vils had and to befolindians ; and that Chrift is no more for Holinefs, then oatan, or that the Chriftian Religion cxadeth Holinefs no more . then the falle Religions of the world : For if the Holy and unho- ly are all permitted to be (heep of the fame fold, without the ufe of Chrifts means to difference them, we do our part to defame C hrift by it , as if he were guiltv of it, and as if this weie the ftrain of his pre- Icripts 7. We do keepupfeparation, by permitting the worft to be uncenfured in our Churches, fo that ma- ny honeft Chriftians think they are neceflitated to withdraw.I muft profefs that I have fpoke with fomc members of the feparated (or gathered ) Churches, that were moderate men , and have argued with them againft their way ; and they have aflured me , That they were of the 'Vresbjterian ptdgemeyit-, or had nothing to fay againft it ^ but thej joyned themfelves with other (^harches upon meer neceffit)^ thinking that Difcipiine being anOrdinanceof Chrifi, muft he nfed bj all that can, and therefore the) durft no longer live withoHt it when they maj have it ; and they could find no Preib'jteriaK Churches that executed Dtfcipline^a^ thej wrote for it ; andthiy told me, that they did thus fepa- rate only pro tempore, till the Presbyterians ^i/l ufe Difcipline^and then they would willingly return to them again. I confefs I was forry that fuch perfons had any fuch occafion to withdraw, and the leaft ground for fuch a reafon of their doing?. It is not keeping them from the Sacrament that will excufc us from X the ^o6 Gildas Salvianus; the further exercifc of Difcipline , while they arc Members of our Churches. 8. We do too much to bring the wrath of God upon our fclves and our Congregations , and fo to blaft the fruit of our labours. If the Angel of the Church of Thjatira was reproved for fuffering Se- ducers in the Church, we may be reproved on the fame ground for fuffcring open, fcandalous, impeni- tent ones. Rev, z 20. 9. We fcem to juftifie the Prelates who took the fame courfe in negleding Difcipline , ( thuugh ia other things we differ.^ 10. V\e have abundance of aggravations and witnefles to rifeupagainftus , which though I will purpofely now over-pafs,left I feem to prefs too hard in this point , I ftiall defire you to apply them hither, when you meet with them anon under the next branch of the Exhortation. I know that Difcipline is not eflential to a Church; but what of that ? Is it not therefore a duty; and nc- ceffary to its well-being ; Yea more, The power of Difcipline is elTcntial to a particular Political Church 1 And what is the Power for, but for the work and ufe? As there is no Common- wealth that hith not partem imperantem,zsvjc\\ &s partem /uhdi- tarn, fo no fucli Church that hath not partem regen- iffw, in ©ne Paftor or more. sect: T7;e R eforyned Tafior, 3 07 SECT. XII. 8. 'TpHE laft particular branch of my Exhortati- X onis, thac Tot4 ^illnorvfanhfully dij charge the great duty ^hichjiou h^ve uMdertaken^and rvhich U the occafion of our meeting here to d^y, inferfonal Ca- techiK.ing and ^njirn^ing every one in your Parifhes th:tt will fubmit thereto. What our undertaking is you know, you have conti iercd it, and it is now pub- lifhcd to the world. But what the performance will be I know not : but I have many reafons to hope well of the moft, though fome will alwaies be readyer to fay,thcn to do. And becaufe this is the chief bufinefs of the day, I muft take leave to infift fomewhat the longer on it. And i. 1 fhall give you fome further Motives to perfwade you to faithfulnefs in the un- dertaken work ; Prefuppofing the former general iMotives, which fhould move us to this as well as to lany other part of our duty. 2. I (hall give to the lyounger of my Brethren, a few words of Advice for the manner of the performance. X2 CHAP. 3o8 Gildas Salvianus -, <;^.S};>j ?ic^^5^!:^'^'"'0:?^cb^j5^; (h &»' ff^Oi CHAP. VI. -:f^ SECT. I, I. ^l^'XS^'5^i:iJ^>^ H E firll reafons by wluch I Chall perfwadc you to this du-, ty are takenp-om the benefits, of it. I he fecond fort arc ta- ken from the difficulty. And the third from the Necefliiy 5 and tiic many obligations that ate upon us for the performance of it. And to thefe three heads I fhall reduce them all. I. And for the firft of tl^efe ; when I look before me, and confider what through the bleflini; of God, this work well managed is like to produce, it makes my heart to leap for joy. Truly Brethren, you have begun a moft blefled work •- and fuch as your own confcienccs may rejoyce in, and your PariQics re- joyce in, and the Nation rejoyce in, andthechilde that is yet unborn ; yea tboufands and millions for ought we know may have caufe to blefs God for, whed The Reformed ^uHor. 3 op when we have finiftied our courfe. And though ic be our bufincfs here Co humble < ur felvesforthc negIcA of it fo long as we have very great caufc to do, yet the hopes of a bit flfed fuccefs are fo great in me, that they are ready to turn it into a day of Re- joycing I blcfs the Lord that i have lived to lee fuch a day as this, and to be prefent at fo folemn ah engagement of fo many lervams of * hr-ft to fuch a work. I blefs the Lord,that hath honoured you of this County to be the beginners and awakeners of the Nation hereunro. Iftrijfnot a controverted bufi- ncfs, where the cxafpcrated mirds of divided men might pick quarrels wiih us, or mal;c. it ft If be able to invent a rational reproach ; Nor is ic a new in- vention , where envy might cbarge^ you as innovators, or p;oud boalters of any new dif- coveries of your owti ; or fcorn to follow in it, bccaufc you have led the \^'ay. No ; it is a well known duty : It is but rhemorc til gent and cffedu- all management of the Mimfterial work, and the teaching of our Principles, and the feeding of babes with milk. You lead indeed^ but not in invention of novelty, but the refiauration of the ancient Miniik- rial work, and the felf denying attempt of a duty that fcw,or none can contradiifl. Unlefs men do envy you, your labours and fufferings, or unlefs they envy the faving of mens fouls, I know roc what they can envy you for, in this. 1 he age is fo quarrel om that where there is any matter to faften on, we can karce explain a truth or perform a duty, but o.nc or other , it notmany,willhaveaftonctocaft ar us, and will fpcak evil of the things which they do not urder- ftand, or which their hearts and intcrctls are agsinf^. X J But jio Gildas Salvianus. But here I think we have filenced malice it felf : and I hope we may do this part of Gods work quietly, ( as to them ) ; If they cannot endure to be told what they know not, or contradided in what they think, or difgraced by difcovcries of what they have faid amifs, I hope they will give us leave to do that whch no man can contradid, and to pradice that which all are agreed in ; 1 hope we may have their good leave, or filent patience at leaft, to deny the eafe and pleafureof our flcfli, and to fet ourfelvesin good earneft co help men to heaven,and to propagate the knowledge of Chrift with our people. And I take it for a fign of a great and neceflary work,which | hath fuch univerfal approbation ; the commonly ac- knowledged truths and duties being , for the moft part, of grcateft neceflity and moment. A more noble work it is to pradife faithfully the truths and duties that all men willconfefs, then to make new ones, or difcoverfomewhat more then others have difcovcred. I know not why we (liould be ambitioui of finding out new waies to heaven : To make plain, and to waK in the old way , is our work, and our greateft honour. And becaufe the work in hand is fo pregnant of great advantages to the Church, I will come down to the particular benefits which we may hope for , that when- you fee the excellency of it , you may be the mor< fet upon it,and the iocher by any negligence or failing 10 defiroy or fruQrate itJor certainly he that hath thf true inirtjtions of a Minifter, will rcjoyce in the appearances of any further Hopes of theattain- in^of his ends, and roihingcan be more welcome to him, then that which will further the very bufincfs of The R e formed TaHor. ^ 1 1 of his life ; And that our prcfcnc work is fucb,! ftiall (hew you more particularly. r. A N D tiift ; It will be the moft hopeful ad- Jx vantage For the converfion of many fouls, that we can cxped. For it hath a concurrence of thofe great things which nnuft further fuch a work, r. ^^or the matter of It, it is about the moft need- ful things : the Principles or Eflentials of the C hri- ftian faith . 2. For the manner of esercife , It will be by pri- vate conference, where we may have opportunity to fee all home to the heart. ;?. The common concord ofMinifters will Jo much to bow their hearts to a confcnt. Were it but a m ct- ing to refolvfom' controverted quertions it would not have fo dired a tendency to converfion Were it but cccafional, we could not handfomly fall on thera fo clofely : but when we make itihe appoinrcd bufi- nefs, it will be expe(5ted,nnd not foihangely taken. And if mort Mintfters had fingly fet upon this work, perhaps but few of the people would have fubmitted, and then you might have loft yourchiefeft opportu- nities, and thofe that had moft needed your help > would havehad leaft of it. Whereas now wc may hope that when it is a general thing,few will refufe it;, and when they fee that other neighbours do it, they will be alhamed to be fo fingular or openly ungodly as to deny. The wcrk of converfion confifteth of two parts, X4 I. The 312 Gildas Salvianus ; I. The well informing of the judgement in the neceffary points. 2. The change of the will, by the efficacy of this truth. Now in this work , we have the moft excellent advantage for both. For tlie in- formmgof their underrtandings, it muft needs be an excellent help to hive the fummc of all Chriliianity l^ill in memory . And though bare words not undcr- flood, will make no change, yet when the words are plain Englifli, he that hath the words is far liker to know the meaning and matter,then another ; For what have we to make known things by, that them- felves are invifible, but words and other fubfervient figns ? Thofe therefore that will deride all Cate- chifms and Profcfiion?, as unprofitable forms , may better deride themftlves for talking and ufingthe form of their own words to make known their minds to others : And they may deride all Gods word on the fame account, which is a landing Form for die guiding of preachers, and teaching all others the do- drine of eternal life. Why may not written words that arc flill before their eyes and in their memories, inftrud them, as well as the tranfient words of a Preacher ? Thefc Forms therefore of wholfom word are fo far from being unprofitable Casfom? phantaDical perfons do imagine^ that they aro of admirable ufe to all. And ihenjWe (hal have the opportunity by perfonal conference to try them how far they underftand it, and how far not ? and fo to explain it to them as wc go; and to chofe out and infift on thofe particulars wh'ch the perfons tha: we fpcak to have moft need to hear. " So that thefetwoconjun;^: A form of wods, with a pkin Explication, may do more, then The ^formed faftor- 3 1 3 then either of them could do alone. Moreover , we have the beft opportgpity to im- print the fame Truths upon their hearts ; When we can fpeak to each ones particular ncccffity , and lay to the (inner, Thou art the jonan; and plainly naen*- tion his particular cafe, and let home the truth with familiar importunity ; if any thing in theworldis likely to do them good, it is this. They will undcr- ftand a familiar Ipeech, that bear a Scrrapn^asif it were non- fence ; And they have far greater help for the Application of it to themfelves. And withaj.you (hall hear their Objedions^and know .where it is^tbat Satan hath moft advantage on them, $nd what it is that ftands up againft the truth ^ and fo may be able to (hew them their errors, and coBfute their, objecti- ons, and more effedu^IIy to convince them : we can better drive them to a ftand, and urge them to dif- cover their refolutions for the future, and to promife the ufc of means and reformation, then otherwife we coulddo. What need wc more for this, then our experience ? I feldom deal with men purpofely on this great bufinefs, in private ferious conference, but they go away with fomc fceming con virions, and promifes of new obedience, if not fome deeper re- morfe, and fenfe of their condition. And i hope your own experiences are the fame. O Brethren, what a blow may we give the King- dom of darkncfs by the faithful and skilful managing of this work I If then the faving of JohIj , of your tieighbours fouls ^oi wanj fottls^ from cverlafting mi- fery, be worth your labour ,Up and be doing / If the increafc of the true Church of Chrift be defirable, this work is Excellent,which is fo likely to promote it. If ^14 Gildas Salvianus- If you would be t^ic Fathers of many that (hall be new born to Ood, and would fee the travail of your fouls with comfort, and would be able to fay at laft Here am I,and the children that thou haft given me • Up then and ply this bleffed work. If ic will do you good to fee your holy converts among the Saints in glory, and praifing the Lamb before his Throne • if you will be glad to prefcnt them blamelefs and fpoc- IcfstoChrilt; be glad then of this fingular oppor- tunity thatis offered you. Jf you are Minifters of Chrift indeed, you will long for the perfedingof his body, and the gathering m of hisEled and your hearts will be fctupon it, and you will travail as in birth of them rill Chrift be formed in them. And then you will take -fuch opportunities as your harveft^time. and as the ^un-(hine dales in a rainy harveft,in which it is unreafonable & unexcufable to be idle. Jf you have any fpark of Chriftian corapafli- on in yoii,it wil fure feem worth your nrmoft labour to fave fo many fouls from death , and to ^cover fo great a multitude of fine. If you are indeed co- workers with Chrift, f€t then to his work , and neg. led not the fouls,for whom he dyed. O remember when you are talking with che unconverted,that now there is an opportunity in your hands to fave a foul and to rejoyce the Angels of heaven, and to rejoycc' Chrift himfcif , and that your work is to cart Satan out of a finner, and toincreafethe family of God. And what is your own Hope,or Joy,or Crown of re- joycing? Is it not your faved people in the prefencc of Chrift Jcfus at his coming ? Yea doubtlefs, they arc your glory and your joy, i The/. 2. 19, 20. 2,THE Ihe Keformed Tajlor: j 1 5 2. T^HE fccond happy Benefit of our work if 1 well managed, will be. The mo fi orderly hmlditti up ofthofe that are converted-, andtheftMJh^ ing them in the faith. Ic bazardeth the whole work , or at lead much bindereth it, when we do it not in the order that ic muft be done. How can you build if you firft lay not a good foundation ? or how can you fet on the top-ftone while the middle parts are negleded? Gra- tia nonfacit [ahnm, any more than nature. The fe- cond order of Chriftian Truths have fuch depend- ance upon the firft,that they can never be well learn- ed, till the firft are learned. This makes fo many de- luded novices,that arc puft up with the vain conceits of knowledge while they are grofly ignorant, and itch to be preaching before they well know what it istobcChriftians; becaufe they took not the work before them , but learnt fome lefler matters which they heard moft talk of, before they learnt the vital Principles. And this makes many labour fo much in vain, and are ftill learning , but never come to the knowledge of the Truth , becaufe they would learn to read before they learn to fpell , or to know their letters ; And this makes fo many fall away,and fliaken with every wind of temptation, becaufe they were not well fettled in the fundamentals. It >s thefe Fundamentals that muft lead men to further truths : It is thefe they muft bottom and build all upon. It is thefe that they muft live upon, and that muft aduate all their graces^ and animate all their duties ; It is thefe 3i6 Gildas Salvianus 5 thcfe chat muft fortifie them againft particular tem- ptations ; and he that knows chcfe well, doth know fo much as will make him happy ;and he that know* notthefe know nothing ; and hethatkn'ows thefc beft, is the be't and moft underftanding Chnftian, The moft godly people therefore in your Congrcga% lions will hnd it worth their labour to learn the very words of a Catechifm. And if you would fafely cdifie them and firmly ftablifti them , be diligent in this work. luo'/nr. ■■ . . > ••;;'-! -f> 3 . \ Third Benefit that may be cxpefled by the jL\ well-managing of th 9 work, is this, It will Wal^e oUrfnhlik^e preuch^>'g to be better under fio^A and regarded. When you have acquainted them with the Principles, they wiH the better underftand all that you fay- They will perceive wha t you drive at,when they are once acquainted with the main. This prc- pareth their criinds, and openeth you a way to their hearts • when without this you may lofe the moft of your labour-ind the more pains you take,in accurate preparations, the lefs good you do. As you would not .heMfdre lofe your pub like labour, fee that you be faithful in this private work 4. AND 7he (Reformed Tajior. 3 1 7 4. AND this is not a contemptible Benefit , £\ that by this courfe ^ot* )^til come to he^tmi' liar with ycur people, when you have had the oppor- tunity of familiar conference. And the want of this with usjthat have very numerous Pari(hcs» is a great impediment to the fuccefs of our laboursw By di- ftancc and unacquaintednefs,flandercrs and dcccfv* crs have opportunity co polTefs them with falfecon- ceits of you , which prejudice their minds againft yourdodrine : and by this diftance and ftrangcncfs abundance of miftakes between V.iniirers and people arc fomented. Befides that, familiarity it ft If doth tend to beget thofe affeftions,which may open their cars to further teaching. And when we are familiar with them, they will be more encouraged to open their doubts and feck refolution.and deal freely with us. But when a minifter knowerh not his people, or is as ftrange to them as if he did not know them, it muft be a great hindrance to his doing them any good. 5. l>iE(ides,by the means of thefe private Inftru- \ J dionSjWf fhalicometo be the better dctjuaint* ed ^itlo eofh ptrfons ffiritndjtate^ andfo the better know how towatcb over them, and carry our fclves towards them ever after. We may know the better bow to preach to them, when we know their temper, and their chief objedions, and fo what they have moft ^iS Gildas Salvianus ; mofl need to hear. We (hall the better know where- in to be jealous of them with a pious jealoufic, and what temptations to help themraoft againft. VVc (ha! the better know how to lament for them and to rc Joyce with them, and to pray for them to God. For as he that will pray rightly for himfelf, will know his own fores and wants, and the difeafes of his own heart ; fo he that will pray rightly for others^fhould know theirs as far as he may,and as is meet. If a man have the charge but of iheep or cattle, he cannot fa well difcharge his truft if he know them not, and their (late and qualities. So is it with the Mafter that will well teach his Schollars, and Parents that will rightly educate their children : And fo with us. 6. A ND then this tryal of, and acquaintance jL\ with our peoples ftate, will better ratitfie usinthe adminifirationof the SacrMmentj. We may the better underftand how far they are fit or unfit. Though this give them not the ftate or relation of a Member of that Church whcrcofwe arc Over- fcers; yet bccaufe the Members of the Church Univerfal , though they arc oF no particular Church, may in fome cafes have a right to the Ordinances of Chrift in thofc particular Churches where they come , and in fonae cafes the/ have no right , we may by this means be the better informed how to deal with them , though they be no members ofthac particular Church. And whereas miay will quellion a Minitter that cxa- siinetb his people in order to the Lords Supp:r , by whac The Reformed TaHor^ ^ t p what authority he doth it, the fame work will be done this way,in a courfe beyond exception. Though 1 doubt not but a Miniftcr may require his Flock to come to him at any convenient fealon , to give an ac- count of their faith and proficiency, and to receive inftrudion, and therefore he may do it in preparati- on to the Sacrament • yet becaufe Minifters have laid the ftrefs of that examination upon the mecr neceflity of fitnefs for that Ordinance, and not up- on their common duty to fee the ftate and proficien- cy of each member of their Flock at all fit feafons , and upon the peoples duty to fubmit to the guidance and inftrudion of the Paftors at all times, they have therefore occafioned people ignorantly to quarrel againft their examinations, and call for the proof. Whereas it is an eafie thing to prove that any Schol- lar inChrifts School is bound at any time to be ac- countable to his Teachers, and to obey them in all lawful things in order to their own edification and falvation ; though it may. be more difficult to prove a neceility that a Miniftcr muft fo examine them in order to the Lords Supper, any more then in order to a day of Thankfgiving or a Lords day, or the Ba- ptizing of their children. Now by this courfe, we (hall difcern their fitneu in an unqueftionable way. 7. Another 3*o Gildas Salvianus 7. A Nother Benefit will be this, JVe fhall hy this i.jLjL means hf the betttr enabled to help our peo- ple agaiftfi their particular temptations ^ andwe pjall much better prevent their entertainment of any partis c/i/ar ernrs or herefies ; or their falling into Schifm to the hizird 0^ themfdvcs and the Church. For men will frcclyer open their thoughts and fcruples to us, and if thev are infcAcd already or inclined to any errouror fchifm , they will be ready to difcovcr ic,and fo may receive fatisfadion before they arepaft cure. And familiarity with their Teachers , will the more encourage them to open their doubts to them at any other tim*. The common caufe of our peo- ples infe(^ions and herefies is the familiarity of Se- ducers with them, and the ftrangcnefs of their own Paftors. When they hear us only in publike , and hear Seducers frequently in private. unfaying all that we fay, and we never know It, or help them againft it, this fettlech the?n in herefies before we are aware of it. Alas our people are moft of them fo weak , that whoever hath i.Moftinrereft in their eftimati- onsand affections : and 2. Moft opportunity in pri- vate frequent conferences toinftill his opinions into them, or that mmsreligion will they ordinarily be. It is pity then that we fh^uld let deceivers take fuch opportunities to undo thenri,and we fhould not be as indudrious, and ufe our advantages to their good. We have much advantage agiinft Seducers in many refpects, if our negligence and their diligence dfd notfruftratc them. 8. Another The Reformed TaHor. 3 ^ ^ 8 A Nothcr, and one of the greateft Benefits of jL\ our work will be this, Jt wi/l better infotm men of the trne nMnre of the C^iimjlerial cffice^ or a^ak^it them to better confideration of it^ then is koi» mjptaL 1 1 is now too common for men to think that the work of the Mini'Jery is nothing but to preach well , and to Baptize and adminifter the Lords Sup- per, and vidt the fick ; and by this means the people will fubmic to no more, and too many Minifters are negligendy or wilfully fuch ftrangers to their own calling,that they will do no more. It hath oft grieved my heart to obferve fome eminent able Preachers, how little they do for the faving of fouJ», fave only in the l'ulp;t ; and to how little purpolc much of their labour is by thi^ negled. They have hundreds of people that they never fpoke a word to perfonal- Jy for their falvation, and if we may judge by their pradice, they take it not for their duty : and the principal thing that hardcneth men in this overfigbr, is the common ncgled of the private part of the work by others. Thtrc are fo few that ^o much in it ; and the omiflion i? grown fo common among pious able men, that they have abated thedifgrace of it bythcirp.irts,and a man may now be guilty of ir, without any common obfervance or diflionour. Never doth fin fo reign in a Church or State, as Iwhcn it hath gained reputation, or at leaft is no dif- ^race to the firmer, nor a matter of any offence to )cholder8. But I make no doubt through the mercy •f Cod, but the reftored praflice of perfonal over- Y fight 321 Gildas Salvianus • fight will convince many Miniftcrs, that this is as truly their work as that which they now do : and may awaken them to fee thac theMmiftery is ano- ther kind of bufincfs , then too many excellent Preachers do take it to be. t rcthren, do but ler your felvcsclofely to this work, and follow on d ligtntly, apd though you do itfilently, without any words to them that are negligent; / am in boft that mof} of yo» here may live tojee the dajiy that the ne^k^i of pn vate ferfonal Over fight of all the Flock^jhall he t^iken for ^ fcandAlotis and odious omijfion, and/ha/l be as dtf^raceA ful to them ih^t are gmltj of it^ as preaching hut onci aday^M heretofore, A School mafler muft not on-| ly read a common Ledure, but take a perfonal ac* count of his Scholars , or elfehe is like to do litcle goodo If Phyficianslhould only read a publ'kc Lc-^ dure of Phyficli, their patients would not be much the b/!tter for them : Nor would a Lawyer fccurc your edace by reading a Lcdure of Law. The charge of a Paftor requireth perfonal dealing as well as any of thefe. Let us (hew the world this by our praAifcj for moft men are grown regardlefs of bare Words. The truth is,we have been occafioned exceeding ly to wrong the Church in this, by the contrary e»- treamof the Papifts, whobring all their people to Auricular confeflion : Tor in the overthrowing of this error of theirs , we have run into the contrary extfeara > and led our people much further into'if dien we arc gone our felves. It troubled me to tead iti an Orthodox Hiftorian, that licenttoufnefs;aind a de- iii-e to be from under the ftrift enquirki of th^ Priefts in Confeffion,did Hwch fiirthef ibe ^fttcrtain. The R e formed TaHor, 322 ment of the Reformed Religion in Geymany. And ycc it's like enough to be true , that they thir were . againft Rttorrn.