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jihm The Trefact^.

He rife of th^fubfequeftt Treatifc; the blcffed Author,in the very firft words thereof, declareth to b« the occafion he had from fyvel. 2. 00 the Epiftle to the Church ofTerga-mos, to meditate on the nature and forts of Scandal. And before I fay any thing of this prefent work, I (hall hence take occafion, to (hew my thoughts of his Commentary on the Book of Revelation; In my humble opinion, that which was fpoken of the vertuous woman, Prov. 30. v. 29. may well be applied to tht pains this Author barti taken on that Book: Many Writers have done worthily, bat thou excelled them all. The reafon of my fo high eftimation thereof, is taken from a threefold excellencie I find therein. The firft is, a brief, clear and accurate opening of the moft difficult Text in the whole Bible, applying with great fagacity and admirable dexterity, dark Prophecies to their hifto-rical events: and yet with judicious fobriety, not re-ftraining, as it were, to fingie ftars of ieveral perfons, that which rather relateth to conglobate conftellations of agents or patients: together with a modeft, yet a diligent fearch of thofe things which are not yetaccom-plifhed. Whoever would compendioufly have an experiment hereof, let him read the firft Le&urcOrr Chap, 6. ( which parcel, with fome others, were fent to me by the Author, fome moneths before *he printing) And as herein I did find great fatisfaftion, by reafon of the clearneffe and potable coherence of tyhe Interpretation, and convincing grounds and arguments proving the fo~ lidity thereof, So may thou, Chriftian Reader, be fwcet-ly refreftied and ftrongly confirmed thereby. The A 2 faoni

The <Pre

..jWMcxcdlcticie hereof, is the great plenty of pra£tt-cal Divinity, relating to all Chriftians, but more efpe-cially to Minifters of the Gofpel. I cannoNname any Authors work, wherein I have perceived *Cd many edifying overtures, fo many fearching difcourfes and encouraging helps as this Commentary abounds with. From the firft Leffureon Cbap.j. both the carefull Chri-ftian and the well-gifted diligent Preacher , may be firft allarmed, and then well ftrengthened, by that fearching difcourfe on thefe words* Thou baft a name that thou livejl, but an dead. The *^></excellency of this work, lieth not only in clearing and anfwering many doubts very fuccin&ly, butalfo in difcuffing more largely, by way of digreiiion, many weighty and important Truths-even to the number of twenty five : So that this Commentary, befides profitable opening of fuch a Text, and handling much practical Divinity, cleareth with great modefty, without any perfonal refleftions,and dilcuffeth edifying* ly as much darkened Truth, as if the whole work had been written to difputc and determine pertinent and important queftions.

But now, to fay no more of that Work, which fpeak-cth for it felf, being in the hands of many, and I wifh it be diligently perufed with a bleffing from Heaven : I come to fay fomethingof this Treatife of Scandal;

And well was he fitted to write of this fubje$:, whofe exercife it was, to have alwayes a confeience void of offence toward God and toward men : and very fuccef-full was he in walking this way ; fori in a time wherein fcandals of all forts did abound exceedingly, few there were (if any at all) who did ftumble at his way, or he at the way of others > endeavouring ft ill and by all means winning and edifying. And whoever knew his way of walking, they will read the fame in this Treatife, (et forth to others.*

In thefirft part thereof thou wilt find, Chr'iftian Reader, the nature of Scandal dcxteroufly opened , with the feveral forts of it, and the variety of wayes vvhereby

it is both given and taken, with considerable ground^ tc make Chriftians loth and wary, both as co the giving of offence and taking. And withall, many intricate cafes are cleared , as namely, what is co be done when themattcris lawfull, and the offence doubifull: Alfo ^vhac ought to be our carriage, when there is a real difference between parties upon the account of a civil in-tereft : Alfo what behaviour is requific, when the command of Superiours and the efchewing of offence, are in oppofition: Alfo that very important cafe, is accurady debated and wifely determined, what is to be done when offence is like to follow on either fide. And finally, what courfe both private Chriftians and Paftors ought to hold when fcandals and offences abound- The an-fwer to which alone, hojdeth forth a very excellent directory for chriftian walking toward others.

The fecond part treateth of Scandal as it ispublick, and falleth under, Ecclefiaftick cenfure, wherein there are many excellent overtures for the wife and right ex-ercifeof Church-difcipline. Among many, this is con-fiderable, That the faving grace of repentance, is not to be enquired into, as the alone ground upon which Church-officers arc to reft for removing an offence : but that a fober,ferious acknowledgment of the otfenccwith the expreflion of an unfeigned-like purpofe to walk in-offenfively is fuflkient. This is very accurately debated, and folidly and fcundly determined. There is alfo, Chap. 12. a clear difcufling of that tickle Queftion, What ought to be done by privat perfons when Church-officers fpare fuch as are (candalous,to wic,upon fuppo-ficion chat there is a real defe£t (in the truth wherof ofcea there is a miftake ) yet private profeffors are to continue in the difcharge of the duties of their ftations> and not to (eparatc from the Communion of the Church,but to count themlclvesexonered in holding faft cheirown integrity, mourning for offences, representing the iamc to Church-officers, and, if need be, to fuperiour Judicatories. All this is ftrongly, convincingly, and very fatisfyingly proven by Scripture. A 3 The

The third part is concerning Do&rinal Scandals, or Scandalous Errours , a Theme very neceffary for theft reeling times. If I fhould offer to pick out thence points very remarkable, I would far paffc the juft bounds of a Preface. Wherefore, I (hall only thereof fay this, That both Chriftian Magiftrates, Minifters and People, will find their duty laid before them, no leffe folidly than ac-curatly,what to do in the cafe of fpreading errour. And, O that the Moft High would ftrike in with His fove-raign Authority upon the hearts and confeiences of all forts, efpecially Magiftrates, in whofe hands this Tra-ftate (hall come /

But now I come to fpeak a word of the fourth part of thisTreatife, and that fo much the more, i. Becaufek was the laft labour of this precious man of God, and fo it is his Stoan-liks fmg. The Only Wife thought it fie to recommend to all His People, efpecially wkhin this Land, in thefe diftra&ed times (when paffion and pre ju-dice makes it moft difficult, if not altogether impoflible to fpeak a word in feafon acceptably) the hatefulneffe of fcandalous divifion and the lovelineffe of a godly union by the words of a Meffenger, who was one of a thou-fandi known to bt^msderate, wife and faithfull, very far from fa&ioumW, fharply perceiving what was duty, and very impartially uttering the fame* At the di&ating of this Part, the infirmity of the decaying tabernacle was fo great, that he could not endure the labour of writing with his own hand,But being now ripe for glory, and having entered the fuburbs of Heaven, he breathed-out his wife and godly thoughts to a borrowed pen.

Next, I have the greater reafon to confider diligently this piece of the work ; and having confidered it> to recommend it the more earneftly to all Chrifts People, and efpecially to my reverend and dear Brethren of the Mi-niftery,becaufe it was fent to me fealed from the Author, in the beginning of his laft fickneffe, as a ®epo(itum commuted to me to make it ready for publifhing; which I

pet-

performed carefully and faithtuj!y,witndut the alteration of one material word: and having lately perufed the Copie the Printer makes ufe of, I hereby teftifie it is the fame for matter, order, fentences and words, the Author lent to me and I tranfmicted to him a little before the Lord removed him*

And now, upon the matter, I think verily that this healing Tra&ate is fo full of that wifdom,which is from above, firft pure^and then peaceable, that it will fpeak plainly the Author fitted of God to bring forth a fea-fonable word. At the firft reading thereof, my fpiric was greatly refrefhed , and my heart enlarged tobleflfe the Lord , conceiving that the Prince of peace, in companion over our putrified fores, had provided this mollifying oyntment and cleanfing plaitter, in order to a cure of the fame* And I doubt nothing but every true-hearted lover of Sions peace, who longs to fee the Lord exalted, in binding-up our hither-till incurable wounds, will magnifie the Lord with me and exalt his Name together. Herein thou wilt find excellently difcovered* the rife of divifions, what hand the holy Soveraignty of God hath therein,and how the corruptions of men>even of the Godly, both raife and wonderfully heighten divifions; and how great influence occafional means may have in the fame; together with the fad and drcadfull effe&s thereof; and the neceffity of endeavouring unity herein. Thou wilt alfo find the cure and remedy fingu-larly opened, not only general grounds and preparatory endeavours for uniting , but alfo what things arc to be forborn, and what is to be done in order to uniting, and thacafwell in clofing doftrinal differences) not fundamental, nor nigh the foundation, as for union in points notdo&rinal, arifingfromdiverfity in external admini-ftrations, and efpecially pra&ical dijfferenccs in Church-government, and about the Conftitutions andA&s of Synods, when the Authority thereof is declined and denied : Yea, remedies are propofed, of divifions arifing from the mifapplication of power, in cenfuring or fpa-

A 4 ring

ring Church-officers, real or fuppofed. And finally ^ againft the fears of mifgovemment for the time to come, overtures are prudently given-in : and allclofed with laying out briefly? and yet very effeftually, grounds and motives of the defired union. That which I conceive is moft eminent in this choice Treatife, lyeth in thefe two things: firft, That this our Cancer is moft tenderly handled, in a very abftraft way, never fo much as Hating or particularly touching any difference among us, and yet> upon the matter, the whole difcourfe cometh home to the very point moft pertinently. Herein appears the finger of God to them that will have eyes to fee it. The next is this, That the holy Scriptures arc diligently fearched, both in order to the difeafe and remedy: <and the ancient Church-hiftory and purer Antiquity,is moft plentifully and fweetly made ufe of. The judicious and impartial Reader will, I think, fay Mxfcuit utile dulci, and that here are words fitly fpoken* like apples of gold in piftures of filvcr. One thing I (hall intreat, that the Reader judge not finally of any parcel or feftion thereof, till he read and ponder the whole. Stumble not at his afferting, That authoritative wayes at firft are not the beft to cure rents. * A rent would be handled as a broken bone or a diflocation, where anointing and ligatures are fo neceffary, as without thefe, healing cannot in hafte be attained. If the queftion be made, How a man in that cafe {hould carry himfelf? Ought he to flretch himfelf to the full and put forth his whole ftrength ? Or is that then impoffible ? And if through pafllon in a fit it be praftifed, is it not obftruftive to the recovery of ftrength and healing? Let the Reader remember this when he cometh to that part of the difcourfe, and he Will> upon that confederation, make the better ufe of the whole remedy as it is propofed. 1 (hall not detain much longer the Reader from theTreatife it felf, having added thefe few confederations, for advancing heart-uniting in the Lord, yvhich of all other* I conceive, ought to be fPyft ^eighty in thq judgment and on theaffeftionsofc

all

all the lovers of our lord Jelus Chrifl. 2. v.i 4 15 16 17. the great Peace-maker, in offer upHimfelf a iacrificeiorthefinsof theEle&,intended with thcreconcilinp of dxm toCcd, to unite them in one body among themfelves 2 yea, even thole who vvere at furtheft diflance and preateft cnimityj^fr ard Gentile M and confequently other His Elcdt in their feveral differences and divifions throughout their generations* He took on Him the debt of their fins and their enimitics, and lifted up with Himfelf the^onHisCroffe,^^-tatiVely Virtually and meritorioujly, to expiate the m in His flefh : and by His Spirit efficiently to flay and abolifh them in due timeby making them one new man in him-fdf. Mark, I pray, from that Scripture cited, that this complex bufinefle is the great defign of our blefled and great Peace-maker. A lfo, fecondly, in the Sacrifice- fcaft of His Supper, this is ftill reprefented and exhibited, till He come again: So that this (landing Ordinance,defti-nated and appointed of God to carry-on and feal-up uniting with God, and one with another, till He come again; at His coming will ftand up and teftifie againft all who comply not withChrift, but, following their own inclination, aft rather againft His defign. And, thirdly , in His folemn prayer, J oh, 17. which is a fieci* men of His future interceflion, He mainly prefleth after the falvation and fan&ification of thofe that are given Him,vcr.2l. That they alfo may be one, a* thou father art in we> and 1 tn thee, that they alfo way be one in m ; that the toorld may believe that thou haft fent me. Do notthefe words fignificantly and fhyfiingly hold out, what the Mediator is ftill about, and that uniting in God is His defign ftill ? And fourthly^pon this fame very ground, the gre3t Apoftle,ipeaking tojelta and Gentiles who had imbraced the Go(pel,and in them to all diilentients who Jove the Gofpel-truihs and Ordinances,faith,3(ow 4 t 5.7. Wherefore receive ye one another , to Ch>ifi alfo received us to the glory of God. Meritoricpfly and H tually the Eleft are received to the glory of God, and to the end they

miy be aftttalty received, Receive one afiotheri faith the i Apoftle, as it were fufpending the one upon the other. And now upon thefe grounds>Chrift our Lord his grand defign being fo confpicuous, His Supper-ordinance ftaru ding as a Land-mark in the way, having this engraven upon it, intern Comrnanion, the glorious Mediator his interceffion running in that fame channel and the bleffed Apoftle making this the upfhot of his do&rine; what lover of our Lord, well advifed and recolle&ing himfelf,dare ftiffly ftand out from complying with Hirw, to fatisfie their own inclination and habituated cuftom and carriage* My fear is, that every one of us will look to fome others rather than themfelves, as obftru&ing the defired uniting in the Lord. But upon mature afterthoughts, it will be found the mind of Chrift, that we narrowly fearch our felves,cvery one of us>how we have provoked the Holy One to fmite us fo in His difpleafure, and accuratly to try what yet remaines in us obftruftive to this union : and withall to flie to our flighted duty, as in a City they run to the quenching of a publick burning , laying this evil to heart more than fword or pefti-lence. AH the writings and actings againft Prcsbyte-, rial-government) which is the wall of the houfe of God, have never wronged or hurt it fo much, as our ill raifed, and worfe-continued contefts. Our nakedneffe-difco-vering writings, what have they done but added oyl to the flame ? For Chrifts fake> my reverend and dear Brethren* hearken co this word in feafon, from the Oracies of God, and trcafures of pure Antiquity, pointing-out the way of a godly and edifying peace. It will be no grief of heart, but fwecc peace and confolation,whcn we are to appear before the Judge of the quick and dead* Now the God of patience and confolation,grant you to be like minded one towards anotheoaccording to Chrift Jefus; So heartily prayeth

St. Andrews, Tour Brother and felloK-ferVant,

April. 28,

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£Bra33@£g®38!

THE

Publifher to the Reader,

Hfre 4re, Ifuppofe, fffr or none amongfi us 9 or about us, fo great firangers to the obfer-Nation of TroVidential Occurrents in Scotland) ** to be altogether Without the kpo*fr~ ledge ofvpbat bath cometopafs kerf in tbefe UJ dayes, HoTi? the holy, juji and foVeratgn Lord, 'frho fometime lifted mup, batbnoft taft mdoifrni *tobo croMmedu* Kith glory and honour^ bath flriptm of our glory and made the cro^frn to fall from our bead, (though KebaVe not faid, Wo unto us, for *fre baVe finned ) ft bo fomctime made m a praife in the earth, bath no*fr made m a biffing, a by^frord and reproach to all that an round about us ; Ho'fr He, ftbo once by our unity and one-fhoulder -ferVice did ma\e us beautifull ^Tirza, comely as Jerufalem, and terrible at an Army "frith 'Banners, bath noft, alas, ( ftbicb u one of the moft imbntering ingredients in our tup) inftead of gibing m one heart and one 'fray, in His anger, divided, fub-divided, fteatyed, disjoynted and broken m • So that Judah Vexetb Ephraim, and Ephraim enVyeth Judah, and eVery mans hand ahnofl is againjl his brother ; and through our lamentable and moft unfeafonable interline jars and divifions *fre bite and devour one mother , and are lil(e to be confumed one of another ; 0 tell it notinQuh^ publijh it not in the jlreets ofAskelon, left the daughters of the PhWiRmcs rejoyce, left the daughters of the uncir-cumcifed triumph \ that "frhen God bath caft m all dofr>n together, "fre endeavour to keep dtffrn and tread upon one another , that "frhen He bath been juflly angry "frith our mother^ her children are finfully angry one "frith another, andfthen He hath cajl m all into the furnace, Tlr are eVen there flrug-ling and We [I ling one Kith another to the cncrcafmg of the

flams i

ThePuWiflif

Wnl ; AM When brotherly hire and lothne.fi to gfot or ta\e offence, is in a fecial manner called-for, lo)>e did ne)>er Wax more cold, nor offences more abound. N?fc, when our Church thus in a manner dijiratted and drunf^ with the bine of aflo-ni/bment, is infofada pofture \ and but few of the fons /he bath brought forth to guide her or ta^e her by the hand, they all almojt fainting and lying at the head of every (Ireet as it Vterefo mtny Wild bulls in a net, full of the fury of the Lord and of the rebuke of our God; Then (leppetb forth (the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him) one of her fons, the Author of this excellent Treatife concerning Scandal (having mirfe fome feriom effayes before to ta\e his mother by the band, though but With fmall acceptance With many of his Brethren , for Which, it may be, the jealous Godwas in part pro\>ol{ed to remote him ) whereby, 04 by his latter Will and Tejlament,effncially to the Miaijlers of the Qbu"ch of 'Scotland, he doth again renew his formerly fruitlejfe and un* fuccejsfull attempt : In which Treatife as there breatheth a far more fweet and faVoury Jfirit, than in mofl, if not all of the Tapers publijbed upon occafimofour late lamentable differences , (Which I hopeWill by none behoved up on as any reflection ) So there is throughout a mofl ftrong and fragrant fmell of more than ordinary piety, that it mty be averred of him, as once it Was of Cyril of Jerufalem, in his Ufl and bestdayes, heW.ts mi%nx(m$k\mo^iX vir, a man of eminent'fanttity ; It plainly alfo jfea\etb forth fptchl acquaintance With tb? Scriptures (for, inallhisdifcourfes (a&irs [aid of Bifil) he doth exquifidy mingle divine testimonies of Scripture, that they are like precious fto ies> not fewed to, bu: bred in purple cloathes) and intimacy With the mind of God, as to whatmty be duty under the Vtrious difenfations of his providence, So that it mty be faid of bin, beW.u a mmt\\\x. had mderftandim; of thetim:s, and knw what 0**1 ought to do ; for he dith With ainirable perfpictcity ta\? up, and With no lejjt dexterity direct unto, IWhat ought to be done in this, and that, and the other cife, as a mo% s\tlfull Anatomift dijJeBing the whole complex hodj of duties in reference to ordinary and extraordinary cafes

and

emergent*, neVer mijjiri^ and like a left-handed Bcnjamite, that in f&V^fflMf/f'XR tricacics, and graVeft difficulties can (ling flones at an hairs' breadth and not miflc. It fivouretb lifaife ail-along of a mofl Jbarp, firing and pregnant "hit, in (vpptfittg cafes, propofmg pertinent overtures and expedients, in ajprjwgof arguments, f) amwgdijlintlhns, antnipativg cljitltons, in tiotioM guarding againft mi\\aUs tna incihVtvnrces &e m So that it's Verified of hm %hat Mas nee /aid oj Origcn* Origenis irgenium ftfiheitbat ad omnia perdifcenda, he had fuch pregnancy of wit that he cculd reach any thing; and of Jofcph Scaliger, he Tl^pcitcmcfi irge-tiii vir, a Iran of a flupendicus wit. h diJaVerctb yiithall fo \erygreat irfight in Church-biflory ana Writings of the ancient fatbers,n herewith it is every Mberemcft beau* tifully illuminate, that it may Xrellbe /aid of him , <vs once cf /Wf Buchcltzer, that orieTtouldhaVe thought univer-fam antiquitatcm in ejus pcflufculo latuifie rccorduam, that ail antiquity lay hid in his brcaft ; and of famous Mr. Holland, %egim Trofcfor of (Divinity in Oxford, Adcofamiharis erat cum Patribus ac fi ipfe pater, He was fo familiarly acquainted with the Fathers as if himfclf had been one of them. *As for his JliU and manner of exprefiinghimfelf it faVouretb Very much of the primitive and Gcffel-fimplicity , So that nhat ufto\en to the commendation of Bafil by a learned man, may fitly he applied to the Author, The Reader will find in him a fim-Tle and natural form of fpeech, flowing from his holy breaft, much drained of all humane paflFons; And that nhich u faidcf Ambrofe, he (ludied non aures titillarc, fed corda pungcre , rot to tickle and pleafe ears, bnt to prick hearts : Js UkiKife that nbicb is [aid of another great man, His words were, nonirflantia fed inflam-mantia, not inflating but inflaming: He fihe^etbbxm-felf here many Mayes to bcVe been indeed a great man . but 1 ( having been hu Colleague in the Miniftery and of bis Very intimate acquaintance for fome years) tyerr him to be Jlcb wore particularly and feVeral other Kayes , So tbat mile 1

reflect

rememoranc^BSatl baVe fet„. and beard from bim, I am contained to fay, as once Urba-nus Regius ( a man mucb more able indeed to difcem ) faid if Luther, upon occafion of a conference with bim, Semper fuic mihi ougnus, ac jam mihi maximus eft; vidi enim prxfens & audivi quae nullo calamo tradi polTunt al> fencibus, Hewasalwayestomeagreatman, but now very great; for I faw and heard things when I was prefent with him> which can hardly by any pen be communicated to tliofe that were abfenc. In a Word % as to tbe Whole Treatife, it may J thinly, without any hypdfc-bole bejaid, that it u unfrerfully moji profitable and fea-fonably beautiful ; Vor, in tbe firft part of it concerning Scandal in tbe general (excellently commended and commended as all tbe rest are> by tbe (lately- fly ling, profound and precious Prefaces like-minded in all tbefe things With tbe bleffed Author y whofe fage mind in them, and not the hjfe becaufe oftbti co-incidency , Would be more laid height upon y left We be put out of time to lament alfo the loffe of fuch a Healer and Tiller in thisforely fic^andjhakgn Church) In the firft part? I fay, tbe ancient, primitive , long-dead, buried , and almofl-forgotien tendernejfe in the matter of Offence ( a ffecially-adorning requiftt to a Chriflian and. Gotyel-becoming conferfation ) is again ritibed'and por~ traied asrifen from tbe dead With a mofl amiable and comely countenance and taking afyeit , fo that it forcetb the ferious beholders to fay, Peace be upon as many as Wa\ac~ cording to this \ule 4 In tbe fecond part concerning Scandals M they are the object of Cburch-cenfureSy there is a y>ery tompleat and compact directory according to the Scripture* pattern for Church-officers bow to manage the great Ordinance ofVifcipline in its exercife, Wblch y if it Were diligently andconfciencioufly followed in the federal fleps of it, ( as it Ibasmofl convincingly fo h the Author himfelf) tyould undoubtedly make that Worf^ both much more eafte and much more fuccesfull than it ufetb ordinarily to be. In ^e third part concerning Scandalous Errours , Wonderfully fuited fo this time of Jo gnat infection, fecfyejje and mortality, by

tb$

the raging plague and hotcb oferrour, excetdingtygdli

a head, ripened and made to, breaf^ and run out, to the pi

felting, in a manner, of the Very air therein the Churches i

thefe Kations breath, by the beat and WarmneJJe afforded to it

from a lamentable liberty andvaji Toleration ; In f to third

part, / fay> there is, as it Mere, a fhyfcians Shop, full of

choice preferVatiVes againft, andfoVeraign remedies of, poy-

fonable errours and herefes. In the fourth part* concerning

Scandalous Divifions, he doth, as another Irenaeus, *itb

much meekpeffe ofwifdom and Jingular moderation ofjpirit,

without any the lea/i reflation or irritation, mofi tenderly ,

Jlngly,unbyaffedly and impartially, and mofi ajfettionatly } as a

man burnt With the offence thatWaiteth on divifionsamongfi

godly Miniflers especially, ftrongly endeavour an innocent

and wholefom union and compofure, fo that ( as an eminent 9

aged and experienced ferVant ofjefus Qhrifi, Whofepraife is

in the Gofpel throughout all thefe Churches, when he fir ft

faW this *2iece in Writ, faid) it will be unwelcom to none

but fuch as are led with a bitter fpiric; to which may Well

he added,that as it's reported of Nazianzen, he was of fuch

authority in the Greek Churches, that whofoever durft

oppofe his teftimony, was fufpe&ed to be an Heretick t

So may it be faid of thepioufly and prudently-peaceable, and

healing- Spirited Author, that he deferVeth to he of fuch

authority, at leafl in the Scotti[h Qhurch, that Whoever fhall

adventure to oppofe ( as it's hoped none Will) to wife, harm-

leffe, holy and healing Overtures, may be fujpeifed to be no

great friend to the union and peace of this afflitfed and rent

Church. I Will not, Chriftian Reader, detain thee any longer

from perufmg this notable Traitate , but fhall only offer to thy

heWas (but a Very little before his Uflficknejfe, and after his finijhing tbt three firfi parts) mofi unexpeltedly furprifed With a motion fuggefteito him anent the expediency of hand* UngfomeWhat of the Scandal of Divifions, it didfo ex~ wdingly affright him } and had fuch afionifhing influence up-

m

'^mnnt Ihrough the apprehended difficulty and tic\lifhnef[c of the fubject (fo tender V>asbe) that (as himfelfdid to fome afterward profeffe ) he funk down in his feac, and yet leing convinced of the nece ffity of faying fomewhat to it the Lord having Vvitball helped bim in the other parts, he dursl not forbear ; thereupon this choke difhourfe (for it V>as not divided In Chapters till afterward) did follow } much thereof 1 knoty and am perfoaded did occur and KasgiVen unto him incer di&andurn. The other thing is, That [onetimes before his death to fome friends, he did humbly and gravely tall it his Teftamencto the Church of Scotland ; V>hhh Teftament and Latter-will of a dead, but yet fyeaking-faithfull fervant of God y Mil, I hope, in'due time ^confirmed by all godly/judicious, fober, peaceable and unpreju-dicatemen, as containing in it a mofl excellent and enriching Legacy, Worthy to be put into the Churches Treafury. Koto, that it may go forth Kith a rich blejjlngfrom the God of truth and peace t to all the honefl-bearted lowers of the truth in peace, for the advancement of truth and aholy peace, is the defireofbim, Ho defireth to be

Thine to ferve thee in the Gofpel of Peace*

J. c.

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The Rife of this following Treat i s e.

~J|jAving had occafion to confider the " Book of the Relation, and being on the Epiftle to the Church of Pergamos in the fecond Chapter, ground was given to fpeak fomewhat of Scandal, by reafon of feveral do&rines clearly arifing from that place : upon this occafion I did firft effay the writing of fbmething of the do&rine of Scandal in general, intending only to have fpent a (heet or two thereupon, as elfewhere on forne other fybje&s: When this was brought to a dole, I found the place to give ground to fpeak of publick Church-offences, as they are the objeft of Church-difcipline and Cenfures * And being con* vinced, that that fubjeft was not impertinent to be fpoken of> I yeelded to fpend fome thoughts upon ic alfo, which did draw to a greater length than at firft was intended, or was fuitable for a digreflion: This being finiihed, as it is, and any moe thoughts of this fubjccHaid by, it occurred again to me to think of do&rinal Scandals > or of fcandalous Errors; And confidering that theScandals,mentioned in that place, are of fuch nature, and that fuch are Very frequent in this time, I yeelded alfo to put together what thoughts the Lord would furniflh concerning the fame; whereupon followed the third part of this Treat ife. When this was even at the doling, there was a fourth pare of the fame fubjeft that did occur B Mi

to me to be thought on, which before that had never been minded, and that was concerning fcandalous Church-divifions : To this my mind and inclination was exceeding avetfe at fir ft , as knowing it not only to be difficult in it fdf to be medled in, but alfq exceedingly above mc , who am altogether unfuitable to hazard on fuch a fubjeft : Yet,con(idering ?he rife of the motion, and how the Lord had helped-through the other parts, I did refolve to condefcend to follow it, at leaft fo far, till it might appear what was His mind to mc therein, and accordingly did follow it till it came to the period (whatever it be)that now it is at. This is the true rife and occafion of this Treatifc, and of the feveral parts thereof, and therefore I have continued its entry in the original mould thereof, to wit, in laying down fome general do&rines from that place of Scripture, and if there be afterward any more particular relation to the fecond and third chapters of the Revelation than to other Scriptures, this fimple narration of the rife thereof may fatisfie any concerning the fame: whereof we (hall fay no more, but, firft, lay down the grounds of all from that text, and then proceed in theTreatife, which is divided in four parts, upon the reafons formerly hinted at.

The Grounds of this Treatifc.

( A Mongft other things that troubled the Church f\ in the primitive times, Scandal, oxjffence, was a •*■ *■ chief one; and the many direftions that are given concerning it, and the reproofs that are of it, (hew that it is a main piece of a Chriftians conver-fatton to walk rightly in reference thereto, and a great evidence of loofneffe where it is not heeded. On ver« 6. we (hew that this was a foul fault of the Nicolaitans to be carcleffe of offending, or of giving of offence, and not to regard Scandal; and here the Lordholdeth it forth tobefo, by comparing it with

BalMm's

Balaam's pra6lice> ver. 14* which it aggreaged f roni this, that he taught fidae t$ lay a /iumbling-bloc^ before lfraei From which thefe do&rioes may be gathered, 1. That there is fuch a fault incident to men in their carriage, even to lay (tumbling-blocks before others, and to offend them. 2. That men ought to walk Co as not to offend others, or fo, as to lay no ftumbling-block before them : So that it is not enough not to ftumble themfelves, ( if this could be feparated from the other ) but alfo they ought to be carefull not to ftumble others. 3. The Lord doth take fpecial notice how men do walk in reference to others in this, and is highly provoked where He (eeth any guilty of it. 4. The devil hath ever endeavoured to have offences abounding in the Church, ind to make fome lay fuch ftumbling-blocks before cyhers. 5. It is moft hurtfull to the Church, and dc-ffruftiveto fouls where offences abound, and men walk not tenderly in reference to thefe; fo that the Lord expreffeth it with a twofold wo, Mattb. 18. as being a wo beyond fword or peftilence- 6. We may gather, that corrupt do&rine never wanteth offences joyncd with it, and that ordinarily thofe who fpreadthat, arcuntender in this. 7. Thatoffences often accompany the rife and beginning of any work of Chrift's amongft a people , thefe tares of offences are ordinarily then fown. 8. That fome offences arc of a publick nature, and that Church-officers Giould take notice of fuch, and that it is offenfive toChrift when they are over-feen and not taken heed unto. 4 9. Church-officers, even fuch as otherwayes are approved in their carriage and minittery* may fall ifct this fault, as by comparing the Epiftles to rergamos and Tbyatira, is clear. 10. When Officers fall iu this fault, it is yet no reprovable thing in members that are pure in refpc6l of their own pcrfonal carriage to continne in communion with fuch a Church, the Ordinances othervvayes being pure.

B 2 PART

>al. Parti.

PART I-

The fum of it.

THefe do&rins being in the words, and Scandal being a great part of the challenge of the Nicolaitans, or at leaft a great aggravation of their challenge, and alfo being a moft neceffary thing for a Chriftian's daily walk, to be carefully taken heed onto, there is ground here to fpeakto the fame, (in a time efpecially wherein offences abound) and that in refpeft of what is callcd-fbr, both in private perfons and in Church-judica-corics; on of private fcandals, and fuch as are pub-lick. We (hall draw what we would fay of the firft totbefefive, i. To (hew what zn offence is* 2. To fhew how it is given. 3. To (hew fome confederations that ought to deter from giving of it* 4. To (hew what weight it ought to have on a Chriftian in his walk. S« Point at fome direftions neceffary to be adverted unto when offences are rife and multiply.

CHAP. I. SeveralDiftinttions o/ScandaV

■■Of clearing of the firft two, we (hall premit fome diftinftions; and we would advert, that by offence here, is not underftood that which doth a&ually difpleafe or grieve another alway : for there is a great difference betwixt difpleafing and offending; as alfo betwixt pleafing and edifying: for, one may be difpleafed, and yet edified; well fatisfied,and firfltDu yet offended. Firft then, we are to diftinguifh be-ftinttion, wix< difpleafing and offending; for# here offence is

takcra

F( :

Part I• A Treatifeconcerning SCANDAL.

taken in oppofition, not to a man's being pleafed, but to his edification; and fo offence or (tumbling in ftort here, is fomething that doth, or may mar the fpiritual edification of another* whether he be pleafed or difpleafed > as by comparing %w. 14. ver. 13, with ver* 20, and 2 1. is clear: for what he firft cal-leth a ftumbling-block, or an offence* heexpoundeth it afterward to be any thing that may be the occafion of a fall to another, and make him ftumble, or weak, or to halt in the courfe of holineffe, as fome block would hinder or put a man in hazard to fall in the running of a race ; And from this is the (imilitude drawn inthisphrafe.

2. Scandal is either given only, or taken only, or Second<Di m both* Given only, is, when one doth lay (omc\hm% (linttion. before another which is apt of it felf to caufe him fall or fin; although the other do not fall by occafion of it, yet if it be induftive to fin of its own nature, it is an offence or ftumbling-block, as Chrift faith to Peter, Mattb. 16. Thou art m offence tome ; though there was nothing could flick to Him, yet that was in its nature fuch, which ^eter had given Him in advice. 2. It is taken only, when no occafion is given, but when a man doth what is not only lawfull, but neceflary , and yet others from their own corruption do carp thereat, and ftumble thereon : Thus did the Pharifees offend at Chrift, Mattb. 15* 12. who did never give offence to any; and this is common to wicked men, that ftumble where no ftumbling-block Mj and, as it is faid, they fyoVb not thereat they ftumbk % 2Vol\ 4.19. This alfo is called paffiite offence, as the other is called attiVe. 3. It is both given and taken, when there is fomething aftive on the one fide, that is apt to draw another to fin, and fomething that is yielded unto on the othcrfidcand the bait is accepted; This was it in that ftumbling-block which Balaam laid before lfrael\ and thus ordinarily it is amongft men, vvho, haying corruption, are fbon inflamed in B J leffc

$ ATreattfeconcerning Scandal! Part i?

lcfle or more with every incitement. Thus, Gal i* Peter gave tiarnabat offence, and he took it, when he was alfo carried away to diflemble. It is this aftive Scandal that properly is to be enquired in, and is meant here, which is,in fhort, any deed or word that in it felf is apt to make another to fin, or to weaken them in their fpiritual courfc, either in refpeft of life, or comfort, and that whether the perfon be actually flumbled or not, or whether the perfon a&ually intend offence or not. In all this we are to understand, that one aft may be offenfive in many confederations, as one deed may be againft many commands, and be many wayes finfull. Third 3* There are doftrinal offences, and there are fome

V)i[iinftion. ^ ac are practical r do&rinal, arefuchas flow from "matters of judgement, wherein men vent fomc untruth, and fo lay a ftumbling-block before others, this is to break a Commandment and to teach others fo to do, Matth. 5.19. And this is fometimes alfo in matters of praftice, when a corrupt pra&ice is defended, as thefe Wcolaitans ftrove to do theirs* Scan-dallin pra&ice, without any do&rinal defence, is, when doftrinc being kept pure, a perfon fallcth in fome praftice, that of it felf without any verball cx-preflion, isindu&ive to fin. Thus VaVid's adultery was a fcandal: and this was the fault of the Priefts, that made the people flumble at the Law : And thus every pubhek or known irregular aftion is offenfive, becaufe it is of ill example to others, or otherwife

f may have influence on them to provoke to fome fin.

fourth 4- We may diflinguifh offences according to the

Qijlinhion, m *tter thereof. And, 1 ♦ fome are in matters that 'arefimply finfull in themfelves, and have this alfo following on them: Thus all errors and publick fin-full pra&ices are offenfive. 2. Some matters are not fimply and in themfelves finfull, yet have the appea-fanccof evil, iTbeJf.f.ij. and thus dangerous and doubtfuUocpreflionsindoftnne, thathaye been, or

ufe

Part i• ATrtattfc concerning Scanda ET" 7

ufe to be, abufed ; and pra&iccs alfo that are not becoming that honefty and good report which a Chri-ftian ought to ftudy, as it is Vbthp. 4. 8, 9. arc offen-fivc. In the firft refpeft , VaVui would not take the name of Idols in his mouth, Pfal. 16. becaufe others did too much reverence them: Of the lalt fort was Ttf^diflimulacion and withdrawing, Gal. 2. becaufe, that appeared to ttrengthen the opinion of the continuing of the difference betwixt Jew and Gentile, &c for that caufe, taul would not circumcifc Tim, Gal. 1. 3. and did condemn eating in the Idol-temples. ?. Some offences are in matters otherwife lawfull and indifferent, though not neceffary, asthq eating of, or abftaining from meats, or what was offered to Idols in the primitive times, which was indifferent to be done in the houfe of an Heathen, and fo was fometimes lawfull, but was not indifferent to be done in the Idol-temple , becaufe that had the appearance of evil, as if he had had fome refpeft to the Idol; nor was it to be done, if any weak Brother had been at table in the houfe, becaufe it grieved him, 1 Cor. 8, and 10. It is thefe lafl two, ( and more efpe-cially the third) that are concerned in the doftrine of offences properly, and do rather arife from circum-ftances in the thing , as time , place, perfon, manner, &c. than from the deed considered in it felf.

5. We may diftinguifh them in refpeft of the in* -Eifth ©i-tent of the work, or of the workers fome things may ftinffion* be offenfive in themfelves as fo ctrcumftantiated, and yet not be fo to the perfon that may give offence by them > I mean, not be efteemed fo; and thus was Meters offence which he laid before Chrift, Maitb.16. And fometimes the perfon may intend the others advantage, and yet may offend and (tumble him, as EH intended his fonsgood, but really by his too gentle reproof did (tumble them by confirming them in their offence; And thus fome, by unfeafonable reproofs or Qenfuresi and commendations alfo, mayre-B 4 ally

* t ATreatijeconcer>nngScKKT>\Li Parti.

ally make another worfe, although they intend the contrary* Sjxflb pi- 6. Whence arifeth another diftin&ion of offences* fltnfttw* y>i% : from the matter of apradtice, or from the manner of performing of it > or the circumftances in the doing of it: for, as it is not an a# materially good that will edific, except it be done in the right manner ; fo will not an a& materially good keep off offence, if it be not done tenderly, wifely, &c« And often we find circumftances have much influence on offence, as times, perfons, places, manner, &c. for, it isnotoffenfivetoone to pray or preach, butatfome times, as before an Idol, or on an Holy-day it may be offenfive. Seventh 7. As fins are diftinsiufhed in fins of omiflion fyiflinBion and eommiflion > So offences may be diftinguifhed alfo : for : feme give offence when they fwcar, pray irreverently, &c others> when there is no feeming rcfpe6^ to prayer at all, in the very form; for this foftereth profanity as the other doth : And for this Daniel will open his window , left he fhould be thought to have forborn prayer: and this offence of omiflion, or omiffive offence* is not guarded againft only by doing what is duty, except there be alfo a doing of it fo as conveniently, and as becomes it may be known to be done , as in the former inftance: and this^^.6.9. is called the boldingoftbe Tejlimony ; and it is this mainly that is edifying to others, when the light of holineffe doth (hine ; and when that is vailed, others in fo far have darknefs to walk in,and fo it is as to them an occafion to ftumble, becaufe they hold not forth the li&ht unto them ; but ft ill this is to be done without affeftation or oftentation, left a new offence fhould follow thereupon. Eighth 8. Some offences contrare the graces of Gods tyijiintfion People, andthefcmake them fad; fome fofter corruptions, and thefe are too pleafant: thus, foft reproofs, corrupt advices, flatteries, &q minifter matter to many to fall on, 9,

9. Some offence* may be called perfonall, whena Nitfffc©** pcrfon committeth them in his private carriage, that ftin&lon. is, when his way of eating, drinking, living, &c. offendeth others , although he hath no medling with them, but live retiredly : Some again arc more dircft otrences ( as the firtt are indire6t and confequential ) that is>which flow from men in their publick aftings, or in their mutual convcrfe with others, which have more dircft influence to offend.

10. Offences may be difhnguifhed as they hurt Tentbpi-folkseither by pleating them in their corruptions and [Unttioru ftrengthening them in what is finlull, or when they

hurt by irritating and ftirring up corruptions to vent. In thefirft refp.dt, too much gentlenefle in admonitions, rafhnefle or imprudence in commendations of what is good in one, or extenuation of what is evil, corrupt advice, and fuch like, do offend: Thusja-nadab offended Amnan, 2Saw* 13. and Eli his fbns* Inthelaft, fleightingofmen, wronging of them, or not condeicending to remove a vcrong , or to vindicate our (elves, if there be a fuppofed wrong, doth grieve and offend ; fo do evil-grounded reproofs, or unadvertent admonitions that are not fcafoned with love> hard reports, &c. •

11. We may confider offences with refpeft to the Eleventh party offended; and lo,firft, we offend friends in ma- $)jjlinBion 0 ny refpe6^s, whom, it may be, we would not defire to

grieve, yet unadvertingly we ftumble them, and hurt their fpnitual condition by unteuchfulneffe to them, carnalnefle in converfing with them,fiding with their infirmities, and many luch like wayes. Or, fecond-Iy> th?y are enemies, or fuch to whom we bear no fuch refpect, thefe alfo are fcandalized when they are provoked through the carnalnefs of our way to judge hardly ohis, or ofRehgion for our lake, or to follow ibme carnal courfe to oppole what we carnally doj when we irritate them and provoke their paflion, &c« and thus men in all debates are often guilty, whether

their

lo 'ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. Parr li

their contcft be in things Civil, Ecclefiaftick or Scho-laftick* when, befide what may further their caufe (fuppofeittobe juft) they do not carry refpe&ively to the adverfary, and tenderly and convincingly, fo as it may appear they fcek the good of their foul, and their edification, even when they differ from them. Thirdly, we may look on offence as it offendeth wicked or profane men, poflibly Heathens, Jews, or Gentiles; they are offended when hardened in their impiety by the groflheffe and uncharitablenefle of thofe who are profeffedly tender : thus it is a fault, I £W. io, 32. to give offence either to Jews or Gentiles, as to the Church of God. Fourthly, Amongft thofe that are tender* fome are more weak, fome are more ftrong: the firft are often offended where there is no ground in the matter, as %om. 14. 1 Q>r. & <?c. and it venteth readily by ralh judging and cenliiring of others that areftronger than themfelves, forgoing beyond their light, or becaufe of their feeming to be defpifed by thcm,&c« which fheweth wherein the offence of the ftrong alio lycth 5 therefore thefe two arc put together, 5fyw. 14. 3. Let not bim that eatetb, (that is, him that is ftrong) defyife bim that eateth not: tAndlet not him that eatethnot (that is, the weak) judge him that eatetb. Twelfth l *♦ Offences may be confidcred as they dire&ly Viftinttion. incline or tempt to Neither in do&rinc or practice; or, as they more indire&ly (care and divert from, or make more faint and weak in the purfuingof holi-neffe either in truth or pra&icc : Thus a blot in fome profeffor maketh Religion to be fome way abhorred; this efpecially fallcth out when Miniftersand Pro-feflbrs that are eminent, become offenfive: For that is as a dead fly in the box of the Apothecaries oynt-ment, that maketh all to (link: Thus, OAd. 1. the Priefts made the people ftumble at the Law; as alio did the fons of Eli, 1 Sam. 2. and this is charged on ©<*>#, that by his fall he made the Heathen blaf.

phemc:

part I. *ATreatifcconcerning Scandal. • ii

pheme : and thus contention and divifion amongft Minifters and Difciplcs is infinuatcd to ftand in the way of the worlds believing in, or acknowledging of Chrift, as it is, Job.17.21.

13. Sometimes Scandal is in immediate dutfes of Jhirteen^b religious worfhip, as praying, preaching, conferring, $ x n' m m mm fpeaking, judging of fuch things, &c. that is, either J

by mifcarrying in the matter of what is fpoken, or by an unrcverent, light, paflionate manner, &c. or, it is given by our ordinary and common carriage in our eating, drinking, apparelling, manner of living, buying and felling , ice. that is, when fomething of our way in thefe things giveth evidence of pride, vanity, unconftancie, covetoufneffe, addiftednefs to pleafure* carnalneffe,or tome fuch thing wherby our neighbour is wronged: Thus the husband may offend the wife, and the wife the husband by their irreligious converting together, whereby one of them doth ftreng-then the other to think exaftneffe in Religion not (o neceflary. And fo a fcrvant who hath a profeffion mayftumble a matter, if the fervantbe not faithful! and diligent in his fervice.

14. Again, fome offences are oflfenfive, and are fourteenth given from the firft doing of the aft ion; thus where Vlflinftim; there is any appearance ot evil, the offence is given in

this manner. Again, offence may be at firft only taken and not given, and yet afterward become given, and make the perfon guilty, although in the firft aft he had not been guilty. This is, firft, when fuppofe a man eating without refpeft to difference of meats as he might do indifferently, if he were told by one that fuch meat were offered to an Idol, and therefore in his judgment jc were not lawfull to eat it, although before that, it were not offence given, but taken, (he not knowing that any wereprefent that would offend ) yet if. he (hould continue after that to do the fame thing, it fhould be offence given upon his fide. Secondly, If a man (hould know one to have

taken

mmmmmm ATreatifcconcerning Scandal* Part i.

taken offence at him, or his carriage, in a thing indifferent (although he had given no juft occafion thereof) and if, after his knowledge thereof, he fhould not endeavour totemove the fame according to his place, In that cafe the offence becometh given alfo, becaufe he removech not that flumbling-block out of his Vft a bKtthcrt way.

<ntfy%> *5« Some offences are offenfive in themfelves, that PiJttnJton i SjW hcn the thing it felf hath fome appearance of evil, or a tendencieto offend in it felf. Again, fotfle but by accident inrefpeft of fome concurring circumftance of time, place, & c. Some offences alfo may be faid to be given of infirmity, that is, when they proceed from a particular flip of the party offending, when they are not continued in, ftuck to, or defended, or, when they fall into them, not knowing that they would be offenfive > and when that isknown,endea-vouring to remove them. Again, other offences are more rooted and confirmed, as when a perfon hath a traft in them,, is not much carefull to prevent them, or remove them, is not much weighted for them, but fleighteth them, or defendeth them, &c This di-ftin&ion of offences anfwereth to that diftinftion of fins, in fins of infirmity and fins of malice: which malicioufnefs is not to be referred to the intent of the perfon, but to the nature of the aft; fo is it to be un-derftood here in refpe6t of offences.

Sixteenth In ^ e la ^ P laGe > we may con ^ er &**> diftin&ion mm; ft- o( Scandals in private and publick: both which may vtjnnmon be tw0 mycs under ft 00 d. e i t h cr , 1. in refpeft of the

witneffes; or, 2. in refpeft of the nature of them* 1.It is a private fcandal in the firft refpefowhich doth offend few* becaufe of its not being known to many, and fo a publick offence in this refpeft is a fcandal known to many. Thus the fame offence may be a private offence to one at one time, and in one place; and a publick offence to another>or the fame perfon,in re-fpeft of thefe circumftances. In the laft refpeft, a pri-

vat

pat offence is that poffibly which doth ftumble many, pet is not of that nature, as publickly, legally, or ju-iicially it might be made out to be fcandalous, for the convincing of a perfon offending, or of others $ although it may have a great impreffion upon the hearts of thofe who know it. Thus the general traft of ones way and carriage (who yet may be civil, legal, and fair in all particulars) may be exceeding offenfive, as holding forth to the confeiences of thofe that are moft charitable to him, much vanity, pride, earthly-mind-edneffc, untendernefle, want of love and refpeft, and the like; which faith within the heart of the beholders, that there are many things wrong, when yet no particular can be inftanced wherein the perfon cannot have fair legal anfwers ; Of this fort arc un-feafonable ftarting ofqucftions, or doubtfulldifputa-tions, f%tf. 14. wherein poffibly the perfon may af-fert troth, yet by moving fuch things, at fuch times, and in fuch expreflions, he doth confound and (hake the weak: Thofe offences efpecially arifc from a fup-poled unftreightneffe in the end, exceffe in the manner of a thing, difproportionablenefle betwixt a man's way and his ftation, and fuch like, whereof a man may have much convi&ionin himfclf, from obfer-ving of fuch an ones way ; yet it is not a publick offence in the fenfe fpoken of here f becaufe there is no demonftrating of thofe. Thus sAlfolorrts insinuating, felf-feeking way gave evidence of pride; and fuchasT^/fpeakethof, Philip. 1, and 2. that fome preached gut of enVie > and others fought their oltn tkings,&c. are of this nature, which byhisdifcern-ing he was convinced of, yet did not found any fen-tencc on them.

Again, oppofitly to thefe, Offences may be called publick, when there is a poffible way of bearing them out before others, or inftru&ing them in particulars to be contrary to the rule, as drunkennefle, fwcaring, &$♦ Thefe may be called ecclefiaftick or

judicial

*£5Canda t . Part r;

judicial offences, as being the objeft of Church* cenfurc, all the other may be called confcience, or charity-wounding offences, becaufe they are the ob-jeft of a perfons confcience and charity, and do wound them, and are judged by them, and may be the ground of a chriftian private admonition, but not of publick reproof; or rather may be called uncon-fciencious, and uncharitable offences* as being oppo-. fit to confcience and charity* Other ©i- Many other diftin&ions of Scandals may be given* fiintlionsof as, fome are immediate, that is, when we hear or fee Scandal. what is offenfive from the perfon himfeif; Some again are mediate, and fo the very reporting of fome-thing that is true may be offenfive to thofe to whom it is reported; As, l; when it may alienate them from,or irritate them againft another perfon.2.When k may occafion fome finfull diftemper* or incite to fome corrupt courfe, or any way provoke to carnal-neffe, thofe to whom it is reported; and thus offence differeth from (lander : for, flarider affe&eth and wrongeth the party fpoken of, who, it may be, is ab-fent: Offence again, ftumbleth thofe who are prefent, although the fame aft in a perfon may be both a calumny and ati offence upon different confidcrations* Thus Ziba calumniateth Mepbibojhetb , but really ftumbleth and offendeth ©4>irf, 2 Sam. 16* (although VaVid was not fo difplcafcd with him as Mepbibojhetb was) So alfo ®oeg calumniateth Vabid and the Priefts in a thin? which was true, but really offended Saul, as the effeft cleared, iSam. 21, and 22. Alfo fome " things offend others properly; as when a Minifter faileth in giving of an admonition prudently, or fea-fonably* Again, fome things offend virtually, when, it may be, a Minifter giveth an advice in feafon, but in fomcthing hath not condefcended formcrly,where« by he hath not fuchacceffe with his admonition to edifie; ThusT<w/ prevented offence, when by becoming all things to all, he made way for his being

acceptable

icceptable in his Ration. Again, fome offences may [imply be offences, as having hurt with them* Some again may be comparatively ; fo it is when a thing a&ually hurteth, not by an emergent lofle, but when it keepcth from that growth and edification, that otherwayes might have been , it's a comparative lofle, and fo offenfive.

CHAP. II. Holding forth Vrhtt Offence it not,andVvhat it it.

THefe generals may give a hint of what is fig-nified by Offence and how it is given. To addc a word more particularly to the fiift Queftion, Let us confider, i. what offence is not > 2. what it is. i. It is not alwayes any huftfulland aftually difpleafing thing to the party that is offended} and fo is not to be conflrufted fuch, or not, from their pleafure, or difpleafure. 2. It is not alwayes to be judged by the matter; for, an offence may be in a lawfull matter, that (imply is not to be condemned, as in eating, drinking, taking wages for preaching , &c. 3« It is not alway to be determined by the effeft ; fometimes one may be offended, when no offence was given : fometimes again, offence maybe given, and the perfon be guilty thereof ( as hath been laid) whennoaftual ftumbling hath followed, but the thing of it felf was indu&ive thereto. 4. Nor is it to be judged by the perfon's intention 5 one may be without all dc%n of hurting, who yet may really wound, and offend another, and be guilty by ra(h-tieffe, omiflion, too much love and condefcenfion in fparing, unfaithfulneffe (it being much to be faith-full to one that we love, and, which is a pity, we are rcadieft to offend them, as injonadab's cafe to Jm-non; yea, in Job's friends to him, &c) inconfiderate zeal, imprudency, or falling in fome thing, that is as

a dead

Jrfreatife concerning^ c and a l . Part i.

a dead fly, which may make much that is profitable, become unfavoury. 2. Scandal then muft be fome-thing accompanying fome external deed or word (for internal give not offence ) which being conlidered at fuch a time, in fuch a place, or in iuch a perfon. &c. maybe induftiveto fin, orimpeditive or the Ipiri-tual life or comfort of others. When this doth flow from a finfull aft , it is not fo difficultly difcernable, readily all aftions that are materially evil, are clear; but the difficulty is when the matter is la wfull or in^ different in it (elf; or when it is in the manner and other circumftances of a lawfull or neceffary duty, then to difcern when they become icandalous in fuch refpefts ; and accordingly to be 1 wayed to do or ab-ftain in the matter, and to do in this or fome other manner^ as may efchew the fame. This properly and ttriftly is that which is called offence, and is that wherein moft wifdom is to be exercifed in ordering and regulating us in the nfe of chriftian liberty ; and concerning this arc the great debates in Scripture, that men may know, that not only the Command is to be looked unto in the matter of the aft, fo that nothing be done againft it in that refpeft, nor only that our own clearnefl'e be confidered, that we do nothing doubtingly, but that others be confirmed alfothat they by our deed be not in their fpiricual eftate wronged or hurt, that is, to door ibfiain for confcience-fake, not our own, but of him that fittethwith us, 1 f0r.io.24.and 28. for,tfcharity and love be the end of the Law,and men ought not only to feek their own things, but the things one of another, and love their neighbour as themfelves, then ought they to feek their neighbours edification as their own, and to efchew the prejudging of them. Hence Scandal is oppofit to that charity and love, and alfo to that refpeft which wc ought to carry to our brother, %$m, 14. V. 10, and ty. yea, ic is a fcandal and offence as it is oppofite to, and inconfiftent with, love to his fpiritual well-being 3

>artIt c^ Treafiftconcerning scanxSXJL. tJ

>eing; and fo, in a word, that which is apt to make lim worfe in that refpeft, or that which may impede md hinder his fpirituall growth and advancement herein, is an offence and fcandal,5fyw. 14. 21. And ;hus a fcandal differeth from an injury: for,this hurt-?th his perfon , name , or ettate, or fome outward :hing; that, again, hurteth his fpirituall condition, nther by wronging hislivelineffe,or aftivity, or comfort, &c though the fame thing often, which is an injury* is an offence alfo, but not contrarily.

CHAP. III.

Concerning the (everall Vpajes that Offence may be given.

IT is hardly poflible to fhew how many wayes one may offend another, there being fo many , yea, fo very many wayes whereby men both wrong therafelves and others; yet, by confide ring the effe&s that offence given, hath, or may have upon others (although theeffeft follow not) and by confiderinp that upon which active offence worketh , and which ufual-ly is offended at in another, We may draw them to fome heads accordingly ; As, I. men may be drawn to fomefinfull aftion upon fuch anoccafion : thus an adtion materially lawfull and food in it (elf, be-cometh a fcandall, when by our deed another is fo-ftered in fome fin , or encouraged to commit it > as fuppofing himfelf to be ftrengthncd therein by our practice ; Or when it may occafion others to go beyond our intent,or to do what we do in another manner which may make itfinfull: So, zeal inconfide-rately vented, may ftrengthen folks in pafTion; and thus eating in Idols temples ( which in it felf was nothing; was fcandalous when done publickly, b caufe it ftrengthned Idolaters to think fomewhat of cheir Idols, and made others who were weak, to continue C fornn

^^^Wlfffonamng Scandal. Part u

fome refpeft to them, becaufe they fu ppofcd fuch men, by fuch a practice to do fo; or made fome judge them to have refpeft co Idols,and fo to be leffe in their efteem; or, caused others to eat with refpeft to the Idol, when they themfelves did it without it: Thus doubtfull expreffions in points of Truth, and uncir-cumfpeftnefle in not abOaining from all appearance of evil, or what doth appear to be evil to fuch a per-fon, and at fuch a time, &c„ may bcoffenfive ; as fuppofe one in their apparrel, diet> or othcrwayes, (hould by fome be conceived to go beyond their fta-tion, and what is fit at fuch a time , or be an occasion to fome others indeed to exceed, when, without; fuch mifconftrufting beholders, there might be nothing offenfive in the deed it felf* and thus the deed of one perfon may be cffcnfive (fuppofing him to be eftecmed proud,covetous> unclean,& c ) which would not be fo in another : So alio, a thing will be offensive to one, and not to another. Wherefore, in reference to Offence, men would have an eye on them-felves, and what generally they are reputed to be, and fo would abftain from the leaft appearance of what isfuppofedto be predominant in them, asalfothey would have refpeft to others that are prefent, or may be hearers or beholders, confidering what are their thoughts of them, or of fuch deeds, &c and accordingly would carry, although it were to abftain from fuch a place, apparrel, diet, &c. which inreafon,ab-ftraftly from offence, might be pleaded for, as becoming. Thus one walkinf abroad on the Sabbath, may be fanftifying it, yet by his example fome other may be provoked to vage and gad and caft off all duties of the day, and to neg!e6t what is called-for in fecret, or in the family ; in chat refpeft, it becometh offenfive to go abroad, although it be lawfull in it lelf to meditate abroad in the fields, as well as in the houfe.

2. When a lawfull aft doth breed or occafion mif-conftruftioti ox ra(h judging in an other; then it be-

cometh

cometh offenfivc to him ; As, U when it makcth him ' think the thing unlawfully which is lawfull, thatis* (^fw.i4» 1 6.) to make our good to be evil fpoken of: Or, 2. when it occafioncth our (elves by that deed to be condemned as untender and unconfeienrious in the performing of fuch an aft, that is> to make one judge his brother raflily, %om. 14. .0. \Qor. 10. 30. Or, 3. when it occafioneth our profeflion, or the Gofpel to be miftaken and mif-judged , or godlinefle to be accounted fancie, hypocri(ie ; &c Thus by the indiscreet ufe of liberty, the Gofj.«cl was evil fpokfen of by fome> as if it had given way to loofneffe, for Co thole that were zealous for the Liw did cfteem of it*

3. The effeft of a Scandal, is to grieve and make ~ r -~ heavie others; and fo any indifferent action which is

apt to do that, is afcandal, as we may fee, fyw. 14. 15. becaufe it marreth their fp-rrrual comfort, weak-neth them in love to us, fa math tftem in the doing of duty, at leaft marreth their chearfulncfll- in it* &c. and fb is againft charity, and becometh a breach of the fixth Command,%#. 14. 15. This is the notion that mod ordinarily we ufe to take up offence under, Vi%. when it may grieve fome to hear that we have done fuch a thing, when it may leffen their efleem of m, (and fo much incapacitate us to be proficable to them) or alienate them from us, &c.

4. We may try Scandal by cur hazarding to dif-quiet the peace of our brother's confeience : that is* when by our .lawfull deed we engage or virtually perfwade him to follow our example, fuppoung him to doubt of the lawfulneffc of that pradlice, or to condemn the fame. Thus, 1 £V.8.10. one is emboldened to eat of things offered to Idols, with refpeft to them,becaufe he beholdeth another that is more ftfong than he to do the fame. And fo by his eating> he fciveth ground to his confeience afterward to challenge him> for which caufe he that gave the example* is faid to wound his weak confeience. The like alfo is,

C 2 %73.

^om.14. 22 » 2 3* * n c ^ e ca ^ e °f doubting : for, fuppo-fing one to doubt whether fuch a thing belawfuilor not, meerly by our example to go before him, is to put him in that ttrait either to condemn our deed, or doubcingly to follow ; fo^ the meer example cf no man can warrant any other to follow, or fatisfie a confeience in the la wfulnefle of fuch and fuch a deed. This alfo may be when a weak man, having poflibly done fomething in another manner, (and that lawfully) than afterward he beholdeth one that i> Itrong to do, (which alfo may be lawful in it (elf) he is brought to look over his own pra&ice, and to condemn the fame as finfull, meerly becuife char other did it in another manner. For, though indiftcrency in the manner of pra&ices in lawfull things, is fometimes edifying, yet in fuch cafes whenthev have not fufficienc information joyned with them, they drive men on the extremities forefaid, and fo become offenhve,efpeci-ally then when fuch things are actually doubted of, ordifputated in their lawfulneffe.

Jf. Things become offenfive when they prove ob-ftruftive to the edification ot others* and, as the word is, 1\om % £4. 21. do make them "toea/^, or Infirmeth tbem> not only by fainting and weighting them, as is faid before* but by confounding them in the Truth or practices of Religion, whereby they are either fhaken in their former aflurances, and fo weakened , or made doubtfull whether fuch things be Duties and Truths, or not; or, by fuch and fuch things, are diverted from the mme neceflTary pra&ices of Religion. This is the fcope of 5{pm 0 14. Ver. 1 , esre. and of other Scriptures elfwhere, wherby the Apoftle 2W doth guard againft doubtfull difputations, which do not profit them that are occupied therein, Heb. 13. 9. And thus, not only writing and reafoning for what is not Truth, but writing and fpcaking of Truth in a new manner, with new expreffions and multiplying moulds of thrfe, or doing it unfeafonably, paflionatly, contemioufly &c.<

doth

i

doth prove offenfive. Thus whit is noc a&ually edifying , is cffenfive ; and upon this account, Paul be-cometh all things to all, that he may gain fome, as in his circumcifing of Timothy that he might have accefs to edifie the Jews, and fuch like; And thus often noc condefcending in indifferent things to pleafe others, doth much incapacitate them to be edified by u<?, or doth give them prejudice at the way of theGofpd, whereby their edification is obftructed and they offended*

<5. An aftion becometh offenfive when it ftirreth corruption, wakeneth paflion,or confirmeth jealoufic andfufpicion,&c. although that jealoufie andfufpi-cion be groundkfle. Thus Taufo taking of wages in the Church of Corinth, had been offenfive , becaufe ic had confirmed the fulpicion of his feeking of himfelf amongft them, and would have ftrengthencd his tra-ducers in their calumnie, and given them occafion of venting their carnall cheerfulncffe and infolency; And thus,when one is unjuftly fufpefted of errour or inclination thereto, to difpute for fuch things, even when he difowneth them, to converfe with perfons of thatftamp, or fuch like, are offenfive, and are to be fhunned , though it may be there would be no fuch conrtruftion put upon another doing fo»

CHAP. IV. H \

Concerning that upon which Offence ^crkfth } or % . the fever at \X>*jes by which it u taken,

THe confidering of the fecond thing , to wit, that upon which Offence woiketh, and by which it is taken, will clear thh> more : For, fometimes, I. it affc&eth the weaknelTc of under* ftanding and light; So,it raifeth doubts, mifconttru-ftions &c. 2. Sometimes through that it affeCteth the conicience j whence cometn judging and condem-C 3 ning

r- 1

*A Treatife concerning Scandau Part 1 1

ning of others, and their deeds, and the awakening of challenges* &c. ?♦ Sometimes kftirreththe af-fcftions, either by awakening carnal joy , or carnal grief. 4. It affe$eth corruption* when men, from prejudice, are fretted or grieved upon fuch an occasion ; Thus often c!eed> become offenfive, when they confirm mens jealoufie. ttir their pride,emulation &c 5. A deed may have influence on fome folks infirmity or impotencie; So, fome that are more given to pafli-on> fufpicion, or fuch like, will be offended fooner than others, and fome things will be offenfive to them that are not fo in themfclves. (5. Men as they arc gracious may be off mded j forthough grace,as fuch, is not capable fintully to take offence, yet gracious perfbns may offend, or fome anions may have an aptitude to offend a gracious zealous perfon rather than another. Thus Peter's diffimulation might be faid to be offenfive tofaul^Gal. 2. though more properly . it was afcandal to Barnabas, yet it grieved and ftirred Paul, thouph in a fantfified manner he did vent that which poffibly fome other gracious perfon might either have been irritated with,or,out of refpeft toPeter, led away, as Barnaba* was; when an ungracious perfon would not have laid any weight on Tcter's deed, as to any of thefe, that is, either to follow it, or be grieved with it.

From what is faid, it may be fomeway clear how an indifferent or lawfull a£k may become offenfive, to wit, as it doth, or is apt to work any of thefe tffc&s upon others, whether they be weak or ftrong, gracious or prophane, and whether confeience or corruption doth rife at the offence that is taken • for, as giving of offence, doih imply uncharitableneffe and pride to be in the giver, fo that -he neither loveth nor regardeth his brother as he ought to do, neither doth in this as he would have others do unto himfelf; So offjnee taken>doth imply corruption and infirmity>(ac the beft ) to be in him that caketh it; and therefore in

this

•his matter of offence, rcfpcft would be had to the in-firmity and corruption of others, as well as to their gracioufnefle and aifeftion. The notobferying of which, maketh us take liberty in giving offence to many, becaufe we do cither efteem them to be wicked and prophane, or not aflfrttionat to us, or, at the beft, weak ; and therefore not much to be regarded whether they be fatisfied orjaot with our pra#ices, which doth evidently fhew> that there is defpifing and uncharhabl.eneffe in the hearti when there is this re-gardlefneffe in our pra6ticc> as may be gathered from %w. 14. )w.i,io,andiy.

CHAP. V.

Concerning what ought to make men loath and Wary as to tloe giving Offence*

TO come now to confider thofe things which ought to make men tender in this* we will find, firft, that there is not any duty in the matter thereof more commanded than this of giving no effence, nor any fin more condemned than unten-dernefie in this, as we may find from the Epiftles to tht^ovnanSyCorwthunSy&c . wherin whole chapters are fpent on this fubjeft : Yea> Att.\%. The A pottles and Elders thought the regulating of indifferent things foe preventing of fcandal, worthy to be enafted in the firft Synod and Council. Secondly,There is no fin that hath moe woes pronounced againft it, the Lord Him-fclf denounceth and doubieth a wo againft it, Maith. 18.7. and the Apcftle confirmed* ki^?w. 14 20, &c m Thirdly, The hatefulncffe of it may appear in the rife thereof, it being, l. an evident fignof dif-refpeft to God> and wane of the impreffion of His dread, 2* of inward pride and felf-conceitcdneile, 3. of uncha-ritableneffe and regardlefncffe of others, and fetting them at nought, which may be gathered from %»• C 4 «4-

H r A Treatife concerning S c a k d a l i Part ii

14.1 Cor,8, and 10. and can there be any thing more to be fliunned than thefe ? And upon this we will find,thar men are tender and confcientious in the matter of offence, and the ufe of their chriftian liberty* as they are tender or untender in the material duties of Religion towards God, and towards others* Fourthly, There can be no worfe tffe&s than follow upon this, It brinfceth a V>o to the world > and is in Chrift'* account a moft .grievous ptague when abound ingj for, it hath deftrd&ibrfwith it to many fouls, fym. 14. 20. It bringeth reproach upon the profeffion of Chriftianity, cooleth love among brethren, begetteth and fottereth contention and ftrife, marreth the pro-grefle of the Gofpel, and, in a word, maketh iniquity to abound, and often, in particular, ulhereth-in error into the Church , which may be gathered from the places cited, and from Matth 24.. to, 11,12. And we fuppofe when it is tried, it will be found, that unten-.derneffe in the matter of fcandal, hath been as prejudicial to the Church of Chrift in refpeft of her outward beauty and peace, and the inward thriving of her members, as either errour or prophanity, which have been but the product of this. Fifthly, Unten-derneffe in this, openeth a door to all untenderneffe in the perfon that giveth offence, becaufe by it the con-fcience becometh lefle fenfible of challenges, and fo he hath the greater boldneffe to do things that are materially evil; by this alfo he becometh habitually regardleffe of others. And although where refpeft to others is predominant, it be no good principle ; yet often hath it great influence in reftraining men from loofneffe, and in its own place ought to have weight. And doth not experience teach, that once liberty being taken in this, even things materially finfull do often follow ? Sixthly, Tenderncffe in this adorneth the Gofpel exceedingly, convinceth thofc we live among, entertaineth charity, and warmcth love, even as careiefneffe in this doth open mens mouthes, and

make

make both profeflion and profeflbrs a reproach. Seventhly) Untenderncffe as to offences, ftriketh at the root of Chriftian communion : there can be no freedom in admonitions, little in conferences) and, it may be, no great fervour in prayers with, and fov others, where thefe abound ; And is it pofltble that Religion can be well where thefe are ? And may it not from thefe appear why Chrift hath faid, Wo to that man by tobom offences come i . 9 _

JJ CKjS&.U*

CHAP. VI.

Holding forth the difficulty to lye mainly in practice, andfbewing how far Offence ought to have influence on a Chriflian in hu Wall^*

THe greateft difficulty is in reference to pra&ice; ( for Scandal cannot but be accounted abominable ) We (hall therefore anfwer fome Queftions for the clearing of this. I* It may beque-flioned,How far offence ought to have influence on a Chriliian in his walk ? In anfwering of it, we would, I. confider the matter in which offence may be given or taken. 2. The perfons who may be offended. For, lome things in the matter are fimply (infull, (omc things are neceffary duties; fome things,again, are in themfelves indifferent : So fome perfons are gracious and tender, fome are prophane and malicious, &c. We anfwer therefore in thelc Ajfertions,

1. For no offence whatsoever fhould men forbear a neceflary duty, or commit any thing which is materially finfull. Chnft would needs go up to Jcrufalem, although HisDifciples were difpleafed, and would continue in preaching the Gofpel, and in dojrg what wasintrurted to Him, although the Phaiifecs were offended, Mattb. 15. This is clear : For no e\tip?ouU be aone that goo dm ay come of it, Rom. }.

2. Ajfext. Yet in other things there ought to be

great

great refpeft had co offence, and men ought to be fwayed accordingly in their pra&ice, as the former reafons clear ; As,firft,Ifthe matter be of light concernment in it felf > as how mens geftures are in their walking, (fuppofe in walking foftly, or quickly, with cloak or without) men ought to do, orabftain as oiay prevent the conftruftion of pride, lightneffe, &c. or give occafion to others in any of thefe ; of fuch ibrt are falutations in the very manner of them: of this fort was womens praying with their head uncovered amongtt the Corinthians, it being then taken for an evil fign y yet, if it be neceffary,there is nothing little, as Mofes will not leave an hoof, Exod. io. nor Mor-decai bow his knee to Haman , becaufe that it looked like fauning on an accurfed enemy : Of this fort alfo are offences in the fafhions of cloathes, as fome mens wearing of ribbands, and fuch like, which being of fmall concernment, ought certainly ts^ be regulated by offence. Secondly, If it be indifferent, that is, in the matter thereof, fuch as may be done, or for born ; as eating or not eating fuch a meat for fuch a time, Cfor although no a&ion is indifferent when it is done, becaufe the circumftances of end, motive and manner, do determine them either to be good or bad , as they are agreeable or difagreeable to the Law when they are done i yet fome aftions in themfelves arc fuch ) in thefe aftions a Chriftian ought to do or abftaiti accordingly, as his doing or not doing may edifie or giye offence ; yea, in fuch things he may be for ever reftraincd, according to that word of Paul's, i Cor.8. I g, I bad rather not eatflejh Mobile the Tborld ftandetb, than ly my meat ma^e my brother to offend. This is to become all things to all men for their gaining, I Cor. 9. when our practice in fuch things is conformed to others edificicion rather than our own inclination or light; And thus many things, which we are perfwa-dod arelawfull, and that we defireto do, are to be forbornout of confeience, conference, X tay, not our

own,

own, but of fome others that have not fuch clear-nefic, as 1 C or -I0 « 2 ^> 29. Thirdly, In pofirive duties of worlhip and things that are neceffary by affirmative precepts, Scandal ought to have weight to time them fo as not to give offence by them. For, although a Scandal cannot make duty to be no duty for ever, yet it may for a time (ufpend one from the ex-ercifeof a lawfull duty> although not alwayes: Thus to give alms, is a commanded duty, yet if there be hazard that an indigent perfon may abufe it, or others may take offence by that example either oftentatively in a (elfie way to give, or to account fo of him that dothgivc) or fuch like, in that cafe giving of alms is for that time to be forborn, except the perfons ftrait make it neceffary, or fome other circumftance, and a privat way afterward is to be taken : So, preaching to a Minifter, and hearing to a profeffour, are commanded duties* Yet fuppofing that a particular mans preaching at fuch a time, would fiumble more than edifie, it is to be forborn. So in giving of admonitions, or in correcting of children, we are not to do thele when we, or others* are in paffion , although they be duties, but to take a fit time, left more hurt follow than advantage : That being a rule anent affirmative pucepts, that they bind continually (or femper ) but not alway to the a&ual performing of them, ( or ad femper) Thus a fervant, or wife, or any other perlon are bound to pray alwayes, yet to do it then when the matter, husband, or family cailerh-for fome other thing neceffary, would be an offence-Fourthly, In neceffary things, offence ought to have weight according to the circumftantiat cafe, to fway one in the manner and circumftances of that neceffary duty ; Thus> fuppofing it neceffary to pray, a man is to choofe the place and pofture of praying accordingly ] Thus it is offensive in fome cafes to pray fo as we may be obferved, becaufe that looketh hypocritical like> arid is condemned; Mtfth. 6. Sometimes

again

again, it is offenfive not to be known to pray, as was in Daniel's cafe, ©*». 6. becaufe his not evidencing of it by opening of his windows, had looked like his receding from his former piety,&c. And in this refpeft, what is olfenfive at one time, may be edifying at another , And what is edifying now, may become offenfive afterward upon another occafion ,As by Vaul's circumcifing of Timothy, and refilling to circumcife Titus, doth appear. Sofbmetimes (fuppofe it when Kebemiab is (landing before the King) to kneel down to pray, would have been offenfive; at other times for a man to pray and not to kneel in his chamber, (as in Daniels cafe) may be offenfive alfo. And in this fort of offence, cuftom guideth much in the indifferent circumftances; an \ alteration in thefe, is often offenfive. Fifthly, In our particulars, in temporall things we ou?ht rather to cede in what is our own, than to offend others* and mar their fpiritual good. Thus Chnft condefcended to quit His priviledge. Mattb. 17.17. rather than to off nd , And thus Tad (hunned the taking of wages in Corinth, although he had right thereto , and did even then take from other Churches: Thereafon is, b-caufe the fpiritual edification of our brother is of more value than our temporal right; much more is this to have influence in limiting and hedging us up from lawfull pleafures and contentments, or what our inclination and af-fe&ion leadech to, even though it be lawfull, if fo be the following thereof may be an offence to any. Ic is for this alfo that ?W, 1 Cor. 6. condemneth their contentious going to Law before Infidels, becaufe of the fcandal thereof, And toby (faith he) do ye not rather fujfer torong i Oa t Lord alfo, as was juft now hinted, went before us in this, Mattb. 17.27. when He payed Tribute, audi in that ceded His own right, left He fiiould offend j and it's like they were not of the moft tender men. 3. JJfarti We fay that there is equal refpeft to be

had

had to all kind of perfons in the giving of oftencc, if the matter be equal, that is, we ought to (hun the offence of the weak as wc 11 asoftheftiong, of the prophage as of the gracious &c. For, 1. the command is general, I Cor/ 10,32. Give m offence, neither to 'jeto nor Gentile , nor to the Church of God, under which three, all forts of perlons are comprehended. 2. Ah we ought not to fin in reference to any pcifon, fo ought we not to give to any of them an occafion ot finning , because that is never good. 3. If we leek to the good or ftrong, as we ought not to do any thing that is fintulltopleafethem, or abftain from anything that is neceffary to prevent their offence ; So ought we to do in reference to the weak and prophane. Thus &W would not give the falfe teachers of Corinth ground of (tumbling more than the Church- members , And in this reipeft we are debtors both to the Jrws and Greeks, to the unwifeastothe wife^.i.i^. Yea, we are in indifferent things to become altthings to all men, even to thofe that are weak and without Law (though ft 1! 1 we are to be under the Law ) that the moe may be gained, 1 Cor; 9. 20, at, &c.

