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SEASONABLE ADVICE
.544
TO ALL
True Proteftants
IN
ENGLAND,
IN
This prefent poſture of Affairs.
CHAP. I.
The Conspiracy and prefent Designs of the Popish Party in Eu-
rope, against the Protestant Intereft difcovered, with the me-
thods obferved by them to overthrow the Church of England.
T
HE true Chriſtian Faith in all Ages hath been endan-
gered by the cruelties and furious perfecutions of the
Devil and his Hellish Agents. Since the Murther of
the Divine Author of this Excellent Religion, there is
no Age nor Kingdom but hath feen multitudes of his
fincere Followers, fent after their Good Mafter. How
furiouſly did the Pharifees rage againſt the Apoſtles! how barbarouſly
did they handle the firft Chriftians! how many Confultations and At-
tempts to ftifle this Religion in its Infancy, in the Rivers and Torrents
B
of
2
A Seaſonable Advice
of the Blood of its Profeffors! And when by S. Paul's Preaching the
Truth was generally known and embraced all over the Roman Empire,
how many Maffacrcs and Tragedies have been acted upon Chriftians!
As it is not poffible to defcribe the inhumanities of Nero, Domitian,
Dioclefian, and other Cafars: it is impoffible to declare the number of
Christ's Difciples, murdered in all parts of their Dominions, in every
Town and Hamlet, and in every Province, fire and fword, mifery and
torments were the portions of all that were fo bold as to own this facred
Name.
Afterwards when by the goodneſs of God,the Roman Emperors began.
to open their Eyes and perceive the Divinity of this Faith,when they be-
gan to draw the whole World by their Religious Examples, to worſhip
a Crucified Saviour; the Devil (whofe Empire was thereby over-
thrown) took other meaſures, and an other courfe to deſtroy Chrifti-
anity, and hinder its progrefs amongſt men. Inftead of oppofing the
whole Body of it, which had gained an invincible credit in the World,
he refolved to pick quarrels with fome of its Doctrines, and to poyfon
the Hypocritical Profeffors, with fuch pernicious perfuafions, as might
fpread to the forming of a Party for himself. No footer did the Pri-
mitive Chriftians come out of the Heatheniſh Perfecutions, but this.
grand Enemy of all. Truth and Piety advanced amongſt them the.
Herefies of Arius, Apollinarius, Neftorius, Novatus, Pelagius, and others
of his Champions, who either by fubtilty or cruelty affaulted again
Christ's Church afresh, and raiſed perfecutions against her in her very
bowels. But Satan's Malice was never fo remarkable, nor the Suffer-
ings of the Church never fo many, nor the Plots and Combinations
against her never fo frequent, under the Governments of the Jews and
Romans; as they have been fince the Apoftacy of the Roman Church
from Chrifts true Faith, and its reception of the antient Herefies. The
Devils Throne eſtabliſhed in the Old Capitol, feems to be now tranf-
ferred to the infamous Vatican of Rome, the
antient abode of the Whores, and the now
Seat of the Great Whore of Babylon: for
from this place it is impoffible to number the
Decrees and Commiffions that have been fent to murder, deſtroy, burn,
and overthrow Chrift's true Ghurch on Earth. How many Wars have
been kindled! how marty Maffacres acted! how many Plots fet on foot!
how many Cruelties and Tragedies have procceded from the Refolu-
corn. Tacit. lib. 2. in fine
Vitel. Imperij.
tions
Prof Lones C. Karponski to all true Protestants.
11-2-1931
tions and Orders of the Vatican? In all Ages and Kingdoms of our
Northern-World, the Roman Party was never wanting in any bloudy
Scene to deftroy Chrift's Difciples. It is obfervable that for above feven
hundred years, there hath fcarce been a War in Europe, but the Pope of
Rome hath been the firft Contriver, and greateſt Promoter of it, chiefly
when Christ's Church and People were concerned. For it hath always
been the Policy of the Roman Court, when the Princes of Europe were
grown fo Rich or Great as to give them a Jealoufie, to ftir them up by
their Nuncios to fome chargeable and dangerous War, or to raiſe againſt
them their diſcontented Neighbours. And fince the Reformation hath
ſeparated from them a part of Europe, all the Proteſtant Blood that
hath been fpilt, may be charged upon the Pope and his Agents. How
many millions in France, Germany, Spain, and other parts of Europe have
been flain by the Papifts! How many private Maffacres and publick
Wars have been begun and encouraged by them! I dare affert, and offer
my felf to prove from a certain knowledge of the Hiftories of former
Ages, that in this Northern World fince the firft Reformation, the Pope
and his Papifts have been fo great Enemies of the Peace of Christendom,
that there hath been no War kindled, nor fcarce any Bloody Scene
acted by any Authority, nor any noted Wickedness performed, but
the Pope had there a hand, and was concerned as one of the chief Actors.
This unreconcileable hatred which he bears to Chriſt's Church and
his Goſpel, inrages him and all his reftlefs Agents, against this flouriſh-
ing and happy Kingdom. Since the beginning of Queen Elizabeths
Reign, how many hundred Plots and Confpiracies have been fet on
foot by the Papifts againſt the Lives of our Kings and Princes, and the
Peace of this Nation! This Land feems to have been the chiefeft Thea-
ter of their Cruelty and private Confpiracies. As foon as by the Good-
nefs of God one Plot is difappointed, another is immediately begun
and advanced, to trouble this Kingdom. I fhall not mention here the
former Diſcoveries, that have been made of the Popes deſigns againſt
us, of our danger in Eighty Eight, of the Gunpowder-Plot, of our late
Civil Wars, of our Royal Martyrs Murder, of the Noble Blood that hath
been privately ſpilt, and of our unreconcileable differences in Religion,
known to be fomented by the Pope and Papiſts, and many other of
their contrivances within theſe few years, tending to diſquiet and
diſturb Chriſt's Church amongst us. I thall in this ſhort Tract give an
Account only of the prefent defigns of the Papifts against the Proteftant
B 2
Religion
4
A Seaſonable Advice
Religion in Europe, from certain and well grounded Intelligence, that I
have had with worthy men of the Popish Religion,and the Acquaintance
that I have defired to get in the Affairs of Europe within theſe twenty
years I fhall here give a profpect of a private Confultation and a crafty
Contrivance, which hath caufed already much Chriſtian Blood to be
fpilt in all parts of Europe, and God knows how much more the carrying
on of theſe defigns will coft: God knows what miferies and afflictions
it will bring upon us. For the prevention of the mifchiefs intended
againſt us in this Land, and our Proteftant Religion; I here offer this
Diſcovery to the Publick, or as much as is neceffary to be known. I pray
God that our Brethren of the fame Religion would ferioufly confider
it, ſo as to reunite again with us in the fincere profeffion of the Truth
and Worſhip of our God, that our Enemies may not advantage them-
felves by our divifions; for this purpoſe I ſhall fhew what this Popish
Dcfign is, by whom commenced, and who are chiefly concerned.
upon as
Alexander the Seventh, of the Family of Chigi was looked
one of the greateſt Politicians of his days. As foon as he was fetled in
his Papacy, he fent his Nuncios into France, Germany and Spain, to re-
concile the Popish Princes, and to conclude between them fuch a League
as that they might be able to fupprefs the Calvinists at home, and oppoſe
together the Turk abroad. The differences between the French and
the Spaniards were compofed, by the Marriage of the eldeft Infanta of
Spain with Lewis the Fourteenth, the yongeft being given to the Em-
peror, the Chief of the Houſe of Auftria. This Peace gave leafure to
the French Court, and an opportunity to the Pope and his Agents to
Work and Solicit the Ruin of the Proteftants, by pulling down their
Churches, and denying them the priviledges allowed them before. Se
veral ways were then propofed in the Affembly of Cardinals, anfwerable
to the ſtate of every Kingdom. England was then groaning under the
Tyranny of an Ufurper dreadful to all Europe; but a Religion was then
here profeffed in oppofition to Popery: The Kings Majefty was in his
Banishment. It was therefore refolved to get here fuch an Intereft in
the Army and in the Land, as that the Papifts might be able to make a
ftrong party, when time fhould ferve: for that purpoſe, ſeveral Jefuits
were fent over to fet up new Religions and divide the people amongst
themſelves, and to joyn with the Army, into which they were admitted
in Offices of Truft under their ufual difguifes. A propofal had been
made to our Gracious Soveraign to draw him from the Truth, with
large
to all True Proteftants.
5
large hopes of an univerfal affiftance of the foreign Papifts, in fuch a
cafe to fettle him again in his Throne: but he was not to be drawn to
be the Popes Slave in hopes of a Crown, nor to be perfwaded to em-
brace ſuch abſurdities againſt his Confcience and Reaſon. God there-
fore performed for him what his Enemies had but propofed, and refto-
red to him his inheritance, as a reward of his Fidelity to Truth, con-
trary to the whole Worlds expectation. When the Court of Rome faw
ſo great a revolution in this Kingdom, and the Proteftant Religion
fucceeding to the former Anarchy in the Church, when they faw no
hopes of that Change they wished for, they fentias many Emiffaries as
they could to fow the feeds of divifion amongſt us and our brethren of
the ſame perſwaſion, for the carrying on of their damnable deſigns, the
ruin of our Kingdom and Church; againſt which they planted all their
Engins. A Confultation was regularly had in London of the moſt ex-
perienced and wifeft Jefuits, who had intelligence with moſt parts of
the Kingdom, and knew by Letters the pofture of all Affairs, and the
Peoples difpofitions: The refult was fent over to their General at Rome,
and the Affembly appointed there for English Affairs: From thence they
received every month new Orders how to proceed, which Orders they
had a general Commiffion to correct according to the unexpected acci-
dents that might happen.
During the late Civil War and Ufurpation, the Jefuit had got
many Profelytes to his Religion by drawing them from the Truth, or
caufing fome to caft off all reſpect of any other Religion,but that which
their fordid Intereft recommended. The Wicked and Antichriftian Prin-
ciple of the former, and the prophaneſs and licentiouſneſs of the latter,
made them both ready to embrace Popery, as foon as it ſhould appear
with any credit amongst us; but all this while the Knave lurked under
the ſhape of an Anabaptift, of a Quaker, of a Fift-Monarchy man, and
fometimes for his Intereſt he would appear amongst the Presbyterians
and Independents. The feverity of the antient Laws, and the Peoples
general hatred of Popery and Jefuits, fuffered him not to lift up his
Mask: therefore all his proceedings were private and fecret, and under
fuch outward garbs, as hindred him from being visible to every eye.
But as foon as the Kings Majefty returned to his Crown and King-
dom, the Jeſuits and Papifts were refolved to take other meaſures: The
fervices of fome of their Party, and the Authority of Crowned Heads
emboldned. them to appear amongft us with more Courage and lefs
B 3
Fcar
6
A Seafonable Advice
Fear of the Law, which by the King's merciful temper was mitigated
towards them, and they fuffered to make profeffion of their Religion
without fear of punishment: All that they feemed then to defire and
pretend to was but the freedom to exerciſe their Religion, but give the
Devil an Inch and he will take an Ell. Their fecret aim and private con-
trivances have always tended to the overthrow of Church and State,
for the better carrying on of their purpoſes, they have endeavoured to
have all the Intereft they could make amongst the great ones.
There was then three obftacles to their grand Defign not to be over-
come on a fudden: The Kings reality in the Proteftant Profeffion, the
Nations general averfion for Popery, fome out of Intereſt and for Fear
of lofing their Impropriations and Abbey-Lands; others out of a prin-
ciple of Religion, and the third obftacle was the Parliaments Sincerity
and Loyalty to God and their King. To attempt openly to overcome
theſe impediments was but a madnefs, which could not turn but to their
ruin. They found out a way to batter theſe invincible Bulwarks, and if
not to render them affaultable, at leaft to prevent the danger they appre-
hended from thence, the Peoples averfion they took away by degrees,
by their officious and kind behaviour, civil deportment, and ufual pro-
feffions of fidelity to their Prince, and care of the publick ſafety, honour
and happineſs: by fpreading abroad both in the Countrey and theCity,
Books of their Religion with moderate Difputations and Refutations of
ours, which they gave to all that would hearken to them, or fhew them
any countenance or likelihood of embracing their ways: and by
fettling of Popiſh School-Maſters in every corner of the City, who en-
deavoured if not to poiſon the Children with their principles, at leaſt
to give them fuch a tincture of their Religion, as might remove the
natural averfion. They dealt with every one according to his quality,
difpofition and place. To the Great and Noble they feemed to be true,
trufty and officious, to the meaner fort they appeared with hopes and
promiſes of advantage: and to all they discovered the Popish Religion
under the diſguiſes of pleaſure and profit; as many as were not well
principled they endeavoured to debauch and corrupt, chiefly if they
were in any place of truft, that they might fhew themſelves favourable
to Popery and Papifts. Some they would recommend and promote to
places of profit, to Offices and Employments in Noble Families, and in
the State; to others they would give monies, and with all perfons
they endcavoured to ingratiate themselves: cafting all the mifery and
}
troubles
to all true Proteftants.
7
troubles of our Civil War upon Presbyterians, Reformation, and Non-
conformity, to render them the more odious to King and People. One
thing gave them a jealoufie, and they were refolved to employ all their
Skill and Art to prevent it; That was a reconciliation between the Epif-
copal Party and the moderate Non-Conformifts, endeavoured by the
Kings Majefty, and defired by the whole Nation. To hinder this
conjunction, which doubtlefs would have proved fatal to Popery in
this Land, and break the neck of all their deſigns, they laboured to in-
terpofe between both, and to incourage the one in his ftifneſs, by buzing
in the ears of the fimpler fort the danger of unity, the corruption in
the Church, the glory of Conftancy in Religion, and their ingage-
ments for the Covenant: and by upbraiding the more knowing party
with the Peoples difcourfes of the Minifters bad Lives, unfaithfulness,
unconftancy, and the danger their Souls were in, if by their too hafty
compliance to that which their former Intereft obliged them to exclaim
againft, they gave them a lender Opinion and an Atheiſtical impreffi-
on of Religion it felf. To thefe they reprefented Conformity as the
moſt intolerable burthen, and the heaviest yoke could be impoſed upon
them by Authority; and our Religion of the Church of England the
neareſt in affinity to Popery, full of Superftition, if not of Idolatry.
They accuſed all our zealous endeavours to bring the People to Unity,
to be Perfecutions of the good Servants of God, and every step that we
made was flandered and difcredited by theſe men who had a defign to
advantage themfelves by our Divifions. To the Governours in the
Church and State they would exclaim againſt the wickedness and dan-
ger of Conventicles and Non-Conformity. They reprefented all the
Reformed Churches beyond the Seas, as incouragers of our diffenfions
by their Examples, and Government without Bilhops; Calvin and all
his Calvinists were Traitors, Schifmaticks, Hereticks, Enemies of the
Publick Peace, promoters of Rebellion, infufferable in a Common-
Wealth, dangerous Confpirators against the Kings Perfon and Govern
ment; and what not. With thefe and fuch like Notions they infected
the minds of many of our Clergy, with an unjuſt prejudice againſt all-
the Religious Churches of God beyond the Seas, and had not a very
worthy Divine, [ Dr. Darel, cleared their innocency by repreſenting to
the publick, their difallowance of our frivolous difcords, and their
acknowledgment of us for their Brethren, and our Liturgy and Govern-
ment, to be altogether agreeable with Gods Word and Will; we should
have
8
A Seaſonable Advice
have proceeded to a publick Excommunication. However thefe
impreffions given to the Rulers in Church and State, caft oyl into the
fire, angred the minds of our zealous Governours, and drew from them
thofe fevere refolutions which have increaſed our difcords, and cauſed
many to imagin more in Non-Conformity than really there is, for as
fome fort of Wounds putrifie and increaſe the more they are handled,
fo the Divifions of our Church about quid dities, Indifferencies, Trifles
and Vanities, would have vanifhed by degrees the lefs we had minded
them. But as we had our Enemies on both fides acquainted with our
temper and interefts, they would not ſuffer the one to conform, nor the
others to admit them upon more moderate terms, than a ftrict compli-
ance with all the inconfiderable punctilio's which the Publick Peace and
Gods Glory might eaſily diſpenſe with, as well as Religion, Govern-
ment and Conformity it felf. In all the publick Difputations too
much Gall proceeded from the Jefuits hatred of us both, and their ap-
prehenfion of our ſenſibleneſs of our own Intereft, and of an union be-
tween those that differed for the moſt part but in fhadows. However
they laboured to raife fuch a mift between us and our Brethren, that we
could not fee to joyn together in one body and worſhip. All this while
they advanced fome of their own difguifed fellows into. Offices and
Places of Truft; and when they faw any perfon able to ſerve their
turn, they would befriend him with their affiftance in his promotion,
and difcourage all other perfons. When I lived near London, a Jefuit
an ingenious and a good Linguiſt, knowing my Skill in that and other
forts of Learning, and how much I had been neglected in the Church;
though I had done good Service both at home and abroad, was fent
purpoſely to ſearch into the Principles of my Religion, whether I would
favour Popery: could I have diffembled with him, I might have had a
confiderable preferment by the Jefuits means, but I choſe rather to abide
in a mean condition,and to be confined to the remoteft wilderneſs of the
Land, to a fmall Vicarage of about fixty pounds per annum, there to
bury my Talents, than to employ them in the Service of the Devil and
the Pope.