^ition in other refpcds, yet pard y for the change , and partly on that licentiuus account , might jo\ p. with better men in crying down the Ro- milh Clergy. But by this means, Itit we fhouid fcem to favour zbc faid Auricular ConfefsionjWe have too commonly negicded all pcrfonal inftrudion ; ex- cept when we occafionally fall into mens company . few make it a Ihted part of their work : 1 am part doubt that the Popilh Auricular Confefiionjs a fin- ful novelty, which the antiencC hurch was unacquain- ted with. But perhaps fi»me will chink ftrange that I fhouid fay, that our common neglcd of pcrfonal Inltrudion is. much worfe, if weconfider their Con- fcffions in themfelves , and not as they rcfpe:r their connexed Dodrines of fatisfaction and purgatory. Many of the Sourhern and Eaftern Churches do ufe a Confefsion of (into the PreiK And how far Mr. Tho, Hock^er in his Souls Preparat.and other Divines do ordina! ily require it, ?.s neceffary or ufeful^is Well jvQOwn. If any among iis fnould be guiliy of this grofsmiHake.as to thmk when he hath preached, he hath done all his work let us (hew him to his face by our.pradice of the reft, that there is much more to hs done, ^nd that taking heed to all the Flock is ano- ther bufinefs then carelefs lazy Minifters do confider I of. IF a man have the leaft apprehenfion that duty, : and the chief eft duty, is no duty; be is like to neglect i it, and be im,penitent in the neglect. I z 9. Another 3^4 GildasSalvianus 9' A ^^'^^^^ fingular Benefit which we may 1\ hope for from the fairhful performance of this work, is, rhac It tviII help cnr feoi>U better to nn' ^frflandthe K<^ttirefif th(i" (itity to\^cirJf their Over- fcc"s t andconfnjutiul-j to Mfch-rge tt better. Whiih were no matter if it were only for our fakes ; but their own falv?.rion is very much concerned in it. I rm confident by fad experience, that it is rone of the lead impediments to their happinefs, and to a true Reformation of the Church; that the people underftand not what the work and power of a Mini- fter is, and what their own dutv towards them is. They commonly think that a Minifter hath no more to do with them but to preach to them, and vific thcminficknefs.andadminifter Sacraments, and that if they hear h-m , and receive the Sacrament from him^ they owe no further obedience, nor can he re- quire any more at their hands. Lirtic do they know that the Ntiniller is in the < hurch asthcSchooI- mafter in h s School, to teach and rake an account of every one in parricnlar, and that all Chriftian? ordinarily muQ be D'fciples or Scholars in fomc fuch School They think not that a Minifter is in the Church asaPhyfician in a Town, for all people to refort to , for perfona' advice for the curing of all thofe difeafes that are fit to be brought to a Phyfi- cian : and that the Priefts lips muft pre ferve know- ledge , and the people muft ask the Law at their mouths, bccaufe he is the meffenger of the Lord of fcofts. And that every foul in the Congregation is bound TbeRefavied fa/lor - 3^5 bound for their own fafetyjCohavc pcrfonal recouile to him, for the refolving of their doubts, and far help againft their fins, and for direction in duty, and for incrcafe of knowledge an for thcir Iculs ; and ask , What fhill we do to be faved r Whereas now the matter is come to that lad pafs. tha; they think a Mmillcr hath nothing to do with thtm, and if he admonifh ihera,il ey will bid hsm look to him- felf, he fliall not anfwcrfortliem ; and if he call them to be Catechized or inluucted, or to be prepa- red for the Lords Supper,or other holy Ordinance , or would take an account of their faith and profit- ling, they will ask him, By what authority lie doth Ithcfe things r and think that he isa bufie pr.igmati- jcal fellow, that loves to be medling where he hath Inothingtodo ; or a proud fellow that would bear irule over their confciences. When they may as well lask him , B/ what authority he preacheth, or pray- ieth for them, or giveth them the Sacramen: ; or they imay as well ask a School. mailer , Hy what authori- :y he cals his Scholars to learn or (a;/ their 'eflon ? Or a thyfician. By what authority he enjoyneth hem to take his Medicine- f people confidcr not, :hat all our authority Jisbu: for our work .• even a Power to do curd »ty :J'and ourjwork is for tliem ; ■ * V ; fa 526 GilJas Salvianus. lo that it is'teutan antl.ority to 'do them good : And the filly wr<;tchcs do talk no wifelyer, then if they Chould thus quarrel widva man that wwuld help to quench the hrc i;i their thatch, and ask him, By wliat auchority he doth it ? Or t'iac would g(ve his , nion^y to relieve ihcppor, and they ibould askhiraV* By irvhit authority do jpu n^ut^e m to lakj^ihis mo-, nej ? Or as if I offered nr^y hnnd to one chat is fallen/ to help him u^, or to one that is in the water, to favcj him from drowning, and ht fhould ask me, B^ Whut,'' authority I do it ^ i ruly we have no wifcr nor i hank- fuller dealing from thefc men : Nay, it isworfe, in' that vve are doubly obliged, both byChrilUan Char rity, and the Miniftcrial office to dothem good. I know not of any Simile that doih mor^ aptly cxprefs theMmifterial power apd duty, and (hcpeoplesdu-" ty, ,then thefe two conjund ; -f^ ^. even lucli as a Ph ficianisinanHofpital.thatliath tL^kentbechaig^ of it, and fuch as a School mafter is ia his School^^ efpccially fuch as thePhjlofoph.cr-, or teach.ers'of any Tcicnce or art, whofe Scl.ools have the aged ar-d. voluntary members , as vvell as children i Chrift^" bath all ages) even fuch is a Miniftcr in the Churchy "' and fuch is their work and their autl.ority to do it , ^ andj the duty of the people to fubmic thereto, allow- ing fuch differences as the fubjtd rtquireth And what is it that hath brought people to this ignorance of tlieir duty, but cuftoiri ? Its long of us. Brethren, to fpeak truly and pi »inlyjrs long of us-; that bave not ufed them nor our felve^ to any more . then the common publike work. We fie how much cuftom doth with the people. Where it is the cuf^om, ibeyftick no: among the f apifls .it the confeflrg of The Ke fowled TaHon j 17 >f all their fins to the Prieft ; And becaufe it is not he cuftom among us, they difdain to be queftioned, atechized or in 'ru^ed. They wonder at it as sj Iringe thin^^, and fay, fuch things were never done )efore. And if we can but prevail to majve this duty become as ufual as other duties .they will much more lafilvfubmitto itthennow. What a happy thing vould it be, if you might live to fee the day , that it hould be as ordinary for people of all ages to :omc in courfe to their Teachers for perfonal ad- ice, and help for their fa!vacion, as it is now ufual or them to come to Church , or as it isfor thejp fend their children thirher to be Catechized. 3ur diligence in this work, is the way to do his. 10. \M Oreover, our pradice will give the Go- -LVJL vernors of the T^tien fame better in-- ormatioft about the n:iiure and httvden of the MiKifle- 7, andfo may procure their further a£i fiance. Jtis a amcntablc impediment to the Reformation of the "hurch and the faving of fouls , that in^oft popu- ous Congregations^ there is but one or two men ta )ver.fec many thoufand fouls, and fo there arc not abourers in any mcafure arlwcrablctothework, mt it becomes animpoffible thingro them to do Hy confiderablc meafure.of that perfonal duty which hould be done by faithful Paftprs to all the Flocks, have often faid it, and ftUlmuii f^y it, ihat this is,a »reat part of En^Un^s raifery, and a great degree of piritual famine which reigns in moft Cities arid great Y 4 Towns, 3-8 Gildas Salvianus s Tovns through the Land, cv^n where they arc in- fcnfiblc of i:, and think themfclves well provided • Alas we fee mulritudes of carnal , ignorant fcnfual Tinners round about us, here is a family, and there a fimily,and there almofta wholeftreet or village of them; and our hearts pity them , and we fee tiiic their necefsitiescry loud forourfpeedy and diligent ' rchef, fo that he that hath ears to hear muft needs " hear It. And if we would never fo fain, we cannot help them : Not only through their obliinacy , but alio through our want of opportunity. We have expenence,that if wc could but have leifurc to fpeak to them, and to opea plainly to them their fin and danger , there were great hopes of doing good to many of them , that receive little by our publike teaching. But we cannot come at them : more ne- ceflary work prohibits us • wc cannot do both at once : and the publike muft be preferred , bccaufc there we deal with many at once. And itisasrr.uch as we are able to do, to perform the publike work or fome little more; And if we do take the time when we fhould eat or fleep, ( befides the ruining of weakened bodies by it ; we fhall not b^ able af- ter all, to f cak m one of very many of them. So that we muft ]hnd by and fee poor people perifh, andcanbucbeforryforrhcm, nnd cannot fo much as fpeak to them to endeavour their recovery. Is not this a h<\ cafe in a Nation that glorieth of the fulnefs of the (Jofpel ? An fnfidel will fay, No : but me thinks n© man that believes an everlafting Toy or i orment (hould fay fo. I will give you the inftancc of myovvncafc. We arc together two Minillers , and a third at a Chappel, willing to beftow every hour 7he (Reformed Tajlor. 3^9 hour of our time in Chnfts work. Before we under- took this work that wc are now upon,our hands were ' full, and now we are engaged to let apart two dales fvery week from morning to night for private cate- chizing and inftruAion ; fo that any man may fee that we mult leave undone all that other work that we were wont to do at that time : and we are ne- ccfsitated to run upon the publike work of preach* ing with fmall preparation, and fo mud deliver the MelTigcof Cjod forawJy andconfufedlv, and un- an werably to its dignity, and the needs of mens louls that it is a great trouble to our minds to con- tivJcr it, and a greater trouble to us when we are do- ing it. And yet it mpft be fo : there is no remedy , unlefs we will omit this perfonal inftru^ion, we muft needs run thus unpreparedly into the Pulpit I And to omit this we dare nor, it is fo great and neceffary a work. And when we have incurred all the fore, mentioned inconveniences, and have fct two whole daics a week apart for the work that we have now undercaken,it wil be as much as wc (hai be able todo, to go over the Pari h but once in a y ear( being about 800. families; And which is worfe then that, wc (liall be forc't to cut it fiiort, and doit lefs effectual- ly to thofe that we do it^ leaving above 1 5. Families a week to deal with. And alas, how fmall a matter is it to fpeak to a man once only in a year, and that fo curforily as we muft be forced to do, in comparifon of what their necefsities do require ? yet arc wc in hope of fome fruit of this much, but how much more might it be, if we could but fpeak to them once t quarter,and do the work more fully and deliberate- ly ( as you that are in fmaller Panlhcs may do, ) And 339 Gildas Salvianus^ ^ And many MiuiRers in EngUnd have ten times , ( iC not more) the number of Parilhoners as I hare : fochatjfchey {hould undcrt.kc the work that we havedone,thcy cangooverthe Pariih but once in ten.years. Sa that while we ar.e hoping for opportu- nities to fpcak CO them, We hear of one dying after anoiheD,ar.d to the grief of our fouls are forced to go Aiththcmto their grives before we could ever Ipeak a word to them perfonally to prepare them fortheirthange. And whatisthe caufe of all this mif^yP^Why our Rulers have not feen a neceffity of any more Minifters then one or two in fuch Pa- rifhes ; ;^nd fo they have not allowed any mainte- nance to that end Some have alienated much from the Ihurch /',rbe Lord humble all them tharcori- fentcd to it e'ffe(5iually, left it prove the confampti- on of the Nation at lait; while they have left this famine in the chief partsof the Land. Its eafie to fep^ratc £rora the multitude, and gather diftinA Cimrchcs, and let the reft fmk or fwim, and if they will not be favcd by publike preaching, let them be damnej :, but Mvhether th s be the moft charitable and Qiriftig^n.courfevonetvould think (hould be no hard queflion.. But whats the matter that wifid and' godly Ruiecs (hould be thus guilty of our mifer'y , and that ngneiof . our cries will awake them to com- paflipn-f What, are they fo ignorant as not t6 knt)W thef^|;h^g&? .Or arc they grown cruel to the fouls of nijea ? . Or are they falfe-hearted to the intefeft of Chrift^ ar\d>Juve a idefigrt to- undermine his King-' dom^ NovIrbppeit-isnonc^oPtbefe ;burfor(iughc^ J can find, icis^e.ven long of us, even of us the Mini- fters of the Gofpel, whom they (hould thus main- tain. Ih Refopned Tf/lor: ^\i tain. For thofcMipiftcrs that have fmall Parilhcsv-' and might do all this private part of the work, yet and con- tent the teaching humor that they are inclined to. And it might make their parts more ifeful in a fafe and lawful way. 17. Moreover, The R e formed Tafit)r^ 337 1 7. TV /f Orcovcr. The very dilgenc practice of this "^^-'' work that we sre are upon , would do much to fee men nghc abouc many controvcrfies that now trouble the Church , and fo to put an end to our differences. Rfpecially mott of thofeabouc the Miniftery, Churches and Difciplinc , would receive more convincing light by pradice , then ail ouridle talking, or writing will afford us. We have fallen of lare mto parties, and troubled the Church abouc many controverfies concerning excommunica-; tion, in fuch and fuch cafes, which perhaps never will fall out ; or if they do , they cannot be fo well dc-^ cided by any man that is not engaged in the practice, his like the profcfsion of a Phylr.ianja louldier, a Pilot, OT-f. who can never be worth a ftraw at h:s work, by all the precepts in the world, without p^a- dife and experience. This will be the only courfe to make, i. Sound Divmes in the main, which b^re ftu* dying will not do z. And recover us again to the Pri rjitlve fimplicity, to live upon the fubftantul nc- ceflary things. .3. And to diredl and refolvc us m many of ou quarrels that will no o^ her way be well refolved. For example ; If this work had been fee on foot, and it had been but vifible, what it is to have the overfight of fouls dnrft any Prelates have contended for the foieOvei fight of 200. or 400. or 1000. Churches ? and that the Presbyters might be but their curates and informers ? Durft threy have driven with might and main, to have drawn upon thcmfelves fuch impofsibilitics.and have carried fuch Z mountains 338 Gildas Salvianus ; mountains (in their backs, and toanfwerGod as Over- fccrs and Paftors of fo many thoufand peo- ple, whofe faces they were never like to fee, much Icfs were they ever like to fpeak one word to them for their everlafting life ? Would they not have faid, // / mnft he a Bi[ho^-, let me be a 'Parochial Bi' {ho9^ or havi no more to overfee then I am capable of bverftting^andlet mehefuch as the T^rimitive Bijhojfs ^ere^that had hut one ^hurch^ and not hundreds to taf^; CAre of \ and let me not be engaged to natttral impojfi" bilities, and that on pain of damnation-, and to thi cer^ tain dejlruthoH of the bufinefs that 1 undertake j furc thefe would rather have been their ftriving*. I fpeak hot this againft any Bifhops that acknowledge the Presbyters to be true Paftors to rule andteaeh the Flock, and take themfclvcs only to be the chief or Ff efidents among the Presbyters, yea or the Rulers of Presbyters/hat are the Rulers of the Flock • but of them that null the Presbyters office, and the Churches Government and Difcipline, by undertak- ing it alone as their folc prerogative. Many other Difciplinary controvcrfies I might inftance in, that will be better rcfolvcd by this courft of pradicc , by the abundant experience which it will afford, then by all the difputatiofls or writing$' ihn hav€ attempted it. ti. AM The Reformed TaBor. 3 3 9 i8. AND then for the extent of tbe foiefaid jL\ Benefits, ( which in the tv^ o next places (hall now be confidcred j The dcfign ot this work is, the Kefornihgandfaving of all the people w ctirfeve- ral TariPjts ; For we (liall not leave our any man . that will fubmit t^ be inftruded. And though we can fcarce hope that every particular perfon will be reformed and faved by it, yet have wereafonto hope, that as the attempt is univerfal, fo the fuccefs will be more general or extcnfive then hitherto we have feen of our other labours. Sure I am it is moft like to the fpirit, and precept and offers of the Go- fpel, which requireth us to preach the Gofpel ro every creature, and promifech life to every man if he will accept it by believing / If God would have alt men to be faved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth ( that is, asRedor and Benefador) of the world, he hath mamfefted himfelf willing to fcivc All men if they will themfclves , though his Eled he will alfo make willing) thenfure it befcerr.s us to offer falvation unto all men, and to endeavour to bring them to the knowledge of the truth. And if Chrift tafted death for. every man, irs meet we (hould preach his death fe every man. This work hath a naorc excellent defign , then our accidental confcrcn«;es with now and then a particular per- fon. And 1 obferveth^t in fuch occafional difcourfes. men fatisfle themfclves to have fpoken fomegood words , but feldpm fct plainly and clofcly to the matter, to convince men of fin, andmifery, and Z 2 raercy j 340 Gildas Salvianus ; mercy ; as in this purpofely appoinced work wc arc now more like to do. fp. \ N( D further, Tt is like to be a work that l\ (hall reach over the whole Land , anJ tioi flop with us that have now engaged in it. For Aotigh it be at the prcfentnegledcd,! fuppofc flie catifc is the fame with our Brethren as it hath all this while been with us ; who by vain expectations 6f the Magiftrates inrerpofition, or by that inconfide- ratenefs, and lazynefs which we arc bewailing here this day, have To much omitted it till now as we have done; but fpccially a defpair of a common fubmif-l fiort of the people hath been the hindrance. EuC when they (hall be remembered of fo clear arid great a duty, and excited to the c^nfideration of it, and fee with us the feifablenefs of if, in a good meafurcj' when it is done by common confent* no doubt they will univerfally cake it ua and gladly concurr with US' in fo blerted a work. For they are the fervantsof the fame God, as regardful of their Flocks, and a*"' confciencious as we, and asfenfiblc of the Interefl"' of Chrift. and as companionate to mens fouls, and"" as felfdenying, and ready to do or fuffer for fuel'*' excellent ends • feeing therefore they have thi|jf fame Spirit, Rule and Lord, I will not be fo linchari table as to doubt, whether all that arc godly, Cor th| generality of them) will gladly joyn with ustftrougl !"i all the Land And O what a happy thing! it Will B to fee fiich a general combination for Chrift? artd tiP^' fee all EngUti4io fcriouffy ealfcdufOn, and iropot imi -I- The Reformed faUor* 34.^ tuned for Chrift, and fet in fo fair a way to heaven I Mc thinks, the confideration of icfliould make out hearts rejoycc within us, to fee fo many faithful fer- vants of Chnfl all over the Land,to fall in with every particular finner with fuch induftrious folhcitations for the faving of their fouls, as men that will hardly :ake a denyal. Me thinks, I even fee ^11 the godly )^mifters of Erj^h». : But who may ahide the d^yef lots comings axd^ho pyatl frand When he appe^reth ? I or ke is like a refiners fire, and tike fullers [ope : and he f/j all fit as a refiner and purifier of filver : .'nd he /hall purfie the (ens of Levi, and par ge them 04 gold ani filver^ that the) may cffir to tJ e Lord an offering in rijj^hticufnep* And the reafon was, becaufe it was another manner of ' hnli: that the Jew/s expeded, then Jefus was ihnt did ap- pear to them ; It was one to bring them riches, and liberty, and to rhis day they prolels that they will never believe in any butfuch. Soitiswith too ma- ny about Reformation. 1 hey hoped for a Refor- mation, that fhould bring them more wealth and honour with the people, and power to force men to do what they would have them • and now they fee a Reformation that muft put them to more condefcen- tion and pains then ever they were before , this will not down with them. They thought of having ihe oppofers of godlincfs under their feet ; but now they fee they muft go to them with humble intrcattes and put their hands under (heir feet, if if would do thera good,and meekly befcech eventhofe that fome time fought their livesjand make it now their daily buiinefs to overcome them by kindnefs , and win them with love. O how many earn <»! expeftations arc here croft. Hence Ihe Reformed fajlor: 345 Hence alfo it is^ that moft men do lay fo great a part of Ketbrniation in their private opinions,or fin- ^ular waies. The Prelatical party think that the true ileformacion is to reftore them to power. The Pref- byterians have thought that if Prelacy and Indepen- dancy were well down , and Clafles up, the work were much done : And the Independents have thought that if they had gathered a feparated body of godly people under Covenant, much of the Refor- mation were wrought : And the Arrabapt ills have thought, that if they could but get people to be Ba- ptized a^ain, they had done a great matter for Re- formation. I am not now reproving any of thefe in the matter, ( though the iaft efpecially well defer ve it ) but that they lay fo much upon their feveral or- ders and formalities as many of them do : When in- deed if we had our will in all fuch matters of order , and had the righteft form of Government in the world, it is the painful execution, and the diligent and prudent ufe of means for mens converfion and ediii- cation, by able faithful men, that muft accompliih the Reformation. Brethren , I dare confidently tell you, that if you will but faithfully perform what you have Agreed upon both in this bufmefs of Catechi- zing and perfonal infbruAion, and in the matter of Difcipline formerly (where we have well waved all the controverted part, which hath fo much afcribed to it ) you will do more for the true Reformation , that IS fo defirable, and hath been fo long prayed and hoped for, then all the changes of f^rms and orders fo eagerly contended for, are ever like to effed . If Bi- fhops would do this work, I would take them for Re- forn.efs : And if Preshuers will do it, I will take them 34^ Gildas Salvianus j them for Reformers : andit was thofe that neglecft- ed and hindred it, that I ever took for Deformers, Let OS fee the work well done, that God hath made fo neceffary for mens converfion , prefervation, re- ftaui-ation and falvation, and the doers of it, whether Prelates or Presbyters,{hall never have any fierce op- pofition of mine. But it is not bare Canons and Or- ders, and Names and Shews , that any wife man will take for the fubftance of Reformation I It is not Cir- cumcifion or uncircm-ncirion , to be a Jew or a Gen- tile, bond or free, that availeth any thing, but a new creature, and faith that worketh by love. Yhat is the Reformation which beft healeth the Ignorance , and liiiidelity, and Pride, and Hypocrifie , and Worldli- nefs, and other killing fms of the Land, and that moft effedually bringeth men to faith and holinefs. Not that I would have the lead truth or duty undervalu- ed , or any part of Gods will to be rejeAed : But the Kingdom of God confifteth not in every truth or duty ^ not in ceremonies , or circumftances, not in meats or drinks -, but in Righteoufnefs, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy-Ghoft. Dear Brethren, it is you and fuch as you, that un- der Chrift muft yet give this Nation the fruit of all their prayers and pains, their coll and blood, and heavy fufferings. All that they have been doing, for the good of the Church , and for true Reformation for lo may years, was but to prepare the way for you, to come in and do the work which they defired. Alas what would they do by fire and fword,by drums and trumpets, for the converting of fouls 1 The actions of Armies and famous Commanders , which feem fo glorious , and make fo great a noif ? that the Wv')rki ring> 7he f^efomcd Tajlor. 347 rings of them,what have they done,or what can they do that is worth the talking on without you ? In themfelves conridered,all their vi ft ories and great at- chievemcnts, are lb far from being truly glorious , that they are very lamentable : and a Butcher may as well glory that he hath killed fo many beads, or a hangman that he hath executed fo many men, as they can glory in the thing conlidered in it felf. For war is the moft heavy temporal judgement. And far lefs caiife Would they have to glory , if their caufe and ends were w^rong. And if their heai'ts, and ends, and caufe be right, and they mean as honeftly as any men in the world, yet are thefe great Commanders but your pioneers, to cut up the thorns that ftand in your w^ay, and to caft out the rubbifh, and prepaid you the way to build the houfe. Alas they cannot with all their vi dories, exalt the Lord Jefus in the foul of any iinher ^ and therefore they cannot fet up his fpiritual Kingdom • for the hearts of men are his houfe and throne : If the work ftiould ftop with the end of theirs, and go no further then they can carry it , wc fhould be in the end but where we were in the begin- ning, and one generation of Chriils enemies would fuccced another, and they that take dow^n the wicked, would inherk their vices, as they pofTefs their rooms^ and the laft would be far the worft, as being deeper in the guilt , and more engaged in evil-doing. AU this trouble then , and flir of the Nation, hath been to bring the work to your hands : and fliall it dye there? God forbid I They have opened you the door, and at exceeding cod and fuflferings have removed many of your impediments, and pUL the building mftrum.ents into your hands •- and will you now Randftill, or lovter ? 54^ Gildas Salvianus. Joyter ? God forbid ! up then Brethren^ and give the Nation the fruit of their cod and pains •, fruftrate not all the preparers work : fail not tlie long expecta- tions of fo many thoufands , that have prayed in hope of a true Reformation, and paid in hope , and ventured in hope, and fuffered in hope, and waited till now in hope. In the name of God take heed that now you fail not all thefe Hopes. Have they fpent fo long time in fencing the Vineyard, and weeding and pruning it, and making it ready for your hands •, and will you now fail them that are fent to gather in the vintage, and lofe all their labours ? When they have plowed the field , will you fow it by the halves ? If they had known beforehand that Mnifters would have proved idle and unfaithful, how many hundreds would have fpared their blood, and how many thou- fands would have fate ftill,and have let the old Read- ders and formalifts alone, and have faid. If we muft have dullards and unprphtable men, it is as good have one as another : It is not worth fo much coit and pains to change onecarelefsMir.iRer for another. ] The end is the mover and life of the agent in ail the means. How many thoufands have prayed,and paid, and fufFcred , and more, upon the expectations of a great advantage to the Church, and more common il- himination and reformation of the Nation, by your means. And will you now deceive them all 1 Again I fay, God forbid. Now it is at your hands that they areexpeding the happy iffue of all. The eyes of the. Nation are or (hould be, all ( under God ) upon you, for the bringing in the Jiarveftof their coll and la- bours. I profefs, it maketh me admire at rhe fearful deceitfiilr.efs of the heart q{ man, to fee how every man The ^efomd Taflor. 