CHAP. VII.

Shewing Vehat the Scandal of the Pharifees or nt*~ licioHi U y and clearing fcveral other important Queftions.

IF it be faid, What then is it which is called the Scandal of the Pharifees or the malicious, which ought not to be refpefted ? Wfc anfwer, 1. In con-ftru&ing any malicioufly to take offence,there is great need of fpiritualneffe, left we account men malicious becaufe of fome particular difference from us,or tome other perfons 5 even as from ftaVtd's imprecations againft his malicious enemies,we would not draw an example for regulating of our prayers, in reference to

our

our enemies* 2. There is need alfo here to take heed whatfpirit vve be of in our accounting men to be fuch, as the Lord faid totheDifciples,£*4? 9. when they pretended Eli^vs example : for, to make a man malicious in taking offence in this refpcft* fo as not to be regarded* 1. It mult be a neceflary duty that he offendcth at", even thebeft, as the Pharifees did at Chrift's preaching of the Gofpel. 2. It muft not be out of ignorance or weakneffe that this ottence is taken. 3. It muft not arife from any perfonal ot particular account, but from a man's being inftrumentall in furthering and advancing die Gofpel, and fo muft be very fib to the fin againft the holy Ghoft, and therefore ought not to be pretended in our ordinary carriage. ****! If it be yet faid, that they do not ftand to offend

when wen U s > therefore they are not to be regarded by us, when Jhmd not to fa thing we d 0 j s lawfull. Anp. This were to ren-ejfendUA} d C r evil for evil, whenas wefhould overcome evil with good; and if it be a fin in them not to care for us in their practices, can it be otherwife in us ? and our meeting of them inrheir untender way, is to harden them in it»and bring their bloud on our own head, whereas more tender dealingtnight edifiethem, and, as by heaping coals of fire upon their heads, foften them and make them more pliable* ^ A \ If it be asked further* what one is to do in fuch a men the ca f e w | )en fa matter j s lawUill, and it be withall TawW rtr» doubtfull whether it can be off nfive or fcandalous to the offence any * Anfto. I. Bcfide the confederation of the AoubtfuUi t h ,n S»we would alio confider circumftances of time, perfon,occafion &c. 2. We would try what an afti-on, fo cironnftantiated, hath formerly been thought of in the cifc of others in former times; Ya, Jj whatufctobe our own thoughts of fuch aftionsia other perfons, it we have not counted them offen-five in them? for often men more impartially judge, efpccialiy of what is offenfive, in the perlons of others

tbanr

than in themfelves. 4. The confcience would be reflected on what it faith ,• for often there is a murmuring in the confeience, which flheweth its fufpicion, thacfuch a thing is offenfivc and huttfull, before ic bcatted, which is yet often born down by the im-pctuolifncffe of mens inclination, 5. Others that may be more impartial would betryed; yea, the thoughts of thefe that we fuppofed to be the leaft ten- -dcrot us are not to beneglefted, for often thev are moft impartial in judging what is offenfive. Thefe things may have the more weight to lway one in their determination, becaufe the trial runneth not to know what is duty, or lawfull in it lelf, but whether or not fuch a lawfull praftice may be done or forborn with- . put wronging the fpiritual eftate of any. 6. If ic continue yet doub'full whether it be offenfive or not> the fame rule is to be followed, as if it were doubted whether it were lawfull or not? to wit, It is to be abftained from> becaufe as he that doubteth of the lawfulneffe of a thing > cannot do it in faith, becaufe he knowcth not but it may be finfull; So neither can he that doubteth whether a lawfull thing be expedient -or not, dolt with perfwafion, becaufe he knoweth not but it may be fcandalous to fome > and fo cannot bjjt be finfull to him. Laflly, pains would be taken rightly to inform others, and to reftifie them that they may not take offence at things lawfyll in themfelves.

If ic be faid, that fufficient pains have been taken ptfjg^if to inform them already » and that therefore their efficient taking offence is inexcufable. ^w/*.i.Men would be- patns have ware of making this an excufe > for many have great been tdf^en ignorance and are not Toon capable of inftruftion, t$ inform? others have prejudice which is hardly rooted-out; Therefore I conceive it will not be eafie to be able to affert an exoneration in this cafe. 2. If the thing continue to be indifferent (which is the matter concerning which-the queftion is) there can be no tcrme

fee

32 A Treatife concerning Scandal.' Part u

fettoit: It is the Apoftle's word, I Coy. 8. 13. if

meat ma{e my brother to of end, I \bill not eat flejh y>bile the v>orldftandeth. If the cafe alter and the matter become neceffary by fome circumftances, as Daniel's opening of his window did, then that which formerly was indifferent, becometh neceffary, and it would be otfenfive to omit it. What to U * c ma y be farther asked, What is to be done where don when ^ere is a real difference betwixt parties, fuppofefor thee it a a civil intereft ? for, a man, by feeking his own, may teal (Liffe- irritace another, and. Is there a nectfficy of abftaining rc-cc be* in that cafe? Anfa* 1, There is no queftion but in tmxt pat fome cafes a man is to cede in his particular right, ra-l|crf > u P° n cher than to give offence by a legal purfuit, as when cccoum $} u may oc<^fion the Gofpel tobecvil fpokenof, and u civil m- h ar d eri corrupt men in their hatred of the fame. On €Te " this ground, 1 Cor. 6. the Apoftle condemned! their going to Law before infijel Judges, and doth ex-preflv fay, )>er. 7, Why do ye not rather ta'^e the throng i andfujferyour fefoes to be defrauded i And though the cafe now be not every way the fame, yet we fuppofc Chriftians ought to lay weight on this, left in their purfu its they give occafion to make theprofeffors of the Gofpel to be accounted contentious, covetous,&c« And therefore it would fcem, that y/hen they contend for civil things, it would be for fomething of moment atleaft tothepcrfon, which alfo is clearly, or may be made appear to be clearly theirs, and that after friendly wayes are effayed for attaining fatisfa&ion* 2* We fay, it ought to (way Chriftians in their manner of purfuin? differences, foas there be not heat, paflion carnalneff5, over-reaching and going beyond on- another , nay nor the appearance of th^Ie to be feen in their carriage , but ftill following a civil difference with refpett to the fpiritual good of the ad-verfary, and that in fuch a mmner as may b; convincingly evidencing thereof both to him and others 3» We fay, thac thefe cautions being obterved, this

do&uns

do&rine of Scandal will not fimply bind up a Chri-ftian from purfuing of a civil difference, becaufe, in fome refpe£t> it may be a neceffary dutie for a man to recover his own in a legall way, as it is for a man to labour* andotherwifc by lawfull means to provide for his Family : for which end God hath appointed Judges and Magiftrates to hear complaints, and to . roftifie wrongs; and to hear complaints is a main jflrt of their duty, without which humane fociety would turn liketothefifhesofthefea, Hab.i. Therefore we would diftinguifh here betwixt difplcafingj yea angering and offending, and would defire rather not to (tumble than ro pleafe; for there may be anger when there is no offence given, as fuppofe one (hould fretbecaufe they get not cheir will vented unjuftly on fome other in their perfon or eftate. In that cafe* their fatisfaft ion is not their edification > nor their diC-pleafing their offence ; So is it in this cafe, where i man purfues his own in a due manner* there is no juft ground of offence given : becaufe* I. The thing ic (elf is neither evil, nor hath the appearance of evil, but hath an approbation from God who hath appointed Magittratcs for that end to hear and redreffc wrongs, and cannot but be approven by others; yea, the deed it felt" cannot but be approven in the confei-ence of him that is offended, feing it is taught to men by nature to keep thcmfelves from injury t and it is not in things fo clearly approven by God, and taught by nature, that offence is given, but where the aftion is doubted in confeience to be unlawfull, at leaft, as fo circumftantiat, which cannot be in this cafe. 2. Ic is no offence to complain to a Church-judkatorie of one that offendeth , if it be done in a right manner, though it anger him,bccaufe it is a le^al allowed way* Therefore neither is it fo here. }. To condemn this, were really to oftend many , even thofe, who from p*.

their covetous and malicious humour might clearly be cmboldned to wrong others; wherefore we fee Paul

D and

and others do approve legal! defences for preventing or remedying of hurt, though, no queftion>malicious oppofers were fretted therewith. Yet where two arc Minifters, or eminent in profeffion, we fuppofe there ought to be more warrineffe, becaufc fo neceffarily it is implyed, that the one hath the wrong fide, which cannot but offend. Wh&t&Un ^ may be further moved, what is to be done wtei the Com- there feems to be an oppofition betwixt the commwH tnanii of of a Superiour, and the efchewing of offence, fo that Mdliftrates wc muft either difobey him or give offence in obeying Offence ing, as fuppofe a Magiftrate (hould command to are in $f{o* preach upon fome pretended holy day: the thing is #tfw' lawful! upon the matter» but the doing of it is offen-five, either by grieving many, or ftrengthening others in the efteeming fomewhat of that day ? An fa. In that cafe, the Scandal is ftill aftive and given , and therefore no command or authority can warrand one in fuch a deed: for, as thefe two worthy Divines ( dmes in his Cafes of Confcience, lib. 5. cap. 11. and GilleFpit in his Difpute of Ceremonies, chap* 7. fett. %.) obfervc, no man can command either our charity or our consciences, or make up the hazard of a given offence h and therefore none can command us warrant-ably to hurt the fpiritual good of our neighbour,that being contrary to the command of love that God hath laid on. And we may add, that an indifferent a&iotii being involved withpffence, cannot but be in its praftifing finfull as it is complexly confidered* and therefore cannot be the objeft of a Magiftrats command more than an afticn that is finfull in it felf# On this ground, many of the Saints in the laft perfe-anion, did choofe gather to fuflfer Martyrdom, than to be conftru&ed to have ceded, or delivered the Bible, and therefore they would not redeem their life by giving of any piece of paper at the command of the Officers, left thereby they ftiould have been by others interpreted to have given up their Bible. It is to be remembered

Part i• ATrtdtifcconcerning Scandal." J f

mcmbcrcd that we fpakc not of difpleafing, fcing by a Superiours command chat may be done, but of Scandalizing , cither by (lengthening lbmcwhat chat is wrong, oc fceming co do (o , by wounding chc con-feiences of ochers, provoking them to judge us, or fome fuch way : And if it were not fo> the three children, 2>an. 3. might have cfcaped the furnace; for, to fall down at the Kings command, was not (imply fin-full (and had they done that, no more had been called for) but to fall down at fuch a time, in fuch place,&c* had at leaft the appearance of evil, and therefore there was no room left for obedience. And, no que-ftion, Joabs refitting,and in part nepjk&ingof 9>al>id$ command for numbering of the People, was more ap-provable than his obedience,yet was the thing lawful! in it (elf* but confidering it as circumftantiat>it tended to fofter Qavids pride, and to be (ubfervient in that which brought on wrath , Therefore was not to be obeyed to the confirming of him in his fin. The fame alfo may be faid,when doing fomething that is often-five may feem a way to prevent a croffe; for, aftive offence being ever finfull in refpedt of the complex cafe, it is not to be allowed whatever perill follow, as we may fee in Daniels cafe who would not ftumblc others by (hutting of his window, although it hazarded his own life, and the welfare of the hearers: And in this cafe Paul faith, that it were better for him to die than that an y fhould make his glorying void, or make him an occafion for others to (tumble upon, I Cor. 9.15. &c.

It may be faid, that fometimes the cafe is fo dated, w j m ^ ' that whatever be done there will be offence, as if 2W$ tf ^ w ; a d take wages, heiscalledafelf-fecker, that is, one that cafe when of*. maketh gain of preaching the Gofpel, if he forbear, f me u life it is (aid he loveth not the Corinthians^ and therefore he to follow on takethnot from them; again, fome weak Jews are either fio, ready to ftumblc, and not receive the Gofpel if he cir-cumctfc not Timothy ; others again, arc readie to take D 2 advan*

advantage and to plead the neceflny of the ceremoni-all Law if he circumcife Titus : It may be asked,whac is to be done in fuch cafes ? In reference to which we anfwer, i. That we would ever lool^ what is mod expedient as to edification , it is like It diddif-pleafe Teter-and the J^rnore that he did not circumcife^^, and the falfe Apoftles that he did not take wages, than if he had done it, yet he did what was moft edifying, and of it felf apteft to further their fpirituall good ? and a fpirituall difecrner will readily find what is moft edifying in it felf, or in that cafe, which is to be followed, although it maybe moftdifpleafing. 2. Refpeft would be had to thefe that are moft unbyafled; prejudice poflefled the Jews and thefe corrupt Teachers, and therefore whatever *Pauldid they ftumbled at it; but it is like he had re-fpeft to others, and did what might moft wipe away the calumnies that were caft upon him and the Gofpel by thefe falfe Apoftles. ?♦ In fuch a cafe, a man would look to what is moft denied like, and it is ever fafeft to fway to that hand , as fuppofe a man were in hazard upon one fide to be thought negligent, if he be not painfull, and even fomeway rigorous in his dealings with men, as on the other fide, covetous, if he be but painfull. It is fafeft to hazard upon diligence without rigidity, although it flhould occafion him tobe accounted negligent: Becaute there is leaft felfi-neffe on that fide, and that hath leaft to commend ic unto mens corruptions. Thus Paul rather hazardeth upon what might follow upon his refufing to take wages than to take them, becaufe taking is of it felf more apt to give offence than refufing, and doth not look fo fingle-like, and there is not fo eafic accefle to vindicat chat againft clamorous mouths. 4. When the offence feemech to follow both from omitting and committing, faul choofeth often to commend forbearance , as in the cafes of forbearing to eat meats, and to take wages, at leaft, in Corinth p feing he was

other-

Pa rt i. *A Trea tife concerning Scandal.'

otherwife fupplied. So, when there is hazard of beting accounted proud on the one fide > if men take fo and fo on them, or live in fuch and fuch a rank, on the other fide, they may be accounted filly, and of no fpi-rit. if they be fhort of that; it is yet fafeft to efchew what may look like oftentatfon, becaufe the tenta-tion of (elf-feeking lyeth ncereft that. J. The pre-fent (tate of the time, and the temper of thole we live among, would be obferved ; as fometimes folks are ready to count an indifferent thing neceffaryj then it is to be abftained from ; Therefore 5W would not cir-cumcife Htm : Sometimes again the omitting of an indifferent thing may feem to import the condemning of fome neceffary duty , and therefore Daniel will not forbear his ordinary circumftanccs in prayer: thus it is to be obferved> to what fide (to (peak fo ) the tide of offence doth run , and that is to be fhuned. 6. The nature of the perfons is to be obferved,which we have to do with in the mentioned cafe. Some are weak, Socondefcendingedifieththem, and grieving of them might ftumble them at the Gofpel ,• others areperverfe> and condefcendingtothem,ftrcngthneth them in their oppofition, and fo proveth a Humbling to them. Upon this ground,circumcifing of Timothy to the weak at one time is edifying, and forbearing thereof had been a ftnmbling- block: at an other time, and to other perfons circumcifing had been an offence* as in the cafe of Titm inftanced> and fauh refilling to circumafe him, was not that he regarded not their* (tumbling, but fhat he knew the circumcifing of him would puffcthem up and ftrengthen them, and fo ftumble them indeed, therefore he would not do it. What, when If it be asked,what if the cafe ftand fo ftated,thatdo^ doing will ing will offend the weak and cender,no doing will dif- °ff en ^ tke pleafe and irritate the perverfe ? as fuppofe in the cafe ma ^ dn * . of eating things facrificed to Idols jor contrarily doing *?****' *™ offendeth the groffe, and no doing the tender, what iTnt&tc m is to be done in fuch a cafe ? Anfo\ As there is never y™!'**

a neceffity of finning, fo there is never a fleceffity that onefhould fall in an aftive offence, the offence therefore upon the one fide muft be taken, and that is not to be regarded in comparifon of the other. As fup-pofe in feme cafes the weak be really offended , and the perverfe are but irritated , in that cafe their irritation is not to be flood upon : for often they are really edified when they are diflatisfied, as in the inftance propofed; eating of things facrificed to Idols, was really offenfive to the Godly, as being ready to draw them to fin, but though it might poflibly difpleafe others that the Believers did not eat with them, yet was there nothing in that deed of it felf apt to fiumbie them, and induce them to fin ; Again, fometimes the Godly are difpleafed , and the perverfe and profane are really ftumbled, as when SW refufed to circum-clfeTltM, it is like his not doing thereof did really difplcafe many godly Jews that were zealous in the Law, yet his doing of that had really been a Rumbling to many corrupt Teachers who did teach the neceffity oPcircumcifion, and would have been confirmed by that practice. Therefore Taut will rather difpleafe the godly Jews than flumbie the profane Teachers by a deed which had alfo been a real! (tumbling unto the Jews. This then is the firft rule, to wit, that we would look well upon what fide the aftive offence lieth , and upon what fide the difplea-fure only, and to choofe the efchewing of offence, who ever be difpleafed. 2, When the thing is in it felf indifferent to be done , or not to be d&e , it is fafeft to forbear whoever be difpleafed , as we fee in the in-fiances given, Paul inclineth ftill to forbearance, he forbore to eat flefli, and to circumcife Titus , and to take wages, &c. when the cafe is fo ftated, becaufe Whoever be difpleafed,that is not of it felf fo indu&ive to fin,as doing is, Which either doth ftrengthen others to do doubtingly upon our example, or to judge us for doing what they account finfull, or fomc (uch like.

Indeed?

Part U ATrettife * oncerning Scandal. * 9

Indeed,in fome cafes where there is no hazard of Offending by doing, we may do what is indifferent to prevent the irritating of any, that fo there may be the greater accede to edifie them : And therefore, Att.i6. 2. Paul will circumcife^w^, left he make himfelf ungracious to the Jews in thofe parts; yet, had there been any there to take advantage from that to confirm their crrour, he had not done it, as in the other in-ftance of Tim doth appear; for fo it had not been an offence* but fomewhat which was difpleafing to thofc Jews. Yet, ?. fuppofing it to be fo,that neither have ground, but both m*y be difpleafed, Then the tender are to be refpefted , and the preventing their offence is to be preferred. I- Becaufe they are difpleafed out ofconfeience, and that is wounded; others are but irritat in refpeft of fome luft , and fo it is difpleafure fimply to them, but it's offence to the other, becaufe on a ground ofconfeience they are difpleafed. 2, The Lord is moft tender in the grieving , or not grieving of the godly fas is clear, Mattb m i%-) Therefore oughc we to be fo alfo. Hence the Prophet profeffeth, 2 I{tn. $ 14. that had ir not been refpeft to Jebofapbat , he had not flood much on the difpleafing of others; or, fuppofe fome prophane perfon fhould be difpleafed, becaufe a man doth not drink fo much, ( although ic be not inconfiftent with moderation ) and fuppofe fome tender perfon fhould think his drinking thereof inconfiftent with fobriety, 1 fay> in that cafe he fhould refpedt thslaft, becaufe this offence doth flow from a ground of confeience.* Laftly, it would be looked to in fuch a aCe, what may be moft in the upfhot or event for edification, fuppofing there (hould be involvements on all hands 5 for fome things being compared may be better difcemed, than 1 when they are abftra&lyconfidered in themfelvcs; Now, edification and offence do never lie upon one fide: therefore if it be found that fuch a thing comparatively be edifying, it is to be done, and what feemeth to oppofe it, is not to be accounted offence. CHAP.

CHAP. VII I.

Bolding forth WhatU called* for When Offences abound.

IT may be profitable to enquire what is called for from a Chriftian living in the time when offences j abound, and when there is too great a readinefle both to give and take offence ? Anpto. It is hardly j poflible to condefcend on 'all particulars here; yet bc-caufe the thing is ufefull, and the Scripture is full in reference to this matter, in the fourteenth Chapter of the Epiftle to the Romans , and in both the Epiftles to the Corinthians, and elfewhere, We may Hazard to propofe thefe general directions.

I. A man would not only refpett his own clear-nefle in confidence as to the lawfulneffe of a deed, but would even have refpc6i to the fatisfa&ion of the confeiences of others, as it is> I Cor. 10. 29. The negleit of this cafteth a door open to many evils; and did this abound, that men were burning with any offence taken by others, as Was r fauh cafe, 2 Cor. 11. 29. there would be fewer offences given. It ought to affedl us, as it were a pang or ftound at our hearts, to hear or fee of any that are offended. This is a principal remedy from an inward iympathie to ftudy this, and there will be direftions furnifhed where that touch is, Who is ^ea\ t and I am not^eaf^} 'tobo u ojfended, and I burn not i Sootier would we put our head in the fire than hazard to offend any, if this were.

2. As men would be carefull not to give offence, fa alfo not to take offence, or to fiumble even when blocks are catt in the way. It is a piece of our folly fomecimes to be exclaiming againft the frequencie of offences and the givers of them, and yet not to be scjyertjng, but to be ftumbling at thele our fclves;

either

cither by waxing cold in our love to the Godly, or faint in duties, or ready to take liberty to fpeakand to judge of others, even ot their ftate that we offend at, or paflionately to be irritate to fome carnal re-venge,&c* for,(cldom ai e many offences given aftive-ly, but many alio are offended paflivcly, as Mattb.iq. 10. and at fuch time, they are blcffed who are not offended inChrift, it being both a good thing, and a rare thing in fuch a cafe, Mrtth. 11.6. for, as it is in carnal concerts often and ill reply bringeth on more fintull contention ; fo k is here : And offence taken by one, leadeth him to give another, as therefultof' thac, whereas were it our care not to Rumble our felves, yve might be keeped from giving occafion of that to others, and brook much more peace, as it is, TfaL II 9.165 Great peace ha\>e tbey ^bo loVe tby Lay> : and nothing [hall offend them. Sometimes, again, the falls of others are matter of mocking and mirth, and weare pufcupbecaufe of that, as if there were noc fuch corruptions in us: This was the Corinthians fault, 1 Cor. 5. 2, and many other wayes are there of ftumbling , and O but watchfulnefle is neceflary when folks walk thus in the midtt of lhares, and are fo ready to fall either upon one hand or another !

3. Folks would beware of defpifing or judging one another, but would by all means endeavour the entertaining and confirming of love, which is in this refpefit the bond of perfc&ion. The Apoftle giveth this direction, $(om. 14. 3. Let not htm that eateth, de-Jpife bim that eatetb not ; and lei not bim that eatetb not, judge him that eatetb. He thac eateth is the ftrong pro-feflor, who is through in the knowledge of what is right and what is wrong ; It is the fault of fuch readily to condemn and defpife the weaker who cannot go alongft with them. Again, he that eateth noc, is the weak, who, wanting clearnefle in what the other is clear of, is ready to judge the other as an pntender perfon, becaufe he doth what he cannot

42 " A Trtatife concerning Scandal P art t •

do. Thefe evils are rife where offences aboundi and arc the oyl which nourifhcth them: for,if there were not pride and defpifing in fome, and untenderneffe and rafh judging and jealouiies in others that are weak, the plague that followeth offences would not be fo great in the world. But thefe two arc moft di-rc&ly oppofit to the rule of charity that ought to be amongft Chriftians, both in guiding us in doing of our own ads , and in eonftru&ing and judging of the aftions of others. And, in a word, love, that is the fulfilling of the Law, is the fulfilling of this precept alfo* See x Job. 2. to. He that lti\>etb bis brother abidetb in the light, and there is none occajion of [turn* bling in him. Offences could neither be given nor taken if love to our brethren were frefti.

4* We would beware of moving or foftering needleffe and perplexed drfputings, thefe hav^ ever proved exceeding hurtfull to the Church, and proportionally wronged edification , aserrour and pro-phanity have done. 11 is the Apoftle's firft dire&ion, %w.r4. t. Him that is weak receive, but not to doubt-full disputations; for fuch breed ftrife, and often waken carnalneffe in the contenders rather than pure zeal. And in this cafe, it is better for fome to poffeffe clearneffe in their own judgment, and to condefcend in their praftice to others, than by venting their judgment unfeafonably, to confound others, that is the meaning of the word, %w.l4. 22. Haft thou faith? that is, clearneffe in fuch a particular, bd\>e it to thy felf, that is, make your own privat ufe of it without troubling others with the fame. And we will fee, that this fpirit of contention, and* the abounding of offences, have ever been together in the Church. For certainly fuch contentions cannot but obftruft the growth of the weak, and grieve the ftrong, and (tumble all. We conceive therefore, that at fuch at time it were more fafe to abffain the wakening of new

tates, raifing of old, or ufing of new cxprefftons, than

than to hazard upon the offence which may follow upon mens miftaking of them, or taking advantage by them, which will be more hurtful than any ad van. tage they can bring. We conceive alfothat it were fitter to overlook lome miftakes in fome Writings ac fuchatime , than unneceflarily to table a debate oq every thing chat (eemeth diffatisfying in the writings and exprcfilons of others, which is become too common, and by this, profeffed enemies are let alone and have peace, and all the debates in the Church) are almoft amongft men that agree in fundamentals, be* caufe of fome lefler differences.

5. There would be an abftinence from things that arc controverted either in do&rint or practice, if they be not neceflary things; As we fee the Apoftle doth inthcEpiftlesto the 'Romans and Corinthians. The

reafon is, be^ufe it is the ftrong who are clear to do, ;

and it's the weak who are doubtfull. Now, it is

more juft and fafe> that the ftrong (hould condefcend

to the weak, becaufe that is within their reach, than

that the weak ffiould be driven up to the ftrong,

which were to overdrive them.

6. At fuch a time folks would be much in the ftudy and pra&ice of the more neceflary and mate-riall things * which come nearer the life and power ofgodlinefle. We fee, when offences abounded in the primitive times, the Apoftle withdrawal* them from too much ferioufneffe in more circumftantiall things, to the working-out of their (alvation in fear and trembling, Philip. 2. 12, for, experience telleth us, that offences rife moft, yea cannot rife, but in things which may be done or forborn , as in eating, and fuch other things as troubled the primitive Church. We fee alfo, that where there is moft heac in thefe things, there is an overvaluing of them, and an undervaluing of faith, repentance, prayer, communion with God, &c. Hence it is, ( fym. 14,17. ) that the Apoftle correfteth this fault, faying, The

IQngdom ofHeaVen (which is the Gofpel in its power) doth not confifl tn meat and drin{ , that is, in the eating of, orabftaining from, fuch meats as were then difputable , much lefte in the difputes that were concerning them • but it confifteth tn rigbteoufne/S,peace , and joy in the boly Gboft , that is, in material duties. Therefore he addeth, that he that ferveth God in thele (that is, righteoufnejje and peace and the more material things) « accepted of God, and approved of men. Which rfieweth, that they placed too much of religion in thefe extrinfick things, and in the mean time fleighcedthe main. For, in neceflary things there is'no hazard of offending, and few dually offend at thefe.

7- At fuch a time great care would be had to entertain peace > even publick Church-peace , and re-fpe& to the Ordinances, particularly c* that of Dif-cipline, becaufe that is the proper remedy for removing offence*, Matth.iS. 17. and without unity this hath no weight. Alfo offences of their own nature tend to make rents, and where unity is prefcrved many are keeped on their feet which otherwayes would have fallen. Therefore>^?^. 14. 19. that direction is given, Let m follow thofe things V>bicbma%e for peace r and things ^beWVnth one may edijie another j And often union and edification are joyned together, which (heweth, that it muft be a great reftraint to ofFences> which are fo oppofit to edification.

8. When offences abound, it is often moft fafeto be leaft appearing , except a mans call be the more clear.and convincing : For*as in the multitude oftoords there toanteth not fin , So in much medling there wan*-teth not offence. This is alfo clear in experience, becaufe offences comt more ordinarily, and are more obferved when fomething is done, than when fome-thing is forborn. Yet this is not to be extended to the pmiflion of any neceflary duty, but is to have great weight in indifferent things, that are not neceflary,

efpecially

cfpecially fuch as for the time are moft ordinarily the ftoneof ftumbling. Hence we find, that though in fome queftions the Apoftlc is full to difputc down adversaries, as in the cafe of Justification ; Yet there are fome other things that he ieeketh rather to have rcftrained than moved , fuch as he calleth doubtfully ^om. 14. 1. endlejft, iTim, 1.4. that gender ftrife, and arc not edifying , but foolifh and unlearned queftions, 2?'iw. 2. 14,16, 23. men are to flee, and tofiiun thefe, even when occafion is given. For, though every queftion hath a truth upon one fidc,and the fearching into neceffary truths be ed ifying, yet as to fuch, considering the contention that waiteth on them, and the difficulties that arc about them, the Church gaineth more by filence in them, than by too fervent purfuing of them.

9. Men at fuch a time would be diligent in the duties of their Rations* and keep themfelves within thefe ; and, as the Apoftle faith, 1 Cor. 7. 20. wonld abidq in the calling wherein they are called : for, by fo doing there is no occafion of offence. When a Magiftrate holdeth in the duties of a Magiftrate, and Minifters > Mafters, Servants, Husbands and Wives, and fo all forts contain themfelves within the bounds of their refpeftive Rations, that is a thing offenfive to none^ But when they exceed or give occafion to others to think that they exceed, then itbe-cometh offenfive, and maketh the Gofpel to be evil- * fpoken of. For which caufcthe Apoftle commendcth

to Subje&s, Wives, Servants, and all forts > the doing of the duties of their refpetfive Rations* as that which doth adorn the Gofpel, and flop themouthes of gainfayers.

10. There would be mutual faithfulneffe, and a condescending upon their fide who are offended, freely and fQberly to admonifh thofe by whom they are offended; and upon the otherfide, a condefcending to fatisfie and remove any offence taken by thofe

who

who have given it, or at whom it is taken. This is our Lord's rule, Mat A. 18.15. &c. There is nothing more needfull, when offences abound, than thefe, and yet often there is little or no acceffe to them* or pra&ice of them when they are moft need-full* And this maketh offences to abound the more. And what thing is more unfuitablc than for one to take or keep offence at another, and yet never to endeavour his recovery who hath offended, and by fo doing to hazard both their fouls ? Or, when one hath given offence, and isadmonUhed > to refufe to come out himfelf, or to keep another out of this lnare?

u* This endeavouring to have offence removed, ought to be followed convincingly, and that in the feveral ftcps laid down, Matth. 18. and if privat rea-foning and admonition prevail not, it is to proceed further till it come to the Church. But becaufe the Scandal then becometh publick > we (hall fpeak of it in the next branch. Only now it is to be adverted concerning thefe offences in reference to which we are to admonifh our brother, and thus to follow them in cafe of fleighting, jfc They are hot only wrongs done to the perfon immediatly or dtre&ly, but it may be his being ftumbled at his feeing a mansmifcar-riages towards others, So the injury may be to one, but the offence to another, 2. This duty is to be 1 gone about* not only without all heat* prejudice, or contention, but with the fpirit of love, as a duty proceeding there from for his good, even from that fame fpirit by which we pray for him $ they being b6th equally neceffary duties. And, 3. That this Order of Chrift's is not to be intervened by any, nor the publick gone to, till the private may be effc&ually effayed.

12. There is a neceffity in every thing (efpccially at fuch a time) to be jfingle in our end, having the glory of God mainly in our eye. And that not only

lyfor our own peace, but alfo for the convi£Uon of others. It is often our unfinglcneffe that maketh us careleffe in giving offence, and alio the evidence or appearance of that, that maketh others readily to take offence at our carriage. Hence we fee, that the actions of fuch who are fuppofed to be fingle, are not fo readily Humbled at. And this dire&ion is ex-prefly laid down in reference to this end, I C or * *©• gt. Whether therefore ye eat or ye drinks or V»bate)>er ye do, do all to the glory of God: give none offence neither to JeV> nor Gentile, err. It were fit therefore at fuch a time, that a man (hould examine his own breaft, and try what leadeth him on fuch a defign, or aft ; for often by-ends and motives will fteal in, when we feem to our fclves to be moft fervently zealous: fclf-interefts had need to be much denied in fuch a time.

13. Much care would be had to keep up the authority of all Chrift's Ordinances; they are the lights and means whereby men are to be dirc&ed, left they ftumble, and to be ftrengthened and comforted in their fpiritual confolajions: and hardly offences arife, but the Devil feeketh to difcredit thefe, becaufe then men are in the dark, and fo cannot but fall when blocks are in their way- Hence often are the Ordinances of life the very pretended rife of offences, as concerning a Miniftery, Raptifm, the Lords Supper, Sabbath Day, Singing of Pfalms, Conftitution of a Church, Difciplinej &c. becaufe by making thefe to be ftumbled at, or ftones of (tumbling, men can have acceffe to no other means* cither fpr direftion or confolation. On this ground Paul endeavoureth fo much to vindicate himfelf from what was imputed to him, 2 £ok 12.19. And for this end fo many direftions are given for keeping up the credit of the ordinances in the moft difficult dark cafes,as Song i.& #/*-4.»M3- fltf.i3.7>8 > era.&i7. efpeciallyAf**. 18.17,18, ©v. And on the contrary, for efchewing

corrupt

corrupt teachers > and thofe who caufe divisions and offences contrary to the do&iine learned, &c '2{om. 16. 17. Then ic is a time to try the fpirits, and to fear fnares , and to hate every garment that is fpotted with the flefti ; and we find in Scripture > and experience that ever thefe two go together, to wit, (Running of thofe who bring falfe do&rine , and the adhering to thofe who are faithfull on the other fide.

14. Atfuch arime efpecially, Chriftians in their^ walk toward one another , ought to be of a fymp aW(| thizing and condefcendmg temper. This is to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to pleafe our felves* but our neighbour for his good to edification, even as Chrift pleafed not himfelf* &c, as the Apoftle hath it to the fame fcope, %w* 15. t, 2, 3. Tenacioufneffe and (elf-willedneffe do often breed offences > and continually ftand in the way of removing of them, and although there is nothing more ordinary in a time of offences than that» to wit, for men to ftand to their own judgement and opinion as if it were a piece of liberty and confciencTe > not to condefcend in a thing that we judge la wfull, yet is there nothing more un-fuitable for Chriftians in fuchaVime: for, as Solomon faith, Only by pride cornetb contention, Prov. tg. 10. So this felf-pleafing humour is the great fomenter of offences in the Church. This condefcending was 'Paul's pra&ice in this cafe, 1 Corimh. 9. ver. I9>*°> &c. who becanife all things to all men, for their edification, being in the ufe of indifferent things fo dependent upon the edification of others, and fo denied to his own pleafing and inclination ; yea, even to his own light* as if he had had none himfelf. And although this be incumbent to all Chriftians, yet thefe who are more eminent and ftrong, are efpecially called to this forbearance and condefcend in?., as it is 'fyw. 15.1. We then that are flrong ought to bear, &c. Gal. 6. 1,2. It is a great miftake in Religion, to think, that in indifferent circumftantiall things, the weak fhould follow

the

Part i • tA Treatife concerning Scandal.'

the ftrong > and upon that ground to undervalue the offending of them: Ic is quite contrary to Scripture, the ftrong are to carry to the weak as men do to brittle and weak veffels, ufing tenderneffe to them left they be crufhed. What is faid in all the dire&ions, doth therefore fpecially concern the more ftrong Believersi that in thefe they may go before others.

g^ C H A P. I X.

Holding forth what ought to be the carriage of Minifttrs when Offences abound.

i ?• ' ■' *He laft dire&ion is,That then Minifters in f a fpeciall manner, are called to beftir "*- themfelves for draining this torrent of Offences, even as they are to fet themfelves againft the abounding of fins. And indeed we know no mean fitter and more comprehenfive for this end, than that Minifters cordially interpofe for the removing thereof. For , this is a fpeciall end for which they are given to the Church, as was formerlyfaid,and this is a fpecial part of their charge, to watch over fouls in reference to this. Hence we fee, that the Apoftle Paul doth not infift more in his publick doftrine , or in his private carriage* upon any thing, than upon thisi to wit, Thac the Church may be made and keeped free of offences, as what hath been obferved from him out of the Epiftles to the Romans , Corinthians , Galatians , &c 0 doth evince. Nor doth he with any kind of perfons deal fomiffrto reft rain ftrifes, contentions, janglings about words, and fuch things which do gender offences, as in the Epiftles to Timothy and Titos, charging them, that not only in reference to their own carriage, but, as Minifters of the Gofpel, they would endeavour this in their charges ; and there can be no reafon of this, but becaufc the matter is of fuch concernment td the Church, and becaufe they by their ftations have z E tttaitf

$6 r J Treattfe concerning Scandal. Part i.

main influence either on the reftraint or growth of fcandals and offences. Yea, doth not the blefled Prince of Paftors Himfelf, often take notice of offpnees in His fermons ? fometimes reproving them > fomc-times (hewing the ill of them, and often purpofly in-fifting in inftrudions for this very end , that His Dif-ciplesfliouldnot be offencjed, zsJob.i6. I. and in His pra&ice, condescending to prevent the offence, even of carnal men, Mattk 17.27. and doth much infift on that do&rine > giving directions for prevent-^ ing and removing thereof, Matth.\%. and particular-ly He giveth dire&ion for the promoving of mortification, by cutting off the right hand, and plucking out the right ey^> &c. which being given by the Lord, if well ftudied and praftifed, might be a compefld of all other dire&ions, it \% fo well chofen for that purpofe, as all His directions were. All which (heweth, that when offences abound, much doth ly upon Mini-ftcrs at fuch a time> and that both in reference to their ownperfonall carriage, andalfo in their miniftcriaJI ftations; and in fum, in their whole walk, both amongft themfelves, and towards others of all forts, which we may hint at in fome particular inftances: As, 1. that their converfations be then grave, fober, holy, denied, &c. and eminent in all that is called for from private Chriftians, at fuch a time. For,as their carriages are more obferved than others, So do fpots upon them more difcernably appear, and when appearing , are more readie to Aumbie and harden others. It is for this, that a Minifter is to (hew himfelf a pattern and as a copie or example to theBeliever, in word, in converfation, in charity, in fpfft, &c. as it is, 1 Tim. 4.12. Upon this ground alfo are they at fuch a time to flee youthfull lufts of contentions,flrife 3 and fuch like, even when thefe feem to follow them 5 and on the contrary, to purfue righteoufneffe, faith, charity, peace, &c even when thefe feem to flee from them, as it is, 2 Tjm t a, 22, Both which places relate

cfpeciajfy

Part i• A^redttfecorner m #£ Scandal.'

efpecially to perrillous times, asthefcopein the pre-ceeding words doth hold torch. And if this be not in Minifters, what can be expc&cd amongft the people ? and without this, can their carriage or publick Mini-fterybavc weight to this end? 2. Minifters would bewatchfull, not only over fins, but even over of-fences,yea,even over paflive offences,lcft any by them-felves,or any other be offended, which was our Lords way and the pra&ice of the Apoftles. as in the places cited. For, to be offended, is an infirmity andfick-nefle,even when the offence is meerly taken; and for a Minitter not to be affe&ed with that, doth hold forth a mod unminifteriall crudl difpoficion; that is fpoketi of by the Apoftle as a great part of the care of the Church, 2 Corinth. 11»18, 29. Who u x»eak, and I am not toeaftf 7*bo u ojfended t and I burn not ? Tlie hearing of a perfons ftumblingi ought to ftound and will ftound the heart of a fynipathizingMinifter, as if if were a fire in his bofome. And were this one thing in vigour, towk> native fympathiewiththofe that are offended, it would u(her-inallothet } dire&ions: This would make Minifters pray much tohavc it prevented, as our Lord doth, job. 17. and Paul doth> Sfyw. 1?. 5. This would make Minifters fparingto give offence, or to laugh at the offences of others, or to defpiie and fieight thofe that are offended , much leffe to fpread rumours, entertain contentions, or Co to aggregc mifcarriages in others, as thereby the floud of offences may rather be increafed than dried up by them. And it is found , that feldom offences have been in the Church, but Minifters have had a prime hand therein, as if it had been a part,of their duty to promove the fame : which fayeth , that efpccially they had need to be watchfull at fuch a time* ?. Minifters would endeavour much unity amongft them-felvcs , and unity amongft Profeffours* There is no keeping off of offences without this; for ftrife and contention are the fewell by which this plague of E a fcandal

fcandal is kindled and entertained > when offences are abounding in Corinth; it is the fir ft direft ion that Paul giveth, I Epift. I chap.ver.io. lbefeecb you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jefus Chri/i , that ye all fpea\ the fame things, that there be no divijions among you^c. And when he hath been large in two Epiftles > he doth almoft clofe with this, 2 Epift. chap. 15.11. E-nally y brethren , farewell: $e perfeft , be of good comfort, be of one mind , live in peace ; and the God of peace (ball be ^itbyou. And he not only exhorteth to it, But, tym. 15. 5. he prayeth for it upon the back of all his do&rine and directions concerning offences; Yea, it was the way that our bleffed Lord Jefus took,to commend union, and to pray for it to His Difciples, left thereby the world (hould be ftumbled and keeped back from the acknowledging of Him, and the beauty of the Church (hould be obfeured > fo as the members thereof (hould not be known to be His Difciples, as may be at length feen in the Gofpel, and particularly, Jeb.ij. 4. Minifters would ftudy the diverting of people from thefe things which ordinarily breed offences , as ftriving about words, and jangling in controverfies not matcriall, the judging and condemning of others,and fuch like; and they would ftudy to be occupied themfelves, and to have others exercifed in thefe things that come nearer the power of Godlinefie and the life of Religion. We fee when the reft of the Difciples offend at Zebedee's children for their fuit> the Lord checks that, and propofeth to them the neceflky of humility and mortification, and fuch like> that he might put the unprofitable queftion, {bho foould be greate/li) out of their head, as it is in Mattk chap. 18.1, &c and chap, 20. ver«2o, and2j,&c. A.nd this is frequent in Tauh Epiftles toTimothy and Titm % whereas upon the one fide » hodehorteth from ftrife, contention, vain jangling, following of fables, and fuch like, So he doth,upon the other fide>exhore to the exercife of godlincffe, and co the pieding of good

works,

works > as good and profitable to men in oppofition to thefe, as may be gathered from 1 Tim. chap* U ver. 4, 5. and chap* 4. vcr. 7,8. 2 Tim. chap. 2* ver. 14,15,80:. r/^?.ver*8,9. Yea, the Apoftle will have Minitters (o ferious in this, as to charge and ob-teft their hearers (as he did his, l Corinth, 1.10. and 'Phili.i.) toefchew thefe things, and not to ftrive about words, 1 rim. 1. 3,4. iTim. 2. l4,&o Efpe-cially Minifters would beware of mentioning fuch things unneceflarily , as are the bone of contention, or which may fotter miftakesof, or grudges againft, others, or make themfelves to appear to be carnal,and to walk like men , But rather they would endeavour tohufhthemto filencc, as they would have blocks removed out of the peoples way, ocherwife they cannot but lofe of their minifteriall authority, and dif-compofe the frame of the people > which by all means (hould beefchewed by them.

The conlidering of three Scriptures will give a view of Paul's carriage in reference to this , And O how commendable is it! The firfl: is, 1 Corinth. 9. 19,20* 21, 22, &c. though I be free from all men, yet baVe I madt my felf ferVant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the ftV>s, I became <u a JeXb, that I might gain theje'tos', to them that are under the taK, <u under the Lafo y that I might gain them that are under the Laft> • to them that are without Late > a* Without La®>> (being not without Late to God, but under the Lav? to Qhrift ) that 1 might gain them that are without Late. To the V>ed{ became I astoedJ^, that I might gain the V?eaf^z I am made all things to all men , that I might by all means faVe fme. ~ Where , his condefcending to others, his infinuating by all means to win the affe&ion of people > his greedinefle to edifie and fave fouls, and his endeavouring by his own example to engage others to that fame condefcending way, are abundantly holden forth as an ufeful and excellent co-pic to be followed efpecially by Minifters*vvho (hould E 3 ftudic

H A Trettlfc concerning Scandal; p art fc

ftudie edification at fuch a time moft fcrioufly.

The fecond is, i Corinth, 6. from ver. i. to ver. 11. It is a great word that he hath ver. g. Giving no offence in any thing, that the miniftery be not blamed : ( for un-tendemeffe in offences maketh the Miniftery obnoxious to contempt ) $ut in all things approving our fehes as the Minijlers of God ; that pointeth out a minifte-riall walk which ftudieth more the Matters honour, the credit of the Ordinances, and che good of fouls* both his own and others, than the pleafing of others, and the making thcmfelves acceptable only as men, or &$ familiar companions to thofe they converfe with. Then followeth > In much patience, in afiiSions, in ne« fejfities, indtftrejjes, in ftripes, in imprifonments, in tumults, in labours, in Patchings, in fa/lings, By pure* **lfe> by\no»ltdge, by long.fuffermg , bytqndnejje, by the holy Ghoft > by loVe unfeigned , IBy the t^ord of truth by the potyer of God , by the armour of righteoufnejse . on the right hand, and on the left 5 ®j> honour and difboflour, by evil report and good report; a* deceivers^ and yet true ; JtsunfyoVw, andyeftoellkputon-, as dying , and behold', "toe live 1 aschaflened, and not filled; As forroftfull, yet ahvay rejoycing ; as poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing , and yet pojptfing all things. Wherein, as in fo many fteps, he fetteth forth his minifterial walk* for the preventing of offence, being a moft excellent defcriptionof a patient, diligent, faithfully denied* impartially fingle ; powerfull preacher, driving and preffing the great defign of Reconciliation's his main fcope, as from the clofe of the former Chapter , and the beginning of this* is clear. And this is pointed out as his work at fuch a time, amongft fuch a people for fuch an end,as the preventing of offence.

The third Scripture is, 2 Corinth, chap. 11. ver* 28, 29. which was formerly cited, and is worthy to be engraven on a Minifters heart. Sefide that tobicb wmeth upon me daily , the care of all the Churches. Who uwa{, andlamnoftow\} s k>bouoffended > and 1 bum

noti

part i. A Tnatife concerning Scandal.

not i Never man was more ferious in quenching fire inhishoufe than Paul was in removing of offences, and in recovering fuch as were offendecj. He was noc only carefull not tbgive offrnce himfelf, nor only to keep others from giving offence , nor yet only for removing of fuch as were taken at himfelf; nay, nor only to faeisfic tho'ethait were ftrong that had offended, but the very (tumbling, although without caufe, of the moft weak, ignorant, filly perfons,aff .fted him more, than if it had pcirced himfelf. It is not like that he could have continued careleffe of mens con-ftru&ionsof him, of their being grieved and made weak, or of their being offended any other way, ( as, alas, it is like too many do now ! ) It was no matter of laughing to him to hear of the fadnefle of any,that did proceed even from cniftakes; and there was no reft in his mind till fuch an infirmity was cured. Thefe three places and others,being fobcrly confidered in their matter and fcope, will give the ferious confei-encious Miniftcr infight in a great part of his duty, and (it may be) in no little part of his fin and challenge at fuch a time. The Notes alfo of the Reverend Maffer fth^on upon the fame fubjeft, ("worthy to be tafkeh notice of) do more fully conform this. Happy were the J Minifters that were of fuch a frame and of fuch a practice; And happy were the Church under their infpeCtiotw O that it may once thus b6 !

E4

PART*

u

"reatife concerning Scandal; Part 2*

PART ii.

Concerning Publish Scandals , or Scandals as they are the ohjctt of Church* censures h and more farticular/y 3 as the) are pr attic al, or, in practice.

IT reftcth now that we fhould fpeak fomething of Scandal as it is the objeft of Church-difcipline; for that is implyed here, to wit, That this fcan-dal> given by the N-iceUitans^zs fuch as ought to have been taken notice'of by the Church-officers: jfor,thenegle6t thereof is reproved by the Lord ; and in fuch a cafe privat admonitions are not fufficient. We may therefore (peak a word to thefe Queftions, I.When a Scandal is to be efteemed publick,that is,to be taken notice of by a Church-judicatory. 2. What Order is to be obferved in proceeding therein. 3. What is to be accounted a fufficient ground for removing of fuch an offence, fo as it may fift all ccclefiaftick Proceffe, or may remove a Sentence when it is paffed. 4. What is the duty of private Chriftians, when Church-officers feem to be, and poffibly indeed are> defe&ive in reference to this ?

CHAP. I.

Shtmng that every Offence is notfublic^ and When it is fo.

Concerning the firft Queftion, we lay down thefe grounds, I. Every thing offenfive is not publick, or immediatly to be brought before a Church-judicatory. Of this fort are, U fins of

infirmity, which pofliblymay be offenfive for the time, Yet the perfons way being confidcred, they are to be thought to proceed from his infirmity, they being incident to fuch who are in fome lerious manner watchfull over their way; and therefore are not the objeft of Difcipline, which is to curb and reflrain the more grofle humours of Profeffors: Otherwayes the exercife of Difcipline, in reference to infirmities, would utterly prove an intanglement both to Officers and Members, and fo occafion more (tumbling, contrary to Chrift's fcope. 2* Offences that are in difputable pra&ices 3 or that flow from mifcarriage in things indifferent > are not properly the objeft of Church-cenfure, becaufc there is not folid acceffe of through convincing the party. Hence we fee,that in thefe difputes concerning indifferent things, or of praftices following thereupon > the Apoftles reprove mens untendernefle in them, but do never make them the ground of Ccnfure as fuch, except they be aggre-ged by fome other circamftance. Of this fort alio are offences that may proceed from mens carriage in legal purfuits and civil contrafts which may offend ; yet cannot they be legally convinced to have broken a rule, when the ftrain of their way is legal, although it may be finfull before God , and be to be reproved by private admonition where men have acceffe. 3* Some offences are grofle, and, it maybe, known to fome to be true; yetpoflibly there is no convincing way of demonftrating the truth thereof toothers : in that cafe, it's more fafe and edifying to forbear publick mentioning of that fcandal,than to pro-fecute the fame, feing it may more irritate the perfon, and weaken the Church-authority, than edific. 4. Some fcandals a re grofle, and may be made-ouc by two or three witnefles > yet are not immediatly to be brought to publick, except upon the fuppofi-tion of following obftinacy, and not fatisfying of chofe two or three, vvhich efpecially is to be con/i-

dered,

■P

5 8 c* Trettife concerning S c a n d a l J Part 2.

dered,if the perfons carriage beotherwayescleanly; This is Chrift's expreffe rule, Mat. 18. and to bring ic immediatly to publick,is not confident with that love that we'ought to have to one another : For, charity requireththathefhouldbe admonifhed, and alio if he hear, that it (hould fift; Ocherwayes, fuch being fatisfied as were offended, it were to waken afcan-dal, and not to remove one. But now efpecially we confider what is a publick fcandal in refped of its nature, and afterward we (hall enquire when it is fo to be accounted publick in refpe6l of its notority; and fo when immediatly it is to be brought in pub-lick : for,it is certain, that thefe two may be divided, and fo are to be diftinguifhed»* as was formerly hinted. For, a fcandal may be publick, to fay fo, for its notority, but yet not! for its nature. When&fcdn- 2. Scandals may be of that nature , that it is fit datl U t$ be to take publick notice of them, and to follow them brought to with Church-cenfutes till they be removed. This is fublicb c fear in the Lord's reproving the negleft of publick Cenfure in thefe Churches,- for, His finding fault that they bad fuch, zx\& fujferei fuch (as in the next Epi-ftle) can be conftru&ed no otherwayes, but that they did not by Church-cenfure cut them off from their fellowfhip, which is elfewhere abundantly clear. And it is true in thefe cafes, 1. When a fcandal is of its own nature groffe and infe&ious, like a little leaven ready to leaven the whole lump. 2. When it i? clear and in the matter of faft cannot be denied: the firft is requifit to a publick fcandal for convincing of the confcience of the evil it (elf; the fecond for making application of the confequents of fuch an evil to fuch a perfon* 3. An offence becometh publick, though it be not of its own nature fo at firft, if ic be afterward aggreged by fuch circumftances as ob-ftinacy and contempt of private admonition, frequent relapfing therein , and fuch like > as Chrift's rule* Mattb. 18, and the general nature of offence doth

con^

confirm: Scandals that are fo circumftantiated, and tbcy oniy, are to be taken notice of by Church-judicatories as the proper obje6t of Church-discipline. Hence we may lee a great difference betwixt offence as it is the objeftof private difcretion, and as it is theobjeftof Church-difcipline. I^all themgroffe evils and of an infectious nature* which are againft a clear Law of God, and of that influence in a man's chriflian walk, as any fober man , acquainted with the Word of God, and refle&ing upon conference, cannot but acknowledge to be finfull, obftruftive to the work of grace where they are> and tend ing to the marring the beauty of a Church, and the edification and falvation of her members if they (hould fpread, fuch as Sabbath-breaking , fwearing, and what doth dire&ly contradict a moral command , thele things are obvioufly ccnfurable. And upon this occafionj cannot but much wonder at, and regrate the unwarrantable exprc (lions , at leaft > in the matter of faft, of a Learned man, Mr. Baxter againft ®/*fa,/>*g. 130. his words are, In feme Countries, Cohere fome oaths are grofbn cuftomary and of no great e\>il repute, it ispojfible for a godly man to be longguilty of ihem , as it is kj*oT»n that many V>ell reputed of for godlinejfe are in Scotland y &c, where he doth mifreprefent the Church of Scotland in a twofold miftake (to fay no more,) 1. as if fome fwearing were fo cuftomary in Scotland as to abound even amongft the Godly.' 2. As if it were not taken notice of, or of no evil repute or fcanda-lous: It is like this may be his information , but certainly Chriflian charity would have pleaded, that fuch information (hould not have been received againft a Brother, without fome convincing ground; much lefle to have been vented as a thing known againft a Chriftiin Church , which, however fhe be otherwife afflidted and rent,and fo obnoxious to much contempt and reproach , yet hatha witnefleboth in Heaven and Earth of zeal againft that fin > and in-

no-

'to *A Treatife concerning Scandal^ Part a*

fiocencie in that rcfpeft, as to thefe that arc Godly, even but feemingly, There being nothing more abhorred by a godly heart, and accounted a greater evidence of profanity amongft us, than cuftomary irreverent medling with the holy Name of God , and fwearing of any kind : and although we be many wayes guilty before God, even in this refpeft; yet we fuppofeftie may hold up her face therein, befide, and with^any Church on earth. Whereefen- 3. We faty, That even among thefe Scandals that ce< are pub» are in this fenfe publickly to be taken notice of, there Uct^yet dif- is many wayes difference to be made in the profecut-JennceutQ ingof them, and that in diverfe refpedts. Is So Tie t**de. fcandals are of fuch groffe nature and publicknefle in the fa&, that they cannot be paffed without fome publick rebukc,at leaft,even though the perfon (hould fcem fatisfyingly to refent his deed*, bec^ufe in this, refpeft is to be had to the edification of others, and not of the perfon only. 2. Some fcandals again arc fuch, as by authoritative admonition may be helped: and in this fenfe, if a perfon hear the Church-guides and take their admonition, there is no further pro-greffe to be made. Again, ?. fometimes perfons are to be followed with the bighefl cenfure of Excommu* nication , when open rebukes cannot do the bufinefle, as we fee in the cafe before us, and other praftices of Tads. And we fuppofe, that fuch a fcandal as hath this Sentence following upon it,wouid be in the grof-neffe of its nature, and clearnefle of its proof, convincingly made out both to the perfon himfelf, and toothers. Becaufe, U other wife it may make this great Ordinance contemptible, if upon like, or difputable grounds, it be drawn forth. 2. Neither can it have weight with the perfon to gain its end upon him natively, as a Church-ordinance ought to have, the firft ftep whereof is, convincingly to argue him to the fenfe of his fault, as the word is, Mattb, 18. !*• h Neither can it be expe&cd to have fuch

weight

weight with others who ordinarily carry towards them that are under it, as they are convinced of the weightineffe or lightnefle of the ground of that Sentence. 4. The nature of this Ordinance eleareth this alfo; for (as Divines fay ) it is added to confirm Gods threatnings, as Sacraments do fcal the promifes; then it importeth,that there muft be a clear threatning ere this can be appended s and there canbenofuch threatning applyed* but where both the fin in its nature* and the faft in its notority are convincing; and indeed all the precedents of this Sentence in Scripture are of this nature* to wit, they are both rare, and alfo upon mott convincingly grofle evils. I cannot ex-preffe it better than it is done by that Reverend Divine, Mr. Thomas Hooker of New England in his Hi-ftory> part %.\>ag< 39. Such eVtls, (the words arc his) which are either heynom and abominable, a* fornication^ murther,adultery, inceft, treafon 3 &c. or, if notfo g)-ojj f, yet carry the face of evil in their forehead , upon tHe prjl ferious and Xt>ell grounded confideration of reafon ; and have been pertinaciouJJy and obflinatly perftfted in after the improvement of all means upon them for canVtmon and reformation • Thefe only deferVe Excommunication by the rules of Chrifl , 1 Cor. 5. Matth. 18.17. thus far he. Advert, that what we fpeak here of a pub-lick fcandal, is fpoken in refped of the nature thereof; what is to be accounted iuch, in refpeft of its mani-feftnefle and notoritie > followeth afterward to be fpoken of.

CHAP.

* * CHAP. II.

Concerning )tohat order is to be peeped in the fol* lowing of public^ Scandals.

THe fecond thing, to wit, what order and manner is to be obferved in the following of pub-lick Scandals,is not eafily determinable, there being fuch variety of cafes in which the Lord exer-cifeththe prudence and wildomof his Church-officers : and indeed the gift of Government (to fpeak fo) doth efpecially kvrti in the rigiit managing of Difcipline, in reference to the ieverall humours and conftitutions 'to fay fo) wnich men have to do with. For, as in bodily difeafes the fame cure is not for the famedifeafe in all contticutions and feafons , and as Minifters in their Doftrine are to preffe the fame things indivcrfe manners, upon diverfe auditories ; So this cure of difcipline, is not to be applied equally unto all pcrfons; nay, not to fuch as are in the fame offences. For,that which would fcarce humble one, , may crufh another; and that which might edifie one, might be ftumhlingto another, of another temper. Therefore we fuppofe there is no peremptor determining of rules for cafes here > but neceffarily the maa-nerof procedor in the application of rules, is to be left to the prudence and confeiehcioufneffe of Church-officers, according to the particular circumftanciate cafe. Yet we may lay down thefe generals, The wit jfc Allpublick procc fling of fcandalous perfons, of *Di(ci- or judiciall taking notice of fcandals, would be done fline. with refpeft to the ends for which Difcipline is appointed, and fo as may attain the fame. This* I fuppofe, cannot be denied: for,the miris muft be fuited to its end. Now, the ends of publickCenfuring, are* 1. for vindicating the honour of Jefus Chrift, that fuffereth in the miicarriageof a member. 2* The

prefery-

Vltt i* A Treatpje concerning scandal. ej

preferving of the authority of His Ordinances, and thechafteningof difobedience thereunto, Therefore it is called, a Corinth. 2. 6. The punifoment that was infixed, and chap. to. 6. This is faidto revenge all difobedience > it being appointed as an Ecclefiaftick whip to keep up His Authority in His Houfe, and thereby to note thofe that are unruly therein, 2 Thejfl 3.6, t 4. 3, It is for the perfons good , asitisfaid, I Corinth. 5.5. for the deftruftion of the flefti, that the ipirit may be faved, that by this, admonitions, reproofs, yea, threatnings, may have the more weight, for the perfons humiliation and up-ftirring: and the conftraining of them at leaft to a more orderly walk in the Church , as the Apoftle hath it, iThc/f. 5.6, and 14. 4. It is for the good of the Church > that the leaven of profanity fpread not, and that ethers may thereby learn to fcar: This reafon is given, 1 £>r. ?• 6>7 ice. and 1 Tim. 5.20. Now,when we fpeak of the end of publick trial and cenfure, refpeft is to be had to all thefe, but efpecially to the more publick and generall ends, fo as the perfons particular edification be not neglected; and therefore in pro* cedor, particular and fpeciall refpeft would be had to that manner (whether by meckneffe>or rigidity,by forbearing or proceeding) which may mottattain thefe ends.

Hence, 2. we fay , that the fanje offences, upon All offences the matter, are not equally nor at all times, nor in all oftbc fane perfons, and, it may be, in 3II places in the fame man- ki*d 9 notaU ncr, to be purfued and followed; andthereafen \%»*y*i*db clear, becaufe according to circumftanccs, that man- t0 .j£ * calt ner which is edifying at one time, and in one cafe, w may be deftru&ive in another, and (o is not to be followed , becaufe that poVber Vtobicb God hath given is for edification and never for deftruBion, 2 Corinth, l?. 10. And accordingly, we fet'Paul in fotjie cafes cenfuring corrupt men. a$Hymeneus and PhyletM , 1 Tim* 1. 20. Sometimes again, he threatneth and yet fpareth, although

though the fcandal in it (elf deferved Cenfure,as when he faith, Gal. 5. I Vrifh they ibere cut of that trouble you, and yet doth it not,b:caufe he found not the Churches edification fo to require. Soalfo, 2 C 0Y 'm&* to. 4. and 6. Having in a readinejfe to revenge all difobedience, V>ben your obedience is fulfilled : which yet he thought not meet for the time to do,left it fhould have irritated to more difobedience, and have bred fome greater rent or fchifm, or have made the authority of the Ordinances leffe weighty, and fo have marred his end, which was in all things ( and fo in this forbearing) their edification, as he expreffeth it, chap. 12. 19. Brethren, "toe do all things ( and fo this alfo) for your edifying.

When I fpeakof edifying , I do not fpeak of plea-fing the perfons (for, that may be often deftru&ive to them, and others alfo) But this is intended, that it is to be weighed in Chriftian prudence, whether considering the time and place we live in, the nature of the perfon we have to do with , and of thofc alfo among whom we live, it be more fit to follow this way with fuch a perfon , at fuch a time, or another ' way > and accordingly as it feemeth probable, that this way will honour God moft, more fully vindicate His Ordinances, gain the perfon from fin to holi-ne(Te,at leaft,to a regular walk,and edifie others moft; So accordingly oughtChurch-judicatories to take the Way that leadeth moft probably to that end. And therefore it ought not alwayes to be accounted partiality when fuch difference in Church-procedour is Mm is to obferved: Y e t thefe things would by all means be be guarded guarded againft.

againfl , *• That nothing be done with refpefk to perfons,

-when there or appear to be done fo; that is > for outward , civil, is a different or naturall refpe&s, to be more gentle to one than to way ta^en another, than which nothing is more derogatory to in cenfuring ecclefiaftick Authority, and (tumbling to people. the fame 0/- 2, This difference of proceeding, would rather be in ]***'• ihs

Part 2. A lreanjetonctrmng scandal. c>

the manner and circumftances of proceeding in reference to fome offences > than in difpenfing with what feemcth to be materiaII; or, k would be in fuch offences where there is no fettled rule , and wherein Church:officers have more latitude: as for inflaqce, fome offences are of that publick nature that ufually they are followed with a publick reproof}fuch cannot be conveniently pafl-by in any ordinary conceivable cafe i fuppofe it be fornication,or fome fuch thing; yet,in the manner of citing and dealing with the per-fon, orexpreffing or timeing of the reproof, there mayAe condefcending; but to omit it altogether, wouiahazard the cafting loofe of that Ordinance of publick reproof, which would mar the edification of the Church more than advantage any particular party : Other offences again, are more occafional, in reference to which>there is no definic law> or practice; fuppofe it be fpeaking, reproachful! words of fome perfons. Officers, or others, in fuch there is more liberty to condefcend which way may be raoft convincing to the party. Laftly, in trying what may be moft edifying, we are not to look to one end alone> to wit, the perfons particular good only, or the publick good only, &c but to put all together, and to try how joyntly they may be beft attained.

3. From this alfo it will appear) that Church-offi- Howcburcb cers ought with fuchtendernefle, love and fympathic^cerjMgM to walk in publick Cenfures , as not only thev may to carry in have a tettimqny in their own Confciences, but alfo Ctnluru. i, thatthofe who have offended, and others that ob-ferve their way , may alfo be convinced of the fame* fbr,if this be not, what can their Cenfure gain ? and if it be needfull for a Minifter in preaching, to ftudy that, it is in fome refpeft more ncceffary here: be-caufe ordinarilyjmen out of their corruption,are more ready to miftake mens intentions in this: and we conceive, that in this a Church-judicatories proce-dour, ought difcernably to differ from a civil Court, F in

in that they are noc ouy out of Juftice cenfuring the party, with a refpeft to the common body, for whofe good in fome cafes the moft penitent member muft be cut off, and cannot be reprived , but as endeavouring the Churches freedom from offences, that the offending member may be thereby with ail tendernefle re-ftorcd and cured ; and in experience we fee,that often Church-cenfures have weight, as they are conftrudted to proceed from love. And we conceive, that the following of thefe and fuch like dire&ions, may have much influence for attaining of this* I. That nothing be rafhly and haftily brought to publiA* but that which is a convincing Scandal in it (elf, clear in the matter of faft , and alfo after privat dealing with theperfon, andtriall of his carriage afterward : if the fcandal be not very grofle and publick» Haftie bringing to publick, irritateth : and if a private admonition of Minifter and Elders might gain a Brother , what needeth further ? And by fo doing , a perfon is convinced, that that Min ifter, or Elder, de-fireth his amendment, and on that condition to cover his offence. 2. There would be no rigid infifting in what is perfonall , in reference to any of the Judicatory > as fuppofe, they fhould fometimes get fnarling anfwers, or unbecoming words , or be met with by irreverent carriage : in that cafe, rkrre would be con-defcending, and what is offer'ive befide, would be infifted on , and thefe perfonali things forborn. It is true , the authority of the Ordinances would ever be kept up, yet that is not alwayes done by a rigid pro-fecucing of perfonal reflexions; but on the contrary* it often looketh likeft Chrifts Ordinance, when meek» nefle is moft prevalent, and fo in the end , it cometh te have greater weight; for,many cannot difcern be-, twixt Officers feeking their own authority, and the authority of the Ordinances,* and when the rife of the offence is from a mifcarriage to fome perfon immediately , it looketh to them to be carnall and vindictive

^idtive like , and fo hath the appearance of evil and is to be eichewed. This we may obferve alio m Pauls carriage, and in thepra<3ices of moft zealous men, vvho never wronged the Ordinances by denying of their own refpeft in fuch cafes. And Church- officers would efpccially advert to this > becauic often in our hotcft fits, it is rather refpett to our own authority; than zeal for Chritt that afteth us> which appeareth by this,that a praftical contempt of the Ordinances in our own hands* will ftir more than many other groffe evils, or doftrinall blafphcmies, or contemptuous practices which immediately rcfle& on others, although thefe may be more difhonourable toChrift* J. For attaining this end , the rigidity and ftri&nefie of law would not be fluck to, as the perfons not appearing at fuch a day, if afterward they condefcend *, their haftineffe in cxpreffing themfelves rafhly at one rime, or carrying themfelves irreverently, which afterward they may paffe from : thefe and fuch like, I (ay, are not to be ftuck to, left Church-officers feem, under pretext of Church-difcipline, to take advantage of them •, and it is an evidence of the contrary,wheti they are condefcended unto in this. Advert, this is to be obferved in praftices that feem to flow from infirmity; bur, fuppofe the perfon were fome fubtile, deceitfull, diflemblingone, ufing his pretexts of repentance for furthering his defign, this condefcenfion may be hurtfull to the Church of God, in leting fuch an occafion flip, and therefore is not to be admitted. 4. It contributed tothisendalfo, that publick appearances and publick rebukes be not frequent, nor in cafes bjat fuch as are in the nature and evidence thereof convincing, and that alio after private admonitions have been fruitlefly given. We fuppofe that midftep in Chrifts direftion , Matth.iS. doth warrandthis, Taf^e to thee tXbo or three before thou tell the Church. Haflie bringing to publick reproof, is conftru&cd by many to be a feeking of their fhame, F 2 but

but when it is rare, and done in the order forefaid, and alio with fome reafons why a publick rebuke in fuch a cafe is juft and expedient, feing other means have failed, and the condition of others calleth for that now, &c* it doth much allay that prejudice; for every man hath reafon and a conicienccthough many often want the exercife thereof. We find alfo pub-lick rebukes rare in Scripture: And although fome-times, a publick appearing may be thought moft edifying to the Congregation; Yet, i. If they were very frequent, they would lofe their weight* 2. One publick rebuke in this manner and order, will edifie more than many otherwife : for,it is not the multitude of them that edifieth, but the convincingnels of the manner of proceeding. And therefore we conceive it is never fie to multiply publick rebukes, even fup-pofingthatfcandals were multiplied, but thac fome ftouldbe pitched-on that might moft convincingly edifie, and that private dealing with others for con-yi&ion be made the more weighty > which alfojs the judgement of the great Augufline. 3, Peoples o3~end-ing for the omiting of publick rebukes, is, when the fcandal thereof doth flow from this > that they conceive it to proceed from carlefneffe, negligence, par-tiality,orfome fuch thing in the Officers, whereas, if by cuftome it fhall be known to a people, that Officers are diligent obfervers of thefe things, and are not defe&ive in dealing with fcandalous perfons for convincing of them, and do take this way as the moft loving and tender mean of their gaining, fuch manner of proceeding will be more convincing and edifying, than if the thing were inftantly brought to publick 5 for, people generally approve of tendernefle and condefcending in Church-officers>as looking like love to the gaining of fouls, and fo lay much weight on their Cenfuring > even of others, when they fee them* ask were, conftrainedthereto. Andonth^ contrary, there is nothing more offenfive to them * than

than wheti this tcndernefle is defiderated. It is to be guarded here, that this be not made a cloak to negligence and unfaithfulneffc; for,diligence and freedom is to be no leffe ufed with the parties, yea more, than if they were brought to publick. Only , this fore-bearance is to be made ufc of as a mean for making . that diligence and freedom the more fuccesfull: other-wife , whether it be forborn or followed , it continued ft ill to be hurtfull. Alfo, when one of thefe abounding fcandals,or fcandalous perfons is rebuked, then efpccially the Minitter would fo gravely and zealoufly agrcge that evil,that in fome refpeft all that are under it may be reproved, and his indignation at it may be fo difcernablc, that that one reproof may be in place of many , and yet the forbearance will give accede for fome to come off the fame.

4. Ic is alfo to be remembered, that this exercife of n m p lf Difciplinefor reftrainingof (candals, is to be fubfer- cifline U 1 vienttothe preaching of the Word: which is the to be orde\ main and great edifying Ordinance; Therefore Dif- ed , n cipline would be ordered fo, as it may not mar, butftWo**" further that. In reference to which, thefe things are but furtbe to be adverted to, 1. That no cenfure would be the Word* blindly or implicitely made ufe of, but both in reference to the party, and others, there would be inftru-ftion , exhortation, conviition, &c. by the Word, going before > or alongft with the fame. In which refpeft (though improperly) Ccnfuresmay be fome way looked upon as Sacrament in a large fenfe in thefe particular cafes, becaufe there is in them both fome fignifying and confirming u(c; They being con-fidered with refpe<5* to the end wherefore they were appointed. 2. Church-officers , efpecially Mini-fters, would not make Diicipline the great uptaking bufineffe, (6 as it may prove an intanglementimto them > or diversion from the Miniftery of the Word: The great Apoftles, Alt. 6. thought not fit to be • F 3 diverted

Jo A Treatife concerning Scan da tl Part 2.

diverted with the fervingof Tables, but appointed Deacons to be chofen for that end, that they might give themfelves principally, and, in companion of other duties, fully { or as they fay themfelves, ver. 4. continually) to prayer, that is, to the private exer rife thereof; and the Mimflery of the Word , that is> the preaching thereof in publick. By vvhich we may fee, 1. what a Minifters great task is, wherein he fliould be taken up, to wit, fecret prayer, ( under which arc comprehended, reading , meditation, and other duties meet for his own particular cafe, and preparation for the duties of his calling, as may be gathered from I Tim. 4.13,14, 15.) and the publick preaching of the Gofpel. 2. We fee alfo, that though Minifters are virtually both Eiders and Deacons , ( as the Apoftles were.) yet ought they to regulat their ex-ercifing of both thefe, with refpeft to the former two* And, 3. that Elders and Deacons ought in governing y and overfeeing the poor, to have fpecial relpeft to keep Minifters from being burthened or toyled with thefe, that they may have freedom to follow the Mi-nifteryofthe Word, as the main thing : Yea, even to have much accefle to privacy and folitarinefle, which is bo"i moft neceflary for, and a well becoming duty toaMinifter; This is a fpecial end of the appointment of thefe Officers, and in reference to which they arr helps, 1 Cor. 12. 28. both to the people and to the Minifters. A third thing to be adverted to, is, that contentious and irritating procefles be fo followed , as by thefe there be no prejudice laid before perfons \ to make them (tumble at the Word , or to render it the more unprofitable. It is true, fomecimes fuch things are neceflary for the good of the body, and for'thc vindicating of Chrifts Ordinances, yet as much as may be they would be (huned, and Minifters efpecially oueht to carry fo in the manner, as to keep room for the Word in the afteftions of the parries. And we conceive, that multiplying and length-

ning

ningof procefles ( except where there is grave and weighty caufej and the way of mall of members, penitents, or fuch as are to be admitted to Sacraments, which is pleaded for by fome, if it were put in practice, could not but much intangleMiniftcrs, yea, become a more weighty and intolerable burthen to them, than the preaching of the Word: yea, could not but be obftruftive thereto, contrary to the nature of Difcipline, as faid is*

CHAP. III.

Shelving that Chrifts order and ?w**M,Mittb.i S. it to be typed) and What it doth imply.