But all theſe indeavours at home, tended to the promotion, encou
ragement, and increaſe of the Popish Religion, but amongst a few, and
fuch as dared not to discover what they were. And though it had
got fo much credit, that many ingenious and good Proteftants could
not endure to hear the Pope or Papiſts ſpoken againſt, or blamed for
Super
to all true Proteftants.
9
fuperftition, or any of their practices. This could not bring to paſs the
grand Defign without a more powerful endeavour, and ftronger af-
fiftances; for that purpoſe as ſoon as the Court of Rome was perfectly re-
conciled with the French King, and that he had confented to gratifie
them, to have the Monument of their Difgrace taken away, and all
remembrances of his Ambaffadors affront and their weakneffes, pulled
down in Rome: they refolved to make ufe of his Affiftance, and to
govern all Europe, if not all the World, by a Triumvirat. I shall not trou-
ble my Reader with any part of this Plot relating to Foreign Affairs,
only as it looks upon us and concerns us here in England.
It is fufficiently known that the Court of Rome pretends to an Uni
verfal Monarchy, and to hold by the Power of the Keys what the fame
City governed heretofore by the Sword. The Jefuits likewiſe have
the fame aim, but with a pretended fubordination to the Pope and his
Authority; a meer pretence covered over with the Oath of blind Obe-
dience, for this crafty and devilish Society, if it once get a Head will
as eafily forget their Allegiance to the Pope, as they do now that to
their moſt lawful Princes under God. But neither the Jefuits nor the
Pope of Rome, now that all their Cheats have been diſcovered to the
World in thefe latter Ages, through the Preaching of the Gofpel, can
carry on or compaſs fo great a Deſign without other affiftance,
therefore they reſolved together to employ the old Policy of the antient
Romans in Conquering Kingdoms, which was to fubdue them with
their Weapons, and by the Courage of their own Inhabitants.
Of all the Monarchs fubject to the Roman See, in the end of Alexan-
der's Papacy, none feemed fo powerful in men and money as the French :
A young Prince Lord of a flourishing Kingdom, and of a great Con-
tinent, but of an Aſpiring mind that would readily entertain the firſt
propoſals of larger Dominions, and other Empires. Therefore the
Jefuits and the Pope, agreed to tempt him with the Glories of the
World, and to make him the Univerfal Monarch, if he would encou-
rage the Popish Religion, and declare himſelf an Enemy to the Prote-
ftant Profeffion in and out of his Kingdom. This fame Propofal had
been made to Philip the Second of Spain, when that Kingdom was in its
Grandeur; and in order to its accomplishment, he gratified the Pope
with the Expulfion and Banifhment of the Moors out of his Kingdom,
with a Bloody War in the Low-Countries, and with the Maffacre of his
Eldeſt Son and Heir Don Carlos, a young Prince who diſcovered his
C
diflike
FO
A Seaſonable Advice
diflike of the Bloody Deſigns of the Papifts of his days. But fince the
States of Europe have laboured to cut the Spaniards Short, and to bring
down their haughty pretenfions, they have fcarce been able to keep
their own without their Neighbours Charitable Aſſiſtance, much leſs to
invade the other Kingdoms and Territories of Europe, in gratification
of the Court of Rome. But the French Monarch eftecmed the richeft
Prince of all Europe, raifed to a Powerful and Large Kingdom, was
become dreadful to all his Neighbors whiles he ftood ftill. He feemed
therefore to be the fitteft Inftrument to carry on the Popish Deligns in
Europe and in England, and able to fupprefs the Proteftant Religion
every where. This was the French aim in the laft Dutch War, as may
appear by the words of their Embaffadors to all Popish Princes, chiefly
in Germany and Spain: And in confideration of this War, the Pope
was willing to gratific the French King in all his demands, in making
thofe men Cardinals whom he had recommended to him. And like-
wife to thew his readineſs to cruſh the Proteftant Party, the French King
to pleaſe the Pop, hath pulled down ſeveral hundred Churches, and op-
preſſed the Proteſtants of his Dominions contrary to his former Grants
and Promifes. I could inftance feveral known proofs of this Agree-
ment between the Pope, the Jefuits, and the French King, to govern
the World between them, and to affift one another in the fubduing
Europe, and in Ruling it by this Triumvirat. The Pope was to have the
Souls, and command the Confciences of men to furnish him and his
minions with what moneys they would have. The French King was to
Govern the Bodies and command their Eftates. And the Jeſuits by
a compliance with them both, were to have a large ſhare in the Con
quered Countreys and a great part in the Government of the World.
The Dutch a ſturdy generation and powerful by Sea flood in their way,.
theſe muſt be oppreffed by a Nation no leſs valiant and ftrong: it was
no difficult matter to blow up the Coals and kindle a War. The unci-
vility of the former furniſhing daily cauſes of diſcontent to the latter;
but when the growing greatnefs.of the French difcovered to us our own
danger, and that our Prince became the Moderator of Peace and War,
ftopping this furious Champion in his full Career,it is not to be imagin'd
what diſpleaſure the Popish Party conceived againſt our King and Na-
tion: what threatning fpeeches, what furious expreffions dropt from
their mouths. The Emperor only and the Spaniard no Friend of the
French Greatness, would have been willing to affift the Pope, if only
1
Religion.
to all true Proteftants.
II
Religion had been concerned; but when they had an inkling of the
Triumvirat, and ſaw to what all theſe proceedings would abutt, they
choſe rather to aid the Hereticks againſt their Pope, than to fuffer them
to increaſe their Enemies Power and Greatneſs.
But feeing that Proteftant England would not fuffer the Pope and
the French to triumph over all their Neighbours, but give a check to
their proceedings: a Peace muſt be concluded with the Dutch Hereticks,
that they might have more leafure to work miſchief to and oyerthrow
this ſtrongeſt Bulwark of the Troteftant Religion. Open War was
dangerous againſt a Nation ſo Couragious, therefore private Plots and
fecret Confpiracies muft do: They had no other way but to caft us in-
to a confuſion by a ſudden attempt, and the Maffacre of our Prince and
of his Subjects; and to animate us one againſt another. The Father
muſt be ſtirred up againſt the Son, the Children muſt riſe againſt their
Parents, Relations and Affinity, Confanguinity, and the ties of Friend-
ſhip and Blood muſt be all fet afide to promote the Intereft of this Catho-
lick Religion, and Holy Caufe fanctified by the Popes Benediction.
The burning of the City of London could not deſtroy that Neft of He-
reticks, they muft there be all Maffacred therefore in their famous City
that is fo foon rifen out of its Aſhes to the wonder of the World. No
pitty nor compaffion muſt be had of innocent babes, who might one
day revenge the murder of their Parents, but they muft all, the Mother
and the Child, feel the ftroaks and ſharp fwords of thefe zealous follow-
ers of Jefus, of thefe Roman Catholicks and Jefuits. But how far
did their fury intend to run? God knows. Once the name of a Pro-
teftant muſt not be left alive in all England: Blood and Rivers of Blood
muſt be ſpilt to make way for a Religious Generation of Jefuits, Fran-
cifcans, Jacobins and other Fryers to plant in this Land and fecure it
for the Pope their Sovereign. Kings and Princes, Nobles and Clergy,
Gentry and Commonalty, muft all be witneffes of their impartial zeal;
the whole Nation muſt be deſtroyed. O Inhumanity! O Helliſh Fury!
O unheard of Cruelty! Bleffed be thy Holy Name, O Lord our God,
for the diſcovery of their malice and rage against us, continue thy Pro-
tection to our gracious Prince, guard him by thine Almighty Power,
fecure his perfon againſt all preſent and future Confpiracies, preferve
thy People and this Church, and fend us all to be truly thankful, and
to reunite again in the fincere worſhip of thee the only true God, for
Jefus Chrift his fake. Amen. This Plot hath been working many years,
C 2
and
12
A Seafonable Advice
and preparations were making in all the Convents upon the Sea-Coafts
of Spain and France, chiefly of the Jefuits. But that which is the end of
all this Difcourfe is, that if we had not been divided in Religion the
Papifts would not have made this attempt, and we ſhould be infallibly
fecure from all future miſchiefs, (which they will yet endeavour to
work amongſt us) if we could be perfwaded to fet afide all Partiality
and Prejudice, and joyn together all unanimoufly in the profeffion of
one Religion, and in the fame manner. This I (hall prove in the next
Chapter.
CHA P. II.
The danger of Divifion in a Nation about matters of Religion,
and what pernicious confequences it hath had in foreign
Countries, and in this.
HE chicf intent of all Societies of men is Union, and the Publick
Security, againſt all invafion and diſorder, foreign and domeſtick.
For that purpoſe we gather together in one Body and under one Head:
we bind our felves together with Laws and Relations, we entertain a
mutual correfpondency amongſt our felves, and pretend all to promote
the general good of the politick Body. Nations are to be looked upon
as large Families where the Univerfal Father, and all the reft are mem-
bers of the Family, highly concerned in one anothers good and prefer-
vation. All the individuals are united in one publick intereft in the hap-
pineſs of the whole or divifion: therefore difcord is an apparent enemy
to the Society, becauſe it oppoſes the very intent of it, and lays
open a Nation to thefe following miſchiefs, and to their difmal confe-
quences.
I. It weakens the Society and People, and renders them lefs able to
refift their Enemics; It is not to be imagined what inconveniency a
fmall divifion will caufe in a City or Common-wealth. As in the natu-
ral body a head-ach or a light diftemper renders the man feeble and not
fit for action, ſo the publick divifions bring great impediments to thoſe
proceedings that would tend to the Nations happineſs, honour, fafety
and peace: and, ought to be fo.much the more odious the more a well
com-
to all True Proteftants.
13
compact and fetled body in good order and temper is in a thriving and
profperous condition.
II. It breeds difcontents and diſturbances at home, which if kept
fecret, occaſions murmurings and complaints amongst the inferiors, and
many times when they break out they raife Rebellions and Civil-Wars.
for it is certain that there can be no divifion or faction in a place but
muft proceed from and caufe difcontent, hatred and variance, which
commonly rob from us our inward and outward peace. And though
the Diviſion may be only in fome particular refpects, which may not
hinder a correſpondency in other publick relations, that correfpondency
can never be hearty, and thoſe endeavours together cannot be fo fuc-
ccfsful and vigorous, when they proceed from parties,that entertain mu-
tual diſpleaſures, eſpecially in that very thing which is the greateſt tye
of all human Societies, Religion.
IH. It lays us open to all the attempts,contrivances and malicious de-
figns of our Enemies. How eafie is it to ruin a divided party! to fet
and incourage one faction againſt another! And though the divifion
may obſerve ſome bounds, and not proceed to that extremity to which
it naturally tends, it cannot be denied but that a crafty Enemy may
eaſily advantage himſelf thereby, and work the miſchief if not the total
overthrow of a divided People, for, there are alwaies opportunities
given for fuch wicked purpoſes by the diſcovery of this weakneſs. In
fhort, that Nation is in no fmall danger, and the miſchiefs into which it
is likely to fall are innumerable, that is divided in ſuch a manner, that
there is no hopes of union. Our Bleffed Saviour foretells the fate of
that Society or Houfe, that it cannot ftand, but muft needs of its own
accord fall into ruin..
j.
But of all divifions, thofe about Religion feem to be the moſt unna-
tural, unreaſonable and ominous: factions and parties in the State may
be tolerated when they aim not directly at the diffolution of Govern-
ment, nor the difcredit or oppofition of Authority; in fuch a cafe they
are not fo dangerous nor of that ill confequence as to give us an hot
Alarm. And though they may diminish of that Love and Refpect that
is due to our Sovereign, by obliging us to prefer an intereft not agreeable
with his and the Common-wealths, they are not fo criminal but they
may correfpond with our Allegiance to our Prince.
C 3.
But
14
A Seafonable Advice
But divifions and factions in Religion in the fame Nation, threaten
us with thoſe unavoidable dangers, that make Governours take heed
how they tolerate that which is againſt all policy: chiefly in thoſe King-
doms as are furrounded with watchful Enemies, that wait for ſuch an
opportunity to infinuate themſelves and undermine us. They tend to
the diffolution of the Government, the overthrow of the Laws, the in-
troducing of all diſorder in the State as well as in the Church. They
tend first to the contempt of Authority, and next to the ruin of mens
Bodies and Souls, leaving us naked to the firft attempts of all our fpiri-
tual and temporal Enemies, chiefly when that divifion which is envied
and aimed at, is fo twifted with the Government of the Common-
wealth, that there is no diffolution of the one without the danger of
the other; when all the other divifions rife in oppofition to it, and will
admit of no compliance with it, when openly and fecretly they labor
to difcredit it and its lawful proceedings, incouraging the Factious
part to exclaim against it and its injunctions, and to endeavour to draw
away the people from their respect to it and its way of worthip: what
rational Soul can tolerate fo palpable an oppofition? What Governours
in the State can fuffer Religion to be contemned and trodden under
foot with a publick allowance? Is it reaſonable that fuch dangerous
factions ſhould have the liberty to increaſe and act with the fufferance
of the Laws and of the publick Authority? When all the actings and
diftafts of theſe factions are not juftifiable amongst men of reafon, by the
Laws of God or the Laws of men, and all are grounded upon prejudices,
miſtakes and miſapprehenfions, and fuch frivolous caufes, as they will
be one day aſhamed to own, when all masks and vizards (hall be pulled
off. Is it juft that the Rulers of the State in fuch a cafe fhould coun-
tenance fuch pernicious proceedings, and give the ftamp of Authority
to Actions either ridiculous in themifélves, or dangerous to the People
committed to their charge. The danger may feem lefs when they are
weak and inconfiderable, but little evils are to be fhunned and avoided
as well as great, though they have not increaſed to an head, they de-
ferve no allowance, becauſe they are not able to prevail upon the found
part, but ſhould be cured as ſpeedily as may be; in the mean while for
the publick peace and quiet, the execution of the Laws is fufpended,
and by the wisdom of the Governours they are winked at, but all Facti-
ons are not to be eſteemed by what they can do, but by what they would
do. Let the Principles of thoſe that are divided from us be enquired
into,
#7 VC
to all true Proteftants.
}
15
into, let the defigns of their party be examined, let their tempers and
difpofitions be tried by an impartial fcrutiny, and they themselves will
diſcover ſo much danger to the Nation, and find the Government and
Kingdom threatned with fuch mischiefs, as that they will have no rea-
fon to incourage fuch divifions, whereby their own peace and ſafety is
threatned as well as that of their Poſterity. I know Gonfcience is the
grand Plea of all our diffenting Brethren; the Papift; he pleads Confci-
ence for the murther of Kings and Princes, and the advancing his Rc-
ligion by Helliſh Plots and Contrivances. The Heathen he pleads Con-
fcience in the worship of his Idols. The Jew and the Mahumetan
faith he obferves the Rules and Dictates of his Confcience: and our
Brethren have the fame pretence in their mouths, for their oppofition of
Lawful Authority, and their incouragement 'in their divifion from us.
But this plea that is fo commonly ufed in the juftifying of the greateſt
villanies, caufeth us with good reafon to fufpect it in lefs matters. Re-
member, O my Chriftian Brother and Sifter, when thou shalt appear
before the Impartial Tribunal of the Lord Jefus, this pretence of thy
Confcience will not be able to fanctifie thee, and cauſe him to approve
of Actions and Proceedings directly oppofite to his Word and Holy-
Laws. Though it may blind thine own eyes and cauſe thee to be more
excufable before men, than if thoù didfact against the follicitations
of thy Confcience: it will never be able to oblige him to allow of that
which is evil in itſelf, to juſtifie the guilty and condemn the innocent.