349 man can call on others for duty, or cenfure them for the omitting it, and what excellent Judges we are in other mens cafes, and how partial in our own ? The very judicious Teachers of the Nation can cry out (and too juftly) againft one fed and another fed, and againft unfaithful underminei's of thofe that they thought would have done the work, and againfb the difturbers^" the Reformation that was going on,and fay, [ThCTc have betrayed the Church, and fruflra- ted the Nations coft and hopes, and undone all that hath been fo long a doing. ] And yet they fee not, or feem not to fee, that it is we that are guilty of this , as much as they. It was not the Magiitrates driving, but the Miniilers drawing , that was the principal fa- ying means that we have waited for. Brethren, it were a (Irange miftake fure , if any of us ftiould think, that the price of the Nations wealth and blood was purpofed to fettle us in good Benefices , and to pull down the Bifhops, and give us the quiet poffefli- on of om- livings which they would have deprived us of. Was this the Reformation, that we might live in greater ec*fe and fulnefs ,- and fucceed the ejeded Mi- nitlers in their lefs difgraced fms 1 Why f^rs ? what are We more then ether men, that the people fhould do all this for us ? that they fhould impcverifh the whole Nation almoil to provide us a livelyhood ! What can they fee inourPerfons or Countenances for which they (hould fo doate upon us ? Are we not men,ftail and corruptible flefh, unworthy fmnerslike themfelves ? Surely it was for our work,and the ends of Oiir work, and not for our Perfons ( but in order to our work ) that they have done all this- What fay 350 Gildas Salvianus ? fay you now Brethren ? Will you deal faithfully with your Creditors, and pay the Nation the debt which you owe them ? Shall all the blood and cort of this People be fruilrated, or not ? You are now cal- led upon to give your anfwer, and it is you that muft give it. The work is now before you : And in thefe perfonal Inftrudions of all the Flock, as well as in publike preaching doth it confift. Others have done their part, and born their burden, and n^ comes in yours. You may eafily fee how great a matter lies up- on your hands , and how many will be wronged by your failings, and how much by the fparing of your labour will be loft. If your labour be more worth then all ou^ treafures, hazards and lives, and then the fouls of men, and the blood of Chrift, then fit ftill , and look not after the ignorant or the ungodly •, fol- low yoiu- pleafure or worldly bufinefs, or take your eafe, difpleafe not finners, nor your own flefh, but let your neighbours fink or fwim •, and if publike preaching will not fave them , let them perifh. But if the cafe be far otherwife , you were beft look about you. ( But I Ihall fay more of this anon.) SECT> T}?e ^formed Tajlor^ 3 5 1 SECT, 11. IL TTAving given you the flrft fort of moving ii Reafons, which were drawn from the Be- nefits of the prefent undertaken work. I come to the fecond fort, which are taken from the difficulties^ which if they were taken alone, or in a needlefs buii- nefs, I confefs might be rather difcouragements then motives : But taking thefe , with thofe that go be- fore and follow, and the cafe is otherwife. lor diffi- culties muft excite to greater diligence in a neceffary work. And difficulties we (hall find many, both incur felves and in our people •, which becaufc they ^e things fo obvious that your experience will leave no room for doubting , I ihali take leave to pafs them over in a few words. 1 . In ourfelves there is much dulnefs and lazinefs , fo that there will be much ado to get us to be faithfiil in fo hard a work. Like a fluggard in bed, that knows he fhould rife, and yet delay eih and would (lay as long as he can • fo do we by duties that our corrupt natures are againft, and put us to the ufe of all our powers. Mere floath will tye the hands of ma^ 2. We havealfoabafeman-pleafing difpofitioo;^' which will make us let men p:rifh left we lofe th^ir love, and let them go quietly to hell, leaft we fhould make them angry with us for feeking their falvation : ^fii W€ are rmy to venture on the difpleafure of God 35i Gildas SalvianiiS; God , and venture our people into cverlafting mifery , rather then get ill-will to ourfclves. This diftemper mull be diligently rcliftcd, 3 . Wc have fome of us alfo a fbolilh bafhfulnefs , which makes us very backward to begin with them , and to fpeak plainly to them : we are fo modeft for- footh , that we blufh to fpeak for Chrift, or to cpn- tradid the Devil, or to fa ve a foul : when fhamefuf Works we are lefs aftiamed of 4. We are fo carnal , that we are prone by our flelhly interefts, to be drawn to unfaithRilnefs in the work of Chrift. Left we lofe our Tythes , or bring trouble upon ourfelves , or fet people againft us, and many fuch like. All thefe require diligence for their refiftance. 5. The greateft impediment of all is, that we are too weak in the faith : So that when we fhouM fee upon a man for his converfion with all our might , if there be not the ftirrin^s of unbelief within us, to raife up adual queftionings ot Heaven and Hell, whether the things that we fhould earneflly prefs be true, yet at leaft the belief of them is fo weak, that ic will hardly excitt?" in us fo kindly, refolute , and con- ftaht zeal : So that our whole motion will be but weak, becaufe the fpring of faith is fo weak. O what need therefore have all Minifters for thc?mfelves and their work, to look well to their faith , efpecially chat their AfTent to the truth of Scripture , about the J67 and Torments of the life to come, be found and lively.'' ■- ^'--/i ■ '':•: •^; , 6. Aiidkftly,wehavecommohly^ great deal af unSktlfulnefs and unfitnefs for this work. Alas how few know how to deal with an ignorant worldly man for The Reformed TaUor. jy j for his falvation 1 To get within him, and win upon him , and iiiit all fpeeches to mens feveral conditions and tempcrs,to choofe the meetefl: fubjecls , and fol- low them with the holy mixture of ferioufnefs , and terrour, and love, and meeknefs, and evangelical al- lurements 1 O who is lit tor uich a thing I I profefs ferioufly, it feems to me ( by experience) as hard a matter to confer aright with fuch a cai'nal perfon in Order to his change, as to preach fuch Sermons as or- dinarily we do, if not much more. All thefe Difficul- ties in our felves fhould waken us to refoiutions, pre- paration and diligence, that we be not overcome by them, and hindred from, or in th^ work. 2, A ND for our people, we have as many JTjl Difficulties to encounter with in them. I. Too many of them willbeobflinately unwilling to be taught •, and fcorn to come at us, as being too good to be catechized, or too old to learn : unlefs we deal wifely with them in publike and private, by the force of Reafons , the power of Love to conquer their perverfnefs • which we mull: carefully endea- vour. 2. And fo greac is the dulnefs of many that arc. willing , that they can fcarce learn a leaf of a Cate- , chifm in a long time, and therefore will keep away , as afhamed of their ignorance , unlefs we arc wife and diligent to encourage them. 3 ■ And when they do come, fo great is their igno- rance and unapprchenlivenefs, that you will find it a wonderful hard matter to get them to undeiiland A a you , 3!r4 Gildas Salvianus ; yc^u^.fo that if you have not the skill of making "tilings plain , you will leave them as ib:ange to it, as before. 4. And yet harder will you find it to work things upon their hearcs,and fet them fo clofe to the quick,as to make that faving change which is our end, and without which our labour is almoil loft. Oh what a block, what a rock is a hardened carnal heart 1 How ttitHy will it rejftthemoft powerful perfwafions ! and hear of everlafting life or death as a thing of no- thing I If you have not therefore great ierioufnefs, and fervency , and working matter, and fitnefs of ex- preflion, what good can you exped ? And when all isdone,thefpiritof Gracemuftdothe work : But arGcdandmen do ufe to choofe inftruments moft fuitable to the nature of the agent, work or end , fo here the fpirit of wifdom, life, and holinefs, doth not ufetoworkbyfooli{h,dead or carnal inliruments , but by fuch perfwafions of Light, and Life , and Pu- rity, as are likeft to it felf, and to the work that is to. be wrought thereby. 5, And when you have made fome defirable Im- preAions on their hearts, if you look not after them, and have not a fpccial care of them when they are gone , their hearts will foon return to their former * hardnefs, and their old companions, and temptations will work off all again. I do but brieflly hint thefe things which youfo well know. All the difficulties of the work of convcrfion , which you ufe to acquaint the peopie with, are here before usinour prefent work -^ which I will forbear to enumerate, as fuppo- fing It unneceflary- ^ SECT. 7he Reformed TaUor, 35^ SECT. III. 1 1 1 . ~|~ H E third fort of moving Reafons arc drawn from the Ncceility of the un- dertaken work : Forif it were not NeccfTary , the lazy might be difcouraged rather then excited, by the forementioned difficulties, as is atbrefaid. And if we ihoulcf here expatiate , we might find matter tor a volumn by it felf. But becaufel have already been longer then I did intend, I iliali only give you a brief hint of fome of the general grounds of this Neceili- And I . It is Neceffary by Obligatjon , Vt Officii um, NecefiitAte prace^.ti .' and 2. It is neceffary a^^ fi- nem • and that, i . For God. 2. For our neighbours. 3. Andfor ourfelvfs. I. For the firil of thefe. i. We have on us the Obligation of Scripture-precepts, i. General. 2.Spe- cial. And 2. thefubfcrvient obhgation (or thchrft bound failer on us) by Promifes and Threatnings. 3 . And thefe alfo feconded by executions, even i . by aAual Judgements': 2. and mercies. Andlafdy, we have the Obligation of our own undertaking upon us. Thefe all deferve your Confideration , but may not be infifted on by me , left I be over tedi- I ous. r^' I. Every Chriftian is Obliged to do all that he ca.n ' for the falvation of others, but every Minifter is doubly obliged, becaufe he is feparared to the Gofpei of Chrift, and is to give up himfelf wholly to that Aa 2 work. 556 Gildas Salvianus ; work. Rom. r. J. i Tim. 4. 15. It is needlefs to make any further quellion of our Obligation, when we know that this work is needful to our peoples j converfion and falvation, and that we are in general ' comnnanded to do all that is needful to thofe ends , as far as we are able. That they are neceflary to thofe ends hatli been fhewed before:, and fhallbemore anon. Even the antient profcfTors, have need to be taught the Principles of Gods Oracles , if they have- negleded it , or forgot it, faith the Apoltlc , ^^Kni Tfov ^o:/Q,i"ni 5^«. Meb.'y. i2. Whether the un- converted have need of converiion and the means of it,I hope is no doubt among us : And whether this be a means, and a needful means, experience may puc us far out of doubt, if we had no more. Let them that have taken moll pains in publike, examine their people, and try whether many of them be not yet as ignorant and carelefs almoft , as if they had nevert heard the Gofpel. For my part, I fludy to fpeak a* plainly and movingly as I can, (and next myftudy, to fpeak truly, thefe are my chief ftudies ) and ycti I frequently meet with thofe that have been my, hearers this 8. or 10. years, wlio know not whether • Chriil be God or man, and wonder when I. tell them the hiftory of his birth , and life , and death^ and fending abroad the Gofpel , as if they had never heard it before, and that know not that Infants have any original I'm : And of thofe that know the Hifto- ry of the Gofpel , Iiow few are they that know the nature of that faith, repentance, and holinefs, that it re^uireth • Or at leall, that know their own hearts ? But moft of them have an ungrounded affiance in Chrift, The Reformed Ta/lor^ 357 Chrift, trufting that he will pardon, jullifie and fave them, while the world hath their hearts, and they live to the flefh : And this affiance they take for a ;uftifying-faith. I have found by experience, that an ignorant lot that hath been an unprofitable hearer fo long, hath got more knowledge and remorfe of con- fcience in half an hours clofe difcourfe, then they did from ten years puWike preaching. I know that preaching of the Gofpel publikely is the moil: excel- lent means, becaufe we fpeak to many at once : But otherwife , it is ufually far more effedual to preach it privately to a particular finner, as to himfelf. 1 or the plaineft man that is, can fcarce fpeak plain enough in publiKe for them to underiland •, but in private we may much more. In publike , we may not ufe fuch homely exprellions , or repetitions, as their dulncfs dotli require, but in private we may : In publike bur fpecches are long , and we quite over-run their un- derftandings and memories, and they are confound- ed and at a lofs, and not able to follow u5, and one thing drives out another and fo they know not what we faid : But in private we can take our work ^radM"*- tim^ and take our hearers with us as we go , and by queltions and their anfwers, we can fee how far they go with us, and what we have next to do. In pubhke, by length and fpeaking alone, we lofe their attenti- ons : But when they are Interlocutors, we can'eafily caufe them to attend. Befidesthat, we can (as was abovefaid ) better anfwer their Objedions , and en- gage them by Promifes before we leave them , which in publike we cannot Ao. I conclude therefore that publike preaching will not be fufficient : 1 or though it may be an efedual rae»nstoconv|^rtmany,yec Aa 3 i^> 358 Gildas Salvianus- not fo many •, as experience, and Gods appointment of further means , may affure us. Long may you ftudy and preach to little purpofe, if you negled this duty. 2. And for inftances of particular fpecial Obliga- tions, we might eafily fhew you many, both from Chrilts own example , who ufed this interlocutory preaching, both tohisDifciplesandtothe Jews, and from the Apoftles examples, who did the like : But that indeed it would be needlefs tedioufnefs to recite the pafTages to thofe that fo well know them, it being the moft ordinary way of the Apoftles preaching, to do it thus interlocutorily and by difcourfe : Anil when they did make a fpeech any thing long to the people, yet the people and they difcourfe it out in the condufion. Thus Fet^r preached to the Jews, ^^Uj z and to Cornelius and his friends, ASls lo. andthuj ^h lip preached to the Eunuch, /4(^7/ 9. and thus Pam preached to the Jaylor, AEls 16. and to many others. Its plain that it was the commoned preaching of thoft times, which occalioneth the Quakers to challenge us to fhew where any ever took a text, and preacHt as we do ; , ( though they might have found that Chriil didfo, Luk^j^, i8. ) Paul prti^ckedrnvatel) tothtm of repm^ttion lejt h^ fl>o*4!dhive rnn , and Uhottredih va'.n^ Gal 2.2. And chat earned charge no doubt in^ cludeth it, 2 Tim. 4^. itl. 1 clour ge thet therefore bf. fore God and the Lord /c/^/ C^rift, wkojka/i fudge. tifi ^ukJ^dindtbe dead at his afpearing and hU Kingd$m\ Preach the WcrJ-, he r/ifiant i»feafo»i and out effpAfon reprove % rebul^e^ sxhort-t ^ith all long- faff eriiog am T>o[irine. Both publike preaching, and all forts Reproofean^LExhortatipns are here required. '■■■'■ 3 . Anc The Reformed TaHor^ 3 59 3. And how chefe preceptss arefecondcd with pro- mifes and threatnings , is fo ; well known , chac 1 ifhall pafs it over with ihc reft. T Here is a Nccedity alfo of this Duty ad fi- mm . and firft, To the Greater Glor of God , by the luller fuccefs of the f-orpel : Net ftm^lj to hU Glor J ^ as it he could not have his Glory without it : for fo our falvation is not Neccflary to his Glory ; but to his Greater Glory : bccauffi he is mod honoured and pleafcd when moft are faved; For he hath fworn that he hath no pleafurc in the Death of a Sinner, but rather that he return and live. And doubtlefs as every C hriftiap livech to the Glory ofGod,ashisEnd,rowili he gladly take that courfe that may moft effedu^lly promoteit : For Whatman would not attain his Ends ? O Brethren if we could generally fet this work a foot in all the 'Pariihesof fcK^/rf^^, and get our people to fubmic to it, and then profecure it skilfully and zealoufly our felves, what a Glory would it put upon the face of the Nation, and what Glory would redound to God thereby ? If our conmon Ignorance were thus bani{hed,and our vanity andidlenefs turned into the ftudy of the way oHifc, and every Shop, and every houfe were bulled in learning ofCatechifms, and {peaking of the word and works of God, what jfPleafure would God take in our Cities and Coun- tries ? He would even dwell in our habitations, and make them his delight. It isthe Glory of Chrjft Uhat (hineth in his Saints ; and all their Glory is. hie J A a 4 Glory j 36o Gildas Salvianus 5 Glory ; that therefore which honourcth thccn, in Number, or excellency, that honourcch him; Will not the Glory of Chrift be moft wonderful and con- fpicQous in the new JtrHfaUm, when the Church fhall have that (hining iuftrc that is defcribed in Rev» 21 . Mt is he that is the fun and the (hield of his Church, and his light is it in which they (hall have light; and the bufinefs of every Saint is to glorifte him :If therefore we can increafe the Number or ftrength of the Saints, we thereby increafe the ho- nour of thi: King of Saints ; For be will have fer- vlce and praife where before he had difobediencc and difhonour. 1 hrift alfo will be honoured in the fruits of hisbloodfhed^and tht fpiritof Qrace in the fruit of his operations ; And do not all thefc Ends require that we ufe the means with diligence ? 2. This Duty alfo.i ncceffiry to the welfare of our people : How mach doth tt conduce to their falvation is manif-ft. brethren, can \ou look be- licvingly on your miferable neighbours, and not per- ceive them calling for your help ? There is not a fin* ner whofe cafe you (hould noc fo far corapafiionate, as to be w.lling to relieve them at dearer ratesthen this comes to. <^ an you ee rhem as the wounded man by the way, and unmercifully pafs by? Can you hear themccy toyou,as the man of Macedonia to Paul in his .ifion, come and help us ? and yet will you iefufe your help? Are you cntrufted with an hofpital,\^h«;:re one languifheth in one corner,and another groaneth in aiiother, and cryeth oat, Q help me? piry raefor the Lords fake, and a third is raging mid, and would deftrov himfelf and you, and yet will you fit idle, or refufe your help ? 7he Reformed Tajlor. 3^i If it may be faid of him that rciieveth not mens bo- dies, how much more of them that relieve not mens fouls , that if joH fet jour brother have nu^, 4nd fhtit up the vowels of jour Qomfaffion from him, hoW dwilleth the love of Qod in you } You are not fuch Montters,fuch hard-hearted men, but you will pity a Leper, you will pity the naked, imprifoned or dc* folate, you will pity him that is tormented with grievous pain or ficknefs ; And will you not pity an ignorant hard-hearted finner? will you not pity one that muft be (hut out from the prefence of the Lord, and ile under his remedilefs wrath, if through Repentance fpeedily prevent it not ? O what a heart is it that will not pity fuch a one } what (hall I call the heart of fuch a man? a heart of ftone, or fl very rock, or adamant, or the heart of a Tyger ? or rather the heart of an Infidel? for fureifhebe* licved the mifcry of the impenitent, it is not pofsiblc but he fhould have pity on him I Can you tell men in the Pulpit, that they (hall certainly be damn- ed except they repent , and yet have no pity on them when you have proclaimed fuch a danger ? And if you pity them, will you not do this much for their falvation ? what abundance round about you are blindly haftening to perdition ? and your voice is appointed to be the means of reclaiming them. The Phyfician hath no excufe^who is doubly bound to relieve the (ick, when every neighbour is to help them. Brethren, what if you heard finners cry af- ter you in the ftreets,^ Sir ; have pity on me, and df, ford me your advice ! / am afraid of the iverUfiing ^rath cfGod I / k»OT» I ^w/? portly leave this worlds and I Am afraid lefi J fia'l he miferabli in the mxt \ Ctuld 3*^ Gildas Salvianus. Could you deny your help to fuch a finncr ? What if they came to your Study-door, and crycd for help, and would not away, till you had told them howtocfcape the wrath of God? could you find in your hearts to drive them away without advice / I am confident you could not. Why, alafs fuch pcr- fons arc lefs raiferable then they that cannot cry for help, it is the hardened finncr that cares not for your help; that moft necdeth it . and he that hath notfo much life as to feel that he is dead, nor fo much light as to fee his danger, nor fomuch fenfe left as to pity himfclf, this is tnc man that is moft to be pitycd. Look upon your neighbours round about you, and thinK what abundance need your help in no Icfs a cafe then the apparent danger of damnation. And every impenitent perfon that you fee and know about you, fuppofe that you hear ihera cry to you for help, at ever you \itied poor 'Wretches pity us, /eft ^e (hould he tormented in the flames of hell • if J oh have the hearts of men^ pitty us : And do thar for them that yon would do if they followed you with (uch complaints. O how can you walk and talk, and be merry with fuch people, when you know their cafe ? Me thinks when you look them in the face, and think how they muft lie in perpetual mifcry, you fhould break forth into tears fas the Prophet did when he looked upon //<«- *4#/, ) and then fall on with the moft importunate Exhortations / when you muft vifit them in their ficknefs, will it not wound your hearts, to fee them ready to depart into mifery, before you have ever dealt ferioufly with them for their recovery ? O then for the Lords fake, and for the fake of poor fouls^ Ihe Reformed fajlor: 363 fouls, have pity on them, and bcftir your fclves,and fpare no pains that may conduce, to their falva- tion 3. A Nd I muft fiirther tell you, that thi> Mi- yjLniftcrial fidelity is Neceflary to your own welfare, as well as to your peoples. For this is your work, according to wliich f among others) you (hall be judged. You can no more be favcd with- out vl/i»/7?fr/W diligence and fidelity, then they or you can be faved without Chrifiian diligence and lidclicy, If you care not for others,at kaft care for your felves. O what is it to anfwer for the negled of fuch a charge ? and what fins more hainous then the betraying of fouls ? Doth not that threatning make us tremble? [_Jf than warn not the mckf^ ■ their Iflood m/l I require at thj hauai.'^ I am afraid, nay I am part doubt, that the day is near when unfaithful Minifters will wi(h that they had never known that charge . But that they had rather been Colliars or Tinkers, or fweepers of Channels, then Payors of Chrifts flock/ when befides all the reft of their fins, they fhall have the blood of fo many fouls to anfwer for. O Brethren, our death as well as our peoples is at hand 1 and it is as terrible to an unfaithful Paftor as toany.When we fee that dye we muft , and there is no remedy, no wit or learning, no credit or popular applaufecan put by theftroke,or delay the time; but willing or un- willing, our fouls muft be gone, and that into a world that we never faw, where our pcrfons and worldly 3*4 Gildas Salvianus [ worldly inccrcft will not be rcrpc(^cd, O then for a clear Confcience, that can fay Q I livtd not tomj ftl[ but to Chrtfi^ Ifpare^ not mj patns^ I hid not my talent'^ I concealed not ment miftrj^nor tbe^ayof their ncovtrj.'] O Sirs, lec us therefore take time while we may have it, and work while it is day, for the night comech . when none can work. This IS oar day too : and by doing good to others, we tnuft do good to our felves. If you would prepare for a comfortable death ^ and a fure and great Reward , tha harveft is before you : gird up the loins of your minds, and quit your felves like men ; that you may end your days with that confident triumph [ / h4ve fortjrht a good fight, I have kjpt the fsith, I have finifhed mj courfe ; henceforth ulaidupfo^me a crown of Right eoufnefs^ ^hich God the right eout fudge JhaS give me^ And if you would be blefled with thofe that dye in the Lord ; Labour now, that you may reft from your labours then, and do fuch works as yon would wi(H fliould follow you , and not fuch as will prove your terror in the review. SECT, 77;^ (Reformed Tajlor. 365 SECT. IV. HAving found fo great Reafon to move us to this work, I (hall, before I come to the Diredions. I . Apply them further for our Humiliation and Ex- citation. And z . anfwer fomc Objedions that may be raifed. And I. what caufe have we to bleed before the Lord this day, that have negleded fo great and good a work fo long ? That we have been Minifters of the Gofpel fo many yeai^s, and done fo little by perfbnal inflrudions and conference for the faving of mens fouls I If we had but fee a work this bufinefs fooner, that we have now agreed upon, who knows how ma- ny more might have been brought over unto Chrift ? and how much happyer we might have made our Pari{hes,ere now ? And why might we not have done it fooner as well as now ?I confefs many impediments were in our way, and fo there are ftiil , and will be while there is a Devil to tempt, and a corrupt heart ' in man to refift the light : But if the greateft impe- diment had not been in our felves, even in our own darknefs, and dulnefs, and undifpofednefs to duty , and our dividednefs and unaptnefs to clofefor the • work of God , I fee not but much might have been done before this. We had the fame God to command us , and the fame miferable objeds of compa/iion , and the fame liberty from Governors of the Com- mon-wealth. But we il:ood looking for changes, and we would have had the Magiftrate not only to have given ^66 Gildas Salvianus ; ^iven us leave to work, but have done our work for us,or at leaft to have brought the game to our hands, and while we lookt for better daies, we made them worfe, by the lamentable negled of a chief part of our work. And had we as much petitioned Parlia- ments for the interpofition of their Authority to compell men to be catechized and inftruded by the Minifter, as we did for maintenance and other mat- ters ^ its like we might have obtained it long ago , when they were forward to gratifie us in fuch undif- putable things. But we have iinned, and have no juft excufefor our fin ^ fomewhat that may perhaps ex- cufe a tanto^ but nothing a toto ^ and the fin is fo great, becaufe the duty is fo great, that we ihould be afraid of pleading excufe too much. The Lord of Mercy forgive us, and all the Minilky of En^Und^ and lay not this or any of our Minifterial negligences to our charge. O that he would cover all our un- faithfulnefs , and by the blood of the everlafting Co- venant, would wafh away our guilt of the blood of fouls, that when the chief Shepherd (hall appear, we may ftand before him in peace, and may not be con- demned for the fcattering of his Flock. And O that he would put up his controverfie which he hath againft the Pallors of his Church , and not deal the hardlyer with them for our fakes •, nor fufferunder- miners or perfecutors to fcatter them, as they have fuffered his Sheeptobefcattered 1 and that he will not care as little for them, as they have done for the fouls of men ^ nor think his falvation too good for them, as they have thought their labour and fuffer- ings too much for mens falvation : and as we have had many daies of Humiliation in England^ for the fins The Reformed ^aHor. ^6j iins of the Land, and the Judgements that have lain upon us , I hope we (hall hear that God will more throughly humble the Miniltry , and caufe them to bewail their own negleds , and to fet apart fome daies through the Land to that end • that they may not think it enough to lament the fms of others, while they over-look their own • and that God may not abhor our folemn National humiliations, becaufc they are managed by unhumbled Guides ^ and that we may firfl prevail with him for a pardon for oar felvcs, that we may be the fitter to beg for the par- don of others. And O that we might caft out the dung of our Pride , Contention , Self-feeking and Idlenefs , left God fhould caft our facrifites as dung in our faces, and fhould caft us out as the dung of the earth, as of late he hath done many others for our warning I and that we might prefently Refolve in concord to mend our pace, before we feel a Iharper fpur then hitherto we have felt. SECT. V. 2. AND now Brethren, what have we to do Jl\ for the time to come, but to deny our lazy contradiding flefh, and rouze up our felves to the bufinefs that we are engaged in. The harveft is great, the labourers are too few ^ the loyterers and conten- tious hinderers are many •, the fouls of men are pre- cious I, the mifery of finners is great ^ and the ever- Jafting mifery that they are near to is greater-, the beauty 3^8 Gildas Salvianus 5 beauty and glory of the Church is defirable • the joy that we are helping them to, is unconceivable ^ the comfort that tbliovvctha faithful fteward-fhip is not fmall j the comfort of a full fuccefsalfo will be grea- ter • to be co-workers with God and his Spirit, is not a little honour •, to fubferve the blood-fhed of Chrift for mens falvation is not a light thing : to lead on the Armies of Chrift through the thickeftof the enemies, and guide them fafely through a dangerous wilder- nefs , and fteer the vefTel through fuch ftorms, and rocks, and fands, and fhelves, and bring it fafe to the harbour of Reft , requireth no fmall skill and dili- gence : the fields now feem even white unto harveft, the preparations that have been made for us are very great ^ the feafon of working is more warm and calm,then moft ages before us have ever feen: we have carelefly loytered too long already- the prcfent time is porting away^ while we are trifling^men are dy ing,&; how faft are men pafling into another world ? And is there nothing in all this to awaken us to our duty ^ and to refolve us to fpeedy and unwearied diligence ? Can we think that a man can be too careful and pain- ful under all thefe motives and engagements ? Or could that man be a fit inilrument for other mens il- lumination, that were himfelf fo blind ? or for the quickning of others, that were himfelf fo fenflefs ? What Sirs, are you that are men of wifdom as dull as the common people ? and do we need to heap up a multitude of words to perfwade you to a known and weighty duty ? One would think it (hould be enough to fet you on work , to (hew a line in the Book of God, to prove it to be his will ? or to prove to you that the work hath a tendency to mens falvation ? One The Reformed TaHor. 