THe fourth generall concerning proceeding in publick Scandals,which we would lay down, is,that Chrifts order,M*M8. be indifpenfab-ly kept. Which we conceive, being compared with other Scriptures, doth imply thefe things, I. That offences whether they be in Ieffer particulars, or in more grofle things, yet if they be but known to few, are not ipftantly to be brought to publick, (except fome circi;mftance necelTitate the fame for greater edification ) and this order is to be obferved both by Officers and private perfons. It were not therefore unfit, when any delation cometh by an Elder, or complaint by a private Profeffor, to enquire if they had obferved this rule with fuch a party ? and if alone, and with fome others , friendly and rationally they have endeavoured to convince them ? and if not, that they be remitted to follow that way , and if they have done it, It would be enquired, if their fo doing have had no wejght? Or if the perfon hath continued in the offence notwithftanding? If none of thefe can be faid , there is yet no ground for publick tabling of a fcandal: and thU we fuppofe would cut off many needleffe precedes, and prove more edifying*

F 4 *• Ic

2. It is clear from that place, that the offences to be complained of , are not injuries or wrongs to us under that notion as fuch, but what is offenfive in its nature and under that confideration,whether any wrong be intended to us in it or not. Ic is not fuitable to a Church-court to have only perfons complaining of wrongs done to themfelves, as if they be cui fed , defamed, &c. and yet not to take nocice of what is offenfive, as wronging the honour of God , reflecting upon the profeffion of the Gofpel, and really laying a (tumbling-block before themfelves and others. This is to negleft fcandals, and to take notice of flanders> which, as we (aid, differ from thefe- Hence, fuch perfons ordinarily follow their complaints with much bitterneff?, a^d never feek to convince the party privately. We conceive therefore, that fuch direft com-plaints,fo circumftantiate,ought not to be admitted,at leaft* upon that confederation 5 left the Ordinance of Chrift be made fubfervient to mens particular paf-fions and interefts. It is therefore more fit when fuch offences arife, that they be taken notice of abftradtly from fuch complaints, and that in the order that other fcandals are to come in, whereof now we are fpeak-ing. 3. Ic is clear from that order, Mattb. 18. chat when the perfon offending, doth accept of the admonition, there is no mention further to be made thereof 5 yea, it would not be fo much as reported privately, if ic be not other way es known. 4. if that private admonition prevail not ; then is the perfon to take two or three with Kim before it come to the Church, and this is not to be done fuperficially, and for exoneration meerly , but convincingly, and for the perfons edification. Therefore we fuppofe, that this is not to be aft rifled to one time, either in private, or before thefe two or three : for, once fpeaking may be but little ufefull; and feing the Church is to continue in dealing with the perfon before chey give him over an4 proceed > and before they can account that he

hearcth

heareth not them, So ought it to be in the preceeding twofteps, feing the words are the fame. Again, I fay , this would be done convincingly » they would argue ( as the word is) with the offending brother, and not reft fatisfied with fome pafling word or admonition. Further, chefe two or three would be chofen , foas may be moft fit for that purpbfc, and may have moft weight with him, (we think fome Elder, oneatlcaft, or two, were not unfit) and this would be done purpofly , gravely and ferioufly, as the words, Ta{e V>itb tbeel&c, import. All this is to preceed the bringing of a fcandal tapublick,which is tofift here if this prevail. Whence, 5. alfo we may fee, that every fcandal which is known to two or three, is not to be accounted a publick fcandal, and at the- firft inftant to be brought to the Church , be-caufe it is fuppofed, that thefe two or three may have knowledge of the fame fcandal, and yet may it war-rantably never come to publick, if the perfon hear them. It lookech unlike this way to bring fcandals to publick , wherein fcarce two witnefTes can be had. Indeed , after the fault noifed and flaerant, and the preemption is great, and the party lufpeft like, fuch things are publickly to be taken notice of, though the proof* be not fo pregnant. 6. If this do not the bu-finefle, but the perfon continu*ethobftinate> although totneconviftionof thofetwoor three afleffors, the faft be grofle, and the party guilty , then it is to be brought to publick* either immediately by the perfon that was ftumbled,or by an Elder, ( for which caufe, wefaid, it was not unmeet that one of thefe fbould be among the former witnefifes) When it corned! to the Church, we conceive, that with the parties, ic were meet to call fome one, or moe of thofe who v\ ere w itnefles of the private admonition, that the Judica* tory may be informed by them of the cafe, feing probably they may be more irnpartiall than the other. And it will be conduccablc tor attaining

clear-

clearnefle in the thing, to know what hath preceeded, and where it left; and this would make private admonitions and witneffes therein, to have the more weight with men; for, knowing that their carriage at fuch a time would be mad- manifeft to others, ic would have influence to make them at firft more ra^-tionall and fober, if they knew that what they faid then, would afterward be repeated to them before two or three j and what they fpokc before thofe, were to be again impartially reported to the Elderfhip. And we conceive, it is for this caufe amongft others, that Chrift calleth them witneffes , and fuch witneffes, as may eftablifh the matter, which muft bs rather in their teftifying to the Church , than in private accompanying the offended party. For, when a per-fbn bringeth fuch an offence to a publick Judicatory, he muft make out thefe two, |U That fuch a perfon hath actually given offence, 2, That he hath effectually admoniftied him , and he hath not heard him, nor fatisfied him. Now> though the firft be made out by other witneffes, yet the laft cannot be made out but by fuch as were called by him ; and therefore with refpedl to that, they are called tote* nejfes by our Lord, as is faid.

When this is done, the convincing and recovery of the party is yet to be effayed;and for that end,pains are to be taken , with all patience, gentlencffe,and long-fuffering: if that prevail, there is no further pro-cedoiar called-for; if not, then publick admonitions and rebukes are to be added. If nothing prevail, the Sentence of Excommunication is to be added, the ground being convincingly fcandalous in its nature, and clear in its evidence, as was formerly faid; and it will not be found often in a Church where that pro-greffe is keeped, that ic will come to this.

If the offences be of that nature> that a publick rebuke be ncceffary, in refpeft of the circumftances and aggravations thereof, it is not to be negle&ed:

Yet,

Yet, it is not neceffary that every offence that cometh to the Elderfhip , yea > even thefe that are known to many, ihould at all times be brought to a publick rebuke. For, if the Seflional or Elderfhips admonition have weight with the party > what needeth more in reference to him ? And if there be no hazard that others be infc&ed by that deed , or provoked by that example j there is no neceffity alwayes in reference to them, efpecially, where it is known that fuch offences are not paffed. For, that isoneendof publick rebukes, l Tim. 5. 20. That others may fear. Yea, much more we conceive that many offences may be brought the length of publick rebukes, which yet are not to be drawn out unto Excommunication > even though compleat fatisfaSion fecm not to be given. Becaufe> I. that Sentence is not to proceed, but upon weighty convincing caufes, as is faid , 2. Becaufc, if the caufe be convincing, the perfon offending may be cx-|>e6ted fometimes upon after thoughts to admit of con. viftion, though diftemper or prejudice may for a time keep it off, as experience doth prove.

But where the cafe is fuch as hazardeth infeftion to others, and the perfons fuch as are contemptuous and ready to fpread their leaven, as was both in the cafe of the doftrine and deeds of thefe Nicolattans, the Sentence is to proceed, and that more fummarily: I fay, more fummarily in comparifon of what is paft, yet not altogether fummarily ; for, Paul allowech an Herecick to be once and again admoniftied, Tit. 3.1a. And in this Chapter, the Lord giveth Je^tbel rime to repent: and here, thofe corrupt perfons are exhorted to repent br fore He come to fight againft them with the fword of His mouth, ver. c6. which (as we take it) looketh to the fame Sentence. We will not be peremptory to deny what may be done when the crime is atrocious, the evidence palpable , the fcandal gr^at* the contemptuoufneffe of the party, by their former and prefenc carnage, rendering all hopes of

reco-

recovering fodefperate, that there is not Co much as accefle to gee a hearing* and a following of convictions , and the hazard of the fcandal not admitting of delay : I fay > in fuch a cafe * we will not deny what maybe done for the Churches edification more fum-marily; yet we are fure,ordinarily the way laid down is to be fallowed.

CHAP. IV.

Holding forth the frame Wherewith Chttrch*Offi-cers jhould proceed in Qenfure^ And helps towards the fame*

IN the laft placed mmner of proceeding in all this, k efpecially to be looked to, without which all the reft will be weightleffe. Therefore in all the procedure, the Church-officers efpecially would have a zealous, ferious, grave and authoritative manner of carriage, having weight and authority in their leaft looks and words, with all gravity : For, can that admonition have weight with others, thatap-peareth not to have weight with thofe that give it ? Or^canthefcandalous be ferious in hearing, when there is no convi&ion on them, that they are ferious and affe&ed that (peak ? Minifters therefore efpecially, as alfo Elders in their place, would endeavour ferioufly and zealoufly with all tenderneffe to the per-, fon, to expreffe their indignation at> and abhorrency of fuch deeds; as it is commended in Epbefm y ver. 6. that they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. Atid certainly,^ Court of Chrifts ought to look like Him, and like that bufineffe intrufted to them, and to have a different ftamp from other Courts. And there is nothing that weakneth the authority of a Sentence more than the want of this. For helping therefore to it* we propofe, 1. That the converfations of fuch as take notice of Scandals in others* fliQuld be (hining them-

felves,

ielves, There can be no weightineffe without this; becaufe the weight and authority that is to be ftu-diedhere, is that which may be convincing tocon-fciences, rather than compulfivc to the outward man : and upon this ground , it is not the moft honourable and rich that give Church-judicatories moft authority , But thofe who are molt fhining and convincing in their carriage, particularly in reference to this truft: For, though outward place may gain more outward refpeft , yet this cannot but have more weight upon the confeience, which is efpecially to be affefted by this Church-authority. 2. We would beware of founding this authority upon carnal grounds, or to lay the weight of it there, fuch as the power and authority of men ; yea, or upon our own place, parts, or weight: and upon that account ( as it were) to boaft, rather than to perfwade or convince. This fometimes may have weight as to fome outward conformity , but doth ever lofe more of its native weightineffe : Therefore Minifters and Elders in the profe-cucing of this, would lay the weight here, that it is Chrift's Ordinance, and that they ad in Hh Name. 3. They would even in that procedure aim efpecially to deal with confeiences to convince them, rather than to wrangle with corruptions, or to throw the outward man. 4. The Mafters honour would ever bcrefpefted , yea, reverently and frequently mentioned, that all of them may be put and kept in minde that it is His Ordinance, and appointed for fuch an end : and the more room He get in the meeting , the more weight will their procedure have. 5. Mini-fters,and Elders particularly,would pray for tjic blef-fingtoDHcipiine, as well as to the Word; and for the per Ions offending, even thofe that appear to be moft ftuborn , this becometh their minifterial authority well to acknowledge Him, and is the way to have His preferrce in the midft of them, without vvhich they can expeft no weight; and the more He

be

^g A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part 2.

befeen that is the Matter, the more authority will they have who are the Servants. 6. It helps this alfo to have the matter and proofs convincing. Therefore particulars that look (elf-like, or fiding with in* teretts, or fuch as are involved in civil debates and contefts,aretobe(hunned, oratleaft, not to be in-fifted upon : for, readily a convincing weighty matter, will have fome impreffion of it felf upon ednfei-ences. Hence, we will find in Scripture that generally {if not alwayes) publick proceffesare tabled upon fcandals that flow from comrniffions , and that of fuch nature, as is faid. It is true, where an omif-fion is owned, as fuppofeone (houldrefufetopray, or where palpably defended, and is not of infirmity, as idleneffe was 'mTbeJfalonica, 1 Epift. chap. 3. fuch are by their circurnftances rather indeed comrniffions, and fo to be accounted after admonition, and upon juft ground are convincing. 7. There would be weight, gravity, impartiality, (elf deniedneffe, and aflfe&ion kything in every circunttance, that they may look like the fervants of Jdlis Chrift , who are feeking thee good of His people ; and fo foolifh fport-ing and laughing, idle and triviallqueftions, paffio-nate words, heat, or particular and perfonail rcfle-£iions,and the like, are moft derogatory to the authority of a Church^ judicatory, and do mar the weight of any Sentence upon a confeience, as is evident in daily experience, where forneumes Cenfures in their giving and receiving , are, upon me matter, an irreverent taking of the name of the Lord in vain. 8. There would be in all this, an holy boldneffe, and an undauntoned fearlefneffe in refpetf of men. When it cometh to any difficulty , minding the authority of Him whom wereprefent? yet fo, as in this boldneffe, confeience of duty and zeal may both in our own confeiences, and to the convi&ion of others, be the ground , end and motive thereof, and not any car-nail fla(h of paffion or pride, or fit of naturall courage,

rage>which may make Church-offiars look like men, but not like their matter* for,ns H is Kingdom is not of this world in their rcfpe<fts, fo ought His Officers to adminiftrate the fame o:herv\ayes than a worldly authority ufeth to be ; our weapons are not carnalli but fpiriruall, and mighty through God, and therefore as fuch fhould be ufed*

The laft general dire&ion concerning, this, is, that cbutcb-iro-when Scandals are thus to betaken notice of, thiso^cj muli proceeding ought co be with expedition: my meaning be tarrud-is not, that we fhould precipitate contrary to the for- on mtb corner dire&ions 5 But, 1. That after notice of an of--ff#iiw. fence, with all convcnicncy : the firft ftepsof this procedure would be eflayed. 2. That there would not be long intervals betwixt thefe Reps •> although they may be frequently repeated. 3* That perfons would not be kept long under procefle,efpecially they would not have their appearances multiplied, except when it may be for good u(e. The reafons of all thefe, aret 1. Bccaufe when offences are frefh, then often the parties offending, and offended, as alfo others, are moft affc&ed therewith ; whereas, if a long time in-terveen, that edge weareth away, and whatever the clofe be , it provcth not fo edifying to any. 2. Men weary, and fo fall from that zealous, ferious manner of carriage in it that becometh , for our fpirits are foonout of benlall, and that derogateth from the weight of the thing. 3, It proveth irritating and burthenfom to the parties offending, rather than convincing, and fo the end is miffed. 4. It hath alfo influence upon the confuting and burthening of Officers when procefles are multiplied and lengthened, and it cometh fome way to look like mens civil Courts, and that in fuch things as they ufc to be grievous unto thefe who arc necefikate to wait on them.

To clofe this , we conceive it were fit for the authority ot Church-judicatories, the weight of admonition , and the edification of perfons, that there

were

were fome fpecially fee apart for government.although they were fewer: Ami, O chat this might be attained! for, ordinary converfing of Elders in common and ordinary Calling9,doth not a little obfeure the weight of that Ordinance to many, except the converfation of the Elder in fuch things be Angularly convincing: And untill this be attained , there is the greater need for Church-officers to be as little in common bufineffe and difcourfes with thofe over whom they are let, as conveniently may be * that there may be the more ac-ceffe to converfe with them as becometh Officers; and when necefficy calleth to it, there is need of gravity and circumfpedineffe t that it mar not their weight in the duties of their office at any other time. And alfo,Church- officers in their meetings amongft them-Telves, would be alwayes grave and ferious, as being about an Ordinance of Jefus Chrift.

CHAP. V.

Concerning tyfoat u to be done , when offending ferfons give no fatisfaftion,

IF it be asked then, what is to be done > fuppofing perfons not to give any fatisfa&ion, even when they are brought to publick ? This is indeed a difficulty, and will>no queftion, pufle any confeiencious Church-officer ; Yec, we fuppofe, we may clafle fuch offences that are brought to publick in thefe three forts, and then anlwer. I f Some offences are in matters that are lefle horrid and (candalous , and come neerer to fins of infirmity, which yet are fcanda-lous,being continued in,fuppo(e officious lying, angry paffionat words, and fuch like, where thefe are re-peated,the perfons are to be rebuked in fome cafes* yet if they be not contemptuous, or the ills otherwife aggreged , we fee not how there can be proceeding to Excommunication upon fuch grounds, becauie Excommunicato

communication is a chaftifement for fome Angular offenders, and is not for offences that arc fo common* as hath beqn formerly faid. Of this fort may be the* fparingneflc of charity in Church-members,in giving little to the poor, or lefle than proportionally they (hould , though they do not altogether (hut theit; bowels; This may be the objeft of admonition, but we think hardly or Excommunication, except it have groffc contempt with it, and fo hazard of making void* by evil example, the courfe that Chnft hath ap *

pointed for overfeing the poor in His houfe,for which He hath appointed Deacons: and if publick charity upon any pretext were reftrained,that were to no pur-pofe; which certainly highly rcfleSeth on Chrift^nd is a grievous fcandal. We find the Reverend Maftcr &oo\er, part i. cbap.i. pag. 57. lay thefetwoconclu-fions, I. That the Church is to ftint her Members* and determine the quota of their charity and freewill-offerings, and that of her felf. 2. That if after the Deacons private diligence, this be not given in, he is to follow the aftion before the Church. Although we think defeft of charity* in this refpeft, a great fin and an offence, and may be juftly reproved, and the perfon admonifhed that is defective palpably in that which is proportionable to his ability ; yet, that fuch a particular (tint (hould be made by Church-power, and exacted under fuch certification, we cannot yet find to be warrantable. Although we give the Ma-giftratethat liberty, and where he exerceth it nor* we acknowledge mutuall condefcenfion may do much* And we are fure, that if any fuch like thing (hould be found in the Presbyteriall way, it had been charged with tyrannic and encroaching on the place of the Magiftrate long ere now: yet it may be ( when it is Well managed) no great corruption in a Church.

A fecond fort of offences are fuch, as are of them-.felvesgrofle and publick; yet not atrocious, or ag-greged with contempt, fuch as fornication, fome afts G of

of drunkenneffe, and fuch like. The party, I fay> noc being obftinate, but ferioufly acknowledging his faulc, and promifing to abftain and amend > in that cafe there is no ground to proceed to the higheft Cen-fure, though there may be a publick rebuke ; yea, though their acknowledgment be not altogether fatif-fying; yet, if after the publick rebuke, the perfon abftain thefe evils, and renue not the offence , the pro-ceffe is to clofe, and to proceed no further: Becaufo 1. In that cafe it cannot well be faid,that he hath refuted to hear the Church when that abftinence folio weth. 2. The end of a publick rebuke is not al-wayes to be an evidence of the perfons full recovery, But, 1. to be a mean to recover him* 2. It is in it felf a publick acknowledgment of the fault, and a virtuall engagement to abftain. And, ?♦ it hath a warning force and certification with it for the party offending , if he continue in his offence : Now* if he continue not, it cannot be faid that he hath incurred the certification , or made the rebuke altogether ineffectual! : And therefore in fuch cafes , a publick rebuke being accepted, it putteth a clofe unto fuch pro-cefles: for, fuch publick rebukes are not an exerci-fing of the keys for letting-in any to the Church, that was not a member formerly \ and therefore there is not fuch exa&neffe required here , as in the firft admiffion of heathens, yea, or in reftoring of Excommunicate perfons, who have been bound and (hut out, but it is the warning of a member to prevent his being caft out. Seing therefore this rebuke loufeth nothing, there can be no neceffity alleged here of (earching into his acknowledgements or profeflion; ahd we make noqueftion, that offending perfons being rebuked before all, and abftainmg from fuch of-f nces aftetward, were ftill to be accounted Church-members , capable of all priviledges, notwithftand-insofthc former offence. For, although he was offenfive before that rebuke* yet was he no* aftually

bound

Part 2 % c// Treatife concerning Scandal. S3

bound or excluded from any Church priviledgc by that offence(bccaufeoftcnce giveth ground to exclude* if contempt folio w,but doth not a&ually exclude of ic felf) neither doth the rebuke bind and exclude any if no further Cenfure follow and be added thereunto, but is intended to prevent both, And therefore, I fay, that a perfon meerly rebuked for (uch an offence, and not continuing in,or renuing the fame,hath right to all Church-priviledges > feing he is by no Ordinance of Chrift excluded ; and that way of publick rebuking, is appointed to prevent the falling of others, by that occafion-

A third fort of offences are fuch as of their nature arc groffe, and in their evidence clear* fuppofe drunk-enneffe , fornication, grofle fwearing, corrupt er-rours, &c. and the perfon offending,after much pains, doth yet continue obftinate , refufing to hear the Church \ in that cafe the rule is clear to proceed with the Sentence of cutting off, If no accidentall thing call for the fufpending thereof, for refpe& to the Churches good.

If it be asked, when a perfon is to be accounred ob- When U s flinate and guilty of not hearing the Church ? We t er f on t0 be anfwer, It may be in thefe four cafes, 1. When *"*****& the perfons do contemptuoufly refufe, or decline ap- •ty" M ** pearance , that is, either to hear private admonition, or to anfwer for removing ot their offences before the publick Judicatory. This indeed is not to be aflri&ed to once or twice refufing , even when no reafonable excufe can be given: far, fometimes offenders are ticklifh for a time, while their dittemper continuethj and Church-officers would be favourable in admitting of excufes, and in their condelcending to them, (asedification maybe moftfurthered) as Mothers and Nudes will do to children: which (imilitudes the Scripture fometimes ufeth.

2. It is contempt > fuppofing a perfon to appear,

and yet either to juftifie hisotfence* as if it were no

G 2 Wrongj

wrong; or to deny an evident faft , or to rcfufe any * way to remove an offence given. &c. yet in fuch cafes there is both forbearance and gentleneffe for a time to be eflayed, and the offence is to be made in-excufable both to the confeience of the party , and to the confeiences of others*

3. Contempt may appear in this, when perfons offending appear > and do not deny the offence > yet by fuch proud carriage, haughty refle&ing, irreverent expreffions, *nd fuch like , do bewray contempt in the manner of their carriage* and thereby do give more offence than by their former mifcarriage,or than if they had not appeared at all : Becaufe, that doth reproach the Ordinance of Chnftmore , as it were in His prefence to affront Him, and like the foul-diers , to fay, Hail 9 IQng 0) the Je^s 3 and to mock Him.

A fourth thing that may be judged contempt, and not hearing of the Church, is, when a perfon appearing, doth with fome feeming reverence acknowledge the faulc, fuppofe drunkeneffe > (lander , fornication , &c. and yet doth notwithftanding continue in, or frequently reiterate the fame offence, for thefe cannot be judged fins of infirmitie, efpecially when they are fo frequent > and that after admonition; for, the Churches admonition doth not only tend to draw forth an acknowledgement of the offence paft, but to prevent the like for time to come ; and where that is not, it cannot be faid that Chrifts Ordinance hath had weight. And in fuch a cafe, the accounting of verball acknowledgements enough, where there is a continuance in fome feen evils, were to make the Ordinance of Chrift obnoxious to reproach, and to fruftrate it of its end, which is to remove and prevent offences, ( for in that cafe they abound more ) and it would ftrengthen men that could diflemble, to continue in their profanitie, feing by that they might ever efcape the Sentence of Excommunication, and

Part i. A TrcAtife concerning Scandal. $5

fo profane perfons might abound in Chrifts Church to the difhonour of his Name , and the reproach of the Gofpel and yet there be no accefle to riis Officers by His Ordinances to purge them out. And fe-ing this would be ridiculous in any humane Court, to account luch a man a receiver of admonitions, it were ablurd to alTert it here.

If it be asked , what is to be done in cafes where ^ d U ^h*? the offence is not of a more groffe nature>and comcth an °ff €ni * ** neer to a fin of infirmity > and yet hath contempt not t u gro J ' added thereto, in one of theferefpefts ? ityfo.i. WcJ^JJ^S have faid already > that it is hard to ground Excom- ^ ? munication upon fuch a rife : Therefore, 2. Church-officers would warrily deal with fuch offenders, fo as there be no feeming occafion given them to contemn ; and much forbearance, and even a kind of overlooking ( fo far as is confiftent with faithful-neffe ) is to be exercifed in fuch cafes, in reference to fome perfons, for it hath prejudice with it to take notice of fuch Scandals, and thereafter without fa-tisfa&ion to pafie from them, and it is difficult and not alwayes edifying to purfue them: we conceive it therefore more fir, not to take Judiciall notice (at leaft ) of them all, but to continue a ferious and loving dealing with fuch perfons in private, becaufe poffibly more rigid dealing might wrong them and the Church more than edifie, Yea, 3. If it come to publick, frequent trials would be taken of them before it be judged contempt, that fo if it be found necd-full to proceed further , the contempt may Be fo ag-greged, that it may be fecn, that edification requireth the fame to be profecuted, and then it is the contempt that beareth the weight of the Sentence, and not the firft offence ; Therefore this would be fo manifeft, as it may be convincing to the confeiences of all to be infuffcrable.

p^r^-

t$ A Trektife concerning Scandal, Part 2.

CHAP. VI.

Concerning what id to be accomted fatisfattion, or fattsfjwg.

THe great Queftion is? when a perfon doth appear and acknowledge his oftence, ahd fub-mit to a publick rebuke> what is to be judged fatisfying here, to, as a Church-judicatory tmy fift Proceffe, and reft fatisfied and admit the perfon to Church-priviledges, as if the former offence had not been? In anfwering of this, we (hall, firft, fhew What is notfatifsying. Secondly, what is notne-ceflary to be enquired after by a Church-judicatory, for this ecclefialtick fatisfa&ion. Thirdly, wefliall fliew what is neceflary and fatisfying* Then, anfwer a Queftion or two, for abfolving of this. . I* We fay, every v< rball acknowledgement of a Whdthtni f au l Cj even though it have a promife of amending, is *fJ M jt* m notfufficient; for, that may be in two of the cafes fufEcim f#r ^ ormer ^ mentioned, to wit, in a perfon that doth, in makini a ^ ls ^° ^ om ?> but mock the Ordinance; or in a perfon cburcb-ju- cha ^ hath often relapfed after fuch a profeffion, or for dicatory to c ^ e c ' me doth continue in that or fome other groffc fjt *frwjr0. ev *l • * n ^at cafe to account fuch a profeffion of re-eejjeq pentance fatisfying > were to fall in the former incon-veniencies, and would prove a manifeft taking of theNamcof the Lord in vain , which we may gather byffiis. Such a circumftantiat profeffion ought not tofatisfie a Brother in a privat admonition, fo that notwithftanding thereof ( yea, the rather) he ought thereafter to rake two or three with him , as being more offended, and if they meeting with the fame, may put it to the Church, as not being well fatisfied with fuch mockinss s then much leffe ought the Church to be fatisfied therewith, becaufe they do more formally reprelent Jefus Chrift and His Au-thoricy,and therefore mocking* and contempt to them,

is the greater offence. And that place, where the Lord fpeaketh to Peter , LifuiJ* ?. of forgivii g his brother /rtw*riwi*J affcy, and eliewhere. fe^.nty times fi\en times a day y is not to be underftood to ipeak principally of fuch grofle publick offences , or of fuch difcernablc counterfeit turning ( for that is not turning at all ) but of private offences, or of the firft fort formerly mentioned , and alio where there feemeth to be ingenuity in the perfon > otherwife ic were to remove one offence by another; and in that the Lord ordereth men in reference to their private carriage for they ought to forgive wrongs, and doth not regulate Church-a&ings , as judicious £Wvw doth give warning upon the place ; Befide, the cha-flening, and humbling of the offending party, the nlaking of others to fear, and the turning away of the reproach that cometh to Chrifts name by offences, being the great ends of Church-cenfure, by admitting of fuch a profeffion as fatisfying, all of them would be utterly enervated and overturned, which were moft abfurd.

If it be asked, how thisdiflcmbling, mocking pro- How map feffionmay bedifcovered? dnfo. 1. By fbmewhat dijjembliiig palpable in the very prefent geflure, words* cxpre-be tiff* fliotiSj&c. which evidence the fame, and leave no^ f ^' room for chanty ; as when men (as it were) with a word , fay Bail to Chrift > and at the next, Ipit in His face > it iseafic to fay, that their H^i/ was not ferious. 2. By comparing it with a perfons former carriage in fuch a cafe wherein fo much hath been profeffed • and yet he afterward hath been found to be mockingeven in the time of his ptoftffion, his former carriage calleth men, at leaft > not to befoon fa-tisfied, if no difference be. 3. By fome words or cxpreffions in other Societies and Companies, which being vented during the time of this publick profefli-on > and that contrary thereto, cannot but evidence it to be a mocking* And, 4. When the fruit ap-G 4 peareth

peareth to be contrary thereto in a habituall way, as hath been faid. Indeed if there be not convincing evidence of this mocking, but it be doubtfull; or,if a perfon that at one occafion is irreverent, (hould afterward appear more fober, we conceive in that cafe, determination is to be fufpended , till after carriage give more ground of clearneffe, either to the one hand or the other.

CHAP. VII.

? Shewing Vvhat is not neceffary to fitufatiion.

TO the fecond thing , to wit, what is not neceffary, or to be enquired for, by Church-officers to beanecclehaftickfatisfa&ion for removing of an offence* We anfwer, That the faving grace of repentance* or godly fincerity therein in the perfon, is not to be enquired into > as the alone ground upon which they may reft fatisfied. For, i* That would put a Church-judicatory fo far as they could to determine of the ftate and gracioufneffe of every offending perfon before they were fatisfied, which wereabfurd, that not being the obj>6t of Church-difcipline, and it's nowhere to be found that men are called judicially to determine of the ftate of another. z. It would lay this ground, That none (hould be after any offence recovered and admitted to priviledges, except they were thought really to be gracious; which would infer t that none (hould be admitted to the Church, but fuch; yea,tbat none (hould be continued in the Church, but fuch; becaufe readily there are none, but in leffe or more give offence, lb far as may be the ground of a private admonition, which doth once table them: and if nothing can befatisfying fcut what giveth ground to account them gracious, ic would come to that, that men are to be excommunicated becaufe they are not thought to be gracious*

and

and cannot give evidence of that. ?. So every per-fon that were received after an offence, would have a Sentence of a Church- judicatory ftanding to prove them to be converted > which certainly would prove offenfive,'and a (tumbling to many who are too ape to ground prelumption on a lefler occafion. 4. It would put Church-officers upon the rack, and prove a tortour to them : For, U There is no evidence given in the word whereby one may know the gracious eftate of one another infallibly; And (hall that be only fatisfyingto us, which by no means we can know ? 2. God hath not given men dominion over confciences to fearch or cenlure them in their ends, motives> &c. but as appeareth in their outward actions , and there being nothing that can evidence foundnefle in the outward aftioti it felf, becaufe Hypocrites may come that length , it cannot be that that muft be their task, to decide where there is no poffibility to attain to a fatisfyingdecifion. If it be laid, that they are to proceed as in charity they judge the perfon to be (incere , Then we oppofe, procedure in Church-judicatories muft be according to fuch rules as a perlon that judgeth wrong may be convinced that he judgeth wrong, if a wronged party fhould complain; But if the man's own thoughts and charity of fuch a man were the rule* whereby he is to judge, then fuppofe fome Judicatories unwarrantably to admit, or to debar fome, there were no way to convince them that they had judged wrong, becaufe none could judge their fingle-nefle. Again, if it be faid, that that may be gathered from evidences, Then we defire to know what evidence is to charity a fufficient ground to make a man to be accounted gracious, and without which he is not to be accounted fuch ? If there be no fuch evidence, then the decifion lieth upon the perfons judgement and inclination , which falleth in the former inconvenience: If there be fuch evidences,

1. It

go A Trestifc concerning S C A N d A L I Part J;

I. It will be hard to condefcend upon thettu 2. They are either fuch evidences as may be judicially demonftrated to be in fuch a perfon, or not to be in him : If they may be demonftrated to be in him, then it is 110c charity that decideth, but a law, which we will acknowledge when it is difcovered, if they cannot be judicially demonftrated to be in fuch a perfon, or not to be in him; then the redreffing of any corrupt decifion is ftill made impoflible, and there is no more but the conje&ures of fuch mens charity in fuch a cafe 5 Then, how can thefe abfurdities be anfwercd ? As, l, What if fuch Church-officers (hould be partial ? in that cafe their charity will either be too narrow, or too broad , and can that be the rule of procedure in Chrift's Houfe ? and yet Church-officers are men fubje& to fuch infirmities. 2. What if the perfon fhould think himfelf wronged by their accounting him not to be gracious, would that be fuffi-cient to convince himi becaufe they thought fo? and yet ic cannot be (aid, that according to Chrift's order Church-officers (hould Sentence an offending party, and not be able to convince him 5 and he cannot de-monftrate it to them fo as to convince them, and fo it is for ever undeterminable, which is raoft abfiird. What if he appeal to a fupream Judicatory ? how could they defend their Sentence ? Or,what if the fu-periour Judicatory judged him to be fincere? how could one of thefe Judicatories convince the other, if* charity only were the rule ? And yet it cannot be thought, that by Difcipline and Cenfures, which are appointed by Jefus Chrift for entertaining of union, that fuch inevitable grounds of divifion (hould be laid ? Again,could it be but irritating to a perfon judicially to be declared unregcnerate> and would it not afterward both make fuch Sentences, and thofe that pronounce chem to have the lefle weight ? 3* Suppofe in the fame Judicatory fome perfons charity (hould be larger nor others, what is to be done in that cafe?

There

There is no poflibility for one of them to convince the other 3 yea, can it but ftir up new offences ? for, the one of them is ready to judge the other , either unacquainted with fpirituallcondition*, or untender; for, the judging upon the fincerity of grace, required! the exercife of a chriftian and fpiricual difcerning; artd therefore accordingly as it is exerciTed differently, fo are men ready to account of others to be at beft Chriftians of different fiezes: and we fuppofethat in nothing a man's grace hath more occafion to vent than in his uptaking and judging of the gracious ertate of another, becaufe this (uppofes acquaintance and lympathy with, and experience of fincere grace, more than is either in preaching , prayer, or fuch ex-ercifes. And this certainly would be no little Rumbling to Church-officers, to befo frequently put to five triall of their own gracioufneite , whereas if we walk by (etled rules, there is no fuch occafion to (tumble. 4 Do not we fee that one mans charity doth differ from another* and fo diverfemen in the fame extrinfick aftion of judging in a Church-court, fhould have diverfe rules to judge-by in che fame aft, poflibly leading them to judge contrarily, •which were ablurd. $« Doth not oftentimes the fame one mans charity differ from what it was at another time, and he will be more and leffe in extending it according to the frame of hisownfpirit, the dul-neffe or confufion of his mind, or poflibly accordingly as he hath fome relation or obligation to,or prejudice attheperfon, which may fteal-in on his judgment , and ( as it is faid ) blind the eyes of the wife, and pervert the underftanding of the juft, and he really think himfelf (ingle in judging ? And can fuch a fleeting unconftant rule be that which Chrift hath appointed in His Church to order the removing of offences ? 6. Do we not know, that often mens charity, in fnch cafes, is fwayed much by the judgment of fome one or other who is efteemed of ? and fo

this

pi A Trextife concerning Scandal. Part 2.

this way which pretendeth to give moft liberty, doth indeed bind up moft : For, men either in that cafe fatisfie themselves, that fuch a man is fincere, or not, becaufe fuch another faich fo, and fo he goeth on implicitly, noc doing what he doth in faith; or, hr hath his own fufpicions that others do not determine rightly of fuch a perfon's (incerity, and then he is at this ftrait, either to contrary his own light, and ^ooii with the other, or to judge otherwayes, and by (o doing to give out his own fpiritual dif-cerning to be bryond that others, and therefore to judge him for miftakingin it. And contradiftion in this, is not as in other cafes, where only mens moral light and understanding do vary j but herej as we faid» it is in a thing that is moft purely fpi-wall, and peculiar to the People of God onely, whereof naturall men and hypocrites are not capable*

What the Reverend and moft convincing Writer, Mr. Wood , hdtti in his Examination of Mr. £gc-Jyers Little-ftone, to prove that (incerity of true gt^ce is not to be enquired for, as the conftitution or complexion ( as Mr. Locker fpeaketh ) of vifible members in the vifible Church, doth fully make out this alfo ; for, there is the fame reafon againft the enquiring after the (incerity of grace , in rc-fpeft ot the impoflibility thereof in this cafe, as in chat; and there needeth nothing further to be added for confirming of thisi till thofe his pregnant Arguments beanfwered.

CHAP.

CHAP. VIII. Holding forth whtt may be fttirfjing.

THc ahfwering of the third Queftion, to wic f what is to be accounted fatistying, and what-istoberefted on in fuch a cafe by Church-officers > will clear and confirm this more. Before weanfwer, wepremit, I. That a difference is to be made between what is fatisfying to a Church- judicatory, fo as to admit an offending perfon to all pri-viledgesi as if the offence had not been, and whac may be fatisfying to fift further pi occdor, and prevent Excommunication. For,l fuppofc»a perfons fatisfafti-on may not be fufficient as to the firft> which yet may be fufficient as to the fecond, as ( for inftance) it may be thought of Simon Magm , Act. 8. 24. who, after Peter's rebuke, carried fo, as he did not proceed to cafl: him out , yet may he well be efteemed of, notwithstanding of fuch profefled conviflion,not to have had the full priviledge of a Church-member inftantly ; and this may proceed either from the groffeneffe of an offence ( fuch as that was) or theunfatisfyingnefTe of a perfons fatisfa&ion, or both; in which cafes edification requireth fome time oftriall, before there be a proceeding either to an off-cutting, or to admitting to the former liberty. 2. We would diflingifh ( which is fib to the former) between that which is rot fully fatisfying, and that which is altogether dif-fatifying % for there may beamids, as fuppofe, that a man by filence (hould accept a reproof; or ia words and carriage expreffe fomething which neither doth fpeak fenoufneffe, nor mocking, We fuppofe k is hard inftantly to judge that perton either to be ol>-ftinate, or yet to have full accede to all Ordinances. To the Qyeftion then wc anfwer that for full fatif-

faftion,

fa&ion, fo as to have accefle to all the privileges* there is requifit a fiber, ferioui acknowledgement of the offence with the expreflion of an unfeigned-like pur-pofe to walk inoffenlively, efpecially in reference to thefe former offences; and where this is, we fay, it is iufficient. When we fpeak ofa fiber Jenom acknowledgement we fpeak of it as it ftandech contradiftin-gtufhed upon the one fide from fincere grace j for,one may have this, and not have that: And, as upon ihe other fide, it is diftinguiihed, not only from grofle contempt and profane mocking > but from grofle dif-fimulation appearing to be luch, or from carnall in-difterencic and unferiouihefle. By Divines, thi* is called morall feriotifnejje, or fincerity, ( as it is diftin-guifhed from that which is gracious ) and uiually is in lubtilelegall hypocrites, and (ometimes may be in fome grofle perfons in fits. It cannot be better ex-prefled , than it is by the forementioned worthy Author Mr* Wood, part. I. pag. 30 that is > That 'tobicb is not openly and dtfcemably JimuUte, hiflrionic^ fee-nically and bypocrtticall inthathpocrifie *tokubugroJ$e : but all circumjlances being confidereu , by tobtcb ingenuity u eftimate amongft men, giving credit one to another , there appeareth no reafon Xbby the man may not and ought not to be efleemedydA to the matter 9 to thinly andpurpofe as be fpeafytb from V\t>b*tfie\>er babttuall principle it doth proceed, viz. whether from a faVmg principle, or "tobe-tberfrom a common operation of the fpint only, Thus far he. How morall ^ lt ^ e asked, how this ferioufnefle may be difcern-femufnefle c &. * c ma Y be again enquired, How ufeth a man to my be ii(- be thought ferious in his purfuit after any thing > I sernii* grant, this is not only to be gathered from his words, or carriage poffibly at one time, But, will not ferioufnefle, even in a particular, kyth in a mans manner of urging it ? 2« It kyths in a mans ufing of fit means for attaining of it, which are luitableto that end* J* By his carriage, abftaining from fuch things

as

as may any way make his profcfliontobefufpeft-likc. And, 4. not doing this for a day, or upon a particular occafion, but for a time continuing con-ftant and inftant therein , with fuch affedionatenefle and earneftnefle in the circumftances that are necefla-ry, that whatever be the motive that fwayeth fuch a man, ycuhat he appeareth to be morally ferious and through in the thing, cannot be denied, So in this cafe, often there may be a conviftion that perfens are ferious, and are affefted fo, that we may expe&they will endeavour really the preventing of fuch an offence , and yet we may not be able to judge them (b convincingly fincere, becaufe to that there is more required, to wit, a new decifion whether that feri-oufnefle, be morall only, or gracious, according to - the principles, ends, motives, ice. which cannot be fo evidenced externally, as fenoufnefle in the general! may be.

If any fay, that charity ought to judge fuch a man 7 r a mw fincere, feing it can have no more? dnf. 1. What may ^ flr/ ,;/ be a perfons privat thoughts upon thefe grounds we fkould judge are not to determine; we only fay, that this acknow- a ferfon to ledgement comcth not to be judged by a Church- be ftveere, judicatory upon that account. And , Secondly. wboU tbm Thefe who defire more for the conflicting of Church menttj (** members, require befide this, evidences of the work ***** of grace upon the heart, and exprcflions and narrations to that purpofe. And indeed if the accounting of a perfon to be gracious and fincere, were the alone .

account, upon which a perfon were to be admitted or rcftored to an aftuall right to the Ordinances» fuch a ferious profeflion would not be fufficient for the convincing of Church-officers of a perfons graciouf-neffe even probably ; for that which is to be accounted a probable figne of faving grace,muft be that which though it doth not alwayes hold and be convincing, yet for the moft part doth fo; for if it doth more ordinarily faihhanhold, it cannot be called probable*

but

but experience in all times will confirm this,that more frequently fuch a profeflion faileth , and afterward the perfon is found not to be gracious; therefore it cannot be a probable figne,. nor are wt to account it fuch: we fuppofe, that if all the Churches of Chrift that have been gathered , and all the penitents that have been received, were compared together . it will be found, that there have been many moe hypocrites than fincereBelievers, yetinthefe cafes this ferious profeffion was called for* And, though it might be pleaded, that charity may conftruft the belt of a per-Ion, where the cafe is doubcfull, yet (to fpeak ab-ftra&Iyof a fiene) to account that a probable figne of Gncerity, and fuch which ought to fway charity to account a perfon gracious, when yet it is clear in reafon , that fuch a fign is ordinarily but an indicium or evidence of moral fincerky,but not of faving grace, were againft reafon ; for* even in bodily difeafes, that cannot be counted a probable figne of health, to ground a judgement of fuch a perfons livelineffe, with which many moe do die than recover. Nfor can it be called uncharitablncffe, becaufe the prbteffion is not fo accounted > for, it is charity here to account the perfon ferious ? and to think as he faith, and not be aiffembling therein, although it be not impoflible for a diffembler to come all that length in outward evidences and profeflion. But to believe that he is indeed fo, as he faith, or thinketh , is not a thing which Charity is bound pofitively to conclude , but* at the moft, by judgeing nothing to the contrary to forbear any judgeing of the panic till time evidence more afterward. And* I fuppofe, there are few who have experience > but know that there are many cafes wherein they are fully fatisfied to judge the perfon ferious » and yet dar not determine of their fincerky and gracioufneffe > yea, even as to the probability thereof, although they dar not deny but it is poflible; Yet durft they not found a Sentence of abfolution

upon

upon that as fuch , to their own /atisfa&ion , although upon the former account chcy can : whi< evidently (heweth that thefe two confederations may be feparated.

Hence, the firft doth follow, that whatever be a private perfons account of iuch a ptofeflion , yet ic is not confidered by the Judicatory as the evidence of fincerity in their being latisfied with it: Bccaule, I. It can be no evidence thereof, as is faid ; and we would be neceflitated then to fay , ( if fincerity were the account upon which a Church-judicatory were to be latisfied ) that either they behoved to have that evidence proven, and made t vident to them , or they behoved to proceed, without any certain* yea,or probable evidence : for, certainly, that which giveth a Judicatory warrand to proceed to declare a per(bn to have right to any priviledge , mult both be a thing that is relevant in it felf, and evident in the proof thereof, in reference to that party ; But> none of thefe can be faid: Therefore the judging fuch a thing to be fincere>is not the account on which they proceed. This cannot be faid to be a certain proof of fincerity, yea, none will deny but it is difficult, if not impoflible, for one to have infallible proof of an others fincerity; Then it muft be faid , that it is but a probable proof that can be given of finceritity. To which we reply, I. That this profeflion formerly defcribed , cannot be called fuch, as hath been fhown , So it would follow, that a Church-judicatory doth account a man fincere, and doth admit him to fuch priviledgcs as they ought to admit only fuch unto > and yet it was not made fo much as probable to them that he was fuch* 2. Although it did probably evidence him to be fuch > yet that were not enough, if that were the alone account upon which they were to proceed, be-caufe no judicial! procedour in determining a mans right, will go upon probabilities, becaule the Law decideth not upon a probable, but upon a real right:

H and

p8 Part 2. A Treatife concerning Scandal;

and indeed,if in this cafe fincerity were the ground of procedour , no man could judge but doubtingly and upon conjecture, and fo could he not have peace afterward , becaufe it wasftill uncertain to him whether he had determined warrantably or not: yea, if itfhould befaid, ( which yet will n6t be lufficient) that it may give a man peace, it in his charity he account the perfon fincere> although indeed he be not fo: this will not quiet the mind, becaufe I put no queftion but experience will teach any that are tender, that there are many cafes, that if they were put to it, they durft not > even according to their own charity and opinion ,determine of a perfons fincerity, fo as to take upon them a decilion in that, either by determining of the perfon to be fincere or not, and fo of his admiflion or fcclufion to, or from Church-ordinances and priviledges.

2. The account upon which we admit, and the proof thereof alfo f rauft be proportionable and op-pofit to the account and proof upon which we debar: for, binding and loofing are both of the fame nature, afts of the fame power, in reference to the fame end, and the one of them anfwercth to the other* Now, when we bind a man for a Scandal, I. It is not accepted as a ground of binding, untill it be proven and made evident, and not probably only, Therefore nothing can be the account upon which we can loofe but that which may be evidently proven alfo *, for, it looketh not fuitable-like to bind a man upon clear evidence* and to exclude him from a right, and to admit him again, only upon probabilities and preemptions , much leffe where the proof doth not amount fo high. Again, 2« When a perfon is (hut out, he is not (hut out upon the account that he is un-renued, or upon the account that fuch an aft was not fincere. or that he appeared to be fuch, But he is (hut out, becaufe it was fcandalous to others, and unbecoming the Gofpel, even though the perfons

fincerity

Part 2. ATredtife concerning Scandal. ^p

finccrity (hould not be queftioned : Therefore, by the rule of contrariesi it followech, that it is not fincericy which is the account upon which Church-officers are to loofc.

If ic be asked then , under what notion, or upon whac account that morall ferious profeffion is to be accepted as fatkfying ? Weanfwer, upon this account , as it is apparently ferious and edifying, without determining whether ic bz fincere or not, but as convinced that by fuch a profeffion the prejudice and offence that came by the former mifcarriage* and left a blot upon the Church , and a ftumbling-block before others, may be removed. So, that as it was unbecoming a Church-member to commit fuch a fcan-dalous fin, So now by fuch a ferious profeffion > that blot of making Chriftianity to be accounted a fottering of profanity is wiped away» that ftumbling-block of his example is taken out of the way, fo that this profeffion may be edifying to prevent the (tumbling of any other upon his Scandal, and the accepting thereof may look like a hopcfull mean of edifying the perfon for the time to come $ and recovering of him from that fnarehe was into; and fo as his fcandaldufneffe in thefe refpetts was the account upon which he was aftually , or was to have been Sentenced, So oppofitly thereto this ferious profeffion having a proportionable edification , or of it fclf a. tendencie to edifying, in all the refpe&s mentioned going alongft witn it, it is the account upon which it is accepted as fatisfying, without determining of the fincerity thereof > leaving the perfon to anfwer before God for that> and 1 before men to hing forth fruits meet for repentance, which was Johns way in dealing with fuch as came to his Baptifm, Matth. 3. upoi; whofe fincerity we chink its clear that he did no way decide; but of this enough : We copne to confirm our anfwer.

For confirming of this, to vvk> that fuch fober and H 2 feriorfsf

that thk ferious profeflion of repentance , isfufficient with-tnorall (eri- out further enquiry after che gracioufneffe of the fin-wfneffe is cerity thereof , We may confider thele grounds , (efficient, J# If fa^ a profeffion be diffident for admitting confirmed, members to the Church , Then fuch is alfo fufficient for the removing of offending members and continuing them in their former priviledges * for, no reafon can be given why there (hould be greater rigidity for readmitting to the aftuall ufe of Church-priviledges, aChrittain after he hath fallen in drunkeneffe, fornication, &c. than was requifit for the admitting of a Heathen, poflibly guilty of thefe fame (ins befide; But the firft is true.as is irrefragably and convincing* ly demonftrated by the forementioned worthy Author Mr. W90A. Ergo, &c.

2. ft may be fuppoled, that a gracious man, of whofe gracioufneffe there is no qucftion in the charity of any, doth fall in fome Scandal, what is to be ac* counted fatisfying in him? muft be fatisfying in others. Now, it is not any conviftion of the gracioufnefle of his ftate that can be fatisfying in this cafe, nor yet is that the account upon which we can proceed, becaufc that is never queftioned even when he is under the offence. If it be (aid, it muft be the fincerity and gracioufnefle of his particular aft of repentance. Jtnfo. i. It is difficult to give^ judgement ot the ftate of tly perfon, but more difficult to give judgement of the gracioufneffe of a particular aft. 2. Suppofe fuch a perfon had a particular acknowledgement fo circumftantiated as is formerly defcribed in this mo-rall fincerity > would not that be fufficiently fatisfying ? And if it be fatisfying in one» in reference to a particular offence , why not in another? Becaufc,

1. There is one rule given by Jefus Chrift to all.

2. The removing of one offence relateth to the offence given y and not to the ftate of the perfon who gave it. Therefore if that fatisfaftion be fufficient to remove

0 that particular offence in one, it muft alfo be fo in reference

ferenceto another , becaufe the queftion here, is not what may be iufficient to evidence a perfoij to be gracious , but what may be fufficient in a perfon to remove fuch a particular offence ? If it be (aid, that it is accepted of that gracious perfon as fatisfying, becaufe he is accounted to be gracious, it may ftill be urged , The Qjeftion is not > whether thepeifon be gracious, but whether that aft of repentance of hisDe fo, ornot? for, it cannot be denied, but a gracious perfon may have afts of hypocrifie > and in particular afts be carnall: either then fuch a perfon ♦muft be excluded though he be gracious, and in this refpeft ferioufly doth profefle repentance, which were hard to do; or, he muft be upon that profeffion admitted , and fothat muft be fufficient for Church-fa-tisfaftion, as is faid.

g. That which ought to fatisfie a Brother in private , or after his taking of two or three witnefies with him, and which may be accounted a hearing of a private admonition ; that fort of repentance ought to be fatisfying to the Church-officers: Becaufe, tell the Church y fucceedeth to the contempt of private admonition , and therefore they are to obtain by their interpofing of authoritative rebukes, what the other did not obtain , and fo they are to reft fatisfied when that is obtained* as the gradation, Matth. 18. is clear, hearing of the Qhmch, being in refpeft of the tffefts, that fame which hearing of the private admonitions •

is, to wit, the obtaining of fatisfadticn. But the former is true, to wit, a Brother ought to reft fatisfied with fuch a fober ferious prefeflion and acknowledgement as giveth him ground to judge him really affected for his offending, and under a purpofe to ab-ftain and amend for the time to come : and who will fay, that a Brother in fuch a cafe can rationally complain of an other, as not having had his admonition ? So, neither can the Church proceeed further when her admonition hath that weight > feing there had been H \ l no

ho acceffe for her judicially to have admouifhed, if fo much had formerly been obtained : and if it may be (aid , that fuch a private admonition <o fuccesfull, did gain the offending Brother, Is not that fame to be (aid of the Churches admonition having that fuc-ceffe ? and when he is gained, are not they to reft fa-tisficd? and yet we (uppofe, that none will fay, that by gaining in that place, real converfion is intended, and that a private Brother (hould infift to the utter-moft, till he be latisficd in that,

4- We may argue thus: If fuch a profcflion, and a perfons amendement in the manner fpoken, be the hearing and gaining that is intended, Mattb. t8. Then are Church-officers to be fatisfied therewith ; But the former is true, as appeareth thus, The Churches fa-tisfa6tion muft be in refpeft to her fpeaking , her fpeaking to the party muft be with refpeft to the complaint made to her by a particular perfon ; that com-plainr,again,muft have relpeft to what offended him, which is fome particular a6l having offence with it; and it was not the ungracious ttateofthe perfon, (for Co the word, If thy brother offend tbee&e. import-cth) Now,from the firft to the laft.fuch fatisfa&ion as is described, may be fatisfying in reference to fuch a particular offence, and be fufficient for removing the fame, andreftoringthe perfon to the efteem and condition which formerly he was into, And therefore ins to be accounted as fatisfying by the Church. And if more were to be enquired for, it were to make the fatisfa&ion beyond the offence, which were unjuft;

5. That which may be accepted as a fatisfaftioft from an Heretick, as the fatisfying fruit of a publick admonition, cannot be refufed as fatisfattion in other cafes; for, if circumfpeflneffe and rigidity be to be ufed in any cafe, it is in this: But a ferious acknowledgement of an error , and an abandoning of it indeed , is to be accepted for Church*fatisfaftion from an Heretick, and as the fruit of an publick admonition,

on, and he in that refpeft is fuppofedto be gained: ErgOt&c. That this is to be accepted from him, may be gathered from TU t 3. io. A man that u an benticl^, rejett after the jirjl and fecond admonition. Where th« fe things are clear, 1. That an Herctick that continued foi and heareth not the Church, is to be lc/e&cd. 2. That an Heretick renouncing his errors after admonition , and not continuing fuch , is not to be rejected , and fo is not to be accounted an Herctick or under that fcandalof herefie, and therefore his dif-claiming of it, is to be accounted fatisfying as to the Church-orificers ; otherwayes, it would follow , that although he renounced his herefie in that ferious and morally fincere manner, yet were he flill to be dealt with a* fuch by the Church, except they were fatif-fied in the fincerky of his grace, which is contrary to Paul's direction, and the end of that publick admonition : which is not given him becaufe of his unre-nuedftatci but becaufe of his herefie. Now, that being taken away and fatisfied by his fubmifiion, the admonition muft be acknowledged to be fatbfiedt andfohe is neither to be dealt with as an Heretick, nor as obftinate, but as one who hath heard the Churches admonition.

6. From the iTbeff* 3. 6,14, i$ t we may gather the fame : for we have thefe things cle?.r > 1. That th*re were fomc there who walked dilotderly as to fome particular a&s. 2. That the Apollle account-eth that diforderiy walking to be fcandalous > and judicially to be taken notice of, if it be net removed, And, 3. what that fatisfs&ion is which removeth the fame, i> expreffed by him, ver. 14. If a man °^ e y not our x»ord bjf this epijlh* ($*c< So that it was afctuali amending of what was fcandalous, and thereby giving obedience to his direction, which was fo to be accounted. And in that cafe, a brother offending, was neither further to be noted, nor to be efteemcct fcandalous, without any further enquiry to be had of H 4 the

thegracioufneffe of his ftate , or the principle ends or motives of his obedience.

7. It may appear thus, That which may remove reproach from the Ordinances , and offence in reference to theie that ate without, is to be accounted fa-tisfying, becaufe that is one of the ends of Difcipline to (top the mouths of fuch as are without: Now as it is not any thing within,or the wantoffincerity which doth offend them, and open their moutbs,So this morally fincere and reail change, (to fpeak fo) is fuffici* ent to fati^fie them, at leaft, it cannot be faid that they can reach further. This argument alone we acknowledge might not feemto be cogent, yetconfi-dering, chat what is offenfive, is fome externall thing having a proportionable offenfivcneffe> both to thofe that are within , and alfo to thofe that are without, and a thing is offenfive, becaufe it is apt to offend fuch. There ought therefore alfo a proportionablncffc to be between what removeth an offence in reference to both. differences 8. If we confider the proper objeft > nature and between the end of the key of Difcipline > as it is abftraftly confi-fa/ of Do- dered, as contra-diftinft from the key of Dofitwne, Urine and we will find that no more by it can be expe&ed. For, iDifctylm, 1. its proper objeft is fomewhat, that is fcandalous, and fo it reacheth only to reftrain, regulate, and judge the outward man, or fomewhat in the outward converfation firftly , though the fruit of that hath a further look mediately. The key of Do<5trine again, or the Word reacheth in, and becometh a judge of the thoughts and intents of the heart; and to make Difcipline judge the inner-man , in this refpeft, were to confound thefe two keys which the Lord hath made diftindt: andtherfore, if Difcipline have any influence upon the inner-man favingly, it is but mediately by condemning his outward practices, and him as fuch, or making of dire&ions, reproofs, &c. in the Word,morc weighty, t. The key of Difcipline doth ' * ' only

only (hut from outward privileges, and doth no* (hut from any fpintuall interett inChrift, but as i c concurreth to confirm fomc threatninginthe Word> which debarrcth many from laving promifes and the things contained in them > which Difcipline may admit to outward privilcdge*. 3. There is a difference* in refpeft of abfolucion alfo, to wit, the Word when it abfolveth , it doth abfolve from the cm fe of God, and giveth acceffe to the promifes, and a title to the things promifed ; Difcipline again> doth but abfolve from outward Cendires and reftraints, and doth but give right to Church-priviledges. 4. There are different conditions and qualifications upon which thefe two keys bind and loofe : for, the Word openeth to none but upon condition ot fincere faith and repentance , and abfolveth none but reall Believers, pronouncing all unbelievers to be under thecurfe ; Again, Difcipline (asfuch; cannot (hut out men fromexternall priviledp.es, becaufe they are not rege-nerate>and fincerely gracious , and fo in that refpeft, it muft have a different condition of (huting men out, or it muft corifider them upon another account, in excluding them from Church-priviledges, than the Word doth in excluding them from faving promifes, to wit, it confidereth them as fcandalous, and unbecoming the Gofpel whatever their ftate be, and fo it may cenfureBelievers, as the key of Dodtrine may (hut out the moft fubtile hypocrite which the other cannot reach. Therefore alfo muft it be a different account upon which Difcipline doth admit, or re-ftore men to outward priviledges, and abfolve men from outward Cenfures, than that upon which the Word doth admit to faving priviledges. And feing this laft is fincere faith and repentance, the other muft have fomewhat different from this, upon the account whereof it doth give right, which can be no other thing than the moral fincerity mentioned. 5. Upon thefc differences follows another (which doth confirm

firm all the former ) to wit , a divcrfity that is in the manner of binding and looting by thefe two keys; for, when a Minifter ufeth the key of Do&rine , he doth exclude from heaven and faying priviledges but conditionally, and he can warrantably exclude no particular profeffour abfolutely ; So no Minifter can abfolve abfolutely, by the key of Do6trine, but conditionally, to wit, if the pcrfon bclieveth that he fpeakcth unto ; for, it runneth on thefe tearms> If thou believeft, thou (hale be faved. But, again, in the exercife of the key of Difcipline it isnoc (o, no Church-judicatory doth debar a man from priviledges conditionally , if he believe not, but abfolutely he is debarred becaufe of fome prefent fcandal 5 and although the perfon were or (hould become a real Believer, yet he continueth bound from outward priviledges by the key of Difcipline, untill that fcandal be removed: So when they receive any into Church-communion, they do not abfolve them from their former Cenfure, and give them right to Church-priviledges upon condition they believe, but abfolutely that Cenfure is removed, and they are admitted unto thefe priviledges.

If it be asked, What is chc rcafon of this difference betwixt thefe two keys? Jnfto. Itis>firft, becaufe the ground upon which we loofe and bind with the key of Difcipline, is fomething obvious to men's view, wherein they may warrantably judge and proceed , and therefore that is done abfolutely : But in the key of Dodtrine it is not fo; for, men cannot tell who really believe, and who not, and it cannot by judicial proofs be made-out, Therefore they cannot bind or loofe but conditionally. Secondly, God hath committed the outward man to be the objedt of Difcipline, but the inner man and confeience is re-ferved to the Word and Do&rine, and men have not gotten authority over confeiences arid hearts; There-Fore what concerneth the outward man, and outward

ward priviledges,may be determined absolutely* Buc what concerncth the confcience and inner man only conditionally, becaule He hath referved the abfolutc decifionofthattohimfclf, Therefore there isafixth difference aHo. The word may and doth bind indefinite that is, perfons fo and foqualified, without making application in binding or loofing to individual perfons, and doth not fo bind or loofe but conditionally, as is (aid ; But Difciplineftriketh at individual perfons, and as fuch, doth not otherwayes affeft : for, fuppofe an indefinit Sentence of Excommunication, againft perfons fo qualified > to be pronounced , it doth debar none from Church-privi-ledges,as ic is luch;and for what influence it hath further, it is as it cometh under the key of do&rinc,which doth bind or loofe luch, but not as it is under the key of Discipline, and that for the reafons mentioned.

Fromthefe grounds we may fee how warrantable and neceffary it is to put difference betwixt laving grace, which is the condition upon which the key of Doftrine abfolveth, and ferious profefiion, and a fair inoff Mifive carriage, which is the condition upon which the key of Difcipline abfolveth : And we may fee alfo what abfurdities would follow the confounding ot thefe. And indeed we fee no other way how theie t wo keys may be kept diftin<ft, but this.

To fum up this> from what is (aid, we may>ninth-ly, conclude , If every fimulat profefiion be not fuffi-cient,and if gracious Sincerity be not to be enquired for, Then this morall fincerity and amendment is to be accepted as fatisfying, and that which properly Church-judicatories are to enquire in, for a fourth cannot be conceived.But the former is truth.^V^tsX

Laftly, That which was fatisfying for giving ac-

cefle to the Ordinances amongftthe Jews after un-

cleannefle, muft be fatisfying now for removing of

' offences; Buc fuch a ferious profefiion was fatisfying

then: For, 1. it cannot be denied that there was a

fepa-

feparatingof fome for uncleanneffc from the Ordinances ; and it is at large and ftrongly made-out by that learned vindicatcr of Church-government and Difcipline, Mr. Gillejpie, that there was feparation for moral uncleannefle; But however, ceremonial uncleanntfle did then prove ground enough of ex-clufion, becaufe fo the Law of God had appointed it, even as now He hath appointed other grofle fin-ners tobecaft-out. 2. It is clear. That there was fome fatisfadtion required, as wafhing, offering of Sacrifices, and fuch like, before they could be admitted. 3. It cannot be faid, that a mocking, palpable, irreverent manner of performing thefe things would have been accepted by thePrieft, but would have been more offenfive; nor yet can any fay, that enquiry was made after their end, principles, or gra-cioufnefle of their aft > So the affumption is clear : Neither can the connexion of the minor be denied, if weconfider, 1. That there was nolefle moral holi-Siefle called-for from the Jews, than from us* 2. That mere was as great external ftrifitnefle for keeping-up Ine fanftity of external Worfhip. 3, If weconfider that their Ordinances and ours are materially the fame. 4. It we confider that Chrift, even in refpeft of the external adminiftration of His Kingdom and Discipline, is not more rigid or reftrifted in His admitting to priviledges now, nor then, yea, that He is even in that more condefcending to us under the days of the Gofpel. 5. If we may reafon from the Lord's manner of admitting unto His Church then, to His admitting unto the Church now upon the fame qualifications that were fatisfying then, Then we may alfo conclude from what was fatisfying then for the admitting of perions excluded, unto the admitting of them now; and this is fully made- out, befide others, by worthy Mr. Wood, in that fore-cited folid and learned Treatife, and before hirot (to which he re-lateth) by learned Mr. Baxter , in his difpute with Tombs, CHAP.

Parti. A Tre4t$jeconcerm*gs caudal. < xoj

CHAP. IX.

Concerning What is to he done ,tt hen men appear neither ferioHs nor obftinat.

]T may be now asked, Whac is to be done in reference to thofe who, after fome grofle offence, can neicher be counted thus ferious, nor yet obftinat ? Anf* Such cafes may be frequent; Concerning which we fay, i. That it is neither fit altogether to abfolve them, as being fully fatisfied, nor yet to proceed to thehigheft Sentence with them, nor to leave them altogether without a rebuke. But>in the fecond place, we fay. That it is fie to proceed to rebuke them according to the direftion, iTim. 5. 20. Becaufe, I. This rebuke may be a mean, through God's blefling, to humble them,and to reftrain fuch an offence. And, 2. it is alfo ufefull in reference toothers, although the mans own carriage and acknowledgment be not every way (atisfying; for, theApoftle's direction to rebuke him openly, doth refpeft more the offence paft and the fruit that may follow to him and others, than any prefent (atisfying frame in the perfon to be rebuked.

When it is found meet thus publickly to rebuke, How U a the circumftances and manner are to be adverted to, fubltc^ rem I. Although the defigning of a particular place be Mpto be not in it felf heceffary , nor in every cafe expedient* £ IVC71, yetforthefolemnity of the reproof, it is notunfuit-able, it being fuch as is rather accommodated for the edification of the whole Congregation, than other-wife pointed at as a place of pennance or punifh-ment, or yet as a mark of reproach, and fuch like, which wrongeth the nature of Chrifi's Ordinance; And circumftances would be fo orderci as the appearance of that may be efchewed. 2. It would be gone about vvkh much gravity and reverence in rc-

fpeft

fpeft of all chat arc concerned. The Minifter efpeci-ally is to carry weightily and authoritatively, having words fitted for the edifying of the Coneregation, the humbling of the perfon, the convincing of both, and for the credit and weight of Chrift's Ordinance before all; The party rebuked would minde whofe Ordinance it is, and befuitably affe&ed as the receiving of a particular rebuke from Jefus Chrift doth call-for; The on-lookers alfo would be grave, having re-fpeft to Chrift's Ordinance, tenderneffe to the perfon offending, but indignation at the offence ; and this would be teftified by their carriage, fo as thereby the authority and folemnity of all may have the deeper ftamp upon the perfon. And for attaining of this, fomething would be gravely fpoken to the hearers, as their ufe thereof, according to the cafe ; and it may be, that fome addreffe to God in prayer together, in reference thereto, before or after the rebuke* would not be unufefull for that end. If it be dU If it be asked, if fpeaking in publick by the perfon wow necef* rebuked be al wayes neceffary ? dnfto* 1 . Although fary that the j c ma y be 0 f cen u fefull and expedient, yet in ordina-iffenda r y re bukes, for ordinary fcandals, where no contempt w ca v hath preceeded , we conceive it not fimply neceffary, I, Becaufe, though the rebuke be clear in the Word, yet is not this by the fame evidence , alwayes required. 2. Their appearing to receive it, hath an implicit affent to, and acceptation of it. ?. The effe6l of the rebuke is rather to be gathered from their after carriage, for it hath with it an obliging weight to them, and a virtual! certification before the people* whether they expreflc any thing or not- Befide, every one cannot edifyinglv (peak, and in that cafe* the Minifters rebuke is appointed to edifie others* and to remove that offence from them.

Yet thereare two cafes efpecially wherein wc think this is expedient and neceffary unto edification, i. When either by the atrocity of fome offence > or

cjoti^

Part 2. -* Treattjectnccrmng b c a n d a l . xu

continuance in contempt > a pcrfon hath been in pro-cefle towards Excommunication; or, when there is a relapfe after a former rebuke : in fuclvcafea it is for the edification of the people* to know upon what grounds the ERTcrfhip doth fift from proceeding j And engagements publickly and explicitly taken on before a Congregation, are often more weighty to the perfon. And if there be a failing,^hcreis the greater evidence againft them for after proceeding.

i. Suppofe there hath been fome Sentence binding or (huting out the perfon formerly , in that cafe , we conceive, fpeaking in publick to be ncceflary for confirming the people in their love to him agaiu, which was hazarded by his former evident fall ; and an implicit accepting of a reproof is not fuftkient in fuch a cafe.

There may be alfo other cafes, as fuppofe one hach been carried away with error > which he hath frequently vented before men, or in fome fuch cafe where it may be edifying to have it from the parties own mouth > efpecially if the perfon be in luch a frame, or of fuch ability, as by fo doing he may edi-fie. But this is to be decided by the prudence of the overfeers.

If it be asked again , how is he to be accounted of hw h an after this rebuke ? We anfwer, Even as by fome offender to competent continuance of time, he doth difcover the be reckoned ferioufneffe>or unferioufnefle of his profeflion, So that */w * rc-if he relapfe, he is the more inexcu fable, and to be MP-proceeded with in due manner: but if he take up himfelf, and carry to the view of others ferioufly, he is not to be accounted as fcandalous, becaufe it cannot be faid > that he hath refufed to hear the Church in that publick admonition : and a publick rebuke doth not of it felf bind any and (hut them out as fcandalous, (yea, it giveth not ground for it, if ob-ftinacy followeth not) but if it be hearkened unto,and received» it doth prevent that, it being a right fatil-

fying part of Chriftianity to admit of, and to improve a rebuke. Yet we think it incumbent to Church-judicatories,after fome competent time,to enquire in the after carriage of (uch, and io accordingly to determine, whether they have fatisfyingly accep* ted of the admonition, or not. And that therefore the perfon fo rebuked, ought to have fuch a Sentence before he can plead full admiffion to all priviledges, if at the time his profeflion was not fatisfying. This is ufefull for the prrfons behove > when he knoweth he is ftill to be looked upon in a fpeciall manner , as a fickly member of the body. And it is alfo agreeable torealon ; for, if when a private perfon giveth an admonition he be to judseof the fruit of it, whether it be fatisfying ; and if the Church-judicatory, when they admonifh judicially,be to weigh, whether the effc&s be fatisfying or not: So by the like reafon, when an admonition is publickly given > ought they to enquire what hath followed, and if that be fatisfying or not* | If an offence ^ xt ^ £ a5 ^> ^ in no ca ^ c an offender may be may atfirti ^ rou Sht immediately to publick , but by the former injlant be ^ eps > anc * u P on /uppofition that thefe be fruitfeffe ? bnugkt to ^ n f* 't may be in thefe two or three cafes, 1. When tuMcfa c he offence > being of a grofle nature, is publick and open, fothat many are in hazard to beinfe&ed, in that cafe a private rebuke ^would not be fufficient : Becaufe, refpert is to be had to the good of others* And fo in fom* cafes, even though as to the perfons ownconvi&ionand carriage, a Church-judicatory may be fatisfyed ; vet there is a ncceffity for the reafon fdrefaid of a publick rebuke. Yet every offence that is known to moe than one is not to be accounted an offenceof this nature: Becaufe from that word of Chrifts v Ta\e V>itbtbee Wo or three V>itneJJes, &q. ic is evident, that even after thofe are made acquaint with the fcandal, it is not publick, except obftinacie follow* Yea, it would appear, that fuch a fcandal

might

might be known to others* when yet one private pe*-fon might only admonifh; and if the admonition were accepced, might fift. And in ca(e the fadt be denied , then he is thereafter to bring two or three conjunct witnefles, who may convince the party offending of the truth of the fa£t, as well as of the nature thereof, by their joynt teftifying, that the party offended had rcafon to (eek fatisfa&ion in fuch a thing: Otherwayes>if that were only a privat offence which is known to one, fuppofing the parcy offending to deny the fadi , there were no accefle to an offended brother to purfue the fame, and by witnefles to make it out, if his private admonition (hcutd be reje&ed. And this may beonereafon alfo why thofc two or three are called Witnejps, whofe part is to confirm the matter of faft, as the Law cited there to that purpofe doth evidence. Nor is it alway neceffarily thus publick when it is made known to a Church-officer or a Church-judicatory, becaufe in that cafe, even they may find it more edifying to admonifh privately than publickly ; And it is their part rather to hinder thefpreading of a fcandal, than to make the fame needlefly more publick. An offence then that VPbtnu is to be accounted publick, that is, which is fo in re* offence u to fpeftof itsnotoricy or publ?cknefle, and fuch as i % be accounted not the objft of private admonition, but whereof a? ^ Church-judicatory is immediatly to take notice* may be confidered in refpect of its firft inftant, or in re-fpedtof fome following circumftance: for what is required in the nature of the fin it fclf hath been fpoken to already. It is publick in the firft refpeft,

1. When it is done before fo many as probably cannot be fatisficd with private admonition, fo that thereby there is a hazard to many to be fcandalized.

2. It is publick, w.hen it leemeth to be done with contempt and an high hand, as if a perfon were owning the fame } Thus a fcandal that hath fewer witnefles, may be accounted publick, when another, k

I maj

-^

may be> aftually known to as many, is not to be accounted fuch, becaufe in this cafe there is no accefle to private admonition, the prrfon being like a fwinc> ready to turn on the admonifher. Thus (uppofe Ab-folorn's inceft had not beenaftually known to many, yet the very circumftances of his doing it openly, and purpofly that it might be known, made it of a publick nature : Thus fometimes it is more neceffary to take notice of an offence committed in a publick place, though, it may be, few know the fame, than of a thing done more privady, becaufe as to them it might have been publick to many; and it (heweth an humour and corruption that is beyond privat admonition, when a thing is fo circumftantiated. 3. Sometimes offences will have an horrour, and an indignation wakened againft them, even in refpeft of luch circumftances, as to be drunk, lafcivious, and fuch like* are offences > but to be fo in a Market-place, or in publick Greets, even fuppofing it to be in a day when few do aftually fee it* doth waken an indignation in the hearts of fober men, as being an affront to Religion and Order, and inconfiftent with Chri-ftianity and Civility, much more than if it had been in a private place, or privatly; for, that is before the Sun todofo, as Zimries aft was, which provoked Tbinectfs zeal. 4. An offence is publick, when it is generally accounted to be a certain truth, and not a fufpicion only; as being a thing in its evidence known to fo many(befide what is reported to others) that it cannot be fuppofed that an ingenuous mind can have accefle to deny orihifc the fame, without fomc indignation in the hearts of thofe that know it* ?♦ Sometimes an offence is to be accounted publick when,though it may be,many are not witneiles thereof, yet when many are in hazard to be infedled thereby ; as fuppofe thofe witneffes to be fuch as cannot reft quiet in a private fatisfa&ion, but they have either fprcad it, or are in hazard to fpread k, and, it

may

may be, long afterward they make it a ground of reproach : In this cafe it becometh a fcandal not only tothefirft witnefles, but alfotothofc to whom it is reported ; So that although it was not at firft pub-lick, yet it becometh lb by the rumour thereof. This infe&toufnefs may alfo proceed from the time wh in it is committed, the perfon who committeth it, the nature of the faft that is committed, (which may more readily infnare others than fadts of feme other nature ) from tho(e alio before whom it was committed; Therefore in fuch cafes it is ncceffary that publick notice be taken thereof.

Therefore, in the fecond pbee, we faid that fome offences not very publick in refpeft of the faft, yet may, by fome concurring circumftances, be fuch as the bringing of them in publick, may be ncceflary for the edifying of the Church at fuch a time, then that way is to be taken ; As fuppofe, 1, that fuch a fin is in fome places fcarce counted a fin ; Or, 2. if ic be fecretly and frequently in ufe among others ; Or, 3» if the perfon found guilty be generally fufpefled of loofe and untender walking in fuch things > although particulars be not publick } Or, 4. if they be under falfe pretexts of tenderneffe, ready to (educe others tofomethingfinfull, or in the like cafes. In which, though the faft be not fo publick, yet the fcandal, or hazard, and the benefit of a rebuke are publick 5 and therefore that way is to be followed , Bccaufe they are necefiary for the edifying of the Church 4 which is the end wherefore publick rebuks are appointed. The fame may be faid of atrocious horrible crimes, which being but known to few, yet arc not to be> nor cannot be paft with a mccr private ad-monition, fuch as witchcraft, inceft, &c. which are defiling fins, the bringing whereof in publick doth honour God the avenger and difcoverer of fuch works of darknefie > fuppofe alfo, that the evidencing of fomewhat > may ferve to remove fome former I * pre*

prejudice, as if it had been thought that an innocent perfon had been father of fuch a childe, or aftor of fuch a murther; if God bring it abouti thatthofe who truely are guilty be difcovered, it is not to be keeped clofe, becaufe it is the removing of a former ftumbling-block > and may keep others from finning inmif-judgeing an innocent > and it alfo glorifieth God whofe wife way is to be obferved in fuch dif-penfations.