Take heed I beseech thee that what thou fayett is Confcience be not
invincible prejudice and hatred, or humor and ground lefs fancy, or it
may be fomething worſe, that frong ſpirit of delufion unto which God
delivers fuch as will not be lovers of the Truth. For the better dif
covery of the miſtakes of thy Conference in this particular, I beseech you
my Chriſtian Brethren, to examin what mifchiefs fuch divifion about
Religion have caufed already in Foreign Nations and in this: the Hi-
ftories of former Ages are full of fad accidents, murthers and wars, de-
fructions and calamities of Countries caufed by the difputes about
Religion.
ร
1
(S
The Kingdom of the Jens flourished and grew invincible under the
Government of David and his Pofterity; fo that all the Nations round
about paid them Tribute. They might have ftill continued in that happy
condition, and been able to fet bounds to the Spreading Empire of
Babylon, had not Jeroboam under a pretence of Religion divided the
Kingdom
16
A Seaſonable Advice
Kingdom and Nation of Ifrael, and to fave the People the trouble and
expence of going up to Jerufalem, fet up the Golden Calves in Dan
and Bethel.But how many evils did this divifion in Religion and Govern-
ment cauſe in that Land! They were fubject to the affronts of every
petty King and contemptible Nation, and at laft were overthrown by
their Neighbours, and themſelves carried away into Captivity, with
their Wives and Children.
2
After the Jews return from Babylon they grew numerous and ftrong
in the Romans time, and were able through their numbers and the re-
fòlation and courage which the principle of Religion put into them, to
command the East part of the World. But what and how much woe
and mifery did their Factions and Sects draw upon them! what fad De-
ftructions not to be paralel'd in any other Nation! It was openly con-
feffed by Titus and their Roman Conquerors, that as their divifions be-
tween their Princes gave Pompey footing in their Countrèy, their divi-
fions had brought them to utter ruin, and unheard of miferies; for by
this means they became inftrumental in their own overthrow, and did
more miſchief to themſelves than all the Armies of their Enemies. So
that by Divifion in Religion, this People of Ifrael, who were affifted by
Gods Power and Protection, and favoured above all other Nations,
brought themſelves to be the fcum of the World and loft their Land,
being difperfed into all parts and Kingdoms.
+
The fall of the Roman Empire was brought to paſs by divifion; for
that let in the Huns, the Longobards, the Goths, Vandals, and Visigoths,
and all the Northern People into its fruitful borders. The Grecian Em-
pire might have ftood upon its legs to this very day, had it not been
for their fenfelels divifions in Church and State. The Sects and Here-
fies of Arrius, Eunomius, Novatus, Samofatenus and other bufy-bodies,
let in the Turk and his Mahomet, and in the days of the Emperor Hera-
clius when men were fo divided and had fo difputed all Religion and
Truth, out of doors, that the fimpler and more ignorant fort knew not
which to chufe, thefe wicked divifions gave an occafion to that Arabian
Impoſtor to ſet up a Religion of his own, which he recommended to
them with the inviting and pleafing Charms of pleaſure and profit :
Read but over the divifions and difputes about Religion, in the Cities
of Conftantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and in many other places of the
Eaft Countries, and examin how many thouſands have been deftroy-
ed! how many cruelties acted! how many calamities brought upon
1
t
the
to all true Proteftants.
17
the Inhabitants, through their endleſs difcords in Religion, and you
will have cauſe to wonder at their madneſs, to ſtrive for that which for-
bids them to ftrive'; and to fight for a Religion which difallows all
variance: You will have cauſe to wonder at their inhumanities and
extravagancies, they torment themſelves for nothing, and ſhed their
own blood contrary to Reaſon and that Religion, for which they did
fo unadviſedly contend. What is become of the Grecian Empire now!
where are the flouriſhing Churches of Chrift of Afia and Africa! In
what condition are the Chriſtians of thoſe parts of the World! under
how much mifery, and under what cruel Tyranny do they groan! The
contemptible remains of all thofe Antient Profeffors of our Religion,
are oppreffed with the Turkish and Moorish Bondage. They have loft
all their honour and glory, their wealth, their priviledges, their Coun-
trey and all their prefent happineſs in this life, their Eſtates and their
Children are at their Conquerors pleaſure. And though there are ſome
yet profeffing Chriftianity in thofe parts of the World, they differ in
all refpects ſo much from what their Forefathers were in former Ages,
that they are able to draw tears from the moſt inſenſible Souls, when com-
pared with them: as the building of the fecond Temple did from the
Jews returned from Babylon, when they faw how differing it was from
the Glory and Magnificence of the firft Structure. And all this hath
proceeded from this Wicked and Venemous Root, Diviſion in Religion.
Look into the latter Ages of the World, and ſee into what confu-
fion theſe divifions about Religion have caft Kingdoms and Cities. The
Cities of Florence, of Naples and Millain in Italy, have often been wa-
tered with the Blood of their Nobleſt Inhabitants, which the divifions
about Religion cauſed to be ſhed. The grand diſputes about the
Guelfs and Gibbelins troubled all Europe, and murthered more men
than the crueleſt Wars. In Germany what inhumanities have been
committed! In the Low-Countries, how many Rivers of Chriſtian
Blood have been fpilt under the pretence of Religion! The Spanish
Maffacres, the Duke D'Alva's Butcheries, are fufficiently known to all
the World.
In Africa amongst the Moors and Arabians, the difputes about their
Prophets Impieties and their Falfe Religion,
hath cauſed one of their own Writers to ſay, Hali Ben-Hamet. a MS.
That there is nothing exafperares more the
minds of men one against another, than the differing perfwaſions in
D
Religion.
18
A Seafonable Advice
Religion. Another of their Authors complains in this manner, O how
furiouſly men are fet againſt one another for fuch matters as concern
not the Prophets honour, nor the effential part of our Religion for in
the late revolution of the Empire of Morocco, Religion was pretended
to deceive the People. In France the Factions of the Albi and Nigri,
and the furious tranſports of the Papiſts againſt the Reformed Pro-
feſſors, have often exhaufted the Blood and Treaſure of that King-
dom. In Switzerland, how many troubles arofe from fmall divifions
in Religion! In the United Provinces in our late days, the refined Noti-
ons of Arminius, and the extravagancies of the Anabaptiſts, had almoit
caft them into a Civil War. In France the hot difputes between Amy-
raldus and Du Moulin had cantoned thofe poor Churches in the midt
of their Enemies, if moderate and wife men had not impofed a filence
and obliged them to be quiet. In Bobemia and Poland, what firs and
difturbances have the Socinians raifed! In Germany, and the Bishoprick of
Munster, what wickedneffes have not the Anabaptifs committed! I
fhould be endless, if I reckon'd up all the Mifchiefs, Blood, Tumults,
War and Calamities, which fmall and inconfiderable difputes about Re-
ligion have brought upon men in the Primitive Church, and in thefe
latter days. Look only into our own Nation,and confider the late Trage-
dies acted by our own Countreymen upon the Perfon of their King and
Nobles. Look into the cauſe of their unreaſonable fury, and you thall
find nothing but their miſtakes about Religion to have thus tranfported
and carried them to that excess of cruelty and rage. In Queen Eliza-
beths days the Separatiſts began to quarrel with our Difcipline and Go-
vernment, and laid a foundation for the Brownifts, the Familifts, and
their Succeffors, to build their confuſed Babel. Their bold Pamphlets
in the Queens Reign, and in King James's time, threatned the Nation
with the following difturbances in the State. The reftlefs Puritans were
always bawling in the Peoples ears againſt our Church and its Rulers,
and what troubles did they not breed! but all former difputes were
but fports and plays to the late difputes about Religion in our Royal
Martyrs days; for it is obfervable that when men have wearied them-
felves in difputing about trifles, they try the caufe and decide the dif
ference a nearer way, with the dint of their fharp fwords. This was
the end of our unhappy divifious, we remember yet the late Civil War,
the Calamity under which the Land groaned, the Disorders and Mife
zies that we and our Families fuffered. This my Brethren,proceeded from
the
to all true Proteftants.
19
the fame cauſe which yet you are unadviſedly fond of,and embrace with
an invincible tenacity. They were at firft difcontented at our Church
and Religious Worthip, they exclaimed continually againſt our for-
malities and practices; and differed from us in the fame punctilio's as
fome of you do. They were at firſt as mo-
deft in all their behaviour towards us, de- Set the Kings Portraiture.
firing nothing but liberty and freedom for
themſelves and their way of worſhip, but when they had gathered in-
to a head, their pretenfions were fo high that they would oblige all men
to conform and fubfcribe to all their irregularities and extravagancies.
I cannot call to mind the fad condition of our Church of England in
thoſe unhappy days without Tears, when our Governours were de-
pofed, our Clergy baniſhed with their Prince, our Nobility and Gentry
fequeftred, our Laws obliged to ſubmit to the power of the Sword,
our Kingdom and Government in the hands of lawleſs Tyrants; Sects
and Diviſions in Religion multiplying every day, and rifing out of the
filthy ſpawn of the Jefuits, the wicked principles which they fpread a-
mongst us to diſturb us, and puzle the weaker fort in the Notions of
Religion. All thefe Evils with innumerable others, which we can
better remember than fpeak of, fprung from your Forefathers Non-
Conformity: And will not their Chidren be better adviſed! will they
wittingly draw again the fame danger upon their heads! will they not
be perfuaded to prevent fuch mischiefs for the time to come! The burnt
Child dreads the fire. We have been already burnt and almoſt conſu-
med in the hot fire of a Civil-War. Shall we caft our felvés again into
it! or entertain the fame caufes that brought forth that fad calamity!
Our Enemies took occafion to blow up the coals into a grievous flame,
who knows but they are bufily employed about the fame wicked pur-
poſes, and will caft us headlong into the fame mifery! why thall we be
fo foolish, fo mad, and fuch Enemies of the publick and of our felves and
pofterity, as to affift the Jefuits and Romanifts in their grand defign to
ruin us and our Nation! This proceeding of yours may feem very frange
my Brethren, and may cauſe a greater wonder when we have feriouffy
confidered and proved it to you.'
:
D 2
CHAP.
20
A Seaſonable Advice
CHAP. III
That there is no reasonable cause of dividing from our Church,
and that the most fcrupulous Confcience may and ought to
conform according to the Laws of God as well as man.
HA!
AD you as good and allowable caufès to alledge for your fepara-
tion from us, as we and our Forefathers had to depart out of the
Idolatrous Church of Rome, your zeal would defèrve a commendation;
and none could charge you with the Crime of Schifm or Faction. For in
fuch a cafe you would have, in Conformity to the Examples and Com-
mand of Chrift and his holy Apoftles, forfaken thoſe who had-firft for-
faken him, and divided your felves from thoſe abominations, whereof
the belief and practice can never confift with the Salvation of your im-
mortal Souls. But though we and our Church are falfely afperfed
with Popery and Popiſh Superftition, the Accufation is falfe, and fo
ill grounded, that it would not deferve a refutation, were it not that
this ſtrange conceit is greedily entertained by many of our Non-Con-
forming Brethren.. The accufation is.commonly delivered in groſs, be-
cauſe there is none can juftifie this charge by any particular inſtance.
It is the common Practice and Art of Impoftors and of abufive Tongues,
when they cannot make good the objected crime, to bring their accu-
fation in this manner, that their malice might be leſs diſcoverable, and
their charge more weighty. But why ſhould we be declared to be Po-
piſhly affected against our wills; we difown this charge as a grievous
calumny, that hath no other foundation but the pride and unreconcile-
able hatred of our Enemies. Did ever, any Church write more fmartly.
againft, the Pope and Papifts, than the Learned Divines of the Church
of England? read over the thirty nine Articles, and Bishop Jewel, and
the Archbishop Laud-againft Fisher, and in theſe our days read but the
writings of thefe Learned Divines, of the preſent Biſhop of Lincoln, of
Dr.Stilling fleet, and Dr. Pierce, and you ſhall find that none profeffes to be
greater enemies of Popery than we do.But methinks that this late Popish
Plot and all the Papifts endeavours againſt the Church of England, ſhould,
juftifie us in the eyes of all the World better than any Arguments can,
that we are not Papifts nor Popiffily affected: can we think the Papifts,
་
and:
to all True Proteftants.
21
and Jeſuits who are not fo eafily miſtaken in their judgments of us,
would have laid a Train to blow us up, had we been on their fide! can
we think them fo blind that they cannot fee their friends from their
foes! would they offer to burn, deftroy and kill us, and our Children,
were we ſo inclinable to Popery, as our miſtaken Brethren falfely con-
ceive! what mad men are you Prieſts and Jefuits, Popes and Cardinals
of Rome, thus to confpire and ſpend fo much Treafure to deſtroy your
own Brethren! Did you not underſtand all this while that we were all
agreed! and that we are ſo near related, that we may ſhake hands! Why
will you needs murder us and our Families for our Religion fake, when
we are as much or within a ſmall matter as much Papifts as you? I am
afraid I ſhall never be able to perfuade neither the Pope, nor his Jefuits,
that we of the Church of England are fuch Friends of Popery, as you
my Non-Conforming Brethren would have us to be. I fhall be rather
able to make them take us for Turks and Jews, than Roman Catholicks.
Wherefore then will you needs accufe us fo falfely againſt all equity
and probability? What do you find of Popery in us and our Church?
Is it the Government by Biſhops and their Suffragans? It is poffible
that this Order eftabliſhed in our Church may give occafion to the
weaker fort to look upon us near a kin in this refpect, becauſe they are
miſtaken in the Notion of Popery, and in the chief and effential pro-
perties of that Religion. God forbid thatall Monarchical Government
in Gods Church. on Earth, fhould be Popish and Antichriftian. Then
we muſt include the Primitive Churches fetled by the Apoftles in
Afia, and the East, under the Government of Biſhops, to be Popifh alfo.
Then the Grecian Church under the Patriarch of Conftantinople, The.
Egyptian under the Arch-Bishop of Alexandria, and the Antiochian, and
Ferufalem Churches, and generally all the Churches of Chriſt-in Conſtan-
tine's days and fince, were Popiſh. Nay, all the Fathers, St. Cyprian,
St. Auſtin, St. Ambroſe, St. Chryfoftom, were.
→
Papifts as well as we and our Bishops, by that: Hier. ad Macceb.&. Aug. in
reafon. For all their Churches were gover- Pfalm 45.
ned by Biſhops, and a Monarchical Authority..
་།
The Calvinists alſo whom you ſay are your neareſt Brethren, are allo
Papifts, if this reafon were good, for they with that they might have
Bishops to govern them in their reformed Churches, and that it could
confift with their fafety in the midf of their Enemies, to have the fame
form of Government, as we have here in this Land. Examin but their
D 3...
Tetters.
22
A Seafonable Advice
Letters mentioned by Dr. Darel, and a Letter of Peter Martyr to Beza,
at the end of his Common-places at his return from the Affembly of
i
*
??
› { ...
}
Peter,Martyr, pág.„„S01.
#
•
Poiffy concerning the Bishop of Troye in France,
..who embraced the Proteftant Religion, and
was, univerfally received. and acknowledged
by all the Calvinists in his Diocefs, Miniſters and others, as their Lord
and Biſhop. And you will have no caufe to think them to be Enemies
of Epifcopacy, as the Papifts and you would perfuade us, for divers ends.
But there is a vaft difference in the point of Church-Government, be-
tween the Papifts and us. They render Homage to the Pope as the
Supream Lord of the Church on Earth, we acknowledge none but
Chrift, and under him our Lawful Sovereign. They differ from us
much in their Epifcopal Laws which favour of Tyranny, and are not
fo conducing to the Reformation of mens manners, and the good of
Chriſtianity as, ours. The Name, Prerogatives and Honours of the Po-
piſh Biſhops, are for the moſt part yet continued to our Proteftant Pre-
lates, by the liberality of our Religious Kings. And is this the caufe
that you accufe them of Popery? Do their Honors and Riches grieve
you? Are you diſpleaſed to fee the Rulers of our Church appear with
decency, fplendor, and the refpect of their Country. I am perfwaded
that if the Kings Majefty would take from them their Lordships, their
Eſtates and Dignities, and fend our Biſhops amongst you to beg their
bread, as the Mendicant Fryers of Rome though then they would be
much more like the Papifts, than they are at prefent; you would fcaree
take the pains to accufe them for being Popifhly affected. But I have
this Charitable opinion of you my Non-Conforming Brethren, that
you would never have thought to accufe our Bifhops and their Church
Government of Popery, had not the Jefuitical Party, that infinuate
amongst you, minded you of it for their own ends; and out of a
diſpleaſure to ſee the excellent Order, Decency and Splendor of our
Church free from the abominations of Idolatry, and their Monkith
abfurdities..