3^9 One would think that the very fight of your niifer- able neighbours fhould be motive fufficient to draw out your moft compaflionace endeavours for their relief ? If a cripple Jo but uiilap his fores , and fhew you his difabled limbs , it wAi move you without words ? and will not the cafe of fouls that are neer to damnation move you ? O happy Church, if the Phyfcians were but healed themlelves ! and if we had not too much of that Inridclity and ftupidity which we dailv preach agaiml, in others 1 and were foundlyer pe: fwaded of that which we perfwade men of, and deeplyer aflfeded with the wonderful things,wherewith we would affed them I Were there but fuch clear and deep imprefiions upon our fouls , of thofe glorious things that we daily preach, O what a change would it make in our Sermons, and in our private couiie ! O what a miferable thing it is to the Church and to themfelves, that men mull preach of Heaven and Hell , before they foundly believe that there are fuch things I Or have felt the weight of the Dodrines which they preach 1 It would amaze a fenfible man to think what matters we preach and talk of I What it is for the foul to pafs out of this flefh, and go before a righteous God, and entei* upon unchangeable Joy or Torment 1 O with what ama- zing thoughts do dying men apprehend thofe things ! How {hould fuch matters be preacht and difcourft of ? O the gravity , the ferioufnefs, the unceffant diligence, that thefe things require I I know noc what others think of them , but for my part, I am aihamedof my ftupidity, and wonder at my felfthac I deal not with my own and others fouls, as €ne that looks for the great day of the Lord • and chat lean Bl> have 37^ Gildas Salvianus^ have ro ^m for almo • any other thoughts or words* tnd that Tuch aftonifhing matters do not wholly ta;e me up : 1 marvail ho^; lean preach of them flighdv anu coldly / aivd how > can let men alone rn their fiiis / and thac 1 do not go to chem and beleech them for the Lords fake to Repent, however they take it, and whatever pains or cro.*ble it (hould cuftme/I fcldom come out of the Pulpit, but my Confcience fmiteth me that 1 have b.cn no more fc- rious and fervent in fi^ch a Cafe. it accufeth me not fomuch for want of humane ornaments or elegancy, nor for jetting fall an un^ hanfom wo^d. But it asketh me Hoi- coMfl thon fytal^ of Life and D.urh with [tiC^"- a Henrt ? Hovf couUf} thdfi T^rtach of Heaven a»d HeS^ in fuch a carelefs feepy mdnmr f Dofi thou btlievt ^h-it tko$$ faifi > Art thti in ear reft or in jfft } Ho"^ c^nft thofi tell freop/t that Jin u fuch a th»g> and that jo mnch fnijery ts Hpcn them And hefort thsnty ^»J Ift no more uf- felled with 't> fbonldj} tkoH nof weep ever J tech 4 peopief and fhotild not thy te^n interrupt thy words ? JSohUfi thou not ery aloud ^ anX fljew them their ttanfgtffpont } ard intreat and htfeech asfor iife and death. Truly tbisisthe peal that Confcience doth ^rlnginmy ears, andyetmy drouzie foul will not / 6e awakened 1 what a thing is a lenfclefs hardened heart tO Lord fave us from the plague of Infidelity aod Hard-heartednefs ouncUes, orelfehowfliall ^«beik Internments offaving others from it.'O tfothat on onr own fouls, whiih thou would ft ofe us to'do on the fouls of others / 1 am even confo nded ti& think what difference thtrt h betwien royfick- Qffs^pprehcnlicms , ^nd cny Palpt aad dilc^or^j fing The Reformed TaHor* 3 7 1 fing apprelicnfions of the life to come? TliaC ever that can fecm fo light a matter to rnc now, which feemcth fo great and aftonifhirg a matter then ; and I know will do fo again when death looks me in the face , when yet i daily know and think of that approaching hour ! and yet thofe fore- thoughes will not recover fuch working apprchcrfions r O Brethren furc if you had all converfed with neigh- bour-death as oft as I have done, and as often re- ceived the fen'-encc in your fclves, you would have an unquiet Confcicnce, if not a reformed life in your Minifterial diligence and fidelity; and you would have iocnething within you that would fre- qoently ask you fuch queftionsas thefe: // tb j all thy Comi'i*Jfiononlojf finnert ? wilt tkoi do no more to ftfk^und to fave thef»^ Is there not fnch And fuch^arJ ftfchd cne^O kdyv nianj round affcnt thcifthat are jet the vifible font ofdtath ? H^hat hafi thou /aid to them or done for their recovery} fh^ll they dye^aKd he in Hell before thou wilt [peak, to them one Ifrlous Vfcrd to prevent it ? PjhII they there curfe theefo'' ever thAt dtd^ no more in tithe to fave them? fuch cri«*s of Confcience are daily in mine ears, though the Lord know^ 1 have too little obeyed them. Tf^^e God of Mercy pardon me, and awake me, with rhe reft of hisr fervancs that have been thus frnfuUy neg- ligent, Iconfcfs CO myftiamc, that! feldom hear the Pell toll for one that is dead, but Confcience asketh me ffhdt haff thou done for thefaving of thai foul before it Itfft the body > Th^re ii one more gone to! fudgen^enti ?vh^t didji thou to pr'eyare them for Judge- mtnt^ a nf yet I have been fibcbful and backward* to help the rdV th at do furviv^. How can you Bb 2 chufc. 37* Gildas Salvianus ; fhufc, when you are laying a Corps in the gravC; but think with yonr fclves, Here Iteththt body, but where is tf^ejoul} ayid ^^h^t ha^t^e 1 done for ttj hefore it departed f It vm part of mj charge^ whnt acconnt can J give ofir^O Sirs, is it a fmall matter to you to anfwer fuch queiuons, as shcfe? Ic may feem fo BOW, but the hour is coming whcnic will notfecro fo. If our hearts condcm us, God is greater then our hearts, and will condemn us much more, even with another kind of Condemi]aiion then Confci- cncedoth.The voice of confcience now is a flil voice, and the fcntcnce of Confcience is a gentle fentence^ in comparifon of the voice,and the fentencc of Ciod. A las /Confcience feeth but a very little of our fin and mifery,in comparifon of what Cod fceth. Whax mountains would thefe things appear to your foufe* which now fecm mole hils ? Wlwt beams would ih«fe be in your eyes that now fcem motes; if you d^d but fee them with a clearer light ? ( I dare not fay, As God feeth them; we can cafily make (hift to plead the Caufe with Confcience, and either bribe it, or bear izs fentencc ; but God is not fo eafi- ly dealt with, nor his fentencc fo cafily born. fVhtrefon we receiving (and preaching^ 4 Kingdom that cannot he moved, let U4 have grace vphtrebj wr maj-ferve God accept dblj^ with rtverence, and Godly f^ar 'for our <]odU a Confuming fire^ Heb. i 2. »/^ But becaufe you (hall not fay, that I atfright my fclf or you with bug bears, and tell you of dangers and xerrors when there arc none, I will here add the certainty and {nrencfs ofthat €ondeiDnation,that is like to befal the negligent I^aftors, and particu- ku:ly that will befall us chat arc tiere dm day^ tf we TJje Reformed fa/l'^r- ni ftall hereafter be wilful neglcders of this great work; How many will be ireadytorife up agaiolt uf to our Condemnation ? 1 . Our Parents that deilinated us to the Mi- niftry may condemn us, and fay, Lord we devoted them to thyfirviee^ and tb') made light of it ^ and fervd thcmfiives. 2. Our Maftcas that taug!^ us, our Tutors that inftrurtcd u< ; The Schools and Univcrfities that we lived in, and all the years that we fpent in ftudy^ miy r fe up in jiidgemen: againft us, and Con^ dcmn us ; For why was all this, but for the work of God? 3. Our Learning and Knowledge and Minifterial gifts m\\ condemn us ; For to what are wc made partakers of there,but for the work of C^od ? 4 pur voluntary undertakingthc Charge of fouls will condemn u« ; For all men (hould be true Co the truft.thatthey have undertaken f 5. A lithe Care of v,»od for his Church, and all, that Chriil harh done and fuffered for the^n^wili rife up in judgeaient agiinllus, if wc be ncgligenr and unfaithful, and condemn us ; For that we dui by our negled dellroy them for whom Chrift dyed. 6. Allthefevere Precepts and Charges ofh iy Scripture, with the Promifes of Ailiftancc and re- ward and the threacnings of punilh nent , will rife up againft the unfaithful and condemn them ; Yot God did not fpeak all this in vain. 7. All the Examples of the Prophets and A- poftlcs and other Preachers recorded in Scripture, will rife up agaiqft fuch and condemn |tbera -even Bb J ^ thil 374 Glldas Salvianus ,. '^bis pattern that is fee them by Taul^ /IHsio. And all the'examf>les of the ddigent fervants of Chriit .in rhele latter times, and in the places about them. For thefe were for their imitation, and to provoke the.n to a holy emulation in fidelity and Miniilerial dili- gence. 8 .The Koly Bible that is open before us,and all the Bocks in our iliudies thai tell us of our duty, di;edly or indircdly , may condemn the lazy and unprofi- table fervanc : For we have not allthefc helps and furniture in vail. 9, All the Sermons that we preach to perfwade our people to work out their. falvation with fear and tremblin^^, to lay violent hands upon the Crown, and take :he f.ingdom as by force, to drive to enter in at the drait gite, and fo to run as they that may obtain, ^c. will rife up againft the unfaithful and condemn them. } or if it fo nearly concern them to labour for their falvation, doth it not concern us who have the charge of ihem to be alfo violent, laborious, and un- wearied in ftriying to help on their falvation ? Is it worti: lIi-.M!" labour, and patience, and is it not alfo worth ours > 10. All the Sermons that we preach to them to fet out the danger of a natural Hate, the evil of fin, the ne.dof Chrili,and Grace, the [oyes of heaven, and the torments of hell, yea and the truth of Chriftian Religion, will rife up in judgement againft fuch and condemn them. Andafadreyiewitwiilbe to them- ft\vcs^ when tliey fh^ll be forc't to think , Did I tell them of fuch great dangers and hopes in pifolike, a-nd w ;uld I do no more to help them in private ? What tell them daily of thieatneddiiimnation, and yet lee . them The Reformed TaHor. 37 J them run into it fo eaf^ly ? Tell them of fuch a do- ry, and fcaixe fpeaK a word to them perfonalily to help them to it ? Weiv thefe fuch great matters With me at Church, and fo fmail when I cam? homei^J AU this is dreadfiil felt-condemnacion. 11. All the Se.mons that wc have preached to perfwade other men to fuch duties , as neighbours to exhort one another* daily, and pla Jily to rebuke them, and parents and mailers to do it to their chil- dren and f rv mcs, will nfe up in Judgement againit fuch, and condemn them, lor will youperfwade others to that which you will not do ( as far as you can) your kWes ? V/hen you threaten them tor negleding it, you threaten your own loi:ls. 12. All our hard cenfures of the N agiilxate for doing no more, and all our reproofs ol him for per- mitting Seducers, and denying his lurcher aiiif^ance to the ^•iniirers, doth condemn our fdv>s it were- fufe onr o.vn duty. "What mnii all the tlulirs of the world be fervants to our floathailnef?, or I'gl t us the candle to do nothing, or only hold cl^e itirrup :o our Pride, or make our beds for us, that we may ueep by day-i.ght ? Should they do tneir part in a fuboi-di- nate office to proted and furtncr un, and fhould not we do ours who i^and neareft to the ^nd ? 13. All the maintenance that we take tOr our fer- vice if we be untaithful will condemn us : For who is it that will pay a fervant to take his pleai;- re , or fit ftil or work for himielf i* if we have the 1 k-:ce , it is fure that we may look to the t lock. And by lajiing the wage-, we oblige our felves to the work. 1 4. All the honour that we expe A or receive from the people , and all the Mimftchal Priviledges before gj) 4 fupn^ioned 57^ Gildas Salvianus ^ mentioned will condemn the nnftitlifui : Tor the honour is but the encouragement: to t! e work , and obligech to it. 15 . All the wltnefs that we have born again^ the fcandalous negligent Minifters of this age, and the words we have f -loken again(lthem,and all the endea- vours that we have uf:d for their removal, will con* demn th^mfaithful. For God is no rcfpeder of per- fon^ : If we fiicced them intheirlinj, wefpoke all thatagainftourfelves. And as we condemned them,' God and others will condemn us, if we imitate them. And though we be not fo bad as they , it will prove fad to be too like them. 16. All the Judgements that God bath executed on them in this age before our eyes, will condemn us if we be unfaithful : Hath he made the idle Shepherds and fenfual drones, to ftink in the noftrils of the peo- ple } and will he honour us, if we be idle and fenfual ? Hath he fequellred them, and cafl: them out of their habitations, and out of the Pulpits,and laid them by, as dead, while they are j'livc, and made them a hifling and a by-word in the Dan d ? and yet dare we imi- tate them ? Are not their fufferings our warnings ? and did noi all this befall them for our examples ? If any thing in the world l-hould waken Minifters to felf- denyal and diligence , one would think we had (ten enough to do i^- *i If t"e Judgejnents of God on one man fhoald do fo much, what flioiild fo many years judgement on fo many hundreds of t em do ? Would you have imitated the old world, if you had feen the flood that drowned them ! Would you have taken up the fins of >* What ever was fometime che means that we lookt at, yet lull the end of all our Prayers was Church- iletbrmation , and therein efpecially thefe two things •, %yi j^u fnl (^Mivftry , ana Exerctje of DiJctpU e t*t the (^lonrch : And ^A it once enter then into the hearts of the people, yea or into our own hearts to imagine , that when we had all that we would have, and the matter was put into our own hands, to be as painful as we could, and to exe'cife whatDifcipline we would, that then we would do nothing ( but publikely preach) that we would not b? at the pains of Gate- chi zing and Inltruding our people pcrfonally ? nor cxercifeanyconfiderablepartof Difciphne at all > It atbnilheth me to think of it I What a depth of deceit is il^the heart of man I What, are good mens hearts fo deceitful > Are all mens hearts fo deceitful ? I con- it{^ I told many fouldiers and other fenfual men then, that when they had fought for a Reformation, I was confident they would abhorr it and be en^es to it , whqri The Reformed Tafior* 37P ivhen they faw and felt it : thinking that the yoak 3|f Difciplinc would have pincht their necks : and that when they had been catechized and perfonally dealt with, and reproved for their fin, in private and publike, and brought to publike confeilion and re- pentance, or avoided as impenitent, they would have fcorned and fpurned againft all this, and have taken the yoak of Chrift for tyrannic : But little did I think that the Niinifters would have let all tall, and put almoR: none of this upon them, but have let them alone for fear of difpleafing them, and have let all run on, as it did before. O the earneft prayers that I have heard in fecrec daies heretofore for a PAinfptl Mintflry^ and for DtJ^ ch/ine 1 As if they had even wreftled for falvation it felf ? Yea they commonly called Difcipline , The Kingdom of Chrift ; 0^ the Extrcift of hu Ki jij office in hi<( hurci}-^ and fo preached and prayed for it, as if the fetting up of Difcipline , had been the fetting up of the Kingdom of Chriih And did I then think that they would refufe to fet it up when they might I What is the Kingdom of Chrifl now recko- ned among the tilings indifferent I If the God of heaven that knew our hearts, had in the midd: of our Prayers and Cries on one of our Publike monethly lads, returned us this anfwer with his dreadftil voice, in the audience of the Affembly , ToudfceiifMl htAfttdfinners ; voloMHyfocrtfieutht^^ to we4r} me with yonr cries for that ^hichy^^uwH net h^ve if / in'ould give it Jfcfi I dnd thnst^ iift up your voices for thut which your fofiis al^hor \ vrhat U Reformation, hut the inJiruElitig and importunate per* /^Adiffgef Jinfjers t0fint0rfai»miChrifi andGract as 3^1 Gildas Salvianus • eftredtitem , and the Gtrmn^ mj (^hurch according torn) word } And thefe which areyourvfori^^yoHYvill fi9t he pe>-/i^.ided to . >^hen Jgh come to find it troiible^om 4Md u^gri^tftil 1 xphen I have delivered joh^ it ts not me bHtjoarfelvei thdt you ^i{l(erve ; and I mHi} be as earnefi to perj^aie ^im to reform the C^^urch iu do- ing jour own dnty ^ M yon areeameffwtth me to grant yottiiiferty far reformation ? and wh mall is done , yon wUl leave it undone t and will be tonf before you ^ill ire perfjvaded to my \k>orl^, I fay, if the Lord or any MefTenger of his, had given us in fuch an anfwer ^ would it noc have amazed us, and have feemed incre- dibletous, that our hearts (houldhave been fuch as now they prove ! and would we not have faid as HuK^tel^ If ihy fe'^vant a dog^ that he/houlddothis thfKg ? Or as Peter, Though ali men forfake or deny thee, I Will not \ Well Brethren I too fad experience hath fhewed us our frailty : We have denyedthe troublefom and coftly part of the Reformation, that we prayed for ! But Chrid yet turneth back, and looketh with a merciful eye upon us. O that we had yet the hearts, immediately to go out & weep bitter- ly,and to do fo,as we have done,no more, left a worfe thing come unto us,and now to follow Chri'l: through labour and fulf^ring , though it were to the death , whom we have fo far torfaken. 1 9- All the Judgements upon the Nation,the coft, the labour , the blood, and the deliverances, and all the endeavours of the Governors for Reformation, wiil rife up againft: us if we now refufe to be faithful for a Reformation , when it is before us, and at our will. . I have faid fomewhac of this before. Hath God been Tf)e<^eformedXoHld Jlnctrdj , really and conjlantlj tyidfwvoHr in ttur feverzt pUces ani callings tht Reformatisnef Religi- en n ^jlirine , fV^r/h-p , ^ iciflne and Cj^vern* ment "^and ^t did frofefs^ur true and unff gned pfirppfe^ dcfv e and endeavour for our [elves and all others under our power and ch rge^ both inpublikf- and pnvntet in all dutes We orv to Cjod and man. to amend our lives t and each one tc go btfcre another in the 8X' amj It of a Real Reformattdn, And this Covenant we made ^ts m tht prefence of God thefearcher of all hearts Tvith A true intention to perfWm the fame as vpe (hall anfWer at the great day )^hen the (ecreis of hU hearts fh'ill be difclofed O drca^tiil ca'fe then chat wc have put our felvc«into,if infinite mercy help us not out ! May we not fay after the reading of this ais fofiah af- ter the reariing oi the Lavv, r Kwgt 22. 13. 2 Chr'on, 34. 21. Great 14 the Vicrath of the Lord that U ^ind/^d agatnft w, becaufe rve have nop done according to thU Covenant. Could a people havedevif^areMdierWyto thruft themfelves under the curje ef Goa%f Ji4t¥ a filemn dreadful Covenant^ and ^ben the^ hav* dotke fo long^Jo Ttnlfully^ Jo rpeniy to violate it> DoCh nor this plainly bind us to-the private af well as the publike part ofour duty f and to a Real Reforma- tion of Diiciplintf in our pra^ice ? ^gain therc- fote i niuii ntedf fay, what a bottomlc;s depth of deceit is the heart of man I O what heavy charges have wc brouj^ht againft many others of thcfc times for break ng ihis folemn Vow and Covenant (from which I aaiiai from undertaking to acqqit them) whca 384 Gildas Salvianus . when yet we that led the way, and drew on otbersi and daily preach*: up Reformanon and Difciplinci have fo horribly violated this Covenant our felves, that in a whole Countrey it is rare to find a Mini- fter, that hath fet up Difcipline or private In- ftrudion. And he that can fee much done towards it in £«^/W,hath more acquaintance.or better eyes then I have. 2. Alfo in our frequent folemn Humiliation- days inthe timeofourdeepdiftrefs and fear, how pub- likcly and earneftly did we beg deliverances, r.ot oi for our Jakjj, hntfor tkt Chnrcb and Gofitljaks^ as if we had not cared what had become of us, fo that the Reformation of the Church might go on, and we promifed if God would hear and deliver us, what we would do towards ic. But O how un- faithful have we been to thofc Promifes ! as if we were noi the fame men that ever fpoke fuch words to God 1-Jl confcfs it filleth my own foul with (ha me, , toconfidcr the unanfwerablenefs of my affedions and Endeavours to the many fervent prayers, rare deliverances, and confident Promifcs of thofe years of advcfity 1 And fuch experiences of the almoft in- credible unfaithfulnefs of our hearts , is almoft enough to make a man never trulVhis heart agan; and Confequently to (hake his Certainty of finccri- ty • Have we now, or are we like to have any higher Refolutions, then thofe were which we have bro- J^en/And it tends alfo to make us queftion inthe nexc extremity, even at the hour of death, whether God will hear and help us any morc^ who have forfeited our Credit with him by proving fo unfaithful. If h many years publikc humiliations fpurred on by fuch Giida^ Salvianus • 38? fuch calamities as neither wc nor our fathers. for many Gencracions had ever fcen. had no more in them then now appear.%and if this be the ifl'ue of all, how can wc cell how to belitve our felvcs hereafter ? It may n.nkesus tear left our cafe be like the IJrae- lites,P[al 78.34, 3) ,36,57,43,42,57. Who^Afw/j? jle^ thent^ then ihcyjoti^^ht hm^ and the) returned^ ana erjqf4ired CAvly after (jodi and they rememhred that God was their Rock^^ and the high Cjcd their Kc deemer^ N evert he/efj the) did flutter hm rvith their mouth : and they Ijcdunto him with their tcn£Sies ; For their heart was not right rvith Cod, neither )X>ere they ^edfaft in hii Covenant* They rememhred not h'i handy nor the day when he delivered them from the Enemy. But turned backt And dealt unfaitifnlly like their fathers i they )X>ere turned ^^ fide like a ds' ceitful bow. 3. Moreover, if we will not be faithful in duties that wc are engaged to, our own Agreements and Engagements which remain fubfcribed by our hands, and are publifhed to the view of the world, will rife up in judgement againftus and condemn us^ We have engaged our felves U'-dcr our hands near three years ago, that we will fee up the exercifc of bifcipline, and yet how many have neglcdedir to this day without giving any juft and reafonable ex- cufe ? We have now fubfcribed another Agreement and Engagement, for Catechizing and Inftruding all that will fubmit. We have done well fo far ; But if now we (houldflag and prove remifs and fuper- ficial in the performance, Our lubfcriptipns will condemn us ; this days humiliation will condemn us. Be not deceived : God is not mocked • it is not Cc yonr 3^^ Gildas Salvianns ; your Names only, but your hearts and hands alfo that he rcquirerh -.There is no dallying with God by feigned i^romifes ; He will expeft that \ ou be at' good as your words. He will not hold him guilt- lefg, that by falfe Oaths, or Vows, or Covenants with him doth take his holy Name tn vain ? fThen thou vo\'>('e[} a vow unto God^ defer not to piy it ; for he hatlono fleafisre in fools '^ pay that vhich thou haft vowed. Better it 14 that tInoH Jljouldft not z/ott', then that thoti jloulafi vo"^ /^nd not pay; fuffer not thy 97tofithtoc^mfethj fle/hto fm ; reither f^j thou before the Atigely th^t it was an Error ; rwherefore fhould God be an^ry at thy voice^ and deftroy the rvork of thy bands ^ Ecelers.5 4 5»6. And thus I have (hewed you what will come on it, if you (liall not fet your felves faithfully to this work, to which you have fo many obligations and engagements? and whatan unexcufable thing our negled would be, and how great and manifold a condemnation it would expofc us to. Truly Brc- thcn,ifldid not apprehend the work to be of ex- ceeding great moment, to your felves,to the people, and to the honour of God. 1 would not have troubled you with fo many words about it, nor have prcfumed to have fpoken fo (harpiy as I have done. But when it is for life and death men are apt to forget their reverence, and courtefie and com pleracnts, commonly called Good manners \ For my part I apprehend this as one of the beft and grcateft works that ever I put mine hand to in my life. And I verily think that your thoughts of it are as mine : and then you will not think my wOrds too many or too keen; I can well remember th^ time The RefomedfaHor: 3^7 time when I was earneH: for the Reformation of mar ters of Ceremony : and if I lliould becoldinfuch a fubftantial matter as this, how diforderly , and dif- proportionable would my Zeal appear I Alas, can we think that the Reformation is wrought, when we calt out a few Ceremonies, and changed fome ve- flures, and geftures, and forms I O no Sirs ! it is the converting and favmg of foiils that is our bufinefs : Thats the chiefell: pai'C of the Reformation that doth moil good, and tendeth moft to the falvation of the people. Let others take it how they will, I will fo far (peak my confcience for your juft encouragement, as to fay again, that I am verily perfwaded that as you are happily agreed and combined for this work, fo if you will but taithfuUy execute this Agreement, toge- ther with your former Agreement for Difcipline, you will.do much more for a true Reformation , and that peaceably without meddling with controverted points then I have heard of any part of Srtgland to nave done before you , and yet no more than is un- queftionably , your Duty. Cc 2 SECT. 3^* GilvJasSalvianus- SECT. VI. TAm next to atifvvcr fome of thofe Obj.