2. Although a faft be not publick > yea, in fome cafes although it be not true that there hath been any ground of offence given: Yet # i. If the report of fuch an aft be publickly rumoured ; Or, 2. if fuch preemptions thereof be publick > which are ready to leave the imprefllon of the thing; Or > 3. if the fame or brute of fuch a thing be come to fuch an

1 heighti that cither it be believed by many to be true, ( and that by fuch who are neither too (imply credulous without all preemptions, nor malitious or in-fefted with prejudice in reference to the perfon ) Or, fuppofe that a perfon is accounted to be habitually in fecret evils, the riping up whereof might be edifying; in fuch and fuch like cafes, a Church-judicatory is at the firft inftant to meddle with, and enquire in the fame: becaufe > although poflibly there may be no ground, yet the offence is great, and may ftumble many as if it were fo: and the negle&ing thereof cannot but beoffenfive, whereas inquiry therein is ufefull, whether the fame be grounded or not. But * in this there would be great tenderneffe and prudence ufed in confidering > both upon whom, by whom, and upon what occafion the report is raifed and entertained , and whether dipping therein be edifying or not.

3, Upon fuppofition that private perfons be de-feftive in giving admonitions, or following of them before a Church-judicatory, and yet there be pregnant preemptions of mifcarriagas in fuch and fuch

per-

■«—-———«— ■

perfons, although they be not publick; or, fuppofe, through fear, ill grounded affc&ion, or other carnall refpe&s, others ftiould concur to keep from publick view the offences of fome perfon, to the (tumbling of themfelves, in becoming partakers of their fin, and to the prejudice of others: I fay,in fuch like cafes, a Church-judicatory is to enquire into the carriage of fuch a perfon, and to put others to declare and tefti-fie therein, although they be not complained of, and although the Scandal be not fo every way obvious: Becaufe admonition is needfull both for the good of the perfon offending, and of others alfo : and when private perfons become defe&ive > Church officers are bound rather to interpofe immediately than to fuf-fer fuch a perfon to continue under fin, to the hazard of himfelf and others; for, they muft either do it, or it is to be left undone, which would be a Rumbling* block to many, and ftrcngthen wickedneffe exceedingly^ cafe untender men fell only to be acceflbry to the knowledge of the offences of each other (as often it is ) yet though it be neceffary for a Church-judicatory to interpofe, it is not alwayes neceffary to bring the matter to a publick rebuke, but as from onfidcration of the thing, perfon, or, other circum-ftances it (hall be thought fit to reft in a private admonition or not.

From which we may fee the neceflity of proceffing parties, and leading witneffes (in cafe the matter be denied ) without any particular accufer or delater: becaufe in fuch cafes, either publick Scandal of the thing, the nature of the Church-officers over fight, or the edification of the body, which they are to prefer to every thing, do require that fuch a thing or perfon be put to triall.

I 3 CHAP.

CHAP. X.

CUarifng whether in Chnrch-procejfes an Accn* fer be dlwajes neccfiarj.

IF ic be asked » concering ati accufer, Whether it be neceffary in all Church-proceffes, that one> under fuch a confideration, be fixed, before there can be proceeding againft any party, in reference to triall. We anfwer in thefe affertions# AJfer. i. Ic is not alwayes neceffary in every cafe that there fhould be a formall particular accufer, as may appear from the cafes formerly inftanced; for,that any offence or offender (hould paffe without being taken notice of, ( efpecially if offences be continued in ) is contrary to the end for which Church-Cenfures are appointed, and yet neither de faSo is there alwayes an accufer where there is an offence; nor dejure can any be conftrained to be an accufer: therefore it is neceffary that in fome cafes there muft be a proceffe without an accufer, in this way of enquiry.

AJfer. 2. Where an offended Brother followeth Chrifts way in purfuing of an offence, he is not to be accounted an accufer formally, as the terme of accufation ufeth properly to be taken : Bccaufe> i. To accufe, often is a thing that may be omitted, but this kind of purfuit is laid on as a neceffary duty. 2. To accufe, refpedts fome paticular wrong and injury ufu«* aliy, and the following thereof importeth a prejudice and hurt to the party accufed, But this which refpc&s offence without any particular injury, proceedeth from love> tendeth to the advantage and recovery of the party, and fo properly cannot be called accufation. -Yea, 3. When a perfon hath followed thefe-condftep, and made out his private admonition by two or three witneffes,when he cometh to the Church with them, neither of them can be accounted accufers

more

more than when he did privately fpeak to the perfon> or after that to thole witnefles, becaufe all is dutie» and a piece of that Chriftian mutuall communion, that brethren and members of the fame body, owe one to another > and to the body in common \ yet is he who foentereth a complaint, oblieged to make ic evident to the Judicatory; and if he hath rightly performed the fecond ftcp > and made it appear before two or three, there is no hazard or difficultie in this 1 , but if he hath failed in that, he ought not to have proceeded to this.

AjJtY. 3. We fay, that to have a formal accufer, feemeth not lo well to aeree to the nature of ecclefia-ftick procefies, and looketh liker a civil Court. For, 1. If the offence be publick, there is no accufer need-full, as is faid. 2. If ic be privat, no accufer is to be heard, but in the ordinary method, becaufe Chrifts Ordinance is not to be fubfervient to mens paflions, or to be the mean of their feeking revenge for injuries: Anil therefore in fome cafes, though an accufer would undertake the purfuing of fomc proceffe againft a perfon, where neither the Scandal is flagrant, nor the party accufed, after private admonition and conviction* obftinate, in that cafe the accufation might be rejected ; becaufe fo the accufer looketh not like a Brother, that is ftumbled, feeking the gaining of the other, and his own fatisfaftion upon that account,buc rather like a perfon that is irritate, vindiftive or malicious, to whofe humour Church-officers ought not to give way ; neither doth fuch an accufation become Chrifts Court. Yet, if the thing be indeed fcanda-lous, Church-officers are to enquire therein, and not tofleightany mean of evidence which may be had, left profane perfons mouths be opened ; but that rixal and contentious way ot following of proceffes by particular accufers,againft particular perfons, as ufeth to be in other Courts, we conceive no way becoming the gravity and convincing way that ought to be in I 4 this*

this; And we fuppofc in experience is not often found to be edifying, but rather doth ingender hatred, prejudice* contention, and (uch like* which is altogether contrary to Chrifts fcope<

Again, on the other fide , there may be no parti-cular accufer againft the perfon,and yet it be neceffary that he be tricd,ashath been faid.

40 er * 4- Thete may be fome cafes in which it is expedient to admit an accufer,and not to admit a pro-cefie without one. Asfuppofe one were under no ill report, and yet fome grofle fcandal were imputed to him , which were not of fuch tame , or had not fuch prefumptions > as to give ground for a Church-judicatory immediately to intcrpofe, and the fcandal being of fuch a nature as the trial thereof could neither be omitted , norclofed in private; in that cafe, fuppofe one fhould complain of the Churches negligence in the fame, afferting the evidences to be clear, and offering to make them out 5 In fuch a cafe, I fay, the Church can hardly refufe to hear him» left they be thought partiall; nor is there ground, nor is it fit for them immediately to purfue it: Therefore an accufer is expedient,that fo, upon the one (ide>the Churches impartiality may be vindicated , in refufing the complaint of no fober man, nor the uttermoft of any triall, that in well grounded reafon they may expeft; And, on the other i(ide,that the mouths of fome nced-Icffe and too importunate complainers may be flopped , and they themfelves found cenfurable, if either without caufe they traduce the Church-officers as negligent and partiall, while there is acceffe to make out before them fuch a truth, if it be truth * or if prc-cipitantly and inconfiderately ( if not malicioufly ) they have tabled a fcandal againft another as a pub-lick fcandal,which they cannot makeout,and fohave necdlefly troubled a Church-judicatory in fuch a imtter, and finfully wronged their neighbour.

For, aproceffe'w fuch cafes where it cannot be

made

made out,is fcandalous: there fore if a perfon reft not fatibficd, foastoabftaintillhehavetriall puc to the utmott , he is to be dealt with as a fcandalous perfon, left men take liberty , under the pretext of purfuing offences, to defame others, and abufe the Ordinance of Chrift. And though it be juft in fuch a cafe, that he be materially dealt with as unjuft accusers ufe to be in civil courts, yet this doth not only flow from the confederation of fuch a perions being a formall decufer , but from the nature of the deed which is fcandalous in fuch a meafure, and that publickly, and therefore i^o be* t*ft rained , whether tHe perfon take on him that forn^all confederation or not, left yet, upon the maxter, h^continue publickly and importunately to prette the purluic. And we .conceive , the impofing the title of accifer in fuch a cafe, or the making of it peccflary, that one take on him that formall notion, is rather for coveniencieto reftrain mens inordinatenefife , and flop their mouths, and to add weight to the matter oK the (entence, if they fail, than as being (imply neceffary for making fuch a perfon to be accounted icandaJouSj if he come (hort.

CHAP- XL

Concerning what u to be ione^hen the complaint id of (ome en jury done to the complainer*

THere is one cafe yet to be enquired itiirf^how to account of a particular perfon his complaining or purfuing an offence which carrieth with it a particular enjury unto himfelf? As fuppofe, that fuch a perfon did calumniate him, calling him falfe, covetous, hypocrite, thief* or fuch like, or did imprecate curfes unto him ? Anfto.i If the way laid down were followed , and a publick complaint made the laft ftcp, it may be, there would be tew of thefe complaints. Of this we hayefpoken already. 2. Although

though fuch enjuries have with them a fpirituall hurt alfo. audio indeed are real (tumbling- blocks to the fpirituall ftate of the party enjured. Yet, i. it is hard for men enjured > finely to abftraft the fcandal given them from the en jury done them , and lo to follow the offence with refpefit to their own and the others edification , as to entertain no thoughts of revenge in the purfuing thereof: for certainly, often it is the reparation of a wrong , and to vindicate folks own name and credit, rather than edification, which in fuch cafes is aimed at: Therefore we find ever the moll irreligious, carnall and proud perfons, hoteft in fuch a purfuic, and with greateft difficulty to be fatif-fied; and the fatisfafkion intended by them, is not any Chiftfan gaining often , but fome pubhek fhame, or fuch like: And therefore if that follow, although the perfon fall over again in many other fcandals that are worfe, or others (hall fin rnoregrofly ; yet that ftirreth them not, neither are their complaints in fuch cafes heard of. 2. We find, that fuch a cafe hath often great difficulties with it , and readily much heat and carnalneffe ; yea,in things that are perfonall between parties, it is more difficult for them to abrtain from carnalneffe, or the appearance thereof, andalfofor Church-judicatories to walk fo as not to be thought partialltooneof the fides, andfo by intending the removall of one offence, more may be £iven* There-fore we would fuppofe filch a procedor to be fuitable to Chrifts order and ordinance, t< That as much as may be, thefe perfonal things may be waved by private perfons themfelves who are fb offended. Certainly men lofe not by condefcending in their particulars , and it may afterward tend more to the convincing of the party and other$,and to the vindicating of themfelves that they forbear (atleaft, till the fervour be abated, both in them and in the^ offending party) than by kindling of their own paffions by the ffeffionsof others, to hazard upon more fin and offence*

fence. 2. When fuch things occur/its fit that Church-officers ftiould endeavour to compofe and to remove them privately ; yea, if any complaint come in a perions heat, that yet notwithftanding, means be uled to compote and allay the fame h and it that fail, that the fcandal be brought to publiek, rather by the Elckrfhip it lelf, than by the party offended, hecaufe fo the thing, as icandalous>may be more abttraCtcdly confidered, the pcrfon cafilier convinced, and the heat of parties prevented, which often mar the beauty of the Ordinance , and fo there is nothing overfeen that oughctobcrcdrcfle-1. 3- If perfonswill needs en-ter'cheir own complaint, Then it would be enquired, 1. Whether it be really the en jury to their name, or outward condition that fwayeth them? or,if it be the offence, that is, the ftumbling-block that eocch alongft therewith, and it is ready to hurt their fpin-tualleftate, that dochmove them? This queftion is fit for curbing of carnal! humours, and keeping the Ordinance of Chrift from being abufed,and made fubfervienttomensfinfullpaflions. _

If it cannot be hid 3 that it is the injury which affects them, Then would they be admonifhed for that, and remitted to follow their injury otherwife, and to par-. don it, as to any vindictive humour; yet the thing as k is fcandalous,wou!d be ftill fallowed without them* 2. It would b~ enquired , if they followed the privac fteps? And, 3. what fort of fatisfaft ion they aim at, and if it be the parties gaining that they feek with their own fatisfa&ion?

Sometimes there arifeth a new difficulty in fuch in, a t s vhen •cafes, as fuppofeone complained of for calumniat- a calumnia~ ing another, fhould offer to make good his word, or tor comflai-whathehathfaid; In fuch a cafe it is difficult for a nedefrffer* Church-Judicatory to carry rightly, if probation be txb n wake refufed, the flanderous mouth is not flopped , And ** <""• to admit it, it feemeth neither pertinent nor profitable to any Church-end. This fometimes is one of the

evils

-

evils of making Church-judicatories the .ftage of mens paflions : Yet in fuch a cafe we fay, 1. That whether the thing be true or not, the cafting of it up at fuch a time* and with fuch circumftances, wai of-fenfive; and therefore no following probation can exempt the offender from being accounted fcandalous, becaufe the end of bringing forth that, was really the hurt of his brother, and neither private nor pub-lick edification* 2. Some manner of offered probation is indirect, (as alfo fome fort of (landering ) as>fup-pofe one would complain of another as guilty of thefcor fome other fin, and give for the ground thereof fome inftances of corruption or deceit in their trade of merchandizing, or taking fome advantage fay law or otherwayes, to the hurt of another. Thefe are caufes and matters wherein properly Church-officers are neither fit nor called to decide* and the event thereof doth depend upon fome civil conteft, therefore are not meet to be admitted as the ground of a complaint or probation in a Church-judicatory. Again, lome manner of probation is more direft, as fuppofe one would prove by witneffes dire& theft up* on another, Yet confidering that Church-judicatories are not to be fub-fervient to mens paffions, as hath been faid, and alfo, that their end ought ever to be edification > and there being no probable ground to expeefcitin fuch a procefle, we conceive it were fie akogethcr to wave fuch concerts. For, though there be a (haming of offenders allowed in Church- difci-pline, yet it looketh har(h-like to make it the mean of bringing civil fhame and infamie upon any ; Becaufe fuch a blot, as to be accounted or declared infa-mousi even as to civil things > is a civil punifliment; and therefore is not to be the effefifc of a Church-judicatory, properly > Although we will not deny but by accident, thefe may be fometimes neceffarily joyned.

It

It may be asked, What if an offending party ap- ^ at u ^ pearing, profefle repentance for their fault, &c. as w<we <?/-hath been defired , and (hould yet refufe to give obe- fending con-dience to fuch things and in fuch manner as is thought fejjmi forty fit to be done by the Church-officers for the removing fefu[et$iruc of the offence ? Anfo % \. It is not like that any who (athfaclioju; arc ferious in their profeflion of repentance, will ftand on fuch a thing; and where that is, it is too probable-like an evidence of their diffembling , if feme convincing reafon cannot be given by them for fway-ing to that refufall. 2. Their difobediencc is either *

in materiall things, or fuch as are but circumftanth-all. Again, it is either done with contempt, or with profeffed continued refpeft and a defire to fathfie. As for inftance, fome may refufe to receive a publick rebuke where edification rcquireth it? or to acknowledge their offence to an offended party» or they may be willing to appear, and willing to acknowledge their offence, but differ as to the time, place, manner, &c. Forthefirft, Though a Church-judicatory may wait for a time, yet can they not in fome cafes dif-penfe with them , becaufe otherwayes, they are not heard, nor is the end obtained 3 and therefore may proceffe proceed, efpecially if that difobedience look contemptuous-like : For the fecond fort of jdifobe-dieucc> to wit, in the manner or circumftances of giving fatisfaftion , although in this a!fo, thofc that are ferious to have offences removed , will not readily flick, yet if it be, there is difference between this and the former, if there be no difcernable evidences of contempt in it; and in this, noqueflion, Church-judicatories have a greater latitude to do as may edifie: wherein they are efpecially to take notice of thefe things> 1. That by too much rigidity in circum-ftances, they feem not unneceflarily to wrong them, or to lay too much weight of fatisfaftion upon fuch formalities. 2. That by too eafie paffing from fuch, they dp not ftrcngthen any to follow that example for

the

—., 1.-

the time to come. And, 3. chat even in circum-ltances there be an equality in reference to theie fame icandals in all perfons. And if there be hazard in reference to any of thefe by condefcending, to alter or forbear a circumftance in a publick rebuke , we conceive it is fafer to abfta in from that forbearance, and not to yeeld it ; and yet not firaply upon that account to purfue a proceffe, but to continue dealing with the perlon, while either he be convinced and brought, tor the good of order and edification of the Church, to yeeld, or there be more clearnefle to do other-Wife.

CHAP. XII.

Concerning what ought to be done By private perfons, When Church-officers /pare fuch as are fcandalom.

WE come now to the laft Queftion propofed, to wit, fuppofing that Church-officers mould be defective in trying and cenfuring icandalous perfons, what is the duty of private Chri-ftians in fuch a cafe, and if notwithftanding , they ought to continue in the communion of fuch a Church, or to (eparate from her >

This Quettion hath troubled the Church, and been the occahon of many fchifms in many ages, the devil thereby under pretext of indignation ac offcnccs,hath made them to abound in the Church, as the Church-hiftories and Writings of the Fathers, inwhatcon-cemeth the Novations, Donatifts, and fuch like, do fully evince ; And although we have great ground to acknowledge Gods mercy, in the fobriety of His people amongft us, fo that we have unity, with pu- i rity ; yc*,feing in order this doth follow, we (hall anfwer flhortly, in laying down thefe grounds. 1. It cannot be denied, but fuch a cafe may be ; and

often

often ck fatto is, that Church-officers are defc&ive in the exercifing of Difcipline upon fcandalotis pcr-fons, what from negligence, what from unfaichful-nefle, what from fainting, or fome other finfull infirmity at the befh as may be gathered from the fecond and third Chapters of the Relation.

2. Though this be true, yet poffibly it is not al-wayes their fault when it is charged on them : as fup ,

pofc, 1. That no private perlbn, or,pofl>bly even the complainer, hath admonifhed fuch perfens as are counted (candalous > nor have given-in Sufficient proofs of their fcandal to any Church-judicatory; or, it may be>many are counted fcandalous who cannot legally and judicially be found to be fuch; for it is more eafie to affert a fcandal, than to prove, even often when it is true : and it being rather a ground of irritation than edification,whcna proa fie isentred* and not convincingly made-out, Therefore often in duty fome proccfies areabftained. Sometimes alfo Church-officers may be faithfully dealing with per-fons to recover them from fcandals, and yet not find it fit for edification to proceed to high Cenfures 5 In fuch cafes > Church-officers cannot reasonably be blamed > andthofewho complain would pole their own confeiences > if they have exonered themfelves and done their duty, and have put it co the Officers doors, before they account ic their fault: And it is moft unbecoming for perfons to charge others and to be dcfc&ive in their own duty> which neceflarily in-ferreth the other. And if it were as difficult and weighty a task to calumniate and groundlcfly to * charge Church-officers with this, as it is, faithfully to follow private admonition, there would not be fo much of the one, and fo little of the other. And if it be rightly looked to> it will nofr be eafie to charge . them with grofle defefts ( and if they be not grofle, the matter is notfo tobcftumbled at, they being in ± the exercife of Difcipline as in other things) for, that

mult

«■

muft be upon one of chefe accounts, either, I, Be-caufe fuch fcandalou> pertons,after refufing of private admonitions, were complained of to them, and that evidence of the faft was offered, and Church-officers refufed to put the lame to trial: Or> it murt be be-caufe when they did try, they did determine fuch a thing to be no fcandal or nor to be pi oven, or that ( fuppofing it to be proven) thev did not e nfure it; or, at leaft, when fcandals were open and obvious, and palpable, they did not take notice of them* Now> is it probable that fuch a Church-judicatory will frequently be found that will fail grofly either of thefe wayes ? And if they do, then there is acceffe to convince them % by an appeal to a fuperiour Court> which in that cafe is a duty. If it be faid > that their failing and neglect is, in fome covered manner* fo carried-on as there is no accefle to fuch legal complaints. Anpi* \. We fuppofe if the things be that groffe, and the fa& fo clear and frequent, as that there be juft ground to complain then there will be alfo acceffe to (uch a proof. 2 If it be fo carried and not owned, then it may be their fin before God ; but it is not to4s>e accounted a proper Church-offence in the fenfe before-mentioned » ieing they could not be convinced judicially even before the moft impartial Judge. And as in fuch a cafe we cannot account a private brother ecclefiaftically fcandalous, although the general ftrain of his way may be diffatisfying to us, So ought yve not to account this; for, there is a great difference, betwixt that which may be offenfive to a perfons private difcretion, and put him poffibly in a christian way to defire fatista&ion, and that which is to be hoifed as a publick Church-fcan-dall.

Jffer. 3. Upon fuppofition that the defeft be true,

yet private profeffors are to continue in the difcharge

1 of the duties of their ftations and not to feparate

from the Communion of the Church, but to count

thero-

themfclves exoncred in holding faft their own integrity. It's true > ic cannot but be heavie to thofe that are tender, and, if it become fcandaloufly ex-ceflive, may give occafion to them to depart and go where that Ordinance of Difcipline is more vigorous ; and concerning that, there is no qucftion,it being done in due manner; Yet, I fay, that that can be no ground for withdrawing from the Ordinances of Chrift, as if they or their confciences were polluted by the prefence of fuch others. For, i. That there were fuch defers in the Church of the Jews, cannot be denied, and particularly doth appear in the in* ftancc of Elie's fans, who made the Ordinances of the Lord contemptible wich their mifcarriagcs; yet thac either it was allowable to the people to withdraw* or 7 aulty to joy n in the Ordinances, can no way be made out. If it be faid, there was but one Church then* Therefore none could feparatefrom the Ordinances in it? Anfr' % r. This doth confirm what is faid, to wit, that the joyning of fcandalous perfons in Or-dinanccs,doth not pollut them to others; for if fo, the Lord had not laid fuch a neccfficy upon thofe thac were tender, that they behoved to partake of polluted Ordinances, or to have none 5 and if it did not pollute them then, fome reafon would be given that doth evidence it now to do fo. 2. If there be an unity of the Church now, as well as then, then the confequence muft be good; becaufe, fo where ever folks communicate, thofe many that communicate any where, are one bread , and one body , as the Apoftle fpeaketh,iCor.io.i7,compared with chap 12* 13. And foby communicating any whercwe declare our felves to be of the fame vifible Church and politick body,with thofe who communicatelfw here, even as by Baptifm we are baptized into one Church, and into communion with all the members of the body any where. And therefore , if this be considered, \% will aot be enough to efchevv pollution (if the ob-K jeftion

-~ —

je&ion be crue and well grounded) to feparate from one Society, or one particular Congregation, except there be a feparation from the whole vifible Church } for fo alfo Jews might have feparated from particular Synagogues, or have choofed times for their offerings and facrifices diftin£t from others. Famous Cotton of New England , in his Holinejffe of Ckwtb-members, pag.21 ♦ grants that there were many fcanda-lous perfons in the Church of the Jews. 2. He^fuith, that that was by thePrieftsdefedt, for they ought not to have been retained. And, g. though be fay that that will not warrand the lavtfulnefle of admitting fcandalous perfons to the Church , yet he aflert-eth , that it may arpue the continuance of their Church-eftatenotwithftanding of luch a toleration ; and if fo^then it apptoveth continuing therein , and condemntth feparation therefrom ; and confequently a Church may be a Church, having the Ordinances in purity , and to be communicate in, notwithftand-ing of the former fault. ?. What hath been marked out of Learned Writers, for paralleling the conftitu-tion of the Church under the Gofpel> with that under the Law in eflentiall things, doth overthrow this objection ; for now feparation is as impoffible as formerly.

2. This defeft is to be obferved in feverall of the Primitive Churches, as we may particularly fee in the fecond and third Chapters of the %>*/**i0», yet it is never found that any upon that account did withdraw > or were reproved for not doing fo, even when the Officers were reproved for defc6t: Yea, on the contrary, the(e who keeped themfelvcs pure from thefe Scandals, though continuing in that communion,are commended and approven, and exhorted to continue as formerly. Now, if coutinuing in communion in fiich a cafe* be of it felf finfull, and pcrionall integrity be not fufficient to profeflbursAvhere the defeft is finfull to the Officers % even though in other perfo-

nall

p4[£<£* SI * recti*}* lunvcr n*ng JtAMJALi gfl

nail things and duties of their ftations they were ap-proveable, How can it be thought that thefaithfull and true Witneffe fhould (6 fliarply reprove the one, and (6 fully approve the other at the fame time ?

3. The nature of Church-communion doth confirm this, becaufe fuch influence hath the fcanda!ou£-nefle of one to make another guilty , as the approven converfation of the other hath to make the Ordi-nancefc profitable to him that is fcandalous, for we can no otherwife partake of the evil than of the good of another in Church-communion; But it is clear > that the gracioufneffe of one cannot fan&ifie an Ordinance to one that is profane ; and therefore the profanity of one cannot pollute the Ordinance to one that is tender. And , as he that examineth hJmfelf, partaketh worthily in refpeft of bimftlf and his own condition > but doth not fan^ifie communicating to another ; So, he that partaketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himfelf, and not to another : and for that caufe , is both the precept and the threatning bounded, Let a man examine bimfelf ', <<n. For } be tbat eatetb and drtn\etb unworthily , catetb and drinketh damnation to bimfelf \ for,upon doing or omitting of duty in himfelf, doth follow worthy, or unworthy communicating to him. And if in the moft near conjugall fellowfliip, the company of a profane Husband may be fanftified to a gracious Wife , even when hers is unfan&ified to him, ( becaufe that depended* upon the perfons own qualification and way ofufemakingof GodsOrdinanceof marriage J much more may it be here : this laft might be a diftinft argument of it felf.

4. If continuance in communion with fuch perfons be finfulUThen it muft either be becaufe communion with fuch as are profane indeed, whether we know or think them to be fo or not, is finfull; or, it muft be becaufe we know them , or think them to be fuch; But neither of thefe can be faid: Not the firft*

^Treatife concerning Scandal* Part 2.

becaufe fo to keep communion with an hypocrite, or a Believer in a carnall frame,were finfull, although we thought them to be fincere, whjch cannot be pleaded: nor can it be fa id > it is becaufe we know them to be fo , Becaufe, 1. If we knew a man to be fo, and another knew not > in that cafe, the Ordinances were pollutted to one , and not to another, at the fame time, though poflfiblyboth were exercifing the fame faich , and having examined themielves, were in the lame frame > which were abfurd* Yea, 2. If it depended on our knowledge of it, Then our very fuppohng it to be lo> although it were not fo, would pollute the Ordinance; and what confufioti would be there, may be afterward hinted. Nor can it be faid , it is becaufe we think fo > becaufe, fuppo-fingfome to think otherwife, it would be ftill aft ordinance to them, and a duty to continue in it, and not to us, which is the former ablurdity; and this doth not flow from the binding nature of an erroneous confeience (which may be alleged in other cafes) but from the difference of perfons light, charity , or other apprehenfions of things, whereby one is induced to efteem that fcandalous, which another doth not.

5. If communion with profane perfons that are fuch to our knowledge be finfull > and polluteth Ordinances , Then thefe things may be enquired, which will infer d iverfe abfurdities, 1. Ought perfons to try all thofe that they keep communion with, whether they b? profane or not ? For, if any profane per-fon be in that communion which they might have known if they had tried, then their ienorance cannot excufe. 2. It may be enquired, what degree of triall and fearch doth fufficiently exoner, becaufe pof-jfibly a further triall might have difcovered fome to be profane? 3. It may be enquired, what evidences may demonftrate perfons to be fcandalous> and make them to be fo accounted of ? if only fomeching Hen

by

by themfelves, or if fomething reported by others; and chat whether it be judicially made out or only afferted ? and how raanics report is to betaken for proof; or if any that be fo reported of, be (oto be accounted > 4. What fort of fcandals are to be enquired-in to make a perfon fuchas polluteth the Ordinances ? If it be any kind of fcandal, or but fcandals of (uch a nature? If one fcandal be (ufficient, or if theie muft be many ? and how many are to be laid weight upon in this ? and fome fatisfying grounds how, and where to fix the difference, are to be laid down? 5. It may be asked, if one fcanda-lous perfon alone doth pollute the Ordinances? or if there mud be moe ? and if fo, How many ? 6. Sup-pofe fuch a fcandal were known to us alone, charity, and Chrifts command do fay. it is not to be published ; confeience faith in that cafe, the Ordinance is polluted, timeftraits either to communicate doubt-inply , or with offence to abrtain and hide the caiyfe, or contrary to charity to fignifiethc fame. Thefe and many fuch like things are requifitto fatisfieone, upon this fuppofition, that communion in fuch a cafe is finfull, Therefore it is not to be admitted.

6» If the Ordinance be polluted to one that is clean,Then it is either the deed of the Church- officers that doth pollute it, or the deed of the fcandalous perfon that doth communicate; But neither of thefe can be faid : Not the firft , for that would fuppofe that all the Ordinances were polluted • although no fcandalous perfon were prefent a&ually > becaufe they were not actually excluded , and though they were abfent, yet there being no impediment made to them by Church-officers, asto their guile, it is the fame* Nor the fecond, Becaufe, fuppofing a perfon not to be debarred, it is his duty to communicate; and can it be faid, that he in doing of his duty upon the matter, ihouldmake that not to be a duty to us, which lieth on by a joynt command, which requireth eating K 3 from

^ from him and from us , as it requireth praying ?

7. The Lords ordering it fo in His providcncc,thae He admitteth unfan&ified Officers to adminiftrate His Ordinances , and yet withalli accounting them Officers, and the Ordinances in their hands to be Hi9 Ordinances, and that even when they are known to fae.unfound (till in His own way they be removed ) doth demonftrate this > that pollution in joynt wor-ffiippers doth not pollute the Ordinances to others. For, if any did pollute them, Then moftof all fcan-dalous Officers; But thefe do not. Ergo,&c* We may fee it, firft, in the fcandaloufneffe of Priefts under the Law ; for we mutt either fay that there were no fcan-dalous Priefts, or that the people did then offer no fa-crifice and joyn in no worftiip , or that (infully they did it: All which are abfurd. 2. We fee in Chrifts time,the Scribes and Pharifees were pointed out by Him as fcandalous, Mat. 2 j. v. 5. Yet even there doth He require continuance in the Ordinances adminiftrate by them, notwithftanding. 3. Doth not Paul fpeakof fome that preached out of envy > Philip, 1. 15, which is a rooft groffe fcandal, and of others who fought their own things, and not the things of Chrift, PW/.2,21 ? Both which are groffe, and clearly evidenced by his teftimony, yet is he content that people continue, yea, he fuppofeth that they may profit in communion with them , which he would not, had the Ordinances been polluted by them to others. And the fame may be faid of feveral Churches in thefe fecond and third Chapters of the Relation , where both groffneffe of Minifters, and of many Profeffors, is notified by Chrift to the Church, yet it cannot be fuppofed that that might have been made the ground of feparation afterward from them* more than not doing of it was rcprovable before.

8. If known evil in any that doth communicate, pollute the Ordinances in themfelves, Then how can a Believer communicate with himfelf ? Becaufe,

U he

Part £ A Treat ife concerning Scandal' *35

I. he hath corruption, 2. He hath as full knowledge of it as of any other mans, yea, that which may make him think it more than what heknoweth of any other man. ?. That corruption is as near him as the corruption of any. 4 The Law doth more particularly ftrike againft corruption in him as to himfclf > than that which is in any other. Yea, 5. this corruption doth certainly, in fo far pollute the Ordinance to him- and make him guilty. Now the fame grounds that fay he may communicate with agoodconfeience , notwichftandingof his own corruptions, will alfo fay, he may communicate notwichftandingof that which is in another, much nftore: becaufe the fins that follow his corruption are his own fins, which cannot be faid of the fins of others. And it repentance for his own fin, refting upon Chrift, protefting againft the body of death (which yet are but the a6h of the fame perion, in fo far as re-nued, differing from hirafelf asunrenued) IWfay, fuch afts may quiet his confeience, and giro him confidence to partake , notwithftanding of his own corruption, and that even then when he as unrenued may be accounted guilty , may they not much more give him confidence in reference to the fins of another, which are not fo much as his deeds.

9. In that direftory which Chrift giveth, Mat.iS. this is implied y becaufe he doth warrand an offended brother to bring obftinate offenders to the Church, as the laftftep of their duty > and as their full exoneration, Tell the Church y taith he; and no more is required by him after that, but conforming of his carriage to the Churches Sentence in cafe of obftinacie. And none can think, upon fuppofition that che Church did not their duty, that then they were from that forth, not to joyn in that Church, but to fepatate from them- as from heathens and publicans: becaufe fo a particular perfon might Excommunicate a Church, whom yet Chrift will not have to withdraw from K 4 com-

communion with a private member , till obftinacic and the Churches cenfuring interveen } Yea, by fo doing, a private pcrfon might account another a heathen and publican without any publick Cenfure, which is contrary to Chrifts fcope, which fubjoyneth this withdrawing of communion from him to the Churches Cenfure* This will bind the more if we confider that Chrifts worcls have an allufion (as is commonly acknowledged ) to the Jewifh Sanedrim, which being but one, could not admit of any fcpara-tion from its communion, though there had been dc-fe<9: in this: What may be done in abftainingof per-lonall communion in unneceffary things? is ever to be acknowledged ; yet if feparation in fuch a fuppofed cafe, were called-for asaduty, thatdire&ion would not be a fuflficicnt dire&ion for an offended brother, becaufe it leaveth him without dire&ion in the laft flep: Yet Chrifts progrefle fo particularly from one ftepjp another, faith, that it is otherwayes intended.

Who would have more full fatisfa&ion in thisjtnay look the Learned Treatifes that are writtcen againft Separation, which will hold confequentially in this; and therefore we may here fay the leffe, And (hall only add the consideration of one Scripture. 'jtpmlcu* ^ or confirming of this Affertion then, we may take Igf confide-more particular confideration of one place, which tation tf feemeth more efpecially to relate to this purpofe, 1 Cor, ii. That is, 1 Corinth. 11, from theiy.ver. foreward : jf7*&^» Where it dpth appear, firft, That there were divifions amongft that people, even in refpeft of communicating together at the Lords Table, fo that fome of them would not communicate with others: for that there were divifions is clear. Now, thefe divifions are ex-preffed to be in the Church when they came together to eat the Lords Supper, ver. 18, and 19. and ferrfe did communicate at one time, and fome at another* without tarrying one for another, as is expreflcd, v??.

Secondly,

Secondly , We may alfo gather what might be the realon of this divided communicating, or, at leatt, what fome might alleage why they would not communicate joyndy with others: For. it is like, they fell in this irregularity deliberately > as thinking they did well when they communicated apart, and not with others. So much is infinuated in the Apoflles cxpofiulation, ver. 21. What, fhall I praifeyoutntbu i I praife you not. Now thefe reafons might be alleged, to juftifie their divided communicating , 1. Thatthe Ordinances were not reverently adminiflred,nor vt ith that gravity and difccrning of the Lords Body, as was fit. 2. That many unworthy perlons were admitted to communion , even fuch as were drunken, ver. 21, &c. and therefore it might be alleged by them, that joynt communicating with fuch was to be abftained.

Thirdly, It is evident al(b, Thatnotwithftanding of thefe grounds, the Apoflle doth condemn their praftice, and preffeth them to joynt communicating, as appeareth from ver. 22. and 33. From which, this clear argument doth arife, If the members of the Church of Corinth, who did feparate from the Ordinances, becaufe of the finfulneffe of thefe that did joyndy partake with them, were condemned by ?W, and required to communicate joyndy, and if it be made clear by him how they might do fo and not be guilty, Then feparation in fuch a cafe cannot be a duty but a fin ; But the former are true. Therefore, &c. I know nothing can beobjefted againft this argument, but either to fay, Thatthe Apoflles fcope is in that eating together, to regulate their love teafts, and to condemn their praftice in thefe ; or, that he commends joynt communicating fimply , but not in fuch a cafe, becaufe it is not clear whether any of them did fcruple upon that ground or not: for, the removing of thefe, we fay to the firft, That the main fcope of the place is to regulate them in going about the

Sacra-

*3 8 A Treatife concerning S c A N D A l7 Part £

Sacrament of the Lords Supper : And therefore it is that the A pottle doth fo clearly and plainly infifl in clearing the mftitucion thereof, thereby to bring them back co the way that was laid down and delivered to him by the Lord. And for any ochet fort of eating or drinking , the Apoftle doth fend them to their houfcs, ver. 22, and more exprefly he repeateth thatdire&ion, that if any man hunger anddefire to eat his ordinary meat> Let him do it at home, ver.54. So that no direftion for the time to come can be inter-* * # preted to belong to common eating in the Church, or in the publick meetings thereof, but fuch as is facra-mentall only.

Tothefecond, to wit. if the Apoftle doth dip in this qucftion, with refpeft to that obje&ion of the impurity of joynt communicants $ we do piopofe thefc things for clearing of the fame,

Firft, We fay, that whether they did a&ually object that or not, yet there was ground for them to objedl the fame if it had weight, as the Text cleareth: Neither could the Apoftle, knowing that ground, and having immediately mentioned the fame f have ac-ceffe to preffe them all indifferently to communicate together, if his dire&ion meet not the cafe; for this might ftill have flood in the way> that many of them were fuch and fuch, and therefore not to be communicated with •, and if it be a fufficient reafon to keep them from joynt communicating, then the cafe being fo circumftantiated, it would alfo be a fufficient reafon to keep him from impofingthatasaduty upon them, at leaft, fo long as the cafe ftood as it was.

Secondly, We fay, that it is not unlike there was fuch hefitations in fom? of them; and that ( whatever wis among them) it is clear, that the Apoftle doth exprelly peak to this cafe, and endeavour to remove thac objedtion out of the way, to wit, that men fh\>uld not fcare at the Sacrament, becaufe of the profanity of others: and that therefore they might without

out fcruple as to that, communicate joyntly , and tarry one for another, which is his fcope, ver. 33. This will appear by confidering feverall reafons whereby he prefleth this fcope, for that, vcr. 33. Wherefore my brethren, Tbhenye come together, tame one for another, is the fcope laid down as a conclufion from the forjner grounds which he hath given. Now, when he hath corrc&ed their firft fault, to wit, their ' irreverent manner of going about the Ordinance, by ' bringing them to Chrifts inftitution, ver. 23,24, 25, i6 % 27. He cometh, in the laft place* to meet with this obje&ion , What if others beprefentwho palpably cannotdifcern the Lords Body, andfo cannot communicate worthily ? Can it be fafe to communicate with fuch ? Or, is it not better to find out fome other way of communicating apart* and not together with fuch ? The Apofile giveth feverall anfwers to this, and reafons, whereby he cleareth, that their di-vifion was not warrantable upon that ground, from ver. 28. Andfoconcludeth, ver. 33. that notwith-ftanding thereof they might tarrv one for another.

The firft reafon, is, ver. 28. ©wt let a man examine himfelf, and fo let him eat. Which (heweth, 1. That a mans comfortable preparation for this duty,is to examine himfelf; and that the fruit may beexpe&ed, or not expe&ed , accordingly as it (haU be with himfelf: Otherwayes, it were not a fufficient di-rrftion for preparation, to put him to examine himfelf. Again, 2. thefe are knit together, Let a man examine bimfelj , and fo let him eat. Which is in fum, this, when a man hath in fome fincerity looked upon his own condition , and hath attained fome fuitablc-neffe to the Ordinances, as to his own private cafe, then, ( faith the Apoftle ) Let htm eat % without re-(pcfting the condition of others. Odierwaycs, a man haviug examined himfelf, yet could not eat, though his own difpofition were as it fhould be, if the cafe of others might hinder him in eating. And

we

we conceive > it is a main part of the Apoftles fcope, by knitting thefe two together f to wit, a mans eating with the examining of hirn(elf) purpofly to prevent fuch a debate.

The fecond reafon which he giveth, will confirm thisalfo; for, faith he, ver. 29. He ftbo eatetb and drinketk unworthily , be eatetb and drinl(etb unto bimfclf damnttion, or judgement. Which is, in fum, this, a man that hath examined himfelf, may eat of the Sacrament, though many peribns communicate unworthily with him, becaufe (faith he) he that eateth unworthily , doth not bring damnation or judgement upon others, nor is his fin imputed to them that communicate with him, but he doth bring it upon himfelf 9 and therfore no ocher hath caufe to fcare at the Ordinance becaufc of that, if he hath examined himfelf. This reafon he again confirmeth from experience, ver, go, for this caufe (faith he) many are fic^ and many among you are "toeak^, &c. that is» not becaufe they did communicate with thole who are fcandalous being in good cafe themfelves; but for this caufe, faith he> many are fick,&c and have brought upon themfelves great plagues, becaufe by not examining of themfelves, they did communicate unworthily,-andfo, by their own fin, broughtthefeftroaksupon themfelves*

He gives a third reafon for making out of his fcope, ver. 3 U For* if Vn Mil judge our fefaes , *toe fbould not he judged, that is, men need not be anxious in this cafe, whether others judge themfelves or not; for, faith he, Gods abfolving or judging of us, doth not depend Upon what they do, but upon what we our felves do. And therefore prefleth them ftill to look to themfelves, becaufe the judging and humbling of our felves before God, is the way not to be judged by Him, even in reference to that Ordinance, whatever others do*

Now, when he hath fully cleared the reafons, and,

as

as it were, made out this propofition, that if a man be right in his own frame , the fin of another joynt communkanf,cannot be hurtfull to him, or be ground to mar him in eating, and when by an interfetted pa-renthefis, he hath obviated a doubt, v. 32. he concluded, ver. 33. Wbtrefore , faidihe, my brethren^ ( leing it is lb ) tarry one for another, and be not anxi-ouflybeared to communicate joyncly ; Now, feing all alongft the Apoftle hath been giving fuch grounds as may clear a confeience in that cafe > and doth in thefe words lay down the dire&ion of tarrying one for another, or of joynt communicating, as a conclu-fion drawn from the former grounds, It cannot be thought, but that purpofly he intended thefereafons to be grounds for the quieting of confcicnces, to obey that dire&ion in fuch a cafe;and that therefore ic cannot be warrantable to ieparate upon that ground. \

CHAP. X111.

Shewing more particularly What it is that pri^ vate perfons are called to in fuch a cafe.

IF it be asked then, What is that which private perfons ought to do in fuch a cafe ? Jto/fr.They are certainly to contain themfelves within their Ration, yet fo, as fomc things are called-for at fuch a time more than at another time; As, firft, There is need of much circumfpeftnefle in our own perfonal walk and watchfulneffe > in obferving of opportunities wherein we may edifie others, as Heb. 3.13. Secondly, There is need of more frequency, and of a more weighty circumfpeft manner in giving private admonitions and exhortations, &c. Thirdly, There would be much exercife of prayer, and even fafting therewith (though in a fecret inoffenfive manner) both for the retraining of offences, which difiionour God, and for zeal to Officers to perform their duty;

if

if in thisrefpeft, rivers of tears were running down our cheeks, bccaufe of the abounding of offences, there might be much more folid peace ( we are per-fwaded ) in keeping communion with others , that* without that to feparate with much, at leaft feeming pride and uncharitable cruelty in giving of offence to them , and thereby confirming them in their profanity. Fourthly* It is private perfons duty to represent fuch offences 4 with their evidences, to Church-officers, or Church-judicatories, thereby to put them to the removing of fuch offences. Fifthly > They may freely, though humbly and reverently, expoftu-late with Church-ofihcers, when they are defe&ive, and endeavour to convince them of that offence: The force of that precept, If thy brother offend thee, go and tell him, &c. warranteth fo much ; and this the Colofllans zveto (ay to AnbippMt that he be not defective in his Miniftery which he had received, &c* Col 4.17. This decently and convincingly done, is ufefull. Sixthly, If all that prevail not> private perfons may communicate it to other Church-officers; and no redrefle following, it is their duty to follow It before the competent fuperiour Judicatories : for, Chrift's dire&iqn, Tell the Church , importeth and warranteth the fame.

If it be asked* What further is to be done, if that fail? Anfo- We know no other publick redrefle; Chrift hath left it there, and fo may we alfo. Neither can it be infttufted from Scripture, that Chrift hath appointed feparation to be the next ftep of a private perfons duty for removing of offences, much leffe to go before thefe. Indeed the Scripture calleth for with-drawing from perfonall communion with grofle , fcandalous perfons? as a thing neceflary; as alfo from communion in the corrupt defignes and courfes of any, though they may have a form of godiineffe, as 2 Tim. 3, 4, 5, &*c. which doth belong to, and is comprehended under the firft particular

Part £. A Treatife concerning Scandal.

culardire&ion. And if thefc be faithfully oblerved by private Chriftians, we are hopefull that either there would be lefl'e ground of complaint for the de-fett of Church-officers, or more accefle to remove fuch as continue unfaithfull, and more peace to the confeiences of particular private Chriftians, and leffe offence and more edification to all, than any other way whatfoever*

That ic is thus neceflary for private perfons to ac- ^ y j t % quiefce in the Churches determination, in manner as nccejjaryt* is faid, may appear from theunfetlcdnefie and con- acquitfee in fufion, both in private and publick, which otherwife tbethurcbes would follow : For, either there muft be a fitting in Determine-this determination of the Church , or, there muft be tion as to fome other period to fix at, on there muft be no fix- traffic*. ing at all. Neither of the two laft can be faid, Therefore, &c Not the laft, to wit, that there is no fixing at all; for fo a particular perfon that were offended, would not know what were duty? or what to follow; and it would infer a defeft in the Lord's Ordinance in reference to His Peoples dire&ion and peace in fuch cafes, which is moft abfurd.

If the fecond be faid, Uq That there is fome other thing to fix on for quirting of confeiences in fuch a cafe, as to their exoneration beyond that publick de-cifion i We defire to know what that is which is called-for, and by what rule we are to proceed in it? It it be faid, that in fuch a cafe the duty is to fepa-rate from that Church, where the plurality of Officers do admit fuch as are accounted to be fcandalous; Thenweask, I. What is next to be done? it muft either be to continue as no member of a Church, which is both impoffible and abfurd. It is impoflible that there can be any particular vifible baptized member, and not belong to the vifible body, at leaft, being confidered, as the Church maketh one integral vifible body. It's abfurd, becaufc it would fay, That either Chrift had no vifible Churcbi or,that He hath

an

an ordinary way of edifying by external Ordinances without His vifible Church, or, that a perfon might be regardleffe of, and without His Church and Ordinances, and be approven of Him, and expe& che benefit 5 yea, upon this iuppoficion. the unfaithfulnefle of Church-officers in not carting-out of fcandalous men,would infer the aftual unchurching of thofe that were not fcandalous, and fo the fin of the one fhould be the punifhment of the other, which is abfurd. If it be faid that anotherChurch of more pure members is to bs gathered, in which perfonsin fuch cafes are to joyn for obtaining of pure Ordinances ; Thca we ask further, What if fuch a Congregation cannot be had ? Then, what is duty in that cafe ? Is there aneceffity of living without a vifible Church-ftate, wanting all Church-ordinances to our felves, and Baptifm to our children ? What can be the fruit of that ? Is it not a more uncontrovertible hazard to put our felves without all commnnion of Church-ordinances > than to enjoy them where they are pure, chough fome joynt partakers be offenfive ? Is not the other the way to make our children heathens, and for ever to be without Bapti(m , feing warrantably they cannot be entered where we cannot abide ? Doth not this alfo make way to make all the Ordinances contemptible , and to be undervalued by the profane, feing fuch perfons do fo contentedly live without them ?

Furtheri we ask, What if other perfons and we cannot agree upon joynt members; for, if it be left to mens particular difcerning, that rule is uncertain and various, being involved in many difficulties, as was formerly hinted : in that cafe, either there muft be no feparated Church, ordiverfe feparated Churches, ac-cording to the latitude of diverfe perfons charity. This being certain, that one will think a perfon fcandalous, which another doth not efteem fo ; and one Will approve that, vvhich another will condemn.

Again*

Again, we ask, What if fuch perfons that withdraw and feck to enter a more holy fociety, fliould be refufed? Then, how could they evidence their own holineffe, and convince thefe refufers that they were * gracioufly qualified , and (o to be admitted if that were ftuck upon, for whatever profeflion were made, it behoved ftill to be tried by no other rule, but by folks particular difcerning and charity ?

Again, fuppofe this difficulty to be overcome* and fuch a congregation to be fettled, Is it not poffible that even fomeof thofe members fliould become fcanda-lous ? Then, fuppofing that by the plurality of that Church, fuch perfons were not accounted fcandalous, or not caft out, what were to be done ? According to the former grounds > thefe who fuppofe themfelves only pure , could not continue in communion, but behoved again to fcparate } and if fo > then upon the renuing of the former fuppofition, there behoved ftill to be a feparation in infinitum. For, there can no Church be expected on earth, in which thefe cafes are not fuppofable and poflible. And fo now we may refnme the conclufion , Either a private perfon muft acquiefce, as being exonered when he hath followed the a&ion before the Church, or he fliall have no ground of peace any where , till he be out of the world , or out of all vifible Churches. And fo al-fo there can be no other way of keeping publick order and ordinances, and of eviting fcandal and confufion.

This truth is fully made out by thofe three worthy and pious Divines of New England, Cotton^ Hoo%er> and Norton : The laft whereof, by many rcafons evinceth this in his anfwer to dppokniom his laft que-ftion, pag, 162,163. and doth from the Church of Corinth in particular confirm this: u There (faith "he) was impurity or corruption in worftiip, for c< women taught in the Church ; There was corrupt '* DoStrinc, many denied the Refurreftion ; in man-L ftcrs,

u ners, (he was moft corrupt, there being Co many 11 fornications, fe&s, palpable love of the world &c. " Yet (faith he) the Aprftledid not command thofe "that were worthily prepa ed to abftainfrom the "Supper, but, re&ifyingabufcs , he did command u every one to try hirntelf, and fo to eat & c A nd many odier things hath he excellently to this purpofe, and laieth this for a ground , that "per alt s indigne Ci accedentesnonpolluitur communion licet minuttur confo-<c lathy that is, the communion in worfhip is not pol-a luted , though the confolation be dimimfhed by JJ fuch joynt worfhipper .

The fecond, to wit Mr. Hooker doth confirm this Maxime fully, parti, chap 9, pag. ti9,i2o* and doth call it irrationally that the fetoer Jhould ha judges of the deed of the plurality: and elfwhere, that to admit fepa-ration in fucb a cafe, V?ere to lay aground for feparatton in infinitum. Only, we may add thefe two obfervati-ons thereon , c. May not this be allowed to the Presbyteriall Church where the plurality of Church-officers think fit not to caft out ? 2« That the Pref-bytcriall government is upon this confederation, un*? jufily loaded with an abfurdity, as if neceflfarily upon their grounds, the minor and better party being overfwayed (fuppofe a particular Congregation were wronged by rhe plurality of a Presbycerie) could have no redreffc; for>according to his grounds the fame would follow upon the congregationall way ? for, iuppofe the plurality of the Congregation lhouId wron?forae officer, contrary to the vote of the minor and better party , there can be no other redrefle there, than for men to keep themfclves free : For, it ftill recurreth, if the minor part (hould claim to have their Sentence weighty, becaule it is upon the matter righr, which the other is not, he hath already determined in the place cited , that that is, contrary to all orderly proceeding and rules of reafon and layech open the gap to endleffc diflention , and the

dif-

annulling of all publick proceeding ; for , men in fuch cafes, being their own judges, are ever ready to think themfelves in the right.

Bythefirft, to wit, Mr. Cotton, it il laid down as an iftiqueftionable agreed ground, with this note upon the back of it, $y bajly withdrawing, '\eformatiun is net procured but retarded. Thus he, pag. 2. of the bolinefe of Cburcb-members. And hath not experience confirmed this ? Might not Difcipline have been more vigorous in many Congregations, if this had not been ? And what can be expc&ed of Reformation in the body of the Chriftian world, if to the offence of the reft, thofe who fuppofe themfelves to be more tender y fhould inftantly withdraw from them.

CHAP. XIV.

Clearing whether the Ordinances of Chrift be any Way polluted By corrupt fellow-wor flippers*

BUt yet two things are to be fatisfied. r. Itmay be fajd, But are not the Ordinances of Chrift fomeway polluted by the un worthinefle of fuch fcandalous partakers ? and if fo, can polluted Ordinances be partaken of,without fin ? dnfih We may confider polluting of Ordinances in a threefold fenfe. %4 An Ordinance may be faid to be polluted, when the effentials and fubftantials thereof are corrupted, fo as indeed ic ceafeth to be an Ordinance of Jcfus Chrift : Thus the Maffe in Popery, is a fearfull abomination, and a corruption of the Sacrament: in this refpeft, the Ordinance (if it may be called an Ordinance after that, for indeed it is not an Ordinance of Chrift) is polluted, and this may be many waves fallen into, and communion in this, is indeed finfull and cannot but be fo.

2* An Ordinance may be faid to be poIlutcd>vvhca L % ic

■P

1 48 A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part 2."

it is irreverently and profanely abufed, though effeft-tials be keeped : Thus the Lords Sabbath may be polluted , which yet is holy initfelf; So was the Table of the Lord polluted, Mai. 1. And in this fenfe the Sacrament of the Lords Supper was indeed polluted by the C 9r ^ nt ^ an5 > lCor * l * .when fome came drunk or otherwayes irreverently to the holy Ordinances; in this refpeft, an Ordinance may be faid to be polluted to him that fo goeth about it, becaufe to the unclean all things are unclean ; but it is not polluted in itfelf> nor to any other that examine themfelves , as the former inftance doth clear > becaufe that pollution cometh from nothing in the Ordinance, (it being in its effentials compleat) but doth arife from the fin-fulneffe of fuch and fuch perfons, and therefore muft be commenfurable with them.

3. An Ordinance may be faid to be polluted , upon this extrinfick confederation, to wit > when by fome circumttance in it, or mifcarriageof thofethac are about it, it is made common-like, and fo want-eth that lufter and honourableneffe that it ought to have; by fuch a fault the Ordinance is made obnoxious to 'contempt, and is defpifed by others* contrary to the Lords allowance. Thus the Pricfts of old made the offerings of the Lord vile and contemptible , which was not by corrupting them in effentials, nor making them ceafe to be Ordinances* but by their mifcarriages and corrupt irreverent way of going about them, they did lay that (tumbling- block before others, to make them account thefe Ordinances contemptible. This may be diverfe wayes fallen into, As, t* when the Officer,or Miniftcr,hath a profane carnall carriage , So he makcth the Ordinance of the Miniftery , and every other Ordinance vile in this fenfe: Thus, if an Elder or any others fhould take on them to admonifti while they arc in drunkenneffe or paffion, or fuch like, they do pollute that admonition, yet ftill thefe Ordinances are

Ordinances, and that admonition an admonition, 2. It is fallen into, when an Officer doth indifcreetly and indifferently adminiftrate Ordinances to precious and vile, as if they were common things. Thus a reproof may be polluted when a manifeft known contemner is reproved , becaufc > fo a pearl is caften before fwine, which is derogatory to the excellency thereof. Thus a Miniftcr may profane or pollute the mod excellent promifes or confolations of the Word, when he doth without difcretion apply the fame indifferently; or, without making difference between the tender and the untender and profane; yea, even between the hypocrites and the truely godly. This is not to divide the Word of God aright, and is indeed that which the Lord mainly accounted to be Not feparating o) the preciom from the Vile, when peace is fpoken to them to whom he never fpoke it. This isalfo committed, when grofly fcandalous perfons are permitted, without the exercife of D'Sci-pline upon them,to live in the Church, or are admitted to Sacraments, becaufe fo Gods inftitution is wronged, and the lufter thereof is leffened „ and men are induced to think lefle thereof. 3* This may be alfo by the irreverent manner of going about them, when ic is without that due reverence and gravity 1 that ou^ht to be in His worfhip. Thus one may make the Word and Sacrament to be in a great part ridiculous; and fofuppofe, that at the Sacrament of the Supper, in the fame Congregation , fomefhould be communicating at one place, fome at another, fomc (hould be palpably talking of other things , fome mifcarrying.by drunkenneffe, &c as its clear was in the Church of Corinth, AH thofe may befaid to pollute the Ordinances, as they derogate from their weight and authority , and mifcarry in the admini-ftration of them > and are ready to breed irreverence and contempt in others where the Lords Body in the Supper j or the end of His inftkntion in other Ordi-L 3 nances.

nances,isnotdifcerned v andobferved : yetallthefe do not pollute the Ordinance in it fclf > or make it to be no Ordinance, nor do pollute it to any that doth reverently partake of the fame, and doth not ftumble upon the block that is laid before him : Becaufe an hearer that were fuitably qualified, might comfortably receive and feed upon a fweet promife, even when it might be extended in its application beyond the Lord's allowance 5 yet doth not that alter the nature thereof to him : So may worthy Communicants that have examined them(elves> and do difcern the Lord's Body, partake of that Sacrament with His approbation, and to their own comfort; Becaufe they might difcern Him and by that come to get the right impreffion of the Ordinances, although many blocks were lying in their way : for, it is not others cafting of fnares before them , but their ftumbling at them, that doth pollute the Ordinance to them. Hence we fee, that though all thefe were in the Church of Co~ rintb, fo that there was neither reverence in the manner, nor difcretion in refpeft of the Receivers (for/ fomecame drunken, and fome came and waited not on others, fome came hungry? and others full) yet was it ftill the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and unpolluted to thofe, who by examining of themfelves, and difcerning of His Body ( which others failed in) did reverently and duly partake of the fame.

Befides thefe wayes of pollution mentioned , we cannot conceive of any other (for now legal and ceremonial pollution, (uch as was by touching a dead body, &c. and was oppofic to ceremonial holinefle, is not ia this cafe to be mentioned ) yet we fee the firft cannot be alleaged here, and none of the other two ought to fcare tender perfons from the Ordinances of JefusChrift.

If it befaid. That communicating in fuchacafe* doth fecm to approve fuch an admiffion > and to confirm thofe in fome good opinion of themfclvcs who

are

are admitted, and fo there is a neceffity of abftain-ing , though not upon the account, that the Ordinance! are polluted , yet, for preventing the forefaid offence* which might make us guilty. Jnf. If weight be-Jaid upon offence, we make no queftion but it will fway to the other fide. O what offence hath this way given to the Church of Chrift ! how hath it hardned thofe that had prejudice at Religion? How hath it opened the mouths of fuch as lie in wait for fome-thing of this kind ? How hath it grieved and weighted others ? how hath it made the work of Reformation , profeflion of Holineffe > exercife of Difci-plinei &c« to ftink to many, and fo to be loaded with reproaches, as hath marred much that acceffe to keep the Ordinances unpolluted in the former rc-fpeft, which otherwife might have been ? 2. Is not reverent and exemplary partaking of the Ordinances at fuch a time* a more edifying and convincing tefti-mony againtt fuch untendernerfet than by withdrawing to give a new offence ? 3. The Lord's precept in fuch a cafe, Let a man examine bimfilf, and fo let him ett , dorh not leave the thing indifferent upon that ground; And therefore that objeftion is not here to hive place* as the grounds formerly laid down do evince; For. we are not to be wife or holy beyond what the Lord hach commanded.

CHAP. XV. Shewing if any thing further in any imaginable cafe be allowed to ftivat Chriftians.

2. IT may be yet further moved , Can there be no

more allowed in any fuppofable cafe ? Anfo m

-* It is mod unfuitable, in a matter of pra6tice>

when folks are not contending for cur iofity, but for.

direction, toluppofe cafes hardly or rarely pofTible

in a con(*itutcChurch,which is worthy of that name,

or> upon that ground,to found a conteft in difpute, or

L 4 fchifm

i J 2 tA Treatife concerning Scandal \ Part"i."

fchifm in pra&ice, in cafes palpably different \ Ac leaftjUhion (hould be kept till fuch a cafe come about. And is it likely, where the order formerly laid down isobferved, that there can be habitual admiflion of notorioufly or grievoufly fcandalous perfons, though, it may be,there be leffer failings of feveral forts: Yet, fuppofing that any, out of infirmity or affe&ion, not having fuch knowledge, or otherwife, (hould ftick to joyn in the Ordinances at fome times, or_ in fome places, upon fuch an account > who yet do not love feparation, or the ere&ing of a different Church, We fay further,

l« That, in fuch a cafe, fuch perfons may remove from one Congregation to another, where fuch grof-neffe cannot be pretended to be; and the perfons being otherwife without fcandal, can neither be prefled to continue (theybeingfoburdened) nor yet refufed' to be admitted where orderly they (hall defire to joyn, feing this could not be denied to any. And, we fup-pofc, few will be (o uncharitable, as to think there is no Congregation whereunto they can joyn, or yet fo addi&ed'to outward refpecfcs, as to choofe feparation with offence to others,difturbance to theChurch,and, it may be,with little quietneffc to themfelves, whenas they have a remedy fo inoffenfive allowed unto them.

2. Although feparation be never allowable, and feceffion be not alway at an inftant prafticable; yet we fuppofe, in fome cafes, fimple abftinence, if it be notoffenfive in the manner and circumftances, if it be not made cuftomary» and if the ground be fo convincing , and the cafe fo groffe that it will affe<St any ingenuous hearer, and fo evident that there is no ac-cefle to any acquainted in fuch places, to deny the fame* or that there be a prclent undecided procefle concerning fuch things before a competent Judge ; in fome fuch cafes, I fay, as might be fuppofed, we conceive abftinence were not rigidly to be mifconftruft-cd, it being for the time the burdcen of fuch perfons,

that

that they cannot joyn; and, it may be, having fome publick complaint of fuch a thing to make-out, and in dependence elfewhere : Although we will not ftrengthen any to follow this way, nor can it be pretended to, where the cafe is not Angularly horrid ; yet fuppofing it to be fuch we conceive it is the fafeft one way for the perfons peace, and the preventing of offence together; yet, much chriftian prudence is to be exercifed in the conveying of the fame, if it were by removing for a time, or otherwayes, that there appear to be no publick contempt; but we conceive this cafe is fo rarely incident, and poflibly that there needcth be little faid of it > much leffe Qiould there be any needlcffe debate or rent entertained upon the confederation or notion thereof And certainly,the cafe before us of the admitting of the Nicolaitans and Jf-%ebel y considering their do&rine and deeds, is more horrid than readily can be fuppofed; and yet it would feem, that though this defeat (hould ftill have continued, the Lord doth require no other thing of private profeffours, but their continuing-in> or holding faft of, their former perfonal purity , which is all the burden that He doth lay upon them.

To (hut up all, we may fee what evils are to be cvitcd in the profecution of publick Scandals, and what a commendable thing it were to have this in the right manner vigorous; if private Chriftians were zealous, loving and prudent in their private admonitions; if Officers were diligent, fingle, grave, and weighty in what concerneth them ; if offending perfons were humble and fubmiflive > and all reverent and refpe&ive of the Ordinances, and ftudious of priVate and publick edification, How beautiful and profitable a thing would it be ? Certainly this manner of procedure, would be more beautifying to the Ordinances of Chrift , more convincing to all onlookers, more fweet and eafie both to Officers and People, and more edifying and gaining to all f and, by

God*

God's bit (Ting 1 w£re the way to make the miftaken yoke of Difcipline to be accounted eafie and light-And if all thofe ends bedefirable, and the contrary evils be to be efchewed, then unqueftionably the right manner of mannaging this great Ordinance of Difcipline, is carefully to be ftudied and followed both by Officers and people.

PART IIL

Concerning DtcZrinafi Scandals , or Scandalous Errours.

CHAP. I.

Holding out the expediency of handling this matter*

ALthough fomewhat hath been fpoken in reference to pra&icall Scandals, (to call them fo ) Yet there hath been little or nothing ac all fpoken ot Do&rinal Scandals, and what may be called for in reference to them.

It is true > that thefe cafes are fo various and difficult, that there can hardly be any thing particularly fpoken to them; alfo what hath been faid, may, for the moft part,proportionably be applied to them: yet confidering that this place doth look lb direftly to fuch Scandals as are inDo&rine ; and that the ca(e of theft times doth call for fome confederation of fuch, lit what hath been formerly faid , be altogether defective as to this, it will not be impertinent to infift a litde on k a=:o, although already this Traftate hath drawn to a. greater length than was at firft intended.

We imv in profecution of this, I. confider fome generall Do&riqest 2. Some generall Queftions.

3. More

Part 3* tATrtAtift concerning Scandal. 155 3. More particularly fpeak to the feverall duties according to particular cafes and remedies that are called for. 4. Shew the neccflficy of orderly Judicial procedour here, in reference to fuch Scandals, as well as in reference to Scandals in practice formerly mentioned.

For Do&rines, we find here. 1. ThatErrour, vented by thefe that are corrupted therewith 3 is no lefl'e fcandalous, and no leffe to be accounted fo \ than grofle praftices \ for it is as ready to be an occafion of ftumbling, and to marr the fpirituall edification and well-being of the people of God, as any fcandalous practices : Which is confirmed, 1. By the confe-quents of Errour, it deftroyes the foul, 2 Vet* 2. r. iTbe/f, 2.12. yea, it bringeth on fwift damnation, 2'Pet* 2.1. overthrows the faith of many. 2 Tim. 2a8. perverts the Scripture to mens deftruftion, 2^.3.16. deceives many, Mattb. 24, Therefore for this caufe, it is called alfo, 2. fet. 2. damnable, pernicious , and fuch like: which fheweth, that really it becomes a ftumbling block where it is.

2. This will appear if we confider the titles that the holy Ghoft ufually giveth to fuch in Scripture, as are promotters of corrupt Dotfrme: there are not titles bearing greater indignation and abomination, given to any, than to fuch , as they are called <% f , evil Workers , Phil. 3. 2. Wohes y yea, grievous Wolves, Matth. 7.15. Aft. 20. deceitfull Workers , mini/lets of Satan,zs ifexprefly they were commiflionated by him, 2 Cor. 11. 1?. deceivers, liars. Rev. 2. ill men and fe-ducers y that Wax Worfe and Worfe, 2 Tim. 3, 13 #

3. Confider the many threamings and woes that are in Scripture againft them , Mattb. 23. the many wartimes that are given to Minifters to watch againtt them. Acts 20. the plain dirc&ionsthat are to cen« furethem,Ttf. 3.10. the particular examples of ccn-furing them recorded in Scripturei (as after wiilap-pear ) Chrifts commending it where it is, His reproving

ving of it where it is not, as m thefe fecond and third Chapters of the Relation is manifeft: thefe and fuch like, do evidently make out how exceedingly fcandalous the venting of corrupt Doftrine is, which 2(<?v # i. 6. the Lord faith, He hates, and therefore ic cannot but be loathfome and abominable.

4. Confider the many warnings that people have co efchew fuch, and that upon this account as being offenfive, as %». i<5, 17. Aft. 20,5PM/. 3.1,2. 2. J oh. 10. which evidently fhoweth the fcandaloufneffe thereof.

y. Gonfider the nature of Errour more particularly. 1 ♦ It is contrary to the truth of God > and therefore is a lie? as fcandalous pra&ices are contrary to theholineffcof God: now Gods truth and veracity is no leffe an effentiall attribute than His holinefs. 2. This is not only to lie, but it is to attribute that unto the moft High,by fathering thefe lies upon Him ; and faying, thus faith the Lord, when He hath faid no fuch thing but the contrary* 3. It teacheth others to lie, as it is, Matth. 5.19. and that more forcibly and impudently than any pra&ice can do. 4. It hath its original from the devil, who was a liar from the beginning , and the father thereof, Job. 8. 44. And fpreadersof corrupt Doftrine, have fpecial influence on the upholding and fpreading of his kingdom. 5. It is a fruit of the flefh, even as murther, adultery, witchcraft ; and feing it is (6 ranked by the A pottle. Gal. 5.19, 20. can it be but fcandalous ?

6. The effe&s of it will evidence this. 1. It fpoil-cth the vines, Cant.2.x$. for, there is a wronging of purity where it is. 2. It fpoileth Government and order, it hath confufion with it. 3. It fpoileth unity, and it hath ever contention with it, and ( as it is. Gal. 5.15.) a biting and .devouring one of another; and contention cannot be efchewed but by harmony in evil»which is far more defperate. 4. Which followed on all, it deftroyeth fouls; and infedeth more

fpcedily,

fpeedily, dangeroufly and (preadingly than other prafticall Scandals 3 never hath the Church been (o defaced , nor fo many fouls defiroyed by any fcandalous practice, as by the venting of corrupt Do&rine; and however we take fcandal, as in the general was laid down, as that which is apt to flumble others, and occafion their fall, or to weaken the confidence and jumble the peace> and difquiet the minds of fome, or as it grieves the hearts of others, on as it maketh the wayes of God to be ill fpoken of, it will be ftill found, that fuchkind of errours, are ftill to be accounted fcandalous ; and that nothing opens mouths more againft Religion than that, See 2 Ptf. 2. 2. By all which it appeareth , that groffe errour is not only a fin, but a fcandalous fin, and that of a moft groffe nature*

CHAP. II.

Concerning the threading of SrroHr ; Cjods dif-flea fur c at the {uffertng thereof, and the faint* ing even of good men in refiraining the [ame*

BEfidethis, there are three things confiderable f which from this and other Epiftles we have occafion to obferve and enquire a little into, before we propound any particular queftion.

The firft, is, concerning the (preading and increafe of Errour, and that of the moft unreafonable and abfurd Errours, even in the Primitive times. The (econd is, ancnt the Lords detefting of it, fo that the very fuffering of the fpreaders of it, is hatefull to Him in His Angels and Churches, thatotherwiic are ap-provable for their own particular carriages, as in Pergamos ; and their not induring thereof is commendable, even when their own inward condition is not altogether approvable, as may be fcen in Epbe~ fa. The third is > how that fomctirnes there may be

fainting

xj8 A Trtatife concerning Scandal. Part j.

fainting, as to zealous reftraining of Errour, even in mentbatarenotthe worft. JFbMt height For the fitft,Can it but be thought ftrange that de-delufious o/lufion (hould com r to this height fo foon: and it may tbh \ini make all to tremble at the impetuoufnefs thereof, I. It may come \ s a mo ft f ou i abfurd errour, this of the Nicolaitans, unto. evetl a g a i n ft natures light. 2.1t fpreadeth and encreaf-

cth in feverall perfons and Churches : and Church-flory doth (how that it abounded, and no leffe is in-finuated in thefe Epiftles* 3. That it fpreadeth not only among heathens , but in the Church, and among Cbrijls Servants , who are feduced therewith; which fheweth, that even fome of note were carried away with it* 4. This is in the Churches moft pure times, fome of the Apoftles (at leaft John) being yet alive when this was vented. $. It is catried-on by defpicable inftruments in comparifon of others, a woman calling her felf a propheteffe, fome fellows calling themfelves Apoftles and new lights, that men would think, (hould rather have been counted di-I ftra8ed>than to have been fo reverenced• 6. This is done againft the teftimony of their own faithful Mi-nifters,and in fuch Churches where God had witnef-fes keeping themfelves from that evil,yea, where many Profeflors were in that refpeft pure, yet others are following that errour,receiving and reverencing thefe feducers more than any faithfull Paftors. J. This is done where there neither wanted light nor authority to convince them; for, no queftion, both were, as may be gathered from the trial of thefe in Ephefm; yea, John writcth from the Lords own mouth to confute them ; and though there could be no exception againft the application of his Do&rine > yet it was adhered to for many years after that. 8. John or fome other Apoftle was the inftrument to convert them from Paganifm to Chriftianity, yet, now can he not recover them from a foul errour in Chriftianity when they are bewitched therewith 1 and though

no

.

no qur ftion his authority and arguments had kfle weight with them now than before they wereChi jfti-ans ; yet what can be thought of more force for theirconvirtion and reclaiming, than thefeconsiderations? The like was often TW'j cafe, whoatfirft had an eafie work with people, when they were heathens, in companion of what he had with the fame when they became Chnftians, and tainted with falfe doftrine, or lifleners to corrupt teachers, as in the Epiftles to the Cmnthiam and Galattans is clear. Which d<xh fhew, i.The unreafonablnefle and power of a deluding Spirit, that nothing can convince, when once people come to like that wav they go on, deceiving and being deceived, and>as Tettr iaith, 2Tet. 3.16- pervert the Scripture to their own de-ftruc5t:on ; And as may be gathered, they do fo by; corrupting, firft, that which doth appear to be more oblcure , and then they mould other Scriptures fo as may confift with their fancies, that they have conceived to have ground in the former,and fo they> firft, form notions out ofobfeure places, and thereafter conform the more plain Scriptures to thefe, whereas the juft contrary is moft fafe; and when the ignorant and unftablefhall account themfelves the only learned in the myfteries of God , what wonder is it that they be thus given up ? and when they think the plain truths, and duties wherein there is no fhaddow of a ground of Rumbling, are below them ? and thus they may attain fo much dexterity to wreft the Scripture?, even the plaineft (as is implied there) as may be judicially fubfervient to their own deftruftion, and to prevent their being convinced, which might put them to (hame ; and occafion their abandoning of that. 2. Wo may fee, that it is no eafie thing to recover a miflcrd people inco errour; that peraaVcnture, 2?w*. 2. 25. is not accidently pur in, buttofhow that it is a hundred to one if fuch get repentance, whereby the Lord would (care all from that evil, and

the

the more groffe their error is, often men are the more unreasonable in the defence thereof, and obftinate in adhering thereunto, becaufe there is moft of a judi-ciall ftroak fcen there, in giving up men to fuch fool-ries, it is not credible that otherwife they could fall in them, and fo being fmitten of God, is it poffible . that any reafon can prevail with them , while that plague lieth on ? Was there any errour like to that of worfhipping flocks and ftones ? it being even againft fenfe and reafon> that men (hould burn a part thereof, and make feme common work of another portion > and of a third make a deity and fall downwind worffiip it, as the Prophet doth expoftu-late, Ifa. 44. 19- which upon confederation might befoundtobeabfurd: this is premitted as the reafon of fuch blockiftweffe, ver.18. For be bath float tbeir eyes that they cannot fee, and tbeir hearts that they cannot underfiand. 3. The unreafonablneffe of this Spirit in men, would not be thought ftrange in any of the former refpefts,even although no perfon could flop their mouth,but they (hould feem to themfelves to triumph in the bringing-iri of unheard-of fenfes of Scripture ; the more they abound in that, it is the more judicial to them, even as the moe they carry after them, and the more they be forborn by others, it worketh the more to their deftruftion: men would keep a diftance from thefe infections, none can tell what they may turn unto if once entred in a giddy unftable foul, carried with the fpait of a fpirit of errour > and being given-upof God thereto for itching after it, and not receiving the love of the truth, may come to the moft horrible things, and that without fhame or remorfe, ere there be any end; and on-lookers would acknow-Tbefuffring l cc te e God's juftice in fuch ftroaks, and learn tore-•/ gro/ er- verence and fear him the more* ror is a moft The fecond cannot but be clear from this: for, if diff leafing errour be fuch an evil that thwarteth , 1. both with thing to Gods holinefle and truth j And, 2. that hazardeth fo Cbrijt. many

Part3» A Treatifeconcerning Scandal. i6i

many fouls, ( for. never a plague hath fo deftroyed the face of the vifible Church , nor carried fo many fouls to hell as errour hath done ) Then the differing of it cannot but behatefull co Him who loveth His Church. }. There is no way bv which the devil reproacheth Ordinances and the Word more than this, by turning them to the quite contrary end , as* if he would out-(hoot the Lord in His own bow, (which is abominable to mention ) and invert His own means* and turn His own weapons on Him j and fufferingof this, is a conniving at his defign. 4- There is no way by which the devil may fo win in onChrift's Servants to feduce them as by this > as in the Epiftle to Tbyatira isclear. And can there danger come fo nigh to Chrift, and He not be difpleafed with what ftrengtheneth their fnares ? 5. This doth equal, yea, in forne refpeft, prefer the devil to Him, fo far as in us lieth, and fo cannot but provoke His jea-loufie;for,fo the devil hath liberty to vent his lies with Truth equally ; and there being many lies > though there be but one Truth , he hath bythis mpe doors opened to him than the Gofpei hath. 6. this doth mike even the Truth. Ordinances, and Religion it felf to bethought liehtof} when all thefe have toleration, it is, on the matter, a proclaiming an indiffe-rencyto be in thefe things, than which nothing can more reflcft on the jealous God , who in His Word putteth fuch a difference , and fhoweth fuch detefta-tion at indifferency. 7. This bringeth hudgc confu-fions on the Church. For, 1. If thefe errours and . corrupt teachers prevail, they carry fouls after them, and deftroy them; and ought that to be thought light of? 2, If they prevail not, yet they erode, afflidt and offend them, and fo prove a fnare and burden to them of whom the Lord is tender. 8. Toleration doth either account little of errour* as being no hurtfull thing, and fo there can be no cfteem of truth ; or, it doth account little of the.deftrudion of foub: both M which

-

102 tATreattfe concerning Sc an D a L. Part?.

which muft be abominable* 9. Errour doth not only

break God's Law,but doth teach others to do (o; and

fuffcring thereof, muft be a maintaining of Teachers

to teach Tranfgreflion and Rebellion againft the

Lord.