But that you may not be ſo ſoon miſtaken, my Brethren, in a matter of
ſo great a moment as Popery and Superftition is: I beseech you to un-
derſtand what Popery is, and what not, that you may not be foeafily
cofened and impofed upon by your Enemies and ours in this Nation.
Popery comprehends all thofe Herefies and grievous Errors, which the
Pope and the Court of Rome, have delivered as Articles of Faith: by
which
to all true Proteftants.
23
which the Popes Authority, or rather Tyranny is eſtabliſhed in the
World, contrary to Gods Word and Glory, and the Salvation of mens
Souls. According to this definition, if our firſt Reformers had retained
the abuſes of Popery, the Tranfubftantiaton, Purgatory, Images, the
Merits of Saints, Indulgences, Pardons, and ſuch like follies, not war-
ranted but contrary to Chrift's Doctrines and Chriſtianity: you might
then accuſe us with reafon, of being guilty of Popery. But ſhall we for
our Conformity to Chrifts Commands, and the Primitive Church in
Difcipline and Government, be accuſed by you of Popery, and Anti-
chriftianifm. What is there in our Government or Church, that tends
to promote the Popes Intereft? or to draw men away from Chrift, and
our dependency upon him and his merits? If fomething of the Civil
Power be intrufted in the hands of our Bishops, I hope none of you will
preſume to appoint our Wife Princes, and Parliaments, whom they are
to fettle in Authority under them. That proceeds from our Princcs
Will, who is Gods Vicegerent amongst us.
+
For our Articles, our Catechifm, our Rubrick and way of Worship,
is as free from Popery as our Government, and Ecclefiaftical Laws.
For how can that be Popith, which oppofeth all the Errors and Miftakes
of the Papifts, which Teacheth to implore Gods atfiftance and directi-
on, against the Herefies and Defigns of the Pope; which was uſed in
the Chriftian Church before ever the Pope claimed an univerfal fu-
perintendency? How can that be Popish which agrees with Gods
Word, and the Doctrines and Practices of all the Reformed Churches,
Enemies of Popery? and which their moft Judicious Divines embrace
as moſt conſonant with Faith and Piety. Search into every thing Au-
thorized in the Church of England, and let the moſt refined Soul and
quickeft Eye, tell us under what Ceremony, or in what Article of our
Faith, or in what comer of our Rubrick, or in what part of our Devo-
tions, they perceive any Colour of Popish Superftition. I dare affirm,
and willl engage to prove, that most of our Non-Conformifts are far
more Superftitious and Popish in their Belief and Practice, than any in
the Church of England. In thofe particulars in which your Confor-.
mity is required, What is there of Popery, of Superftition, or contrary
to Reafon or good manners? For if there be nothing to be excepted.
againft; Why will you not joyn with us your Brethren? You cannot
be angry with Set Forms in general, becauſe Chrift our Saviour re……..
commended one to us, as an Excellent Pattern to draw ours by... You
1
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may
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24
A Seaſonable Advice
?
+
may be diſpleaſed at the reading of our Prayers, but if you will ſhut
your Eyes they may feem to you as good, as if they had been pronounced
memoriter. Grieve not to hear the fame requeſts offered up, and loath
not the fame Prayers which you hear fo often, becauſe you are pinched
with the fame neceffities every day, and ſtand in need of the fame God,
and the fame Bleffings: and therefore may we offer up the fame Prayer.
In the matter of our Prayers, if any of you will fhew us any thing con-
trary to Gods Will or Word, we will correct and daſh it out.
Be not
offended at the Croſs in Baptiſm, this was practiſed in Chriſts Church
before ever Popery was known in the World, and is à fignificant figu
uſed by the Primitive Chriftians, to embolden and encourage us be-
times to wear and receive the marks in our bodies, of Chrifts Holy Re-
ligion. Be not offended at our outward Reverence, which we exprefs
at the mentioning of the Name of Jesus: as we will not condemn you
that omit this refpect, judge not us that obferve it, nor any other
outward Action of the Affiftants, will not be laid to your charge in the
Publick Scrvice of God, if you intend only Gods Honour. I know that
meer Formality too vifible in many of our Conformists, and their appa-
rent Contempt of the outward Devotions, difcovered in their Actions
and Behaviour, is a diſcredit to our Worſhipping of God, and a diſcou-
ragement of our diffenting Brethren. As therefore they ſhould take
heed how they lay ſuch ſtumbling-blocks in their way, the others ſhould
remember not to interpret every thing at the worlt fence, and not to be
diſtaſted at the excellent Prayers of our Church, becauſe of the pro-
phaneſs of ſome perfons that affift at, or ought to be patterns of our
Devotion and Piety. Likewife in the renouncing of the Covenant,
why wilt thou be fo fcrupulous, or rather headstrong, to maintain obfti-
nately the lawfulneſs of that which the Kings Majefty, and the Wife
Council of our Nation, have pronounced to have been an unlawful
Oath, impofed upon the Subjects againſt the known Laws of the Land.
Have not we fufficiently feen the wicked fequels of this Engagement, or
Combination? The Fruits that this Tree hath born, declare fufficiently
the Nature of it. We need not the Verdict of our Religious Governors,
to underſtand it to have been an unjuft Action, contrary to our Laws
and Liberties for we have ſeen our felves deprived thereby of both, by
thoſe very perſons who required it from us. Why muft we yet continue
in our miſtakes? Neither are the words of the renunciation fo ftrict,
but that any good Chriftian, who intends but to demean himſelf
:
t
quietly
to all true Proteftants.
25
quietly in the Government, may abjure the Covenant in the manner
appointed, for we do but ſay that there lies no obligation upon us, or
any other, to cauſe any ftirs, rebellion or tumult, in Church or State.
Did you therefore underſtand what is defired from you, I cannot
think but that every one of you, that is a good Chriftian, would rea
dily comply with fo moderate a reconciliation.
But this Abjuration concerns only thoſe perſons of you, that enter
into Offices and Employments in the Kingdom. And it is all the
reafon in the world,that ſuch as are intrufted with any publick Charge,
ſhould promiſe, not to cauſe any diſturbance in that Government, in
which they are employed, and by which they are ſecured and their
Eftates from Invafion. Why muft we be fo fond of a Scotch contri-
vance, put into their heads by Richelieu and the Jefuits, whom he
fent over purpoſely to overthrow the Glory of the Proteftant Religion
in Europe, the Epiſcopacy of the Church of England;, and to caſt us
into a confufion, in revenge of our affifting them of Rochel against
their Prince.
It may be the whiteness of the Surplice offends thy weak Stomach,
or Confcience; and keeps thee at a diftance from our way of Worthip.
But confider,my Brother or Sifter, that Religion confifts not in colours,
and wearing of Apparel: It concerns not thy Soul, if thou weareſt in
Gods Service, White, Black, Green, Yellow or Red. If thou hadft
not a prejudice againft this Garment, it would pleaſe thee as well as
Black Gowns, and Cloaks with Capes. But is it not a ſad ſign that
fuch a trivial matter fhall cauſe thee to caft off all refpect to thy God,
and the Authority of thy Governours; and becauſe of a decent
colour and habit, which thou doft but fancy to be unbefeeming, thou
fhalt refuſe all Communion and Correfpondency with thy Brethren
on Earth, and I am afraid in Heaven too: For
they ſhall be all cloathed in white Garments
as Prieſts and Prophets,to offer up continually,
the Sacrifices of their Praiſes to God.
Rev. ix. 14. Chap. iii. 4, 5°
Chap. vi. 11.
In short, for I am afhamed to mention and mind you, my Non-
Conforming Brethren, of the ufual Objections against us and our
Conformity, and the Childish caufes alledged by fome of you for your
ſtanding at a distance from us, and refufing all Religious correfpon-
dency with us. I beseech you weigh them all in equal Scales, without
E
par-
26
A Seaſonable Advice
partiality or prejudice, and you will find no reaſon to refuſe Confor-
mity with us. I defire you to confider, that if your Children and Ser-
vants in your Families, did breed a diſturbance amongst themſelves
upon fuch weak grounds, and for fuch flight cauſes, did entertain
quarrels and diſputes, to the difquieting of your Houfes; would not
you feek a remedy with a Rod, to make them more peaceable, and
would not you difmifs fuch unruly Servants, and take in others of a
quieter difpofition? Would you not endeavor to filence their-baw-
ling, and when they canton in your Families, and divide it into
parties in Contempt of your Authority and Commands, would you
not feek to bring them together, and oblige them by fome way, to
reunite in One? This is the cafe of Chrifts Church among us im
England; I look upon the Presbyterian and Independents chiefly
with ſome other of the more moderate Non-Conformifts, to be our
Brethren, belonging to the fame Family, Chrift our Lord. for our
Faith and Religion is the fame in effect, moſt part of our differences
are but trivial, childish and unreaſonable, about fuch things which
concern not the honor of the Lord of the Family, nor the publick
intereſt, good, and preſervation of it; when confidered in themſelves,
And if there be any difference in our Religion between them and
it is in ſuch matters as may be eaſily reconciled when well fifted out,
and are not of an abfolute neceffity to the Salvation of mens Souls.
Our happineſs depends not upon poftures, geftures, garments, co-
lours, forms, croffes, furplices, and other fuch like things which are
indifferent in themfelves, and were they not enjoyned, might as
well be omitted as obferved. It is therefore a ſhame for you to quarrel
and break the Peace of Chrift's Family, I mean his Church, about
fuch Trifles. No doubt but our wife Saviour will take fome courſe
ſpeedily, to diſcover to us our error, and chaſtiſe us for fuch unrea-
fonable diffenfions in fuch matters, as we may eafily comply with
one another. I know your common Objection againſt us is, that
in regard fuch Obfervances, Cuftoms, and Ceremonies, that breed a
difference between us, are but trivial in themfelves, they ſhould not
be impofed upon you with that ſtrictness. In Anfwer to this, I in-
treat thee, my Brother, to 'confider three things: first, that a Con-
formity to one way, one rule and manner in this Church is abfolutely
neceffary, for how unbefeeming a thing it is, that one Congrega-
us,
tion
"
to all true Proteftants.
27
tion ſhould practiſe one thing, another act in another manner; one
Miniſter wear green, another yellow, another black, another gray,
another white. If in one place were all finging, in another all
preaching, in another all praying. How ridiculous would our
Church appear to all the foreign Nations, if theſe things were al-
lowed by Authority? It is therefore moft certain that one way and
one worſhipping our God, is abſolutely needful and becoming the
wiſdom of our Nation. Secondly, confider that the way and method
eſtabliſhed by the Governours in Church and State, is not to be re-
ferred to the humor of every fancy,or of every diffatisfied and private
perſon: and that it is very reaſonable in ſuch caſes, as all acknow-
ledge indifferent in themflves, when one way is to be chofen, and
others rejected, to take that which the publick Authority approves
of, and agrees with their Judgment and Piety, whom God hath
eſtabliſhed over us, and whofe office it is to appoint ſuch things for
us to obſerve and obey. Thirdly, confider that trivial and indif
ferent things when ſtamped by the Authority of the Nation, ceaſe to
be ſo, and become neceffary to be obſerved. That which is indif-
ferent in it felf, and but a trifle, is a greater invitation to you to
practiſe it, and renders your ftifneſs more inexcufable, but in regard
it is commanded by Authority, I am bound to obey. The indif
ferency ceaſeth, and I ſhould think it a crime, and a breach of Gods
Law, Of Obeying the Magistrate for Confcience fake, If in things in-
different I preferred mine own partial humor, to the Commands of
my Prince and Governors. And wonder not if they require fo
ftrictly thine obedience and mine to theſe orders,becauſe in this licen-
tious Age, men of corrupt defigns take any liberty to diſpute againſt
Authority, and contemn its injunctions, under the pretence of Reli-
gion and Conſcience. And becauſe this way and method ſeems to
them the wifeft, whom God hath appointed over us to preſcribe it,
in the worshiping of God and moftjagreeable with Gods Glory, and
the Nations Honor, Credit, and Advantage: Therefore there can
be no Superftition in them, to require our exact obedience to all the
Rules which they judge to be juſt and beſt befitting our Piety, and
in us to yield it in things indifferent in themſelves, as fome foolishly
imagin.
E 2
1
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טון
28
A' Seaſonable Advice
In all other matters which give you a diftaft, I know none but
may be comprehended under this notion, and be looked upon as
trivial and indifferent in themſelves. The defigned compendiouf-
ncfs of this Seaſonable Advice fuffers ine not to examin them all, nor
to weigh all the objections that you are wont to make in juſtification
of your Non-Conformity. But for thoſe that relate to our Prayers and
publick Liturgy: I refer you my Chriſtian Brethren to a ſmall trea-
tiſe now in the Prefs called the Chriftians Devotions and Directory in
thefe dangerous times, wherein I have laboured to clear and blow away
all thofe mifts that hide the truth from your diſcovery, and to give
you fatisfying reafons for our practice, and for your benefit, with
directions how you ſhall be able to prevail upon your averſenefs, and
bring your felves to receive a real and an inward comfort from our
way of worſhipping. Unto the perufal of that Treatife, I refer all
thoſe that would receive better fatisfaction in matters difputed a-
mongst us..
}
$
Conformity, according to the Laws of the Land, is plainly requi-
red from every perfon. To fet up therefore Meeting Places in oppo-
fition to Authority, and the Eſtabliſhed Service of God; is an appa-
tent breach of thefe Laws. To haunt and frequent them under a
pretence of receiving many Soul-comforts from the Learned and
Godly Sermons, and Exerciſes of Piety, in thofe prohibited Affem-
blies: is not warrantable in the Minifter nor his Auditory, accor-
ding to the Laws of the Nation. To withdraw from the Service of
God under Epifcopacy, and to leave off the Affembling with our.
Neighbours in our ordinary Churches: To forbear from Prayers,
the Sermons of our Common Teachers, and the receiving of the
Lords Supper, and the other Acts of Non-Conformity are likewiſe.
breaches of thefe Laws of men, eftablifhed by the Lawful Authority
of the Nation, by the King and Parliament, and are fo well known
to be fo, that I fhall not offer to prove it.
The greateſt Queſtion is, Whether thefe proceedings of the Non-
Conformists, be againſt Gods-known Laws? I doubt not but they
will all acknowledge that the falfe Accufations, the wicked Sur-
mifes, the flanderous Reports, and the pretended Crimes of Super-
ftition, Idolatry, and their other uncharitable Cenfures of us and our
Worship, by which we are diſcredited, Gods Holy Name abuſed,
and
to all True Proteftants.
29
Exod. xx Pfal. xxxiv.
13. 140. II. Pfal. X. 18.
and the fincerity and integrity of our Chriſtian Governours and
practices, mifrepreſented, are contrary to Gods Law. Thou shalt not
bear falfe witness against thy Neighbour. It is
a great injuſtice for them in hopes of ad-
vancing the intereft of their Sects, to mifcon-
ftrue our actions,to faſten upon us Crimes, to
endeavour to difcredit us and our Profeffion; for befides the wrong
done to us their brethren, they blind the eyes, and lead into error
and miſtakes, many poor ignorant and well meaping Souls, where-
by true Religion is flighted, and Faction and Schifm kept up, to the
deftruction of many perfons, and the difhonour of our Reformation.
and Church.
But their other practices though never fo well coloured in the
eyes of men with pious pretences, are contrary to Gods Laws as
well as mans Decrees. That this may better appear to you: confider
theſe following and undeniable Truths, gathered out of Holy Scri-
pture.
I. That it is the duty of every Chriftian, to feek as well as to pray
for the Peace of Gods Church. Pfalm cxxii. 6. To endeavor to be
at peace with all that profefs Chriftianity in Truth. I Theff. v. 13.
That peace is a precious Jewel, which we ought carefully to feek and
to preſerve. Pet. iii. 11. That we ſhould abſtain from all thoſe
practices that disturb our Brethrens Peace. Mark v. 50. That we
fhould follow after the things that make for Peace. Rom. xiv. 19.
That it is the property of heavenly wiſdom, to be peaceable, gentle,
eafie to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrific.. James iii. 17. And many other paffages,
call us to mind in all our actions, the peace and publick quiet of the
Church and People where we live. Now that Non-Conformity
hath been the fad occafion of much diſturbance in this Nation, of
Tumults and War, and that it continues to diffociate our minds and
intereſts one from another, to the general unquietneſs of this poor
Church, is that which none can well deny.