^di- ons, which backward minds may cart in Oilrway. And i. feme may obje^, that thit co^rje "^tll tak^e fi^fo much ti*ne that a mAnJhdll h^ve tio tifite tofollovphisflpt'-ifs : A^Iofl of tis art johtij^ ani riw^ ana have need af much time to improve cur own abti.» tief^ tvh'cl} thu cmrje rv !l prohibit us. To which I an- Aver : I. We fuppofe themf whom weperiwadeto this vvork,to under iland the fubrtance of the Lhrifti- ah Religion , and to be able to teach it others : And the addition of lowe^ andlefs ncceflary things, is not to be preferred before this needful commumcation of the fundamentals. I highly value common know- ledge, and would not encourage any to fet light by it : But I value the faving of fouls before it. Tliat work which is next the end nuift be done , whatever be undone : Its a very deferable thing for a Phyfician to be throughty ftudied in his art •, and to be able to fee the teafon of his experiments, and to refolve fucb difficult controverfxs as are before him : But if he had the charge of an Hofpital, or lived in a City that Kid the raging Peftilence, if he would be fludying de ferment aticne^ de ctrculattone f^ingHini^y de vefivulo ckjli^ de wfirumentis fangutfic itionis ^ and fuch like excellent ufefiil points, when he (hould be looking ta his patients, and faving mens lives, and ihould tiirit fhcm away and let them periffi, and tell them th^ he caiaot have while to give them advice^ bccaufe he 7k Reformed Tajlor. 3?^ mufl follow his own (ludies, I fnould take chat man for a prcpoileroiis ftudent, that preierr'd the rej.qce means before che end it felf of ins ftudies : and in- deed I fhouid think him but a civil kind of Mii: derer. Mens fouls may be faved without knowing , whether God did predetermine the creature in all its aAs? whether the underilanding neceiTarily determines the wil? whether God works Grace in a Phyfcalor Moral way of caufation ? What fie^-will is ? Whether God h3iye fciinfidKi meM^m ? Or pofitive decrees de wiioctilpct ; v/ith a hundred fuchliKe, which are the things that you would be itudying when you (hould be faving fouls. Gti well to heaven, and help your people thither , and you fliall know all thefe things in a moment, and a thoufand more which now by all your ftudies you can never know : and is not this the moll expeditious & certain way to knowledg. 2. If you grow not extenfively in knowkge, you wiit by this way of diligent pr...d:ice obtain the in- tenfive more excellent growth ; if you know jiot fo many things as others,you will know the great things better then they : lor this ferious dealing with fin^ ners for theu: falvation, will help you to far deeper apprehenfions of their faving principles, then will be got by any other means. And a little more of th^ knowledge of thefe is worth all the other know- ledge in the world. O when I am looking heaven- ward, and gazing towards the inacceflible light, and afpiring afccr the knowledge of God, and find my foul fo dark and diftant , that I am ready to fay , [^ I know not God •, he \s above me : quite out of my reach J this is the moft killing and grievous Ignorance 1 Sne ^thinks 1 could willingly exchange 393 Gildas Salvianus ^ all other knowledge that T have for one glimpfe more of the knowledge of God and the life to come. O that I had never known a word in Logick, Metaphy- ficks, &c. Nor known what ever School-men faid , f) I had but one fpark more of that light that would fhew me the things that I muft fhortiy fee. Vormy part,! conceive that by ferious talking of everlafting things , and teaching the Creed and fhortcR; Cate- chifm, you m.ay grov; more in knowledge ( though not in the knowledge of more things.) and prove much Wifer m.cn , then if you fpent that time in common orcuri)uslefsneceflary things. 3. Yet let me add, that though 1 count this the chief, I would have you to have more •, becaufe thofe fubfervient fciences are very ufeful : and therefore I fay, that you may have competent time for both : Lofenone upon vain recreations and cmployn ents : Trifle not away a minute ;Confume it not in needlefs fleep : Do that you do with all your might : and then fee whether you have not a competent time. If you fct apart but two daies in a week in this great work that we are Agreed on, you may find fome for common Itudies out of :^11 the other five. ' ;>!|'.- Duties are to betaken together : the greateft x&hz preferred ^ but nonv.^ to be negleded that can be per'tbrmed ^ nor one to bepleadcdagaintl ano- ther, but each to know its pr^+efi&n- : but if there were fuch a cafe of Nccellitv, that we could not read foi: ourfelves inthe coiirfeof our further ftu- diei;^:^.mi T/rdrud the Ignorant both, I would throw by ri!itn? libraries inthe world, rather then be guil- ty of the perdition of one foul • or at le^ft, I know that this rs n7y^dIlty, Oh], The Refowied TaUor- 39i Obj. 2. 1 ? «f tb^ courfe ixlH defiroj the health of cur J Jhodns^hy continpidl j^iKclng the/piritfyd^ n'!o^')i:>it}g U.S no time for Kccejfarj rccre'^tictii'^af^dit ^ill wholly lockout up from any civilfricndl) viJjtut':?*iS , fc that we W'fi never fiirfrom kome^ r.or tuk^ our delight at home one day ^>th our friendj^ for the rtLxMion of otir muds ■ hut a- we PjaU fetm dfcoHrteotts and morofc to others^ fo wifh dl tire otivftives ^adthe bo'^ that u ft ill hent Viull he in dungtr of hreaJ^ng at Ufi- fty^Yif^ I . This is the meer plea of the flefh for its ownintereft: The fluggard faith, there is a Lyon in the way. He will not plough becaiife of tl e cold. There is no duty of moment and felf-denyal , but I'i you confult with flefti and blood, it will give you as wife reafons as thefe againft it. Who would ever have been burnt at a ftake for Chrift, if this reafoning had been good ? Yea or who would ever have been a ChrilHan ? 2. We may take time for necefTary Recreation for all this ? An hour or half, an hours walk before meat, is as much Recreation as is of neceflity for the health of molt of the weaker fort of ftudents. I have reafon to know fomewhat of this by long experience. Though I have a body that hath languifhed under great weakneffes many years, and my difeafes have been mch as require as much exercife as almoft any in the world , and I have found exercife the principal means of my prefervation till now, and therefore have 39i Gildas Salvianus 5 have as great reafon to plead for it as any man that I know alive, yet I have found that the forefaid pro- portion hath been blelTed to my prefervation(thongh I know that much more had been like to have tended to my greater health. ) And I do not know one Minift'er of an hundred,that needeth fo much as my felf. Yea I know abundance of Miniders that fcarce ever ufe any cxercife at all ( though I com- mend it not in them ) I doubt not but it is our duty to ufe fo muchexeicifeasisofnecefTity forthcpre- fervation of our health, fo far as our work rcquireth ; elfe we fhould for one daies work lofe the opportu- nity of many : But this m.ay be done, and yet the works that we are engaged in,be done too. On thofe two daies a week that you fetapai't for this work, what hinders but you may take an hour or two to walk for the exercife of your bodies ? Much more on other daies. , But as for thofe men that limit not their Recreati-1 ons to their dated hours, but mull have them for the pleafmg of their voluptuous humor, and not only to fit them for their work, fuch fcnlualiils have need to fhidy better the nature of Chrillianity, and learn the danger of living after the flefli, and get more morti- fication and felf-denyal before they preach thefe things to others. If you mull needs have your plea- fures, you fliould not have put your felves into that calling that requireth you to make God and his fer- vice your pleafurc, and rellraineth you fo much from flcfhly pleafures. Is it your bapcilinal eiigagen|Ent toi fight againft the flefh ? and do you kiiow that much of the Chriftian warfare confilleth in the combate between the flelh and the fpirit > and that is the very difference 7he ^formed Tajlor. 39i difference between a true Chriftian and a wicked wretch, that one liveth after the fpirit , and mortify- eth the deeds and defires of the body , and the other livcth after the flefh ? and do you know that the overcoming the flelh is the principal part of our vi- dory, on which the Crown of life depends ^ and do you make it your calling to preach all this to others • and yet for all this muft you needs have your plea- fures > If you muft, then for (hame give over the preaching of the Gofpel , and the profeflion of Chriftian felf-denyal, and profefs your felves to be as you are, and as you fow to the flefh , fo of the flefli ftiall you receive the wages of corruption. Doth fuch a one as Pan^^ fay ? ^ therfore fo run, not ai an- certawly : jo fight 7, not as one that htateth the air ", 'But 1 kee^ undtr ni) Mj^ and bring it into fubjeHiony Icdft thiit hj ^ny means ^ when I have preached to ethers, I my fcif fijutd be a c^fi'a\'>Pay , I Cor 4. 26, 27. And have not fuch Tinners as tt?!-, need to do fo ? Shall we pamper our bodies, and give them their de- fires in unnecefTary pleafures, when 7^^»/ muft keep under his body, and bring it into fubjedion ? Muft P^ui do this, leafi after all hu preaching he fhould be a cafl'A '^'ay f and have not we caufe to fear it of our felves puich more ? I know that fome pleafure itfelf is lawUii •! rhat is , when it is of ufe to the fitting us for our work. But for a man to be fo far in love with his plcafures, as that he muft unneccfTarily waft his precious time in them, and negled the great work of God for mens falvation, yea and plead for this as if it muft or might be done, and fo to juftifie himfelf in fuch a courfe, is a wickednefs inconfiftent with the common fidelity of a Chriftian, much more with the fidelity 394 Gildas Salvianus- fidelity of a Teacher of the Church : And fuch wretches as are hvtrs ofple:i;u>€j^n?ore tl en lovers of gcd^ mull: look to be loved of him accordingly , and are fitter to be cafl: out of Chriftian Communion, then to be the chief in the Church for we are com- manded, ^'rom itich to lurn anaj^ zT,m. 3 . 5 . Recrea- tions for a ftudent, muftbe fpecially for the exercife of his body, he having before him fuch variety of de- lights to his mind. And they muft be as whetting is with the Mower, that is only to be ufed fo fir^is ner ceflary to his work. And we muft be careful that it rob us not of our precious time, but be kept with- in the narroweft bounds that may be. I pray perufe well Mr. fVK'^Mfe/s Sermon of Redemption of time. 2. And then the labour that we are now engaged to perform, is not likely much to impair our health. Its true, it muft be ferious :, but that will but excite and revive our fpirits, and not fomuchfpend them. Men can talk all the day long of other mat- ters without any abatement of their health : and \^hy may not we talk with men about their falvation with- out fuch great abatement of ours ? 3 . It is to be underftood that the dircdion that we give, and the work which we undertake is not for dy- ing men, that be not able to preach or fpeak , but for men of fome competent meafure of ftrength, and whofe weaknefTes are tollerable, and may admit of fuch labours. . .4. What have we our time and ftrength for,but to lay it out for God ? What is a Candle made for , but to be burnt ? Bui'nt and wafted we muft be, and is it not fitter it fhould be in lighting men to heaven, and in working for God , then in living to the flefh ? How T he Kefomed fajlor : 395 How little difference is there between the pleafure of a long life and of a fhort, when they are both at an end ? What comfort will it be at death, that you lengthened your life by (hortcning your work ? He that works much- livcch much: Our life is to beeftec- med according to the ends and works of it , and not according to the meer duration. As SenecM can fay of a drone, \hi jMet^nonibivivu ; &diHft4it^ non dm 'vixit : Will it not comfort us more at death to review a fliort time faithfully fpent,then a long time unfaith- fully ? ^.. And for the matter of Vifitations and Civili- ties, if they be for greater ends, or ufe, then our Mi- nideriai imploymcnts are, you may break a Sabbath for them ^ you may forbear preaching for them, and fo may forbear this private work ^ But if it be other- wife, how dare you make them a pretence to negled fo great a duty ? Muft God wait on your friends ? What if they be Lords, or Knights, or Gentlemen ? Mull they be ferved before God ? Or is their difblea- fure or cenfure a greater hurt to you, then Gods difpleafure ? Or dare you think, when God (hall queftion you for your negleds, to put him off with this excufc, Lord I Woui4 have (pent more of my time in fiekj-^g mens falvatioy;^ but that fuch a Gentleman And ftich a friend tvould h-ive taken it ill if I had not vaited en them. If you yetjeekjo pleafe men^ you are no loK'ner the fervants of Cbrtf}. He that dares fpend his life in fle(h-plcafingand man-pleafing, is bolder then I am. And he that dares waft his time in comple- ments, doth little confider what he hath to do with it. O that I could but improve my time according to my conviftions of the neccfiity or improving it ! He that hath 39^ Gildas Salvianus ; hath lookt death in the face as oft as I have done, I will not thank him to value his time. 1 profefs I ad- mire at thofe Minifters that have time to f'pare , that that can hunt, or (hoot, or bowl, or ufe the like re- creations two or three hours, yea whole daies almoft together , That can i it an hour together in vaindif- courfes •, and fpend whole dales in complemcncal vi- iitations, and journeys to Oich ends. Good Lord , what do thefe men think on ! when fo many fouls about them cry for their help, and death gives no re- fpitc ^ and they know not how fhort a time their people and they may be together ? When the fmalleft Pariih hath fo much ^vork that naay imploy all their diligence night and day 1 Brethren, I hope you are content to be plainly dealt with. If you have no fenfeof the worth of fouls, and of the precioufnefs of that blood that was fhed for them, and of the ^lory that they are going to, and of the mifery that ttiey are in danger of •, then are you no Chriltians , and therefore very unfit to be Minifters : And if you have, how can you find time for needlefs recreations, vifitations or difco^rfes ? Dare you Hke idle Gofsips, chat and trifle away your time, when you have fuch works as thefe to do, and fo many of them > O pre- cious time 1 How fwifcly doth it pafs away 1 How foon will it be gone I What are the 40. years of my life that are paft I Were every day as long as a moneth, me thinks it were too fhort for the work oft day 1 Have we not loft enough already in the daies of ©ur vanity ? Never do I come to a dying man that is not utterly ftupid , but he better fees the worth of time I O then if they could call time back again^ how loud would they call ? If they could but buy it. The Reformed fajlor. 3^7 It, wha: would they give for it ? And yet can we af- ford to trifle It away 1 Yea and to allow our felvesin this, and willfully caft off the greatcil works of God 1 O what a befooling thing is fin, that can thus diftra A men that feem fo wife 1 Is it pollible that a man of any true companion and honelly , or any care of his Viiniilenal duty, or any fenfeof theftridnefs of his account , fhould have time to fpare for idlenefs and vanity ? And I mud tell you further Brethren, that if ano- ther might take fome time for meer delight which were not neccffary, yet fo cannot you •, for your un- dertaking binds you to finder attendance then other men are bound to. Maya Phyfitian in the plague- time, take any more relaxation or recreation then is neceffary for his life, when fo many are expeding his help in a cafe of life and death 1 As his pleafure is not worth mens lives, fo neither is yours worth mens fouls. Suppofe your Cities were befieged , and the enemy on one i](k watching all advantages to fur- prize it, and on the other fceking to Hre it with gra- nadoes which are caft in continually. I pray you tell me now, if certain men undertake it as their office to watch the ports , and others to quench the fire that (hall be kindled in the houfes, what time will you al- low thefe men for their recreation or relaxation > When the City is in danger , or the fire wih burn on and prevail if they intermit their diligence I Or wouW you excufe one of thefe men if he come offhis work, and fay, I am but flefh and blood, I muft hflvc fome pleafure or relaxation ? At eke utmoft f«re you would allow him none but of neceility ? Do not grudge at this now and lay. This is a hard faying. 39^ Gildas Salvianus ; faying, who can bear it? For it is your mercy ; and you arc well, if you know when you are well, as I (hall (hew you in anfwering this next Ob- jcdion. Cbjcft. 3 . T <^o »ot thinly thdt tt is required of CM.- nifiers that they make drudges of them- felves.Ifthty preach diligently , dndvtjit thejsck,^ and do other MinijlerUl duties ^ and occafionally do good to thofe thty converft vfith, I do not thinly that God doth moreover require that rve p^ould thus tie our fe/vis to InftruB every perfoM difiin^ljf^ and to make our lives a burden andajlavery ? Anfw, I. Ofwhatufc and weight the duty is, I have (hewed before land how plainly it is command- ed. And do you think God doth not require you to do all the good you can ? Will you ftand by and fee finncrs gafping under the pangs of death, and fay, God doth not require me to make my fclf a drudge to fave them ? Is this the roicc of Mi- nifterial or Chriftian Compaflion ? or rather of fen- fual La^ypm^ and diabolical cruelty I Doth God fee you work to do, and will you not believe that he would have you do it ? Is that the voice of obedience, or of rebellion ? It is all one whether your fk(h do prevail with you to deny obedience to acknowledge duty ,and fay plainly I wil obey no fur- ther then it plcafcth me.Or whether it may make you wilfully rejcd the evidence that (hould convince you chat it is a duty, aud fay I will not believe ic Co be my duty unlcfs ic pleafc me. Its che true Chara&er of the Reformed TaHor. 399 of an hypocrite, to make a Religion to himfelfof the cheapen part of Gods fcrvice, which will ftaiid with his flelhly ends and felicity ; and to rejeAihe reft, which is inconfiftenc thaewith. And to the words of Hypocnf^e, this objection fuperaddcth the words Dothefcmen delightin Holincfs, that account it a flav.fti work ? Do the* believe in- deed the Mifery of linners, that account it fuch a flavery to be diligent for to fave thera Chrift faith that he that denieth not himfdf and forfaketh not all and taketh not up his crofs and foUoweth him, can- not be his Difciple. And thefe men count it a fla- very to labour hard in his vineyard, and deny their cafe, in a time when they have all accomodations and Enceuragemenrs i How far is this from for- fakingalU and how can thefe men be fit for the Miniltry that are fuch enemies to felf-ilenyal, and fo to true Chriftianity ? Still therefore I am forced to fay, that all thefe Objedions arefo prevalent, and all thefe carnal reafonings hinder the Reforma- tion, and in a word, hence is the chief mifery of the Qhrnch-i thut fo many are made t^inijltrs hefon they are ChriftUns. ]f thefe men had feen the diligence of C hrifl in doing good, when he neg- leded his meat to talk with one woman, Joh. 4. and when they had no time to eat bread, Mark,^''^2^ would The Reformed Taftor. 40J would net they have been of the mind of his carnal friends that went to lay hold on him, andfaid, He. isbcfidcsbimfelf, verfzi* They would have told Chrift he made a drudge or a flave of himfelf, and God did not require all this ado. If they had feen him all night in prayer, and all day in preaching and healing, it feems he (hould have had this cenfnre from them for his labour 1 1 cannot but advife thcfe men to fearch their own hearts, whether they nn- feigncdly believe that word, that they preach ? Do you believe indeed thatfuch Glory attends thcfe that dye in the Lord, and fuch Torment attendeth thofc that dye unconverted? If you do, how can you think any labour too much, for fuch weighty ends } If you do not, fay fo, and get you out of the vineyard , and go with the Prodigal to keep fwine, and undertake not the feeding of the Flock of Chrift. Do you not know that it is your own benefit which you grudge at? The more you do, the more you receive : i he more you lay out, the more you have coming in: If you are ftrangcrsto thefe Chriftian Paradoxes, you fhould not have taken on you to teach them to others. A t the prefent, our incomes offpirituallife and peace are commonly in way of dBty;ro that he that is moftinduty hath moft of God : Exercife of Grace increafeth it : And is it a flavcry to be more with God, and to receive more frumiiim, then other men ? It is the chief folace of a gra- cious foul to be doing Good, and receiving by do* ing • and to be much exercifed about thofe Divine things which have his heart. A good ftomack will notfayatafeaft, whatafltvcry isic tobcftowmy time The Reformed TaHor. 401 time ^nd pains fo much to feed my felf .' Befides, r^at we prepare for fuller receivings hereafter : we fee our Talents to ufury, and by improving them we fhall make five become ten, and fo be made Rulers of ten Cities. VVc fhall be judged according to our works. Is it a drudgery to fend to theutmolt parts of the world, to exchange our trifles for Gold and Jewels ? Do not thcfc men feek to Juftifie the pro- phane, that make all diligent godlmefs a drudgery, and reproach it as aprecile and tedious Wfe^^SLy^^^ they will never believe but a man may be faved with- out all this ado ? Even fo fay thefe in refpe^^ to the works of the Minuhy , l hey take this diligence for ungrateful tcdioufnefs and they will not believe but a man may be a faithful Miniftcr without alT this ado /It is a hainous (in to be Negligent in (6' great abufmefs : but to approvcof that negligence,* and fo to be impenitent, and to plead againllduty^ as if it were none, and when they fhould layout themfclves forthefavingoffoulsjto fay/^«? net he" lie'ethit God requireth it ; this isfo ^reat an ag- gravation of the fin that (where the Churches Ne- ce/Iitydoth not force us to makeufe of fuch, for Want of better j 1 cannot but think them worthy to be caft out as the rubbidi, and as f^t that hathloji its favour^ that is ntitkerfit for the iand^ nor yet for the dunghil, if tit men caft it cut ; he that hath ears to hear (faith Chrift in thefe words) let him hear^ Luke 14. 3435. And if fuch Minifters become a by-word and reproach, let them thank themfclvcs : for it is their own fin that makcththem vile, \Sam»i.\^, And while they thus debafe the fervicc of the Lord, they dq but debafe themfclvcs^ and Dd pre: 40^ Gildas Salvianns ; prepare for a greater abafement at the laft. Objcd .4. 't'^Vt if you make fnclofiv ere Livfs for JjxJUintflerj ^ the Church wUl be Itp^HthofJt. For ^hat man ^ill ptat himfelf upon fuch a toUjom Uje ; or what Parents will choo/ejuch a hurdenfortheir children > Men \^i/l avoid it hot k for the bodily toil^ and the da\iger to their Conference ty if they Jhoald not well difcharge it. Arf. I . It is not we, but Chrift that hath made and impofed thefe Laws which you call ievcre. And if I fhould filence them, or mif-intcrpret them, or teli you that there is no fuch things, that would not relax them nor difoblige or cxcufc you. He that made them, knew why he did it, and will exped the performance of them, is infinite Goodrefs it felf to be qucrtioned or fufpefled by us, as making bad or unmerciful Laws? Nay it is mcer mercy in him that impofeth this great duty upon us ,1 IfPhyfiti- ans be required to be as diligent in Hofpitals or Peft- houfes or with other patients, to fave their lives, were there not more mercy . then rigo r in this Law ? what* muft God let the fouls of your Neighbours perifh, to fave yon a little Labour and fuffering ; and this in mercy to you ? O what a mifcrablc world, (hould wc have, if blind felf- conceited man had the ruling of it? 2.. And for a fupply of Paftors, Chrift will take care. He that impofeth duty, hath the fulnefs of the Spirit, and can give men hearts to obey his t^s. Do you think Chrift will fufFcr all men t»; The Reformed Taflor^ 40 J hz as cruel, unmerciful, flcllily and k\('fQzk\r[g as ow ? He chat hach undertaken himlcltthe work of our Redemption, and born our tranfgrenions, and b it : but he- will provide men to bw' his Servants and Ufliersinhis School that O^all wllin Jy t>ike the labour on them, and rejoyce to be fo im ployed, and account that the happteil life in the world which you acc6unt fopjreat a toil, and would nor change it for all your eafc-and carnal pleafure , but for the f:iv:ng of fouls, and the propagating of the Gofpel of v hrift, will be content to benrtks Lur.ien iiKcl heat cf the day^ and to fill up the njeafure of • thi fuif^r-.K^s ef Cbriflin their hdiiS, and to do W'hu they di with rJ I their might, andtoWorl^ x^bfle it m day. .'U:d to he the Jerv ir.ts of all, and not to ]>leafe rhetmlclves hat others for their EdtficaticHy and ia btcome all tkmgs to Ml men that they mAj fave fome^ and to endure a'l things for the eUBs fakf, and to jpcnd -Kd be (pent fir me r:^ though the more they love^ t':e left they PjouH he heloved, r.nd fjoHid be ^icccunted their eyiernies for telling them the truth ; fuch 'T aflors will Chrifl provide his people after hi^ ovrn he-rt^ th.1t )X\ll feed them with know/edge : as men that feel^^ not theirs, hut them. What, do you think -Ciirift can have no fervants, if I'uch as you (hall with 'De- nSiU turn to the prefent world 'ind forfakc him ? If you difl.ke his fervice, youmayfcek you a better where you can find it, and boall of your gain in the Con- clufion: but do no: threaten him with the IttTs ©f Dd 2 your 404 GildasSalvianus; your fervicc. He hath made fuch Laws as you will ci{\\ fevere^fcr all that will be faved as well as for hisMinifters C though he impolenoton them the fame cmpliymentj ; for all muft drnj themlelves and morttfie the fl^lh, and be crncifitd to the woriJf and take uf their Crofi andfollow Chrifl. thtt wU be hts Difciplei : And yct Chril^ will not be without Difciples, nor will he hide his feeming hard terms from men totice them to his fervice, but will tell them of the worft,and then let them come or chufe ; He will call to them before hand to count what it wil co(\ them, and tell them that the'foxes have holes and the birds of the air hive neffs, btttthefonofm^f f were once with 1) v'.d^ and fay will the [on c/ Jcffe give yon fields and vineyard: ? Every m^n to yopir tents O Ifrael : and if ynu fay, 2^o^ look^to thy ow'-i hone O David, you (hall fee that Chrift will look to his own houlc, and do you look to yours as well as you caUj and tell me at the hour of death or Judgement which is tlie better bargain, and whether Chrift had more need of you. or you of him. And for fcrupliQg it in Confeience for fear of fai- ling, I . It is not involuntary impcrfe^ions that Chrift will take fo hatnoufty : but it »s unfaittukiefs a^d wilfal negligence ; 2. And ic (hall not fcrve JOttC The Reformed Tajlor. 4^5 your turns to run out of the Vineyard or harveft , on pretence of fcruplcs , that you cannot do the worK as you ought. He can follow you and over- take you as he did 7i;«^ with fuch a ftorm, as (hall lay you in th^belly of Hell : Totally tocaftoffa duty, becaufe you cannot endure to be faithful in the performance of it, will prove but a poorexcufeac laft. If men had but reckoned well atfirll:,of the difference between thmgs temporal and eternal, and of what the^^ (liall lofe or get by Chrift, and had that faith which is the evidence of things not fecn, and lived by faith and not by fenfe, all thefe objV^di- ons would be eafily refolved •, and all the plea's of flefh and blood for itsintereft, would appear to have no more reafon, then afick mans plea for cold wacer inaPeftilentialfeaver. Dd 3 Obj.5. 4o6 Gildas Salvianiis 5 Obj. 5. T^ VT to \>;h.