* Sometimes The third thing obfervable, is, That though zeal in

tbo{e who aMinifter, efpecially againft errour, be exceedingly

wantnotaf-commendable > yet oftimes is there fainting, eyen

fcftion , ate amon g Miniftets who are not of the woift: and the

JJ tm €on ~ Angel is here reproved for fparing of thefe ^tcolau

totrrontou$ tm ' al lea ** m being fainc and defe( ^ iv . e in P u rfu-Teacbers: m & ^em * n a m i n ifterial way, as JntipM is com-ani wbj ? men ded for his faithfulneffe , and the Angel of Epbe-fit* for his not fainting in profecuting of this trial; the Lord hath put thefe two together , the faithfull and wife Steward j and when they are carried equally on, O how commendable are they ! yet in the recko-ningjthe one is but mentioned, Well done thou good and Jaithfullfer\>ant, not to give a difpenfation in reference to the other, but to (hew the neceffity and excellency of this, that thereby Miniftersmay be put to it, left, under pretext of prudence, theyincroach upon that freedom and faithfulneffe which is called-for from them, whether in undertaking, or in profecuting of this charge, in which there will not want many difficulties , that will be ready to occafion fainting > if they be not boldly in the Lord's ftrength fet againft, as we may inftance in thefe refpe&s» I. In refpeft ot" the time: there are fome evil times,wherein it is hard to know what to fay, for which the prudent may be faid to keep filence > and often that pretext may be the occafion of foftering too much fainting, when the Lord calleth-for faithfulneffe. 2. It may arifefroin a man's fenfiblenefle of his own infirmities and un-equalneffe for that charge, as feems to be in Jeremiah^ Jer. i, when a mans own felf, or thoughts of himfelf, without refpeft to his call, is made the rule whereby he proceeded^ 3. It may arife from the meffage

which

which he is called to carry : fharp meflages are heavy and burdenfom, that maketh Jon<tt cofhift for a time to undertake that denunciation againft NtniVeb, elpe-cially confidcring thatthefe Mcffcngers ordinarily are not acceptable to hearers; and that there are withall ulually not a few whofew pillows under arpi-holes; and are ready to deftroy, in that refpedt, what others build. 4. It may arife from hearers, and that of divert tempers; fome are readyjike fwine» to turn back on the Carriers, as if they did hate them, as Micajah was met with by Mab> tlQng. 22. who yet had four hundred flittering liars in requeft. Some, again, are of an itching humour» and do not abide convincing doftrine and faithfulneffe, fuch are ready to breed a feparation from them that do faithfully reprove , at leaft much to cool their affeftions to them, which ( as it is, 2 Tim. 4.) is no little piece of trial to a Minifter: Many alfo that are affe&ionate, are ycthafty, and cannot abide plain dealing ; and it is * no leffe difficulty to win to be faithful! to thefe, than to others who arc openly prophane. $♦ There is a fainting that arifeth fromdiftruft of God > as not being confident of the performance of His proraife, and of their being countenanced in His work; and fo feeing it impoffible in rhemfelvcs and in their own eyes, they give it over as if it were fo (imply. (5. There is a fainting that arifeth from fuppofed events, cither as thinking there will'be no fruit of fuch a thing , or fi that fome inconvenience will follow it |Jt is like that Mofes was nor free of thefirfh when n#faiths Ifrati doth W0*,or, vviil not bear me ; dnd^bat toillTbaraobdo? And the laft is common when once flefh and bloud are admitted to confult of duty from the fuppofed in-conveniencies that will follow* then readily itdeci-dethi that it is not duty at all. It may be fomewhac of that was here > that the Angel feared the difqufeting of the Church > or fome fchifm that might follow on it j and the Lord's threatning to take another way of M a fighting

!

A Tjreatife concerning Scandal Part 3 •

fighting againft them with the %ord of His mouth' doth infinuate this: for, a carn^U (hift, to prevent fome inconveniences, often drawe&-on that which men feared, the more fpeedily. Other grounds of it alfo may be given, which yet are nofc^provable before God. if

CHAP. III.

If any of the TeopleofGod may be carried away )ft>itbgrojfe delufions*

^Rom thefe Dodtrines feveral Queftions may be

moved. And, 1. If any of the People of God

may be carried away with fuch abominable er-

rours in do&rine ? Wefliallanfwer in thefe Affer-

tions.

It Is not Jtjfcrt* t. There is no errour fo grofle materially,

fmply im~ but Believers may fall into it : For, although they

fojjiblebut^ haveapromife that errour (hall not feparate wholly

fome may, in betwixt Chrift and them, nor that finally they (hall

a great mea* be carried away therewith ; ffet, feing they have cor-

fure>1or d ruption that is capable to be tempted to all fin, and

rTda C&f " ^° t0 c ^ s amoh § ot ^ er ^ ns > thzy cannot be exempted tm kv /. f t ^ m c ^j s ne i t her is there any promife by which they can expeft abfolutely to be kept from herefie, more than murder or adultery, which are fruits of the fiefh with this: yea, except the fin againft the holy Ghoft and final impenitencie, there is no abfolute exemption to the Believrf from any fin; which the Lord hath wifely ordered fo, to keep the Believer from fecurity, even in reference to fuch tentations: Befide, in experience it is found j that grace exempteth not from error in judgment; for, it is like, that Solomon, if he did not aftually commit idolatry hitpfelf > yet became too inclinable that way, as we may gather from what is in Scripture recorded concerning him ; Neither can we altogether, as to their ftate, condemn thefe in Corinth,

rintb y in Galatia, and in other Churches, who were drawn from the Truth after their converfion , as if none but unregenerate profeffors had been fo. Yea, it ispoflible, if not, probable, that fome of thefe, whom the Lord calleth "His Servants, and yet were feduced in the Church ofTbyatira, were not ftill in theftate of nature.

Jffert.i. Although we dare not altogether fay it's Ttf not ft impofliblc, yet we think that it is more rare for a Be- cAjilyM un-lievcrtofall in groffe errours, and for any confide- x ^ r f e * ra ' rable time to continue therein, fo as to be accounted v//; '

an Heretick, than in other fcandalous pra&ices. For, I. The Scripture doth more rarely mention tbis, than other fins of Believers, which are more frequently recorded* 2. There are very fpecial prcmifes forpre-ferving of the Ele6t from being feduced by falfe chrifls and falfe teachers: and though it do not hold univer-fally in all particulars, except in as far as reaches their everlafting (late ; yet it may be extended in fome good meafure, even to fedu&ion it felf; and we fuppofe may be more clear from thefe confederations, I. Becoming erroneous in fuch a manner, doth not proceed from fome fudden furprifing-fit of tentation, as groffe practices oftentimes may do; but it implieth a deli-berateneffe therein, which is not fo readily incident to a Believer, and it cannot fo well be called a fin of infirmity ; and therefore the Scripture doth ever fee out fuch teachers of falfe do&rine as moft abominable, to wit,as notferVmg the Lord Cbriftfiut their oton bellies&om. 16.18.as being enemies to the crojje efCbriff, Phil* ?. 19. as being minifters of Satan, 2 Cor. 11.15. Other men (as it were) that are unrcnewed,are common fubje&s and fervants to the devil • but corrupt teachers they are apoftles to him,and prime officers in his kingdom : Thefe titles,and fuch like, cannot well be applicable to Saints in refpe& of their infirmities; and therefore, we think, that (at leaft) it is more rarely incident to them, to be carriers on and promoters M3 of

of corrupt do&rine. 2. It appearcth from this, that an Heretick is (aid to be (elf-condemned, Ttt. 3. ro. becaufe ere one can be fo denominated* there muft be a reje&ing of admonitions, which ftands not fo very well with the natareof a Saint* 3. This confederation will alfo make it evident, that the Scripture fpeaketh of repentance of, and recovery from corrupt do&rine* as a very rare and uncertain thing 1 Gal. 4* 10 the Apoftle fears he did beftow labour in vain in this bufineffe; and 2 Tim. 2.25. the Apoftle doth put z per adventure upon this, If per adventure God "bill gtVe them (to wit, thofe that oppofe themfeves) repentance unt$ the acfyotoledging of the Truth. There is not fuch a peradventure put to any kind of fin : which fheweth that it muft be more difficult to be recovered from it, than from other fins; and that therefore Believers, ordinarily at leaft, niuft be in a fpecial manner preferved from it. 4. Which doth confirm the former, This delufion is a main fpiritual plague; and is often the punifhraent not of former fins of infirmity, but of not receiving the love of the Truth, and of hypocrifie and proud preemption; and although the Lord is not to be limited and bound up from chaftening His own with this rod, yet we may fay from experience in the Word, and from the nature of the plague, and other grounds, It is neither the ordinary fpot nor rod of His Children; and if at any time it be, it doth fpeakout readily much fpiri-tuall pride > felf feeking, lightnefle* fecurity, wan-tonneffeof fpirit, ignorance and conceitedneffe joyned with it>want of exercife,or fomeone thing or other of w , that kind. And, as we hinted, when they are ovcr-

bel\ mfli £a ^ en> we wi 'l noc rcac ^Y find * n Scripture that fuch tniucbevils arc heads to promote and carry on the defign of error. uftudly the ^Jft rt 'l* When a Believer falleth in fuch an evil,the Lord Hnuu ^°rd ufually chafteneth him, either with more grofle larly cbaftc* out-breakingsi or with fomefharp way of reftoring, vetb ibcmjorot with removal under a cloud, without much (tta the (me. evi *

evidence of recovery, as we fee in the cafe of Solomon, who became fome way guilty of this ill, of whofc recovery the Scripture is very filent, even though his fin be fully recorded, and the remainders of his idolatry are marked to be (landing in the dayes of Hc^fyab; and indeed there is but little on record in Scripture of the recovery of thofe that have been carried fo away, though we may judge charitably of fome of them in the general: The Lord wifely ordereth this, partly>as a chaftcning to them, partly,as a warning to others, and to make all men, especially Believers, to fear, and to take heed left they fall 5 becau(e> recovery is not (b eafie, and even they that are Ipiritual may be tempted, Gallat.6. I.

JJfer.q. Thefe that are fpreaders of errour,do moft vf ua u y COf ^ frequently fct upon thefe who have fome profeflion ru p t ttacher$ of Religion, more than upon others who walk not f e t mere rounder that name. For* the fpreading of groffe errour, on profeflors although it do not carry away many really godly, to withdraw nor finally any at all, yet doth it often prove dnetbem than moft Searching triall to them, and doth prove exceed* others that ingly ftrong and fucceffefull againft many unhum-*^' fnfif* bled Profeflbrs. fion although

There are two things comprehended here, i.That '* cb f may all$ this tentation to errour doth often prevail more b€ l an t on * among Profeffours, and doth prove a (tumbling to them.morc than any other groffe pra&ices; they may ftand out againft thefe, and yet be prevailed over by it.

2. Itcomprehendeth thisalfo , that this tentation of errour doth rather attempt the gaining of thefe that are eminent for profefTion> than others who have no fuch name, although fuch fometimes may be carried alio away therewith. We fee that thefe Nicolai-tans , and falfe Apoftles , and the propheteffe Je^?-hcl y are not teaching nor feducing heathens, but the Church of Chrift , and fuch as he calleth His Servants, %v. i. 20. which may take in even fuch as M 4 eminently

|68 ufTreatife concerning S candal^ Part f.

eminently gave out themfelves to be Chr ifts Servants; yea, it is clear, that neither did this errour have fuch fucceffe amongft heathens, as amongft Chriftians, nor did the teachers thereof fo intend the leaving of them, as they did vehemently endeavour the corrupting of the Church; we fee it alfo in other Churches* Was there any Church more (hining with gifts than that of CWw*&? and yet there did falfe Apoftles breed great diftra&ions and opppfition to the Apoftle Paul, and that as taking occafion from the giftednefs and eminence of that Church beyond others, to drive on that defign. Again, was there any Church that did more tenderly receive the Gofpel> than thefe ofGalatia} as we may fee from chap* 4.14 15. They received him as an Angel of God, and as Chrift Je-fus, they would have plucked out their own eyes tor him; and yet there is no Church fo foonftiaken and infe6bd by corrupt teachers r and fo bewitched with them and their tentations , as we may gather from chap. 1 ♦ 6. chap. 3.1,2. and throughout the Epiftle : It is like the devil took occafion of their warmneffe inflantly to fet upon them before their fetling, trore than on other places or Churches,where luck hopeful beginnings did not appear; And thus we Ice in experience daily , that where profanity aboundeth, there arc fcwer onfets to tempt to errour , and lefle fucceffe, than where the Gofpel hath had more welcome and fruit; as it were , the devil bendeth this tentation againft the laft, with more vehemencie and fubtilty, than he doth againft the former : for which we may give thefe Reafons, 1. His hatred is moft at them, and he would faineft have them overturned. 2. Becaufe he hath other baits that are more fuitable to profane men: and fo long as they are his, he doth not fo much feek to engage them by this, for that is no gain to him. 3. Becaufe efpecially , thefe who have a form of Religion, if withall weak in know-led gcare moft capable,in fome reipeft, of acentation

to

Part ?. tsfTreatifir concerning Sc an da L. H$9

toerrour; for, profane men % care rot ( hkcGallio) what be truth , and what be erroui ,* buc a poor foul that hath fome confcicnce , is ready to debate > and defireth the truth to be cleared , and when not fo ftrongas to rid it felt, it is readily drawn away like thefe filly women Taut fpeakethof. zTtm. 3, 6 7. who were ever learning , and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 4. Becaufe grofleten-tations to profanity (wherewith others are carried away) are not fo taking with them, therefore the devil elfayeth the m with errour under colour of fome truth, or new difcovery of fome more ftrift and holy way , which often prevaileth when the other would not. 5. Becaufe it ismoftadvantagious toerrour, and make it digi ft with others, to have one of name or parts , or piety for it, this being ordinary among moft men to look more to theie who maintain fuch a thing, and what fuch a man thinkcthot it> than tothe thing it 'ft If. Therefore doth the devil drive this as a main defign whereby he may prevail over many; this was ever a great mean made ufe of to induce to ej:rour> that many who were accounted godly > did imbrace the fame , a* may appear from the hiftoriesof the ^{oVatians^ ftonatifls and others, who called themfelves the pw e and holy Church of Martyrs, and took other fuch like titles in oppofition to the Orthodox Church, whom they accounted carnall ; and by this mean they did branglc many. 6 He doth this alfo, that he may divert the exercifes of thefe that lookhoneft like from felf-fearching repentance t^c^ that if he cannot get them engaged to errour, he may bring them , at leaft, to difpure truth , whereby he effayeth to extinguifti the former conviftion, or to give it a wrong mould before it be fetlcd ; or to keep them, as it were? taken up about the (hell, while he intendeth to rob them of the kirnelland fo one way or other, if he gain not all, he doth yet difquiet them, and vveary them by wakening of queft ions

and

and debates, which are without their reach, and poffibly alfo beyond their ftation.

CHAP. IV.

HoV? it is that groffe deltijions may come to fuch height % as they often do.

IT may be alfo queftioned, How it cometh that fuch abfurd errours can come to fuch a height, and prevail fo againft the Church ? Or, what •way the devil by corrupt teachers doth fo delude Profeflbrs ?

There are fome reafons that are more generall, and others more particular and ufefull in the confederation of them for pra&ice; that we may not be ignorant of the devils devices,we (hall infift moft in thefe, all of them may be drawn to three heads. 1. The Lords over-ruling, holy, juft and wife (though often fecret ) way of punifhing mens ingratitude. 2. There is fomething in the devils way of carrying on the tentation. 3. There is fomething in the di-ftempcr of Churches and perfons to be confidered : Which three* being put together, will make it not feem ftrange that the moft groffe and abfurd errour prevail, Forthefirft, The Lord hath an over-ruling hand in fuch a defign, which is partly, to try his own, therefore hcreficsmuft be, 1C0r.11.19. partly,.to puniQi the generation of ungrate hypocrites > who receive not the love of the truth , as it is, 2 Thejf. 2. in both which he is to be glorified, cither in his grace, or juftice, or both : Now thefe being the Lords designs, the abfurder that the errour be, it attaineth his end the better • and appearcth to be the more judicial- -like, as by comparing^ 1/4.44.18,19. and %»*i.2i,, 25, 28, &c. and zTbef. 2. 10, 11, 12. is clear. AH which places fpeak not only of the moft groffe fpiri-tuall abominations, but of the Lords judiciall hand therein. If

■■ ■ '

Part 5. ATrettifc concerning Scandai] Tj\

If it be asked, What band the Lord can have in yyfaxbtnl fuch a plague ? Or, how He may be laid to fend it 'i X btUti msy jlnfto. It is not lo much to our purpofe here , to dif have in fuA pute the Qucttion of Gods providence in fuch a£ti* * {lagic* ons > But tor clearing of this realon, we may lay downthele grounds,

1. There are Ipiritual plagues, wherewith God juftly punifheth the ingratitude and other fins of people, afwell ai there are external and corporal plagues; thefc places cited, //i.44.18, T9>%»,i.2i. iTfajJ.z. 10,11. ^eV.7,8, and9» Chapters, and almoftthat whole Book doth confirm this: only this would be adverted , that moft ordinarily groffe praftices, as adultery, murther, unclcanncffe of all forts, are pu-nifhments for abufing the light of nature, as may be gathered from fywa.i. 21. 25.28. But to be given up to ftrong delufion > and to believing of lies, is a plague that ordinarily followes the abuie of the light of the Goipel, as we may fee from 2 Tbej]\ 2.9,1 o. and this may be one reafon , why more commonly fuch groffe fcandals and pra&ices abound , where theGofpelisnot, oratleaft, isinleffe power, and why errour prevaileth moft, where theGofpel hath been, oris with more clearnefle* becaufc they are plagues to fuch refpe&ivcly. This J fay, it is moft generally, though it be not alwayes and univcrfally, efpecially where there arc fome other concurring rea-fons to make a difference.

2. We fay, that the Lord is no leffe juft, holy and pure in punifhing men with fuch plagues, than when He maketh uic of lome other rods or judgements, neither is there any thing in this to be attributed to Him, that is unbecoming His abfolute purity and holincffe. For, 1. He doth not punifh any

with this plague, but fuch as have by their former abufeof light and other mifcarriages juftly deferved the fame. 2, He doth notinfufe any malicioufneffe in the heart, nor increase what was, but juftly permits

what

x 7 * A Trettift concerning S c a k D A i • Part 3 T

what is to break out>and overules the fame forHis juft ends. 3. He doth not ftrain them to any fuch courfe, but doth make ufe of their own willingnefle thereunto, and of their free choofing to follow fuch a way for the glory of His juftice. 4* He doth not connive at, nordifpenfe with the finfull practice of any inftrument, but doth really abhor, and will alfo fe-verely puniffi the fame* So, that as the fame aflf hath a twofold confideration, to wit, as it is fin* full, and as it is penall, So it is diverfly to be afcribed, to wit, in the firft refpeft, to man only ; and in the laft, to Gods overruling providence , who can bring good out of evil, feing there is nothing fo evil, but He can bring fome good out of it > and make it fub-fervient to Him. otherwife He that is Omnipotent and only wife* would never fuffer it to be.

$♦ We fay,although the Lord be not>neither can be acceffory to this delufion, as it is finfull, (for this im-poffibility belongeth to His infinite and bleffed per-feftion ) yet hath He a juft hand in the complexed defigne, which doth add exceedingly to the ftrength of the delufion. As, 1. He may juftly give the devil way to fet on with his tentations, at one time, and on one perfon, more than at another time, or in reference to an other perfon, as by proportion we may gather from the cafe of Job. 2. He may furnifh men with gifts that are of themfelves good, and juftly permit them to ufe the fame, for the promoving of errour; this hath been often exceedingly inftrumen-tall, in the furthering of Satans defign in all ages, wherein he hath made ufe of fome great Schollers,and men of fubtile wits to oppofe the truth, and to pervert the Scriptures of God, as is clear in all the he-refies that ever have been ; and this is no lefle juft in God, to furnifh with parts, an inftrument of a fpi-rituall plague , than to give ftrength and power to fome whom he imployeth, in temporall judgements* who alfo may be found guilty before him > for aba-Ting

fingof the fame Hence it is faid , 2 Tfreffl 2.2. that there is not only a Kord and letter to (hake the minds of people at fuch a time , but there is al(o a Spirit or gift in an eminent degree, and therefore it is called, ver. 10. All deceivableneffe ; and, noqueftion, thefe that called themfelves Apoftles , 2 Cor. n # 13. and made T <*«/'$ gifts to be accounted weak in refpeft of theirs, had more than ordinary gifts; and in this re-foeft, fometime the Lord faith, a falfe Prophet might foretell fomething that wastocometopaffe; and fo truly have an extraordinary gift, when yet the Lords defign is by (iich, to try the peoples adherence to him, S)eut. x 3.1,2,3, Thus often promovers of errour may be gifted with ability to reafon , make querecs, fliift arguments and places of Scripture, preach well, pray well with a great deal of eloquence, and liberty of plaufiblc expreffions, yea , they may poffibly not want, as it were, figns and wonders ( as in the place formerly cited ) and yet the Lords end be to try, as is faid : of this .fort are fuch as are fpoken of, 2 Pep. 3. 1 6» Who *foreft or pervert Scripture to their oVtn de~ jlruBion\ it is a ftrange word, they are unlearned and unftable, ( and, it may be, are crying down learning in others) yet,faith he, they have a dexterity to Krefl the Scriptures, to coin new interpretations, poffibly never heard of before, to the admiration of others. And what is the confequent thereof? h is tkir$^n deflruttion. It had been advantage to many fuch themfelves and others alfo, that they had never had fuch a gift. 3. The Lord alfo may fomeway arme the devil, as H is executioner to carry on this defign, by furnithing him with fuch inftruments, giving him time, opportunities and occafions to tempt, andfuf-fering him in many things to prevail: thus, 2 Tbefa. Satan is faid to have a power, and to exercife the fame, by bringing forth of lying wonders; and, no quefiion, the devil when he getteth way, may do much, when it is faid that he put it in the heart of Ju-

da*

dds to betray his mafter, who yet was furnifhed with parts > and admitted into Chrifts company by Him-felf; all which was fubfervient to carry on the devils and the Pharifees defign, of betraying the Lord ; which.notwithftanding, tended to the greater ruine of his own kingdom.

4* In fiich a cafe alfo, the Lord doth juftly deprive mcn,whom He mindeth to plague with that delufion, of thefe means, which might be ufefull to difcern and refift the (ame. As, I. he may take away all outward reftraints , which ufually keep corrupt teachers from open and profeffed fpreading of their errours; and in His providence , give them full way to multiply, and avowedly to purfue their defign. This is to pluck up the hedge, Ifa. 5. and co fuflfer the winds to blow, %i>. 7. which are ever great inlets to this judgement of delufion, when, to fay fo, there is a floud fpewed out, and there is no earth to help the woman* and to dry up thac floud. 2. He may take away prime lights and guides, which are ufefull to keep people right; or, if they continue, he may fuffer jealoufie, divifion and other things to interveen fo, that thereby their weight and authority is leffencd to fuch perfons: in which refpeft , Mob becometh jealous of Micajah , whereby the devil hath occafion to make the lies of the falfe Prophets the more to be commended to him. 3. The Lord may withdraw the light that perfons have (and, it may be,fome common gifts of the Spirit ) and by depriving them of that, they become the more obnoxious to tentation, although it may be thev think themfelves wifer , and more underftandingthan they were: thus the Apoftle calleth the GaUHans foolifhand bewitched , Gal. 3. 1,2. as having fallen from that light which at firft they had. 4. He may remove common conviftions of the Spirit.and challenges of a nacurall confeience* fo that they may go on in their delufion without a challenge; yea, (askisfaid, Job. 16. z.) think that

they

they do God good fcrvicc in fo doing: this is, to have the conference feared with an hot iron, iThn.q. 2. that waiteth upon feducing Spirits; and thus we fee, that the moft vain and reafonlcffe confidence doth often wait upon the foulcfterrours, as, I/i. 44. 9. unto 20. This is called , GaL 5.8. a perfodjion in refpeft of its confidence, which yet cometh not of (god. And the Lord may not only juftly deprive of fuch common gifts, but even of ordinary reafon and judg-men t, whereby men become, at leaft , in the protection of their errours, abfurd and unreafonable, without all capablnefle of feeing the weight of a reafon , or receiving a conviftion , or obferving their own folly, and to carry without all refpeft to credit* honefty, good manners , and fuch things as are even refpefted among civil men; yea, fometimes without refpeft to their own eftatcs, or their own pcrfons, as we may fee in the prophets of 2W, ilQng.1%. and many others in Antichrifts kingdom; thefe are called by the Apoftle, 2 Tbejf. 3. 2. unreafonable, or abfurd beaftly men, as if they wanted reafon : this is alfo a companion of delufion, and a piece of Gods judgement > as is clear from that of If a. 44. The Lord thinking good, for the abufe of light, to deprive men of reafon, as he did ^ebucbadne^ar, whereby the vileft and abfurdeft tentations have accefletometi, (that otherwayes may be reafonable ) to carry them on with greedineffe, and without all reluftance or contradiftion.

5. When men are in the Lords juftice thus deprived, and being fet upon with the tentation, which he hath letten loufe upon them, the Lord may in His providence trytt many things that may be abufed, for the carrying on of this judgement, As, ft« he may tryft fuch a perfon with fuch a tentation , to live in fuch a place, to have fuch acquaintance, &c. 2. He may tryft fuch a tentation to fall in fuch a time , as there is noexccrnall a\v-band to reftrain ; yea, in his

wifdonb

Jj6 A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part <(•

vrifdom, ordT it fo, as that then there may be many occafionsof (tumbling amatg the Profeffors of the truth, what by fcandals in pra&ice , what by divi-(ion and other dift m^ers, as the way of truth may be ill fpoken of by many; and the Ordinances in that refp?& made vile, as is laid in the cafe of Elie*5 fons, vSam. u Somnimehe miy tryft fuch tentati-ons with fome igiorant, unskilfiill indeKterous hands, who may ratner harden than help any in the removing of their doubts : Th^fe and many fuch like things may the wile and jult Lord order in His providence, which may be as tnares and (tumbling-blocks to proud fecure hypocrits. who by their corruption may fallthereon; yea, fometimethe very Ordinances and theexercifing of them, to wit, the Word, Sacraments and Difcipline » may, through mens corruptions, be (tumbled at more than if they were not; in this fenfe , when the Lord reproveth the unfaithfull Prophets and Priefts, Jer. 6, 14. and the peoples not hearkening to his faithfull Prophets,ver.i7. although they keeped the form of Religion , ver. 20. he doth threaten to lay ftumbling-blocks before them, upon which they fhould fall. ver. u. All which and many moe wayes, (as fometimes following oferrour hath applaufe attending it, as, 2 Urn. 4.1. Sometimes it hath gain waiting upon it, as* 2*?^. 2. j. lTim. 6. 10. a-id Sal. 6 12. Philip. 3,19. ) beinsj tryfted in the Lords jutt providence, have often much influence, through mens corruption, to make delufion the more fucceffefull.

6. Befidethefe, the Lord hath a judiciallupgiving of proud, corrupt men , unto the hands of fuch ten-rations: fo that when, as it were, the devil fetteth on by fuch a blaft of wind, and feeketh to winnow fuch and fuch per fons, the Lord doth, as a juft judge, fen-tence them to be committed thereto, as to the executioner of His juftice; in this fenfe, he is faid to gi\>e them up: and in this refpeft, fuch defe&ion, as it is a

puiufh-

punifhment, is judicially permitted and ordered by Him, who willingly and purpc fly Sentenctth luch perlbns to be lb given up, becauteof former fins, whereas others whom He doth not (o Sentence, arc not fo carried away with that fame tentation.

Alfo the Lord, who is wondcrfull in counfl 1, and whofc wayes and judgements arc paft finding out, may have many other wonderfull and inconceivable wayes in the carrying on of thi> judgement", for,if all His judgements be a great depth , much more arc His fpiricuall judgements. It is upon this ground, to wit, the confidering of the Lords juft feverity of concluding all under tin, all in unbelief, of the rej^&ing of the Tews Src. that the Apoftlc doth cry out, 0 the depth of the ricbes y both of the "toifdom and kjiotyledge of God ! Hfllfo unfearcbable are bit judgements, and hU Ibayes pafi jindtng out ? Therefore we (hall fearch no further in this. Only, from what is faid, we may fee, that the Lord hath a jaft hand in the over-ruling of fuch delufions; and alfo, that they cannot but be ftrong and fucceflefull which are guided fo, as to be executioners of His juftice 5 this alfo may make men tremble the more, confidering that the opening up of fluces, to let in the fpait of delufion, is no leffe Gods judgement* and no leffe to be feared, than the fending of Sword or Pettilencc, or the opening up the fountains of the great depths, to let in a deluge upon the earth ; and were men fo looking on it, and affe&ed with it, it might poffibly be much more bounded.

CHAP. V. How errour may be knoVen to be a judicial I ftrofa andrvhj the Lord fmiteth with it.

IT may be asked here, 1. How errour may be known to be a judgement or judicial! ? And, a« for what caufe molt ordinarily the Lord doth lend fuch a judgment ?

N Yti

We cannot infift in every occurring Queftion.j Yet to the firft , We fayi 1. there is no crrour or delation, but may be well accounted penall and judicially either as to the pcrfons who fall therein, and vent the fame, or as to others who may be infefted therewith, ( although it may be but a triall in reference to fome ) for* blindnefle of mind was a fruit 2nd confequent of the firft fin, and followeth not only as a fin, but as a punifhment upon all the children of Adams houfe. And therefore as in fome re-fpeft, all following fins may be accounted pun ifh-mentsof the firft , this may be fo in a fpeciall manner. 2. Befide this generall confederation , it is often the punifhment of fome fpeciall fins, and in fome cafes is more judiciall and penall than in other cafes, as may be gathered from thefe Gharaflers. I. When in the nature of it, k is very abfiird and unreafonable* asisfaid, fuch as thefe delufions of the Kkolaitam were,becaufe in fuch delufions the judgement of God doth efpecially appear, when they cannot be though* to be confequent in any reasonable way, or, to flow from common infirmity. 2. When the perfons that vent it, are, in refpe& of their converfation , parts* place drprofeffion, fomeway eminent > a9was formerly cleared , becaufc fo the tentation feemcth to be armed of the Lord , which ufually is not for nought.

3. When it is tryfted with fuch a time and with fuch circumftances as hath teen defcribed; fonfuch things happen not by chance , but arc ruled by providence.

4. When it breaketh in violently, and, it may be, carrieth away fome whom men would not have fuf-pe&ed , that is judiciall-like, when, as it were, ths Dragon with his tail and fubtility, doth bring ftars from heaven , and furprife fome that thought them-ftlves without the reach of fuch a tentation. 5. It may be known by the gifts ( to'fpeak fo) of fuch as carry on the fame 5 for, as in carrying on the work of the Gofpel, the Lord doth furniflh His Minifters, with

gifts

Patt J. ATr**tifcconcerning ScANDAli *79

fcifts and painfulncfs,when He hath to do witn c K m; So,upon the contrary, when He hath a work ot judgment on the wheels, and the devil a defign of carrying-on dclufion , the inftruments are ficte i propor-tionably, to wic > there is a zeal carrying them hre and chere , So that by all means, as it were , they compafle fca and land to make Profelytes; there is dexterity , quicknefle and nimblneffe in ftarting of doubts* wrcftingof Scripture>&c. as is faid; and there is a fort of patience in enduring, boldneffe and confidence in attempting, andjbme fuccefle, as in the cafeof thefal'ePiophetsastairfft Mica'jaby i l{ing % it. and againft Jeremiah % Jer. 29. When, I fay, corrupt inftruments are fitted by thefe and fuch like means, it is probable> that the Lord intrndeth ibme-thin? by them which they themfelves do not minde. 6. It is judicull-ltke, when it tryfteth on the back of a peoples having the truth , and being unfruitful! under it, becaufe» fo it fpeaketh out the very end of its appearing,. cfpecially, if there be in people an itching-new- fanglneffe after novelties, and if there have been needlels and atfe&ed itirings andqueftion-ings ai>out I Her truths, If then greater delufion come, it doth look judiciill like, as being a ftroke for their former unfettlednede ; 'hisi to give men up to heap up teachers to themlelves, that have itching ears, 3 Tim. 4. 3. and this is, to give men teachers according to their own hearts, that themmay be like people like priefts, which is often thwURned by che Lord. And thus of old, when che people began to milcarry in the wilderneffc, in reference to the fecund Command, He gave them up to worfhtp the hoaft of heaven, and to mifcarry inthefirtt. as is memione3, Ach-j. 4,r. 7. It a^peareth to be judicial! indeed when it doth hurt, either by corrupting;ofr truth, or maringof uniry or wakening ot divifions,&c. which a e confequeuts of the full four trumpets that bring fciritual plagues, %*. 8. Theie and fuch like chara

* So A Trcntife concerning Scandal: Part f.

fters may fufficiently convince that the Lord isangry. Wbitcmfet r To the fecond we may foon anfwer: And, i. we d* moft «r- ky» ^ac fuch a plague is not theconfequent of com-dinarilypro- mon out-breakings and fins of infirmity ; Nor, gure this 2 - of ingratitude for , and abufe of, common fUgueof mercies j Nor, 3. ordinarily is it the punilh-s dclufm, ment of groffe fins of the fleflh, to fpeak fo; for, this is rather a fruit of that: but it doth follow upon,; t. the abufe of fprkuall mercies, fuch as the light of the truth of the Gofpel, fleighted convi&ions, fmothcred challenges?, broken pfomiles made for further Reformation, ancf fuch like 1 as may be gathered from 2 Tbeffl 2.9,10. 2. It followeth upon fpiritu-allfins, fuch as Ipirituall pride, fecurity, hypocrific and formality, keeping up of the form without the power, having truth but not the love thereof, as in the place formerly cited, and elfewhere. 3. There are forne fort of diftempers , which efpecially procure this, befide others. As, 1. an itching humour, that beginneth to loath the fimplicity of truth, 2. A ha-ftie partial humour that cannot abide found Do&rine, if it benot fomeway curioufly dreft, efpecially if it reprove their mifcarriages: both which are fpoken o£ 2 Tim.4. 3; 3. There is a proud felf- conceitedneffe, Whereof the Apoftle fpeaketh, 2Tw*. 3,4, w hcn perfons are felfie> proud, boafters, &c. fuch are a ready prey to fuch tentations. 4. Little refpedfc to faithfull Minifter^fept preach truth, may procure this plague, to get Paftors according to their own heart, and judgements that are not good, as the Lord threat-neth, £j^$. 20. and is threatned by the Lord, Job. 5. ver. 43. IbaVe come in my Fathers Name, and ye ba\>e not received me; if mother (hall come in his oWnnme, him Kill ye recehe. y. It may be procured by lightnefle and unftablneffe, when folks goe vainly beyond their reach to feek or meet a tentation, the Lord juftly may fmite them with their own fin; and thus reading of corrupt books, hearing of corrupt preachers, converting

verfing with corrupt men , and fuch like, which the Lord nath comanded to efchew, doth not only prove* in Gods righteous judgement > a fnare or raids of folks infnaring>but alfo the procuring deferving caufc of being given up co that delufion, which they make themfelves obnoxious to, by going without His call, . although,at firft>po(Iibly there was no pofitive affe&i-on to that way, but, it may bcthe contrary ; even as fuppofe one hazarding, contrary to the Command, to

§0 nigh the door of the adulterous womans houfe , lould for that caufe be given up to fall in her fnare and to enter, although at firfthe did not intend it* as thefe places do infinuatc > Pro*. 5« 8. and 6, 26,27, 28. where he faith,to this purpofe, that a man cannot take fire in his bofome and not be burnt, &c And itisfaid, ^rov. 22.14. fuch as arc abhorred of the Lord, (hall fall in chat pit. 6. There is a jangling queftioningftrain ; this often brings on this ill, when all truths are not received , but folks begin to caft at the leffer truths} this procureth delufion in a greater height, as is faid, becaufe every truth is precious, and when men become untender in the fmalleft truths, (if any may be called fo ) it is juft with God to deprive them of all, even as fmaller fins in pra6tice, being connived at,do bring on more groffe outbreaking^ : and thus the vifible Church, by her declining from the truth , in the Primitive times, and becoming more to be taken up with Ceremonies and other un-neceffary debates, did draw on upon themfelves An-tichrifts delufion at length: of this fort are ignorance in the fundamentall truths, that doth proceed from negligence , little love to , and delight in, the Word and Ordinances, little bemoaning of the falls and mifcarriages of others, when we hear them to be overtaken with fuch fnares^and many fuch like things might be named, but we will not infift further.

We come then to the fccond thing propofed, and

that is to confider how corrupt Teachers Jo carry on

N 2 their

r jt8» A Tnatife concerning Scandal Part 3»

their defign \ and what means the dfcVil ufeth by them to prevail with poor fouls , tor tocaft at the truths of God, and to drink up the mottabfurd dciufions: and although we cannot reach Satans depths > he having much fubtilue, and many wiles, to carry on his deligne, as it is, 2 Cor. 11,3. and it is called, Epb m 4^44., a cunning eraftinejfc, thereby they lye in "bait to deceive , Yet feing we ought not to be ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor.2.11. We (hall gather fomethings from Scripture, that maybe ufefull to arm us againft the fame : and to take up his way the better, we may confider, !♦ The inftruments which he choofeth.

2. The method that he keepeth in tempting by them.

3. The means which he ufeth, or common places from which he draweth his arguments. 4. The manner howthefe are carryed on*

CHAP. VI. Ty rvhat weans , and hoVv Satan drives on thii plague among people.

I. £> Atan doth not act in this defign immediately I ^S nor doth he aft indifferently by any inflru-•^ ment, but he hath his fpecial minijters, as it were> fet apart for that end ? as the A pottle fpeaketh 2 Cor, 11.15. He hath many (ubjVcfcs indeed, but be-fidethefe, he hath fonie fpecial minifters for this dc-figne, as our bleffed Lord Jefus hath Minifters fpe-cially fet apart in His Kingdom. Concerning which wc: may obferve» 1. That he employeth fome more eminenrly to traffique, as it were, in this very imploy-ment who,by compafling fea and land, and travelling to and fro, may further his defignc> fuch were thefe who were called falfe&poftlesj 2 Cor. 11. i*. '^fVe/. 2> ?. and in the hiftory of the AiU we will find fuch coming from one pi ice to another, as from Jerufalem to Antk*h> Atl> 15. anddfewhere, purpofly to fpread their errours, as the A pottles did travel tor preaching the truth. 2. He hath particular in(huments,preach-

ing in particular places, that are* as it were, his mini-fters of (uch and fuch bounds, as in the place cited. 3. Befidethefe, he hath ftickling underhand-dealers, who,not appearing openly, yet creep into houfe's, and ordinarily he hath fome women, who are fpecially employed in this, as he hath Jezebel the Propheteflfe in the Church of Tbydrir^Rty. 2. and fuch he had in the primitive herefies, particularly one of the Mon-tanifts, becaufe fuch are often vehement in what they are engaged in, and have accefle to pervert and fe-duce, which others cannot eafily have; his aflifting of them withall to fpeak fomctimes to the admiration of others,feemech more wonderful like; 4. Whom ever he maketh ufe of, they are fomeway fitted (to fay fo) for the defigns they are employed in, although their manner of carrying on thefe defignes may be diverfe, as experience fhoweth.

2. In the method which he followeth, we will J^ dt * find this progrefle , I* He fetteth himfelf by all b f mtbo f means to make the Mini&rs of the truth odious and v P mw ** contemptible, and that either by crying down a Mi- * n & m niftery altogether, or making all indifferently to be Minifters, which is, upon the matter* one with the former: this vt?LsI(orab, (Datban, and dbirams fault, ^timb.i6 9 which is applied to corrupt teachers, Jude 11. or if that fail > he endeavoureth to make their perfons odious, who are in theflation : thus we fee, even Paul is traduced by thefalfe teachers of £V/W? and Galatia. The reafon of this, is, I. becaufe Mi-nifters are appointed , and gifts are given to men by JefusChrift,purpofely to guard the Church from being toffed to and fro with corrupt Do&rinc , by the fleight of men , as it is Ephef. 4.11,il,13,14. that he may therefore have the more eafily his will, he endeavoureth to brin^ the Watchmen in fufpicion, and to render them ufeleffe. 2. Teachers of the truth, and corrupt teachers cannot both together have peoples aifedtion, and no teacher readily will have N 4 Weight

184 tATreatifeconcerning Scandal Part. 3•

weight, if he have not ajfe&ion from his hearers: Therefore he by all means endeavours to traduce Mi-nifters , that by excluding them > he may make way for his Emiffaries, for they are like corrivall wooers fuiting the fame Bride > So that both cannot have her afFe&ion , to this purpofe is the Apoftles word 9 Gal. 4.17. they zealoufly affeft you, but not well > yea, they toould exclude yon; it is in the Originall, and on the Margent> they would exclude u&> (that is, the true A pott les) that you might ajfett them. And confider-ingthe great acceffe that the devil hath to deftroy, when once Miniftersare in contempt, it is no mar-veil he begin at the removall of this impediment out of his way; and feing he attempted this againtt the great ApoftleiW, fo often and frequently, it>cannot be thought ftrange that he feck to defame others. Uvw he ^ it be enquired how he profecuteth this ? We pr$jecutcihtttey obferve mele particular wayes ; As, I. Al-V. though he queflion not aMiniftery in the general*Yet

he wakeneth Qucltions, 1. concerning the calling of fuch and fuchmen, if they be duly called Ministers or not; thus Paul's Apoftleftiip is queftioned, becaufe he had not converfed^with the Lord; and for thhcaufe he is put, in theEpiftlestothe Corivtbians and GalattanSy fo largely to vindicate his Calling and Apoftlefhip, and to produce, as it were, not only his Commiflion, but the Seal thereof alfo, particularly, 2 Cor. 3. 2, 3. and the occafion thereof is exprtfled, 2 Cor. 1 g. 1. jince ye feek^ d proof of Qhrijl Jpea^ing in me- 2. He tndcavoureth the dilcrediting of their gifts, as if the nutter fpoken by them were common, theircxpnflionsmean, and their carriage bafe and contemptible > as we may fee in the inftance of that fame great Apc<ftlc4W, 2 Cor. 10.1. and 11. 6, he is called rude in fpecch* 3. This is efpecially by comparing them with the fair ihewof corrupt teachers in their ffaur jfhing, fpiritual, ravifhing-like difcour-(ts, which arc by many counted myfteries, and are

called

called depths, \rtel. 2. 24. The Lord indeed calleth them depths of Satan, but it is not to be thought that they themfelves meanedfo, who yet are (aid to give them the name of depths ; fometimes unconceivable non- fenle, will be admired, and plain truths and duty defpifed. 4. They cry-up cheir revelations and ipi-ritual attainments in an immediate manner beyond what is in the Minifters of Chrift: Therefore, 2 Cor. 11.12. Paul is put to compare himfclf with them, and particularly in revelations and lingular manifeftati-ons of God to him« 5. They enclea vcur to make the Minifters of Chrift to be cftecmed covetous, felf-feek-ers, earthly-minded, and fuch like, becaufe of their taking wages to preach the Gofpel, as if they were qiaking a prey of the people, which is often obje&ed to the Apoftle, and anfwered by him in thefe Epiflles to the Corinthians. 6. When evidences fail, then they raife fufpicions of Minifters craftincfl'e and underhand dealing , as if in every thing they were feeking their gain, as that Apoftle anfwerethit, 2^.12, 16,17. 7. Whatever the Minifters carriage be, they lie in wait to traduce it, if he be more meek and familiar in his converfing, they fay he is a carnal man, a friend and lover of finners and corrupt men, as was faid of our bleffedLord ; if he be more auftere in checking their fauks,or retired in (hunning their com-pany,he is called intolerable and deviiifhly prcud, as was imputed to John ; if he take wages or gifts, he is accounted greedy and covetous ; if he refuie and ab-ftain,it is expounded to be want of love and refpeft to them,as was alfo faid of Paul vvhen he continued firm in his former refolution, 2 £br.i c.io ; 11. 8.They are ufually counted proud, exalters of themfelves above, and defpifers of, the people, and to take too much on them to the prejudice of the Flock , whofe liberty and priviledges corrupt teachers ordinarily pretend to vindicate againft Minifters tyrannous encroachments (as they fay ) This was pretended by I(orab } $>athan,

and

and Jbiram againft Aaron , and was revived and followed in the primitive times by thefe compters, fpoken o^Jude 11. 9. They endeavour to have the people fufpe&ing the Minifters love to them, as 2 Cor. ttAti yea, that all his freedom to them, and his fpeaking againft their faults and errours is bkcerneffe, railing, and the like, which the Apoftle toucheth, Gal 4,16. Am I therefore become your enemy, becaufe I tell you the truth i 10. It is ordinary to charge Minifters with lightneffe and changeablneffe,and that therefore much weight is not to be laid on them , for, they think one thing this year, (fay they ) and alter the next, when yet, it may be, edification hath moved them in fuch a change.5 this hath been imputed to Paul, 2 Cor. 1. 17. purpofedly to make his word to have little weight , and it is no marvell that that fame way be followed in reference to others* For this end alfo, where there is any perfonal fault in a Minifter, it is not paft over but exceedingly aggreaged; yea, though it hath been in his youth, before his converfion or entry into the Miniftery, it is not forgotten, if it may fervc to defame the holy Calling: For preventing of this, it is required of Minifters, that they be of good report y even among thofe that are without; and it is like the falfe apoftles fpaired not to upbraid Paul with his former converfation and perfecution. n. Differences of judgement and divifions among Minifters, are much made ufe of for that end, even fometimes when they are but apparent: Thus Paul is faid to preach another doftnne, by the falfe teachers, than thofe at Jerufa* lem did , whereupon he is often put to (how the harmony that was betwixt them, as particularly in the Epiftie to the Galatians • And Jofephus marketh, that jibab's falle teachers did oppofe Ehas his Prophecy (wherein it is faid that dogs (hould lick Mab's bloud at Je^reel) to Micajah, who faid he ftiould die at %-moth-gilead; Alfo, that others did harden Zedekia, by this that Ezctyel faid,thathe (hould not fee %abylov,znd

that

that Jeremiah faid he fhould be carried thereto; which they took to be contrary , and did thereby feek to defame the Prophets, and to weaken the efteemof their Prophecies ; and though there was no real difference there, yet it (heweth how, and to what end, they lie in wait to aggreage the differences of God's Servants, though but apparent, which fhouid make Minifters carefully avoid thofe things* Again, fe-condly, Though, at firft, principal truths are not altogether and plainly denied, Yet by degrees he doth engage many, 1. To rejed fome leffe fundamentall truths concerning Government, communion with others in the Ordinances 1 and fuch like. 2. He draweth them to fe par ate in praftice from the fellow-(hip of others, under the pretext of more purity and fpiritualncfle; this feems to be expreft by Jude, v 19. Thtfe are tbeytobo feparatetbem[elVes } ftnfual, having not the Spirit , although it is insinuated that they did pretend to it: And indeed this way was followed in the firft herefies > which began at fmall things, as thofe of the NoVatians, 'Donattfls&c. who at firft only feparated to efchew the impurity of promifcuous communion. 3. He cometh then to quarrel exprefli-ons that are ufed by the Orthodox* and to commend, as it were, a new kind of language > for which caufe, the Apoftle commendeth the holding faft the form of found words, 2 Tim. 1 .13. And thefe corrupt teachers are faid to fpeak great fuelling toords of Vanity, and to have expreflions much more weighty like, than what formerly hath been ufed, Jade\6. Thus the Jrians will not admit the word o/xo*o7©-, or confubftantial, and a Council muft be called to lay by that: and fo they come toqueftion, in the next place, the Truth it felf, alleaging men arc tod confident to determine (uch things, It's not clear, much may be faid againftjr, and fuch like ; whereby, under pretext of doubting, they endeavour to awake fcruples in others, that they may be difpofed the more to admit of their rclolu-

tions.

-f 8 S *A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part ?•

tions* 4, Abfurdities arelaii down as confcquenccs that follow upon Truths and chus thedo&ritie of Providence* Ele&ion andReprobationv&c. are loaded with horrible confequences and abfurdities, pretended to follow on them,and fo the doftrine of Gods abfolutc Soveraignity,and Juftification by free grace, were loaded in the primitive times, as if thereby Paul had taught that men might do evil that good might come of it; That the Law was wholly made void; That men might fin fecurely, becaufe grace did fo much the more abound > as in the fecond, third, and ikth Chapters of the Epiftlc to the fymans, is clear. , j. He endeavoureth to dimintfh mens hatred and zeal againft errours and the moft abfurd opinions, that he may either obtain fome a&ual toleration to them, or, at leaft, keep offfuch hard conftru&ions of them ; for, if that be gained at firft, although errour get not a direct approbation, yet a great point is gained, if he can get fome to tolerate, and others to hear: Th js is condemned in the Church ofTbyatlra, that the Officers fuffered Jezebel to teach , and that the people, who are there called Chrift's fervants, did countenance and hear her; And it feems fome thing qf this was in Corinth , which maketh the Apoftle fay, that tVil communication corruptetb good manners , and that therefore men (hould not become cold in reference to errour , although they be not tainted with it, I Cor. I y, 33. And upon this ground the moft groffe Here-ticks of old and of late, as Socinians y Jrminians, thofe of the Family ofL&c y and others of that kind, have maintained a liberty in prophefying a problematick-neffe in the main truths of the Gofpel, and a toleration in matters of doftrine, &c. as principles fub-fervient to their defign. 6* He proceedeth then to have the perfons of fuch as are tainted with errour, much bsloved and efteemed of by others , that there may be the more familiar acceffe to converfe with them, and the readier difpofition to receive their leaven

Part 3 • A Treatife concerning S c a k d a l '. ^Rf!

vcn from them: this he doth fometimes by making mens gifts in their quicknefle and nimblncfie to be commended > fometimes by the feeming gravity, au-ftcricy and holineffe of their carriage, for which caufe they are fa id to be Solves in/beeps cloatbing> Mat. 7. and he is faid to transform himfelf into an angel of light, and his miniftcrs into the minifters of Chrift, 2 Cor. 11. 14. Sometimes by flattery, and feeming fympathy and affeftion , for .which the lying Prophet is called the tail j and if it were by no other mean, he doth it by their reproaching of honeft and faithfull Minifters, and, it may be> hitting upon fome real ills among them, which is often but too too pleafing to the carnall humour of trie generality of people, as in the inftances formerly given is clear. Laftly, when this is obtained, then there is eafie accede to make the moft groffe Doctrines and delufions to be drunken in, which at firft would have been abhorred : by thefe degrees Antichrifts delufion came to its height, and by fuch fteps, fome, that at firft only Separated from the No^atians and Vonatifts y came at laft to that height of delufion, as to become Qmum-cellians ( a ftrange wild kind of delufion ) Antbro~ pomorpbits, and fuch like.

3. The means and arguments that are ufed to carry ^ mgn on this delufion, are to be obferved, which are thefe ani ar . u<m or fuch like. I. The carriage and converfationof wcn u t b$t the abetters thereof, is made very plaufible, fair and ar e ufed t# approveable-like, that there may be no fufpicion of carry ontbic the devils influence on fuch a work; Therefore they defign. are faid to be transformed into theMinifters of Chrift 5 thus the Pharifees make long prayers, live auftere-ly»&c thereby to gain reputation to their traditions : for, the devil would mar all his defign, if he did not look like an Angel of light: yea, there will be much feeming like zeal, patience and fuffering in fuch, as may be gathered from 2 C0MI.23. and in experience it will be foundjthat the moft grofle Heretkks in doctrine,

ipd ATrettife concerning Scan dm. Part 5.

ftrine,have had (at lcaft for a long time) a preat (hew of holineffe before other*, as might beinftanced in the greaceft deluders.

a. Ic is ufefull in thisdefign, to have fome that have Church-power, and beareth the name of Offi^ 'w, engaged, that thev may come in, not under the name of Minifters of Sacan, but as it is , 2 C 0Y * l h *1* as Minifters of Ghrift; and therefore! if no ordinary call can be alleged by them , they readily dif-elaime all fuch > and yet pretend a calling to be Preachers of Chrift , of his Gofpel, and fuch like:. as we may fee by thefe falfe teachers of old, who called themfelves Apoftlesand Propheteffcs, as having fome extraordinary call from God, thereby making Way for thetr delufionst

3. They follow their defigns under a pretext of advancing holineffe and fpirkuality, to a higher degree, and of having a more humble way of living, and of being a further length in high attainments, than other men can win at. 01 are capable of: thus fome are outwardly defpifers of all pride,and of giving refpeft to men , and that as the Affile faith, Col. 1. 18. by a fort of voluntary humility, and intruding upon things which they have nor feen»cafting, in the mean time, at common and plain truths.

A 4. mean, is, the pleafi.ig of ears and itching humours, with great (welling words, new notions, and large difcourfes of non- fenfe delivered with great confidence, when as the Apoftle (aith , I Tim, 1.7. They know not what they fay , nor whereof they affirm» yet often fuch difcourfes are fublimemvfte-rics to the ignorant,and fuch as loath the fimple truth.

5. They make ufe of a pretext of good will and advanrage to thefe that they fpeak unto, as it is, ${om. 16. 18. by good words and fair fpeaches they deceive the fimple, and by pretending to wilh their fouls well, and to pity their blindneffe and hafcard they are in > they cteep into their houtesand affefti-

Part $. ATrutifi conctrttiMg Scandal, ij r ons> 2 Tiw* 5. 6. and lead fimple perfcns captive; By this pretext, the fe rpent beguiled £ta atthefirfl,

Sromifwg tome advantage by hearkening to hir»>and us way \> followed by corrupt teachers ttill> as it is, 2 Cor. II. 3.

6. Sometimes there is much more pretended flrift-neffe, efpecially in outward things: thus tome of old added the oblervacion of Mofts Law to the GofpeJ, as if that were a more perfeft and firjft way, and upon this ground have Jo many traditions been brought in into the Church. ' 7. There is a pretending tomoreChriflian liberty and freedom from the bondage of Ordinances of whatever iort, To as men muft not be tycd to hear . preachings, keep Sabbaths > Pray, Prailfe andfuch like, which are (lay they) but formes and burthens to Saints, and unbecoming that freedom and fpiri-cualneffc that grown Believers fhould have. Thus fuch deceivers and thefe that are deceived with them, are fa id to promife liberty to whomfoever they pro-pofe their delufions, while in the mean time all of them are made fervants to corruption.

8. There is great pretending to know Chrifts mind, and confident alleaging of the writings of His Apoftles, and that in a feeming convincing way; Thus, 2. Tbejf. 2. 2. there are mentioned Spirit, Word and Letter, as proceeding from^«/, whenas he himfelf is difclaiming fuch interpretations as they did put on him.

9. They ufe to alleagc the authority of men, and to oppofe fuch to thefe who oppofe their errours: thus rhe Pharifees alleaged Mofes , and the N-icolaitans NicoUs $ and it is like* the falfe apoftles that came from jerufalem, did oppofe other Apoftles authority to tauk , as if they had preached nothing but what they preached in Jerufalem ; and very often the infirmities of fome great men, are (tumbled upon, and made arguments againft truth.

10. Many

10. Many are ftirred up to vent queries and capti-tious queftions, ( as often the Phanfees did, by fending their eraiflaries to Chrift ) that feme advantage may be gotten that way > and thefe that are for truth entangled.

if. Sometimes he maketh ufe of humane reafon, and cryeth down every thing that feemeth not con-fonant to it: upon which ground the refurrtftion was denied by the Sadduces, andfomcof the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 1 5. and the moft fundamentall truths of the Gofpel > are by the Socinians and others unto this day. Sometimes again, all ufe of reafon , learning or prudence isdifclaimed; in which refpe<5t 3 fuch men are called unreafonable, 2 Tbef, 3. and bruit beafts, sTtf. 2. zndjude,io

12, They endeavour by all means to carry the favour of the civil Magiftrates , and to have Minifters efpecially fuch as are zealous againft them, made hatefull and fufpe&cd unto them, and the gaining of this hath a double advantage with it to their caufe» as it ftrengtheneth it, and weakeneth the truth : this we feethefalfe Prophets did of old, 1 !(ing.2i. Jer.i6* jimos 7.10. and fo endeavoured the Scribes and Pha-rifees to engage the Romans againft Chrift, and againft His Apoftles; So alfo did the Arrimt and other Hereticks, and fo hath Antichtifts emiffaries ever endeavoured to ftir up civil Magiftrates againft faithfull Minifters, as moft hatefull perfons: This they carry on by fuch like means. 1. They pretend to give the Magiftrates more fubmiflion , and charge faithfull Minifters with fleighting of their authority, for they know this to be a thing well pleafina to Magiftrates: Thus the faithfulnrffeofhoneft Minifters is accounted difobedience and hatred, and the lying flattery of fuch is given out for retpeft andobedi-tnee, fo was it in the cafe of MicajaK 2. They cry out upon faithfull Minifters, as factious and turners of the world upfide«down i fowers of fedition, as;

Part 3• ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. ' 193

Ails 24. 5. troublers of the peace > who do keep the people in a continuill ftir,and croflc their defigns>and mur the abfoIutendTc of Migitiracy; So, Elijah is counted an enemy co Abab, and a troubler of IfacU g. They venr many groundleffc calumnies againft them, as if they were guilty of many grofle evils; Thus Atbanaji/os and many others were charged by the jitidns, as murderers and a.lulcerets. and lome pretended proofs made thereof: Yea,it was ailcaged to Con-Jlantine, that A r tban jjitu had medlcd with civil matters ( which was derogatory to his authority ) by inhibiting all Corns to be exported from Egypt* 4. They bring the Mastltrates in tops with them, by appellations from Church-judicatories to them> and feem-ing to plead an abfolutenefle to Magtftrates in things Ecclefiartick 5 Thus Hereticks in all times havefhcl-tered themlelvcs under this pretext > till Magistrates declared againft them, and then they caft them off al-fb, as of lare in the practices of the Rodmans and Ay-minians hath been made out. 5. They reprcfent them to Magiftrates as utfufferable, in refpeft of their plain threatnings, and that fuch are not to be endured foto affront Authority, and to weaken thefe that profeffe fo much to ref pe& the fame ^ thus Amos is re-prefented, chap f 7.1 o. by dma^tab Prieft of Bethel, and often Jeremiah is fo by the talfe Prophets in his time. 6* They propofe faithfull Minifters as unwarrantably arrogating a kind of infallibility to them-felves, and thereby derogating from all others; fo is that word, I f(jng. 22. What 'toay x»ent the Spirit of the Lord from me to you i and by a certain audacious confidence, feek, as it were, to put out faithfull Minifters as defpicable men , not worthy to be credited* as in the caie cited; and Je**. 28. and elfewhere» and often by (uch means their insinuations and flitteries do exceedingly prevail tor promoving theirdtfigns. Jtugujline chargeth the Vonatt/ti with this,that in their - application to Julian, they ufed this phrafe, quoniam

apud te folum juflitU babet locum: and this was (faith he ) when they knew he was an apoftat, Epift. \$. The manner The laft thing in this,is the manner how this defign ibw tbk de- is carried on by fuch corrupt teachers, which is not fignii earth alway the fame in all, and may in part be colle&ed cAm. from what is faid; Yet we may name thefe particulars. I. It is covertly and fubtilly done > therefore they creep in with infinuations, looking far otherwife than they are. 2. It is done hypocritically, 1 Xjm.4. Tbeyjpea{ lies in hypocrite , and do pretend both to be Religious and friends to Religion and Truth, while they do fo. 3. It is done fomtimes vehemently, ask Were knocking with force at hearts, So it fhaketh the bearer by the bignefle of words , peremptorineffe of threatnings> confidence of Affertions, and vehemency in the manner, fo that it hath (as the Scripture faith) a ftrength and power with it, and therefore is compared to a fpait or flood, ^ev. 12. and is called ftrong delufion, 2 Thejf. 2. 4. This is done with all diligence, compaffing fea and land, leaving no mean un* effayed. And, JM with a kind of feeming fimplicity, zeal and finglnefTe, and with many profeffions thereof , as may be gathered from the inftances formerly given ; and from G4/.4,17. where it is faid, they zealoufly affedi you, but not well , and from fym. 10. 2. 6. This is done with great boldneffe, which appeareth, 1. In pretending to efchew no fuffering, or to fear no hazard that may follow on their opinion, if it were to give their body to be brunt, and, it may be, doing much in this. 2. It may be ftuck to by them at their fickneffe, even in their death beds, as it is not unlike it was with Jezebel and fome of her followers, %K 2. 21,22. for, neither is the devil filenced, nor corruptions removed by fickneffe or death. 3; It appeareth in confident undertaking to difpute with any • yea, oftentimes feeking occafion of that: Thus the Libertines arife and difpute with Stephen* Ms 6. and it is like,,the falfe teachers of

Corinth

Part 3. A Treatife concerning Scan DAI. * 9 5

Corinth, thatfaid of ?-«/, I C or >*° *0. chat his bodily prefence was weak, and his tpcach contemptible, would not have declined to have diiputcd even wich him. 4. It kyches in their confident ci tiding to their own judgements, and their undervaluing of all others-5. It appeared* in confident aflcrtingof any thing, and not only in the reproaching of any private pcr-fbn, but of Officers and Ordinances, i r Ptt* 2.10> thev are not aftraid to fpeak evil of dignities.

By thele confiderations, wc may in part fee how ^ ,

delufion cometh to fuch ftrength and heighten refpift r Qk a Jf e of thefe who carry on this corruptdotfrine. We w , bavtto come now toconfidcr a third thing, to wit, What^' hrinpnjr acceffion is from the peoples fide tor the promoving 0 r rb^f/^we thereof, which we may draw to thefe three. I. Theie ppon tbm* is fomething finfull in a peoples former carriage feivcs* whereby delufion is exceedingly ftrengthencd againft them > when it cometh as a juft plague for former miscarriages ; But of thofc fins we have already fpoken.

2. A peoples prefent temper, or rather diftemper, may have much influence on this, and exceedingly difpofe them for > and caft thern open to , the tenta-rod. Asi firft, Iighmefleof mind, unfettlcdncffe in the truth ; ihefe the Scripture calleth unftable fouls, 2^.2.14. 2 4 There is an itching new-fangle humour > defitous of lorac new thing , and loathing fimple Do&rine, as it is, zTim.q. 2. 3. There is too great facility in believing the (pirits, without try* ing of them, which its like hacli been in Galatia, whereby they were foon drawn away to another Gofpel, and to credit fome infinuaters toolifhly, as, chap. I. 6. and 3. t. 4, A fecure carnall frame, wanting exercife of confeic nee, is dangerous So are alfo proud prefumptuous perfons, (that have an high cttcem of themfelves, and fuch as are felf-willed, who arc mentioned, 2 P^.2.16.) in great hazard of this: The cencation will alfo fomctimes take advantage of O 2 * tome

fome perfons who are jumbled in mind , and under fome weight and heavineffe, and come in under pretext of remedying the fame; many fuch difiempers there are, whereof fome may be gathered from what . is faid of the finfull caufes that procure this, be-caufe that which doth meritorioufly defervc to be fo punifhed, provethofccnalfoadifpofingmidsfor receiving of the tentation; Bat we forbear. . 3» People often by their carriage do promove this plague of delufion upon themfelves, carting themfelves in the fnare, 1. By needlefle familiar converting with fuch perfons- 2. Going to hear them, 3. Purchasing or reading their books. 4- Hazarding to entertain their doubts, and to profecute their arguments and queftions, to plead for their opinions, and fuch like, Qiunning withallof fuch means and wayes as might recover them > and entertaining prejudice at fuch as would aim thereat j and fuch like, whereby that of the Prophet is verified, The prophets teach lies, and my people loVe to have it fo. Now, if all thefe be put together , can it be thought ftrange to fee the greateft delufion prevail ? We have been the longer on thefe, not only for the confirming of that truth, but for drawing together in fome (hort view, a little map, as it were, of thefe wayes, whereby the devil driveth on his defign by the cunning craft of thefe that lye in wait to deceive.

CHAP. VII.

What is callcd^for a* duty in fuch a cafe,

IT reftetb now that we fbould confider what is duty in fuch a time, or cafe , when delufion in leflc or more doth prevail, or is very like to prevail ? Ic cannot be denied, but that fomethingis calkd-for, and is neceffary where the danger is fo great; andalfoic is evident,thatfomethingmorethanordt-

nary

nary is neceflary, becaufe the ill is more than ordinary. The remedy therefore muft be proportionable and timous; for, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, G<*/.5,8. And experience proveth, that fuch ills do free and corrupt, as doth a gangrene, 2 Tim, 2. 17. The difficulty is in determining what is to be done, wherein, not only the piety , zeal and confcicnceof men will have exercife, but alfo their prudence and parts*

The loofing of this queftion will relate to three ranks of men. I. ToChurch-officeM, efpeciallyto Miniflers. 2. To Magiftrates. 3. To people in private ftations. Yet before we pofitively fay any thing, We (hall, 1. (how what is not the remedy called-for. 2. We (hall (hew what is called-for,buc is not fufficient. 3. What feemeth to be called-for as fufficient.

As to the firft, There are two extremities to be (hunned, which we (hall lay down in two Affer-tions.

Ajfert. i. An abfolute and unlimited forbearance jyhtt w not and coleration of all errours, and of the promoters *)be fropcr thereof, is not the due remedy that is called-for in remedy or fuch a time, in reference to fuch evils* This, I fup- duty in fucb pofe is clear, if there were no more in Scripture than <* ca(u what is comprehended in thefeEpiftlcsj %v. 2. and 3. For, l. the Angel of Epbefm is commended,. chap.2. 2. that he could not bear or endure them that .were evil, to wit, the falfe Apoftles: This enduring then cannot be the duty, feing Chrift commendeth the contrary. 2. He doth reprove ?ergamo$> ver. 14. becaufe they had fuch amonpti them that held thedo-ftrineof Balaam, that is, becaufe they fuffered them. And, 3. this is clearly-exprefied intheEpiftle to Tbyatira, ver. 20. I have a few things againft thee, becaufe thou fefiwft that woman Je^cbcl co teach and feduee My fervants. There can be nothing more clear than this; and it is the more obfervable, that this not-forbearing is commended in fybefm , where O 3 things

T

l?3 t^Treaufe concerning Scandal* Part 3*

things in their own particular condition arc not altogether right; and the other Churches are reproved for negieft of this, even when their own particular conditions are right. Which fheweth , That the Lord lovcth zeal againft fuch fcandals , and abhor-reth forbearance of them. What was formerly laid in the Doftrine > What is clear in the pra&ice of Scripture, both in examples and commands that are given therein in reference to this , and what may be lurcher faid in the pofitive part of this direction, will clear this.

And whatever humane prudence and carnal fainting would fuggeft concerning fuch a way, as that ic were fitted to deal with pc rfons in fuch a diftcroper, no othcrwayes than abloliuelyto forbear them> at lead, fofar as relateth to tlv ie diflempcrs as fuch; yet it is clear,this is not Gods Ordinance Co to do,nor the remedy that is by Him appointed : And therefore there is no promife by which we may expeft a blef-fingtoit, although fometimes the Lord, who is ab-folutely Soveraign, may condefcend without any means, to dry up and bound a floud of errour, even when men are guilty of forbearing: The cffeft is not to be attributed to mens finfull forbearance, but to Gods gracious condefcendence* Extreams JlJft rt ' 2. We (ay on the other hand, That an in-u be tf- different, rigid* equal purfuing , or not enduring of chewed* every thing that is an errour, or of every petfon who may be in fome meafure tainted, isnotthefuitable remedy or duty that is called-for in reference to fuch a cafe. For, as neither all errours, nor all perfons are alike, So neither is the fame way at all times to be followed, becaufe, what may be edifying in one cafe, may be deftrudtive in another. And as therefore there is prudent difference to be made, in reference to fcandals in practice , and perfons in refpett of different fcandals, yea, even bf different tempers are divcrfly to be dealt with , So is it alfo to be here.

Men

Part 3• *ATrettifc concerning Scandal l99 Men arc to walk, as they may moft probably attain the great end, edification, which ought to be the fcope in this, as in all other Ordinances: And therefore there can be no peremptory rule concluded , that will meet all cafes and perfons, as hath been faid : We fee even the Apoftles putting difference between per-fons andfcandals, according to the feverall cafes; for, fometimes they Excommunicate, as in the in-ftance of fymeneus and Tthyletus , fometimes they in-ftruft doftrinally, as ^aul doth the Church-members of Corinth and Galatia y others he threatenetli» and yet doth not actually Sentence them, as he doth falfe teachers in thefe Churches: Sometimes again, no particular Apoftle alone, doth decide the qucftion (although doftrinally they might) but there is a Synod called judicially and authoritatively, to decide the fame, as, Act. iy.

The reafon of the I. is , becaufe thefeerrours of Hymeneus and T/&ji/rt«f,were of themfclves groflq, de-ftroy ing the faith, and obftinately and blafphemouf-ly adhered to. 2. He inftru&eth and expoftulateth with the people of Corinth and proceedeth not to the higheft Cenfure, I. Becaufe they were not feducers, but were feduced by others. 2. They could not be accounted obftinate • but might be thought to have finned of infirmity, Therefore mere gentle and foft means are to be applied for reclaiming of them. 3. They weje a numerous body, and therefore Excommunication or cutting off, could not be expefted to attain ics end, 4. They were in a prelcnt diftemper, qucftioning the Apoftles auchorky ; he fecketh rather therefore to be a^ain acknowledged by them, that fo both his word and his rod might have weight,wherc-as if he had fmicten in their diftemper, they had rather broken orf further from their fubjecftiom Thefe are clear v befide what may be faid of the natiue of the fcandal or errour.

3. He threatneth the corrupt teachers with off-O 4 cutting,

cutting, becaufe they wrre leaders and feduccrs, and (o deferved to be more feverely dealt with, th an thofe that were feduced by thrm, although, poffibly, as drunk with thefe fame errout s: Yer, though he threaten, He doth fparefora time toftrike, not out of any rei'ped to thofe corrupt teachers, or from any connivance at their errour, but out of refpeft to the poor feduced people, for whofe edification Paul forbare, even when the weapons were in readineflc to avenge alldifobedience ; heabftaincd, I fay, becaufe fuch people having a prejudice at him, and bcinp bewitched by thefe teachers, might more readily in that diftemper have .cleaved unto them, and have for-faken Paul, which would have proven more definitive to them; he feeketh therefore, firft, to have their obedience manifefted, and fo not only forbeareth them, but even thofe corrupt teachers, for a time* for the peoples edifying, as may be gathered from 2Cor.io6. and chap. n. v* 19.

Laftly, I faid, Sometimes Synods or Councils are called, as in that place, Att. 15. which in other cafes we find not, 1. Becaufe then that errourwas new, and it's like wanted not its own refpeti from many of the Church, Therefore a Council ot Officers joy-ned together to decide it, which is not neceffary again, after that decifion is pall; butMinifters are do&rinally and by difcipline to maintain the famcas we fee Paul doth maintain, in the Epiftles to the %-manszn&Galatians , the conclufionof the former Synods 1* This Synod is conveened not for want of light ("for, any of the Apoftles, as fuch, were infallibly infpired to decide in the fame, and had in their preachings decided it) but it is to make it have the more weight with others, and therein to be a precedent to us. 3. That was a fpreading errounwhich did nor sffeft one plac? only, but many Churches; and it's like that many Believers were in hazard to be fluken therewith; Therefore the raoft weighty

umedy

remedy is called-for« 4. There was need now, not only of light to decide the dottrinal things, but there was alfo need of direftions for helping folks how to carry in reference to fuch times, foas toefchewthe fnare oferrour on the one hand,and of giving offence upon the other, as we may fee by the decrees of that Synod : Therefore in fuch cafes not only would men feverally endeavour the duty of their ttations, but they would joyntly concur and meet judicially, or extrajudicially, as occafion calleth, to deliberate and confult in thefe things of fo great and common concernment : for, feing the Church is one city, and one lump, a little fire may hazard all, and a little leaven corrupt all, and unwatchfulneffe at one part, or poft, may let in enemies to dettroy all# It is needfull therefore! that in fome cafes there be mutual concurrence, although it be not neceflary at all times to have a judicial meeting, nor at any time is a prefent duty to be (ufpended by any perfon, if no fuch meeting can be had. What is faid doth demonftrat that there is a difference to be made in reference to errours, per-fons and cafes.

CHAP. VIII. When fome errours are to be forlorn.

IF it fhould be enquired, how this difference is to be made ? or, how it may be known when without guilt there may be fome forbearance, and when not? Jnfs>. This is indeed difficult, and we will not undertake in particulars either to be fatif-fying or peremptory 5 yet we (upofc the confidering of thefe generall Dijiinciions will be helpfull, and the application of them neceflary, in this cafe. 1. Wt s r me nect f would diftinguifh betwixt fome errours and fcan-'/ 7/j^-dals and others , and that both in refpeft of their g/ 0 „/, grofneffe and evidence: for, fome errours areas Veter f called

calleth them, 2'?^. 2.1,2* pernicious and damnable/ as ftriking againft the fpecial Truths of the Word of God, or inferring groffe pra&ices with them, as this of the Nicolaitans did, and hazarding the fouls of the maintainers of them, not as other fins of infirmity, but in refpeft of the principles which they imply; and of this fort are many both errours and praftices. Again, Other things may be errours,that are contrary to Truth, but not deftru&ive unto, nor altogether in-confiftent with, the foundation , but fuch a thing , as poflibly many true Saints may be taken with, and yet have acceffe to God and may enter Heaven, although theyfhould die in that opinion ; of which fort arc many things that are debated annongft orthodox Divines ; and indeed there is nothing but it hath a truth or a falfhood in it, yet are not all of equal neceflicy and weight. Of the firft fort was thatcrrour, which the falfe apoftles endeavoured to bring-in, that is, the adding of the pra&ice of the ceremonial Law to Chrift in juftification, and the mixing-in of works moral and ceremonial therein, as from theEpiftleto the Romans and Gaktians may be gathered. Of the fe-cond kind, was the debate for meats and other things, mentioned, ^ow.14. and in the Epiftles tothetfwiw-tbians. Of the firft, wc fay, there ought to be no tolerance, Therefore the Lord doth here reprove it; and in the Epiftles to the Romans and CorintbiansfEaul doth plainly and powerfully refute them and reprove them, even when it was exceeding ill taken, and they were ready to count him an enemy, becaufe he told them the truth, Gal. 4. Yet will he not forbear, becaufe a little leaven of that fort will leaven the whole lump, and hazard the making of his labour among them to be in vain.