II. That all unneceſſary and avoidable actions and proceedings,
whereby ftrife, debates, envy, hatred, malice and variance, are en-
tertained amongſt men, are contrary to Gods Laws, and the Bleffed
Rules of the Gospel. That teacheth to be like minded one towards
another
30
A Seaſonable Advice
another, chiefly in matters of Religion, Rom. xv. 5. To confult
in all our Actions, Love, Mercy and Charity, one towards another.
John xiii. 34. Which teaches us to ſuppreſs all diſtafts, and to ſtudy
to advance the univerfal unity of the Chriftians, amongſt whom we
live. 1 John iii. 1. and to abftain from all actions whereby differ-
ences are maintained. 1 Cor. xiii. 4, 5, 6.
III. That we are to comply with all Rules, Rites and Geremo-
nies eſtabliſhed in the Church, if they be not directly againſt Gods
Glory, or the Salvation of Mens Souls: or, if they be not exprefly
forbidden in Gods Holy Word, or contrary to it. This is confirmed
to us by Chriſts own Example, who conformed to the harmleſs and
indifferent Injunctions of Men, to avoid all fingularity; for in the
Celebrating of the Pafchal Lamb, he cat it not ftanding as Moſes
commanded, but lying down upon a Couch, Matth. xxvi, 20. Mark
xiv. 18. He cauſed a Hymn to be fung, which was a Jewiſh Ordi-
nance. Chriſt alſo conformed himſelf to the Synagogue-Worſhip
eftabliſhed amongst the Jews by an Human Authority, which our
Bleffed and peaceable Saviour was fo far from diſapproving, that he
exprefly tells his Difciples, that they who had made that Ordinance
fit in Mofes Seat, all therefore whatſoever they bid you obferve, that obſerve
and do. Matth. xxiii. 2, 3. And in many other particulars of as
high an importance as thofe which cauſe you, my Non-Conforming
Brethren, to ſeparate from us, this Divine Saviour teacheth you by
his good Example, to avoid fingularity, to obſerve the Rules and
Orders appointed in the place where you live; and not for ſuch mat-
ters as endanger not in themſelves your Salvation, to cauſe that di-
fturbance that will infallibly indanger the Churches Peace and Unity,
and beget in your Souls thoſe paffions, vices and diftempers, which
are not agreeable with our Chriftian Religion, and prefent intereft,
or our future hopes of Salvation.
IV. That all difobedience to the Magiftrate in things not con-
trary to Gods Word and Will, is unlawful and forbidden by S. Paul,
Rom. xiii. 1, 2. Let every Soul be ſubject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore refifteth the power, refifteth the ordinance of God: and
they that reſiſt, ſhall receive to themſelves damnation. A paffive obedi-
ence is not fufficient where an active is required, and may and ought
to
to all true Proteftants.
31
to be yielded. And though you do not actually refift at preſent the
Civil Magiſtrate, all Non-Conformity is a kind of refiſtance; take
heed therefore that by this oppofition, you render not your felves
liable to the Curſe,and fo deferving the Damnation that is ſo ſeverely
threatned. In the third Chapter to Titus, verfe the firft, he defires him
to put his people in mind to be fubject to Principalities and Pow-
ers, to obey Magistrates, and to be ready to every good work. And
to the Hebrews St. Paul fpeaketh more pertinently to our purpoſe,
Obey them that have rule over you, and fubmit your felves, for they
watch for your Souls, as they that may do it with joy and not with
grief, for that is unprofitable for you. And St. Peter, 1 Epift. Chap. ii.
verf. 13. calls upon you, to fubmit your felves to every Ordinance of
Man without the exception or diftinction of Civil or Ecclefiaftical
matters, and that for the Lords fake, whether to the King as Supream,
or unto Governors, for fo is the Will of God. Are thefe Commands of
any force or Authority with you my Brethren? Are you not there-
by required to Conform to the Laws, Rules, and Conftitutions of
Gods Church amongſt us, enjoyned by Authority? are not theſe
Ordinances of Men which you ought to ſubmit to? Therefore
none of you can refufe an obedience to them, without violating
Gods Laws, and breaking the Sacred Rules of the Gofpel. I could
inftance many other Examples, Precepts, Commands and Entrea-
ties, out of Gods Holy-Word directed to you, to wiſh, require, and
defire you to be at Unity and Conformity with us your Brethren,
eſpecially in the Publick Worſhip of God; and to fet afide all preju-
dice and partiality, whereby you are hindered froin feeing and em-
bracing the Truth. What is it therefore that keeps us at fuch a di-
ftance? Is it your Confciences? How can your Confciences oppoſe
Gods Word and Will? Is it Confcience that obliges you to be irre--
gular in your practices, and reject us as Prophane and Idolatrous, who
labor in all refpects, to be conformable to the Holy Precepts of the.
Gofpel? Is that Conſcience in a word that teacheth you to-be diſo-
bedient to the Laws of God and Man? And to breed a diſturbance
in a Church and Kingdom.for fuch frivolous and idle matters, to the
encouraging of our Enemies against us, to confpire the ruin of our
King and Countrey? For Gods fake as well as for your own fakes,
and for Religions fake, and the happineſs of your Pofterity, deceive
not
32
A Seaſonable Advice
not your felves, and think not to deceive God and man with this
childish and empty excufe. Let me tell you what I conceive to be
the true cauſes of your obftinate Non-Conformity to the Church of
England, for the reafons commonly alledged of Conſcience, of Po-
pery, Superftition, and the unjuftifiableneſs of our Government and
Liturgy by Gods Word, are but meer pretences and empty excuſes,
to cozen the weaker fort, and to colour thefe following cauſes of our
unreaſonable Non-Conformity, in the Eyes of the World.
7
CHA P. IV.
The true cauſes why most part of our diſſenting Brethren will
not joyn with us in the Worship of our God, enquired into.
In what particulars our differences chiefly confift, and
their grand Objection, Answered.
Tis the uſual cuſtom of all malecontents, to pretend one thing and
to intend another, and to veil over the fouleft Actions with the
moſt glorious covering, in imitation of the grand Impoftor who ap-
pears to us commonly in the garb of an Angel of Light. Thus Korah
and his rebellious Confederates, who feparated themſelves from Mofes
and his Congregation, pretended the Peoples Holinefs and Privi-
ledge, and the Rulers Tyranny, for their dividing from them. Thus
Abfalom's Ambition was veiled over with a defire of doing juſtice
more carefully to Gods People, and freeing them from a tedious At-
tendance at David's Court. Thus Feroboam the wicked Son of Ne-
bat pretended the cafe of the People for his Idolatrous Worſhip. Thus
the Quakers, Fifth-Monarchy, Anabaptifts, and many of the worfer
fort of Separatifts, whofe Souls and Underftandings God hath
given over to a ſtrong ſpirit of delufion, to believe Lies and to work
Abominations, have their excufes for their own follies and errors,
and to juftifie their leaving of us. But theſe I judge for the most
part to be in ſo deſperate a caſe, that without a Miracle of Grace, it is
not poffible to fnatch them out of the claws of that commanding
Spirit
to all true Proteftants.
33
·
Spirit that governs them. This advice is defigned for the perufal of
a more moderate fort, and of more reaſonable Souls, more tractable
and fociable, who embrace the fame Faith with us, and expect the
fame Salvation by the fame means, the Merits of Chriſt and good
Works. Theſe alſo have their pleas and excuſes to hide that which
is not juſtifiable by Gods Word and right Reafon, Their not Conform-
ing with us in the ſervice of God and Duties of Religion. But whatever
be their pretence, thefe are the true caufes of their obftinacy, and our
unhappineſs.
The firſt and chiefeft are Prejudice and Partiality, proceeding from
Education, a long cuſtom in, and an acquaintance with that irregular
way, which they are fo fond of. Theſe are wont ftrangely to prepoffefs
mens minds, and blind their judgments againſt the moſt apparent
diſcoveries of Truth. The late Ufurpation and Anarchy in the
Church, let in another Government, and other Orders, unto which
many that are accuſtomed, cannot fo readily prevail upon themſelves
to embrace, what they fancy to be contrary, chiefly in fo delicate a
buſineſs as Religion, in which their fincerity makes them conftant
and faithful to the meaneft circumftance. But I would entreat you
my Brethren to rectifie your miſtakes by a diligent enquiry, for we
defire you not to forſake your Religion, but to profefs the fame ac-
cording to that moſt excellent manner, that the Wiſeſt and moſt
Religious Governours of our Kingdom, have thought fitting to
preſcribe to us. Search into our Belief and Practices, and fee that
we agree as well as you with the Holy Records of Gods Word, we
have the fame Faith,the fame Sacraments the fame God and Saviour,
the ſame initiation, and we are defigned for the fame End and Glo-
ry, what a pitty it is that we ſhould be divided in the way! Befides,
all the occafions of your prejudices proceed from miſtakes, and miſ-
apprehenfions of us. Therefore for the prevention of this evil, take
not things too much upon truft, but give your felves the fatisfaction
to examin our way, and the reaſons we give for that which you ob-
ject againſt us; converfe with us in our Devotions, and think not
that you ſhall be defiled to pray with us to the fame God. If your
tender Confciences will fuffer you to hearken to reafon, and to affoci-
ate your felves with us in our Public Worſhip: I am perfuaded that all
prejudice and partiality will foon vaniſh at the clear Sun-fhine of the
F
Gof-
34
A Seaſonable Advice
Goſpel preached,and fincerely taught amongst us. You ought therefore
to be jealous of that which feems to be your Confcience, which is for
the moſt part nothing but Humor,ftrengthned by a long continuance.
And if your Confcience hath been wrought upon to act againſt truth,
good manners, the glory of God, and intereft of Chriftian Religion,
you muſt labor by Prayer,and the affiftance of others of your more en-
lightned Brethren, to find out the miſtakes of your deceived Confci-
ence. For I cannot conceive but that many of the well meaning peo-
ple amongſt you, are governed by their Confciences, and frighted
with fecret remorfes from the jufteft actions agreeable to Gods will
and word. For when an inveterate prejudice hath poffeffed the Souls
of men, it blinds their judgments, it hardens their hearts, it ftreng-
thens their refolutions, and caufeth Confcience it felf to footh them
up in their Error. So that they are not eafily reconciled to the moft
apparent Truths. An Example we have in the Pharifees of old,
whofe obftinacy in oppofing Chrift and his Goſpel is moſt remark-
able; as therefore this plea is not allowed by Gods word in fuch
cafes, I would advife every good Chriftian to have fome other rea-
fon ready for his Actions, than bare and naked Confcience, which is
fo apt to deceive our felves and others in this corrupt Age.
II. Others of the ſimpler and more hypocritical fort, are kept in
their Non-Conformity, by an inclination to fingularity, and a defire
to gain the reputation of being more precife and more religious than
their other. Neighbours; as if that were the only way to feem religi-
ous to men, to caft off all refpects to the Religion of the Countrey; as
if they had no other means to purchaſe this efteem, but by their con-
tempt of the ordinary Acts of Devotion, and of the Society in Gods
worship, of the common people. This folly is entertained by too
many of thofe, who have more regard to the outward garb, than to
the inward reality, and are more afraid of defiling themſelves with
other mens fins than their own. Theſe pretend the wickedneſs of
the times, the viciouſneſs of ſuch as affist at Prayers, and publick
Acts of Piety and it may be the Minifters weakneſs in manners
and abilities, as juft caufes of their fepaartion from us, however they
think thereby to anfwer, their end, to oblige others to look upon
them as more Holy and Angelical than thofe, whom they defpife,
whiles their hearts are full of hatred, malice, envy, pride, vanity, and
:
many
to all true Protestants.
35
many times you may perceive in them the Devil of Hypocrifie, that
hath a worldly intereft to manage by this fond conceit of precifeneſs,
with which the poor Soul endeavors to deceive it ſelf and others,
for that intent as the boaſting Pharifee of the Goſpel. To cure this
kind of Lunaticiſm in Religion. I would adviſe the diftempered to
feek but into their own Souls, and underſtand themſelves better, and
it may be they would find there more caufe to lament at their own
corruption,than to exclaim againſt the viciouſneſs of others; I would
adviſe them to take heed of being more fevere againſt their finful
Brethren than God, and to confider that by partaking with the
vileſt of men in Holy Duties, thou art not partakers of their negli-
gence, prophaneſs, and other Crimes, unleſs thou followeſt their
vicious Examples: That thy Piety and Humility will be ſo much
the more acceptable to thy God, and pleafing to men in a publick
Congregation, the more it excels the rest of the Affiftants: That
other mens unworthineſs ſhould be fo far from ſcaring thee from
performing thine obligations to God and his Church, that it should
animate thee the more with an inclination to promote Gods glory,
and keep up his worſhip in the eyes of the world, with that due
reſpect and reverence, which other men neglect in their conftant
attendance upon this Holy Ordinance: And that it is a moft ridi-
culous perfuafion, to fancy thy felf able to obtain the eſteem of Holy-
nefs, by the omiffion of the duties of Religion, and by a fcornful
neglect of the incouragements of Holyneſs and Piety.
III. Another caufe of many of our Brethrens refuſing a Confor-
mity with us in our worshipping of God, is a too zealous affection
for a Party, or for the Name of a Party unto which they have devoted
themſelves. This factious humor proceeds out of fome diſpleaſure
conceived against us, our perfons or our way, or out of a propenfity
for that Party which they embrace in oppofition to us.
And many
times they are ſo fond and blind, that they give not themſelves the
trouble to examin the differences between us, but refolutely embrace
Presbytery or Independency, and addict themſelves to theſe empty
names for no other caufe nor reafon, but becauſe they have an incli-
nation for the Sect, or only for the Name of the Sect. I dare appeal
to the judgment and inquiry of the more reaſonable perfons amongst
thern, whether this be not the caufe of the feparation of many from
F 2
us?
36
A Seaſonable Advice
us? I am perfuaded that most of them know no real difference be-
tween us and them, but only in the outward form and garb ; they
underſtand not what Presbytery and Independency are, and yet
they are in appearance fuch rigid Presbyterians and Independents in
their outward behaviour, that by no means will they be perfuaded
to comply with us in the leaft punctilio. Theſe are commonly
the greateſt Enemies of Unity, who are thus led on by blindneſs and
ignorance. They are the moft unreconcileable flanderers of our
Worthip and Government; upbraiding us with the Miniſters vici-
ouſneſs, the Peoples formality, and other trivial matters, which dif-
cover more hatred than reaſon, in their carriage to us. To this
kind of Non-Conforming Brethren, whom St. Paul checks for their
carnality, I recommend that Chriftian moderation, which the fame
Apoſtle wiſhes to the Corinthians and his other Difciples, and to re-
member that their furious Devotion for their feveral parties, agrees
not with that Devotion, which they fhould have for Peace, for Reli-
gion, for their Chrift and his Intereft. That their efpouſing of a
Factior, divorces them from this good Saviour, and renders their
Souls unfit for a Communion with him here, or hereafter. And
that they ſhew themſelves to be the greateſt Enemies of Truth and
Concord, when they thus engage themſelves defperately in the en-
couraging of a Party, without understanding the depth and defigns
of it. No doubt but if thefe men had but as fincere an inclination
for Truth, and the Publick Peace, they would be as averfe to their
Sects, as they are now forward to promote the intereft of them.
IV. Another fort are preingaged by a worldly intereft, and kept
from a compliance with us, for fear of croffing or lofing that ad-
vantage which they reap from a Non-Conformity, or from their
Acquaintance with the Non-Conformifts. Too many I underſtand
are kept.from hearkening to their Reaſon and Knowledge, of the
Lawfulneſs of our Worfhip, and their Duty to God and Man; by
that bewitching thing Seeming Intereft. But fuch men value more
their prefent profit than their future hopes, and prefer the vanities
of the Earth, to the unspeakable advantages of Heaven, which they
might reafonably expect from an obedience to Gods Laws. Their
condition I reckon to be very defperate; for however they may look
upon this Sin with contempt, or think their refufal of joyning with
us
to all True Proteſtants.