-.t pf^rpofe^ afltbir^whcn X? moft: of the people rptil not fubmit r Thtfy Vfill but fniike a fcomatyenr motior^ ■ndtillu'^ thty YPillnot ccme to ns lohc (^atechiz(J^.» th^t they are toi old r, 0X9 to go to Schoal ; And therefore tt u ^ good let them alohe , a.i tronhle cur jeltes to no pPirr pofc. Anfn\ I . Its not to be Jcnyed, but too many peo- ple are .obllinate in their wickcdncfs , and too many fimple ones love rimplicity, and too many fcorners delight in 'fcorning, and i'ools hate knowledge, Pr.ov. 1.22. But the worie they are, the ladder is their cafe, and the more to be pityed , and the more diligent fhould we be for their recovery. 2. I would it were noc too much long of Minifters, that a great p.irt of the peopk' ar€ fo obflinate and contemptuous ? If we did ihine and burn before them as we (liould, had we convincing Sermons and convincing lives , did we fet our felvcs 10 do all the good we could what ever it cod us: Were we more humble and meek , more lo- ving and charitable, and lee themi fee that we fet light ;by all worldly things in com pari fon of their falvati- on •, much more might be done theYi is , and the mouthes of many would be Aopt, and though flill the wicked will do wickedly,yet more would be tradable, and the wicked would be fewer and calmer then they are. If you fay, that the ableliandgodliellMini- fters in the world have had as untradable and fcorn- ful Panihoners as any others, i anfvver, that even ' able The Reformed TaUor* 4^7 able godly men have feme of them been too lordly and ftrange, and fome of them too uncharitable and worldly , and backward to coiHy, though necelTary works, and fome of them have done buUittle in pri- vate, when they have done excellently in publike .^ and fo have hindredthctruit of their labours. But where chefe impediments are abfent , experience tel- eth us that the fuccefs is much greater, at lead , as to the bowing of people to more calmnefs and teaih- ablenefs : but we cannot exped that all fhoukl be brought to fo much reafon. • 3 . Their wilfuinefs will not excufe us from our duty : If we offer them not our help, how know we who will refufe it : Offering it is our part, and ac- cepting is theirs •• If we offer it not , we leave them excufable (for then they refufe it not) but its we that are left without excufe. But if they refufe our help when its offered, we have done our part, and de- livered our own fouls. 4. If fome refufe our help, others will accept it ; and the fuccefs with them may be fo much,as may an- fwer all our labour were it more. It is not all that are wrought on by our publike preaching, and yet w^ mull not therefore give it over as unproritable. D d 4 Obj, 6, 4o8 Gildas Salvianus . Obj. 6. Jy"^ ^ ^^-^^ l.hlyhood U then thxt nun ^ -D jy;7/ y^ informed or canvertei by tki-f me.ins , thnt mil not hj the preAchirj^ of the^oyd > '^hen that ts Cods chief Ordinance appoiKted to ihu end : F/itth cofnes h) hearings and hearing bj the ivord preached. -^ \\^ yinfvc. I. The adva'htag^Sl have fliewed you be- fore, and therefore will not ftand to repeate them ^ only, left any think that thi^ will wrong them by hindring them from preaching, I add to the 20. Be- nefits before mentioned , that it wjll b« an excellent means to help yoii in preaching; Fof as the Phyfiti- ans work is half done v/hen he fully knows thedifeafe, fo when you are acquainted well with your peoples caf?, you will know what to preach on ^ and it will furnifh you with matter to talk an hour with an ig- norant or obftinate'finner, as much as an hours ftndy vvilldo : for you will ktiow what you have need to infift on , and what objedions of theirs to re- fell. 2. I hope there is none fo filly as to think this con- ference is nor preaching. What dotli the number we fpeak to make It preaching } Or doth interlocution ■ make it none } Sure a man may as truly preach to one as to 1 000. And ( as is aforefaid ) if you learch, you'l find,that m.oft of the Gofpel preaching in thofe daies, wai, by conference, or ferious fpeeches to peo- ple occafionally, and frequently interlocutory : and that with one or two, few^r or more , as oppor- tunity 7he ^formed Tajloy. 40P tunity ferved. Thus Chrift himfelf did moft com- monly preach. Befides, we mu ft take account yf our peoples learning, if we mind the fuccefs of our worK. There is nothing thei'efore from God , from the fpirit , from right reafon, to caufe us to make any queftion of our work, or to be unwilling to it. But from the wo;:ld , from the flefh and the Devil, we fhall have much,^-jnd more perhaps then we yet ex- pert. Bucagaini^temptations, if we have recourfe to God, and look on his great Obhgations on one lide , and the hopeful Eflfeds and Reward on the other, we (hall fee that we have little caufe to draw back or to faint. Let us fet before us this pattern in the text , and learn our duty thence, and imitate it. From Verf.ig. To fervc the Lord (and not men or our felves) with all humility of mind ( and not proudly ) and with many tears, dec. f V/.20. To keep back nothing that is profitable to the people, and to Teach them publikcly and from houfe to houfe : Ferf. 2 1 . That die matter of our preaching be Repentance towards God , and faith toward our Lord Jefus Chrift. Ferf. 22, 23, 24. That though we go bound in the fpirit, not knowing particularly what (hall befall us , but knew that every where bonds and afflidions do abide us, yet none of thefe things fhould move us , neither fliould we count our Life dear to our felves, fo that we might finifh our courfe with joy, and the Miniftry which we have received of the Lord Jefus TO teftifie the Gofpel of the grace of God. From Verl- 28 To take heed to our felves and all the flock, particularly againft domeftick Seducers and Schifms. From 41 o Gildas Salvianusj From Verje 3 1 . Witliout ccafing to warn every one day and night with tears, ^eyj. 3 3 . To covet no inansfilvcr, or gold, or apparrel, as counting it more honourable to give then to receive. O what a leffon is here before us I Buthowiilisit learned by thofe that ftill queltion whether thefe be their duty. I con- itis fome of thefe words of iUul have fo often been prefented before mine eyes, and ftuck upon my con- fcience, that I have been much convinced by them of my duty and negled : And I think this one fpeech , betrer defervech a twelve-moneths if udy , then moft things that young ftudents do lay out their time in. O Brethren write it on your ftudy doors, or fet it as your Copy in Capital letters ftill before your eyes : Could we but well learn two or three lines of it. What preachers fhould we be ? i . For our general bufinefs , [ SERVING THE LORD WITH ALL HUMILITY OFMIND.J 2. Our fpecial work, [TAKE HEED TO YOUR SELVES, AND TO ALL THE FLOCK. ] 3. Our Dodrine , | REPEN- TANCE TOWARDS GOD, AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JE- SUS CHRIST.] 4. The place and manner of Teaching, [ I HAVE TAUGHT YOU PUBLIKELY, AND FROM HOUSE T O H O U S E. ] 5 . The Objed, and internal manner, Q I CEASED NOT TO WARN Every one night and day WITH TEARS] This is it that mull win fouls and preferve them . 6 . His innocency and fclf-denyal for the advant^e of the Gofpel , [I HAVE COVETED NO MANS SILVER OR GOLD] 1 he Kc formed fajlor . 411 GOLD. ] 7. His patience, [NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME, NEI- THER COUNT I MY LIFE DEAR.] 8 . And among all our motives, thefe have need to be in Capital lerters before our eyes, i . We overfee and fcd THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHICH HE HATH PURCHASED W 1 T H H ] S .0 W N B L O O D. 2. [GRIE- VOUS V/OLVES SHALL ENTER JN AV.ONG YOU, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK'JandQOF YOUR OWN SELVES SHALL MEN ARISE SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AF- TER THEM. 3 Write all this upon your hcarc!-,and it will do your fei ves find the Church more good, then twenty years Rudy of thofe lower things, which thpiigh they get you greater applaufe in the world, yet fej:>aratedh-onn:heie, will make you ,bvit foiinding brafs, and tinkling Cymbals. • • The great advantage of a i^ncere heart is , that God and Glory, and the faving of fouls are their very €>i^ : and where that end is truly intended , no labour or fuffering will Hop them,or turn them bacK. For a man muft have his fnd^ whatever it colt him : He fiill retains this lelTon, whatever he forget, [ONE THING IS NECESSARY] and ^eik^frli the Kingdom of God ^ and therefore faies , Necijfity is iiia upon me, and rvo UYito me if I f reach not the Cofpel. And this is it that will moft eflfe- dually make eafie all our labours, and make light all burdens, and make our fufferings feem toUerable , and caufe us to venture on any hazards in the way. Thac 41^ Gildas Salvianus ; That which I once made the Motto of my colours ir. another warfare, I deiire may be ilill before my eye? in this, ( which yet according to my intentions, is not altogether another.) On one fide, Hi thu Javeth his HfeJhAll lofe it. On the other, Nee propter vitam Vivendi perdere cattfas •, Which Doctor }o, Reigmlds thought had reafon enough in it, to hold him to his labours though it coft him his life. He that knoweth that he ferveth a God that will never fuffer any man to be a iofer by him, need not fear what hazards he runs in his caufe : And he that knows that he fecks a prize , which if obtained will infinitely over-match his coft, may boldly engage his whole cftatc on it , and fell all to purchafe fo rich a Pearl. Well Brethren , I will fpend no more words in ex- horting wife Merchants to fuch a bargain, nor telling Teachers thcmfelves of fuch common Truths ^ and If I have faid more then needs already, I am glad. I hope now I may take it for granted, that you are Refolved of the utmoft diligence and fidelity in the work. On which fuppofition I (hall now proceed , CHAP. Tl?e ^formed fajlor. 415 . CHAP. VII. SECT. I. T>ireUions for the right managing this Worl^ i^^^Q^Jk T is fo happy a work which we ha^ /C5^ j^^; fore us, that it is a thoufand pii V^kr\ 1^^. fhould be deftroved in the birth have be- pities ic fhould be deftroyed in the birth, and perifh in our hands. And though I know that we have a knotty generati- on to deal with , and that its pad the power of any of us all to change a carnal heart with- out the effeAual grace of the Holy-Ghoit • yet it is fo ufual with God to work by means , and to blefs the right endeavors of his fervants, that 1 cannot fear, ^ bill 4H Gi'ldas Salvianus ; but great things will be done, and a wonderful blow will be given C3 the Kingdom of Darkneis by our undertaken work, if it do not mifcarry through the fault of the Minilters themfelves. And the mam dan- ger is in thefe two defers. I. Of diligence. 2. Of skill. Againfi: the former I have fpoken much alrea- dy. As for the later, I am fo confcious of my own unskilfulnefs, that laitt far from imagining that I am fit to give diredions to any but the younger, and un- experienced of the Miniftry •, and therefore mull ex- pert fo much Jufticein your interpretation , as that you will fuppofe me now to fpeak to none but fuch. But yet fomething I fhall fay , and not pafs over this part in filence, becaufe the number of fuch is fo great, and I am foapprchenlivethat the welfare of the Church and Nation , doth much depend on the management of this work. The points wherein you have need to be folicitous , arethefctwo. 1 . To bring your people to fubmit to this courfe of private Catechizing or Jntlrudion. tor if they will not come at you , what good can they re- ceive. 2. To do the work fo as may mod tend to the fucccfs of it, when they do come to you. And for the firft, the beft directions that I can give arethefe following. I. The chief means of all is, for a Minifter foto behave himfelf in the main courfe of bis Miniftry and , life, as may tend to convince his people of his ability, lincerity and unfeigned Love to them. For if they ' take him to be ignorant, they will defpife his Teach- ing, and think themfelves as wife as he. And if they ■ think The Reformed faslor 4 1 5: think him felf-feeking, or hypocritical , and one that doth not mean as he faith, they will lufpeft all that he laith and doth for them, and will not be regardful of him. And if they think he intendeth but to domi- neer over their confciences, and to trouble and dif- grace them, or meerly to exercife then* wits and me- mories, they will flie away from him as an adverfary, and from his endeavours as noxious and ungrateful to them. Whereas when they are convinced that he underllandeth what he doth, and have high thoughts of his abilities , they will Reverence him, and the eafilyer ftoon to his advice. And when they are per- fwaded of his uprightnefs, they will the lefs fufped his motions : And when they perceive that he in- tendeth no private ends of his own, but meefly their good, they wA\ the fooner be pcrfwaded by him. And becaufe th\)fe that I write to are lifppofed to be none of the moft able Minifters, and tlierefore may defpair of being reverenced for their parts •, I fay to ^^^^^ V ef ,'<^ii^ I • Yvid^*^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ to ftudy and labour for their incr^afe. 2. You muft necefTarily have that which A?m[iH< makes the lowed degree tollerable, viz. to be ftipra, vHlgiu fdelinm : and it will produce fome reverence when they know you are wifer then them- felves. 3. And that which you want inability , muft be made up in the other qualifications-, and then your advice may be as fucceisful as others. If Minifters were content to purchafc an intered in their people at the deareft rates to their own flefli, and would condefcend to them, and be familiar, and loving. Gildas Salvianus . 416 loving, and prudent in their carriage, and abound ac- cording to their ability in good works, they might do much more with their people then ordinarily they can do. Not that wc fhould much regard an interelt in them for our own lakes, bur that we may be more capable of promoting the interefl: of Chriii: , and of furthering their own falvation : Were it not for their own fakes, it were no great matter whether they love or hate us : but what Commander can do any great fervice by an Army that hate him ? and how can wc think that they will much regard our counfel, while they abhor or dif-regard the pcrfons that give it them ? Labour therefore for fome competent interefl: in your peoples eftimation and affedion,and then you may the better prevail with them. Ohj. But whajf (hould a Minifter do that findeth he hath quite lo^his interefl: in them ? ^«. If they bflo vile a people that they hate him not for any weaknefs,nor through mif-reports about par- ticular things, but meerly for endeav^n^?, their goodjthough in prudence as wdl as zeal ^ or ivould hate any other that fhould do bis duty ^ thenmuft he in patience and mceknefs continue to inflxu<^ thefe that oppofe themfelves , if God peradventure will give them Repentance to the acknowledgement of the truth. But if it be upon any weakncfTes of his, or difference in Icffer opinions, or prejudice meerly againfl: hi» own perfon , let him try firfl: to remove the prejudice by ail lawful means •, and if he cannot,, let him tell them, 1 It is not for my felf , but for you that I labour : and therefore feeing that you will not obey the word from me, I deiire that you will agree to acceptof fome other that may do you chat good,. whiek The Reformed ^aUor. ^i1 which I cannot : ] and fo leave them,and cry whe- ther another man may not be Htter for them , and he fitter for another people : 1 or an ingenious man can hardly ftay with a people againft tb.eir wills • and a fmcere man can more hardly for any Commodity of his own, remain in a place where he is like to be un- profitable , to hinder the good which they might re- ceive from another man, who hath the advantage of a greater intereft in their eftimation and aflfe- dion. ■vrr 2. QUppofing then this general preparation, the i3 next thing to be dor.e is. To ufethemoft effedual means to convince them of the Benefit and Neceility of this courfe, to their own fouls. The way to win the confent of any m.an to any thing that you offer, is to prove it to be good for him, and to do this in Evidence that hath fome iitnefs and proportion with his own undcrftanding : lor if you cannot make him believe that it is Good or Neceflary for him, he will never let it down, but fpit it out with loathing or contempt. You muft therefore preach to them fome effectual convincing Sermons to this pur- pofe beforehand- which fhall fully fliew them the Benefit and Neceffity of Knowledge of Divine truths in General, and of Knowing the Principles in fpecial, and that the Aged have the fame duty and need as others, and in fome refpe(!^s much more i E.G. froiti Htb. 5.12. which affordeth us many obfervations ilHtable CO our prefent bufinefs- E^ Asf 4tS Gildas Salvianus ; As I . That Gods Oracles muft be a mans Lef- fons. 2 . Minders muft teach there,and people mufl learn them of them. 3 . The Oracles of God have fome Principle :, or fandamentals that all muft know, that will be 4. Thefe Principles muft be firft learned : thats the right order. 5. It may be well expeded that people thrive in knowledge according to the means or teaching which ^UZ/x/V they pj^ofe^ : and if they do not , it is their great fin. /,^i^ 6. If any lived long in the Church under the means of knowle^e , and yet be ignorant of thefe Prin-I ciples, he hach need to be taught them yet, (how old foever he be). All this is plain from the Text : Whence we have fair opportunity by twenty clear convincing Reafons to Ihew them • i . The Neceliity of knowing Gods Oracles. 2. And more efpecially of| the Principles. And 3 . efpecially f:}r the aged, that have Ijifully loft fo much tinie already •, that havefo long promifcd to repent when they v/ere old ^ that fhould be teachers to th? younger , whole ignorance is a double fin and fhame •, who havefo little :imeto learn in, and are fo near their Judgement ^ and who have fouls to fave or iofe as well a£ others , ^r. Convince them how impoflible ''t is to go the wav to heaven without knowing it, when there are fo many difficultiesandenemiesinour vvay ? and when men cannot do their worldly bufineis without knowledge, nor learn a trade without an apprenrifl-^ip > Who ru.i iove, oj: fedij.or defire that which he knoweth not ? Convince The Reformed Tafior^ 4^ ^ Convince them what a contradidion it is to be a Chrin:ian,and yettorefufetolearn ■ lor what is a ChriftianbutaDifcipleof Chrift ? and how caahe behisDirciple,thatrefLireth to be taught by him ? and he that refufeth to be taught by his Minifters , refufeth .to be taught by him : for Chrift will not come down from heaven again to teach them by his own mouth, but hath appointed hisMmiliers to keep School and teach them under him ; To fay therefore that they will not be taught by his Minifters , is to fay, they will not be taught by Chrift, and that is to fay, they will be none of his Difciplcs, or no Chrifti- ans. Abundance of fuch undenyabie Evidences , we have at hand to convince them of their duty. Make them underftand that it is not an arbitrary bufinefsof our own devifing and impoiing, but Necellity is laid upon us, and if we look not to every member of the tlock according to our power, they may perifh in their own iniquities, but their blood will be required at our hands : ItisGodandnot we, thatis the con- triver and impofer of the work : therefore they blame God,more then us in accufmg it : Would they be fo cruel as to wifh a Minifter to caft away his own foul knowingly and wilfully , for fear of troubling them in hindering their damnation ? efpecially ac- quaint them fully with the true nature of the Mini- iterial office , and the Churches necellity of it : how it confiiieth in Teaching and Guiding all the Flock •, and that as they muft come to the Congrega- tion as Scholars to School;^ fo muft they be content to give account of their learning, and to be inftru- d:edmanby man. Let them know what a tendency this hath to their £ e 2 ' falvation • 420 Gildas Salvianus ; falv^tion ^ What a profitable improvement it will be of their time ? And how much vanity and evil it wiU prevent ? And when they once find that it is for their own good , they will the eafilyer yield to it. 3 . '\7' \ 7 Hen this is done, it will be very neceflary ^ ^ that according to our Agreement , we give one of the Catechifms to every tiimily in the Parifli, poor and rich, that fo they might be fo far without excufe •. Por if you leave it to themfelves, pcrhapshalf of them will not fo much as ^ec them : Whereas, when they have them put into their hands, the receiving is a kind of engagement to learn them ; and if they do but read the exhortation ( as its lik-ly they will do) it will perhaps convince them, and in- cite them to llibmit. And for the delivery of them , the beft way is, for the Miniiler hrft to give nctice in the Congregation , that they fliall be brought to their houfcs , and then to go himfelf from houfe to houfe and deliver them, and take the opportunity of perfwading them to the woi-k^and as they go,to cake a Catalogue of all the perfons at years of difcretion in the feveral families, that they may know whom they have to take care of, and inftruft, and whom to ex- ped: when it cometh to their turns. I have formerly in the dillnbucing of fome other Books an^ong them, defi red every family to fetch them •, but I found more confufion and uncercainty in that way , and no-^v took this as the better. Bucinfmall Pariftics ,. either^ way may ferve. The Reformed fa/lor. 4^i And for the charge of the Books, if theMinifter be able, it will be well for hijptobcar it : If not ^ the beR aflfed:cd of his people of the richer fort fhould bear it among them. Or at a day of Humilia- tion m preparation to the work, lee the Coiledion that is wont to be for the poor, be imployed to buy the Catechifms, and the people be deiired to be the more liberal,and what is wancing,the well-atfeded to the work may maxe it up. And for the order of proceeding in fmall Pariflic?^ the matter is not i reat, but in greater it wiJl be neei- ful that we take them xU order family by family, be- ginning the execution a moneth or fix weeks after the delivery of the Books, that they may have time to learn. And thus taking them together in common, they will the more willingly come , and the backward will be the mo^e afhamed to keep off- BEfure that you deal gently with them •, and take off all difcouragements as eftedually as you can. i . Tell them publikely , that if they have learnt any other Catechifm already, you will not urge them to learn this,unlefs they delire it them- felves. For the fubftance of all Catechifms (:hat are Orthodox) is the fame : Only our reafons for offe-' ring them this, was the brevity andfulnefs •, that we might give them as much as we could in a few words^ and fo make their work more eafie. Or if any of them [had yet rather learn any other (Orthodox) Catc- Irhifm, let them have their choice. Ee 3 ^= A^ 4^2 Gildas Salvianiis-, 2. As for the old people that are of weak memo- ries, and not like to live in the world , and complain that they cannot remember the words, tell them that you exped not that they fhould overmuch perplex their minds about it, but hear it oft read over , and fee that they underiland it, and get the matter into their minds and hearts , and then they may be born with, though they remember not the words. 3 . And let your dealing with thofe that you begin with be fo gentle, convincing and winning, that the report of it may be an encouragement to others to come. 6. JF all this will notferve to bring any particular perfons to fubmit, do not fo caft them off,but go to them and expoftulate the cafe with them , and know what their reafons are, and convince them of the finfulnefs and clanger of their contempt of the help that is offered them. A foul is fo precious that we^ fhould not lofe one for want of labour , but follow them whiL- there is any Iiope , and not give them up as defperar»% till there be no remedy. Before we give them over is J ^gs or f. vine let I's try the utmoft, that we may ivc/e the experience of their obfanate con- tempt, or renting us, to v/arrant our foriaking them Charity beareth and Avaiceth long. , ■: SECT.l" T/;e Reformed TaUor. 4? 3 SECT. II. 2. TLJ Aving ufed thefe mearis to procure them to -*~ ^ come in and fubmit to your teaching , the next thing to be confidered is , how you ihould deal moft effedually with them in the work •, And again I muft fay, that I think it an ealier matter by far , to compofe and preach a good Sermon , then to deal rightly with an Ignorant manfor hisinrtrudionin the Neceflary Principles of Religion. As much as this work is contemned by fome , I doubt not but it will try the parts and fpirics of Minifters, and (hew you the diflference between one man and arother, more fully then Pulpit-preaching will do. And here I fhall as fitting to my purpofe^ tranfcribe the words of a moil: Learned , Orthodox and godly man, Biftiop Vfiir^ in his Sermon before King 7-«f/ at iViifJl'lea^ on Eph. 4.13. pag. 44,45. (butlmpref 3.pag. 34, 3 5. ) " Your Majefties care can nev° - be f.^ifici- ently commended , in taking order that the chief heads of the Catechifm fhould in the ordinary Mi- niftry be diligently propounded and explained un- to the people throughout the Land. Which! wifh were as duely executed every where, as it was pi- " ouily by you intended. Great Scholars poiTibly " may thmk , that it ftandeth not fo well with their credit, to ftoop thus low, and to fpend fo much of their time, in teaching thefe rudiments and iirft " principles of the Dodrine of Chrir. But they " (hould confider that the laying of the foundation Ee4 ''^^ 4^4 Gildas Salvianus •, "skillfully , as it is the matter of greateft impor- " tance in the whole building ^ fo is it the very Ma- ''ftcr-piece of the wifeft builder •, i Cor. 3. lo. '* ty^ccording to the grjice of God Whtch is given to me^ * as a wlCe 'J^iaf^ey-hmlr'er I h^ve laid the found ^ti- ^' i7»,raith the great Apoftle. And let the learnedft of us " all try it when ever we pleafe, we (hall rind that to *' lay this ground-work rightly ( that is, to apply " our felves to the capacity of the common Audito- " ry , and to make an Ignorant man to underftand *' thefe myfteries in fome good meafure) will put us " to the tryal of our skill, and trouble us a great deal " more, then if we were to difcufs a Controverfie , '' or handle a fubtile point of learning in the Schools. " Yet Chrii^ di i give as well his Apoftles , and Pro- " phecs, and Evangelifts, as his ordinary Padors and " Teachers to bring us all both learned and unlearn- *' ed, unto the Unity of this faith and knowledge : " and the negleding of this , is the fruftrating of *' the whole work of the Miniflery. For let us preach *' never fo many Sermons to the people , our labour " is but loft as long as the foundation is unlaid -^ and *'thefir[lprinciplesuntaught, upon which all other " Doctrine muit be buildcd. So far the Reverend Biftiop. The Diredions which I think neceffary to be ob- ferved in the managing of the work, for matter and manner are chefe following. *Dlre^iin' 7he Reformed fajlor. 