Of the fecond fort, we fay, That there is a moderation callcd-for in it, and Minifters are not alwayes called either do&rinally, or by Difcipline, judicially to reprove or cenfure them: I will not fay but fome-

times

times it mav be mca to difcover the lea ft ertour, ahd it may be by circumHanccs lo aggrrgtd, that it may be necdfull judicially co take notice of it, as when it's involved with offence and ready to breed Schifm or Scandal, or in luch like cafes (in which reipeft there are Tome things mentioned in the decree>./#.i 5-which are not very material in thf mfelves, as the eating of things ftranglcd) yet, we lay. it is not (imply and al-wayes neceffary for Mmifters to preffe at the convincing of all who maintain Something different from truth, or which is fuppoied to be lo by them, if it be of things extra-fundamental, or, which have not direct or palpable 11 fluence upon the violating of faith, or corrupting of manners,much leffe to cenlure tor the maintaining of it. For, it is not of fuch that thefe fipiftles fpeak : And we fee, 5fym. 14. and in the Epiftlesto the Corinthians, in the debate about meats and eating of things faenficed to idols, and fuch like, wherein though there was ftill a.right fide and a wrong, yet doth he rather preffe the forbearing of thefe debates, than the dipping into them> not aftrift-ing men alwayes to follow this or that, providing it be done without breach of unity and charity. Hence ic is. that although there be fomethings he will give no forbearance unto, but authoritatively andmini-fterially he decideth in them, yet in the fame Epiftles there is fomething amoogft the Saints that he feck-eth rather to heal, and to bbtain mucuall forbearance in, than peremptorily to decide. See 2fyw* 14. 1 Qor. 8.2, % % &c % fhil. 2. 1.

2. There are fome truths and practices evident, which by the light of the Word may be folidly de-monftratcd to an impartial! and unbyaffed fcarcher; and fome contrary errours and (candals, that are at the firtt obvious (and, it may be, even to a naturall con(ciencc) to be fuch, fo that although men would ufetcrgiverfations, and fay as Hymeneus and Vhyhtus did, 2 Tim. 2.17. that there were no rcfurreftion to

come,

t04 ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. Part 3.

come, becaufe the Scripture fpeaketh of a fpiricuall refurre&ion, which in the Believer is patted already. And although many deluded perfons > who will not 1 admit of diftin&ions according to reafon, in fuch a cafe, may be drawn away with them, and adhere (till to them; yet are the things demonftrable to thefe that are even but of ordinary reach, by found grounds from the Scripture, and that convincingly : Other things, again, may be truths, and there may be to fome perfons a poflibility of reaching them by many confequences from Scripture, yet are they not fo clear to many; whereupon it is, that men, yea,even learned and godly men, do differ in their apprehenfions of feveral truths, the Lord fo thinking good to bridle mens humours and to let us fee the neceffity of humility and foberneffe, and this may be inthemeaneft-like things ; thefe the Apoftle, %w. 14. 1. calleth dokbtfutldifyutations, as being things wherein too many, at teaft^hcre is not fuch evidence attainable as to ftay the minds of ordinary people, or to refute the contrary affertions of any adverfary, of which are Genealogies, and other things that Paul mentioned* to Timothy, 1 Tim. 1.4,. and calleth them endlejffe, becaufe there is no fetled ground to reft on, but one queftion doth generate another; and fo the principle chatmuft be laid down for clearing fuch a thing to one 5 is alfo difputabl§ to another as the thing it felf is, and men know but in part, even thofe that are eminent , fo that an univerfal harmony in thefe cannot Well be expected: In reference to this, we fay, That greater peremptorinefle^ is required in the firft fort than in the fecond, wherein, by reafon of the practice of the Apoftles in Scripture, yea, and of neceffity there is a forbearance rdquifit, Yet we would beware of partiality in accounting truths, either evident or difputable, as men (according as they are judged) are too apt to do; it is better therefore to try thefe by the common account that the Godly and Learned have

had

Part l* tATreatifeconcerning ScandaI . 205

had in all times of fuch truthes, if there hath been ftill difference,and yet moderation in thefe differences; Nor would this be tryed onely by an age or time (wherein a point may be more agitate than at another time) but more generally, efpccially when the arguments on either fide want that evidence that the 1 eafons brought for other truths have, and ar^o fully fetdown in Scripture, That amongft goS>y and learned men in all ages there hath been a general! con fen t« Again,g. We would diftinguifh betwixt errours and the confequents of them, or praftices following thereupon ; there may be fomethings truly errours that may and fhould be forborn in themfelves, yet their confequents ought not to be forborn , and this alio may be at one time, and in one Church more neceffary to be adverted to, than in another, becaufe confequents of fchifm, faftion, divifion, &c. may fometimes follow on the meaneft errours* And leing thefe are alwayes enemies to edification, even when they arife from the leaft ground , they are never abfolutly to be forborn ; for3to fay,I am of Paul'&nd I am o£#pollos,&nd for one to think fuch a man a better Preacher than an other, feemeth to be no great matter; yet when it be-ginneth to rent them, and to make faftions in Corinth, it is not to be forborn, but to be reproved : And in the former difference of meats» the Apoflle condemned alwayes the offence and Schifm that followed on it, although he did not psgmptorily decide any thing as to mens pra&ices, or cfflRurejfor the opinion it felf: thus one might think the firft day of the week not to be JureVhino, and this might poffibly be forborn. But if he were prefling the change of it, and refufing to obferve it, or venting it to offend others, that were intolerable ; thus the differences and errours concerning Church-government by Bifhops, and in the Congregational way, may,we conceive,in themlelves be forborn in perfons where they are not vented to the

{baking

fhaking and drawing away of ochcrs ; but if prcffcd in praftice > to the renting of a Church , and preferred or equalled to the true Government that is eftablifhed by the Word , in that cafe they are not to beforborn , becaufe then truth is to be vindicated, and obftru&ions to edification in the renting or di-ftrafting of a Church to be removed , and at on time more Man at another, as luch an offence doth waken a Schifm, and difturb order and Union in one Church or at one time more than another: hence we fee, Aftt I y. fonaethings are put in that decree in reference to that time, only for preventing of Schifm and Scandah while the do&rine of the abolition of the ceremoniall Law was not fo clear; And fomethings were for-born amongft theGentiles,which were not fo amongft the Jews for a time , as circumcifion and all the ce-remonies of the Law , which yet for a time the Jews obferved; and experience and reafon make the thing clear, according to that of Paul » To the Jew I became asajefb, and I became all things to all men, &c. which is not to (how his counterfeiting, or his dallying in anyneceffary thing, but the fquaringof his praftice in lawfull things according to the feveral cafes of thefe he had to do with, which will be applicable both to perfons and Churches*

4. We would diftinguiOi betwixt things, and perfons > Sometimes it will be meet to cenfure a fault or crrour in perfons > as 'Paul doth in the C or ^ nt ^ ians and Galatians, and yet it not be fie to cenfure the perfons 5 he doth indeed threaten thefe, but doth forbear, leaft thereby he fhould have Hurt moe by a fubfequent and following rent * than by his ftroak he had cured. So alfo are perfons to be diftmguiftied, fome whereof only erre» but others teach others fo 5 and in that re-fpeft are Hcceticks and Schifmaticks, which,had that been their own opinion only, could not have been imputed to them ; thefe latt cannot plead that forbearance that ought to be had, towards the former.

Alfo

Part 3 • A Treatife concerning Scandal. Alfodiftin&ion is to be made in the manner of forbearance ; it is one thinp: to forbear fimply and altogether one that is infected with errour and Ipreadeth itjt is another thing to forbear, in fome refpetf, to wit, of cenfurc only, or it may be in refpeft of degree , fome-thing may be more gently cenfured, and yet not altogether forborn ; and one may Miniftet ialJy reprove a fault and perfon by the key of Dotfrine, in applying of it, when yet he may fcrbear the cxercile of Difcipline and Cenfure, as in the forecited place, *laul is reproving falfe teachers in Corinth, yet fparing the rod for a time; and fo, wifhing that fome were cut off in Galatia , yet not doing it; and this is not fo? much refpeft to the perfons of thefe teachers, as to the Church and to the multitude of their followers, whom hafty Cenfures might rather have ftumblcd thznedifiedy which is the great end of that and of all other Ordinances: Therefore feeketh he firft to recover them, and again, to bring them back to the acknowledgement of his authority, and thereupon to exercife the weapons that he bad in readinefle for the avenging all difobedience, when their obedience is mademanifeft, 2 Cor. io.6. which he would not do before that, left they ( being addifted to thefe teachers) hadfided with them againft his authority, an^ fo it had been both more hurtfull to them and to the Church than edifying , by which alone he is fwayed. Thefe and other fuch considerations being had, Mi-uifters by chriftian prudence, are to gather when to be filent, and when to fpeak, when to Cenfure, and when to forbear 3 but by all means, are ever to be watchfull, left the grounds that plead for forbearance fometimes for the Churches edification upon the one fide, be not ftretched out (0 broad , as to foftcr our lukewarm temper, eoldneffe > and fainting cowardli-neffe in the things of God; c and there is much need to try from what that moderation doth flow, and whether even then the heart be hot with holy indignation

agauift

againft thefe; Even as on the other fide , trur zeal would be guided towards the fcope of edification, left that duty of exercifing Diicipline, which is acceptable to God, andufefullto the Church, be rejected of him, becaufe proceeding from our own fpi* rits> and prove more hurtfull than edifying in the effects thereof; Some feOv inftances whereof have given fome occafionof fpeaking evil of this Ordinance of J -fus Chrift , to thefe who at all times ly in wait,to catch at what may be wrefted to the reproach thereof But to conclude this, without infifting on particulars, there muft be a finglc, impartial and prudentiall walking, fo as may attain edification, and as men may be anfwerable to Jefus Chrift in their truft, having an eye to thefe things that moft contribute to edification* Sme things ^ uc ' lm ^ w ^at is vented be blafphemous, and de-not at all to ftroyeth the foundations of faith,that comes not with-icforbtirn. in this debate* as in 2W's dealing with Hymeneus and Alexander , 1 Tim. 1.20. is clear; tor zeal for the Maje-fty of God, and love to the falvation of fouls (which is the fubftance of the two great commandements of the Law) will admit of no forbearing in fuch a cafe 3. If it corrupteth or defaceth the Church, and mak-cth her a reproach co the profane, it is fiot to be for-born.* 3. If the things become not the Ordinances of Chrift, but reflect on them, and confequently on Him whofe Ordinances they are, they arc not to be connived at. 4. If fuch things hazard the publick beautyi order and government of the Church, without which there is no keeping up the face of a vifible Church, thefe are nor to be over- looked. 5. If they mar the union and love that ought to be in the Church ( which is to be preferved » and every thing that may mar it, removed) they ought not to be tolerated. 6. If they turn to be oflfcnfive and fcanda-lous, either by making the wayesof the Lord to be ill fpoken of, 2 ¥jt. 2. 2. or by grieviifg the godly,

y or

or by infe&ing others; they are not the object of forbearance, exceptfome circumftanceconcur, as hath been faid, in which cafe it cannot properly be called forbearance 1 By thefe and other thing* , this may be tried, when an errour is to be forborn and when not, in which , consideration is to be had both of the natnre of the errour, and ot the perfon that doth hold it, as alfo of the cafe of the Church and people, who may be edified or hurt by the forbearing or Cenfur-1 ing of fuch a perfon.

What is needfull, but not fufficienc, will appear when we come to confider v>bat u called-for } for, what is leffe than what is required, muft be defe&ive and not fufficient: as it is requifite that men not only keep themfelves free, but alfo that by admonition and exhortation, means be ufed to reclaim thefe that have fallen ; yet thefe are not fufficient if there be no pub-lick mean, yea, though there were publick authoritative preaching and exercifing of the {ey of Vottrine, yet that is not fufficient, if there be not alfo cenfur-ingbydifcipline,andanexercifeof the fyy of Jurif-diction • and in fome cafes every cenfure will not be fafficient,if it be not extended to the utmoft, for Chrift hath not given that fcy for nought to His Church, in reference to all herfcandals, nor are men exonered till they reach themfelves to the uttermoft in their fta* tions, but this will appear more afterward.

CHAP. IX.

What u called-for from Church- officers in the cap \

of £f reading errour*

WE begin now to fpeak particularly to the Church-officers duty, and what is called-for from them, efpecially from Mtfi/fcn,which we may confider in a fourfold refpe&. i.There is fome-thing called-tor from the Minifter in reference toGod. a. In reference to himfelf. ?• In reference to the Flock P and

sio ATreatife concerning ScANDAii Part 3.

and people who are not tainted, but* it may be, under the tentation. 4. In reference to thefe that are in the fnarc> efpecially the promotters of thefe evils.

The firft two arc interwoven almoft, Therefore we (hall fpeak of them cogether: and we fay,

1. When fuch a tentation fetteth on upon a people* What dMt~ an( j beginncth to infeft or hazard the infeftion of a M^"^*^ particular Flock> or of many together, (for, theha-ference to " 2arc ' °f one > * s ^c hazard of many in fuch a cafe* as is Goi and k^ ) c he Minifter would look firft to God as the I bim(clf,at great over-ruler, even of thefe things that are evil'm fuel a time, the Churches; and he would confider if things be in

good cafe betwixt God and him, efpecially in refpett of his Miniftery; for, fuch an infeftion in a Flock is a prime ftroak upon a Minifter, becaufe the fpread-ing thereof threatneth the unchurching of that Church andblaftingof his Miniftery, as, %v. 2, isthreatned againft the Angel of Epbefkt&nd it never cometh but it hath with it a fpirit and fpait of bittcrnefie againft, and many croffes, faintings and vexations unto, the Minifter; he is therefore foberly and compofedly to look to God as his party, and is not to think,that fuch things come bygueffe, andfpring out of the duft, nor from the corruptions of fome giddie people only, but that there is a higher hand; without this there can be no right ufe made of fuch a difpenfation ; and this is it that (hould humble the Minifter and make him ferious» left by the peoples fin, God may be fmiting him: Paul hath this word when he fpeaketh of the Schifms and contentious debates that were in Corinth, 2 C or * 12. 20, 21, I fear, faith he $ left ^hen I come, my Godr^ill bumble me amongft you, he did fo conftruft of their mifcarry ing, as making for this humiliation: yet it is to be adverted, that it is not the Minifter or Flock that the Lord is moft difpleafed with, that al-wayes is fo affaulted and Ihaken, although it be ever matter of humiliation.

2. When the Minifter is compofed to take up Gods

hand

hand in the matter, then is he not only to look to Him for dirc&ion and guiding in his duty, and without fretting to reverence His difpenfation, but he is to reflect upon himfelf, and toconfider his bygone carriage, efpecially inhisMiniftery, if he may not be chargeable before God with fome finfull influence upon his peoples diftempers and mifcarriages. And particularly, he is to look to thefe four , I. If he be in good terms with God, in reference to his own particular ftate and condition, and if there was that due tenderncfle and watchfulneffe at the time of the outbreaking of fuch an ill: I grant> it may be that things were right, as in the cafe of Job , Job $. 26. yet it becometh him to try ; for, fuch a thing may betryfted with fecurity and negligence * that thereby he may be awakned to fee his former defe&s. 2.-A Minifter would then refleft on his ciearneffe to that calhng,and particularly to fuch a charge } and though to both he may be called by God , yet it is his part to try, that he may m?et the reproaches with the greater confidence , as we fee 'Paul doth in the Epiftles often mentioned 5 for, in fuch a cafe a Minifter will be put to it, and whoknoweth but poffibly expectation of eafe, quiet accommodation or credit in fuch a place * and traftablneffein fuch a people, and fuch like* might have had weight with a good man to fvvay him to one place more than another ? and by fuch a difpenfation the Lord doth chaften that, to learn Miniftcrs at their entry to be fwayed alone with the Churches edification. But, 3. to come nearer, a Minifter would try if he hath any finfull meritorious influence (to fpeak fo) in procuring that ftroak to the people, to be given up to thefe delufions; for, it is certain, a Minifter may be fmittcn in fome ftroak of this kind upon his people, as is clear from that threading to the Angel of Epbcfa, Rev- 2. even as a Magiftrate may befmitten by a ftroak that is immediately upon his people > as we fee in ®aVUs cafe, who thus pro-p a cored

cured the Peftilence,* Sam.24. becaufe, firft,the people themfelvs are not guildefs,fo chat there is no injuftice. And. 2. Becaufe there is a great fibneffe betwixt Mi-nifter and people, fo that a rod upon one, doth indeed prove a rod to both : he would therefore try if poffi-bly he hath been (bmewhat proud or vain of his authority, or refpeft amongft them, of their knowledge* orderly carriage, or dependance on the Ordinances, cfpecially if he have any way affe&ed fuch a thing, and hath withall fleighted the trying of their fpiritual cftate, and bettering of it,or if he hath been negle&ive to pray for them,and for their liability in the truth; if he hath been defe&ive to warn or to keep up the authority of the Ordinances, and of a Miniftery among them; if he hath been too familiar and triviall in his carriage with them, and luch like; alfo, if he hath been aflfe&ed with zeal for Gods honour, when other Congregations have been infe&ed, if he hath fym-pathized with fuch MinifterSj and born burthen with others in fuch cafes; or, if on the contrary, he hath been careleffe, or, it may be, puffed up becaufe himfelf was free : thefe and fuch like fins would be fearched, becaufe their is a Juftice, and, if I may fay, a con-gruity in Juftice, in punifhing fuch fins with fuch a rod; for its often when the husband men are fleep-ing that the enemy doth fow fuch tares. 4. He would try if he hath had any finfull influence on fuch evils, as if he hath not been full and diligent in grounding them in the fundamentall truths, and clearing to them the Do&rioes of the Gofpel, as well as preaching duties, cafes, and fuch like,. or if he hath needlefly foftered curiofity inftartingany queftions, or in giving people way to follow them, if he hath made a (port of fomeerrours publickly or privately, if he hath laughen at, or lightly fpoken of, the errours and mit carriages of others, before them, if be hath not been faithfull to admonifh and reprove the firft gadings, or if he,hath fed the people with empty notions and

wind*

wind , and builded hay and ftfjbble upon the foun-' dation,and hath not fcrioufly ancovcred to them their guiltineffe, and hath not put them to the exercifeof Repentance for their corrupt inclinations thereby to prefl'e humility, fean watchfulneffe,diligence,&c. that lb their hand might be filled with a more folid work, and Chrift by them imployed to preferve them , even from this tentation. Thefe, I fay,and fuch like, would be tryed, becaufe where they are, the Minifter wants not acceflion to their fin ? as if in fome refpefit he had combined with thefe feducers.

3. When this is done, the Minifter would beaf-fefted with his own guilt, and then his fympathy with the peoples* condition will be the more lively; and he would,/*r/£, endeavour the recovery ofhimfelf, and his reftoring to good tearms with God through Chrift Jefus. 2. As he would confeffe his own faults, fo alfo the faults of the people; and as he would pray for pardon for himfelftfo would he do for them, who, it may be, do reproach and curfe him > yet would he notceafe to pray for them, having that word frefh under fuch a ftroak, A for tbefefbeep, Lord, V>bat h^Ve they done ? g # There would be fpecial dealing with God, and dependence on Him forfitnefle rightly to manage fuch a cafe ; for, the charge becomes more hcavie : God therefore fliould be acknowledged for obtaining fuitable furniture, even in reference to that particular: And Minifters would know,that it is not their abilities, gifts, nor parts that can do this; and if we cannot fpeak profitably to one that is not in fuch a diftemper, what can we do where the perfon is fo prejudged and diftempercd, if the Lord do it not? Minifters therefore would be in reference to every word, unto fuch perfons, in a holy fear and jealoufie, left, lippening to themfelves, they mar the Matter's work, and ftumble a poor foul rather than edifie the fame. 4. He would aim fcrioufly not only at exoneration, but at edification • and for that caufe would P 3 begin,

begin, by dealing^lth God for fucceffe, and that cither the Lord womd immediatly Himfelf convince or blefle His furniture to him for that end ; yea, He would be blyth if any mean were provided and blef-fcd, though in another hand than his own.

4. The Mmifter would no^ ufe ordinary means for fitting of himfelf to difcover fuch errours as his people are guilty ot, that he maybe able folidly to convince them that are ftumbled , and to eftablifti others that ftatld 5 and pains would betaken in this, afwell as for preaching, or intheftudying of common heads at the paffing of tryals, which is but a proof of the man's gifts in a more remote reference to fuch a cafe, which now is fpedally'to be put in exer-rife ; Therefore he would , fir (I , endeavour to be through in the wole body of Divinity and grounds, of Chriftian Religion; for, there is fuch a connexion among truths, that when one is wronged, many arc wronged , and one errour may overturn many foundations : And if a Miniftcr have not fome gencrall impredion of the whole, he cannot with confidence fearch in, or undertake the refutation of, any one particular errour: Neither ought a Minifter , who pof-fibly for a timenath forborn ftudies of that kind, , think it unbecoming him again to return to them, feingitisduty, and there is nofhame to be learning what may fie one for his duty ; And who knoweth but among other ends, this may be intended, that Mi-nifters may be put to more conftant ftudy and fearch * in the fundamental! truths of the Gofpel ? 2. He would then, like a wife Phyfician.endeavour to know the malady that hath infe&ed and diftempercd his people, what are the errours they maintain, what are the arguments that have weight with them, what are the tentacions they have had . or who are the tempters or inftruments that have feduced them, and fuch like; What alfo is their natural humour, hafty or meek, proud or humble; What hath been their

former

former way of walking, what are their parts and abilities,with whom they converfc, who hath weight with them, or are efteemed by them , that by thefe and fuch like means he may be in better capacity to know how to apply the remedie , and to deal with chemhimfeif, or to make ufe of others for that end. 3. He would endeavour the furnifhing of himfelf, cfpccially in reference to thefe errours beyond others which they are tainted with, and for this caufe would provide fit Books, converle with others that are able to help him , and gather his own obfervations from Scripture and other grounds, that through Gods bleffing upon his labours he may be able to (peak of thefe things confidently as to himfelf, and convincingly as to others. It is to be obfervedi chat the former order laid down, doth not require a fucceflion in ' time, in reference to the feveral fteps ( for, in fome cafes a Minifter will be inftantly put to what is beyond all thefe , and to deal by fome other means) but it (heweth the order of nature , and what way is to be followed according as there is acceffe and opportunity.

Further, Ic is necefiary for Minifters, at fuch a Vnicn *-timeefpecially, to endeavour union among themfelves mong(t CMi-and amongft the people of their flocks 3 for, often- ticftctsdrd times divifion and delufion are tryfted together, >***j* fl° c ^y wheneby the deluders are exceedingly ftrengthened, * in ^ a Truth, and'the Minifters thereof, made exceedingly C *I*****]**-contemptible and put in an incapacity to edifie, or ¥°i c * m ~ have weight, till that be removed. Therefore we fee* C * that in the Churches of Cortnth, Galatid and Pbilippi, where Seducers were driving their defigns, and divi-fion had taken great footing, the Apoftle hath a fpe-cial regard to the recovering of their union at fuch a time : We may read it alfo in the Life of Safilius the great Antagonift of the Arum , who, being by fome divifion with Eufebius, then Bifhop of Cefaria, necef-fitatcd to withdraw for the Churches peace, Where-P 4 upon

J

? \6 A Treatife concerning Scandal Part g• •

upon Faience the ^iawEmperour, and other Jtrians* thought that a fit opportunity to vent their crrour in Cefaria, which they could not fuccesfully do, while ~| union continued there. To difappoint this defign, Gregory Ka^ian^en advifed his return and uniting with Eufebiusy as the only mean to prevent the growth of that herefie amongft the people, which being ac^ cordingly done, and both of them forgetting their particular difcontents for the publick good, the Church was fo cftabli(hed,and the errour fo oppofed, that the forenamed enterprifers were conftrained {o give over their defign upon that union. . In the third place» We come to confider a Mini-

WmtsbU ft crs ^y m rc f cr ence to the flock in generall (and ftrlutt* cerca j n 'y by proportion it may be gathered what fe-bfsfl$ch° xloxx fa&z, gravity and diligence ought to be amongft 4 * 'Jtyling-elders in their concurring with him in fuch a cafe, who are alio to joyn with him according to to their places in the former fearch and triall of their carriage* and in fitting of thcmfclvcs for being ufe-full in fuch a time) tor. it cannot be denied, but fome-what peculiar is called* for from the Mimfter, in reference to his Miniftery in common amongft the peopld more than is called-for at another time. As, I. he is to be in relpe&of all Chriftian qualifications in his carriage and all minifteriall duties in his charge, Angularly ferious and eminently exemplary, becaufe it is now a main and prime thing to have a teftimony of fincerity , faithtulneffe and love to the peoples edification in their own confeiences ; and this cannot be obtained at fuch a time without the fornper* For, in experience we fee that declining to errour, and falling from cfteemof the Minifter, go together: and where this is preferved, either the fall is prevented > or there is the greater accefle to recover the perfon that is fallen. Minifters therefore would efpecially ftudy that, as a main mean of the peoples edification. And for that caufe, would* obfervc, fc. If

a a °y

any thing hath efcaped them in their way , which might have given offence , and would by all means endeavour to remove it. 2. It any thing hath been unjuftly imputed to them, they would condefcend to clear it. ?. They would take notice of what particulars they ufe to oe charpfd with, thoughjit may be, unjuftly, or what ufually Minifters are charged with by the corrupt men of the worid, as pride, cove-toufnefle, felf-feeking, hypoenfie and the like \ and at fuch a time ,. Minifters would not only efchew thefe evils, but alio the very appearance of them, which is a pan of fauh becoming all things to all, that he mipht gain and (ave fome, I C or *9* And, in a word, a Minifter would fo carry in that time, a? every look, word, aft ion , gefture* yea, as every thing leffeor more in hisMiniftery, in his family, diet, cloachs, and fuch like, may abide the triall of the moft narrow and watchfull obfervers, yea, of one that is a more high and narrow obferver than they.

2. There are fome things wherein particularly he would infift and feek to have born in upon the people- As, r. to have them fenfible of the evil of errour , and of the hazard that cometh by it, alfo of the devils fubtilcy and craft in carrying on of fuch a bufinefle. 2. To have them inftru&ed and cleared in the truths of theGotpel, elpecially in fuch things as are controverted , that the errours and confequents following thereon j may bemadeasobvioufly clear and batefull as may be. ? This would be done fo as they be not diverted from praftice in the main duties of godlineffe by any fpeculation ; but, fearching, up-ftirring and materiall Do&rines, with power-full and convincing applications of all kinds, would be in a fpeciall manner preffed then, as we fee in thefe direftions to Timothy and Titus is clear : where, upon the one fidp, the taking head to fables and vain janglings is dehor ted from > and convincing, exhorting ,

518 A Tnatife concerning S c a n d a t. Part 3;

ing , reproving with all authority % preffing of good works, andcxercifingtogodlineffe, are, on the other fide exhorted unto. 4. People would be prefled by all means > to efchew fnares and the company of fe-ducers, which was both our Lords practice > and the praftice of His Apoftles. There is no duty more frequently prefled than that: It is true, this is fome-times miftaken by people, yet it is the duty of Mini-ftcrs to preffe it; yea> they are charged to charge others in reference to this, as in the 1. to Tim. 4. n. and 6. 13, being compared with the dire&ions that are given inthefeEpiftles. 5, It may be it were not unmeet in fuch a time, that fomething were done in wif, for clearing of thefe things which are efpecially controverted, and that fome in particular might be defigned for this part of the work : for, often feducers fpread their errours by writ, as we may in fee in Jer. 29.25. And fometimes there will be acceflfe to inftruft and edifie by frrif, when it cannot be done by Word, yea, fo, fome pcrfons may have objeftions moved and anfwered to them, before they be confirmed in fuch and (uch opinions, which poffibly they would have thought fhame to move till they had fettled in them; andfo have been in a greater prejudice againft the truth, and in a greater incapacity to be gained from them; and we fee > that the Apoftles ufed this way unto Churches andPeopIp, to confute materiall errours in torit, and fo alfo to confirm the truth againft all cavils of adverfaries, even as they did it by v>ord of mouth and preaching.

3. In all this,the Minifter would take good heed to his manner of proceeding, that it be grave, weighty, ferious, loving, and in every thing fuch as may convince the people, 1. Of his own ferioufneffe > and being much affe&ed with fuch a bufineffe, Therefore light and mocking expreffions would be (hun-ned , but the Minifter would be affectionate and ferious , like one travelling in birth, while Chrift be

formed

Part 3• -A Treatife concerning Scandal; ^~

formed in chcm again, as *W fpeaketh , Gal. 4. 19. 2. To convince them of the evil of the thing, and for thatcaufe would io carry, as he may make errour alio hateful! and loathfome to the people > as any fcandalous pra$ia whatfotver ; for which caufe Mimtters would rather endeavour to ftir the peoples zeal againft tuch evils, by grave, convincing, affectionate expreflions, regracesorexpoftulacions, than to move their laugnter with triviall mocks or taunts, in reference to (uch principles or perfons; for, (as holy Matter Greenbam ufed to fay) that doth but make fin ridiculous, when it ought to be made hatefull. |. He would endeavour to convince them of his iingleneffe in leektng of their good , and of love to them, and pitty co thefe that are milled ; for which caufe any thing that may make him be fuppofed to refent perfonall reproaches or indignities, or aim at upholding of his own credit, or to vent bitterneffe againft the perfons of others, would be carefully ab-ftained from : for, thele thines derogate much from the weight of what a Minifter can do; and we fee the great Apoftle VtuU doth not ftick to condefcend in fuch caies to vindicate himlelf from fuch miftakes, and to ufe great expreflions of love, yea, fometimes to atteft God as co the fincerity of his profeffions, and fuch like? which are frequent in the Epiftles to the CorinthiamzndGalatians, which may be an example to Minifters in fuch cafes. 4. Their whole carriage would be atfe<5honate,( ven to the perfons ofoppolers; for, nothing prej'udgeth more , than for a Minifter to be thought carnall and paflionate, whereas tender dealing and ufage to perions and to their outward eftates,doth prove as coals of fire to foften them, as in experience is found ; however its becoming of a Minifter ; yet it is to be done without marring zeal and indignation againft their errours, and without prejudice to his fecking to cenfure them lor thefe > or his reftraining them from venting of the fame.

Tc

Sao *A Treatife concerning S c an da l7 Part $

It is here to be adverted, I. That what was fpokett of the manner of a Minifters carriage in reference to pra&ical fcandals, and of his duty in a time when offences abound* is alfo to be remembred here and in what followeth. a* That what is fpoken of Minifters duty >W ill by proportion agree to %uling.Elders according to their Rations ; for, they (hould nolefle endeavour the preventing and fupprefling of corrupt do&rine than of other fcandalous praftices, and they efpeciallv are to endeavour to have the means ufed by the Minifter, made weighty amongft the people ; and for that end, are to endeavour to have himfelf weighty alfo. Vflw U a We come now to the fourth ftep of a Minifters tMmjlefs duty, and that is,as it relateth to thofe that are tainted duty in refc- with errour, (we mean groffe errours and delufions, fence totbofc f uc h as t h ls djfcourfe runneth upon ) We may con-tut arc (c-fifa jcinthcfe four fteps, as it relateth, I. to difco~ ****** very , or try al, 2. to conYxtlion, 3. to admonition, 4. to rejection.

For the firft, as the Apoftle faith of men in general, I Tim. 5. 24. Some mens fins are open before hand, going before to judgment, and fome mens follow after : So here, fometimes errour difcovereth it felf, and there is no need of fearch ; yet fometimes alfo there will be many fecret obje&ions moved and harboured againft truths > which will not be avowed, though they be privately muttered; yea, fometimes corrupt teachers will endeavour the vailing and hiding of their tenets, or errours, by many (hifts, even when they are ftudying to leaven others with their delu-fions. There is therefore a neceflicy in fuch a cafe, I. to try what opinions are held and vented, and to difcover the abfurdneffe and groffnefle of them 3 for, many will maintain the premiffes ignorantly, who will not know that fuch abfurd conclufions do follow thereupon; It is fit therefore to lay by the names and expreffions ufed by feducers, and tocxpreffe the

thing

;

Part 3. *ATreatifeconcerning Scamdal. *""? thing as it is, cfpecially if it be the reviving of fome old abfurdity under fome new coat and pretext; Thus the Lord doth difcover the abomination of the KicoUitans doftrine, by comparing it unto , and evidencing it to be, upon the mater, indeed one and the fame with the practices of Balaam and Jezebel, %K 2. 14 I5 v and 20. This way is alfd followed by Peter, 2Epift. 2- and by Jude , vvho compared corrupt teachers to Balaam, , l{orab> <Datban 9 (<rc. thereby to take the viforn off old newly revived errours, that they may appear as they are ; for, often errour is commended to people under fome new reprefentation, and many will love it foreprefented, who yet will abhor former errours, which are ftill the fame,though under another name, which are two tricks of the devils fubtility , i. To make old errour paffeunder the opinion and conftru&ion of fome new light* And, 2. for that end to difguife it in fome circum-ftances, and to change its name : And indeed, it is no little piece of fpirituall dexterity to remove that mask* Secondly , There is a difcovery to be made of the perfons wno hanker after fuch opinions > that k may be found who are infefted thereby j This would be done to reclaim the perfons, and to cure that diftemper,before it break out,or come to a height; for, it is more eafie often to cure one at the beginning than afterward : alfo, when itbecometh publick, it hath with it fome kind of engagement on the perfon, and he is more hardly recovered , left he (hould feem thereby to appear weak, erroneous, unftable, or fuch like. Befide, it is more gaining-like when the Mi-nifter privately findeth them out, and endeavoureth to recover them fecretly , before any publick notice be taken thereof, and often hath more fucceffe with it > than after debats, as feemeth to be held forth in that place> Gal. 2.2* where 2W faith, that he communicated with them of reputation, the Gofpel, firft, privately 1 left by any means he (hould have run in

vain.

vain. Therefore we conceive, perfons fafpeft of errour* would nor haftily be brought to publick, but in fome refpe&, the publickneffe of their offence, would be, as it were, ditiembled > or not pofitively fo publickly taken notice of, that-tljereby there may ' be the fairer acceffe for them to retreat. ?. If there

be any retreat* the perfbn would be waited upon although at firft it be not fully fatisfying, and all due care and diligence would be ufed to have his former errour buried, as if it had never been f without any publick hearing, except fome extraordinary circum-ftance perfwade to another way. For, (befides the reafons given) errour becometh not readily a publick fcaridal, except there be tenacioufneffe therein>or fome a&uall (tumbling-block laid before others thereby, which often the perfons reclaiming , will remove more than their cenfuring. Therefore, upon fuppofi-tion of a perfons recovery, therein no great fear of hazard in abftaining from bringing fuch a thing to publick, except he hath been inftrumentall to feduce others, or in fome fuch cafe which doth make his carriage open before band ; as is faid. 4- This fecret dif-covery before things break out, is necdfull to prevent the defc&ion of others, becaule, if the perfons be not reclaimed, they maybe found oat to be dangerous, and may (bbe noted, for the preventing of their being a fn are to others > which they might have been more eafily, had they not been marked to be fuch, which is the reafon of that exhortation, %om. 16. 17. Marl( them that cauf$ dfoifions, and avoid them. When a perfon is difcovered and found to be tainted, then all means are to be ufed for his convittion by conference, reafoning and other fuch means as may gain the end, this is a fpeciall qualification of a Minifter, 27m. 9» that he may be able by found Do&rine to tonVmce gainfayers. And (as it is, 2 Tim. 2.25.) in meckneffe to inftruft thefe that oppofe themfelves z Which ftep may be confidered under diverfe refpe&s, • ' i.A*

i.As it tcndeth to the gaining of the perfon direftly,(b efpecially private debatings are rcquifit, which are to be carried on with all meekneffe and long-fuffering, although they meet with reproaches and reflexions in the profecuting thereof; 2. Although there be little hopes of gaining the perfon > yet there is need of fuch means for the flopping of his mouth, and the edification of others , that thereby he have not occa-fiontofeducethemj for, often fuch debatings folid-ly and judicioufly carried on > though they do not convince the perfon, foastomakchimfilent, yet do they convince others of the abfurdnefle of thefe er-rours, and the unrcafonablneffe of fuch a perfons carriage; and experience hath proven 5 thatoften fuch debats have been blefled for the credit and vindication of the truth, in reference to many others, and by that place > Tit. 1.9. feemeth to be clear duty , though there be little hopes of coming fpeed, as to the perfons feduced.

CHAP. X.

Whether at aB timesapublick^debtte be neceffarj Vcith fuch perfons upon thefe points.

IF it be queftioned here, 1. Whether in all cafes there be a neccflity of a publick debate? t. What is to be accounted conviftion ? 3. What is to be done, when the perfons are not filcnt ? 4. How this debate is to be managed?

We (hall anfwer by laying downfome Aflertions promifcuoufly in reference to all thefe Queftions.

AJJert. 1. We fay that there are tome times and in what cafes wherein publick debates are not altogether to be cafes it is (hunned j I will not fay,that every perfon is to accept called /w. of fuch a challenge , left thereby truth be wronged; (neither is it alwayes the ableft man that manageth filch a bufineffe bed ) but in general the thing is nc-

ceffary

ceflary in thefe and fuch like calcs : As, I. when erroursfeem to be new among the people. ,2. When the promoters of them become infolent, as if they durft come to the light with their deeds. 3. When by forbearance and 'ilence, people are in hazard to think fomething of the(e infolent boafters, and of their opinions. In which cafes, I fay, and the like, there is fome neceflicv of this, for the Churches edification* as may appear from Tit. 1 9, 10,11. There are many, faith the Apoftle.. v>ho are unruly and Vain tailors (fuch as vainly boart ofchdr own ability, to maintain their opinions) v>ho[e mouths muft be flopped, left they get advantage to feduce others; and this is given as the reafon why Miuillers fhould be qualified with abilities to convince gainfayers- becaule fometimes the in-folencie and vanity of fome fuch , doch neceflitate co this* and on this ground we will find our bleffed Lord Himfelf, and Stephen and Paul, frequently difpu-ting even in AfTmbhes and Synagogues. This will not infer a necelTi;y for every Mimfter to difpute at all times, even in fuch a cafe , but fometimes it may be referred,and put to others 5 for if trucn be maintained, anderrour be confuted, it may flop the gainfayers mouth, although every one do it not. j , Ajfert. 2. Yet there are fome cafes, when fuch en-

cafc$ it is ter * n S °f debats is not neceflary nor expedient. As, »/* ^/&i x * fuppofing thefe things not to be new, but to have fa been fufficiently confuted formerly, and it may be in

other places not far off, nor long before that > for, if there fhould be a continuing ftill to debate, there would be no truth acknowledged to be fetled, nor ac-ceffe to other and further duties. 2. When fome perfons are known vainly and purpofly to feek to put all in confufion, by multiplying fuch debats, and irreverently to profecute the fame» as if they made it their trade or vocation to do fo: The anlwering of fuch men according to their folly,would be an acrtfli-on co their guilt of taking chc bleffed Name of God

in

in vain, and for fatisfa&ion to mens humours , and not for the great end of edification. ?. When men become unreafonable, and in their debating, (hew irrationall contradiction and blafphemy ; in fuch a cafe, it is to be forborn or broken off with indignation , and with zeal to the glory of God, as we fee taul and Bartidbts do, Jtt.l$. 45 46. 4. Some erroneous perfons are fogrofleand abfurd , that they are not to be difputed with, but rather to be reproved and abhorred: and therefore we fee in thefe Epiftles* %v. 2. 3. there is no difputing againft the Nicoiaitanst as Paul ufeth in other cafes, becaufe, where fuch ab-furdities are owned,there is no accefle to fatten a conviction from reafon, when men by fuch opinions appear to be unreafonable. ?. When men deny principles, as the authority or fufficiency of the Scripture* or when they lay new principles , as alight within, revelations, enthufiafms, or fuch like; or, when they grofly and abfurdly wreft and pervert the Scripture, as Peter fpeaketh of fome, denying mod clear fenles, and forging fcnfes which are mod ridiculous : In fuch cafes, there is no accefle to difpute, not only becaufe it cannot be done without admitting of them to blafphcrae, but alfo becaufe there is no mean by which they may be convinced , feing the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God , is rendered ufelefle unto them: As for inftance, Hymeneu* and Alex&ndtr , faid , there was no refurre£tion to come, becaufe it was paft already; they wanted not dexterity to abufc the Scripture , which faith, that there is a refurrettion from fin, and by the new birth Believers are raifed from the dead. Now, the applying of what is fpoken of the generall and fecond refurreftion to this particular and firft refurreftion, isfogtoffe, that 2W doth not difpute with but Sentence fuch blafphe-* mers and abufcrs of the Scripture; for, it is clear, that thty did not deny the Scripture, or a refurre6ti-on(imply, bucdidgroGyand irrationally mifapply

Q^ cto

*i6 tsf Treatife concerning Scandal. Part J.

the fame : of this fort, are fuch as will admic of no

diftin&ions, nor confequences, nor different accepti-

ons of words and phrafes, and fuch like: fonaccord 1

ing to chefe grounds > the Scripture is made todifa-

gree from it felf, to give no certain found in any

thing, and to infer many abfurdities, which is blaf-

phemous to think.

Wfato U to d/fert.^ It is not to be thought that that only \%con\>u

bcaccoun. Stion,v9t\kh pucteth the adverfe party to filence,or that

¥&** *^ C w " en convincing of gainfayers is commanded , that

fwjicim c h ac on i y j $ intended: for,men of corrupt unruly ipiriw

conviftm (as thc Apoftlc faUh ^ wax worfe and wor f c>and do rc-

taV* m ' C ^ e t^uc ' 1, as 1 mnes anc * J am ^ res withftood Mofes, ' J • 2 Tim. 3 8. and are therefore called reprobate concerning the faith ; yea, fometimes the more they be pinched and bound, the more they cry out, and will not yeeld to convincing truth, as we fee, ^#.6.9,10,11* and All 1 3.45,46. and certainly there were none of Paul's oppofers able to difpute with him, yet we will never almoft find his adverfariei filent, though he put them to filence > and did aftually convince them; notwithftanding they are ftill muttering and contradicting, fo that oftentimes he breaketh off, Quaking the duft off his feet againft them, when arguments did not the bufineffe. Oftentimes alfo , this continuing of contradidion with fome dexterity to pervert Scripture to their own deftru&ion , is to them penallmd judiciall , as was formerly obferved, and doth follow upon their hazirding and daring to oppofe the mani-feft truth. And who would have thought, but that thefe Magicians that refifted M>/tt> fhouldhave been convinced by fo many miracles, not to have effayed further to oppofc him ? which yet notwithftanding they continue to do ; and if it was fo then, and with Paul and the other Apoftles afterward, can i.t be ex-pe&ed to be otherwayes now ? feing the fpirit of Jannes and Jambres, and the gainfaying of Core is marked by the Scripture to wait on fuch*

If it be asked then, What cao be undcrftood by conviction ? and if a pcrlbn may be accounted convinced, who yet may be keeping the laft word, and confidently bragging of the vi&ory ? Jnfi>. That conViHion is not to be bounded with acknowledgment or filence in the party convinced, we fuppofe is already cleared ; yea, thofe that are convinced, may, as it were, cry the others out of the company by multitude of words and confidence of expreflions, as thofe Jews did cry down Vaul and Barnabas* dtt. 13.46. Therefore we fee in that precept* Tit. 5. 10, 11. that the Heretick which is to be reje&ed, is both faid to refufe admonition* and alfo to be condemned of himfelf; yet it cannot be faid that he was put to filence by thefe admonitions, or did forbear to vent his er-rours: this therefore mutt be accounted certain, and is confirmed by 2l)m. 2.25. where the recovery of oppofers, even after fufficient inftru&ion, with meck-neffe, hath a peradtenture in it, as a thing moft rarely to be found. We muft therefore place condition in fome other thing than that: and foinanfwerto the queftion , What is to be accounted conUttlon ? Wc fay, T. it is when a perfon isfofar convinced, and the truth with his errour fo far cleared to be troth and errour refpeftively, that his continuing obftinate* cannot be fuppofed to be of infirmity , which often will evidence it felf in foolifh, weightleflc and un-reafonablc flnifts and anfwers, or when there cannot be weight in fuch an anfwer , to fatisfie a mans own reafon or confeience, if he were fober and at himfelf: upon this account, the Heretick is faid to be condemned of himfelf, Tit. 3.11. not becaufe a&ually his confeience doth condemn him for diflRmulation ; fot even then it is fuppoled he may be in a dclufion,whidi keepeth* off fuch challenges; and their confeiences are faid to be feared with an hot iron, 1 Tim. 4. 2. which importeth, they were not capable of pofitive conviftions within themfelves > but it muft be un-Q^ z dcrttood

dcrftood thus , that they arc thecaufe of their own blindneffe, as wilfully and mahcioufly refuting and rejeding light when it is offered to them > andfo the cauie of their own damnation doth not flow from the negle&of others, in not holding forth to themfuffi-cient light, but from their own obftmacy, prejudice and malicioufnefle. 2. They may be (aid to be convinced when the thing is made clear to fober ferious men, even as fome ftupid ignorant perfon9 are inex-cufable in their ignorance, when they live under fuch means as others of ordinary capacity thrive by; although fuch plain preachings, difcourfes or db&rines be no way underftood by them, yet may it juftly be faid, that that light was fufficient to inftru&them, or that Gofpel to convince them, (eing others have been profiled by the fame. 3. They may be (aid to be convinced, even when they fpeak again, when there is no anfwer to purpofe in their fpeaking, but abfurd denying or afferting of things without any reafon> or when there is a granting of abfurd conferences, or an aflerting of an abfurdity, that poffibly is greater nor another which they would cfchew; or, bitter railing againtt mens perfons, feeking to defame them for ftrengthening of their caufe, as the falfe teachers did 2W among the Corinthians and Galatians , and as the Liber tins dd to Stephen by venting calumnies on him, and provoking others againft him, Atl.6. or, when in their anfwers or debates, they break out in blafphemy againft God , againft His Scriptures, againft His Ordinances; fuch, in fuch cafes,are to be accounted fufficiently convinced, and their obftinacy is to be accounted malicious; and this we may gather, as from others places, fo from that, MK 13.45, 46. when they ccme to wilfull contradidtions and blafpheming, fad and fBamabM will reafon no more. And, Mts2$. 24, 25. fome Jews arc accounted to be fufficiently convinced, and their contradi&ion to proceed from judicial! blinding, when they rejeft that

word

Word which did fufficiently,convince others. Alfa we fee, Ml. 17. p- when men begin to mock at the fundamental! things of Religion, or to fbift clear places of Scripturcby putting Grange and abfurd ex-pofuions upon them, as was formerly marked of Hjl-meneus and Alexander ; fuch perfons are not to be disputed with any more, but to be accounted abundantly convinced, Notwichftanding of the moft confident contradi&ion : and what was faid of fome cafes, wherein publick debate was not to be admitted , the fame may be applied in this cafe, as being evidences of Sufficient convi&ion artd felf-condemnation of fuch perfons.

Jjfert. 4. When any fuch debate is found neceffa- H ry, there is much fpiritual zeal and prudence required ijTfi in the managing thereof: in which, befide what is ge- £ t J £ ^ nerally required in the manner of every thing, thefe»<w w ^ things are to beobferved , 1. That it be not tumul- neccflary. tuary and confufed $ becaufe fo the Name of God is irreverently dealt with , and made obnoxious to reproach : Therefore order and reverence, and what is needfull and fit for fuch an end, is to be provided for; other wife , fuch confufed meetings are to be left \^jhen entered into, as difhonourable to the Name of God, and unbecoming the gravity that Minifters fhould follow, as we fee,^#.13.45,46.and ^.i$Mo, 32. for, in fuch a cafe there is no 3ccefle to edification. 2. Men would den iedly undertake fuch a thing when called to it, as being convinced how difficult the task is, how feckleflfe thry themfclves are, and how fubcile the principal! adverfary which they have to do with is. Therefore there would no: be an undertaking upon the account of gifts, parts, or learning, nor would it be managed only or mainly by fubtile argument*, nor would advantage be much fought for, that way hue fiviiple truth would be plainly, gravely, and 2 aloufly propofed with refpeft to the affc&ing the confeience of the party* and of the hearers. Q^i And

And as it is in preaching, not the fubtileft and learn-cdeft difcourfes do alwayes prove moft taking, So in debates that concern confcience, materiall plainnefle demonftrating the truth with power unto the confcience j hath often the clearcft evidence with it* There is a notable inftance recorded by fyjfinus, Ecclef. hift. lib. to. chap. 3. which was thus, at the Council I of N*Ve, great Schollers were conveened from all places* upon report of that famous meeting, to which alio did come fome chief Philofophers, of whom one moft eminent did difpute frequently with the greateft Schollers, who were never able to bind him, becaufefuch (faithhe) was his nimbleneffe* that like an eel he flipped them, by one fhift or other, when arguments did feem moft conliringent. But God , that he might (how that His Kingdom did not confift in word, but in power; one of the Confcffors, being a man of a moft fimple nature, and knowing nothing but Chrift Jefus and Him crucified, when he (aw the Phflofopher iniultingand boaflingof his quickneffe, defired liberty to (peak with him a little, others did fhun it, knowing the mans fimplicity, and fea^jng left he fhould become a reproach to fubtile men: notwithftanding, he pcrfifted, and began thus, Philofopher, in the Name of Jefus Chrift hear thefe things that are true > There is one God who made Heaven and Earth, and formed man out of the duft, and gave him a Spirit, who made all things which are feen and un(een , who fent His Son , born of a Virguijto deliver us miferablc (inners from everlafting death $ by His fuffering of death; and hath given us lifeetetnallbyHis Refurre&ion, whom we expeft to come as Judge of what ever we do: Philofopher* believeft thou thefe things ? Then he, as if he had not known how to contradict, aftoniftied with the power of what was faid , and put to filence, only could an-fwer, that it appeared fo , that there V>as no other thing but truth in V>hat he had faid. Then faid the aged Con-

fiffor,

fefibr , if thou belieVe/l fo, rife and follow me to the Cburcb , and receive the feal of this faith : Then the Philofophcr turning to thefe that herewith him* and other hearers > (aid > Heir , 0 Learned men , While the matter too* managed With me With Words y I oppofed Words to Words; but When for Words Vertue proceeded out of the mouth of him tbatjpal(e, Words ( faid he) could not refill poWer, nor man God* And therefore* if any of you have felt What I ba\>e , let him believe inQbrifl> and follow tbti old man, in whom God hath fpoken. Thus far fyffinM : a ftory not unworthy to be obferved. 3. It would be known what principles may be laid down, or what rules may be binding, otherwayes there may be an affertine of any thing or denying of every thing. 4. There would be ftill a minifterial gravity and authority preferved, left that Ordinance become defpi-cable, and fo Minifters would both improve their reafon, light, authority, and minifterial commiffion from Chrift upon the confeience of thofe they have to do with , as we fee Paul doth in his debates > even where his authority was much queftioned.

CHAP. XL Admonition is neceffarj, and how to be performed.

THe third ftep> is Admonition , that is, when convidions have no fucceffe, then ought Minifters to proceed to judiciall and authoritative admonitions) a9 the word is in thedire&ion, Tit. 3.1©. A man that is an Beret'itk, rejett> after thefirjl and fecond admonition. This admonition hath no new reafon to inform the judgment, which is already pre-fuppofedtobe done, but it adderh thefe two, 1. Ic hath a concurring weight to affe& the confeience which hath withftood or fmothered the light; and fo it is, with Gods bl fling, ufefull to make former defpifed light more fcrioufly and impartially to be Q^4 weigh-

23 r tATreatsfeconcerning Scanda 1 I Part. 3•

Weighed and confidered, when in Hh Name the admonition is particularly upon that account dire&ed to them. 2. Ic is a warning, giving advertifement of fome fadder thing coming, if they fhall continue to rejeft the Truth 9 and fo it is a (boring of them for that particular fauld before the ftroak be laid on, that cither, by Gods blefling, it may humble and (often them, and fo put them to endeavour the preventing of the coming ftroak 5 or, if they continue ftubborn, it may make them more inexcufable; and thus there is the clearer acceffe to proceed to rejection. This ad-The feveral monition may be confidercd in thc(e three fteps, I. It jupsof al~ may k e f n private after the Minifter's conferring with monition. J .j le per f ons an j hj s fi nc }j n g t h cm guilty, he may not only inftru&them, but afterward, if they continue, admonifh them, andthatasaMinifter, in the Name and Authority of Jefus Chrift, which is more than the admonition of a privat perfon. 2* There is a ftep of this admonition to be pad judicially by a Church-judicatory when the perfon is brought before them, whereby they judicially interpofe their authority to admomfh fuch a perfon of the evil of his way, and of the neceflity of the prefent duty of repentance for the fame > like that which fintully and mod abominably was mifapplied by the Priefts and Pharifees, Mt. 4, ?. yet, that in the general there is fuch an admonicion,is apparent. The ?♦ ftep is pub-lickiy before the people, wherein ( after the former h*th f died in reaching thedefired end) the party in-fe&ed is folemnlyand publickly admonifhed before the Congregation. In which ftep, 1. The parties good is to berefpefted, that now it may be tried if the admonition both of officers and people (who are fuppofedtojoyn in this publick admonition) may have weight. 2» It is ufefull for the people to guard them a^ainft fuch an evil, and fuch a perfon. 3. If It fuccecd not, ic leaveth the perfon more inexcufable, " and convinces all of the jufticc and neceflity of proceeding

ceeding further , and fo tcndcth to make the Sentefice to be the more refpefted by all. This, we conceive, is the admonition intended, Tit. 3. 10. andanfwereth to that publick rebuke, fpoken of, 1 Tim. 5.20.

In carrying-on thefe admonitions, thefe things Sme thi would be obferved, I, That there be no great haft- 0 ^ r ^/ c f» ing, except the perfons readinefle and diligence to x y waj 0 f infeft others require the fame, in which cafe there is adrnwifiing no delay to be admitted. 2. All thefe fteps of admonition would befocarried-onasbecometh an Ordinance ofChrift, and that the weight of them may lie there. 3. There is difference to be put betwixt giving of an admonition, and entering of a debate for conference ; Therefore there is no ncceflicy of fufpending an admonition, becaufe the perfon is abfent, more than there is of fufpending of a warning or citation : And, on the other fide , If the perlons were prefent, and ftiould comradift andoppofe themfelves, there is no neceflity nor conveniency of entering in debate again » becaufe that is not the prefent work, but authoritatively to admonifh thofe who have refifted fufficient convi&ion , and fo they are to be left under the weight of the admonition, from which the renewing of debate would diminiflh.

The-fourth thing and that which followeth fruic- ^bet reieft* leffe admonition, is rejection, Tit. 3. io« A man that u i^^J^ 0 y m an hereticfi> rejeit. This reje&ion is the fame with (that Here-Excommunication or delivering to Satan, 1 Tiro* *• 20. \u^ , j* r* Concerning which thefe things are clear, churcb-ofji-

1. That a man, continuing an Herctick, may and eers aneuf* ought to be reje&ed and excommunicated as well as laryduty,&' for any other groffe Scandal: For> f. the precept is a m ,an t0 ^ plain in the place cited, A man that u an Heretu^rejecti ma ^e *f c °f which muft be a cafting of him out from Church- pTtheCbur^ communion,anda giving of him over in refpeft of the Hs € ^ QAm ufe of any further means for his edification, which MfU >i$ in effeft, to account him as an Heathen man and a Publican, which is called, 1 Cor, $♦ 13. a putting

away

away from amongft our felvcs a wicked perfon, a. The example and precedent is clear, I Tim. i , 20* 3. Where this is followed, ic is commanded) as in Epbefus, Ifyb. 2. and where it is for born, and corrupt teachers fuffered to be in the Church, it is very (harp-ly reproved, as in the Epiftles toT "ergamos and Tbya-tira % 4. The general grounds of Scandal and of Dif-cipline againft the fame, and the reafons which in-force the exercife thereof in any cafe, have weight here. For, I. It is fcandalous exceedingly. 2. It is hurtfull to the Church. ?, Difcipline* and particularly that Sentence, is appointed for remedying the hurts of the Church> and the removing of offences from the fame; which grounds have been formerly cleared, Therefore it palpably folioweth, that this Sentence is to proceed againft fuch : But for further clearing of this, there are fome Queftions to be an-fwered here, As, Whit if the I '* ma ^ ^ e q uc fti° ne d> What if the perfon be perfon feda- Sodly, or accounted fo > Anfo>. I (hall not fay how ildbejudg- unlike it is that a really gracious man will be a tdto be tru. minifter of Satan, we have fpoken of that already > lygtActm. but, fuppofing it to be fo, I. If it be fcandalous in a gracious man, is not the fame remedy to be ufed for the Churches good? 2. That fuppofition of Vaul's Gal. 1. 8>9. doth put it above all queftion, Though *toe (faith he) or an Angel from Heaven,preach another GoJ}>el y lethimbeatcurfed. And, again, he faith it, to put this out of controverfic, If any manfball preach another Gojpel, let him be accurfed. And, if '?<*«/will except no man, no, nothimfelf, nay, nor an Angel from Heaven, who can be excepted ? The miftake is in this , that Excommunication is not looked upon as an Ordinance of Chrift, ufefull through His blef-fing for humbling and reclaiming of a (inner more than if it were not applied ; whereas, if it were looked upon as medicinal in its own kind, it would not be foconftru&edof; For, by comparing 1 Cor.

5.

5. with 2 Cor, 2. we will find that it was more profitable to the excommunicated perfon himfelf that this Sentence was paft than if it had been forborn.

2. It may be asked, What if the perfon be no fixed }yb at jj fo member of any particular Congregation, who yet be no fixel doth infeft others ? Jnffo. This cannot be fufficient member of to exempt from Cenfure , Becauie, I. he is a mem- anypartictu ber of the Catholick Church, Therefore Cenfures^rco^rc-rouft fome way reach him : otherwayes, fuppofinga gfithn. man to difclaim all particular Congregations, he

might be a member of the Church, who yet could be reached by no Cenfure. 2. He might claim the pri-viledges in any particular Congregation, it he (hould carry fairly as he is a member of the Church-catho-lick : Therfore it would fetm by proportion and rule of contraries, that Presbyteries may reach him with their Centres, if by his mifcarriages he become of-fenfive to the people. 3. We fee that the Church of Epbefiis, l(eVel. 2* did judicially try and cenfure thofc who called thcmfelves Apoftles, who> k\ like, being Grangers, obtruded themfelves, under that tide, upon them* and fo could not be accounted members of that Church ; And indeed, there is no Iefle needfull for the edification of the people of fuch particular Congregations, and for guarding them from the hurt that may come by vageing perfons>than that either they be cenfured fomewhere by one Congregation* or many, in affociatedChurch-judicatories; or, at leaft that (bmepublick note and mark be put upon fuch, that othersrnay have warning to eichew them, as the word may be taken, 2fy»*. 16.17, *8. and zTbeJf. 3.14. which is there fpoken of, bufie bodies and wanderers without any certain calling or (iation.

3. It may be qucftioned> What if Magiftrates in WhattjCU their place concur not, or, if the cafe fo fall out, that vill CMagi-they be difpleafed with the drawing-forth of fuch z Jtrats concur Sentence > tAnfto. This may require the more pru- not f? r l ^ c dence, zeal and gircumfpeftnefie ? but ought not to ha ^g of

mar t ^ e l cntcnfe ^

i?3 6 d Treatlfe concerning Scandal. 1 Part £

mar the progreffe: Becaiife, r. Excommunication is I an Ordinance inftituted by Jefus Chrift for the edifi- I cation of His Church, as Preaching and giving of thd | Sacraments art. 2. That fame might have been asked in the primitive times whenSW did excommunicate , and when the Lord did reprove the want thereof, %!*/. 2. There was then no. concurrence of Civil Power, Yea, 3. in this cafe it feemeth moft neceffary 5 and the greateft enemies of Church-difci-pline do allpw the Church to Sentence her members in luch a cafe, 4. The weight of this Scntence-doch not depend upon Civil Poweo but upon Chrift's Institution, Therefore the weight of it is to bfe laid here, whatever Civil-Powers do. 5. We will find the primitive Fathers hazirding upon Martyrdom even in this very thing , So that when corrupt Emperours have inhibited them, to excommunicate Mans and other Hereticks, they have done it notwithftanding ; and by defigning whom they,defired to have fuc-ceeding them in their places before they paft the . Sentence, did declare themfelves ready to fuffer,upon this account, any thing that might follow, and accordingly fome of them have been immediatly put tofuftering. i . * ,

Ym limi- 2. We fay, That although an Heretick be to be re-tatons 10 j'e&ed, yet is there a tw9fold limitation to bead-, he aivttu verted to in that place, Ylt\ 3. 9. firft,Thatit is {iot ei m the CV ery erroneous perfon that is fo to be deajt with> but njtfaH he muft be an Beretic\- Which doth imply thefe */hr * c ^ rce ' *• A pernicioufneffe and deftruftiveneffe in ev * the errour maintained. 2. An a&ual venting thereof, to the deftruftion of the Church , either by corrupting the doftrine, marring the order, or breaking the unity of the fame, or fome other way fpoiling the vines that have tender grapes. 3. It implicth a per-tinacy infuch evils.

It is true, that fometimes leffer errours, in jrefpetf of their effetfs, and other aggravating circumftances,

may

may become intolerable and to be proceeded againft by this Sentence, as was faid of leffer Scandal* in ■ practice. Yet, we conceive, that properly ic is fome grofler errour than what may be accounted to be of infirmity ( fuch as many godly, fober, unprc judged men may have ) that is to be the ground of* fuch a Sentence. Therefore we refer tfredecifion of this to be gathered from the Diftinftions formerly laid down.

3, We find it qualified by this, Thatthis reje&i-onbnot to prbceed hefiily, but to follow upon rejected aid fit inbred admonitions: Therefore, if an admonition be received before, and the Church therein be heard , time is fco furtf er ptQceeding to be in v in reference to this Sentence : Brcaufe, I. tbje limita-lion is exprtffe. i. The reafon is clear 5 for if the lcflVr cio the turn , and prevail to the recovery of the prrfon, and removing of the offence from the Churcb> What necdeth more?"

CHAP. XII.

What u to be accounted a fatisfjing and fuccejfe-- full admonition,

IF it be asked , What is to be accounted a fatisfy-ing and (ucaflefull admonition ? And how.men 'are to judge of, and wa k in reference to, the lame > Anfo. We would diliinguifti fatisfadtion or fucceffe ail to an admonition, which may be either full latis-fadtton or only partialis Full fatisfadtion is, When the perfon is to fully convinced of his ill, as not only to forbear the venting thereof, and to give no offence for the time to come, but alfo fully ro abandon the fame as heinf grieved therefore, and willing to edifie others, by a fuitable acknowledgement. Sme u ( t r u ^

Again,wc calhhat a partial fatisfaftion or fuccefle, j)j(ij n ftjl ns when though there is not a fully fatisfying length ob- iffakfaili-

caincd j **

S3 S A Treatife concerning Scandal* Part 3. '

tained; yet can knot befaidtobe altogether fruit-leffe. Asfuppofe, 1. a perfon (hould not be brought wholly to difclaim hi* errours, yet (hould profeffe a convi&ion of the ill of venting them, and troubling the Church with them, and afterward (hould engage to abftain from offending in that kind. 2. Suppofe one (h6uld be convinced of the more groffe errours, and be content to difclaim thefe , yet (hould ftick at fome others, profefling fcruple in them.

We would alfo diftinguifh thefe that give partiall fatisfa&ion. 1. Either they are fuch as appear to be fincere in the length they come, and in the profefiions they make > as alfo to be docile and ready to be informed ; or , they are fuch who difcover the want of ingenuity in their proceeding, andthemfelvesbutto belying at the wait to return to their vomit.

Now to apply this, We fay, 1. When this fatisfa-ftion is full, there is no queftion; for, thereby not only all further proceffe is to be fifted> but the per-fon is to be admitted to have communion in Church* pfriviledges.

2, Where this partiall fucceffe is of the firft fort* We conceive it may be fufficient to fift proceffe tor a time; and to continue the perfons under means within the Church, fo long as they contradift not their profeflion; yet it is not fufficient to give them free accede to all Church-privilcdgcs, as if the fcandal were fully removed.

3. Where that fatisfaftion is but of the laft kind, that is, mocking and diffembled, We fay,that though it may put a Church-judicatory to try the evidences of thisdiffirnulation, and during that time poflibly to flop a little their proceeding; yet ought it not to mar the drawing forth of the Sentencc,left there be an acceffion to the hurt which is intended to the Church bythatdiffembler: And here we are to apply both chereafons againft, and charafters of, diflimulati-on, which were (poken to on pra&icall offences*

4.-If

4. If there be no Teeming fatisfa&ion at all, then after admonitions given, the perfon defpifing the lame is to be re je&ed , as one that is infe&ious and unfit to have communion in the Church, or the benefit of any Church- pnviledge and Ordinance: And, in a word, to be, for hisfcandal, and obftinacy aeainft Chrifts Ordinances, declared to be Excommunicate, and caften out of His vifible Kingdom, as an out-law to the fame ; Which is to be done with fuch gravity, wcightincfle, fympathy and authority, as it may look like the Ordinance of Chrift, and have an impreflion of His dread and Majcfty upoa all that are witneffes thereof.

If it be asked , Whether any further duty be re- Whttber quired from a Minifter towards fuch a perfon after the * w *W»g bt Sentence is part ? Anfo. He is not then properly un* fcquittd of der paftorall charge, fince he is no member of Chrifts Mi nl ftf f * vifible Church, atleaft, in that refgeft, as members lm x ^ % l € \ fall under common and ordinary actuaJl infpeftion, \* J*. Yet we conceive, 1. That the Minifter is to continue grc ' to deal with God for him ( at leaft in private ) if fo be he may be recovered out of this fnare, becaufe he is under the laft cure, which will either prove life or death; Gods blefitng therefore to it. is to be fought; and it becometh well the naturall care of a kmdly Minifter, that is thirfting for the blefling, to deal with God for it. 2. Alrhoogh there be not aftuall ac-ceffe to any thing; yet ought there to be a lying at the wait to obferve any opportunity which may be for his good, and when it offereth, it would be carefully improven. And therefore, ?• for that end, whatever indignation befhown againft a mans wayes orerrours, to make thefe loathfomcto others, yet ftill there would be evidence of tender refpt ft to the perfons, and, if need be, means ufed to fupply them, efpecially if they come to any ftrait, although in all this they would keep fuch a diftance as may keep up the weight of the Sentence > both to them and others:

But

?49 A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part g T

But, by this way, their fufpicious miftakcs of Mini-ftcrs carnalncffle againft their perfons, are beft removed, and acceffe is thereby made to be edifying unto them, Som j examples whereof are recorded in the life of Mufcuius, asto histenderneffetomoltdefpe-rately deluded perfons, when they were in affli&ion, and difcountenanced exceedingly by Magirtrates, which God blcffed in the end for their recovery ; this is ft'table, feverity in Magiftrates, and tenderneffe' in Miaifters. And amongft other ills and fnares that that cruell indulgencie ( which is indeed cruell to the poor fouls, to whom it becometh a fnare ) hath folio ving it, this is one, That the Magiftrate is accounted mercifiill, and the zealous Mitiifter cruell, whereby they are put in an incapacity to be edified by the one, and in a capacity > as it were, to mif-carry as they will, by the indulgence of the other.

CHAP. XIIL

WhM it require A of Magiftrates for reftraining of (educing jpirits*

THe fecond thing that we propofed to fpeafc to in this remedy, was , as it relateth to Magi-ftrates > to wit > Whether any thing be ? or what it is that is called-for by the Word of God from them» to be performed in their ftations for the drying up of fucb a floud , and removing of fuch a plague ? It is not our mind to infift fo much in this as in the former, Yet it is fit that we fay fomething: A>id who knoweth but it may fall in the hand of feme Migtftrate, who may be defirous to hear and know his luty ? which we (hall lay down in an Aflertion, or two, thus,

Ajjert. i. Although God hath not made Magi-ftrate** as fuch, Church officers, nor incrufted them with the Ecclcfiaftick Government of His Church 5

yes

yet doth he allow them, and call them to improve ^. their civil powir for the good of His Church in Ec- calLed acm clefiaftick things in (bmerefpcft, as well as in civil cor di n gto things. And therefore if a Magiftrate fee not to the fair placet providing of Minifters for a people, and of mainte-rp inter* nance to them, and fuch like, that are neceflary toxfefe. the being of a Church , as well as he provideth Officers, and furnifheth them that arc ncedfull in the State, he is faulty and unfaithfull to his truft. For, the Lords defign in fetling of Societies, and appointing of Magiftrates , is to he expounded as fubfervient to that great end of mens glorifying of God , and en-joyingbim. And certainly > Magiftrates are to have that as their own end, even in the aftions of their Nation , and to endeavour to promove that amongft thefe over whom for their good they rule. This is clear in all the Governments and Commonwealths that the Lord did immediately model Himlelf, Magiftrates had this for a fpeciall part of their task, to keep His Ordinances pure, and to reftrainthe corrupters of them: This is expreffed in the Morall Law, where Matters are no leffe to overfee their fervants, that they work not on the Sabbath, from refpeft to the Lord* than to dircft their work all the week from refpeft to themfelves ,• and by the rules of interpreting of thefe commands, what belongeth to a Matter to be done by him as a Matter, in reference to thefe over whom he hath power according to his ftation, that doth belong to all Magiftrates in reference to thefe under their charge, according to their ftations. Alfo* where one inftance is named; ail of that kind are comprehended. And therefore as this Ordinance of fanftifying the Sabbath, is to be overfeen by Superi-our«,fo alfo are all others: yea,ic is acknowledged aHb, that what is expreflcd in one command , in refpe£k of the extent thereof, is to be underftood in all. And therefore this obligation lyeth on Superiours, to make inferiours obfervant of Gods Ordinances in reference

M* v* Treatife concerning Scandal. Part J.

to all the commands; this is not doubted of the duties in the fecond Table: yet there is no exprefllon in it inferring the fame, fp expreffe as is in the firft ; and this is a common affertion , Magiftrates ba)>e both Tables of the LaV> commuted to tf sir peeping. This is fully made out by many godly and learned men, and we need not to infift upon ic; for, readily, no Magiftrate doth queftion his own power , but that he may do what is fie, all the matter is to confidcr what that is* dffert. 2. It is not a Magiftrates duty in the cafe of And not overfpreading delufion, mcerly to look to outward meetly to order and civil peace and enjury, and to give liberty looktoout' to any or man y { om 0 f d an g Crous errours and delu-ward or- ^ ons t0 f preac j. or> t0 g j vc toleration unto the maintained thereof, in their fpreading the fame. For, I. fuch errours, are ill deeds, and fuch fpreaders, are ill doers , bringing great prejudice to people , Gal. 5. 20. 2 Epift. of John 11. 2. Magiftrates oupht to be a terrour to evil doers indefinitly ; and, I fuppofe, if the fword be born in vain in reference to them, the confeience will not have ground of quietnefle in the day of judgement, upon a diftin&ion of evil doers, when the Lord hath made none fuch in their commif-fion. ?.They ought to be zealous of His honour who is their Superiour, that His name be not blafphem-ed : and can fuch be tolerate without this conftru&i-on, upon the matter , that men have liberty to blaf-pheme the Naneof God> to abufe His truth, reproach His Ordinances, and to take His Name in vain as they will ? Would any fupream Magiftrate take it well* to have fome inferiour officer > or Magiftrate of a Town or Province, to give fuch liberty to thefe under his j'urifdiftion in reference to him ? And is there any fuch diftance between the fupream and inferiour Magiftrate , as there is between the Majefty of God>and the moft fupream power on earth ? And what if He judge between Him and them out of their

own mouch > and, according to the mcafurc that they met out to others, met out to them ? 4. Arc they not to (eek the peoples pood ? And is there any fuch good, as their fpirituall good ? Or, are there any fuch enemies to that as feducers ? We conceive therefore* it will not be found agreeable to the intent of their office and fcope which they ought to aim at therein, that Magiftrates fhould give this liberty or connivance to men , to vent and propagate fuch errours as may deftroy fouls, and a&ually overturn the face of a vifible Church > fo that if fomething overfpread uni-verfally, (as Popery, and tome other grofle errours and delufions have done in fome places of the world ) there fhould be no vifible Church within fuch dominions > And indeed, upon thefe principles* men cannot impute it to their own care, that it is otherwayes. Alfo, fuch loofnefle may overturn Ordinances, and fet up abominations in the room thereof, remove all Miniftery, Sacraments, Difcipline and Preaching, and all upon pretext of conlcicnce: fuch delufions have been in the world 5 and if bv Magiftrates connivance, they fhould overfpread a Nation, fo as there could be no remedy applied , would it be fatisfyiog or comfortable to him (fuppofing him to have a con-fcience) to fee his people under him in fuch a pofture? What if under pretext of confeience, Magiftracie (hould be denied to be an Ordinance of God } and he put therefrom, upon that account , that the people thought it unlawful] to obey him ? Would not readily his confeience fay , That feinghe reftraincd not others from catting at thefe Ordinances, in which the honour of God , and good of (ouls were fo much concerned, that it was jutt with God to permit them to caft at that Ordinance alfo, wherein he is fo mainly concerned ? And indeed , this hath not been un-frequently fcen > that thefe who have begun to caft ac Church-ordinances, have come at length ( as if they had been thereto difpofed by the former) to caft at R z Civil

Civil Ordinances (to fpeak fo) alfo; and what wonder is it , feing there is no more clear warrant from God for the one than for the other ?