37
us deferves lefs blame, becauſe they fide with our Brethren of the
fame Religion, yet in regard that they ftand in oppoſition to us,
and divifion is thereby encouraged in Chrifts Church: This their fin
of Non-Conformity is fo much the more hainous, becauſe they
know their Duty, and refuſe to practiſe it, for fear of parting with an
advantage which they might probably loſe, did they forlake their
Faction and Party. I would intreat theſe men to weigh the words-
of our Saviour, directed to fuch Idolaters of worldly intereft: He that
denies me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in Heaven.
And to remember that Chrift is ſeemingly denied, when we refuſe-
Communion with fuch, whom we know to be real Chriſtians, and a
compliance with that Lawful Worthip, which is agreeable with his
Word and Will.
V. Another hinderance to the Non-Conformity of fome of the
more Learned and Wifer fort, are thofe who either think themſelves
fo or defire to be fo efteemed, is Shame. The fhame and reproach of
the world, which they juſtly deſerve for complying too much with:
the irregularities of former times, caufeth them to continue conftant
in their Errors, for fear of confeffing their guiltineſs by a change,
though for the better. I conceive that their judgments were then
over-ruled by the Authority and Currant of the times, and perfwaded
to condemn that Government and Worſhip, which Rebellion was
refolved to pull down, being infenfibly drawn in to fide with that
Enemy of our Laws and Liberties. Now therefore, that this fame
Government and Worſhip is by Gods good providence reettabliſhed ;
they are ashamed to confefs their former weakneſs, to diſcover any
unfetledneſs in their minds; they chooſe for this purpoſe rather to
perfift in their mistakes, than to acknowledge them by a recantation.
Such men confider not that obftinacy in Errors is a great aggravation
of a Crime, and that to confirm now wilfully and refolutely, in op-
pofition to Law, and the dictates of their Confcience, what the ne-
ceffity of the times forced them to ſubſcribe to, is a moſt hainous fin,
near related to that of the Holy Ghoft. However our Saviour Chrift
highly condemns fuch men, in the Gospel according to S. John, Ch. xii.
verf. 43. For loving more the praise of men, than the praife of God. For
having a greater regard to the approbation of their former difciples,
than to be approved of by God, for their ready compliance with
F 3
their.
38
A Seaſonable Advice
their duty and his Divine Laws. Truth is to be always acknow-
ledged by all the Diſciples of Truth, and may be denied in little
matters as well as in great; but in matters of Religion, of the publick
Peace, of the Service of God, and the Unity of Chriſts Church,
every Truth is of a great importance, to ftand ftifly in the denyal of
it, to refuſe a compliance with it, to oppoſe it obftinately, and con-
tinue in that oppofition till death, is a wickednefs that I judge to
be unpardonable before God, as it is inexcufable before men. Such
perfons to fave their credit, care not how they damn their Souls:
and for fear of the reproach of men, run themſelves into the danger
of forfeiting their God and happineſs, together with their intercft
in his Church by a wilful feparation. Iintreat thefe my Brethren
to take heed how they deny, or oppoſe that which they know to be
Juft or True, for the God of Truth is a revenger of all oppofition to
it. A fmall liberty that men give themſelves in an error or a vice,
hardens them in it, and draws them infenfibly into greater and more
hainous, and the longer men continue in them, the leſs able they are
to repent and amend.
VI. Some of the wifer fort were firft perfuaded to oppoſe the
Church of Englaad, and to refufe Conformity to its late eſtabliſh-
ment, becauſe they had been fierce and unadviſed difputers and
contemners of it, during the late Ufurpation. And now they
would not comply, not fo much for fear of reproach as the for-
mer, but for fear of endangering the Faith of their difciples, or
for fear of prejudicing their efteem of Religion, by fhewing fo
great a readiness to comply with the times; for they imagin that
their peo plewill be apt to fufpect the truth of Chriſtianity, when
they who are the chief Teachers of it, difcover any unconftancy in
the moſt viſible part of it, which is Gods Publick Worſhip. The appre-
henfion therefore of doing that which might bring an open fcandal
to Religion, prevailed upon fome of the more confcientious Teach-
ers, of the Presbyterian and Independent parties, to refuſe Confor
mity to the reeſtabliſhment of the Church of England. Thefe feem
to be more excufable than any of the reft, becauſe their care of Re-
ligion obliged them to refuſe a compliance, together with the miſtakes
of their Congregations, for though they found nothing in the Go-
vernment of the Church by Bishops, and in the things enjoyned,
but
to all true Proteſtants.
39
but what they could readily embrace, as agreeing with Piety and
good manners, and the exacteft Rules of Gods Holy Word: yet
becauſe thoſe whofe Souls and Conſciences, they were to have a re-
gard to in all their actions, were prepoffeffed by the wickedneſs of
former times, with fuch invincible miftakes againſt this Church,
that they could not be perfuaded out of them upon a ſudden; if all
their Teachers had forfaken them at the alteration of the Govern-
ment, they might have indangered the intereft of Religion in their
Souls, and given them ftrange prejudices againſt the Holineſs and
Purity of Chriſtianity, eſpecially in thefe prophane days, in which
men are too apt to imagin it only a Politick Contrivance: and the
rather they would have entertained this wicked conceit of Gods Re-
ligion and Truth, if their Teachers, whom they looked upon as their
Examples of Piety, and men of great Learning for the moſt part,
fhould have entertained without any demur, thofe very things which
they or others, but a few years before exclaimed againſt as impious
and idolatrous, and were generally believed to be fo. The People
who commonly take things upon truft, without giving themſelves
the time to examin their miſtakes, would have wondered to fee
men fo unconftant in their behaviour, fo changeable for the prefent
advantages of life, to embrace fuch feeming impieties, repugnant to
their blinded Confciences. Therefore they thought they could do
no less than comply with their Peoples weakneſs, rather than with
the Authority of the Nation; and chiefly becauſe their People ex--
preffed a willingneſs to fupply their neceffities by their liberal con-
tributions. The Holy Apoftles of our Saviour Chrift, feemed to have
been in the fame cafe after the preaching of the Gofpel, the Con-
verted Jews were willing to embrace Chrift and his Doctrine, but
the Laws of Mofes they were not willing to forfake, becauſe they and
their whole Nation had ſo great a Devotion for thofe Ceremonies,
which they looked upon, to be perpetual and obligatory to their Na-
tion, in regard of Gods Covenant: that they could not be induced
to neglect them, though Chrift and his Apoftles had fhewed them
the intent of them all, which was but to keep them in expectation
of their Saviours coming, and the Revelation of the Goſpel Myfteries.
But when the Apoftles faw no poffibility of drawing the Jews from
their Mofaical Obſervances, they connived at them, who embraced-
Chrifti
40
A Seaſonable Advice
Chriſtianity, and took that courſe which might further their accep-
tance of Chrifts Religion. So far were they from diffuading them
from it, that they themselves yielded to all fuch obfervances, that
they might not ſcandalize the reft, though they were fully acquainted
with their infignificancy. By this compliance with the Nations
miſtakes and the Peoples weakness, which they were refolved to
continue till Chriftianity had gained a fufficient credit amongſt
them: they minded two things, First, The avoiding of all Contro-
verfies and diffenfions, which might have riſen to diſturb the Pub-
lick Welfare, from the Pharifees extraordinary Devotion for their
Law. Secondly, The taking away of that, which would have proved
the greateſt obſtacle amongst the Jews to the progress of Chrifts
Religion, if its firſt reception had commanded them to forfake
Mofes and his Ordinances, by which the Prieftly Order was main-
tained in its ſplendor. But for the better encouragement of Chri-
ftians, they fuffered Mefes to usher in Chrift, and the People to pro-
fefs Judaiſm and Chriſtianity together, before they would venture,
to call them away from thofe carnal Ceremonies, which ended at
Chrifts Death and Paffion. In proceſs of time, St. Paul to the He-
brews fhews them their emptiness and infignificancy, and adviſes
them at laſt, to leave the ſhadows, ſeeing they enjoyed the Subſtance
and the Body.
I could heartily with, that as many of the Learned and Confcien-
tious Teachers as amongſt our Non-Conforming Brethren,have imi-
tated the Apoſtles in their compliance with the peoples weakneſs,
for the avoiding of Scandal and Religions fake: would now at laft
imitate them in their fecond endeavors, to undeceive their,people,
now that they are all fo well acquainted with us and our worship by
feveral Difputations; that none but thoſe whofe Eyes are wilfully
fhut, can conceive any ſuch uncharitable opinion of us, That we are
Popish and Superftitious in the Service of God. Now that they all
fee that the Pope creeps not in amongſt them under our white Sur-
plices, and is not hidden under our fuppofed Altars, nor that our
Religious Prayers ufher not in the Antichriftian Mafs. Now that
the Holiness of our Religion, the fignificancy of our Ceremonies,
the Integrity of our Laws: In a word the Excellency of our Church
Order and Worſhip, are viſible to all the Nation: It would become
the
to all true Proteftants.
41
the Wiſdom and Chriſtianity of thoſe Learned and Wife Teachers
of the Presbyterian and Independent parties, to perfect what is al-
ready begun, and to encourage an union with us. The fame care
of Religion which obliged them firſt to comply with their Peoples
miſtakes, calls them now to perfuade them out of them, left theſe
miftakes ſhould gangrene in their Souls through their encourage-
ment, and turn to the fubverfion of our Church, and the Proteftant
Religion in this Nation. I am certain that now Chriſtianity and
the Souls of theſe men, are in greater danger through your compli-
ance with them, my reverend Brethren, than they would be if you
did gently deal with them, to fhew them the lawfulneſs of our practi-
ces and worſhip, and perfuade them by word and deed to joyn with
the approved forms and eſtabliſhed Service of God in this Nation.
For now their obftinacy is no longer weakneſs but wilfulneſs, no
longer Confcience but Refolution and Averfion. You know fuffici-
ently how dangerous it is to nouriſh them up in an abhorrency of
Truth, and to encourage them in a diſpleaſure againſt the Profeffors
of it. You know how contrary to the bleffed difpofition of Chriſts
Difciples, their temper is, who are not to be reconciled with us and
their own duty, by all the Reafons and Commands of God and
Man. You know, and may eaſily diſcover in your ufual hearers, if
you pleaſe to give your felves the trouble, feveral wicked vices, as
pride, felfconceitedneſs, hypocrifie, hatred, malice, envy, &c. which
their Non-Conformity alone hath bred and nourished in their Souls.
You know that the bleffed rules of the Goſpel, and the ſweet temper
of Chriſts Religion, requires from you another difpofition, and other
carriage than many of you, and moft of your followers expreft to us
your Brethren, and your Chriftian Governors. If you have a fincere
regard to Religion, and a defire to advance Gods Glory on Earths
you will at laft endeavour a reconciliation, for fear of the mifchiefs
which our feparation from one another is like to bring upon us all.
Remember that a compliance with your Peoples Non-Conformity,
is no longer feaſonable, in regard of the obftinacy of thoſe that con-
tinue in it againſt all Law and Reaſon. You have fufficiently com-
plied with their humors, do you now comply with your obligations
to God, and Man: you have had a care of the falvation of their
Souls, now look to the prefervation of your own, and run not your
G
felves
42
A Seaſonable Advice
Galut.
felves into the remedilefs fin. of a wilful denial and oppolition of
Gods truth to the laft. The Apoftles in their yielding to the Jewish
miſtakes, laboured always to make them fenfible of their Error, by
minding them ſtill that Mofes Ceremonics were not needful to be
obſerved, and at laſt told them plainly, That
they were a denyal of Chrifts coming in the
Fleſh. It would become your Learning and
Integrity, my reverend Brethren, to deal thus plainly with your Con-
gregations; if you would be true followers of the Holy Apoftles.
Tell them that Conformity to the Church of England is no fuch a
Crime as they have imagincd, that they are bound to obey Mans
Laws when they are not contrary to the Commands of the Gofpel;
That they thould be reconciled with our Worſhip and Church, and
ftrive to Conform as near as they can to what is required from them;
Tell them that Schifin and Separation from the approved way, is a
grievous fin. That their Souls are in danger of Damnation by re-
fifting and disobeying the lawful Commands of their Superiors un-
der God. That they ſhould take heed of not perfifting obftinately
in their errors, and not to refuſe obedience to the leaft Command of
the Gospel when diſcovered to them. Tell them to be more in love
with Truth than with Faction, more defirous of meeting with the
reft of their Brethren in Gods. Worſhip, than fond of their private
and unlawful meetings, where the Goſpel may be Preached, it is.
true, becauſe it is in oppofition to their other Brethren, and to the
Authority of the Nation, they are not warrantable by Gods Word.
Tell them in short, that the Bleff.d Gofpel of our Saviour as well as
his Intereft and our Glory, requires us all to joyn and unite toge-
ther in all Acts of Piety on Earth, that we may avoid the Devils
temptations and be more fit to unite together in Heaven, to fing
praiſes to our great God and Redeemer.. Our Bleffed Saviour, who
is dead for you as well as for us, and is gone to prepare a place for us.
in the glorious Manfions of Eternity; intends not to receive you by
your felves, and appoint your aboads diftinct from the reft of Chri-
tians: why are you fo fcrupulous or fo fuperftitious, as for trivial
matters now to divide from us in that Worship which is to prepare
us for Gods prefence. O my Brethren, did we but confider how
ridiculous our Nation appears to our Neighbours, and to the Bleffed
A
Angels
to all true Proteftants.
43
Angels above, and how pleafing our Divifions are to our Enemies of
Rome, we fhould doubtless blufh for fhame to have hitherto encoura-
ged a feparation fo childish and ill grounded, for no other cauſe but
the humor and miftakes of the vulgar fort,feeing that it renders us lia-
ble to the reproach of Men and Angels, and cauſeth us all to be in dan-
ger of the ruin of our worldly intereft,and what mifchiefs it caufeth to
the Souls of men do you judge. If the refpect to Religion be pre-
tended, examin whether this pretence can avail againſt an apparent
Duty, or excufe you from a fubmiffion to the Laws of God and
Man, examin whether at preſent you draw not more evil upon the
heads of your Followers, and Religion it felf, by an oppofition to
Conformity, than you would by yielding to Reaſon and Law, and
to your Chriſtian obligations.
I know that ſome prophane and vicious perfons refufe to be con-
formable for other reafons, becauſe they have caft off all refpects for
their God and Religion. I know the Jefuits and the difguifed Pa-
piſts amongſt you, will not Conform to our Church, but exclaim
againſt our Religious Worthip, becauſe they have a wicked deſign
to manage the ruin of the Nation: But I intend not theſe lines for
their benefit and perufal, but only for fuch of our Non-Conforming
Brethren, whoſe hearts God may at laſt move with a fence of their
duty to joyn with us in Gods Service. They that hereafter (hall re-
fufe, and continue in an obftinate refufal, and in their ufual clamors
againſt us may juftly be fufpected for Papitis, or fome hired to pro-
mote the Jefuitical defign, the overthrow of Church and State. Were
the differences in Religion between us in the Fundamentals, a Se-
paration would be well grounded. But we all agree in the chief
Articles of our Faith, we embrace together the fame Religion and
Belief, we worship the fame one God, Creator of Heaven and Earth,
and expect Salvation through-the Merits of a Crucified Chrift, we
fubfcribe to the fame Covenant of Grace, and acknowledge but
two Sacraments as Seals, we look upon the Holy Scriptures, as the
only infallible Rule of our Faith and Practice; In a word we agree
in all the effential parts of the Chriftian Religion, many of the cir-
cumſtances in which we difagree are fo inconfiderable, that if we
had not an earneft defire to contend, they would not be able to caufe
any difpute, much leſs to diſturb the publick peace.