4* 5 ^irtSl. I. When your Neighbours come to you, one famt^y or more, bc^^in with a brief Preface, to demulce cheir minds, and take off all offence, un- wiihngnefs or difcouragement, to prepare them to cntercain your following Inftrudions. *' E. g. '* Neighbours, it may perhaps feeoii to fome of you, ** as an unufual, fo a troublefom bufinefs, that I put *' you upon but I hope you will not think it needlefs: '* For if I had thought fo, I Qiould have fparcd you "and my felf this labour : But my Confci- '*ence hath told me, yea God hath told me in '' his word , io roundlyf, what it is to have the ** Charge of mens fouls, and how the blood of thera ** that perifti in their^lins, will be required at the ** hands of a Minifter that negledeth them, that I ** dare not be fo guilty of it as I have been. Alas,all *'our bnfinefsin this world is to get well toHea- **ven ; aud God hath appointed us to be Guides to *• his peojrle, to help them fefc thither ; If this be •'well done, all is done; andifthisbenotdonc wc <' are for ever undone / The Lord knows how little a *^ while you and I may be together ; and therefore it " concerns us to do what we can for our own and '*your falvation, before we leave you or you learc •* the world. All other bufinefs in the world are bit " toyes ind dreams incomparifon of this /The !*• "hours of your calling are but to prop up the cor- "tagesofyour flefli, while you arc mak,ing ready •' for death and Judgement; which (S«d knows is •'near at hand. And I hope you will be glad of " help in fo needful a work, and not think it much *\ chat J put you to this trouble : when the trifles of 4^6 Gildas Salvianus- ** the world will not be got withour greater trouble] Thisjfomeof this, or foroewhat to this purpofc may tend to make them more willing to hear you,ancl re- ceive inilrudion, or give you an account of their knowledge or pyradice, which muft be the work of the day. BireEl* 2. When you have (to fparc timej fpoken thus to them all , take thcn^the pcrfons one by one, and deal with them as far as you can in private, out of the bearing of the reft ^ For fomc cannot fpeak freely before others, and fome will not endure to be queftioned before others, becaufc they think that it tendcth to their (hame, to have others hear their anfwers ; and fome perfons that can make better anfwers themfelves will be ready when they arc gon^ to twattle of what they heardj and to difgrace thofe thai fpeak not fo well as they j and fo people will be difcouraged, and backward perions will have pretences to forbear and forfakc the work, and fay, they m\ not come to be made a fcornora laughing ftock. You muft therefore be very prudent to prevent all thefc inconveniences. But the main reafon is, as I find by cxperieuce, peo- ple will better take plain clofe dealing about their fin and mifery and duty when you have them alone then they will before others ; And if you have not opportunity to fee it home and deal freely with them, you williruftrate all. If therefore you have convenient p^ce. let the reft ftay in one room, while you confer vSJheach perfon by themfelves in ano- ther room. Only for the ncceflary avoiding of fcandal, we muft fpeak to the women, only in the prcfcnce of fomc others j and if we do lofe fome ) : advantage lie Reformed Tajlor: 4*7 advantage by it of the fuccefs of our inftruflions, there is no remedy ; I ts better do foj then by giving matter of reproach to the malicious, to deftroy all the work. Yet we may fo contrive it, that though fome other be in the room, yet what paflages are lefs fit for others obfervance, may befpoken/w^wj/i voci that others may be no hearers of it ; and there- fore they may be placed at the remoteft part of the roomt Or at leart let none be prcfent but the mem- bers of the fame family, that be more familiar, and not fo likely to repl"oach one another. And then, in your moft rouzing examinations and reproofs, deal moft with the moft ignorant , and fecurc and vicious, that you may have the clearer ground for your clofeft dealing , and the hearing fof it may awaken the (landers by, to whom you feera not fo dircdiy to apply it. Thefe fmall things de- ferve obfervance, becaufe they be in order to a work that is not fmall : and fmall errors may hiodec a great deal of good. Dire5f, 3 . Let the beginning of your work be, by taking an account of what they have learned of the words of the Catechifm ; receiving their anfwer to ! eachqueftion. And if they are able to recite but a I little or none of it, try whether they can rehearfe the ! Creed^ and the Decalogue. *Djr^;7. 4. rhcnchoofsoutforaeofthe weighti- eft points, and try by further Queftions how they underftand them. Andtbcrein be careful of thefe things following, i. That you do not begin with lefs i.cccflary points, but thefe which therafelvef may perceive are of .neareft concernment to them. As, E.G, *' [What do you think becomes of men '* wlicn 4i* Gildas Salvianiis ; " when they arc dead ? [What (hall become of us ** after the end of this world? Do you believe that •* you have any fin? Or that you were born with '*fin? And what doth every fin defervc ? What re- "medyhath God provided for rhefavingoi finful '^ miferablc fouls ? Hath any one fuffcred tor our " fins in our ftead, or mult we fuffer for them our •' felves? Who be they that God will pardon ? and ** who fliall be faved by the blood of Chrift > What "change mud be made on all that fhall be '• faved ? and how is it made ? Where is our *' chief Happinefs ? and what is it that our hearts *' muft be moft fee upon ? 1 with fuch like as thcfe. -• 2. Take heed of asking them nice or needlefs or doubtful and very difficult queftions, though about thofe matters that arcof greateft weight in themfelves. Specially be very cautelous how you put them upon definitions or defcriptions.Some felf con- ceited men wJl be as bufie with fuch qacftions which they cannot anfwer themfelves, and as ccnforious ofthe poor people that cannotanfwr them> as if life and death did certainly depend on them. You will ask them perhaps fVhat « GyJ ? and how de- fediV* an anfwer muft you make your felves ? fpe- cially if it be the ^/W, and not the ^aia that you mean. You may tell what he is not, fooner then what he is. If you ask fTl^at U faith ? Or what id Repentance ? how forrily would many very learned Divines anfwer you ? Or clfe they would not be ac fo great difference among themfelves about thertf, not only difdigreeing about the Definitions of lhem» h\x}^o^idely disagreeing. If you ask them "f^bat i$ 7);f Reformed Taflor. 4^9 Torgivenefs offwf how many Miniftcrs may you ask berore you have a right anfwcr ? Or clfe tbey would not be fo difagrced in the point ? Much more may I fay fo about Juftification ( though perhaps the fame ching wit^'Remiflion) fo if you ask them VchAt RegentrAt'on i6 . ^h^t SanElification « ? Why Divines be not agreed, what they arc themfclves? But you will fay perhaps, Jfmen know not what Qod is J ^hat f ait h^Rf pent AiocefCoftverJion^SannificMtion^ and Pardon oj fny or fufiijic^tion he, how can the) be true Chnjitans and he JAved} I anfwer. It's one thing to know exadly what they be, and another thing to know them in the nature of them in the main, though with a more general, indiftind and un- digeftcd knowledge : and its one thing to kno^ and "another thiog to tell what this or that is. The very Name as Commonly ufed doth fignifte to them and cxprefs from them the thing without a Definition : and they partly underftand what that Name iigni- fieth, when they cannot tell it you in other words- As they know what it is to Believe^ to Repent, to be forgiven ; by cuftom of fpeech they know what thefe mcao, and yet cannot define them, but per- haps put you off with the Countrey anfwer. To Repent is, to Repent ; and to be forgiven is, to be forgiven, or if they can fay. It is to be pardoned, tf is fair. Yet do I not abfolutely diffwade y(fa from the ufe of fuch quefticns; but doitcaute- loufly , in caJ||r^ou fufped f©me grofs Ig- norance in the pftint ; fpecially about God bim felf And ( which is the next part of this Di- redin. ^ 5, In fuch a Cafe, fo contrive the predicate in£o 5fOH^; 45^ Gildas Salvianus ; your Qucftion that they may perceive what you mean, and that it is not a nice Definition, but a ne^ ceffary folation that you expedj and look not after words but things, and there (gjve them to a bare Tea or Nay^ or the naeer el^cftion of one of the two defcriptions vvhkh your felf (hall propound. As £. G. L " What is G od ? is he made of flcfti and " blood as wc are ? or is he an invifible fpirit ? I s he <* a man or is he not? Had he any beginning ? Can *'he dye? what is faith ? Is it aBeheving all the ''word of God? what is it to Believe in Chrift > ** Is it all one as to become a true Chriftian? Or to ** believe that Chrift is the Savionr of the world,and ** to Accept him for your Saviour to pardon, teaeh, *' govern and glorifie you ? What is Repentance ? Is it only to be forry for fin, or is it, The change of *' the mind from fin to God, or both ? 4. Andasyoumuft do thus when you come to fcard points as Definitions or the like, fo in all points where you perceive that they underftand not the -Cleaning and ftrefs of your queftion ? there you muft iirft draw out their anfwer by an Equipollent or expofitory queftion , or it that will not do, thus frame the anfwer into your queftion, and de- raand but his Tea or Nay : yea if it be never fo cafic a point that you are upon, you muft do thus at laft ia cafe by the firft queftion you have an unfatis- fadory anfwer. ,?.(j J have oft asijcd forae very igno- rant people, Hknow. that from Everlafiing there was one *' only God that had no beginning, and can have no •' end. who is not a Body as we are, but a moft pure, '* fpiritual Being that knoweth ai! tilings, and can '' do all things, and hath all Goodn^fs and BlcfTed- " nefs in himlclf This God is but one,but yer three " Pcrfons,the Father, the Son and holy Ghoft in an "incomprchenfiblcmsnncr, above our reach ; yec ** we have fomewhat in our felves and other crea- ** cures that may give us fome refemblancc of it. As in a man, his Power and his underflanding and '* will, be but One foul, and yec they are not one «* faculty, but differ one from another; Or as in the '* Sun,the Being or Power, and the Heat and the '' Light, arc not all one ; and yet there is but one. ^* Sun ; fo in a more incomprchenfible manner it is in '*God. Andyoumuft know that this One God did Ff "make 454 Gildas Salvianus . ** make all the world by bis word ; the heavens he *' made to be the place of his Glory, and made a ''world of holy Angels to fervc him, in his •* Glory • but fomc of thefedid by Pride or other ** lin fall from God and arc become Devils that " (hall be mifcrable in torHients for ever, when he *' had made the reft of this lower world, he nude *' man, ashisnobleft creature here, even one man '* and one woman Aiiamand Whether they begrofly Ignorant or not, if you fufpe:!il them to be ungodly, fall rrext upi» on a prudent enquiry into their ftates j And the bcii and lednece]lity of m:orti:'icacion : To the Aged you nmlf do more to difgrace this prefenc world, and make them appreheniive of the nearnejs of their change, and the aspi'avations of their iin. if thev Aiall live and dye in ignorance, or impenitency. '1 o i nleriors and the Younger, you mult be more ircQ^ to Superiors and Elders more reverend : To the nvh I his world mult be moredifgraced , and the na- nire and necefiity of felf-denyal opened, and the damnablencfs of preferring the prefent profperity to •rt4e future :, with the necellity of improving their talents in well-domg. To the poor wc muif ("ixcvf the great Riches of Glory Vshich is propounded to them in thcGolpel, andhow well the prefent things may be fpared, where the everlalling may begot. Alfo thofe iinsmuft be moil infilled on , which each on $ age,orfe)C,or teiT.peratureof body, or calling and emplovmcnt in the world, doth molt enclinetehm to. 450 Gildas Salvianus; As in females, loquacity, evil fpeeches, pafTion , ma- lice, pride, c^r. In males, dninkeiinef^ amtjition, ^c. Of all which and abundance more differences, calling to us for different carriage ^ See Gregcr. Mag. de Offi- cio 'Tafior. 2. Be as condefccnding , fimiliar and plain a^ is pbAible, with thofe that are of the weaker capa-| city, 3 . Give them the Scripture proof, the light of full evidence and reafon of all as you go , that they may fee that it is not you only , but God by you that fpeakech to them. 4. Be as ferious in all , but fpecially in the Appli^ catQry part as you can. 1 fcarce fear any thing more, then lea! t fome carelefs Minifters will flubber over the work, and do all fuperiicially and without life , and deftroy this as they do all other duties, by turning it into a meer formality : putting a few cold queifions^ to them, and giving them two or three cold words of advice, without any life and feeling in themfelves,nor likely to produce any ieeling in the hearers : But furc he that valueth fouls , and knoweth what an opportunity is before him , will do it according- ly. 5 . To this end , I fhould think it very necefTary that we do both before and in the work, take fpegal'' pains with our own hearts •, efpecially to excite and llrengthen our Belief of the Truth of the Gofpel , and the Invifible Glory and Mifery that is to come. I am confident this work will exceedingly try the ftrength of our belief : For he that is but fuperfici- ally a Chriftian, and not found in the faith, will likely feel his Zeal quite fail him- (fpecially when the duty is grown The Reformed TuHon 45 1 grown common ) tor want of ^ Belief of the things which he is to treat of to keep it alive. Anaflfcded fervency and hypocritical ftage-avtion, will not l-old up in fuch kindoi duties long ; A Pulpit (liall have inore of them, then a conference with poor ignorant fouls ; For the Pulpit is the hypocritical Mmiliers llage : There, and in the Prels, and in Pubiike aAs , where there is room for ollentation, you fliall have his belt, and almoft all. It is other kind of men that mutl effedually do the w^ork now in hand. 6. It is therefore very meet that we prepare our felves to it by private prayer ^ and if time would permit, and there be many together • if we did begin and end with a fhort prayer with our people, it were beli . 7. Carry on all ( even the mod earneft paftiiges) in clear demonftrations of love to their fouls, ani make them feel through the whole, that you aim at nothing but their own falvation -^ and avoid all harfh difcouragmg parages, throughout. S . I f you have not time to deal fo fully with each one particularly as is here direded, then i . Omit not the moil: necefTary parts, z . Take fev^ral of them tc- gethe: that are friends, and will not feek to divulge each others wTaknefles,and fpeak to them in common asmuchasconcernethall •, and only the Examinati- ons of their Knowledge and (late, and convictions ot mifery and fpecial diredions, muR b : uC:d to the in- dividuals alone : But take heed of flubbering it over ( uponi:i unfaithful lazineis , or being too brief) without a real Necelfity. Gg 2 Birtnion, 45^ Gildas Salvianus •, tiireUioyi 12. Laftly , if God enable you, extend your charity to thofcof the pooreft fort,'bet:bre they parr from you : Give them ibmewhat towards their relief, and for the time that is thus taken from their labours ; Especially for encouragement of them that do beft , and to the reft, promife them fo much when they have learned the Catechifm. I know you cannot give what yau have not, but I fpeak to them that can. And fo much fhall ferve for DireAions to the younger Minifters, in their dealing with the more ig- norant or carnal fort of perfons. AS for them, that are under fears and troubles of mind, who yet give us hopes of the work of feving grace on their fouls, though it deferveafull difcourfe to dired us in dealing with them, yet I (hall not meddle with k now. i . Becaufe I intended this difcourfe for another end. 2 . Becaufe Divines being at fome variance about the methods of comforting and confirming troubled minds, are many of them fo impatient of reading any thing which is not cut out- according to their prefent opinions'-, that I perceive it my duty as far as I can, to avoid points controvetted. 3 , Becaufe I have done fo much as I think neceffary akeady in my D^rf^hns for peacg of ^onjcienct. CHAR The Reformed Ta/lor. 4)5 ^0;?i5^s ' 5^^.^g^^?.555^5ic^?^).5^ y/ ^5> CHAP. VIIL SECT. I. Nother fort there are,that we may have occafionof confereacewith, though they will fcarce (loop to be Catechi- zed • and that is, Opinionative Qacr ftionifts, that being tainted with Pride atjd felf-conceitednefs , are readyer to teach,then to be taught, and to vent their own conceits, and quar^ rel with you, as being ignorant.or erroneous your lelves, then to receive inftrudion ; and if they are tainted with any nouble errour or fchifmatical difpo- fition, they will feek to wafte the time in vain jang- lings, and to difpute,rather then to learn. I am noc now direding you what to do with thofe men at other times (of that I fhall give a touch anon;;,) but ooly if they come to you at this time, v/hichis ^g 3 appomte4 454 Gildas Salvianus ; appointed for Catechizing and edifying Inftrudion : Nor is it my thought to prcfame to dired any but the weaker fort of Minii'.ers in this, any more then in the former. Its Hke you will have fome come to you among tV the reft, that when they fliould give an account of their faith, will fill into a reaching and Contentious d'fcourfe, and one will tell you, that }ofi huw no t^ m Cktirch^hecaH',^\jifH i^avejuci^ b.idmerr.htirs : another Vj\\\^.$k^'0\^^b) what authority yru h^'ptize Iisjar.t. ? another will ask you_, ho\\> Jca c Did it threaten eternal torment '^ to the foul only, or to the body alfo ? Should there " have been any Kcflirredion of the body, if Chiiil ''had not come to procur cicr.Should Chrifi have com, '* or been our Head, or ha\ e brought us to glory , if " man had not fallen ? What is the Hrfl Covenant > " what,its conditions? What diefccond Covenant, ''and Its Conditions? What was the diiferencc be- " tween the Covenant with Adam^ and that by Alo^ *^ fes } Was it a Covenant of Works, or of Grace " that was made by C^fo/es ? W hat were the condi- *' tions of falvation before Chriils Incarnation ? " What is forgivenefs of fin ? What is Juftification ? "How 7he (^formed fajlor. 4 5 7 ""^ How are \vc faid to be Juftified by faith ? how '' by works? What is faith ? What repentance ? What '' Sandihcation , Vocation, Regeneration ? Is the " Covenant of Works Abrogared,ornot ?I stheCo- " venanc of Grace made with the Eled only ? or "with all ? or with whom ? Wh^t is Freewill ? Is " there any converfion without the word ? What is " the true nature of fpccial grate ? and what is the ""■ proper duference of a Regenerate man from all '' others ? What is the Catholike Church ? How '^ will you know the true Church ? How know you "■* the Scripture to be the word of God > What is " Chrills PrieItly,Prophetical,Kingly office ? Be they '^ three offices, or but one : and be they all? ] with abundance the like. And if it be Sacrament Conlroverfics which he raifeth , tell him it is neceflary , that you be hrft agreed,what Baptifm is ? (what the Lords Supper is}) before you difpute who fhould be Baptized, &c, Anditstwenty toone,heisnotabletruly to tell you what the Sacrament it felf \s. A true Definition of Baptifm or the Lords Supper is not fo commonly given as pretended to be given 4. If he diicover his Ignorance in the cafes pro- pounded, endeavour to hum.ble him in the fenfe of his pride and prefumption- And let him know what it is , and what it lignitieth, to go about with a Teaching , Cx^ntentious, proud behaviour, while he is indeed fo ignorant in things of greater moment. 5 . But fee that you are able to give him bettet in- formation your felves in the points wherein you find him ignorant. 6. But fpeciaily take care that you difcern the fpi- ric 45 8 Giidas Salvian us . lit of the man : And if he be a fetled perverfe Schif- aiatick, or Herecick, fo that you fee him peremptory and refolved, and quite tranfported with pride, and' have no great hopes of his recovery , then do all this that 1 have before faid openly before all that are pre- fent •, that he may^e humbled or fhamed before all, and the rell may be confirmed. But if you find him godly and temperate , and that there is any hope of his redudion, then fee that you do all this privately between him and you only : and let not fall any bit- ter words, nor that tend to his difparagement. And thus I advifc, both becaufe we muft be as tender of the reputation of all. good men, as fidelity to them and to the truth will permit : we muft bear one ano- thers burdens, and riot encreafe them, and we muft rellore thofc with a fpirit of mecknefs , that fall through infirmity ;, remembring that we our felves alfo may be tempted : and alfo becaufe there is fmall hope that you fhould ever do them good, if once you cxafperate them, and dif-affed: them towards you. And therefore 7. See that to fuch erring perfons as youJiav.eany hopes of, you carry your felves with as much tcndernefs and love as will confift with your duty to the Church of God. For mod of them when they are once tainted this way,are fo felfifti and high- minded^ that they arc much more impatient of re- proof then many of the prophaner fort of people. This, way did C^ti[culus take with the Anaba- ptifts, vifiting them in Prifon , and relieving them even while they railed at him as Antichriftian, and fo continued without^ difputing with them , till they were convinced that he loved them , and then they fought to him for advice themfelves,&: many of them were reclaimed by him. 8 . Either 1 he Reformed Taflor : 45 y 8 Either in the ( ondufion of your meeting, or at another appointed time, \yhen you come to de- bate their Controverfie with them, tell them,?";!;^* Jeer.gthey fhinl^you unable tote tclo tbem^ and thmk^ them jet vtt A->U to teach J on , a i6 your defer e to tiayn ^ TvH f»ppo/e dijputing (m tending ufu^Uy to t.yrjpcrate mens mnds^ rather then to fatidfie them) rs'io be tifedus the laf remed) ; Therefore yets are hert rend}\ tf they are able toTcAch jopt^ to learn of them and defer e them toJj?eal^ thiir minds : Which if they rcfu'^e, tell them, you think it the humbleft and- moft- Chriftian edifying way for him that hath, moft knowledge to Teach, and the other to Learn ; and therefore your purpofe is to be eit' er a Learner or a Teacher, and not be Difputant> till they make, it to be NecefTuy. \^ hen they have declared their minds to you in a teaching way, if it be nothing but tlic common pleas of the feduced (asits like it will nottiil thenj) iht ihiiis no r^e^ thing to you ; it u y^ot the firfr time that you have heard itj or Confidertd cftf^ an.iijyoti hidfound a 'iDivine Evidence tn it Jon hadrece ved it long ago : TouAre truly rvillivg to^ - receive all truth \ but yon have received that Mich^ ■ ss contrar'ie torhis dcHrtne^ with far better Evidence then they bring for tt^&a. If they defirc to hear what your Evidence is. tell them if they will hear as Iearne!^s you fhall communicate your Evidence in the mceteft way you can, which if they promife to do, let them 'know that this promife obhgeth th€iit ..; to impartlalitie and an humble free entertainment ojf , ; thetruth^ and that theydonoc turn back in ra(fi' carping and contention but take what fhall be deli- vered inCQfqber Confideration : which ifchey pro- ••?-^''- ^^- ' mile. 4^0 Gildas Salvianiis ^ mife, I . If you arc fo far vcrf'c in the [K)int in haqd as to raannage it well ex tensporey or the pcrfon be temperate and fie for fuch debates, then come in w.th your evidence in a difcourfive way,firrt (hewing your reafons againft the grolTcft impcrfedions of hts owndifcourfe, and then giving him your grounds from Sfiff^ure ; not many, but rather a few of the clearcft bcft improved. And 2. When you have done for without verbal teaching if you find him unfit to learn that way)^, givehirafome book that mod cffedually defendcth the queftioncd truth, and tell him, that it if a ysin thing to Jay th it over fo ofty "Which fdfo ffi/ly fatd alyeadu^ and a mm mil bitter confiier of What h- h*th before hi^ ejes^ then ofthit Vfhich flideth through his ears^ and U miflitken or forgotten : and therefore you ^tjire hint as an humble learner to perafe th^t Book^ tvith leifurely conftderati- on ; becaufe there are thefamt things^ that yon would fay to him : and deflre him to bring yon in a fober and folid anfWer to the chief ftrength ofiti if after pertifal he ftidge it to be unfound. But, ifitmiybe, faften fomconcofthe mofl fticking Evidences on him be^ fore you leave him. Ifherefufeto read the book, endeavour to convince him of his unfaithfalnefi to the Truth and his own foul ? Doth he think that Gods truth is not worth his ftudy ? or will he ven- ture his foul (as the ungodly do) and the Churches peace with it, and all to faye himfelf fo fmall a la- bour? fs it not juft with God to give him over to de- lufion, that will not beat a little pains to be in- formed, nor afford the truth an equal hear- ing ? p.But above all, before you part, yea or before you debate Tl^e Reformed Taftor. 4^i debate the Controverfie, fee that you do fum up the precedent Truths wherein you arc both agree 4. whether jcu are not bound, notwitkjianding jour [miller differences to be helpers in the mam "^ork^ of the Gcjpel for the ccnverfion /^nd faving of fouls} 5. whether then they are net bound to maw nage the private difference fo m they may not hinder the main worl^ , and therefore to la the lejfer ftoop to the greater ? 6 Whether they ought not to hold com' munion in publike rpor/hip-, and Church-relation, ^ith thofe that are fo far agreed^ *^nd walk ifJ the fear of God f 7. Jnd whether it be not fchifm to feparate from them, for the fakji ofth^t [wall dif^greement, themf elves being not neceffitated by Communion to any aHualfin ? Ifpcik alithis only of the tolerable differences that are among men, fearing God. And in that cafejiftheperfon befober and nnderftanding, he ■uft needs yield to the affirmative of thefe C^efti- x)ns; Which if he do (or to any of them) let him fubfcribe it, or openly averr it : And then let all the ftanders by be made apprchenfive, that none of th€ great matters that you deal with them about, are aueftioned, but ail yielded unqucfiionable ;. (And .the affixed Scripture leaves them To :)thercfore there IS no caufe for them to receive the ieaft difccuragc- ineot in their waty. I Gildas Salvianus ; 4^2 1 conceive its paf^ doubt, that differing brethren may well joyn in recommending the truths that they are ai^reed in to the ignorant people ! Bifhop Vjher told King James in his Sermon at ^Kinjlcd on the Churches XJmty^ that he made this motion even to the Papifts Priefts themfelves that they might joyn in teaching the people of that barbarous Nation the Common Principles that both were agreed in .