That th ^ K ^ e ^^ " ^ at w ^ at ^ at ^ keen ^P°^ en in l ^ e ^^dofitrine, and on thefe places> %V,2. concerning the fainft tote- not Offering of corrupt teachers to vent their errours, ution ceH-^oth belong to Minifters and Church-officers, and cern Af4£*no t t0 Magiftrates. Anfy. i t If thou be a Magi-firetes as ftrate that movech this obj-ftion, pofe thy own heart, well k W/-if that which is fo difpleafing in Minifters and nificrs. Church-officers, to wit, toleration of corrupt men to fpread their errours * If, I fay,that will be well pleaf-ing and approven in Magiftrates, when Chrift Jefus fliallcometo judge both in reference to this thing; Or,if in that day when the great Judge will Sentence Minifters for tolerating in (uch a cafe. He will take another rule to proceed by, with the Magiftrate ? Or if it be like, that Chrift out of love to His Church, (hall pererhptorily require Minifters , not to fuffer felfe teachers, but to reftrain them, according to their fiations, and not to endure them to teach and feduce His Servants, and yet, that the fame Lord , for the good of His Church, ftiould require Magiftrates to tolerate and maintain the fame. 2. Gonfider if the grounds and reafons that bind this duty on Minifters, will not equivalently and proportionably bind all men according to their Rations; for, the grounds are in fum, love to God, and love to the edification and falvation of others, which are the fubftance and fulfilling of the morall Law. 3. If in the Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament, or in Hiftory fince* thefe two be not ever joyned together, the moft commended Magiftrate, and one who is moft zealous againfl corrupt teachers; the fathers of old were not tofparetheir children, ^,13. nor fuffer them to teach or feduce to the diftionour of God, and hazard of fouls; and can it be faid that fouls now are lefle precious, orerrcur nowleffe infectious and dangerous.

Part 3. *s4TreMi[e concerning Scandal; 245 rous, or thefe things leffc to be cared for now in the dayes of theGotpel than formerly, that concern the glory of God.and edification or deftru&ion of fouls ? 4. Confider if in the Book of the Revelation, the fuffering of dnlichrifl to delude fouls, be not mentioned as reproveable; and it the deftroying of that beajl, and putting him from corrupting the earth , be not fpoken of as a main piece of the commendation of fuch as (hall be inftrumentall therein. Now in the Scripture-language , all deluders and feducers are Antickrijls, being led with the fame fpirit, and driving the fame defign againft the Kingdom of Jefus Chri(t; Can there be therefore any reafon to make fuch difference , where the Lord hath made it ? J. Confider if it can be accounted fingle z:al, that perfwadeth to permit the Name of God to be diflhonourcd , when any refleftion upon our own>doth fo much move us 5 for, it cloth infer, that either there is an indifferency as to truth and errour > So that in the one , the Lord is not rfiore difhonoured than in the other, which will be found exceeding contrary to His own expreffing of Himfelf in Scripture, and will not, Ifuppofe, be pleaded in the day of judgement , when He will avenge Himfelf on fuch feducers; or , it muft infer, that men are not to take notice of what difhonoureth Him, even though many things be within their reach to impede it- And indeed , if a confeience fcrioufly pondering the thing , will not be provoked out of Zeal to God, whole glory fuffereth, out of refpeft to the falvation of many fouls, that are hazarded and deflroyed by fuch means, and to prevent the many offences that wait neceffanly upon fuch ills, and the many inconveniencies,divi(ions> jealoulies, rents,&c* that follow in Families , Congregations, Cities and Nations , and the great prejudice that the Commonwealth fuffereth , by the dirtrafting of her membrrs amongft themfelves, the incapacitating of many for publick trufl:, the foftering of diverfe interefts and R 3 con-

contrary principles in one body, to the marring of ho-ncft publick defigns : If by thefe, I fay, the zeal and co Science of thefe who are concerned , be not provoked, by what will, or can, they be ? That mall ^ lt ^ c ' a ^' That it looketh more Gofpel-likc, forbedrance anc * ^ or ^ 1C ^"herance of Chrifts Kingdom, that is not Ufa Magiftrates fhould leave men to follow their light, the Goffd. an d to be dealt with by the preaching of the Goipel, and force thereof. We (hall propofe thefe Confederations in reference to this, r. Confider if it looketh chriftian and tender-like, for men fo to ftand by m the Lord's Caufe, and to let Him do (asit were) for Himlelf: It was indeed once (aid of 2W, Judg.6. If be be agod> let him plead for bimfelf : But will a tender heart think or (peak fo reproachfully of theMa-jefty of God ? He indeed can and will plead for Himfelf * and it is not for defeft of power He maketh ufc of men* to defend His truth* or to reftrain errours; yet it is His good pleafure to make ufe of Magiftrates therein, ( and thereby to honour them) as He doth of Gideon in that farpe place. 2. Confider if it look chriftian-likc, to give the devil equal acceffe to follow his defigns with JefusChrift in the (etcitig up of his kingdom: No^f abfolute toleration doth this, and more, becaufe there is but one Truth, and there are many Errours, and each of thefe hath that fame liberty and indemnity (to fay fo) that Truth hath, and may with the fame confidence come forth to the open light as Truth may, in refpeft of any Civil reftraint. 3. Confider the cafe of jinttcbrijl, there is no errour againft which the Lord hath more dire&ly engaged Himlelf to fight with the fword of His mouth, than againft this of Popery, and yet we fuppofe none will think that Kings might warrantably fuffer it to be fpread and preached to the infe&ing of their People, without adding or injoyning any reftraint by their Civil power ; certainly their bating oftbe Whore, and making her dtfolate, doth imply lomc other thing:

And

I And where-ever true hatred of Errour is, there will be more efte&uall ftreatching of mens power and places for reftraining the fame. 4. We may addc this Confederation, That hitherco toleration of Errours and diverfity of corrupt opinions have ever been looked upon, and made 111e of> as a moft fubtil mean for undermining and deftroying of the Church, It is marked of that skilfull enemy of the Kingdom of Jefus Chrift, Julian, That having improven his fub-tility to the utmoft to find out means to deftroy the Church by crafty which his prcdecefibrs by tiolencc could not obtain, amongft other means he concluded this, Not to raife open perfecutionbut to give liberty to all the diffenngBtfhops an 1 Teachers (which then, after the Council of Nice and C on ft a ^ ins death, were very many and bitter in their differences ) to follow their own way,and to vent their own opinions,with-out all fear of any reftraint: and therefore did call them that he might make intimation thereof to them for their further encouragement therein; The words which he ufed to them, as they are marked by dmmi-anus and cited by LodoVicus Molineus,pt%. 560 are* Ut cenfopitis citilibus difcordiufuce quifque %ligioni fer-Viret intrepidus. that is in fum, That ey>ery on? forbearing Ci)?tldifcords, Jhould Tfo orjhip in bu oV?n Religion without controle or fear: And is it like, that this (hall prove a mean ufefull for the good of the Church, which that expert childe of the devil did makeufe of to deftroy the fame ?

Our third Affertion then is, That Magiftrates in % their places ought to prevent the infc&ionof their **' ' M *&-people under them by corrupt doftrine , and the re- *f rat€S y covery of them when they are infnared : and that ^/J^/^ therefore they ought to re fir am and marre corrupt 0H 0 f t fr e ~ teachers from Spreading of their errours to feduce * W rfciiK-others. This Affertion, we fuppofe, is clear from the der tiiem. former two: for, if Magiftratcs be allowed to improve their power for the good of the Church 9 and R4 if

if it be not their duty to Rive common protection to Errour, and the venters thereof, with Truth : Thqp this will follow , that they ought to ufe their power to reflrain the fame, and, by the cxercife thereof, to procure the good of their people > in preferving of them from fuch a great evil.

CHAP. XIV.

What may be ju(tlj acknowledged to be Vcithin the reach and purer of the Magiftrate in fuch a cafe % and fo 9 What is his duty.

IT may be more difficult to explicate this, and to fhewwhat is within the Magiftrates reach, or, what wiy he is to follow this. Before we anfwer, we would premit,

i. That it is not intended, that Magiftrates (hould rigidly and feverely (much lefle rqually) animadvert upon all that in their judgment are erroneous,or differ from what is truth, that is not called-for from Mini-fters* Therefore here the former diftin&ions are to be remembred and applyed : for, there is great odds betwixt animadverting upon an abfurd errour, or taking notice thereof, as it is a thing of the mind, and, it may be, a fcruple in fome confeience, and as it is an external deed, having with it real offence, prejudice and hurt unto others; in which cafe the Magiftratc forceth no mans confeience to another Religion, but doth keep his own confcience> by keeping one that is deluded from feducin? of others, or wronging the Name of the Lord or His Church.

2. It is to be adverted, that wefpeak not hereof the Magiftrates duty in punching of corrupt teachers with civil or capital punifhments, (though we doubt not but in fome cafes their power doth reach to that) much lefle arethehigheft punifhments to be understood here; whatever be truth in thefe, we do not

now

now fearch into it, becaufe the Scope is according to the Aflertion, to confider what is called- for, tor the preventing of the fpreading of corrupt do&rine, and the preferving or recovering of a people therefrom.

$. This doth not give way to Magiftrates to condemn and reftrain what they think errour, or what others think errour; for, Miniftcrs that oueht to re-jeft Hereticks,are not warranted torejeft whom they "account fo, but who indeed are to ; So is it here, it is what is indeed errour , and who are indeed the teachers thereof, that the Magiftrate is to reftrain, as thofe who teach rebellion againft the Lord.

We come then to confider what maybe a Magi-ftrates duty when feducing fpirits afTault the people under their charge , and what is obvioufly in their • power to do for preventing of hurt by them, without infifting in any difficult or odious- like cafe. Their duty alio may be confidered in a fourfold refpeft, as that of Minifters was. I. It would be confidered with relpeft to God, and fo they ought to fear fome ftroak coming upon their people, and by looking to Him to endeavour to carry fo in reference thereto, as they may be countable to Him : for, if it be a privi-ledge for Magiftrates in the ChriftianChurch to have the honour of being nurfing fathers therein, If a. 49. 23. thenitmuftbe a great credit, mercy and latif-faftion to them, to have their people oxfofter (to fay fo) the Church, flourifhing and thriving upon their breafts ; and if lb, then the mif-thriving of the Church by; unheakhfom milk of errour (hould and will exceedingly affeft them. And certainly that ex-predion doth both (hew what a Magiftrate's duty is, and how tenderly he ought to nourifh the Church and preferve her from any thing that may hurt her, as alfo it (howethhow nearly any thing that may hurt the Church, ought to touch and prick him.

2, In refpeft of themfelves, they are to confider if by any guiltincffe of theirs the Lord beproyokedto ^ _ let

let loofe fuch a fpirit, as Solomons fins did procure the renting of the Kingdom, So might they be alfo coun-ted a caufe,bringing on that idolatry and defe&ion of Jeroboam from the Truth, as well as from him and his pofterity : Alfo if by their negligence in not providing faithfull Teachers to inftruft the people, by their conniving at errours,or tolerating themor ocher-wayesthey may be charged with acceffion thereto: Thus Jeroboams appointing the meaneft of the people to be Priefts, and his beginning defe&ion by his example, C though he feemed not altogether to forfake the true God) difpofed the people for a further length, and had influence upon ther going a whoring after fBaal and oth?r Idols of the Nations : Thus alfo S0/0-*non was guilty of much groffe idolatry by his connivance at it, and taking himfelf to worldly pleafures and miskenning the things of God 3 although it's like he did not aftually fill in that grofle idolatry himfelf. And if Magiftrates were ferioufly rcfleft-ing on themfelves, and affe&ed with their own neg* ligence and carelefncfle in preventing of fuch things, whereof poffibly they might find themfelves guilty, this were a great length , and other queftions woulcf be the fooner cleared, and ferioufnefle would make them find out remedies for fuch an evil.

3. Their duty may be looked upon in reference to others, wherein they may and ought to extend themfelves for preventing the fpreading of the infeftion amongft thefe that are clean, by fiich like means, As, 1. by their example, to fbow themfelves zealous againft that ill, and to abhor the quettioning and dif-puting of the truth ; thus the example of a Magiftrate is often of much weieht, yet can it not be accounted any coa&ion. 2. They ought to endeavour to have faithfull and honeft Minifters, who by their diligence and over(ip,ht may exceedingly conduce to the confirming of thefe that ftand, and to the preventing of more hurt* 3. They may and ought to countenance

and

and ftrcngthen fuch as arc faithfull, whether among Minifters or people, vvhich often hath no little influence upon the difappointing of feducers : thus it is faid, iCbron.^o. 21. that for promoving of Reformation , He^ekjab fpokt comfortably to all the LeVites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord* vvhich is added,to fhew,that by this encouraging of honcft and faithfull Minifters beyond others, he diddefignthc thriving of the work in their hands, both by heart-ning them to be zealous in it> and alio by making them to have the more weight with others : this is alfo marked of Conftantine and other good Emperours, that zealous and faithfull Minifters were particularly taken notice of, and honoured by them,beyond others. 4. They may and ought to employ and make ufe of fomefit inftruments for the preventing of fedu&ion, and may provide fuch as may be fet apart for ftudy-ing fuch controversies, and confuting of fuch errours* that the truth may be the more clear. 5. They may and ought to endeavour according to their place, the compofure and allay ment of all the lefler and more pet* ty differences and heart-burnings that may be found amongft thefe that are, in the main,one for truth ,• for often ( as was faid ) a vehement fpirit of errour and delufion is tryfted with heart-burnings, divifions and offences in the Church, and amongft the Officers thereof: there were petty contefts in Corinth, biting and devouring one of another in Galatia, tryfted with the harmony that was amongft the followers of the feducers : and at the Councell of T^jce there was not only difference with Avians and other grofle here-ticks > but alfo there were petty differences and contefts amongft the Bifhops and Confeflbrs who flood for truth ; and thefe differences are moft advantagi-ous to the fpreading of errour, and the removing thereof is a great bulwark againft the fame. It is marked of Conftantine at that Councell of itice, that amongft other means which he ufcdto fuppreffe the

jirian

*/M<*h herefie , he did moft carefully endeavour the removing and burning of fuch differences and divisions, and by ferious Oration preffed the oblivion of all fuch, chat chev might the more unitedly and with the lefle diverfion be in capacity to oppofe the common enemy. For certainly , when Minifters are armed one againft another upon fome lefle concerning , and more unprofitable debates, fas, alas! too much of them is in the Chriftian re formed-Church at this time) there cannot but be the lefle ftrength, zeal, and vigilancy againft profeffed enemies in the moft fubftantiall things. 6. They may, and ought to interpofe their Authority, for inhibiting the receiving and hearing, or converging with known and manifeft (educers: for, this is but to difcharge, and thereby to preferve the people from runing to their own hazard , even as men ought to be commanded to keep at diftance wiih a place or perfon fufpe&ed to be infeftious becaufe of the Peftilence ; neither could fuch a reftrainc be accounted any diminution of their juft liberty, yea this were but a putting to of their fan&ion to the clear dire&ion which the Lord layeth upon H/s people, and therefore there could be no hazird to mifcarry in it, efpccially where the application to fuch and (uchperfons, might be as clearly difcernable from the Word as the duty is. 7.They might and ought to give their countenance unto, and joyn their Authority with, fuch ecclefiaftick ftatutes, overtures , or means, as Church-judicatories or Offi-

^ . cers might bz about to make ufe of for this end in their places; and this can be no more prejudice to liberty , to countenance with their authoriry the Or-nance of Difcipline, than to confirm by their Authority the Ordinance of preaching the GofpeL 8. They may and ought to prelerve the Ordinances from being interrupted , and the adminiftrators thereof from being reproached , and might juftly cenfarc thefe things when committed. 9. In recovering a people > in a

reeling

reeling and daggering time, aMrgiftrate may engage them to formerly received truth, and inteipofe his auchority for this end,as is recorded oijofiab, 2 Cbron. 34.31,31,33. Alio, 10. He may and ought tore-move all falle worfhips , and endure no corrupt preaching, or writing, or meetings for that end , or adminifiratinp of corrupted Sacraments, or any Ordinance other than what is allowed ; for, Jofiab did caufc the people fiand to the Covenant that was made, and having removed all Idolatrous worfhip, be made Ifrael to ferVe the Lord, that is, he made them abandon corrupt woifhip , and waiton pure Ordinances, as keeping of the Sabbaths, offering of faenfices, &c. and that according to the manner prefcribed by the Lord. Neither was it a wronging of their liberty, to dofo: Becaufe, I* it was the prefervation of their liberty, to keep them from the abominable bondage of thefe evils. 2. It was their duty to abftain from thefe, and to follow the Ordinances purely, and the Magiftrate may well put people to that. 3. It is one thing by force to keep folks from diflionouring God in a corrupt Religion, (as Jofiab did) another to force them to a Religion; the one belongeth to the ordering of the outward man, the other to the inward. 4. He might order them to keep the Ordinances, and in going about them to keep the rule, becaufe that is 'but a conftraining of them to the means whereby Religion worketh, and a making them, as it were, to give God a hearing , leaving their yeelding and con-fenting to him , when they have heard him , to their own wills, which cannot be forced ; yet it is reafon that when God cometh by His Ordinances to treat with a people, that a Magiftrate (hould fo far refpeft His glory and their good , as to interpofe His Authority to make them hear. 5. Alfo, there is a difference between the conftraining of a circumcifed or baptized people, to worfhip God in the purity of Ordinances , as they have been engaged thereto, which

was

was Jo/ias pra6tice> and the conftraining of a people to engage and be baptized, which were not formerly engaged; becaufe. a&uall members of a Church have not even that liberty as others have, to abandon Ordinances: and this putteth them to no new engage-

aent in Religion, but prefleth them to continue under taer engagements» and accordingly to perform : Hence we fee, that both in the Old and New Tefta-ment , Church-members have been put to many things, and rcftrained from many things, which had not been pertinent in the cafe of others. See, 2 Cbron.

In the fourth place, there are many things alfo in their power, in reference to thefe that are feducers or deluders, or actually deluded, which might be and ought to be improven for the Churches good ; (not to fpeak now of any thing that may infer civil or capi-tall punifihment, upon men for their opinions, or any way look like the enforcing of Religion upon con-fciences ) As > 1. Magiftrates might and ought to put Ministers and Church-officers and others to their duty (in cafe they be negligent) in trying, difcover-ring, convincing,, &c. fuch as by their corrupt do-ftrine may hazard others- 2. They may and ought to discountenance filch in their own pcrfons, and, by their authority, inhibit them to vent any fuch thing; yea under certifications: yet this cannot be called a forcing of their confcience to any Religion, but is only the reftraining of them from hurting of the consciences of others. 3. When fuch certifications are contraveencd» he may and ought to cenfure the con-traveeners, and fo he may by his authority put them in an incapacity of having acceffe to infeft others; yet this is not the cenfuring of a mans opinion, for he might poffeffe his opinion without cenfure, but ic is the cenfuring of his difobedience, and the prejudice done by him to others: Nor is it the reftraining of him from perfonall liberty, becauleof it, but because

caufe he doth not, nor will not ufe his perfonall liberty without prejudice to the whole body, which is to be preferred to him: even as a man, infc&ed with the peftilence, ought juttly to be reftrained, though againft his will• yet cannot that be accounted a re-ftraint of juft liberty ; for,it is no juft liberty to have liberty to hurt others. 4. They may and ought to deftroy fuch books as they ufe to (pread for the infecting of others, and inhibit and flop printing of them, or aftuall felling, fpreading or tranfporting of them, as they may flop carrying of fufpe&ed or forbidden goods. 5. They may and ought to reftrain idle and vagabound travelling of fuch fufpefted perfons,with-out repreftnting of their ncceffary bufineffe to fome, appointed for that eflfeft, in which cafe their doing hurt by fuch a voyage, might be prevented, and they have a paffe. Alfo, they might conftrainthem to follow (bme lawfull occupation', and to be diligent therein; both thefe are well confiftent with ordering of a State, And yet it is fuch bujie bodies ( as the Apoftle fpcaketh) and vagabonds, that go without their ftation, that often prove moft hurtfull to the Church , and inftrumentall to the devil, as being Apoftles to him in fuch a bufincfle. 6. They may and ought to reftrain and Cenfure all blafphemous and irreverent expreflions and fpeaches againft the Majefty of God and His Ordinances, and all calumnies and bitternefle againft faithfull Minifters or Pro-feflburs that adhere to truth : for,thele are moral fins; and blafphcmy, calumny, and fuch like, are no more to be parted over without Cenfure in fuch , than in others who are not profefledly tainted witherrour: and the pretext of folio wing light and confciencc, cannot make thefe fins tolerable, more than the Nicolai-tans pretending the fame for their committing adultery and other filthinefie: And this is not topunifh mens opinions, or force their conferences, but to pu-niflh their Yicesi even fuch as have been hatcfull unto,

and

*t56 A'l reatt/e concerning scandal. part 5;

and puniffied by, many naturall and heathen men; 7. They may and ought by their authoricy to caufe them hear conferences orderly and reverently , give anfwersdifcreetly, wait on their trial, and fuch like, before EccleGaftick Affemblies* 8. They may and ought to make fuch incapable of publick places of truft, and remove them from fuch : Bccaufe, i.they cannot be fuppofed to imploy their power fingly. 2. Becaufe fuch truft agreeeh not to men and fubje&s as fuch, but are voluntarily conferred as tokens of refpedt put upon men eminently qualified, and as may be for the good of the Commonwealth : And there- I fore it cannot be jufMy accounted a marring of their ' libercy as men or fub\etts. Upon this ground was Maacbah the mother of nAfa removed from being Queen, or having any government, 1 lQng. 15.13. 2 Qkron, 15.16. yet it cannot be faid (he was wronged when (he was fo dealt with-

In thefe fteps mentioned, wc have not aimed to lay down what might be done to the utmoft in fuch a cafe, but u{hat we fuppofe cannot be in rcafon denied by thefe of the wideft principles in reference to this matter, if fo be they degenerate not utterly to loof-neffe*

If it be faid, That it feemeth fufficient for the Ma-

It is not (uf- jgfl; rate co maintain civil peace > and to reftrain civil

ficient to a difturbances : We may look to thefe confederations

Magijtrate j fl anfwcr t0 t ^ 1$} l; fhis is no more than what

^Tllac* ? ulian dic * reftrain, as the place cited before* eleareth ;

? " and certainly , he who ruleth for Chrift, will not

think his example a good pattern* 2. This is that

which heathens do out of meer refpedt to themfelves:

and (hall Chriftian Magiftrates have no refpedt to

Chrift but to themfelves ? or,do no more for Chrifti-

anity than heathens who owned it not ? ?. Is it

poffible to feparate growth in delufions and variety

of abfurd errours, and civil fa&ion and difcord ? or*

in experience have they ever been feparatcd > We fee

they

they made men carnall in Corinth, they made them bite and devour one another in GaUtia , as , chap. j. of that Epiftle to them J yea, provoked t<*d< bates, envying, wraths, rtrifes, back-bitings, whilp$rings, fwellings^ tumults, 2 C or * l *• 2 °* and can (uch things be with the entertaining of civil peace ? For, doth not the interruption of civil pt ace, flow from hatred, bit-terneffe, alienation of mind, envy, contradictions, and fuch like ? And do not thefe neceflarily wait on debates, and diverfities of opinions ? For, it is not to befuppofed> that fuch differences, proceeding from want of light , can be in men that are altogether mortified , and without corruption : Therefore may it be expefted, that that corruption will flame out upon fuch occafions; and that order is obiervable which the Apoftle hath , 2 Cor. 12. juft now cited, where he begmncth with debates , and proceedeth by diverfe fteps, till it clofe wich tumults: and thefe who are acquainted with the Hiftories of older and latter times, will acknowledge this to be a truth. 4. There is al-moft but very little in the foregoing particulars mentioned, butwhatisneceffary for the preferving and reftoting of civil peace, or the preventing or centring of the difturbance thereof, feing there can be no foiidground whereupon to maintain peace, except the fprings of debates and tumults be flopped, and fuch dittempers from which they fpring, be either cured and purged away, or rcftrained. 5. It may be confidered in experience, if eve r fuch a way hath done good to the Church, (whole divifions aad offences have often thereby come to an height) or to thefe that were feduced, fein? thereby not only the tcntation was armed againft thcm ) but they, at lead* permitted to harden themfelves therein, as in a thing not fogrofs to wi(^States^men,as fome conceitie Mi-nifters would make it to appear: Orin the laft place, it may be confidered, if ever it hath4one good to the State, wherein it was permitted, or to the Magiftrates S who 1

who did permit the fame; or, if thereby fecret jea-loufies, heart-burnings, divifions andfa&ions have not been foftered and brought up to fuch height as hath proven dangerous to the body, and hath hazarded the eating out of the belly, where it was bred, or the flinging of the bofome that did give it heat.

CHAP XV.

What U called-for from people who are defer out to keep themfelves pure in [uch a time and cafe as the increafeng of err ours and fednccrs.

IT refteth now, that we fpeak fomething of a peoples duty, that are members of the Church where fuch delufions are vented : infpeakingto which, we (hall follow almoft the lame method as in the former.

1. Then 1 people would be affe&ed upon the appearance of fuch an ill, as upon the news of fword, famine or peftilence ; for then, as it were, the trumpet foundeth like that Angels proclamation , %v. 8. 13. Wo % Tfco, Vbo to the inhabitants of the earth, be-caufe of the Angels that are to found , when as yet all thefe Angels did principally forwarn of fpirituall plagues, and particularly of delufions* This would make people wary and ferious j this would curb vanity, mocking, laughing and puffing-up ; this would make him that ftandeth, take heed left he fall, if the judgement were considered as a thing coming from God, and evidencing Him to be angry, and to threaten 1 and without this, there is little ground to expeft profiting by any other direftion-

2. People would be ferioufly affefited with the falling or hazard of the falling of any they hear of, as being touched with zeal for God, and fympathie with them, and for this caufe, would humble themfelves

before

before Cod to deprecate that flroak and plague as they would do fword, famine or peftilence.

3. People would try in what tcarms thcmfeJves are with God , and if tilings inwardly be in good cafe, if there be any guiltinefle procuring, ordifpofing for the fame plague, fuch as little love to the truth, little ftudy of the knowledge of the truth, little zeal againft errour,or fimpathy with infefted Churches that arc at a diftance, laughing, it may beat fuch things without any other ufe making thereof, little prayer for others, or exhorting or admoniftiing of them, ( which is a mean for preventing of unftuifaftnefTe ) little indea-vour, according to mens places, to have others in-ftrufted , or to have faithful!, able, and godly Mini-fters for that end j but, it may be* on the contrary, much fpiritual pride, felf-conceitedneflTe, tenaciouf-neffe, and addi&edneffe to our own wills and opinions, prejudice at able and faithful Teachers, and rea-dineffe to hear every thing , and every perfon. Thefe, and fuch like, may be tried, and when found, ought to be mourned tor, as caufes of humiliation to them for their acaffion to fuch a plague.

4. They would endeavour the firengthening ani confirming of chcmfelves in the knowlodp,e of necef-fary Truths, and would exercife themfelves in the praftice of uncontroverted Godlinefte > and, by all means, would elchew jangling debates in unneceffary things, knowing that that is a piece of the enemies > fubtility, once to engage, if it were but in the meaneft thiug; for,thereby he doth not only divert from more neceffary things, and wcarcth away livelinefle, but doth difpofe for greater things, as was formerly marked in his method of dealing : For, as in corrupt^ pradtices, men are no: at firft brought to an height of propbanity, but by degrees; So is it in corrupt do-ftrines: and therefore there is wartnefle callcd-for herein debating or queftioning the meaneft Truth, if any Truth be mean.

S 2 . 5. If

§<?o A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part 3.

5. If any thing be really doubted of, means would be ufed in a fober prudent way for attaining information, either by providing and reading of fome fit Book, wherein often reafons are more deliberate and full, and may be more deliberately ftudied and di-gefted than in a tranfient difcourfe 4 , but in this,fpe-cial refpeft: would be had to a right choice, and for ■. that caufe the judgments of fuch as are found and able to difcern, would be followed in this; or,where God giveth occafion, it may be done in fober and chriftian conference with others of ability and integrity, efpeciallywith Minifters, who ought neither to decline, nor rafhly mifconftruft the fame, but af-fcftionatly and tenderly to welcom any fuch fober perfons, left they be provoked to confult with others, who may prove Phyficians of no value. In this, people would not expreffe their doubts in all companies at random, nor to,or before>fuchas may poflibly more eafily take up the doubt, and with more difficulty be brought off; when therefore fuch a doubt is to be moved, the party and the time would be deli-beratly chofen, that men may be ferious therein , and no doubt, would be moved for debatcbut either fuch as the mover can himfelf loofc, or in fuch company where he may expeft to have it loofed.

6. People would endeavour exceedingly to have good efteem of their Minifters and Guides, and to be diligent and reverent obfervers of all Ordinances* efpecially at fuch a time; for, Minifters are Guides, Beb. 13* 17. And Ordinances are appointed to keep people from being ftaggered^^.4. n,12,13,14. and it is to fuch that the 'Bride is dirc&ed, to wit, to keep near the (hepherds tents, for being preferved from wandering, Song 1.9. And the more that the devil driveth to bear-in prejudice at Minifters, and blaft the Ordinances in their repute, the more are people to wreftle againft that, and, in fome refpeft, to be more blind and deaf to what may be feen and heard

con-

Part 3« ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. SiUr

concerning Miniftcrs faults, not fo much for the Mi-nifters refpeft, as their own good: Therefore the Apoftle giveth this rcafon for hispreffingof obedience andfubmiflion to Minifters, Heb. 13.17, because the want of thar, was not only prejudicial to the Minifter, but unprofitable to themfelves.

7. People would have an eye upon the way that faithfull and eminently godly men have gone to Heaven by, before them ; This is to follow the foot-fteps oftbeflocf^, Song. I. 9, and the faith and patience of thofe that inherit the promifes, Heb. 6. 12. and readily we will find fuch to be moft fober and ferious, and fartheftat a diftance from novelty, curiofity, orab-furd opinions. And it's no little part of the boldneffe and impudcncy that often accompanieth new delu-fions, that they generally condemn the generation of Gods People, as if no way were to Heaven but by their vain inventions, this will be no little ftick to a tender mind, at once to condemn the Religion and prafticeof fuch a cloud of witneffes.

8. They would be carefull when they hear others queftioning things, or exprefltng their prejudice at Minifters, Ordinances, or cftablifhed Truths, to endeavour the prefent flopping of the fame> and not to fofter any thing of that kind by moving new doubts, fufpicions, or giving new grounds of jealoufie againft Miniftcrs or others, but rather would gravely and wifely endeavour the removing of the fame.

9. They would then be much and ferious in the cxercifeof chriftianfellowfhip, obferving or confi-dering one another, provoking one another > and, as the word is, Heb* 10. 24. and3«i*>i3* takingheed, left there be amongft them an evil heart of unbelief, and left any of them be hardened : but,exhort (laith he) one another daily, as the remedy of that. There is no time wherein chriftian fellowfhip is more called-for, and wherein it may be more profitable, than at fuch a time, if it be rightly ordered and managed : I

fay, rightly ordered and managed ; for, often the pretext of chriftian fellowfhip is abufed to the hatching and propagating of the moft abfurd opinions, when people turn light and frothy, taking up their time with vain janglmgs and diverting from the main fcope, to wit, edification. Thefe things-are indeed to be fhunned, but chriftian fellowfhip is not to be difclaimed, but wifely to be ordered in refpefit of the perfons with whom, and occafions upon which it is ufed, andj in refpeft of the matter and duties infifled on, which is to be the confirming of themfclves in fome truth, faithfull freedom in admonifhing one another of what is wrong , ferious endeavour to keep repentance, humility, felf-denial, and the like graces, frefh; Thefe and fuch like things are good and profitable to men, when gravely> fingly> faithfully, ten-u?hdt*th > c ' er 'y anc * inoffenfively followed. ia^inrefe- In ref P e & °f Perfons infe&ed, the peoples duty may rence to the ^ c con fidetf d in thefe fteps,. 1. As they are to be af-ferjons infe- fe&cd with their fault, and to pray for their recovery. tied, and. if 1 - As they have occafion, to teftifie their diflike of tbey ought to their way. 3. Such as are noted or known to be refrain from inftrutfiental in the carrying-on of novelties,ought by their com- all rrjeans to be fhunned♦ As, 1. their company and Wh fellowfhip is to be avoided, %om. 16. 17, 18. Men

are to beware of them, Mattb. j. Philip. 3.2. Secondly, They are not to receive fuch into their houfe, nor to give them a falutation,or bid them God-fpced, 3 Epiflle of John, ver. 10. They are to have no company with them, 2 Tbe£] 3.14. We conceive there is no duty that is more preflingly urged upon the People of (3od,both in the Old and New Teftament, as may be clear by confidering,not only the fore-cited places, but many other places of Scripture 5 efpecially that place, *Pro)>. 19. 27. Ceafe y my fon,to bear theinftri&ti-on [ that caufeth] to erre from the Words of knowledge. And there is this double reafon for it, I. There is nothing conduceth more to prefcrve thofe that are intire; # For,

For, it is hard to walk upon fire, and not be burnt, tfVoV. 7. 27,28. and the experience of not a few confirmed this; for, many had not declined, had they keeped diftance even from the garments that were fo defiled and infe&ed ; and it's a bearing of fuch in-ttruftion that caufcth,to erre from the way of under-ftanding. 2. There is nothing more ufefull to convince the perfons infected, and to make them afha-med; which is another reafon why the Lord doth command this. And we may adde, that there is nothing that doth more evidence refpeft to God, and reverencing of Him; and nothing that is more becoming a finner, that is fenfible that he hath corruption , than that he ftandeth in aw to come near a feen tentation; For, God is jealous, and will not abide mens hazarding of themfelves to be carried a whoring from Him: and men are not free of corruption, and fo readily are capable of what is corrupt. It may be that people do think that there is no ill and hazard in trying any thing, that fo,proving all things, they may hold faft what is good * and alfo/that it may be Mi-nifters fearing the diminifhing of their own particular refpeft, that doth make them prefle this, and that k proceedeth from their carnall paffion ; But fuch would confider,

1. If our bleffed Lord Jefus, and His Apoftles, did rcflrain people from any due liberty, when they ex-prefly prohibit their companying with fuch, and hearing of fuch, efpecially where it is done pur-pofely, ufually and deliberatly. And, we fuppofe, that there is fcarce a direftion in reference to any particular in the Word more frequently, weightily, and peremptorily preffed than this, as the places al-leaged do clear.

2. They may confider, if our bleffed Lord Jefus, or the Apoftles, had any fear of lofing their refpeft, or of inability to maintain their point againft any Seducers ; yet do they prefle this themfelves, and com-

S 4. mand

a £4 ATremfe concerning Scandal. Part j^

ffiand and charge other Minifters after them, to prefle this alfo upon their hearers.

3. They would confider, if thefe ( to wit, our blelTed Lotd and the Apoftles J did fofter carnal paf-fion, whileas yet they fopreffed the people, and did reprove the fuffering of fuch to continue in fellowship ; Yea alio they did (o practife it them'elves, the Church-hiftory recordeth, that the Apoftle John having entered a Bath, where the herctick Cenntbws was, he did immediatly in haft go outt profefling fear to be ruined with him, if he (hould continue under the fame roof

4. They would confider, if the meaning of fuch places, z%Tro\>e all things, Trytbejpirits, be fuch as neceflicates folks to give hearing unto every novelty." For, £♦ that is not poflible, that every perfon ihould enquire and put to trial every errour and every opinion. 2* The people are not in capacity to do fo. 3. This dire&ly croffeth the letter and fcope of the former precepts, which were given even then, when this command of proving all things, was given. It muft be underftood therefore, as agreeing therewith, and to point-out that no do&rine (hould be admitted without proof, upon the truft of any bearer, but ought to be tried, if it be the Word of God, as the 2fe-ream did. Act. 17, but it doth not allow them positively to try every thing, efpecially how groffe fo-ever it be, without trial, though it command them not to admit any thing without proof.

Further, a main part of the peoples duty is to concur in their places, for countenancing and adding weight unto the refpeftive Sentences,and fteps,which are called-for from Minifters in their Rations: As, *• tp contribute what clearneffe they can forthedif-covery and triall of fuch perfons. 2. To add their teftimony to the truth,and thereby to make the means of conviction the more weighty to them* 3 By evidencing of their diflikedf the perfons obftinacy,

and

Part 3. A 1 rean/econcerning scandal. ?oj

end their acknowledgement of the juftice and necef-fity of drawing forth further Sentences againft them. 4. In (hunning of their company, abftaining from familiarity, and otherwayes, to exprefle their indignation againft their way. 5. In carrying to them accordingly as they are Sentenced, that lb they may ra-tifie the fame, and in their place, endc avour the making ot it weighty, and eft ftuall upon the perfons, that there bv, they being made afhamed, may the more readily be humbled > and turned therefrom. And people are by all means to fhun fuch familiarity, efpecially with Excommunicate perlons > as may leflen the weight of their Sentence , or mar their being afliimed, which indeed will make people euilty of defpifing the Ordinance of Chrift, and obftrutfting the fruit thereof unto a brother, and alfo make them-felves obnoxious to Cenfure, as being fcandalous by fo doing*

CHAP. XVI.

What further duty is required of private Prof effort towards heretickj that are cut off.

IF it be asked, What duty further is called-for from private perfons towards a pcrlon cut off? Jnfa> % . I iuppofe thrfe thing* are called-for ,

1. Abftinence frorounnectffary civil fellowship, as, not to frequent their company > tovifitthem, to dine or fup with them, or to have them dining or fupping with us, or to u(e fuch familiaricy in fuch thing*, asufethtobe* with others, orpoffibly hath been with them : So it is, 1 Cov. 5. and it is no lefle the peoples duty to carry fo, that it may be a mean for their edification, than proportionally it is the Mi-niftersduty to inftrudt paffe Sentence, &c

2. Their would be an abftinence from Chriftian fellowlhip 9 that is > vve would not pray with them,

read

tATreatifecmvcrningScKKVKt. Part 3-

read or confer of fpirituall purpofes, ( purpofly at Ieaft) nor do any fuch thing that belongeth to Chri-ftian-communion, that is, to rejeit bim in that fenfe from Chriftian fellowfhip, and to account bim as an heathen man or publican. In this refpeft, we cannot walk with an excommunicate man, as wc may walk with other Chriftians; And, in the firft refped, we cannot walk with them, as we may walk with other heathens, that, it may be, are guilty of as groffe fins upon the matter; for,the Word of the Lord, putteth this differeece exprefly between them and thefe who are (imply heathenSj I Cor. 5.

3. Yet even then prayer may be made for them; for, excommunication is no evidence, thataperfon hath finned the fin againft the holyGhoft; or, that their fin is a fin unco death , and their neccflities, if they be in want > may and (houldbe fupplied, be-caufe they are men, anditisnaturalltofupplyfuch ; they may be helped alfo againft unjuft violence, or fromany pcrfonall hazard, if they fall in it; and as occafion oflfereth, folks may give a weighty ferious word of admonition untochem, and fuch like, be-caufc by fuch means, the end of the Sentence and its weight are furthered, and not weakened.

4. Thefe that are in naturall relations, ought to walk in the duties of them, as Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Matters and Servants, Magt-ftrates and Subjefts>&c. for, what nature bindeth>the Church doth not loofe.

5. lAzn may follow civil bufinefle, as paying or exafting payment of debts, buying or felling, and may walk in fuch things as are requifit for humane fellowfhip and fociety, becaufe , though Church Cenfures be to humble and (hame men , by bearing in on them cheir finfulneffe, yet it is not to undo them* and (imply to take away a being from them.

6. Yet all thefe things would be done with them in fuch a manner, As, I, the perfons may (hew their indignation

dignation at their way, even when they expreffe teti-derneffe to their perfons. 2. It would be done in a different manner from what ufeth to be with others, not under fuch a Sentence, that fo they may bear out their refpeft to the Sentence, even when they fhew refpefl to them. Therefore, there would not be fuch frequencie in medling with fuch perfons, nor would it be with familiarity or many words , and long dif-courfes toother purpofes, nor with laughing , and with fuch chearfulnefie, intimacie or compiacencie, as is ufed with others. But, in a word, the bufineffc would be done, and other things abftained from. 3. When* what is neceffary is paft , except it be on neceffity, folks would not eat or drink with them at the time of doing their buftnefle, or after the clofing of the fame \ becaufe that doth not neceffarily belong to them as men, and by fo doing, the due diftance would not be keeped; and this is the great pra&ick, fo to carry to them as the weight of the Sentence be not leffenedj nor they prejudged of what otfiferwayes is neceffary to their being, but that fo every opportunity may be taken, whereby their edification may be advanced.

If what is before faid, be confidered, We fuppofe there will be no great need to add arguments to provoke either Miniftcrs or others to be zealous in pro-fecutingtheirrefpe&iveduties; Yctthefe fewconfi-dcrations may be taken notice of, and pondered to this purpofe, some Cettfi-

I. That fcarcelyhath delufion, though never fo derations to groffe, ever broken in into a Church, and for a time povtkcMi-been forborn , but it hath carried away many there- nifters and with,and hath proven exceedingly indudive to much others to the fin,offence,reproach,divifion, bitterneffe and ills of all f*i*bfuldi(-forts into the Church of Chrift: Very little acquain- cb * r & °f. tance with the Hiftory of the Church, .will put this tb "* du jj £ out of qtieflion. mentioned ""

, 0»6d«d-«chisfptooNdufion,isinafpe- ,„„„,„„.

A Treatife concerning S candal. Part $•

cial manner fore-prophe(iedof,to have a great reviving and ftrength in the latter dayes; it is faid,i Tim. 4.1. That the Spirit fpeaketh expre/Iy, That in the laft times, fome (hall depart from the faith: And why is that expre/ly added, but to give warning the more clearly, that men may be at their duty ? Again, 2 Tim. .$♦ r. This know, that in the laft dayes, perilous times (hall come. It is the obfervation of a holy and learned man , that in this place , it is the l*/l dayes • in the former, the laft times , as if this did relate to a-time nearer the end of the world : and fo the firft looketh to the Popifh fuperftitions and abominations, (and indeed, the nature of the Doftrines there reproved, doth feetmo favour this) and this laft place doth relate to the groffe dclufions, that under the pretext of the form of godlineffe, were to Succeed to thefe ; And therefore men, according to their places, ought in thefe times to be fo much the more watchfull and zealous, feing the Trumpet hath given fo diftirift a found.

5. The dreadfulleffe&s which fuch ills neceffarily bring with them, may be confidered ; it is not ruine to bodies or eftates, but to fouls 5 it is not fimply to fin, and to permit that , but its rebellion ; and which is more, It is to ttacb rebellion, and to carry on the fame with a high hand againft God y and what will ftir zeal for God, or what will waken love to, and fympathie with, the fouls of others, if this do not ?

4» It would be confidered, how often zeal, diligence and faithfulneffe of men in their feveral places (as hath been laid down) have proved exceeding helpfull for preventing and reftraining the growth of fuch evils, fo that thereby fuch a floud hath been dryedup, as it is %l>. 12. which otherwayes might have drowned the Woman and her feed 5 and,A4'tt&, 13. it is mirked ,that filch tares are fown and fpring up, not while men arc watchfull and diligent, but while theyfleep and are defeftive in their duty,

ver.

ver. 25, for, diligence in the ufeof means, hath the blcflinp promifed which others cannot expeft ; and if wrath be come to fuch an height, as the Lord will not be intrcated in that matter, yet the per-fon that is diligent may look for his own foul for a prey, and to be kept on his feet in the midft of ten-cations.

5. It may be a provocation to humility and watch-fulnefle, to confider how great men have been carried away with the moft vile delufions: the Church of Corinth did abound in moft eminent gifts, yet corrupt teachers wanted not influence upon them* The Church of GalatU hath been moft fingularly zealous and tender, yet what an height delufion came to amongft them,is evident? (o that they were bewitched therewith, Galat. 3. 1. In Church-hiftory alfo it is evident, that moft eminent men have been carried away with thevaineft delufions: that great Light, Terttillian, became tainted exceedingly with the delufions of the Montanijls : and after-times haveletten us fee, that the eminentcft of men are capable of de^ fedlion ; and even Stars are often made to fall from heaven by fuch ftorms.

6. It is dreadfull alfo to confider how difficultly men are recovered from thefe delufions. It's a rare thing to find in Scripture, or in Hiftory, any obler-vable recovery of a perfon that hath flipped in this kind. Sometimes indeed perfons, that through fear have been brought to deny Chrift, or to countenance Idolatry in a particular aft, are marked with much tendcrncfle and fatisfaftion to acknowledge their failing , and to abandon it; for, often fuoh a failing is the fruit of fome furprizal, and is of infirmity; but the recovery of a perfon, who hath with a kind of deliberation drunken-in errour andrejefted convi&ions, is a moft rare thing > and hath a peradventure added thereto, 2 Tim. 2.2?. (as was formerly marked) which will not readily be found in any other cafe ; yea? often

ten fuch perfons do toax toorfe and ^orfe l and one de-lufion draweth-on another till it come co the greateft height of abfurdity.

PART IIIL

Concerning Scandalous Diviftom. CHAP. I.

How here fie , fchifm and divifion differ , to vet With the feveral kinds of divifion*

rther

H'

"Avingnow come this length, there is one thing of nigh concernment to what is paft, which pofltbly might be ufefull to be enquired into, Concerning fuch fcandals as cannot be called in the former fenfe do&rinall, nor yet perfonall 3 becaufe there may be purity*in the. \pne, and regularity and orderlineffe in the other re-fpe£t> and yet aftually there may be a fcandal and an offence oroccafion of (tumbling lying in the way of many , and that is , by febifms and di\>ifions in the The intro. Church , or amongft the people of God. This we duttion, confefle is no kffe difficult to (peak to, than any of the former, becaufe there is often more that can be faid for both fides, and the fide from whence the offence rifetji, is not fo eafily difcernable, which rnaketh,that we are the more unwilling and leffe confident to undertake to (peak any thing in reference thereto *, Yet feing we have in providence been led to the former purpofes , without any previous defign ; and now, having this occuring to us * before we clofe, we (hall endeavour (hortlv to fpeak a word in reference thereto, in a generall abflrafted manner, without defcend- * ing to any particulars, which may be dangerous to

bt

be touched upon; but (hall give fome generall hints concerning the fame, which wc are induced unto upon thefc confederations,

I. Becaufe fuch divifions are as really fcandalous ^ t (undid and hurtfull to the Church, as either (candals in pra- 6n( n urt j H i. ftice or dodtrine are. 2, Becaufe the Word of God ne fic of d> hath as fully difcovered and abundantly condemned v jj l0nt9 the offenfiveneffe of this, as of any of the former.

3. Becaufe there is fuch a connexion amongft thele forts of fcandals , that often one is not without the other. Hence we fee, l« that contention and offences and the wo that followeth them, are joyned together, Mattb. 18. 1,2, ?,&c 2. Divifions and corrupt doftrine,orherefies, are knic together, i£W.ii.i8, 19. (o that feldome there is corrupt do&rine, but ic hath divifion with it ; and never is divifion, but k hath offence , As in the Epiftlestothefeof Corinth and Galatia is clear : Hence dogs' and e\il \\or\ers, that is, the fpreaders of corrupt doftrine, are alfo called the concifton, fbil. 3.1, 2,&c. and in experience we often find, that a (pint of divifion waiteth upon delufion, and oftentimes doth take up and prevail , even over thofe who have been preferved frcm the delufion ; As in a great ftorm > fome places have great and dreadfull blafts and drops > whoyec may be keep^d free from the violence of the tempeft ; Even fo, this deluge of errour> hath (howrs of divifions waiting upon it, which often may affefit thefe who are preferved from the violence of delufion ic felf; which maketh, thatthefpeakingfomethingto this, doth not impertinently follow upon the iormer.

4. Becaufe if this be wantinc, what is faid in the former cafes, is palpably defeSive, efpecially at fuch a time, when there is no leffe caufe to obferve this evil, than any of the former. This being, as to them, in fome refpefl a caufe that bringeth them forth and fo-ftcreth them , and, in fome refpeft > an eftcft which neeeffarily and naturally followeth upon them: for,

diyifions

divifions breed both fcandals in pra&ice and do-ftrine; And again, fcandal in thefe, do^h breed and entertain divifions. Tbebeadsof 2. What we would fay, (hall be drawn to thefe tbeenfuing four heads. 1. To confider whit divifion is, or of part oftbc w hat fort it is,which is properly to be fpoken of here. Ttmi[c. ^ ^[ lat are t h c cau f cs which do breed and fofter the fame. 3. What are the evil erfe&s which ordinarily flow from it. 4. What may be thought to be duty in reference to fuch a time,and what may be looked upon as fuitable remedies of fuch a diftemper.

For the fit ft, We take it for granted , that there is fuch a thing as divifion in the Church ; which is not to be looked upon as any new or ttrange thing; for, the Scripture maketh it clear, and the Hiftory of the Church putteth it out of queftion : Concerning which we may premit thefe few things,

Ij That the divifion which is intended here, is not every conteft > and alienation of mind, and difference of pra& ice incident to men; but that which is proper to the Church concerning Church affairs and fbistobediftinguifhed from civil debates and contentions. We would advert alfo, that there may be Church differences that fall not under the charge of Scandal as when in fome things, men of confcience are of d ifferent judgements, yet carry k without any offence or breach of chanty ; Or, when in fome pra&ices there is diverfity with forbearance , as was inPfl/ifttrpiadayfs, and the time of Irmem (about Bd/ler matters ) Thefe we fpeak not unto* 2. Although fometimes titles and cxprcflions may be ufed more generally and promifcuoufly; yet, in this dif-courfe, we would diftinguifti between thefe three, Hcnpe, Schifm and Viyrifiofii without refpeft to what otherwayes ufeth to be done. Wbaihtn- And, firft, Herefee, is fome errour in do&rine,and fa ** that efpecially in fundamental! doctrine, followed

with pertinacie , and endeavour to propagate the

fame.

Part4. *s4Treatifeconcerning Scandal^ 273 fame. Again , Scbifm may be where no herefic in doftrineis, buc is a breaking of the union of the Church, and that communion which ought to be amongft the Members thereof, and is either in Government or Worfhip. As, firft, in Government, when the common Government, whereto all ought to be fubjeft, is rent, and a Government diflmft, jet up. This may be, either when the Government is altered; as, fuppofe fome fhould fet up Epifcopacy in op- jpj^ pofition to Presbytery, yet keeping ftill the funda-/^//^ &; mentall truths ; Or it may be, where the fame Go- and the vernment is acknowledged, but there be difference \i-nds concerning the perfons to whom the power doth be- thereof, long ; (b, fometimes men have acknowledged Popery, yet followed diverfe Popes; So often, Sectaries have not difclaimed Councils and Bifbops, but have fet up their own, andrefufed fubje£tion tothefeto whom it belonged. The fiift kind implieth ado-ftrinall errour concerning Government; The fecond may confift with the fame principles of Government, but differeth in the application of rhem, and becom-eth a fchifm, when men a6l accordingly in acknowledging diverfe fupream Independent Governments: Becaufe fo , when there ought to be but one Church, it becomcth, as it were, two : and this is exclaimed againft , and reflated by the Fathers , under the ex-preflfion of ercfting ahare contra altare , that is, altar againfb altar \ whenas the Lord allowed but one, even in reference to His own worfhip. 2. Schifm may be in worfhip , that is, when, it may be, both the fame Doftrine and Government is acknow-ledgcd>yet there i\ not communion keeped in Church-ordinances, as in Prayer, Word and Sacraments; but a (eparate way of going about thefe is followed. It feemech, that this was in part the fchifmof the Qonntbidns (whatever was the rife thereof) that they had a divided way of communicating, and of going about other dutiesj and othei Ordinances, as rmy be; T gathered!

gathered from 1 C or * u - 18,19, 20,2r. with ??; This kind of fchifm hath been frequent in theChurch, and hath flowed not fo much from diffatisfa&ion with the Do&rine and Government thereof, as with 5 the conftkutionof the Members, or failings of the Governours. Thus it was in the cafe of the N.o\>ati-ans % Dqnatijhj Meletians, Catbari and others, of whom it is recorded, that their fault did not confift in fetting up any ftrange Doftrinc, or in reje&ingof the truth ( at leaft at the fiift ) but in breaking the band ot *■ communion , as Augujline hath it often; for, faith he, bebifmaticos facit non dfterfa fides fed communions difrupta focietcts, contra £aujlum y lib. io. Again, he faith of the Donatifts , Ad ftomfae* Epift^o: Nee de ipfa fide )>ertitar qu*(lio, fedde fola communione infalU citer litigant, & contra unitatem Qbnfii rebellts inimici-tw\ perVerfitate fui erroris, exercent. And this fort of fchifm doth often draw witfy it the former > there being no way to maintain this without the other. Of this{chitai there are many kinds,according to its feve-ral rifes and degrees; and alfo,according as it extend-eth to the breaking of communion in whole, from Ordinances, or in part only from fome, or in fome Ordinances, as appeareth to have been in the Church of Corinth, where there hath not been a totall fchifm, though it hath been in that Ordinance of the Supper efpecially 5 and it is like alfo, that that fchifm hath been occafioned, becaufe of the corruption of fome members ? with whom others have feared to communicate ; and therefore have not tarried for them: for, the Apoftledoth particularly condemn this> and exhort them to tarry one for another; and to attain this* he doth clear them of what was neceffary for right partaking, to wit, the examining of themfelves, ver. 28, and doth declare unto them , that who fo did eat unworthily, and did not prepare himfelf, did eat and drink damnation ; buttohimfelfi and not to others: wherefore* faith he, ye need not be fo anxioufly felicitous

Part 4. A Treat if* concerning Scandal.'

citous how they be prepared, or of what fort they be that are with you, but examine your felves, and tarry one for another> that there be noc a fchifm amongft you. And this he fpeakcth, even when he hath been reproving drunkennefle among the Communicants, yet will he not admit that as an excufe, why private perfons (hould Communicate feparatcdly , which was their practice- This was ipoken of in die m firft part.

This Sckifm, however it be underftood, hath ever proven exceeding hurtfull to the Church , and hath been an inlet and nurfery to the grcatcft errours; It is moft preflingly condemned in the Scriptures, even with as great weight as corrupt doftrine and hercfie are, and it is attributed to that fameoriginall, to wit, the flefh, with witchcraft, idolatry, herefie, &a GaL'^. 20. It hath ever been moft weighting to faith-full Miniftcrs, moft offenfive to people of all forts, moft advantageous to the enemies of the truth, and hath made the Church moft vile and contemptible before the world, as we may fee in the fad complaints and writings of the Fathers, in reference to the N0V4-?ians, ftonatifls and others of that kind: Ithathalfb proven moft dangerous to chefe who have been engaged therein, and often hath been a fnare to bring ort tome fpiritual defertion>deadnefs of fpirit,fecurity>felf-confidence, or fomc other fpiricuall evils of that kind, or to difpofe for receiving a more gtofle tentation , as was formerly marked. Alfo, it maybe obferved, that fuch fchifms have fpread very fuddenly in fomc places of the world, but have not been eafily removed; for, thefe fchifms of the ^Vatians and ©0-natifls did trouble the Church for feverall generations, which mi^hc be enough to mike men think the breach of unity , in that rcfpc&, to be no little evil, and to make them fearfull to fall in the fame. But becaufe every fchifm properly doth imply fomeerrour in doSrinc, although it doth not arife from the fame, T a there*

therefore we (hall forbear to fpeak any thing particularly to this, becaufe what hath been faid of errours in do&rine , may in part be applyed here: For, we will find, that fchifm doth imply one, or all of thofe. 1. That fuch apprehended corruptions do cither make fuch a fociety to be no Church, or communion with that Church in other Ordinances, to be unlaw-full becaufe of fuch corruptions, or of fuch corrupt members. 2, That there may beadiftind erefted Church befide a Church, which yet may not be of communion with that other Church. 3. Thefe or fuch confequences > that either the Church of Chrift in the earth is not one, (which truth of the unity of the Gatholick vifible Church , is the main ground of all Church-union and communion ) Or, that that one Church may be of fuch heterogeneous or diflt-milary parts, as the one of them ought not to have communion with the other; Or, at leafl this, that a perfon ought to feek his own (atisfaftion and consolation , though to the prejudice and renting of the Church, and to the generall offence and (tumbling of all others; The faireft fchifm and feparation, muft imply one of thefe : for, it cannot be conceived, that otherwayes men would aft fo dire&ly, according to thefe principles, if they did not take them for granted.

It is to be adverted,that as there is an unjuft fchifm, that is, a feparation without any caufe at all \ fo there is a rafli and fcandalous fchifm, that is, when it is beyond the ground given; or,when the ground given, is not fuch as will warrant fuch a feparation : Which maybe, 1. when the (eparation or fchifm is upon fome occafion,which is indeed a defeft in the Church, but not fuch as doth make communion therein finfull, as that in Corinth. Or, *. when, it may be, the fchifm is extended beyond the ground, that is > whenfup-pofe one could not communicate in the Lords Supper in fuch a Church, becaufe of fome finfull corruption

in

in that Ordinance, if, upon that occafion, one (hould feparate from communion in all Ordinances, that were to exceed the ground given. Or, 3. when no profefled (chifm is owned; yet when really and indeed it is pra&ifed , fo as men can neither juftifie a fchifm , or feparation upon fuch aground, nor yet altogether vindicate their praftice from inferring the fame, in which refpeft , the fchifm and rent floweth from aflfe&ion , or inclination , and got from well grounded light, or reafon, and fo cannot be but rafti and unwarrantable* 4. It maybe, in the manner, precipitant, when either means have not been ufed to remove that ground if it be juft; or, when men fo heighten fome lefler defeft in a Church by aggreging it with fuch circumftances, as may make it appear to themfelves or others, a ground diffident to bear and warrant feparation; or, in fuch a way, to vent their diflatisfafihon with things, or perfbns, as thereby to hurt the unity of the^ Church , or to occafion a rent, or divifion , or fchifm in the fame, when, it may be, others befide their intention may thus conclude, A, Church io corrupted, &c. is not to be kceped communion with, (and, it may be, the propoficion is found and fo qualified , as it is acknowledged by all Divines) But this or that particular Church is fuch* This again, is offered to be made out by the tOQ vehement aggravation of fome leffer defeft , which may feem to confirm that ademption : and in praftice, it may be obferved, that as fome will lay down pre-mifles concerning a fchifm, who yet dare not aft according to the condufion, and aftuallv feparate, So others will keep the conclufion, and a&ually feparate in pra&ice, who yet durfl not in 2^/*abfolutely maintain fchifm to be' lawfull upon fuch a ground. It is to be adverted , that fchifms and divifions are fo nigh in nature and names, that we may ufe inftances for illuftration of either promifcuoufly.

The third word, is ®Mfion } which doth not at T 3 the

278 A Treatife concerning Scandal.' Part 4.

the firft view differ fromSchifm; yet we do take lC here as different, and to agree to fuch Divifions an^ Dimensions in the Church as are confiftent with com / muniot} both in Government and WorChip, and have not a divided Government or Worfhip following them, as in the former cafe. Of luch there are many inftanees in Scripture and Church-hiftory, as we may obferve by confidering thefe Diftin&ions WbatU thereof. I. There is a 'Dottrinal Vtiijion, as when here meant the matter is not fundamental, nor yet is it pleaded-bythe word for as fuch,tothc breaking off of communion arnongft Vivifion. t [ lc f e that differ > yet poflibly being ameer indifferent matter, is followed with too much eagernefle, vchemency bitterneflc, &c. by thefe who owne the vfi 06 ' ^ ame re fp f( ^ ve W- Thus contentions were hot in the rail kinds pz\ m \z\ vt timcs f or meats* and fuch things which were wrcoj. ne j t } 1€r 0 f chemlelves deftruftive to the foundation of Faith on either fide, at lcaft in that time, and (b were not heretical; nor did they break off communion in Church-ordinances, and fo were not fchifmatical; yet was the Church troubled therewith by divifion arnongft her members. Of this fort are the divifions that may be arnongft godly and orthodox men in fome points of Truth, when they too vehemently prefle their own opinion to be received with a kind of nccedity, or load the other with too many abfurdities beyond what will follow from the nature thereof.

2. There are fome Divifions that may be called $railkdl y and do indeed imply fome difference of opinion, but do alfo infer fomewhat in pra&ice: Of this fort was the divifion about Eafter in primitive times before it came to a fchiim, fome keeping one day, fome another. And in after-times it abounded, when fome acknowledged the ordination of fuch a Biftiop, and others not; when fome acknowledged the authority of fuch a Council, and others not, and (p had divided practices.

3. Some

3. Some Divifions are betwixt particular men, fome have influence upon Churches, and are, as it were, one party againft another ♦ The firft is more properly a difference, and may be betwixt eminently godly and zealous men , fuch as was betwixt faul and $arnab<ts, Ait. 15. 39, and is called a contention. Such alfo we will find in Church-hiftory betwixt sAugufline and Jerome, Chryfojlom and Eptpba* nm s which indeed hath a contention wich it, and, if the Lord prevent not, is apt to make parties, and co rent the Church ; but the other, to wit, the afting of one party againft another, as hath been feen in many Councils, and appeareth to have been amongftthe Corinthians, when one adhered to one perfon, and one to another ; This, I fay, looketh like fc&ion, and is properly divifion.

4. Divifion may be confidered in all thefe refpetrs as it is in judgment, or in ajfettion, or mpratfice. h is in judgment, when they are not of the fame mind, but have diverfe apprehenfions concerning Truths. 2. Ic is in affeftion, when upon that difference of judgment alienation followeth, whereby that love, and atfe&ion, and charity that one oweih to another, is fornewhat cooled or difcompofed. 3. it is in praftice, when they fpeak and aft differently and op-pofidy ; as if it were an advantage to Truth for the one to croffe and undermine what the other doth : Thisdiftin&ion is clearly infinuatcd, i£V. 1.10. * befeecbyou, brethren, that there be no divijions amongft you • Which is branched-out in union in thefe three, to wit, Jpeakjng the fame thing, that relateth to a£iion j Of being perfettly joyned together in the fame mind, that relateth to affe&ion -, And of keing one in the fame judgment, that relateth to opinion : which fuppofeth that there were divifions oppofit to all thefe, which alfo often go together.

5. There are fome Divifions, which (to fay fo; are

negative, and are in the manner and circumftances

T 4 of

%%o ATreatife concerning Scandal. Part 4.^

of doing fome duties- Thus men may differ and take diverfe wayes, yet both of them be endeavouring the thriving of the work of the Gofpel, and no way labouring to erode each other, or to make one another leffe weighty and fuccesful. Thus Paul and $ar~ nab as, after their contention, did indeed differ in their manner of profecuting the work of the Gofpel, yec both of them did continue faithfull therein, and neither of them did counterplot nor counteract to others* Again, fomedivifionsare pofitive (tofay fo) when men do not only differ from each other, but do op-pofe each other, and do not fet themfelves finely to profecute the work, which poffibly their oppofit may be profecuting with them; but there is an endeavour to leflen the authority and mar the a&ings of the other , and to engage men in the approbation of that particular wherein they do differ, which favoureth ofdivifion and faftion properly , and is more hurt-full and intolerable when as the firft is more tolerable amongtt men who have their infirmities; and it's like, that fuch were the divifions of Corinth when there was an endeavour to cry up one> and down another^

6. Some are in dotfrine, for difference of judgment; fome are in government, for precedency h as fome-times was amongft the Difciples, a conteft who (hould be greateft : which is not fo much for Government abftraftly, and confidered in it Celf> or about what (hould be done, as it is for the perfons, who (hould be the governours and doers thereof; as antangft the Difciples, it is not thequeftion, What kind of government (hall be ? or.What (hould be the Governours duty ? But, who (hould be chief and have the main hand in ruling ?

7. Sometimes Divifions are more ftated and deeply rooted, when fome way mens defigns are croffe, though not in the main, yet in the manner of carry-i ig them on. Sometimes again, they are more occa-

fional,

fional, and arife from fome particular aft or circum-ftancc, wherein men may differ, and may be when neither fide draweth-on a divifion ; So that particular of taking or not taking John Marl^ in the company, was the occafion of that contention and divifion betwixt'IW and fiarnaba*. All. 15. when other-wayes there was an harmony in the feries and firain of their whole way.

8. Sometimes Divifions are betwixt godly and orthodox men upon the one fide, and corrupt men upon the other ; as were the divifions of the Church with the Arian Hercticks, and others of that nature. Sometimes again, they are amongft godly and orthodox men on both fides, and this is a main ingredient in f and aggravation ofthe fcandal of Divifion, when it is amongft Chnft's own Difciples '; and this is that which we would efpecially fpeak to : Concerning which we fay ,

I. That there is fuch a thing incident to the Church _. ,« as divifion amongft godly, able, and orthodox men. J^u* as betwixt taul and <Barnab<u 9 AH. 15. The Difciples qZu of Chrift anH the dilaplesof ?obn; yea, oftentimes betwixt the Difciples of Chrift amoneft themfelves. And afterward the inftanccs of Auguftine and Jerome, Chryfoftom and Epiphanem, with many others of later times, do demonftrat it. In the Old Tcftament we find 7 ob and his friends keeping up a long difpute right fharply. And>Namfr. 1 2. fomething is recorded of a divifion between Mofes, Aaron and Mniam.

2. This Divifion may continue long and come to it may con. a great height, that is, it may be very (harp, although time long, it may be, the rife thereof be fmall; for, contentions And come are, as the letting out of Waters, TroV. 17,14. and toagreat they of ten grow , even amongft good men, foas tobcigbt, provoke much (harpneffe againft each other, and that with much confidence , as the inftanccs given do clear.

3 Though it be frequent to them tocometoan

height

height, yet they are not eafily removed, even amongft the beft ; This being true, SfVoK 18.19. That a brotheroffended , u harder to be toon than a ftrongcity, and that their contentions are as the bars of a ca/lle, they are fo ftrongly rooted. Hence, we fee, that there is no breaking off between Job and his friends,till the Lord interpofe} there is no compofing of the matter be-t ween Paul and Barnabas, but their contention con-Aninot at-tinuethfo hot, that they muft feparate ; Neither is fily removed there any thing exprefly recorded of their meeting together again , although they had long been of mod intimate fellowship as neareft colleagues in their journeying and travelling in the Lords work,and that appointed thereto, even by Himfelf extraordinarily, Jtfs 1 g. It is recorded, that Chryfofiome and Epipha-nem did funder fo imbittered one at the othcr>that Epi-phaneus did wiffi, That C^ r yf°fi ome fhould not die a Biflbop : He again did wi(h, That the other might not fee his home, to wit, Cyp rus > to which he was then making his voyage; both which accordingly fell out: which is a dreadfull inftance of this evil, and looketh like the Lords making ufe of their pafli-on, to fignifie His difplcafure againft both their di-ftempers,

CHAP. II.

Whence 'Divifions do arife 9 and hoVe they are fafter ed and encreafed*

r His divifion doth frequently arife , and is continued upon very fmall occafions ; for, it is not ordinarily groffe hereficsor palpable abominations , that do draw godly and learned men to fide in the defence thereof, but things of lcfiercon-Variom ap- cernment; whjch we will find to be fuch as thefe, frebenpons !• Some various and different apprehenfions of of infetiour truths, that are leffe fundamental^ fuch.as was the.de-truths. bates

Ti 1

bates about meats, genealogies, and other queftioiis in the primitive times, concerning which, there was no little jangling even amongft good men ; thus is it when Divines preffc too hotly fome truth, not fimply neceflary. It cannot be fupponed, that all men who yet Ice but in part, fhould be of that fame mind ; and the Lord hath left fome things, as it were , to be the matter of doubtfull ilifputations,as the Apoftlc fpeak-cth, %om. 14.1. and though there be truth upon the one fide of every debate, yetconfidering that that is notalway cafily demonftfable, too peremptory deciding and preffing of fuch things, cannot butoc-cafion ftrife.

2, Sometimes it floweth from the miftake of fome ^ w/ -^ c difpenfations, and thefufpeftingof the fincerity and ^ r me J£ integrity one of another; whereby fometimes men ^nlations. are engaged ere they wit, to maintain their prejudice, and to lay the lcffe weight upon light holden forth by others, It was thus with Jobs friends, who,mif-in-terpreting Gods hand upon him, and concluding uncharitably of his ftate > are brought to maintain an unwarrantable Tbefe for making out of their point.

3» It may arife from different apprehenfions about vifferm fomeperfons, or from a different manner of doing a ppnhcnfi~ the fame thing , or from the ufe-making of different 072i a b out pcrfons; As when one would have fuch a man to be fome perfons a Minifter, another doth not think him worthy; anitbinis. When one doth think fuch a man deferveth not to be aMinifler, and another thinketh that he doth; when fuch different thoughts about perfons, means or manner of doing things >, ( which are incident to the beft of men ) are followed with different aftings accordingly, and none doth cede to another, then neceffari-iy followeth contention and divifion ; So 'Paul thought John Ma)\ not meet to be taken to the Mi-niftery again in their company, feing he had left them 5 Barnabas did think him meet and would have him, whereupon the contention and divifion followed

lowed. Often alfo, we find in the Church-hiftorys that good men have divided upon this , that fome would ordain fuch to be Presbyters or Bifhops,whom others did not think worthy of that office ; and that fome would not condemn pcrfons or writings, which others did condemn: for, learned men often think the condemning of a perfon or doftrine which is owned by them, or the refuting to condemn a perfon or do&rine which they do condemn , to be a re-fle&ion on them, and that therefore they are engaged to deal with fuch , as with the principall party : It is marked , that the nfe of Cbryfoftome and Eptpbaneus their difference, was* That Chryfo/lome did not fo go alongs in the condemning of Origin, and his writings as the other did *, and that fome of the Clergie ofConfiantinople had refufed the fame: whereupon Eptpbaneus began in preaching to enveigh againft the other, which came to that height that is faid. Alfo, fomtimes fome have been too favourable conflru&ers of deluders,as if they had been of fome honefty,wher-by difference hath grown with others who knew the deceit, As witneffe the firft Divifions that were.in Phrygia concerning Montanus , becaufe fome being fim^le, and not knowing that prophefie, in an extra--ordinary manner, was laid afidebythe Lord, did difpute, that poffibly there might be fome more than an ordinary thing in his way, and that he might through acceffe to God do fuch things, when as yet they were not infe&ed with his errours: This did breed a fchifm; when others neceffarily behoved to condemn the deeds , and alfo the perfons , as not ferving the Lord, but their own bellies, %om. 16. ver. 16,17. Heartburn* + Ic ufually arifech from fecret grudges at being inns at tjk Weighted, or heart-burnings at anothers credit and credit of 0- reputation beyond them, and fometimes indeed , not tbers. becaufe of the faft done , but becaufe fuch perfons

were the doers thereof,and one way or other fpringeth

from

Part 4« tATreatife cor.ccrm»g Scandal. *$5

from the root of pride» envy , or emulation , which hath many branches whereby it venteth its malignant dittempering difpofition in (undry (hapes. It is indeed (ad that (uch things (hould be amongft the Dif-ciples of Chrirt yet often we fee> that this , Who foould be the greateft, was a bone of contention among them , cfpecially when fome had evidenced their too great pronenefle and inclination to prefer themfclves toothers ; Thisalfo had influence upon thatmuteny . which Aaron and Miriam didftirup againft A^/*;, Numb, 12. and it is the Lords word by the wife mouth of Solomon , Only by pride cometb contention.

5. Too much infifting on, and aggregingof the tdggreging infirmities or opinions of others, and loadening and the infirmi-aggreging them with many fearfull confequences > ties oj ethers hath much influence upon this , efpecially where

words arewrefted befide the intention andfenfcof the fpcaker , becaufe fuch an humour fheweth iittle love and refpeft to the perfon , and by the nature of the work,doth tend to hold him forth as odious,ignorant > abfurd, or fome way defpicable; which even good men, being but men, are not eafily brought to digeft. We fee this in Job's friends > who frequently carp at his expreflions, and ftudy to aggregethem, which indeed were not alway altogether excufable; yet their fcope (atleaft, in the work) was,torepre-fent them and him much more abfurd, than indeed they were. And this was in thefe debates between Augufline and Jerome , andufually is where fuch dik ferences are, as too many reproachfull and bitter differences now in the Church, almoft everywhere, do hold forth.

6. They are occafioned by a carnal and faftious- 4 faSieut like pleading fori and vindicating even cf Truth. rj ' w ^f™g Often it is not the matter whereabout godly and *1 mt *' learned men debate, that makcth divifion, (for, there

may be difference where there is no divifion) but it is a carnal manner of profecuting either fide of the

differ

difference, even that fide whereon the truth doth lye, that doth engender the divifion; and often, we fee men differing about greater points than others do, and yet carrying fo as it cannot be called Divifion. It's marked, I Cor. 3. that fome were for ^W, fome for Apolios , fome were for none but #M/i; and yet I this is counted a fide of the fa&ion afwell as any of

the other; not becaufe being forChrift is wrong, but becaufe that fa&ioufly they walked under that pretext: Which we may take up in thefe refpe&s, I. When a man too peremptorily prefleth his light upon others, or upon a Church, in a matter that is not fundamental, or neceffary , which is condemned, Sfyw.14.22. when men in thefe debates keep not their faith, or light, to themfelves, but do trouble and di-ftraft others therewith. 2. It is,when men too vehemently preffefuch a thing, as if the contrary there-of,or thofe who maintain the fame, were intolerable; and fo in a fiery violent way feek to bear down that which is indeed an errour, though of infirmity. It is marked by fome that write Church-hiftory, and Ju-gufline is of that fame mind, That Stepbanus, Bifhop of 2(owe,did more hurt to the Church by his too vehement oppofirig of Cyprian's crrour ( which was,Tbat thofe that were baptized by Hereticks, or Schifim-ticks, ought again to be baptized ) becaufe he did therby hazard the dividing and renting of theChurch, by refufing communion with fuch as were againft him, than Cyprian did in his maintaining of his crrour ; Becaufe,though it was ftill his opinion, he did meekly and condefcendingly carry in it, with refpeft to the unity of theChurch, 3. This is alfo, when Vndue things are followed with Sentences and Cenfures oil Confutes . c he oppofit opinion, and the abbetters thereof, as if it were a matter of Faith. It's known what influence thofe Sentences of fififor, Bifliop of ^pme, had upon renting of the Church, and ftating that divifive diftin^ion betwixt the Baft and Weft Church, and

thai

that for a matter of nothing , to wit, What day of themoneth precifely Eajler wastobekeeped 5 and he was for that (harply reproved, even by Irceneus, who was of that fame judgment with him : And many fuch inftances are in Hittory. 4. It is, when in the tctroing the profeouion of fuch things, men leave the matter, and ma tter and fall on perfonall reflections , and become bitter in falling upon thefe refpefts, as to caft-up pride and arrogancy : hy- teflcftionj. pocrific, ignorance>herefie> or erroneoufneffe, or fome other perfonal fault, if any be known or imputed to them> or one way or other to Height them and make them defpicable : So Aarm and Miriam murmur againft Mofes, Numb. 12. that he had married an Ethiopian woman, that he feemed to Height them, as if God had only fpoken by him, and not by them alfo; * Epipbaneus alfo did upbraid Cbryfoftem with hypo-crifie; Jerome hugely revileth Vigilantim , whofete-nents feem to be as near truth as his are; foitwas between Demetrius and Tbeopbilus , when in the matter of fa&, each giveth to other the lie. J. It is, when the manner of carrying on a thing, is faSious, as endeavouring, to make fides and parties under hand , and indirect dealing to engage others in their Engaging differences, and to ftir up men by fuch means againft of others. others : It is like it was fo in Cerintb , even amongft the people who adhered not to falfe teachers; It is marked alfo in that vehement bitter contention that was between Jerome and fyjfinus, that he did endeavour by all means, to waken hatred againft Jeromes perfon, and to defame his writings more than in any convincing way to make out his point; and yet all this arofe from Jerome his alleaging the other to be a favourer of Origens herefic, becaufe he had tranflated fome books of Origens , which was indeed condemned by others as being dangerous ; yet feing { i{ujfinus did difclaim thefe errours, and deny that he approved them, there was no fuch ground to preffe him with it; and this became the occafionof thatirrcconciliable

hatted,

hatred, which was never removed ; in which alio it is marked, that Jerome doth objeft to the other, obscurity, and harflmefle of (tile, adding withall many other flighting exprcflions. Too much 7 It may be by the imprudencie of fuch as have tilling of 8°od affe&ion: As, 1. exprefling too much good fome upon liking of fome corrupt men , becaufe they pretend fairpmen- fairly : Thus the Church was divided in fbrygia for us. Mwtatf«4,becaufe fome did too imprudently conftruft

well of him, as if indeed he and his Propheteffes had truly had the gift of prophecy ; others again vehemently upbraided them for it. a. It is when things are preffed unfeafonably, or in an offenfive manner, without refpeft to the manner of things if they be Satisfied in the matter. There followed many divisions upon the back of the moft famous Councill, ( which made Greg. 1>{a%ian%en to fay, He never de-fired to fee many Bifhops together) and the Centum-tors give this reaf>n or occafion , fturn quidarn fidem Niccnam imprudenter urgebant > alii earn acriter im-pugnabant. Peremptory ^ ^ 00 muc ^ pcremptorineffe where there may be tiefs -without f° me condescending, hath much hand in this; when condefcend- men become not all things (fo far as is lawful!) unto ing % others. It is marked in the Church-hiftory, That

fometimes too tenacious adhering unto Canons and Councils, by fome who would not condefcend in a fyllable, when others did condemn the matter, hath been in this refpeft prejudicial; Such was the caufe of the fchifm betwixt the Ea/l and Wefl Church, and particularly the tenacious adhering in all things,even as to the very manner, to the Council of C^alcedon, ( which was indeed a famous and orthodox Council in the matter) The former inflance cleareth this alfo. nvr 9« Sometimes this doth come from diflatisfadtion

Vif[atitta- j n f ome part i cu [ ar c 0 f Government, as when fome

fmelcriins tiave ^ een difpleatcd that fuch and fuch men,formerly / me p r/ous ca fl. 0lu ^ (h ou y h avc b ecn Z g^ m admitted to communion;

inunion; or, that a perfon, caftout of communion in one place, hath been admitted in another ; This is frequent* as after inftances may clear.