G 2
The
44
A Seaſonable Advice
The chief differences are about Church Government, and Gods
Publick Worſhip, for the latter they are fo frivolous, idle and im-
pertinent, that I fhall fay no more in vindication of our practices,
than hath been already ſaid, but for the Government we agree in
the chief Principles and Maxims, though we differ in the conclu-
Hon. For we all fay that in all Church Governments amongſt Chri-
ftians, that there is a regard to be had to the Models allowed of and
appointed by the Holy Apoftles and Primitive Fathers, That the
Rules of the Gospel ought not to be oppofed but obeyed in the pre-
fcribing of Laws for the prefervation of Chriftian Societies. That
in all Church Government there is a ſpecial regard to be had to the
end of all Government, which is the fafety of the whole to keep it
from the attempts of all Enemies and dangers. That this may cauſe
a variety in Kingdoms and Nations, agreeable to the Government
in the State, to the nature and inclinations of the people and ſeveral
other circumſtances which are to be weighed in this Cafe. That
a Government eſtabliſhed in a Nation by the publick Authority, if
not contrary to Gods Word and Will, ought not to be refifted by
Chriſtian Subjects. That every individual Believer muft not pre-
fume to cenfure and murmur againſt the appointed Order in Church
or State, or meddle with the Princes Office and Power. That the
Government in the Church belongs to the Sovereign Prince under
God, as well as in the State: and that it is a dangerous prefumption
for every private perſon to venture to contradict the Laws, which
fuch Lawful Princes think convenient in their wifdom to fettle in a
Church in thefe and fuch like truths, I fuppofe moſt of our Non-
Conforming Brethren will agree with us. But nevertheleſs, the
Presbyterian will be governed by his Presbytery and Lay-Elders, in a
fubordination to Affemblies and Synods. The Independent will
acknowledge no Orders in the Church but what are appointed in
his Congregation, and both refufe Obedience to Epifcopal Autho-
rity, though fuitable to the former Rules and Maxims: Epifcopacy.
recommends to us in Gods Church a Monarchical Authority, Presby-
tery would have an. Ariftocratical mixed with Democracy, the Inde-
pendent pleads for a Democratical. To what purpofe is this adoe
about Government? it concerns not our Salvation in cafe we behave
our felves juſtly, righteously, and foberly, in this prefent world: in
cafe.
to all True Proteftants.
45
Separation no Schifm,
in oppofition to an excel-
Divine, Mr. Sharp.
lent Sermon of that worthy
cafe we can but lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and
honefty. As this is the chief duty of every individual Chriftian, it
fhould be our endeavour and purpoſe in all our actions. The Pres-
byterian forfook Epifcopacy, and thought to mend his condition
under that Government, he gave an Example to the Independent to
forfake Presbytery with hopes of living with more eaſe in a new Go-
vernment, never heard of in the Primitive Church, unleſs it be a-
mongſt Hereticks and Enemies of Gods Truth, for the eſtabliſhing
of this ftrange Order in this Church, they lay down moſt dangerous
Doctrines, contrary to Gods Word and all Reaſon; for inſtance,
That every Chriftian upon the account of
being ſo, a real Chriſtian, a good man, and
a Believer, may be no member of Chrifts vifi-
o member of Chrifts viti
ble Church, and is not bound to joyn in ex-
ternal Communion with it where it may be
had. That a fufpicion or a bare perfuafion of fin in the publick pra-
ctices commanded by Authority, is fufficient to free both Minifter
and People from their Obedience, and Licenfe them to Act con-
trary to the fame. That Chriftians are not fubject to Ecclefiaftical
Laws, unleſs they be contained in the Holy Scripture. That men
may be Chriſtians without any fubjection to Authority, or depen-
dency upon Chriſts Church. And fuch like Doctrines directly con-
trary to Chrifts great defign in mans Re-
demption, which S. Paul tells us was Union,
That he might reconcile all unto God in one
Body by the Crofs. I would have theſe my Brethren know, that
as man was created in refpect to a Society, he is alſo redeemed with
the fame relation, for we cannot think that this good Saviour hath.
freed him from fin and the Devils power, to live by himſelf for ever
as a wild Anchoret in the Defart,and Mountains ; he hath enlightned
his followers with that fpirit, and given them thofe principles that
tend to Union and Communion. Therefore St. Paul faith, in 1 Cor.
xiv. 33. That God is not the Author of Confufion but of Peace, as
in all the Churches of the Saints, What means the Apoſtle by Peace? is
it that every individual Chriftian fhould be ſcattered upon the face
of the Earth, and upon the leaft fufpicion or ill grounded prejudice
abominate all correfpondency in the Publick Worſhip of God, that
Ephesians ii. 16.
G 3
he
-46
A Seaforable Advice.
he should look upon his brethren redeemed by the fame bloud, go-
verned by the fame fpirit, and animated with the fame hopes, with
a fupercilious countenance, and fly from them as from a Wolf or a
Devil. Yet theſe are the confequences of fome of the Independent
principles. But I ſuppoſe it no difficult matter to reclaim moſt of
them from ſuch pernicious opinions, which have proved as deſtru-
Ative to their private Congregations, as they have to the Church of
England, for they tend to encourage diforder, and to licenſe men to
caft off all refpects to all Governours and Government of what fort
foever. But methinks if we had that honour for our Nation as
becomes us, and as other people have for theirs, we ſhould not be
more fond of the new modes in Government and Gods Worship re-
commended to us by our Neighbours, and impoſed upon us by a
Scotch Frolick, than of the antient and wife method and Govern-
ment eſtabliſhed amongſt us by our Forefathers. Why muſt the new
fangles and faſhions of ftrangers affect us more than the diſcreet
conſtructions of our own Chriftian Rulers? Though the people of
our Nation alter often their habits, methinks in ſo ſerious a buſineſs
as Religion, Government and Gods Worſhip, we fhould not be ſo
changeable as we are in our apparel.
See Mr. Baily's Diffua-
five from the Errors of
I know the rigid Independents are accufed for denying the appoin-
ted maintenance to Minifters, Tythes, the encouragement of Learn-
ing and Gods Service; they are accuſed for not allowing any fet
forms of Prayer, not ſo much as the Lords Prayer, for not admitting
any to the Ordinances but fuch as are of their own fraternity, for
denying the Magiſtrates Power over the
Godly, for allowing the killing of all oppo-
fers. But thefe wicked Doctrines I fuppofe
are not maintained by the moft moderate
Independents, who differ from us chiefly in the Government of the
Church in all other things it is likely that they may be brought to
comply with us, though at preſent they give themſelves the liberty
to abuſe and carp at many other innocent circumftances of the Reli-
gion and Worship of the Church of England.
the times.
I find my felf engaged in this place to give a Reply to a grand-
Objection against this Advice, and call to Conformity which feems
to be allowed by St. Paul, in his Fourteenth Chapter of his Epiftle
to
to all true Proteftants.
47
a
to the Romans, and which is commonly pleaded as an excuſe by our
Non. Conforming Brethren. That they extreamly fufpect our practices
and worſhip to be. finful, and therefore they are not bound to act againſt
doubting Confcience, by joyning with us in that which they conceive to be
unlawful. Agreeable to S. Paul's words in another occafion and
cafe, He that doubteth is damned if he eat, becauſe he eateth not of faith,
for whatfoever is not of faith is fin.
This paffage is but a weak Plea for Non-Conformity in England,
for the Romans cafe and ours differ in theſe particulars. Their Con-
troverſies were concerning the aboliſhed Ceremonies of the Jews, or
the prophane practices of the Heathen Idolaters, ours are about the
Lawful, Decent, and Religious Ceremonies of Chriſtians. Their
Controverfies were about ſuch matter, as were in themſelves fcan-
dalous, as eating of things facrificed to Idols, partaking with the Ido-
laters in a Heathen Temple, or obſerving the Fafti and Nefafti, days
of good or ill luck, according to the Roman perſuaſion: but our
Diſputes are for fuch things as all acknowledge to be harmleſs and
innocent. The Romans were newly Converted to Chriftianity, and
therefore many weak in Faith were not to be difcouraged by the
liberty other men allowed themfelves, we in England methinks,
fhould be well grounded and fetled in the Chriftian Religion, and
not to be difcouraged from its Profeffion by every trifle. The things
in Controverfie were never enjoyned, or looked upon by the Rulers
of that Church as fit to be practifed, and of any decency in Gods.
Worſhip, our matters in difpute arc approved by the Authority of
the Nation, and every true hearted English Soul, is bound by the un-
deniable Laws of God as well as by Mans Laws, and for the credit of
the Nation, as well as for the preferving of publick Peace and Unity,
to Submit and Conform. Do you think in Conſcience, that in our
cafe if S. Paul did live amongst us, that he would bid you not Con-
form, Becauſe you are damned if you Conform doubting. He that tells
you in the former Chapter, verf. 16. Be of the fame mind one towards
another. Mind not high things, but condefcend to men of low eſtate. Be
not wife in your own conceits. And in the fifteenth Chapter, verf. 5.
Be ye like minded one towards another, that ye way with one mind and
with one mouth glorifie God, even the Father of our Lord Jefus Christ...
Think ye that he would have opened fo wide a gap to Non-Con-
formity,
48
A Seaſonable Advice
formity, and to the finifter defigns of Apoftats and Hereticks. Think
ye that he would have given this liberty to difturb the Churches
Peace, to theſe Sons of Tumult and Divifion, to tell them that a
groundleſs fufpition of fin in the practices of the Church, or the bare
pretence is fufficient to jullifie their irregularities, diſorders, ſchiſms,
feparation and diſobedience to the Commands of their Superiors,
He that tells you that ye muſt needs be fubject for Conſcience fake, would
he have ſaid that a naked excuſe, or a meer immagination of fin in
the things enjoyned, frees you from all ſubjection, and gives you
liberty to diſobey the Magiftrate in indifferent mattres. Are you to
prefer your wilful fufpitions or groundleſs fancies, to the declarations
of your Brethren and Chriſtian Rulers, to imagin fin in that which
they think not only lawful, but alfo needful to be practifed. This
General Rule Whatſoever is not of Faith is Sin, verf. 23. is miſapplied
to our cafe, and is not to be allowed as a lawful excufe for the omif-
fion of an apparent duty, for there are none of our Non-Conformifts
but might eaſily attain to that Knowledge and Faith, which might
juftifie their Unity with us. Were they living amongst the Canibals
or in the darkness of Popery, or Heathenish Idolatry, where none
were able to remove their doubts, to fatisfie their minds, and inform
their Conſciences, this plea might be ſo long
allowable till they were able to gain more
knowledg. But for them to fhut their eyes
to all the beams of light, and their ears to all
the Reaſons, Arguments, and Perſuaſions, of the Doctors of the
Church of England, and to fay we are blind, we don't believe, we
are not perfuaded, and therefore our Conformity without Faith
would be a fin, is a moſt ridiculous pretence, unto which meer ne-
ceffity drives them who are obftinately refolved to the contrary. Sup-
poſe a Heathen or a Papift fhould have had the fame advantages as
you have to underſtand the Truth, and as ftrong invitations to make
profeffion of the Gofpel, would you allow them this pretence to
excuſe themſelves from embracing the Gofpel? Why did not the
Presbyterians and Independents approve of this Plca in thoſe whom
they caft out of their Aſſemblies for Religions fake, and would not
admit them to communion? Men muſt take head in this corrupt Age,
of fuch general Rules which the Devil is wont to wreft, to promote
Calig, aut in Sole, Quin-
ctil.
his
to all true Proteftants.
49
his own wicked purpofe. But in this cafe you will fay what ſhall
we do? what courfe fhall we take? for our Confciences have gotten
fuch a command over us and our judgments through fuch like
per-
ſuaſions, that we can enjoy no peace within our breaſts, if we com-
ply with you,in things fo contrary to our principles. We are as much
afraid to hear your prayers, as to worſhip before an Idol of Stone or
Timber, to ſee a white Surplice, as to aſſiſt at Maſs, to have a Croſs
upon our Childrens foreheads as to receive the marks of the Beaſt:
In a word, we are as much afraid to fubmit our felves to your Wor-
ſhip and the Government of Biſhops, as to Apoftatize from Chriſt,
and forfake Chriftianity. This fear and theſe perfuafions cannot
eafily be overcome, what advice therefore would you give us that
we in this cafe, might take that Courſe, which may agree in fome
reſpects with our obligations to our Superiors, and favour us a little
in our weakneſs, that we may not do any thing to difturb the peace
of our Conſciences, which youfay are mif-led.
J
R
•
f
CHAP. V.
}
$
1
Seafonable and Chriftian Advices for our Non-Conforming
Brethren, who are poffeffed with fuch strong prejudices
against the Church of England, that they cannot easily
overcome them: and a Reconciliation propoſed.
I
Will freely grant what you would have us believe, that you are
afraid by a compliance with our Church to wound your Confci-
ences, or to act contrary to your perfuafion, which you think to be
well grounded: and that by fuch a proceeding you thould diſturb
the quiet of your Souls, as when Confcientious men commit a fin a-
gainft Gods Laws. Yet my Brethren in this cafe your reſolved
Non Conformity is not warrantable,, nor agreeing with Chriftian
prudence, becauſe your Superiors to whofe Judgments, Reafon and
Duty, teaches you to yield a little, condemns it as prejudicial to the
publick: and becauſe it is fo apparently deftructive to Peace and all
H
Chriftian
50
A Seaſonable Advice
Chriſtian vertues which Unity and Uniformity in Religion are
wont to nourish in a Society. Therefore in this cafe for your own
quict and the publick Peace, I adviſe you my Brethren to obſerve a
medium between a ftrict Conformity and a Non-Conformity, until
fuch time as you can be better informed, and to practiſe theſe follow-
ing Rules, which will infallibly give your Souls and Conſciences fa-
tisfaction, and anſwer in fome refpects your obligations to your
Superiors under God, as well as fecure the publick peace of the
Church. However I am certain you are bound by Gods Holy Word
to obferve thefe Rules; that though the cafe were as you fufpect, I am
certain, that if you will govern your felves by them, your Non-Con-
formity, will be leſs dangerous to your Souls, more excufable before
God, and lefs hurtful to the Nation.
I. Abstain from all difrefpectful words, flanderous reports, baſe
afperfions, and railing accufations, and unworthy imputations of.
our Government, Worſhip and Orders of the Church. Suffer not
your fufpicions of fin to break out into an open injuftice and filthy
language. If your judgments be infected,defile not your tongues with
the fame pollution. Let a Chriſtian moderation bridle in that liberty,
which men commonly give themſelves, of fpeaking any thing againft
that which they cannot phancy, and let not your miſtakes appear far-
ther than your own Souls. This reſtraint is moft juft, reaſonable, and
agreeing with the paffages of Gods Bleffed Word, for it is but juft
that you ſhould abftain from abuſing that Church and Government,
which fecures your Lives and Eftates, from which your Forefathers
and many of you, have received the advantage of being Chriftians;
It was a great ingratitude in one of the Sons of Noah, to reveal and
ſport himſelf with the fight of his Fathers Nakedness. It is as great
an ingratitude in the English Subjects, and deſerves as ſevere a Curſe,
to blaze abroad and delight to publiſh in every Company the fuf-
pected nakedness of their Mother the Church of Eagland, from whofe
Breafts they have fucked many benefits. It is very remarkable that
when the Children of Ifrael were going into the Land of Canaan, to
live amongst the Heathens, God gave them this Commandment for
the prefervation of the publick Peace of his People, which would have
been broken, if they had by their unhandfom Language, ftirred up
the Heathens jealoufie for, the Honour of their Gods. Thou shalt not
revile
to all true Proteftants.
51
revile the Gods, nor curſe the Rulers of thy People. Exod. xxii. 28. They
differed in effential matters of Religion, yet God would not fuffer
his People to rail against thofe falfe Divinities, left that might dif-
quiet and difturb the publick tranquillity. And for that very cauſe
when the Jews were in Captivity in Babylon, Jeremiah ſent them a
Letter by Gods Command, To ſeek the peace of the City whither they
were carried away Captives, and pray unto the Lord for it, for in the peace
thereof shall ye have peace, Jerem. xxix. 7. The Jews were Gods
People, the Babylonians were Idolaters, yet God would not ſuffer
them to defame or ſpeak any thing, which might hinder the peace
of that Kingdom. Likewife it was obferved by the Town Clerk
of Ephefus, in his harangue to the People in their uproar, That the
Chriſtians were neither Robbers of Churches, nor yet Blafphemers of the
Goddess Diana. Acts xix. 37. And the Heathens could commend
the Chriſtians for their moderation, and diſ-
cretion in this reſpect. And is it juſt, that you Justin Martyr.
my Brethren, ſhould be continually reviling
and blafpheming that Worſhip and Religion, whereof the eſtabliſh-
ment renders ye quiet in the poffeffion of your Eftates: That Reli-
gion and Worſhip, againſt which you have nothing but Sufpicions,
and not fuch Allegations as the Jews had againſt the Babyloniſh, and
as the Chriſtians had againſt the Heathenith Religion. Our Peace
I confess is not difturbed in that manner as theirs had been, had they
treated the Heathens as many of you do us, for you have to deal
with thoſe Chriſtians, that look upon you as Brethren, and can ſuffer
affronts and difgraces with patience, but our moderation excufes
not the violent and uncharitable expreffions and blafphemies too
much in uſe amongst the indifcreeteft of our diffenting Brethren.
Whatever therefore be your thoughts and fufpicions of us, let your
words be modeft, and let them favour of that Chriftian Charity
which we ſhould entertain for one another.