- A motion too Chriftian for fullcn failious Zeal to entertain. I will repeat his own words, pag. 33. ** [The danger then of this ignorance being by the ** Confeflion ofthemoft judicious Divines of both " fides acknowledged to be fo great ; the woful ** eftate of the poor Countrey wherein I live is ** much to be lamented, where the people generally *' arc fuffered to pcfifh for want of knowledge {he ^^ meant thi Tapif^i) the vulgar fuperHitions of *'Poperienot doing them half that hurt, that the '* ignorance ofthofe Common principles of the faith *' doth, which all true Chriftiaus arc bound to learn. ** I he confideration whereof hath fometime drawn **meto treat with thofe of the oppofite party to ** move them, that' however in other things wc did *' differ one from another, yet we fliould joyn togc- " therinteachingthbfe main points the knowledge *' whereof was fo neceffary to falvation, and of the "truth whereof there was no Controverfie betwixt ** us. But what, for the Jealoufies which thefe *' diftrafliohs in matters of Religion have bred '^ among us, and wltat,for other rcfpei^s, the motion '' took fmall effed : and f^ betwixt \j^ both, the poor '* people are kept ftill in Fniferatte ignorance, neither ."knovvin'g the grounds of the one Religion nor The Reformed TaHor 4^3 *' of the other.] So far this learned Chriftian Bifhop. And what wonder if Popifti Priefts refufe this motion, when now among us it is fo rare a matter to find any in England^ though he differ only in the poincoflnfant-Baptifm, that will calmly and with- out fraudalent deligns of fecret promoting his own opinions by it, entertain and profecute fuch a mo- tion for the common good 1 As if they had rather^- thatChriftianitic were thruttoutof the world, or kepi under, then Infants (hould be admitted into the C hurch I well, let any party or perfon pretend whatthey willof Zealor liolinefs, I will ever take the Divtdutfir for an ill fign ; The true Mother ab- horrs the Divifion ofthc Child; and the true Chri- ilian doth prefer the Common intercft of Chriftiani- ty, before the Intereftofa fadion, or an opinion, and would not have the whole building endangered, rather then one peg, fhould not be driven in> |as he would have it, he had rather a particular Truth (if tve fuppofc it a truth j fhould fuffer, then the whole or the main. And having given you this advice what to do with this kind of men in your Conference on the occafion now in qucftion, fol flialladd a word or two of advice how to carry your felf towards them at other times ; For the prefcrvation ofthc Unity and Peace of your Congregations doth much depend on your right dealing with fuch as thefe. For ( alas for grief and ftiame) it is mofl: commonly men that profefs more then ordinary llcligioufnefs. thc^rc the dividers of theft. C f'ii>'*<^H, I. I Gildas Salviaruis . 4^4 !. I mull premife, that the chicF par: of your Vvork to preferve the Church from fuch, doth confill: in the prevention of their fall, fjeing when tliey arc once throughly infeded- be the error what it will , they are but feldom recovered • but if they be beaten ont of the error,which they hrll: fell into-, they go to another ,and perliaps thence to another- but,through a juft excecation , they feldom return to the truth. 2. To which end, it is mod defirablethat the Mini- fter Hiouid be of Parts above the people fo far, as to be able to teach them, and awe them, and manifell their weaknefTes to themfelveSj or to all. The truth is ( for it cannot be hid ) it is much long of the Mi- nifters, that our poor people are run mto fo many factions 1 and particularly, the weaknefs of too many is not the lead caufe , when a pi'oud Seducer fhall have a nimble tongue, and a Minifler be dull o) ignorant, fo that fuch a one can batiie him^ or play tipon him in the ears of others, it brings him into contempt , and overthrows the weak : Vor they commonly judge him to have the beft caufe,that hath the moft confident, plaufible , triumphant tongue. But when a Miniller is able to open their fhame to all, it mightily preferveth the Church from their in- fedion. 3. It is neceflary alfo to this end, that you f]*e quently and throughly poffefs your people, with the nature, neceffity, and daily ufc of the great unque- llionabh Principles of Religion, and of the great lin and danger of a per verfe zeal about the lower points before the greater are well laid , and let them be made fenfible how it is the Principles, and not their fmaller J The Reformed TaUor. 4^5 fniaJJer Controverfies that life or death doth depend upon. 4. Make them fcnfible of the mifchiefs of Schifm , and the great and certain obligations that lie upofi us, all to maintain the Churches Unity and Peace. 5 . When a iire is kindled, refift it in the beginning, and make not light of the fmalleftfpark : and there- fore go prefcntly to the intedted perfon, and follow him by the means hereaft :r mentioned , till he be re- covered. 6. Specially ufe a fit diverfion ; when a fmall Con- troverfic begins to endanger the Church , raife a greater your felf, which you have better advantage to mannage, and which is not like to make a divifion.^ That is • let them know that there are far greater difficulties then theirs to be iirft refolved ( fuch as fome of the Queilions before mentione'd ) and fo give them a Catalogue of them, and fet them a work upon them , that they may be matter of avocation from that fore,where the humors begin their conflux , and alfo that they may be humbled in the fenfe of then- ignorance, and their proud felf:conceits aiay be fome- what abated. 7. See that you preach to fuch auditors as thcfe , fome higher points, that ftall their underllandmgs , and feed them not all with milk, but fometime wicli lli'onger meat-.Tor it exceedingly puffs them up with Pride, when they hear nothing from Miniflersbut what they knqw already, or can fay themfelves : This makes them think, themfelves as wife as you, and as Ht to be Teachers :, For they think you know no more then you preach : And this hath kt fo many of them ©n preaching, becaufe they hear nothing^fromoib^ Hh "iPP^^ '\ 4-''^ Gildas Salvianus ; biiLwlmchey can faythcmrelves -, and Miniftcrsdo not fct thcni fucli patterns as may humble i:hcm,and d'eter them from that work. Not that I would have ivou ncfjle;!l th.^ j^rcat fundamental verities, or wrong thQ weak and ignorant people, while you are dealing \me opportunity for them to fpeaiv. and appear in a learning way. To which pur- 4^8 Gildas Salvianus ,• pofe, when you have done repeating, let all that are prefent know, that if they cktubt of any thing that was dcli\ eied, or would have any tiling made plainer to them, or would be refolved in any thing elle that concerncth the fubjed in hand ( or any other in cafe of need) you defire them to proiX)und their doubts. Ahd fo let them have the liberty of queftioning as learners^ while you remain the Teacher^ and refolvc all the doubts your felves , and do nol fet them on difputing, by leaving it to them to make i^ie anfwer. And if you have not competent abilities ex ttmonrt , to rcfolve their doubts,you were much better let pafs ; this too : but if you have, it will be of very great ufe, both for their edification, and the maintaining of order ^ and their neceffary dependance on you. 4. But if- you perceive them fo fet upon the exer- cife of their own parts for oftentation, that they are like to divide, if they have not opportunity to do it be not too Itiff againft them:, but mildly let them know,that it is for their good that you diflike it, both becaufe it is an ill flgn of a pr(»ud heart, that had ra- ther teach,then learn, efpecially where a Teacher by office is in place, and where there is no neceflity:, an alfo becaufe you fear it will not tend to the bell edifi cation of the Flock, but to vain janglings , or to ex cite others that are unaWe to an imitation. Defire a! fo to know of them, whether they have any truth of^ God to reveal to them,that you do not reveai.^If they have not ^ why fhould they defire needlefly to tel them what they are daily told by you ? If the^) have, it is neceffary that you know it and eonfidcr o, it,before you confent that it fhould be taught to youj Flock, But if this mild refiflance fatisiie not ,, Id then The Reformed Taflor* ^9 themc>ke their courfe a while, rather then feperatc from you ( unlefs they be already perverfe and fub- tilc Hereticks : ; and when they have done their ex- ercifes, tell chem that as you give libertic to all, to propound their doubts about what you have delj. vered, fo you mull take the like libertic that you give : And fo propouud. firlt, wbccher the under- derllandings of people are like to be more edifyed, by fuch obSifions of variety, or by faftcning well up- on their memories the things that they have lately heard f* and fo whether (uchexercifes or repetitions be more necefTary ? And then open the weakneH'es of the difcourfe ; the mif-expounding of Scriptures, the errors in matter, in Method, and in words • and that not in a contemptuous ordifgraceful way, but as the points wherein you remain unGitisfied. And by fuch means as t^hefc you will quickly (ha me them out of their way ofoftcntation. and make them give it over. 10. Mike ufc of your Peoples parts to the utmoft as your Helpers in their places, in an orderly wav. u-deryour Guidance ; or el fe they will make ufc ofthcm ina dilordcrly dividing way in oppofition to you. Ithath bcena great caufeofSchifm, when j Miniftcrs would contempcuoufly cry down private mens preaching, and withal! defire not to make any ufe of the Gifts that God hath given them for their alTiOance ; but thruft them too far from holy things, as if they wete a prophane generation. The work is like CO go poorly on, if there be no hands impjoyed in it, but theMimfters. God giveth not any of his gifts to be buryed, but for common ufe. By a pru- deqt injprovement of the gifts of the more able Hh 3 Chriftisn?? 47^ Glldas Salvianus . Chriftlans,\vc may receive much help by them, and • prevent thetr abufe ^ even as huvful marriage prc- vcnceth fornication And the ufesyou mult fytci- ally put thei^ to, are theie. i U>i*e them to be di- ligent in Teaching and praying With their own U- inilies ; fpecially Catcchrzmg them and teaching them the meanmg ot what they leirn, and whetting It on thciv aff(^dions •• And there if they h ive a mmd to preach to their children and fervanr'j, (lo they undertake not morc^ then they are able to dv>) I know no reafon^ but thcymny. 2. Uf-ge them to i\cp out now and then to their poor Ignurant Nciglibours, and catechize and inltrud ihem in mcckncfsand patience from day to day, and that will bring them more peace of V onfcience, then con- temning them ;. Urge them to go oft ro the Impenitent and fcandalous Tinners about tr.em, and deal with them with all poilible bkili and carnclt- nefs yet alfo with love and p^iticnce, for the ' on- vcrting reforming and favmg of their fouls. 4. Ac- quaint them with cheir duty of watching over each other in brotherly love ; and admonifl'Jing and ex- horting one another dailv and if any walk fcanda- loufly, to tell rhcm their fault before two or three, after the contempt ofprivaie reproof; and if that prevail not, to tell the c-fficers of the C hurch. thac they may be further proceeded with, as C UnW hath appointed. 5. At your private meetings apd in days of humiliation or tinnkfgiving in private, im- ploy them in prayer, and in fiich learning Queftions as is aforefaid. 6. Jf there be any very ignorant or fcandalous (inner that you know of, and you cannoc pofiiblyhave time your felves to fpeak to ihcm ac that Ihc Reformed ^ajlor. 47^ that feafon, fend fomc of chofe that are able and fo ber CO doicinyour iicad,to inHrud the ignoranc, and admoniili the otfenders, as faf as a pnvace man, on a meiragc fiomaMmiller,and indildiaigeof his own ducy may go. 7. Let fome of tlicm be chofen to Reprefcnt the C hurch : or to lee that i]iey have no wrong, and to be their Agents to prepare all Cafes of j^ilciphiic for pubhke audience ard to be prclenc with the Church otiicers at appointed meet- ings to hear the Evidences that are brought i(i r.ga.nft any rcandalousimpenitPncfinn^rs,ar.d todi- Icern how far they are vahd and how Ur the perlons areobhgcd to make fatisfadion and give pubhkc tuHimony of Repentance or to be further proceeded againft. 8 Let iuch as are fir, be made fubfervicnc officers, I mean Deacons : and then they may af- ford you help in a regular \va v, and will by thtir re- iation difccrn themfelves obliged to maintain the unity of the Church and authontie ofthcM n.ftrie, as they have fome participation of the Employment and honour, and fobya compl cation of 'ntereits y^>u wili make them firmer to the Church : But then fee that they be m.en Competently fit for the place. 1 am pcrfwadcdjifMiniftershad thus made u'e of the parts or their ableft members, they might have prevented much of the Divifionsand dithadionsan^ apoftacie that hath befaln us -.For they would have then found work enough upon their hands for high- er parts then theirs,without invading the Miniftrie, and would rather have feencaufe to bewail the im^ pefeflion of their abilities to that work which dotLi belong to them. Experience would hayc convinced Hh 4 , ^n4 47^ Gildas Salvianiis ; and humbled them more, then our words will do. A man may think he can Itir fuch ablock, or pluck up a tree by the roots , that never tryed j but when he few his hands to it, he will come off afha- med. And fee that you drive them to diligence in their own work?, and let them know what a fin.it is to negled their families,and their ignorant miferablc neighbours ike and then they w)ill be kept humble, and have no fuch m nd to be running upon more work , when they feel yog , fpurrmg them on to their o^n , and rebuking them for the neg- h^ ; nor will they h ivc any leifure for fchifmatical Enccrprifcs, becauleofthe conftancyand grcacncfs ofthcir employment. 11. Still keep upChri'ftian lovcand familiarity with them, even when they begin to warp and make defe(!^ion ; and lofe not your intereft in them, while you have any thoughts of attempting their reco- very. 12. Ifthey do withdraw into feparated meetings, follow them, and be among cliem, ir'it may be, con- tinually^ enter a mild diffent as to the lawfulnefs of it; butyec tell them, that you are willing to hear what it is that they have to fay, and to be among them for their good, if they will give you leave, for fear left they run to further evil . And be not eafily removed ; but hold on, unlefs they refolvedly ex- 1 elude you. For i Youmny thereby have the op portunityofa moderate gentle oppofing their er rors. and fo in time may manifeft the vanity of their . courfc : 2. And you will prevent much of that im- pudent reviling, and grofTer vcntin<: of further Er- ror, which th©y will do more freely where there is no Con- The Reformed TaHor. 47S Contradiftcr. They may fay any thing when there is none to gainlay them, and make it fecm good in the eyes of the weak. 3. And by this means, if any fed uccrs from abroad come in to confirm them, you willbereadieto oppofe them: '^nd foat the lead you will do much to prevent the increafc of their party. It hath been a very great caufe of the fchifms in £«^/W,that Minifters have only (too many) con- temaed thcm,& when they have withdrawn into pri- vate feparated meeting*, have talk't againft them to others ,or reproved them in the Pulpit & in the mean time, fled away from the faces of them,or been ftran- gcrs to thcm,whilc they have given Seducers oppor- tunity to come among them & be familiar with them without contradidion,and to have the advantages ofdeceiving them, and even doing what their hft. O that theMiniftrie had been more guiltlefs ofthofc Errors and Schifms that they talk againft I But its eafter to chide a feAary in the Pulpit , and to fub- ijpribe a Teftimony againft them, then to play the skilful ^hyfician for tneir Cure, anddo thetenth part of the duty that lieth upon us , to prevent and heal fuch calamitous diftempers. 1 am not finding fault with Prudent Reprehensions of thcoi in Publike, or Teftimonies againft them ; but I think too many of us have caufe to fear, left we do but publikely predaira our own (hime in the guilt of our negligence or imprudent weaknefles ; and left in Condemning them and Teftifying againft them> we Tcftifie againft and Condemn our felvcs. 1 3. If you be not well able to deal with them, do as T before advifed; Give them the beft book on that fubjeft to perufc. 14 If 474 Gildas SalvianUs . 1 4. If all this will not do,gcc the fittell: neighbour Minitter that you know tt) come over and help you : Not in Publik-e, nor as a kt Difputation , ( without neceflity , ) but let him come as occalionally , and ex improvijo^ come upon them in one of their private meetings, as delirous to fee and hear chem, and fo take the opportunity to deal with them. And if after that there be any Difputations appointed, be furc to obferve the old rule, fight with them on their own ground, and keep up the war in their quarters , and let it come as little as yoii can into your own : and therefore go to their AfTemblies , but let them not come into yours. For. with them, you can lofe little, and may gain much : but at home, you can gain little, but its two to one, will lofe fome, let the error be never fo grofs. TheSedarics commonly obferve this courfe themfelves, and therefore you will have much ado to get their confent to bring your difputa- tions into their own Affemblics. 15. Let not the authors of the Schifm out-do you, or go beyond you in any thing that is good : For,as truth (hould be more effeftual for find:itication,then errour- foif you give their, this advantage, you give tiiem the day • and all your difputation will do but Irttlcgood : Forthcweaker people judge all by the outward appearance, and by the effed:s,and be not fo able to judge of the Dodrine in it felf : They think' that he hath the beft caufc, whom they take to be the befl: man. I extend this rule both-^ Dodrine and Life. S. G. If a Libertine preach for Freei;grace , do you preach it up more effedaally,then he : be much upon it , and make it more glorious on right grounds,then he 7he Reformed faflor. 475 he can do on bis wrong. If on the like pretences , he magnirte the Grace of Love, and (in order to cry down fear, and humiliation ) be all tor living in pure Love to God : do not contradid him in the affertive, but only in the negative and deftructive pai t:,but out- go him, and preach up the Love of God, with its motives and cffeds, more fully and cffedually then he can do, on the corrupt g *ounds on which he doth proceed : Or elfe you will make all the lilly people believe that this is the difrerence ber.ween you,that he is for Vree-Grace and the LoVc of God^ and you are againlt it : For if you dwell not upon it in your preachinc; as well as he, thev will not take notice of a Ihorr ron^.eilion or profelllon. So if an Enthuf afldo talk ail of the Holy-Ghoit. and the ligl^t, and witnefs, and Law within us:LaIl you upon that fubject too,&: do that well which they did ill :, and preach up the office of the Holy-GLoft, his indwelling and opera- tions, and the light, and teifimony , and Law within us, better then they. This is the moit effectual way of fetling your people againft their feductions. So if you be pnTaulted by Pelagians -^ if they make a long (lory to prove that God is not the Author of i^n -^ do you fall upon the proof of it too : If they plead for tree- will, do you plead for that Free-will which we have ( the natural liberty, which none deny, con- ilPiing in a felt-determining power, and fuppofing adual indeterjiiination ) and deny only that Liberty which the will hath not : (that is, i . Either a freedom from Gods Government. 2." Or from the necefTary guidance of the Intclled, and Moral force of the ob- jeA. 3 . Or that true Spiritual, Ethical freedom from Mcious inclinations , which confiftech in the Right Difpofition 47 <^ Gildas Salvianiis ; Dil^^ofition of the will : though the fandi,^ed indeed have this in pai't^ and that predominantly.) So if any Pelagian or Semi-Pelagian , will go about indulbri- oufly to prove mans power ( or rather impotency ) to Will or do evil • do it as effedually as he : For this is indeed but to prove a man a linner, under pretewce of proving him free , or at leaft to prove him defe- dible ( if it be not the ill inclination, but the poflibi- hty oT finning that they defend : in which cafe , we can fay more,then they. So if they go about labori- oufly to prove,thatChrift dyed for all : I would en- deavour to do it as cffedually,as they :, that it might appear to the people, that the difference between us is not in this, that they would magnihe the riches of grace above me,or that I would leave Tinners hopelcfs and remedilefs, and without an objcd for faith , any more then they : nor that I abufe or rejed cxprels Scriptures , when tliey own them in their proper fenfc : But I would let them know,that the Contro- verfie lyeth elfewhere • viz,. Whether Chrift in offer- ing himfelf a facrifice for fin, had not a fpecial Inten- tion or Refolufion ( in complyance with his Fathers predeftinating will ) infallibly and effedually to fave his chofen, even fuch and fuch by name, in making his blood applyed , effedual to the pardon of all their fins, and to give them his fpirit to fcal them unto glo- ry : having no fuch Will, Intention, Refolution , in dying ( no more then his Father had in predeftinate- ing ) as to the reft of the iVorld. So if one that is for private mens preaching come and inveigh againft Mi- nifters for inhibiting them to ufe the gifts of God for the edification of the Church,! would not prefently fee to thwart him ; but I would rather fall a perfwad- ing 7 he Reformed Ta/lor: 477 ing private men to ufe their gifts, in all the waies that I even now mentioned ^ and fharply chide them for uling them no more ^ and then among my Cautions, or rcpreheniions, meet with his defiredabufe in the end. And what 1 have faid by way of inftance in thefe few pomts, I mean in all others : Preaching truth is the moft fu^cefsful way of confuting error : and 1 would have no Seducer to have the glory of out-going us in any good, and fonot in befriending or defending any truth. Once more €. G. If a Soci- nian lliouid tall a pleading for the Churches Peace , and for Unity upon the antient fimplicity of faith , I would labour to out-go him in it : and then would fhew that the antient iimple faith condemned him. If he would plead Rcafon for Scripture or the Chrillian Religion, I would endeavour to out-go him in it, and he fhould not have opportunity to glory that he on- ly had Reafon for what he held, and I had none. But I would fhew that as I have Reafon to believe the Scripture, fo that Scripture condemneth his errors. If aSeparatill will plead for the Neceility of Church- order and Difcipline, fo would I as well as he : and fhew him that it is only Diforder, and Confufion in- confident with right order and difciplme that I dif- like in him or thofe of his way. And fo would I do by others in this cafe. And you fhould be as loath that they fhonld out- go you in the Pradife of a Holy and Righteous life, any more,then in founder diligent teaching. Do any of them exprefs a hatred of fin, and defire of Church Reformation ? So muft we do more. Do any of them ufe to fpend their time when they meet together in holy difcourfe, and not in vain Janglings ? Let us do 1<> 478 Giidas Salvianus • fo much more : Are they unwearied in propagaring their opinions ? I et us be more lb in propagating the Truth : Will they condeftend to the meaneli:, and creep into houfes to lead captive the I'lllyell ot the Vlock ? Letusfl:oopaslow,andbe as dihgent to do them good. Arc any of the.n loving to their party , and contemners of the world ? Let us be lovers of ail, and fpecially of all Saints • and do good to all, as we have power • and fpecially to all the houfhold of faith • and love an enemy, as well as they can do a friend. Let us be more jult then they •, and more merciful then they-, and mo4"e humble, and meek, and patient then they : Vor this is the will of God , that by well-doing we may put to lllence the Ignorance of fooiifh men. Let us excel! them in a holy, harm- lefs, rigl.teous', mcrcifu'., fruitful, heavenly life, as we do in louridnelsof Dodrine : that by ourfi'uitswe may be known , and the weaker fort of our people may fee the truth in thi'5 reflexion, that cannot fee it in It f:jlf, and that our Light may fo fliine before men, that they may fee our converlation, and glorihe our lather which IS in heaven, and even they that obey ncrt the word, may without the word be won by the converfation of their Teachers, i Frr. 3.1,2. O how happy had E^^^landhiitn :, how happy had all the Church been, if the Minillers of the Gofpel hiid taken thefe courfes 1 It would have done more againit Errors ;ind Schifm, then aJl our chiding at them hath done, or then all the force can do which we defire from the Magiftrate. rhret The Reformed fapr. 47P ^I^Hree forts of perfons that vvc rr.ay meet with Jl in '. ur conference, are no-v over, viz., i. The grofly Ignorant and unconverted. 2. The doubting youbled believer. 3. The Cavilling Queftionift, or reduced Schifmarick. The fourth that 1 lliould fpeak of in thii Diredion js,Thofe that by a profeffed wil- lin^nefs to learn and obey,and by other figns^do give us fome probabiltty^that they may have true Repen- tance and faith, and yet by their ignorance, or luke- WJiruinefs (being not noted for any fpecial profcfli- on ofGodline's) ,or by fome uneven walking, do make our fears to be as great or greater then our hopes : fo that we are between hope and fear of them, doubting the worft of their ^refent fafety, though we have not ground to charge them to be unconverted, impenitent, unfandificd perfons. I think half that come to me are of this fort : and ten of this fort (if not 40 ) for one that I dare flatly fay arc unregencr^te. Now it may be a great difficulty with fome younger Miniijcrswhat they (hould do with this fort of people, where they have no fuffici- ent ground to determine of them as Godly or Un- godly^ what ever their fears or hopes may be. Ofthefelfliallonly briefly fay this, i.Ihe firfl Dircdionsmay fufiiccin the main, for dealing with thefe and are as much titted to thefe as to the worft. As we may tell a Notorions, ungodly m^nj'offr cafe ii miferahle^ you are a child of death : (o may WC tell thefe, f much fear your Cafe is fad ; thefe are ill Jtgns : I "^'onder hcW jcu dare fo haK,ard your falvanon • Andfoabaiingof the confidence of our C^fures according 480 Gildas Salvianus. acaording to the fcv€ral-^grce$ of the hopeful good, that appear- eth In them, we may Tec in the firft cifcj how to deal in this. X. And I would advifc you to be yery cautelous how you pafs too hafty or abfolutc Ccnfures on any that you have to do with •, becaife Ic is not fo eafie a raattf r to difccrn a man to be certainly gracelefs that prof cffethhimrelf a Chriftian, as many do imagine ic to be j And you may do the work in hand as well without fuch an abfolutc conclufion as with It, as the former examples (^which will fcrve all with a little alteration doj (hew. ^ 1 he general defcriptions of the Minifterial work, may fupply the reft. I (hall only add in a word. i. Keep them clofc to the ufe of private and publikc means, a. Be ofc with the luke-warm to awaken them rcuzin^ly 5 and with the carelcfs toadmonllhthem. 3. Take the opportunity of ficknefs which will bow their hearts and open their ears. 4. See that they fpend the Lords day, and order their families, aright. 5. Draw them from temptations and occafions of fin. 6. Charge them to come and feek help in all great freights and open their temptations and dangers before they are (wallowed up 7. Strike at the great Radical fins. Self-fccking, fleGily mlndcdncfs, fenfuality, Pride, wordllnefs , Infidelitle, &c. i.Keep them to the Reading of Scripture and good books, and dired them to thofe that arc likeftto awake them. 8. 1 ngagctheir godly neighbours to have an eye upon them. 9. Keep up Dlfclpline to awe them : 10. Maintain the life of Grace In your (elves that it may appear in all your Sermons to them^that every one that comes cold to the AfTembly may have warming helps be- fore he depart. I have done my Advice, and leave you to the Pradlce. Though the proud may receive Ic with fcorn and the felfllh and (lothful with fome dift^ft and indignation; I doubt not, but God will ufe it, In defpight of the oppofitions of fin and Satan, to the awakening of many of his fervants to tbeir duty, and the promoting of the work of a Kight Reformation ; and that his much greater blefCog (hall accompany the piefent undertaking^ for the favlng of many a foul^ the Peace of you that undertake and perform It, the exciting of his fervants through the nation tofccondyou, and to In4r«afe Purity and the unity of his Cheches, Amen. To the Reverend and faithful