II. Seek not to propagate your difpleaſures againft our Church
and Worſhip,nor to gain Profelytes to your Sects. You have but fuf-
picions of fin to lay to our Charge,no real Accufations,no open Idola-
try, nor plain Superftition to falten upon our Church and Worthip:
though this fufpicion as you pretend,is fufficient to excufe your Non-
Conformity, it may not have the fame effect upon others; that
H 2
which
52
A Seaſonable Advice
Matt. xxxiii. 15..
in
which is but a fufpicion in you, fhall affuredly be an Article of Faith
in a Difciple, for Error like the Snow-balls increaſeth the farther
it gues. Education and Cuſtom will caufe your Children to abomi-
nate, what you look upon to be tolerable, if you bring them up
an averfion for it. It is obferved concerning hereticks and miſtakes
in Religion, that their Diſciples were far
more the Children of Hell than their Maſters,
and more violent and more extravagant in
their deviations from the Truth. It is therefore very dangerous to
draw into the fame groundleſs fufpicions unexperienced Souls, who
are apt to improve miftakes to the difturbance of the publick and
their own damnation: If therefore you will not be in love with your
prejudices, take heed how you bring up your Children in ſuch per-
fuafions, as may haften their ruin and the Nations calamities. And
if you cannot prevail upon your felves to forfake your opinions, be
not fo fond of your diffemper to communicate it to others, but en-
courage them in the performance of their duties.
1
III. Give not credit too unadviſedly to the ill reports that concern
the Church and its Government, for there is nothing that increafeth
fo much the diſpleaſure againſt it, as that wicked policy of our Ad-
verfaries. They mifreprefent us to the people, and deal with us as
the Jefuits in Spain do with the Proteftants condemned to the fire,
they cloath them with Paper Coats and Caps, all covered over with
fhapes of Devils and ftrange chimera's to render them more frightful
to the vulgar fort: thus do our fubtil enemies cover us over with
the figures of Devils, Idolatry, Superſtition and Crimes, which when
well examined will appear to be only the effects of their malice ra-
ther than expreffions of our defervings.
IV. Search with diligence into the differences between us, take
the affiftance of Gods Holy Word, inquire into our Practices and
Belief, and by Prayer endeavour to underſtand the Truth, that you
may learn to practiſe it. We dare appeal to the Judgments of the
molt moderate of you, we are no fuch Idolaters as fome would have.
There is nothing of Superftition enjoyned in our Church: we will
be tried by Gods Word, and the found interpretation of the Holy
Fathers, Read over Mr. Hooker's Ecclefiaftical Policy, commended by
our Royal Martyr. Read his Opinion of our Church Worship and
Govern-
to all true Proteftants.
53
Government in his incomparable Book. His judgment is worthy to
be looked upon. I have ever efteemed, faith he,
the Church of England the beſt Profeffion of In a Letter to the
Religion, because it comes nearest to Gods Word Prince of Wales.
for Doctrine, and to the Primitive Examples for
Government. Read Bishop Bancroft, Downham, Hall, Bilfon, and
Dr. Taylor against Presbytery, in Vindication of the Church of England,
Read our later Difputations about the matters in queſtion between
us, &c.
V. Draw as near to us in your Religious Worſhip, as your Con-
fciences will fuffer you, endeavour to allift at Prayers, and if you
can have no Devotion inwardly, however exprefs outwardly that
refpect, that is due to your God whom we adore. Whatever you pre-
tend, I cannot think any of you fo extraordinary miftaken as to think
that a Crime, which we reckon a Duty, and ſo Superftitious as to
ſcruple at an attendance with us in our Service of God. If therefore
you be willing to attain to a freedom from all thofe niceties,and fears,
be frequent at the publick Prayers of the Church. If you cannot at
firſt have any Devotion, this frequentation will foon bring you to a
right reliſh of thofe Petitions, and that way of Worship, and the
fooner, if you will obferve the motions of the Body enjoyned in the
Common-Praycr; for this fubmiffion and this cuftom will have a
ſpeedy influence upon your minds, and cauſe your Souls to joyn in
the fame respects to God. Certain it is that the nearness of relation
between the Soul and the Body, will beget a mutual compliance
between the Actions of the one and the Affections of the other; fo
that the often practifing of things muft needs reconcile us to thofe
performances, and remove the ftrongeft prejudices which are not
grounded in reaſon, nor ftrengthned by Divine Revelation,- nor-any
worldly intereft, which in this caufe ought to have no hand. If
therefore any weak Brother cannot at prefent comply with the Devo-
tions of the Church of England, if he finds an inward repugnancy
for our publick Prayers, which hinders him from receiving that be-
nefit and comfort thereby. intended: Let him follow and try my
advice but a few months,. let him force his Body to obferve all the
notions of reſpect commanded in the Rubrick: let him ftand up
when we give glory to God and fing forth his praifes; let him knedl
+
H 3
in
54
A Seaſonable Advice
in Prayer, and outwardly obſerve a due Reverence, and he ſhall find
that his former averfion will infenfibly wear away, and by degrees
he will bring his Soul to a hearty and Religious compliance with
our godly Forms of Prayer, which before he could never ufe with
any fatisfaction to his mind: He fhall find his unhappy humor of dif-
content evaporate it felf, and his Body draw after the Soul and its
faculties to a fincere worshipping of our good God, in the manner
that is practiſed amongst us. This and many other directions to
this fame purpoſe I recommend to your perufal, my Brethren, who
are willing to be cured of all prejudice againſt our Church and Wor-
ſhip, you ſhall find them in my Christians Devotions and Directory, now
:
in the Prefs.
}
However I would adviſe you, for your own and the Churches
Peace, to draw as near as you can to us,and be frequent in the offering
up of the Prayers of the Church, for this propinquity will both ac-
quaint you with the innocency of our practices, and free you from
all thoſe idle and needlefs apprehenfions of fin, which a diſtance from
us begets and nourishes in your minds.
2
Many other Seaſonable Advices I could give you to the ſame pur-
pofe, but the compendiouſneſs of this Tract fuffers me not to en-
large.
If you were defirous of a reconciliation, there are ways to be found
out to bring us all together: And though we ftand at fuch a diſtance,
and entertain fuch unreafonable animofities against one anothers
perfons and practices, I dare engage to offer to you my Brethren,
fuch propoſals as may agree with moth of your Confcriences, and
with the honour of our Church, and the Majefty of our Laws, with
a little mitigation. Our Governors no doubt will be willing to
embrace fuch amongst you as lead a good Life, and to encourage
your Conformity by all poffible means. Neglect not this motion
but answer it with a Chriftian compliance. You fhall find us all
both Clergy and People, ready to receive you, for we have in this
Nation fuch Worthy, Wife, Learned, and Chriſtian Rulers in the
Church, as no Nation can fhew the like: nor was ever our Church
better furniſhed with able Divines, skill'd in all kind of Learning,nor
more remarkable for their Wiſdom, Piety, and Moderation. You
fhall find our Biſhops for the Publick Peace of the Church, ready to
con-
to all True Proteftants.
55
condeſcend to your weakneſs in all fuch things, as ſhall agree with
their Conſciences, the honour and good of the Church, and the
preſervation of his Majefties Authority.
This Nation was never bleffed with a more merciful, mild and
more gracious Prince, more willing to be govern'd by Law and Rea-
fon, an Enemy of blood and violence. You fee that he bears with
your infirmities, fuffers you to take that liberty in matters of Rcligi-
on, which the ſeverity of the Law condemns. His goodneſs and ex-
cellent difpofition is an invitation to you: Abufe not his Royal Fa-
vors to your own prejudice and the publick wrong; Let his Reign
be Bleſſed with an accommodation of thoſe differences, which have
involved us already in unfpeakable Miferics and woful Tragedies.
Some of our Governors need not be advised to a Chriftian modera-
tion,and a kind reception of the weak Brethren. This Noble and Sea-
fonable Vertue hath gained the greateſt part of confiderable Towns to
Conformity, and won them the eſteem of all
their people.For though it is not fafe to com-
ply with Schifm and Faction, by falling away
from our Duty, and the obfervance of the
Laws, there is a wife behaviour in requiring
obedience with meekness and Christian com-
placency, which prevails more upon the minds
of men, than that furious zeal which would have fire to come down
from Heaven upon all oppofers.
The preſent Bishop of Bath
and Wells, by a kind and
generous behaviour, hath
done much good in Taun-
ton, amongst the Noncon-
formists.
I dare ingage to you, my Non-Conforming Brethren, if you will
difcover the least forwardneſs to this bleffed Union: All the Bishops,
Clergy, and good People of the Land will rejoyce, and that fuch
conditions fhall be granted to you, which Reafon, Confcience, and
your own Intereft will require you to accept. O that you would
therefore all delire and feek for this Union with us in Gods Holy
Worſhip, and thereby fecure the publick Peace of the Church, the.
profperity of your King and Country, from all wicked attempts of
Barbarous Enemies. O that you would but prefer this your intereft.
of your Soul and Body, and the indifpenfable obligations, to the
Laws, to your own unadviſed phancies or the jealousies of blinded s
and deluded Confciences..
"il
+
T
I
56
A Seaſonable Advice
I ſhall therefore conclude this Seaſonable Advice,with an Addreſs,
to you the Chief Leaders and Teachers of thefe our Brethren.
CHAP. VI.
An Exhortation to all the Learned, Pious, and Chriftian
Teachers amongst our Non-Conforming Brethren, to pre-
vent in time the Nations ruin, by an Unity with us; and
to lay afide all Prejudice and Partiality.
WE look upon many of you to be men of great Learning, and
Exemplary Piety, fome of you by your Religious Works,
have gained an eſteem amongst all the Reformed Churches: your
Lives are faid to be anſwerable to your Do-
Mr. Baxter's Works. ctrines. Many are enlightned, inftructed, and
perfuaded from fin by your Teaching: as
therefore a Roman faid of a good man on the contrary fide, Utinam,
I could repeat the word a thousand times, Utinam nofter effes, would
to God that you and we were but one, would to God that you would
joyn with us, and be perfuaded to unite in one Religion and Wor-
ſhip.
در
The multitudes that throng at your Affemblies, look upon you
alſo to be men that make Confcience of your ways. By your Preach-
ing they fee that you are not ignorant of the Holy Scriptures, and of
the Revealed Will of God. What can they conclude from hence,
and your abhorrency of us, but that you must be more quick-fighted
than they are; to fpy an Error in our Worthip and Prayers, fome-
thing of Idolatry, and unlawful to practife, which caufes you to
feparate from us for fear of a défilement. I know feveral perfons
that this confideration alone hath prejudiced fo far againſt us, that
they have told me and cannot be perfuaded to the contrary, that
there must needs be something of Superftition in our Church, for otherwise
So many Learned men would never ftand at fuch a distance from us, others
have caft all the fault upon your Confciences, as if your Confci-
}
ences
to all true Proteftants.
57
encies my Reverend Brethren, were to be blinded and miſtaken in
fo plain and clear a bufinefs; What is free for me to practife, fome have
faid to me, it may be other mens Confciences cannot allow. Your pious
behaviour, and good lives in the eyes of the world, ftrengthens
them in this charitable opinion of you, and finifter opinion of us and
of our Church, fo that they look upon us as formalifts, temporifers,
men-pleaſers, worldlings, and our Rulers as Perfecutors, to Enac
thofe juft Laws, which tend to the prefervation of the Nations Peace,
and Honour. For Gods fake begin now to undeceive them, fuffer
not your people to continue for ever in their dangerous miſtakes,
which nouriſhes envy, hatred, malice, diſpleaſure, and keeps them in
that hainous and crying Sin before God Schifm, which caufed
once the Earth to open her infernal jaws to
devour the firft Authors of it alive.
Numbers xvi.
Your Danger I conceive is greater than
theirs; for all the fins that they are guilty of by their feparation,
and the vices nouriſhed in them by this divifion, will be charged
upon you by our great Judge at the laft Tribunal. And why will
you load your felves with other mens Crimes? Have you not mif-
carriages enough of your own to Anſwer for? Were it not for you
and your Religious Carriage, all your people would be eafily per-
fuaded to listen to Reafon and their Duty to the Church. But as you
have hitherto kept up the Faction for Reaſons that we may chance
to be ignorant of; Now let me tell you, that you indanger both the
Bodies and the Souls, the prefent and the future intereft of your
Congregations: If you will yet ftifly refufe a Compliance and an
Union with us your Brethren. You fee the condition of this Nati-
on,the malice and defigns of our Enemies, the danger that hangs over
our heads; you fee what advantage our divifions in Religion are
likely to give them, how they endeavour to keep us afunder, and
laugh at our follies and ncedlefs diffenfions: why will you befriend
the Pope and his Papiſts? why will you yield them your affiftance,
and employ your Gifts and Talents, to advance Popery amongſt us,
and ruin your People and their Pofterity? Don't you think, that
thefe quarrels between Proteftants, have increafed the number of
Atheifts and Papifts? It hath been the ufual reafon employed by
their Jefuits to delude poor Souls into their Damnable Religion, to
I
tell
58
A Seaſonable Advice
tell them,that we amongſt our ſelves were not well agreed, what Re-
ligion to chufe; and that thoſe of the Reformed Religion were al-
ways jangling about Fundamentals. And how many prophane and
loofe perfons have been glad to catch at this occafion, to excufe them-
ſelves from obferving the Laws of God.
}
Befides, confider what danger thoſe poor Souls are in that are your
auditors, whom though their converfation is plaufible before men,
the Devil holds faft by thofe ftroug bands of iniquity, prejudice, pride,
fingularity, hatred, envy, fchifin, &c. and drags to Eternal damna-
tion without Repentance and the Merits of a good Saviour. Open
your Eyes therefore my Beloved Brethren, look to your own, your
Congregations, the Nations, and the publick danger: and the Lord
of his Mercy open your Hearts to have fome compaffion of them and
your felves, that you may bring a speedy remedy to thefe diftempers
in the Church, which will never be cured withou you.
}
I commend the Jefuits in China, for their wisdom and difcretion
in complying and joyning with the Proteftant Merchants in all Du-
ties of Religion,and they with the Jefuits in the parts of Gods Wor-
fhip which are lawful, however they abflain from all Diſputes, and
Quarrels about Chriſtian Religion, before the Brahmans and the Hea-
thens, left that the differences in Religion might not appear to them
and hinder their embracing Chriftianity. Cannot we obferve the
fame policy? we have much more reaſon than they, our differences
arc not confiderable. Ceaſe therefore to canton your ſelves, and keep
up your Factions. Why will you for worldly intereft or any carnal
end, bring Chriſts Church in England to utter ruin? If you cannot
be fenfible of the Nations danger, by that which I have already repre-
fented, Confider that in the late hurly burly in the Weft, upon a falfe
Alarm of the French being landed upon the Coaft of Dorſet-fhire, fome
of the fiercett Presbyterians and Independents, or fuch at leaſt as
pretended that Religion to excufe themſelves from an attendance
upon the Publick Ordinance, had combined together to plunder the
Houſes of Rich Minifters, Gentlemen and Wealthy, Farmers, if there
had been any Truth in the Invafion.
My Reverend Brethren, I beseech you for the Lords fake, con-
fider ferioufly this particular, that will diſcover to you the prefent
difpofitions of our diffenting Brethren, and the future dangers of
their
to all true Proteſtants.
59
their Dividing from our Church. Animofity is increaſed to that
height in their Souls, that the Bleffed Rules of the Goſpel are not re-
garded, that the Laws Human and Divine will be trampled under
foot, that Plunder, Robberies, and Maffacres, will be the end of
your teaching many of them not to joyn with us. I cannot think
that any of you will approve of fuch wickedneffes as thefe, yet theſe
you may fee to be the fruits of our Divifions in frivolous matters of
Religion. I know your zealous Teaching hath had better effects
upon more Confcientious Souls: but under the Skirts of your Sects,
you know many Hypocrits and Villains fhroud themſelves, to act
their evil purpoſes under a more plaufible Covert. Harbor not fuch
Enemies as thefe, encourage them not in their diffenting from us,
but lead them by your Examples and Teaching, at leaft to an Obe-
dience to our Laws and Government in the Church and State, and
to an outward Conformity to the Worſhip of our God amongst us,
according to St. Pauls Exhortation to you, in the Second of his Epi-
file to the Philippians: If there be any confolation in Chrift, if any com-
fort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,if any bowels and mercies; Fulfil
ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the fame love, being of one accord,
of one mind.
THE EN D.