10. Itisoftenoccafioned by the encroachment of MutnM one upon another in the exercife of their power, as to encroach* preach, ordain, and fuch like, within the bounds ofment. others befide, or without their knowledge* or againft their will-

ir. Ic hath fometimes arifen from the Churches meddling in extrinfick or unneceflary thinps* and fel- Mcddlin* dome Church-men have been too much taken up and in cxtrin-occupied about fuch things, butk hath had fuch zficktbingu confequent: As when they are too much taken up about ceremonies and things not commanded, as Eafterwas; or about indifferent things, as the preferring of forms in every thing, and fuch like; Or, about precedency in Government, and what might conduce to the externall fplendor of the Church in immunities, priviledges, fabricks, dotations, &c« whereof inftances are very many. Or, when Churchmen have become too pragmatickin civil things, or affairs of the world, thereby to carry on a temporal! grandour in the fpirituall Kingdom bf Chrift; which was often the rife and occafion of difference amongft theApoftles; and although there was fcarce acceflfe to this occafion in refpeft of praftice while Magi-ftrates were heathens, yet in after times, this is evident ; and fundry divifions followed upon fuch occasions, as the approving or condemning of fuch and fuch an Emperours E left ion } the transferring of the Empire from Eaft to Weft, or from one Family Co another.

12. New manner of expreflions, or new moulds o( the Doftrine of the Gofpel, different from what hath *r ;. 0 f been formerly delivered, have given occafion to this ; *™/w that is, when there is either a new form of fpeaking, ^ ^« and an affectation of novelty in words, different onu from the form of found words which Miniftcrs ought

V »

*?o ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. Part4ii

toholdfaft ; or, when things are fo propofed, as if all former moulds had been defe&ive, and all other Divines in their Preaching and Writings were nothing to fuch. It feemeth that this newfangleneffe of fpeech had no leffe influence in dividing the Church of Corinth , and begetting fa&ions therein , than the diverfity that was in the matter* wherein they are not fo generally found guilty> as being carried away with errour» as, of being itched with a humane kind of eloquence in the manner of Preaching* This fame alfo may be in Writtings, and indeed when fome cry up one manner or mould, and fome others the contrary , it may breed fiding and divifion, even as well as diverfity of Doftrine may do* And it is not for nought that the Lord hath commanded fimplicity in the manner, and the holding fafl of the form of found vtords 5 even as he hath commanded foundneffe in the matter 5 and oftentimes there doth arife no leffe tafti-neffe or itching amongft people, nor leffe emulation amongft Minifters, from the one than from the other.

CHAP. III.

The height of evil that divifion bringtth.

r Avingnowfeen a little the rifes of this evil, we may look to the height it hath come to from fuch beginnings: which we may con-mat gni fider in thefe fteps. 1. It cngendereth heat,ftrife and ttutcntiottt contention; and in that refpeft, maketh men carnall, I Cor. 3. 2. It breedeth alienation in affeftion, and (eparateth thefe in fellowfliip that have been moft in-Alienation timate, as if their companying together had loft that fweetneffe and refrefhfulneffe that fometimes it had* and thereby even theirChriftian communion is interrupted j both thofe may be feen in chat ftrange and hot contention , which came to this height betwixt

H

Part 4. *ATrtdtife concerning Scandal. 19 1 twixt Paul and $arnah<u> Alt. 15. 5. It breedcth jca- fcalouflci Ioufic and fufpicion of one anothers aftions and intentions, yea, it may be, of the finccricy of their ftate: it brccdeth envy at one anothers profperity and re* fped , and makcth them lefle weighted with any crofle or adverfity that the other falleth into. Paul is fufpe&ed , not only by the falfe teachers, but even by the profeflbrs, to be an enemy to them> and not to be finglc in hisdefigne$ amongftthem: fome have counted others hypocrites , as Is before marked* 4. It bringeth forth violent and virulent expreflions, virnlm and reflexions upon each other , and greater heat al- C xp Te jr i07l g t moft is not to be found than amongft differing Divines, that yet do aggree in the main. It is a wonder to read fome of the expreflions that are betwixt fereme and '%ujfin % and betwixt ©em^m^Bifhopof Alexandria , and Tbeopbilus Bifhop of Jerufalem, with many others $ or to confider the fad regrates that fBafilitti, Gregorim l^j^ean^enuA, and others, have of thefe differences; fomething may be (ccn of it in the inftanccof Job and his friends. And what there is for the prefent amongft Orthodox Divines abroad, and in this Ifland> I fear, out of honour to the men, to mention them ; yet I fuppof* fuch things maybe read in the Prefaces and Writings of the moft eminent Divines , as may make the hearts of all to loath fuch divifions. 5. It hath come to that height, as p €f f ena ji not to fpare to publifh even perfonall refleftions 5 yea reflections* fomctimcs,it hath come to that,that men have condem ned deeds in others,after fuch begun differences,which formerly they did highly commend in them ; (thus their eftimation & conftru&ion of their a&ions, doth ebb and flow according to their eftimation of their perfons) It is marked of ^emetrim of Alexandria, that whiles he and Origen did continue in fellowfhipi he was a great cpmmender of that deed of Origenl, to wit, his gelding of himfelf while he was young ; yet after difference arofe betwixt them J upon very V 2 toean

%<)i A Tredtife concerning Scandal. Part 4,

mean grounds* (Origen not being come to his groffe-. . nefle ) he did moft vehemently objeft that to him in

insaU in. ^ is Writin 8 s * 6 - °^ en " ^ ath come *at length,thac ft/£#i aB0 V they have imprecated evil to one another, as in the tbtcivill inftanceof Cbryfojtom and Epipbanwy fometimes they jftjw, have informed and moft vehemently inftigated civil Powers againft one another, that they might procure their depofition , banifhment > and fuch like , as tityflinus did againft Jerome, theClergie at dntiocb againft FlaUanus, aTid (bme at Cov/linople, particularly . Seyerianus $ did ftir up the Emperour againft Chryfoflom. Sbdrpcen* j. Alfo, it hath been followed in Councels andSy-•( u !Zf/ Hm n °ds by the Sentences of Depofition and Excommu-fitSei. nication, as was frequent in the cafe of that debate about Eafter > and in that debate betwixt Stepbanuf and Cyprian; Tertullhn alfo was Sentenced upon a prejudice > without juft ground ; fo was Chryfojtome depofed even by Bifhops that were not heterodox;and _ t . r many others. 8. It hath extended to divide Churches while although ic began amongft Minifters, and hath come Gbtircbct. t0 c ^ ac hcight> that they have withdrawn from the communion of one another, and havechofen different Bifhops and Minifters without communion one with another » or without dependence one upon another * and yet neither of them have been Hereticks* nor profeffed Schifmaticks , but becaufc of fome di^ fatisfa&ion, it may be, with the perfon. or ordination of fuch aMinifter ; or upon fome miftakeof a particular aft of a Councell, even when both did acknowledge the fame, as particularly is marked to have been betwixt Euftacbm of Antiocb , and Eufebius of Pampbilia ; and again at Antiecb in the cafe of Afl-. letus and faulinm • and again betwixt Vl&UnuA and Wuttt of ot h crs . w hich is marked to be in the fourth Century. tbeir Jol* ^ j c £ at k cxCell j cc i co great h cat anc J f ur j e f cven

owc /# amongft the followers of each other ; whereby much

Furious jealoufie» heat and diffention hath been occafioned.

inainefs of to. In both thofe there hath been fuch a fervour, and

Divine*. as

Part 4« ATreatifeconcerning Scandal!' *9 J

as it were fury, that there hath been no uptaking nor removing of the fame : And although we find difference to have arifen from little, even amongft good men, yet often we will find that moft difficultly it hath been removed, but for many generations it hath continued , when the firft authors have been away, and that with very great heat, as almoft in all the in-ftances given , fo thati that fweet and moderate Divine Melanilbon , did ufually call the difference of Divines rabies Jbeologorum , and at his death did blcffe himfelf, that amongft other fins and miferies he was to be fred from this rabies or furie of Divines, which was evermore fadder to him than any oppofi-tion of open adverfarics. lb Ufually, it hath di-_. -verted moft ferious Divines, both from the prefling J^ l £ of piety, and reproving of vice; as alfo from main-j^^^, taining of truth againft open adverfaries, and the,^^^ purfuing of their errours. Augujtme doth complain of this to Jerome , and doth for this end, as it were, crave a ceffation ; and it cannot be otherwayes, for fuch debates do not profit thefe that are occupied therein. Heb. 13. ver. 9. and when mens edge is hoc and (harpagainft others in fuch particular differences, it cannot but cool and blunt them in more weighty things, and is no little part of the devils fubtilty to make way for errour and profanitie, thus to entangle Minifters* Which occafion he hath ever taken to fow tares, which that great Father and Divine Vafu lit* doth condole to this purpofe, That while there was concord in every occupation, only in the Church and amongft Minifters there was diflention, and that fohot, that no commiferation of the Flock, which was fet upon, and drawn away by perverfe men, was prevalent with them, to abftain from fuch differences. 12. Hence, it hath followed , that though ^^r^\f m there hath been no confiderable difference upon the ^fjcrcfte matter at the firft , yet notwithstanding it hath grown j 0 Uowmg and come to a height, and that in refpeft both of divifwn. V 3 Schifro

• 3?4 A Treatife concerning Scamd a l^ Part 4,

Schifm and hcrefie; AnditisraretofindinHiftory, that a divifion hath continued long, but it hath turned to reparation in communion j and a Schifm ; and again, Schifm hath not continued long , but it hath brought forth herefie, for divided practices lead men to lay down and maintain fuch principles as may defend them, and the band of unity being broken, there isnoftayor hold, becaufe, as that forenamed Father Bajtlm faich, men take on them then to fpeak, write,

h W L M rf* anc * ^° as l ^ P^ ea ^ c# l h Although fometime* the both fides f au i c 0 f divifion may be more on one fide than ano-tbub t t ^ er, yet feldom is any fide free, at leaft, in the man-mily M ner °^ P r °fe cut i° n > anc * therefore often it turneth in ^' h the clofe to the hurt of both, and the one fide becomes more fchifmaticall and erroneous, at leaft, in many of their members, as fell out in the cafe of the Novatians, and fionati/is. The other fide again, have often become more cold and fecure in the practice of holineffe* carnal! and formall in purfuing ceremonies and exter-nall things, with leffe affe&ion and life in the main, becaufe the edge of their zeal was bended toward thefe differences; and generally people have been ftumbled and offended by them ; and by the mifcar-riageof fome affe&ionate perfons, men more formall and not very zealous in the main thing, have come to have more weight and fway in the Government of the Church ; and thus we fee that after thefe hot debates that were in the Church about leffer things, fchifms and herefies grew up on the one fide; lukewarmneffe, formality, and inclination to ceremonies, and a formall lazie way of worQiip, did grow up and increafc 7)ivifion ' m the Church, upon the other fide. 14. Though we bdUly cu fi n j men fadly regrate thefe, yet was there alwayes ' f *' a difficulty to get them removed ; there being often a

kind of inconfideratneffe whereby the publick good hath been overlooked, and men have walked too much by particular inclination and affeftion , and Co have come to hate whom formerly they praifed, and

Co praife whom formerly they hated; by which the Ordinances have become weightleffe to all 5 and the Minifters, who fometimes were counted a gazing, a reproach and the off-fcouringof all men becaufe of affiiftions, have become much more defpicablc becaufe of their own inteftinedivifions, as one of the Fathers doth pathetically expoftulate for the diflen-tions of his time > writing to ^ia^ean^tn.

CHAP. IIIL

The canfes Vthy 'Divifion ufually ccmeth to fo great an heighu

WE may now enquirewhat be the caufes why Divifions ufually come to fuch a height* and are fo difficulty removed,even amongft men that are affe&ioned in the work of Chritt, and otherwayes found, zealous, andfober 5 which is indeed ftrange, efpecially confidering, that they do often fee the evil > regrate it, and profefle their defire of a remedy themfelves ? In aniweringto this, we are to look, 1. to the Lords foveraign hand even in this. 2. To what acceflton there is to it from thofe that differ. 3. To Tome occafionall accidentall caufes that concur therein. 4. We may confider the ftrength of the tentation in refpeft of foroe other circura-ftances.

1. That the Lord hath a Soveraign hand therein, cannot be denied, and that in thefe two refye&s, not Thefcvc-to infill in all , 1. As it is a triall whereby both raignty of mens foundneffe and unfoundneffe have occafion to Godtrjing be manifefted; This is afferted, I £or. u. as a rea- good end fon of the neceffity of fchilms and divifions, as may W. be gathered by comparing,ver.i8, with 19. But this we infift not on- 2. The Lord hath a judiciall hand Cfollitfng in it, that is, as He ordereth divifions for the juft atfomd chaftifemene and punKhment of fome , even as was pxifiing. V 4 for-

\$6 *s4 Treatife concerning Scandal. Part 4.

formerly faid of herefies and delufions; and to this purpofe, we may confider that too which floweth from offences unto the world, to relate efpecially unto divifions amongft Church-officers > as the fubjoy* ning thereof to the contention amongft the Apoftles doth evince ; and in the nature of it > and in rcfptft of the confequents that follow thereon, It is indeed a too, and a very great too unto the world , and an evidence of the Lords difpleafure; when thus in His anger,divifions come amongft Miniftcrs or People, as it is> Lam.4.i6> Which we will find true in thefe re-ipefts. I. It looketh angry like againft Miniftcrs j for, thereby they become defpicable, the Lords countenance and prefence feemeth to be withdrawn, and much carnalnefle of frame , and many other evils fteal in; which do both eat up much of that inward livelrneffc which othcrwayes they might have, and alfodifcompofcthat tranquillity and compofednefle of mind, which love and unity entertain > and doth

Kropofe Minifters unto people,as men deftitute of that adge j whereby they may be known to be the Lords Tea flagu« "Bikiplcs, to wit, loVe to one another. 2. It is often a ing the great fnare to many carnall Profeffors; for, thereby world, fome are hardened in profanity,and become Atheifts, as if all that is fpoken by Minifters concerning Religion , were not to be believed ; Therefore the Lord ^prayethfor unity, and againft differences amongft j His Difciples, for this caufe, That the toorld might •.belie** that Cbrijl too* fent by God, and that thefe are \lo\>ed of him, Joh. 17. 21, 23. which importeth, i ; that this plague of Atheifm followeth in the world ■ upon fuch divifionst Again, others are ftumbled fo, as they caft at the Truth preached by them>and thereby become a prey to be carried about with every jwind of do&rine> for preventing of which, Mini-. jfters, and union among Minifters are required > Epb* 7)sviJion l^ I} 2j ?# w j t h ll% 12,1 ^, 14. 3. It becometh an

I 1 I!, burden* grief and offence to the weak, fuchdivifi-to*-"/.} * on

on being a main {tumbling-block to the little ones that believe > Mattb.1%. i,and6. 4, Itprovetha wrdtnttB great confirmation and ground of hardenifig to the the adverfg^ adverfaries of the truth , who are thereby exceeding- tics of *bc ly hardened , and brought to applaud thcmfelves in truth. their own way, as if fuch divided inftruments could not be of the one body, the Church > which is guided by one Spirit; And this was caft up by heathens in the primitive times > as we may find by the apologies of many of the Fathers; and the lame way hath been followed by Antichriftand his followers unto this day; theyinfultin nothing more than the divifions of the Orthodox > and «are more proud of nothing than their pretended unity* which they make a mark of the true Church. And when all thefe are confix dered,we fuppofe*it may be evident that fuch divifions are, when they are, a great plague unto the Church, and may juftly be called a *&* unto the world.

We need not infift upon chara&ersof a judiciall-like divifion, feing hardly there is divifion in * Chnrcb , but it is judicial! in fome part; Yet thefe things may be confidercd to this purpofe , 1. When chmttm the divifion is amongft the more eminent and godly % f judicial* men, as amongft the Difciples. 2. If the matter be divifion. light comparatively for which the difference is keep-edup, zsJugufiine calleththat with fome Qonatifts, parva diflentio , as to the matter or occafion , which was yet great in its effefts, tyifl* 20 3. 3. If it be for dominion , or preheminence, or fuch things as may look carnall like before men, like that, Mattb. 18. i, <?c. Or, 4, if the manner of following it be carnall, or irrationalMike without that refpeftive tenderneffe of edification and offence, which rationally might be expe&ed from fuch men. 5. When there are many palpable convincing rcafons, and that in refpeft of the particular time and cafe, which* might draw men from fuch divifions. Or, 6. when fometimes healing is eflayed, and beyond probable

reafons

-

reafons and expectation, it doch break off and turn worfe, when it appeared to be near a clofe* 7. When ic fpreadeth, and comeeh to occupy and cake up Pro-feffors, it may b , beyond many more concerning things* This efpecialiy isdifcernable, whenchedi-vifion arifeth fuddenly upon the back of a great calm, and after fuch fins as may procure the interrupting thereof, and when ic cometh, in an unexpe&ed way, from fuch perfons, and upon fuch an occafion, as, it maybe, none could have looked-for, or thought of; whenic is under affli&ions, and other cafes and reproaches, as the Jews divifions were, even when be-fieged by the Romans , and when under them, as /o-fepbus writeth. Thefe and fuch like may evidence fomewhat to be judiciall therein. Becaufe, 1. It doth fo further what is penall the more in all the former refpe&s, and it cannot but have fuch efFe<5ta 2* Becaufe there being no other-probable reafon how ordinarily fuch a thing may come to pafle, the Lords hand is to be acknowledged therein fo much the more, when even His Servants are drunken but not with wine, and He hath powred upon them the fpirit of deep (Iceland covered even the Prophets and Seers therewith, as the word is, tfa* 29.9.10. and when they are as fo many wild bulls caught in a net, full of the fury of the Lord, and of the rebuke of their God, as ic is, If a. 51. ver. 20. Whereby it cometh to pafle, * that neither one fort or other can particularly under-ftand the duty called-for in reference to their healing, more than if all vifions, and directions concerning the fame were fealed up, as, Ifa. 19. ver, 10,11. and l fal9* io* And none of all Zions fons are in capacity to take her by the hand, f/i.51.18. ?. Befides thefe two, the Lord fometimes hath a wife defign for promoving of His work, even by occafion of fuch divifions, as thereby to make the Gofpel to be fpread further chin ocherwayes it had been; for, by difcon-tents and differences, fometimes men have been puc

to

Part4. ATreatife cwcermng Scakdal, h$9

to go clfwhere and preach theGofpel; and in that inftancc of Paul and %arnab<u their leparating, this is brought about', the Gofpel is preached by both in their feverall journeys, which had not been fo extended had they been together 5 but this, and others of this kind being only proper to the Lords foveraign wifdom, we will not infift on them,

In the (tcond place > If we confider mens own ac-ceflion who are engaged in fuch divifions, that is ma- ^u^l : nifold* 1. Men by former guiltineffe may procure g ] »*\ ' the fame, as by abufe of former unity, carnalneffe in it, not improving of it for edification,pride and con-ceitednefs of it as if it could not be interrupted,not being thankfull to God for it, nor praying for continuance of it* Thefe and fuch like, may draw on fuch a dreadfull ftrokc as divifion; wherefore not only is there a too to the world becaufe of offences, but alfq to him by whom they come , Mattb. 18. even when notwkhftanding, the neceflity of them is afferted. 2. Some prefent finfull diftemper in Miniflers frame* p^^^ or difpofition, may have influence upon this, ^itfiempcru* were difpofing them the fooner to take fire upon any occafion. As, 1. diftance with God, and coldneffe of love to Him, without which, love cannot be keep-ed up with others in Him. 2. Pride, conceitinefle, defire of preheminencie, refpeft and applaufc, which was amongft the Apoftles. g* Which followeth upon this, envy at the refpeft which is given to others* or the weight that they have in the managing of matters, and carnall emulation at their perfons and afti-ons. 4. There is a fecret difcontentedneffe at mens being fleighted by others, or apprehending them-felves to be fo. J. There is a creduloufneffc and rea-dineffe to receive wrong imprcflions, a jealoufie or fufpicion of others in their defigns, ends, or particular refpefts to them ; All which proceeding from want of charity,that thinketh not^vil &c* they cannot but fomc way difpofc for divifion. 6. There is

an

Joo A Trtatife concerning S c an da l • Part 4."

ah itching newfangle humour , not after new Do-ftrines, but after new expreffions, formes, or changes in other things. 7* There is fometimes a prejudice at feverity and ftri&neffe > as if it were pride, ambiti-on, or fomething that is intolerable; which is marked to be the caufe of the Clergie o(Confian$inople 9 iheit diffention with Cbryfoftome their Bifhop : Of this kind, to wit, finfull and difpofing caufes, are ignorance, imprudence, tenacioufnefie, or felf-wiiledneftj and fuch like; whereby a Minifter is the eafilicr en* gaged, and the more difficuldy brought off.

g. There are fome a&s whereby men have accefli-on to the raifing and heightening of divifion, and Imnjidctdt oftentimes they are mutuall: As, 1. fome mens do-exprffsions ingof fome inconfiderate aft, or writing fomein-*r aftings. confiderate expreffion upon the one hand; and others, too paffionatly and vehemently exaggerating fuch a fad, and condemning fuch an expreffion by a torturing deduftion of abfurdkies therefrom, beyond what was intended; So it was between Jerome and dugu-Seyerity injiine, &a 2. When fome preffe feverity in Difci-TDifcipUuc* pline and Cenfures, fome what too horely, others, Sleigbtingofwkh no leffe difcontent, repelling the fame. 3. When the pcf/b/w,m2nfleightingly expreffe their mind of the perfons, writings, or writings or a&ings of others; and they again are aftings ofo- engaged by the like refle&ions, to vindicate the fame. tbets. 4. When men ftudy not the inftru&ion of themfelve9 Huntingdf» 0!C others affeftionedly, but hunt after a kind of cre-ter credit. jj c c0 t hemfelves, though with the reproach of Littlecon* others. J. Little condescending to remove miftakes defending, and prejudices, abftinencefromfociety, andfellow-&> c , * (hip with fuch as they differ from in fome particular ; hafty preaching, and publishing differences of fmall moment, as Epiphaneus , and fome others* formerly ciced, did, no condefcending in particular fafts that Afts that might be caidefcendcd on, and fuch like. 6. Efpe-{Idtefcbiftn dally fuch a&* as flute a fchifm, and break communion in Government! Worffiip, and other Ordinances*

nances, are exceedingly inflrumentall in this. Asj 1. to have diftinft Bifhops or Minifters , Gover-nours or Officers, and fo to have oppofit Judicatories , and oppofit Ordinations, which is often found to be the reiult and great cherifhment of divifions in the primitive times. Whereupon followed* 2. divifion in adminiftration of Sacraments, when fuch and fuch could not acknowledge men fo ordained to be Minifters, and fo could not communicate with them, if they were ordained in oppofitibn to them, or fuch as were ordained by them : And this hath a connexion with fuch an aft, becaufe the acknowledging of fuch to be lawfully ordained, would queftion their own Ordination. Whence , 3. follow divided Congregations and meetings, according to the oppo-fition amongft Minifters, fome meeting in one place> and (ome in another, and fo withdrawing communion one from another , although both do continue in the fame Faith and Government; As may be feen in feverall of thefe divifions mentioned at Antmb , Con-Jlantinopley&c. Upon which again followed,4. oppofit preaching amongft Minifters, each condemning others as Schifmaticks, and not to be keeped commu-on with ; one calling that a duty which the other called a fin, and matter of humiliation, and contra-rily : As alfo, mutuall railing and reviling amongft the followers of fuch fides, which-often hath come to tumults s whereby it appeareth how great influence fuch things have upon divifion. Yea> J. it hath come to divide families; Often duguftine rcgrateth in hisEpiftles, thac their divifion made the man and wife whom one bed did contain , in an incapacity to be contained in the fame Church, where the fame faith was preached, and fo he urgeth it alfo in reference to parents, and children, and to matters and fervants. There are many moe things might be named, as cenfuring of men upon fuch difference ; for, then often feme adhere to them > which makech

a rent, as in thefe inftanccs of Bujiacbim and Cbryfo-fame is clear, urging the condemning of fome writings and tenents not fundamentall; Thus the preffing of the condemning of 0^»i writings (which are not fuppofed by fome to have been fo groffe as now thefe which are called his, are) did give much occa-fion of contention and divifion amongft men , who otherwayes did acknowledge all the fundamentall; truths comprehended in the generall Councels, and it is alike alfo , did not agree with him in his groffeft errours, yet would not judicially condemn him, and others fuch like.

CHAP. V.

What occafionall means may have influence upon divifion amongft the godly.

°X 7T TE come now in the third place to confi-. \/ \/ der, what occafionall means may have

^ influence upon this divifion amongft TAkbwm godly men; And fuch may be, 1. Some talebearers and fccret whifperers, who may have much influence to alienate good mens affe&ions, by mifreprefenting» the words and actions of others, under pretext of re-fpeft to them»when> in the mean time, it may be fome particular difcontent that putteth them on ; It is marked, that one Serapion had much influence to alienate Cbryfojiome and Severing , who formerly were exceeding intire, who fuggefting to the firft , many evidences of the others difrefpeft to him> as if he had been endeavouring to draw rhc people^ affe&ions from him ; and for that caufe,picked out fome words of Se)>eriwis, which being confidered alone, did found grofly, but being confidered in the Sentence as fpoken by him, they were not of fuch ameaning. 2* Often when differences arife amongft honeft men, there wanteth not many, who out of particular defigns do

she&

then foment that fire, cfpecially fuch as from fome other fear > take oceafion to exaggerate fuch a difference, becaufe the foftering of that difference i9 the preventing of what they fear: As for inftancc, tyry-foftome had threatned the cenfuring of many, of his f ears 0 j Presbyters for their faults > whereupon they took the^ wr , # oceafion of the differences betwixt him and Epu pbanius , SeVerinus , and others, to irritate and ftir up them againft him • and to fide with them in thefe differences; whereby the divifion againft him, and fuch as followed him, was maintained till it came to the height thereof, yet were neither the differences betwixt him and thefe other men > nor the perfons of thefe other men his op-pofitcs refpe&ed by them , further than ferved to their end of bearing him down, and fo of preventing the threatned and feared cenfure. $♦ Sometimes Ma- j,, . -^ giftrates have had no little influence upon this, either mi J^^i by pretending to fide with one party in thefe diffe- ^ ot9 lrs^ rences againft the other , when yet it was not thefe differences but fome other prejudice, as from free fpeaking or the likc> which did engage them. It is marked in that fame cafe of CJnyfo/hme , that the Emperour and Empreffe did concur to bear down his followers., and thofc that fided with him > becaufe of fome particular difcontent at his free preaching, for which caufe they were zealous executers of the Synods Sentence; As tbefe again that were oppofite to Cbry-foftomeof theClergie, did take no little advantage of thacjlifcontent, which they knew the Empreffe had at him. Or on the other fide, they are fometimes acceffory by weakening Government,and giving men acceffe to do what they will : when Bafilius hath rcgrated the great differences of the Church in Julian, and Salens their times, and fetting himfelf to find out the caufe thereof, he fettleth on this word in the Book of the Judges , In tbofe dayes there toas no IQng in Ifrael, \Oerymandidtohat fecmedgoodin bisoVm eyes: which

he

he doth not fpeak (imply, as if there had been no Government; but that by fuch as was > no courfe was taken, as the calling of Synods , or fuch like means, to reftrain fuch things, but rather they were Peoples e». entertained. 4. Sometimes alfo,the peoples engaging VVWi> anc * ^ing to fach differences, hath no little influence to heighten and lengthen the fame; hence we find that in fome debates,wherein Church-men have been alone engaged, there hath been fome ftop; but when it hath encreafed, to the Rating of parties amongft the people, it hath ever been more difficult; becaufe fo Minifters were the more encouraged and engaged to be tenacious; yea fometimes fear of difpleafing the people that adhered to them, hath not wanted its weight. Alfo, fo it turned more eafily to fchifm and fa&ion in pra&ice, when one part of the people would only call fuch a man of their Judgement; another part of the people* fuch another man of theirs; whereupon followed great diffentions and fa&iouf-nefle in Eleftions, and oppofice ordinations, by Bi-fiiops of feveral judgements: Whereupon followed, *• a rent in that particular Church ; one part withdrawing with their Bifhop and Minifter, and the other part with theirs, and neither keeping communion with, but feeking to overturn one another. And, 2. a rent among neighbouring Biffiops and Minifters , according as they were pleafed to admit either fide to their communion , and acknowledge or condemn either of the oppofite ordinations. And, r .?• Often alfo, there followed oppofite and eager ap-nu^ plications to the fupream Magiftrates and Emperourt fojteim co have chcir own re ^P c( ^ ive Elcftions ratified , and ratijine ^ at which was oppofice, by his Authority, crufhed ; ete#w«f« which often hath been followed with much bitter-nefs, and fometimes not without calumnies againft good men; and alfo not without prejudice to the Churches liberty 1 and advantage to corrupt men or Magiftrates, that were not tender of truth; who

thereby

part4» Jt -f rcauic concerning vandal, ju>

thereby had occafion to intereft themfelves, and advance their own ends the more; and it is marked of dnaftafius the Emperour, who was a Monothelite, that he took occafion upon hot differences in the Church amongft Divines, ( who did in both fides differ from him, though one of them was but found ) without refpeft to right or wrong , equally to endeavour the fuppreflingof both by fending them into exile ; and whcnM agiftrates were more equal to and tender of the Church, as Tbeodofius , GratianM,&c. yet they were exceedingly troubled with fuch adreffes > and put to hear fuch complaints even amongft and againft men fully Orthodox and found, only differing in fome particulars which had brought on oppofite ordinations , as in the cafes of Mtletius and Taulinus , Eujtachius and flaUanus , with their refpeftive competitors : all which concuring with that heat and fervour wherewith Churchmen do ufually of themfelves follow their differences > did not a little contribute to the heightening and lengthening of divifions and rents, upon the fmalleft occafions. 5. Occuring ^if Gdn ^ mifcarriages of perfons differing, have often had in- a J p r fluence to increafe and continue a breach , that is, f Cr f Qns% when fome perfons on either fide become more groffe in other points of Doilrine, or in practice 5 or fol-,low their defifens by means that feemgroffe and unwarrantable to the other ; or when fome of one fide expreffe unjuft calumnies on the other: this doth exceedingly alienate affe&ions , confirme jealoufies and fufpicions, and readily doth engender new Queftions and controverfies; becaufe fome are led to oppofe and condemn, and others to defend fuch practices; therefore there muft be oppofice principles fuitable thereunto > and fo they multiply from one ftep to another: whereby it cometh to pafle, that often where there is but one difference at firft, after a time many do arife, which dotbmake the removall of divifi-o»sto be al^ayes the longer the more difficult: K Whcnct

30D c>? Tremje concerning Sic a n r> a l ; Part 4*

Whence we fee, that feldom one difference continued any time > but there was an addition of many, and that of greater concernment, that, it may be> ftuck, whenas the firft rife might have been removed. Occuring 6. Sometimes alfo occurring difpenfations in provi-dijperfati- dence will give occafion to this tenacioufneffe, as ens of pro* fuppofe there be a feeming advantage on the one fide vidence* to through their point, and bear down the other without uniting, it is fuppofed to be confeience and prudence to make ufe of the fame: Hence we will find in Hiftory men more or leffe inclinable to unite, as they apprehended their party to be more or leffe ftrong* fometimes alfo Tome lingular-like ftroak upon the perfons names or families of eminent op-pofers i proveth a confirmation to the others who efcape, as if their way were more approveable, and the others more remarkably condemned ; for (b are men ready to mifinterpret the moft occafionall thing, which for other ends may come upon any with whom they differ. Thus Zuinglius his death did not only prove matter of infulting to Papifts,but even by Luther and others was mifapplied; and Carolofladim his foul defe&ion > afterward became an occafion to harden many , in condemning his condemning of keeping Images in Churches, though without any worfhip; becaufei upon the back of that debate, Luther had fet him forth as a light, unfettled, unftable perfon, whofe judgement was not to be valued ; which accordingly falling out,made many keep up the opinion contrary to his , as if by his fail it had been ratified } And we think, that if either Chryfoflome or Epipbaneus their wtfhcs toother refpeftively had fallen oat but upon the one fide , it alfo might have had influence ; but feing both came to pafle, we conceive that thereby the Lord would keep men from being confirmed in their differences upon fuch difpenfations,and (hew himfclf angry at the carnalneffe of good men> even in their fmalleftdifference on both fides*

In the fourth place 1 we have toconfider, wherein the ftrengthof the tentation to keep up divifion doth ly. in refpedof fcveral circumftances that may have influence, efpecially upon Church- men.

1. There is engagement, credit, and fuch like, Pcrfonatl^ which fteal in, and vent in heat and tcnacioufrefie ndit »& under other appearances, as of zeal for Godb honour, ivg watt refpeft to the credit of the Mimftry , and of the Or- dvert of dinances: And in this it feemeth not to be any per- \** 1 1 0T fonall credit or reipcft that fwayeth them, but zzz\9*&

for, and refpeft to the Matter, as is infmuatrd in the Difciplcs carriage, Lu\. 9. in their feeking to be avenged on the place that would not receive Chnft, by fire from heaven, ver 54. and alfo in their forbidding fome to caft out devils, even in his name, be-' caufe they thought it not for Chrifts honour 7 ibid, verf. 49.

2, The tentation hath often with it great confi- Tv ^ deuce of the jultnefs and equity of their own M&znd ircun j ed of the unreafonablneffe ot their adverfaries. There % n jtdence. may be in part much ground for this, where the con-troverfie is fome doubcfull, difputable thing : How

great confidence have both Job and his friends in their debate, 80 that both of them are frequent in de* firing Gods decifion, when as neither of them in both matter and manner was fully approveablc. Sometimes alfo there may be a perfwafion very Satisfying to the party, when yet it is not from God; this was in Galatia, cap. T. ver. 8, it is like on both fides- even when they were biting and devouring one another ; for, we find often in cxperience,that a difputablcthing, being for a time pleaded for, will become as palpably clear , and altogether necrflary to theie who have difputed for the fame> beciufe engagement bribes the light > and pcrverteth even the wildom of the juft. Hence we fee 1 that the longer one plead for a thing, he becometh more confident therein, becaufe his own , pjeading fecretly prevaileth more with himfelP, X 2 tha«

308 A Treatife concerning Scandal. Part £

than reafons propofcd by any others to the contrary can*

3. There is a ftrength in the tentation, in this* that not only the matter is thought juft, but it is thought neceffary and of great concernment, if it be, I. a Queftion of themoft circumftantiall truth, (if we may fpeak fo ) it looketh out as neceffary > and a thing that cannot be quit yea, even thofe who are engaged to maintain that fide where the errour lies, will cry up the controverfie as in a high point of Chriftia-nity. Amongft the Fathers, thelethat: maintained the Millenarie opinion, and Chrifts perfonall reign, thought it a point of high concernment; Jujline Martyr in his Dialogue with Trifo, faith, he is no Chri-flian, Orthodox in all things, who doth think other-wife ; and in later Popifh Writers , how is the ne-ceflity of oyl> chrifme , and fuch like pleaded for ? which (heweth what impreffion the appearing weigh-tineffe of fuch things will have on them, as if it were a main foundation of Religion. And, 2. if it be a matter of faflt or Government, it is thought of fuch concernment for the good of the Church that they cannot quit it, without being acceffory to the corruption and hurt, or to the marring of the authority thereof: Hence foofrcn are the faults and con-fequents of the adverfe part aggreged; canons and constitutions alleaged to be broken, as we may fee ( amongft other inftances ) in that debate betwixt fyme and C°nft<mtinople for precedency before Anti-chrift was revealed, onealleaging an aft of N/V?, the other , an a& of the Councel of Cbalcedon , and tityme pretending the intcreft of Saint feter , and the A panicu- good of the univerfall Church. And, 3. if it be a /drwj//fo^e difference about perfons, as who is to be acknow-ef mens ledged Bifhop or M«nifter, or if fuch be lawfully or-t e '( 0tts and da.ined, depofed,&c. then fuch as they oppofe, are tarns, conceived to be notorioufly hainous; and fuch as they arc for, are believed to be incomparably fingu-

lar

Iar and eminent, and therefore it is no wonder that they prefle vehemently their point > as thinking that much of the good or evil of the Church doth depend upon the admiflion, orrejeftion of (uch men refpe-dtively and this floweth inadvertingly from the former differences \ becaufe, when they are confident that themfelves are ripht in a main point, they necef-fariiv muft think thefe wrong and untender who are oppofit in fuch a thing, and the hotter the oppofition grow , they think (till each other the more grofly ob-ftinare : By this alfo they are difpofed to hear and receive reports and mil-informations concerning their opponents ; where-by they come verily to believe, that they are even in all other things, and in their very ends anddefipns, moft grofle. Andi Ifuppofe, that befide the inftances formerly given in all thefe re-fpefts, the differences that aroie fir ft betwixt Luther and CdrotofladiuStznd afterward betwixt him and fuch as followed him on the one fide, and Zutnglius, Qafo'in and others upon the other fide > do fully demonftrate this; How little were thefe beginnings at firft, and yet how were even the fmallett differences aggreged, and the perfons differing miftaken , even before thefe differences came to the height which they are at? And we may obferve alfo , that this miftake of mens perlbns and aftions, and bittcrneffe that foiloweth thereupon, is moft ordinarily difcernable to be upon that fiJe, where there is leaft to be faid in confciencc and equity for the defence thereof.

4. Adde to thefe a conviftion of fingleneffe , that ^. €o7tv:m p?rfons may fcem to themfelves to have in all the for- &* on 0 '~ mer fteps, wherein there may be no pofitive, corrupt P n < lene P end propofed. nor any palpable diilimulation in their !^'™^j* profeffiijns, entertained or approven by them: but as adhering they have fome confidence of the equity of their fide; fo may there be an apprehended teftimony of their own fingleneffe in the following thereof: and there is a great ftrength in the tcntation to contipue divifion, X 3 that

that lyrch here; for. when men apprehend their own fingleneffe and (heightneffe, and, it may be, have acceile to God, and have liberty to pray, even in reference to fuch things, it is not eafie for a man to flop himfelF in tbac way ; and yet it cannot be thought, but amongft the inftances of fuch divifions that are given, that men on both fides had a finglc end and mind , did pray snd had acceffe in prayer; yea, no,q lettion, many of them might go to heaven with fuch differences on both fides; for, we will find them continue zealous in fuch, even to death. Neither ought this to be thought Grange; for, thebeftbut know in part, and are fubjeft to miftakes, and their zeal and fingleneffe is fquared according to their knowledge: It was fuch zeal, that is not according to knowledge (though in the moft fundamental! things ) that made Paul and others, with a kind of fingleneffe, pcrtccute the Church ; therefore proportionally , there may be a zeal and fingleneffe in leffer things when there is ignorance of them. Fcdr of 5. After engagement the tentation is ftrengthened lofm* ere by this, left, by after- ceding, their former pra£hce in tit by re- being fo eager, be condemned, and they lofe the wmngi weight of their Miniftery in other things, and their refpeefcive followers, which poffibly may be more tenacious and zealous than themftlves, (hould be irritated and provoked 5 which things look to them as greater prejudices, even to the work of the Gofpel, than their continuing divided. It is written of Lu~ ther in his life, That being in conference with Melan-titbon and others in his laH voyage, he did acknowledge to thcm> that he had been too vehement and peremptory in rhe Doftrincof the Sacrament; and when they U: gcd him then to publifh (omcthing con-caning ta lame he replied. Thac he tcared by that to dinunifh the authority and weight of what he had ehe appeared into for God> a: therefore did forbear it; widiall,alio wing Mtlancfh.n after his death, to do in that as he thought flu 6. Some-

6 % Sometimes alfo , the tentation is ftrengthned by Fetrof apprehended confequents of hurt and prejudice to hurting thefe that fide with chern in fuch a thing from others, their fob in cafe there (hould be ceding in fuch and fuch parti- lowers* culars for union, or that by fo doing, they might make themfelves and their caufc odious to others, who poflibly may be thought to have more refpeSive thoughts of them, becaufe of their differing in fuch things from others. It is written of Luther , that he gave this as a main reafon why he keeped up the Sa-cramentary difference, and would not unit with £W-tin and others in that Head, becaufe, faid he,that opinion which the Sacranientartes ( as they were called ) hold, is generally more hatefull than that of Confab-jlantiation,znd will make the Princes and ochcrs more obnoxious to malice and hatred.

v 7. It ftrengtheneth the tentation alfo i when men Tbt taitd-do not look upon the difference fimply in it felf, but tionftreng. comparatively with refpeft to the principles and car- tbened by riages of others their opponents* and by confidering ioo\ivg-on things that are difpleafing in them and their way, *be fad-they are made the more tenacious, and brought zo in & so f°2 m juftifie themfelves the more. Hence it is in fuch di- w ltu vifions, that the great ftreffe of debates lyeth in reflections, criminations and recriminations, as if this were the only vindicating argument, They that are oppofit to us in many things of their carriage are wrong, Therefore our way is right, or we have reafon to divide from them ; And hence it is, that almoft neceflarily fuch reflections are ufed in fuch debates, where the matter is not of fuch moment and evidence, asthemoft convincing defenfive arguments upon either fide , as in thefe debates, between Jerome and %^^5,cited, where there is no difpute on either fide but criminations on bodi \ Alfo inthc Donttifts their reflj&ions, this may be obferved.

8. In fuch differences alio, men are ready to think Hope of the 1 that the other (hould and will cede to them» and will Miing of X 4 not ethers.

Ji* *XTreatife concerning Scakdai. Part 4.

not hazard divifion upon fo little a thing. Hence, many have been drawn on to dWifion from fmall beginnings, which they would not have yeelded to, had they known the confequents thereof, or had they not expe&ed that the other (hould have yeelded, wherein beingdifappointed, the engagement thereto becometh more ftrong,and the divifion more irrecon-ciliable. This is marked of Viftor, of whom it is faid , that he had not been fo peremptory > had he not fuppoled, that in fuch a thing the other fiiould have yeelded.

CHAP. VI.

What be the fadeffetts of Aivifion , and the nc-cejptj of endeavouring unity.

HAving now fome way difcovered the nature and caufes of the evil of divifion, it may be eafily conjeftured what will be the effefts thereof, which ever have been moft deplorable, as to the torturing of thefe that are engaged, to the fcanda-lizing of the weak, to the hardening and breaking of the neck of many profane light perfons, to the fpoil-ing of the Church in its purity, Government, order and beauty of her Ordinances, and which is more,; to the wearing out of the life and power of Religion; yea, which is above all, there is nothing that doth more tend to the reproach of the bleffed Name of our Lord Jefus, that makcth Chriftianity more hateful], that rendereth the Gofpel more unfruitful^ and more marreth the progreffe and inter eft of the Kingdom of our Lord Jefus , and, in a word, doth more (hut out all good, and let in by an open door every thing that is evil into the Church, than this wofull evil of divifion doth , according to the word, Jam. 3. \6. Where enty and jlrifets % there is confufion, andeVeryeVil ^or\. And we are petfwaded, that who hath read

the

the Scriptures ,and the many and great motives whereby union is preffed , and have confidered the fathers what great weight they lay upon unity, and with whathorrour they mention divifion, even as maximum malum , or the greatefl etil that can befall the Church; Or, have obferved inChurch-hiftory, the many fad consequents and effedts that have followed upon this, and the lamentable face of the Church under the fame : when friends thought fhame , and were made faint; enemies were encouraged and delighted, and on-lookers were either provoked to mock at, or pity the fame ; Or, who have had fome tafle in experience of the bitter fruits thereof, will, and if they be not altogether ftupid,cannot but be convinced of the many horrible evils, that arc in this one evil of divifion. Sure there is no evil doth more Suddenly and inevitably overturn the Church than this; which maketh her fight againft her felf > and eat her own flefh, and tear her own bowels: fori that a Kingdom divided againft it felf cannot ftand , is the infallible maxime of Him that was greater and wifer than Solomon. And when things are compared, it will be found , there is no more compendious way to blaft the fruit of Ordinances, when they cannot be removed or corrupted, and by fo doing, todeftroy and carrv fouls headlong, than this, That a Church in her Minifters and Members fhould be engaged thus > to bite and devour one another , and to counteract to the actings one of another; This we fup-pofewill not be denied*

It will alfo readily be granted , That ir is the duty of all Chriftians, eipecially of Minifters of the Gof- ™* J"ffi9 pel, to endeavour the preferving of unity , and, the 0 f € ™ cavQf -preventing of divifion , and the recovering of unity, '"*J^'ju and removing of divifion, by healing of the breach °^ ^ when it is made. Never did men run to quench fire in a City, left all fhould be deftroyed, with more di-ligence,than men ought to beftir thcmfelves toquench

this

this in the Church ; never did mariners ufemore fpeed to flop a leak in a fhipjeft all (hoald be drowned, thaaMinifters efpecially, and all Ghriftian men, (hould haft to flop this beginning of the breaking in of thefe waters of ftrife , left thereby che whole Church be overwhelmed; And if the many evils which follow thereupon , the many commands whereby union is prefled 5 yea, the many entreaties and obteftations whereby the holy Ghoft doth fo frequent! y urge this upon all, as a thing moft acceptable to Him, and profitable taus; If, I fay , thefe and many other fuch confederations, have not weight to convince of the neceflicy of this duty, to prevent, or heal a breach, We cannot tell what can prevail with men, that profefle reverence to the great and dread* full Name of God, confeience of duty, and refpeft to the edification of the Church, and to their own peace at che appearance of the Lord in the great Day, wherein the peace-makers (ball be bleffcd; for, they fliall be called the children of God.

B'

CHAP. VII. Cjeneral Grounds leading to Vnity.

illt now, it may be of more difficulty, to fpeak

particularly, to what indeed is, duty, at fuch a

time when a Church lyech under rents and di-

y , , f vifions. For, though the general be granted, yet of-

divWonmoft cen > lt is di ^ cu ^ c to ta ^ c U P che particular cure, and

difEGUit. yPC more difficult fingly to follow the fame: It being

ftill more eafy to prefcribe rules toothers, than to foU

low them our felves, efpecially in fuch a cafe, when

fpirits are in the heat and fervour of contention,

whereby they are fome way drunken with aflfeftion

to their own fide, and prejudice at the others, and

diftra&ed, as it were, with a fort of madnefle in pur-

fuing their adYerfaries, as that great and mcekDivine

Melancfbon

MehnBbon did exprefle it, fo that it is hard to get af-' fe&ions, that arc in fuch a temper, captivated to the obedience of light. And though we will not take on us to be particular and fatisfying in this, wifhing and hoping that it may be more effectually done by fome other ; yet, having come this length, we (hall, in an abftrafted manner, confider fome things in reference thereunto, and endeavour to hold forth what we conceive to be duty , elpecially to the Miniftersof the Gofpel* that have intereft in fuch a Church # , As alio what may be required of others, that may poffi-bly think themfelves lefleconcerned therein: Wherein we (hall keep this order, 1. we (hall lay down fome general Grounds, which we fuppofe as granted. 2. We (hall premit fome preparatory endeavours agreeable to the fame. ?♦ We (hall fpeak negatively to what ought not to be done, or ought to be for-born. 4. Positively to the healing means called-for in reference to feveral forts of divifion, with fome queftions incident thereupon. And laftly, We (hall confider the grounds that do preffe the ferious and condefcending application of thefe, or other healing means in fuch a cafe.

The firjl generall ground, which we take for An abfolute granted, is this, That by way of precept there is an ncctjjityldi abfolute neceflity of uniting laid upon the Church, upon a rent (6 that it falleth not under debate, Whether a Church Cburcb to (hould continue divided or united in the Theft > un ^ more than it falleth under debate, Whether there (hould be preaching , praying, keeping of the Sabbath, or any other commanded duty ; feing that union is both commanded as a duty, and commended, as eminently tending to the edification of the Church, I and therefore is (o frequently joyned with edification? Nor is it to be asked by a Church, what is to be done i for the Churches good,in a divided way, thereby fup-j pofing a difpenfation, as it were, to be given to divi-| lionj and a forbearing of the ufc of means for the attaining

3*6 ATreatifeconcerning Scandal, Part4 %

raining thereof} or rather fuppofing a Rating or fixing of divifion, and yet notwithftanding thereof, thinking to carry on edification ? It is true, where union cannot be attained amongft orthodox Mini-fters, that agree in all main things, (for, of fuch only we (peak) Minifters are to make the beft ufe of the opportunities they have, and during that to feek the edification of the Church; Yet, that men (hould by agreement ftate a divifion in the Church, or difpenfe therewith , and prefer the continuing of divifion, as fitter for edification than union, wefuppofe is altogether unwarrantable. I. Becaufe, that is not the Lord's Ordinance, and therfore cannot be gone about in faith ■ nor in it can the blcfling be expected, which the Lord doth comnand tothofe that are in unity, Pfal 13$. 2. Becaufe Chrift's Church is but one Body, and this were deliberately to alter the nature thereof: and although thofe who deny this Truth may admit of divifion; yea, they cannot have union, that is proper Church-union, which is union in Government, Sacraments,and other Ordinances, becaufe union, or communion in thefe, doth refult from this principle ; yet it is impoffible for thofe that maintain that principle of the unity of the Catholick vifible-Church, toowne a divided way of adminiftrating Government or other Ordinances, but it will infer either that one party hath no intereft in the Church, or that one Church may be mmy; and fo. that the unity thereof in its vifible ftate is to no purpofe: This then we take for granted. And though poflibly it be not in all cafes attainable, becaufe the fault may be upon one fide, who poflibly will not aft unitedly with others, yet is thisftill to be endeavoured, and every opportunity to be taken hold of for promoting

Vnhna °^ c ^ e ^ ame * ibinrattain. The/<<^ ground which we fuppofe, is this, That ableamong zs union is ever a duty, So, we conceive, if men in-OrtbodoM cereffed will do their duty, there can be no divifion Vivincs* amongft

amoneft Orthodox Divines or Minifters, buc it is poflible alfo to compofe it, and union is a thing attainable- For* 1. We are not fpcaking of cempo-fing divifionsthat are ftated upon the fundamentall things \ nor are we fpeakifig of removing all differences, as if all men were to be one in judgment in every point of Truth ,• there may be difference where there is no divifion,as hath been faid. Nor, 3. when we fpeak of mens doing their duty, do we mean a full up-coming of oyery thing in knowledge and pra&ice, and that in a fan&ified manner, though that ought to be endeavoured ; but it looketh principally to the doing of duty in reference to this particular (if it may be called fo ) of attaining union, a great part whereof doth confift in outward obvious things, which do neither require fimply fan&ifica-tion in the petfon ( though in it felf moft defirable ) nor perfe&ion in the degree, fome whereof we may afterward mention ; fo that the meaning is, if we confider union in it felf, without refpeft to mens corruptions, (which will make the leaft thing impoffible Ttfhen they are in exercife) it is a thing poffible, according to the acknowledged principles, that fober, orthodox menufually walk by, as experience hath often proven, and reafon doth demonftrat in the particulars afterward to be inflanccd. And this consideration ou*;ht the more prcflingly to ftir up the endeavour of this duty, although oftentimes through mens corruption it hath been fruftrated.

Thirdly , we premie, That in endeavouring union Eniedvou?^ and healing, men would not ftraiten it to an univer- j n g n vion 9 fall union in every thing , in judgement and pra&ice. dotfmptinfer but would refblve to have it with many things de- union in all feftive that need forbearance in perfons that are unit- pints of ed, which me may take up in thefe particulars,/wfgem*/tf 1. There may be difference of judgement m many ^f^'^ things, I mean in fuch things that are confident with the foundation, and edification; and fuch a forbearance

ranee would be rcfolved upon, and to do otherwayes, Were to think that either men had no reafon at all, or that their understandings were perfect , or at Ieafl of equal reach. 2. There may be diffatisfa-&ion with many perfons > whether Officers or Members 5 and to expe& a Church free of unworthy Officers, or Members, and to defer Church-union thereupon, is to cxpe& the barn-floor fhall be without chaff, and to fruftrate the many commands whereby this duty is preffed; for, fo thi» command fhould be obligatory to no Church, but that that is triumphant 5 yet certainly our Lord Jefus gave this command to His Difciples when fuel** was amongfl: them; and Paul gave it and pra&ifed it, when fome preached out of envy, Philip. 1. and when almoft all fought their own things, and not the things of Chrifl • And certainly, if people ought to carry even to corrupt Minifters who yet deftroy not the foundation, as Minifters > in the duties that becomes them to Minifters in coriununion with them, while they continue fuch, Then certainly Minifters ought to keep that communion with Minifters, that becometh their relations, feing they are ftill Minifters in that refpeft, as well as in the other. And if this corruption will not warrant feparation in other Ordinances,as wasfaid in the clofe of the fecond part, Then neither will it warrant divifion in the ordinance of government. 5. It may alfo be confident with many particular failings, and defe&s in the exercife of government, as poflibly the fparing of fome corrupt Officers and Members; yea, the Cenfuring of fome unjuftly , or the admiflton of fome that are unfit for the Miniftery , and fuch like ? Thefe indeed are faults, but they are not fuch as make a Church to be no Church; and though thefe have fometimes been pretended to be the caufesof fchifms and divifions in the Church in prafticc, yet were they never defended to be juft grounds of fchifms and divifions > but vvere ever condemned by all Councek

andS

and Fathers, and cannot be in reafon fuftaincd. For, I. therefhould be then no union expefted here, except we fuppofed, that men that have corruption, could not fall in thefe faults. 2. It is not unlike, but fomc of thefe were in the primitive Churches; fome-what is infinuated thereof, %&. 2. in thofe Church-officers, their tolerating of Jezebel and the NkoUi-tans to fed uce the people, and to commit fornication; yet neither is feparacion or divifion called-for , or allowed either amongft Minifters or people. Sure there were fuch corrupt afts of all kinds amongft the Jews Church-officers; yet is it clear, that Nicodtmu* and Jo fepb of Arimatbea did continue to govern joyntly, notwithftanding thereof? who yet cannot be counted acceffory to any of their deeds; Becaufe (which is a third reafon ) men in fuch cafes have accefle, even when they are prefent, to difcountenance fuch corrupt aftsi by not confenting thereto, andteftifying againft the fame > (yea, they may by fo doing, ftand in the way of many wicked a<3s, which by dividing they cannot do) which is fufficient for their exoneration both before God and men : As we may fee in the inftances of Jofepb and Kkodemm mentioned, who continue united in the government, keeped the meetings even when Sentences paffe againft thofe who will acknowledge Chrift , and orders for perfecting Him and them; and yet they are declared free, becaufe theydiffented from, and teftified againft the fame • yea , their freedom and exoneration by ver-tue of their diflent being prefent, is more folemnly recorded to their honour in the Gofpel, than if they had divided; And yet the unity of th<? Church now hath the fame ground, and no fewer motives to preffe Vnionmay it than it had then. 4. It may ftand with fomede-/^ ™ th fefts in Worfhip , manner of Government, andf° m *J e f' as rules that are ncceffary for good government in a ln y °W Church. It is like, that many things of that kind, Zr**Z* weredefaSiveinthe Church ofCgrwtb, where thc^ ■

Sacra-

5 2o *A Treatsje concerning Scandal. Part 4.'

Sacrament was Co diforderly administrated fas hath been marked) confufion in many things of WorChip, andfome things ftill tobsfetin order 5 yet doth the Apoftle no where prefs union more than in thefeEpi-ftles> as formerly hath been marked ; neither can ic be thought that perfe&ion in all thefe is ever to be ex-pe&ed, or that union, untill fuch time is to be delayed. And if there bz defe&s of chic kind , ic is union and not divifion that is to be looked upon as the commended mean for redrefling of the fame. Jff hl ?\ &t Jf ic be asked then, With what kind of defefts or \ini of ,«*-dilcontents may an union b^ made up? or, what

Jc ™ Rules may be walked by therein? Foranfwer, We my bcmatlc 0 fa thefe Cotl f ldcrations or Rulcs>

^ 1. What cannot warrant a breach where there is

union,that cannot warrantably be the ground to keep up a divifion ; Now there are many mifcarriagesor defe&s, which are really groffe >and yet will not warrant a fchifm, as ali chat write thereon do clear, and is obvious to all. The reafon of the confequence is, Becaufe making up of a breach is no lefle a duty,than preventing thereof; And further, if it began upon fuch a ground, Then the continuing thereof upon the fame ground j is but the continuing in the fame fin; and it cannot be thought that any party by dividing upon an unjuft ground, can afterward be juftified upon the fame ground ; It remaineth therefore, that j if the ground was not fufficient atfirft to warrant a i feparation or divifion,it cannot be fufficient afterward I to continue the fame.

k ^ule 2. Such defers as do not make communion in a Church, arfd in its Ordinances finfull, will not warrant a feparation or divifion from the fame; for, this folioweth on the former. It is acknowledged by £all, that there is no feparation from a true Church in j fuch Ordinances, as men may without fin communicate into, although others may be guilty therein ; as, ftippofementohaveacceffeto Government without y fuch

ATretttfe conctrmrtg scandal. Part 4. 321

fuch bonds and engagements, and fuch like, as may mar their freedom in following the light of the Word, in deciding whatever tTiall come before them, even though others (hould ftepover the fame.

Q(ule 3. Men may keep communion with a Church, when their calling leadcch them thereto upon the one fide, and they have accefle to the difcharge.of the fame upon the other ; this alfo followeth upon the former: for, if fome afitsofa man? ftation lead him to an united way of a&ing, ( as the duties of a fixed Minifter'do) then he is oblciged to follow the duties of his calling > whilft there is no phyficall or morall impediment barring him in the fame , and others being defe&ive in their duty, will not abfolve him from his, which he oweth by vertue of his ftation.

tyle 4. While the generall rules tend ibg to edification in the main are acknowledged , union is to be keeped, even though there be much failing in the application; becaufe, fo there are fit weapons to make ufeof, and who knowcth but fingle and zealous improving of them> may help the application thereof; and if there be a failing therein, it is the perfons d?ed, that by his vote fo mifapplyeth, and doth not involve any other in that guilt , befide that by joynt and united afting much of that mifapplication may through Gods blefling be prevented.

diule 5. Then there may and ought to be uniting when the evils that follow divifionorfchifm, are greater and more hurtfulltothe Church, than the evils that may be fuppofed to follow on union. I fpeak not of ills of fin, (for, the ltaft of thele are never tobechofen) but of evils and inconveniencies that may indeed be hurtfull to the Church in thcmfclves, and finfull inrefpe&of fome perfons, yet are not fo to all: Now, in fuch evils the lefler is to be chofen, becaufe uniting and afting joyncly in a Church- way, doth belong to the policy and government of the Ohurch>wherein Chriftian prudence is to have a main

hand , So that when things cannot be done as men would (imply , they are to do as they may comparatively! that is, to choofe and make ufe of what may be moft edifying, andleaft hurtfull to the Churches edification ( which is the great end that ought to fway in Government) amongft all thefe means that feem probable and poffible; So that the confeience raay have teftimonie in this, that the way that had feweft inconveniences* and manyeft advantages to edification, was chofen; and though fome inconveniencies fall out afterward, yet the confciencTe may be quiet on this ground: Becaufe, fomctimes the Lord in His providence will order fo in the matters of Government, that there is no fide can be chofen without inconveniencies; Asfuppofe, there is not full fa-tisfa&ionjtlany way that occureth in planting fuch a Congregation, in removing of fuch an offence, healing fuch a rent, and the like > but whatever fide be looked to, many hinderances to edification appear, yet fomething muft be chofen, and may be with peace to the confeience; becaufe we are to regulate our own aft fuitably to the providences, and cafes we meet with, and to the tempers of the(e wc have to do with; but we are neither to regulate nor anfwer for providences, and the diftempers of others. Indeed in fuch a cafe, the mind may be difquieted becaufe of fear ? andtheconfolationof the duty may be diminifhed* becaufe of fuch circumftanccs 5 and affe6tions may be grieved and jumbled, becaufe there is not full fatisfa-dtion; yet may the confeience have quietneffe and peace in its duty notwithstanding; and men are fpeci-ally to difcern and to put difference between peace of Wbcnin* confeience and the former difcompofures : other-convenien- vvayes there will be many cafes wherein it is impof-cicsare $n {fafe f or a 2e alous Minifter to have peace, whatever Al [ hai f! y fide he choofe, yea, whether he do or forbear. ™ h fl ^ lt k° as ^ c ^ en ■ What way men may difcern Vmt "* c fide ^at is to be followed in fuch a cafe, when

jncon-

inconveniencies threaten on all hands ? Anfw. By thefe and fuch like wayes. I. Ic is to be lookcd> what fide hath the moft dangerous and dettrudtive inconveniencies. 2. What inconveniencies are moft certain and inevitable > and the greateft and moft inevitable inconveniencies are to be ftiunned, and men would not choofe a certain hurt to cfchew that which is uncertain. 5. Ic would be looked , what fide duty lieth upon , or to what the command doth preffc; and although inconveniencies feem to follow that,yec it is to be followed as moft fafe. Now, as to all thefe, union hath the advantage o divilion : Btcaufe, 1. ic is a commanded mean rending to edification, which divifion is not. 2. Divifion hathnolefle nor fewer inconveniencies following ic> norlefle deftru&ive to the Church, than union in the cafe tuppoled ; yea, fchifm is one of the grcateft hurts that can come to an orthodox Church,it being next to herefie in Dottrine; and therefore no particular evil can be laid in the ballance with it. 3. The ills of divifion are moft inevitable) for the ills that follow union, through Gods bleffing may be prevented, it is nor impofliblep but in the way of divifion it is, becaufe it fclf is out of Gods way.

1 %dt 6. When men may unit without perfonal! jguiie, or acceflion to the defedtsor giuU of others, there may and ought to be union , even though there be failings and defeats of feverall kinds in a Church, The realons before given will cleat this, becaufe men lareto reckon not for other mens carriages, but their |own , and no fuch Church-ftate is to be expected as is free of defeats. Befide > can it warrand a man to abftain from his duty becaufe others do not theirs; whilcas there is no finfull impediment lying in the way of his acceffe thereto. If ic be asked, Whac may be accounted fuch impediments, as a tender con-fcience may be juftly fcarred by from unking ? It may be anfwercd in thefe and fuch like, 1. If a Y a peiforf

perfon be put to condemn any thing he thinketh law-full in his own former pra&ice, or the pra&ice of others, or in fome point of Do&rine though never fo extrinfick, if it be to him a point of truth. 2, If he be put to approve the deed, and pra&ice of fome others which he accounteth finfull, or to affirm fomewhat as truth which he doth account an errour. g* When fome engagement is required for the future, which doth reftrain from any duty called- for , or that may afterward be called-for. Thefe and fuch like involve perfons in the fin of what is paft , and alfo maketh them acceffory to the inconveniencies which may come ; becaufe they are bound up with their own confent, from endeavouring the preventing thereof in the way of ducy > at leaft it is fo to them,,and fo defileth their confeience. Therefore fuch entanglements are by all means to be forborn ; but where no fuch thing is in condemning or acknowledging any thing chat is paft, nor any fuch reftraining bond in-confiftent with duty for the time to come, there may be accefle to union, even where there are many pub-lick defers, which is the thing i:aid down to be cleared. r MtutuaU In the fourth place we premie, That for attaining coniefcenL of union there would be , and there ought to be, i»l mef- large mutuall condefcending, that is, that both fides far/, ought to ftreach themfelves, not only to forbear what

is finfull 5 nor only to condefcend to what may be thought fimply neceflary, and may be extorted as duty in any cafe; Nor yet ought condefcending to be upon one fide levelled according to the length that another goeth, but condefcending would be levelled mutually according as expedience calleth for, with • refpe&to the edification of the Church 5 for which end even many infirmities of others are to be forborn, and things otherwayes unreafonable in refpeft of thefe men we have to do with, yet refpeft to the Churches peace, ought to make men cede in thefe;

for ?

for, if there ought to be condefcending for private peace, much more ought it to be for Church-peace and publick edification : and though we cannot nor will not now be particular in this, yet concerning it, we may lay down thele con (iterations,

1. In what may involve a man in fin, or in the ap- wbtrdn probation thereof in ochers, there is no condefcend- there muff ing, but what length may warrantably be gone>&* no son-even to cheutmoft border of duty, men ought to go defending for this end; fo that nothing ought to be a flop or march in condefcenfion, but this, i cannot do this and finagainftGod ,• other wayes, one ought to be all things to ochers. This confederation will be more clear, by comparing it with the former Rules, and what afterward may be (aid.

2. This condetcenfion would be mutuall upon It ought te both fides, that is, one party would not expert full be mutual* fubmiflion from che other, for that is not union , but dominion.; Hence the Apoftle in his preffing of union in fuch cafes, doth ordinarily pray, and obteft both fides. And feing affeftion is the main ground of union, it is fit, there fliould be condefcenfion for mutuall teftifying of refpect each toother. This is alfo confirmed by an Epiftle of Cafaines to Mr. l(nox (afterwardcited) wherein he preffeth that condefcenfion be mutuall for removing of a divifion that was in his Congregation at Frantford.

3. Even that party that feemeth to be righteft in^ Jt u c the matter, or to have authority on its fide, or to ou ^ t t0 ^ have countenance from others, ought yet to conde- mo ft £e ^ fcend , yea in fome things to be moft condefcending, legending becaufe fuch are in fomc fort parents and ftrong; they ought therefore the more tenderly to bear and cover the infirmities of the weak: and becaufe they are morefober and atchemfelves, they therefore ought to carry the more ferioufly toward others, whom they fuppofe to be in a diftemper,and not to be equally groffe in handling the tender things of the Church, Y 3 whereof

%i6 A Treattfe concerning Scandal. Part4;

£ n thit w ^ crco ^ utt i° n ls » «iain one: And confidering that which is au *hority * s 8 iven far edification 1 it is not unluitable r/zfo tfwi * Qr ,c to con«: ! cfccnd tor attaining its end ; for which batbautbo- cau k we find often TW, laying by his authority in f ity ^ fach cafcs,and intreating and wooing, as it were, even

chemeaneft diffenters, in this matter of union, as we fee him > Pbtl.q. befecching Euodtas and Syntkbe (who were it is like but very private pcrfons) to be of one mind. And in ancient times we will find, 1. fometimes the innocent party ceding and conde-fcending , as in the caie betwixt c Bafihus and Eufebius atCefarea: <BaJihus % though having the belt fide, and of greateft account, yet did firft cede, by withdrawing for the peace of the Church *, and afterward, for the good thereof* to wit? the preventing of its being tainted by the ArUn hcrefie, he did return, and con-defcend to be fubjeft to him who was in competition with him, which tended exceedingly to the good of that Church, to the removing of that Schifm, and the great praiie and commendation of his zeal and fingleneffe. 2. We find that oftentimes the moft tender and fincere > and thefe who were upon the Tbejwb* riRhtfide, have been moft condefcending > and of-did the tentimes thefe who did the wrong ( fuch as it was) wrong, or- were moft averfe from condefcenfion, as in all the dinarily Schifms that have arifen upon frivolous grounds will mojt a- appear. 3. Thefe who condefcended moft in fuch virfc from things, have ever been thought the greateft friends poniiefw t0 c h e Church , even fometimes when they have been 4* n & deepeft in the rife of the Schifm, and when their fide was not fo juftifiable as the other, yet by condefcend-ing they have commended themfelves more to the Churches friends than their oppofitcs. It is marked in that fchifm at Antiocb, betwixt Miletim and Vault-nttt , who were both Orthodox, yet had they divided governments,and Congregations in the Church, becaufe of different Ordinations which had keepeci them rent for fome time j and although Miletim his

Ordina-

Ordination and entry was not fo juftifiable according to the Canons , as the others was; yet the parties te-nac ousupon either fide being ttrong > there was ac-ccfle to fettle it by no authoritative decifion : wherefore it came to a treaty by means of thefc that were appointed Arbiters, that fo union and communion in the Ordinances might be made up in that Church ; at which conference Mile tins overtured, that they might joyn together as Bifhops to take care of one Flock while they lived , and after the death of either, he who furvived (hould be only Bifliop of the united Flock , unto whom one only fliould fuccecd to have charge of ail, for preventing oi divifion for the time to come ; to which overture, ^aulinus would not ac-quiefce, but flood to the formality of order without valuing the Churches peace, or propofing any juft ground of exception againtt Miktm perfon or Doctrine ; he , to wit, Taulinus was counted unworthy to govern fucha Church, and removed therefrom, and the other as more worthy becaufe of that his condefcending,was therefore alone invefted in the government therof. 4. We will find them fometimes • yeeld in all particulars that do not involve any content unto > or approbation of what is wrong. It is marked by Augufiine in his Writings againft the ©P-natifls, that fometimes Councels that have condemned men , have for peace without any fatisfa&ion, again reflored them upon after thoughts; and he marketh ic as a great condefcenfion of the Bifhopj of Spain, chat they did fo in the cafe of Oftus when he was found innocent by the Preach: they did not (faith he) perti-nacioufly 'frith animoftty defend their former Sentences, left tbeyfhould fall in the furiledge of a Schifm, Ifrfsich doth » exceed all frichdneffe ; and "frith that humility, peace Xbas peeped , becaufe (faith he ) they had rather be cghivjl their olfrn Sentences , than the unit) of the Church. And he doth upbraid rhat principle of the jDonatifts eft the cafe of one Vrimitmt, who was refuted to be reftored Y 4 by

by an after Councell of theirs, becaufe a former pretended Synod of their own had depofed him, alleging, and abufing that word of the Apoftles for that end, Gal.i. If I again build what I have de-ftroyed, then am 1 found a tranfgreffour; and he doth more commend the pra&iee of Pretextaw and Velicianus, who being condemned (it is like unjuflly) by three hundrech and eighteen Bifhops, yet did , (faith he) for concords fake, return and joyn with thefe who did condemn them; and by them were Without all lofleor diminution of their honour > received into fellowship. And wat ever may be in the juftice or injustice of any of thefe former deeds, upon the matter , yet doth he only makeufeof them , to (hew what condefcenfion ought to be in fuch cafes for peace , both upon the part of Judicatories and particular perfons, how ever the matter doth appear unto them; tor he condemnetb not the rejc&ing of \Primianus becaufe he was unjuftly Sentenced, but becaufe there was not due refpefthad to the Churches peace; nor doth he commend the Spanifh Bifhops for recalling an un juft Sentence, which ought to be done for Jufttce fake; but that (though it is no qucftion they did think it juft ) they did condefcend to remove it for preventing of a Schifm > when they faw their deed difiuisfving to others. And it is fo in the other cafealfo, it is thefe mens fubmifllon to thefe that condemned them, as it evidences refpeft to concord, and notasconfideringany equity of the Sentence which is commended by him 5 this is in what he writeth contra Epiftolaip Harmenkni. lib. i.eap. 2.3,4 &c.

From what is faid, we may lay down thefe negative conclufionS;Concerning the upmakingofa breach amongft Godly and Orthodox men, where a Church hath harmony in the fundamcntall points, Faith, Worfhip and Government > and where the thriving of the Gofpel is mutually defigned.

I. Divi-

I. Divifion ought not to be endeavoured tobere- vivi/innot moved in fuch a cafe , in fuch a way as dorh unc'o or to be <utci deftroy either fide , becaule that is not thtgeed of bydeftryiitg the whole ', tor every part and fide in iuch a cafe, is a anyOrtbo-part of the body , although it may be not fo very dox fide *t confiderable, and it is no wifdom to cut off a mem- t art h btr of the body > and that way to cure a diftemper therein, wb npcffibly the purging away of corrupt humours from the body , or more gentle applications might recover the fame.

2. We fay , that way of uniting is not to be admitted, butfhunned, which may incapacitate any Minifter or member of the body that is fit for edifying of the fame, from having acceffe thereunto; for fo the Church is prejudged , and men are rendred unable for edifying thereof. And this is not only when Sentences are paft, or restraints laid on 5 But it may be in fuch like cafes. As, 1. when by the terms of union (bene perfon is grieved and weighted, byannexinp of fome unneceflfary thing which may be for born , becaule by this, men eo about duty with heavinefle, which is unproficable ro the Church, vnionisto 2. It maybe, when fomething that refle&eth upon be eQayed any fide, or perfon, unneceflanly > is interwoven ; with due re-becaufe fuch things ttill keep up fufpicion, and makeJpiftMch to the union the more heartlcfle, and doth both make other wnh-fuchper/ons more faint, and alfo in the leflercapa- ^tany not * city to have weight with others for their edifica- */^MP' 8 -tion , and doth leave a ground of diffatisfa&ion with

fuch an agreement> that is ready afterward to break forth; Therefore union would be effayed with all due refpect from each to other, and without any note of difrdpedt, ^ r^

3. We mav gather, that no fimply authoritative AU tbmtal mean is the fit and only way ot healing a rent- the way U Church : That is indeed the way of governing an the ft mean united Church, but not the way of uniting a rent- to begin the Church , cfpecially a Church rent in particulars oibealivg of a

praftice w£' ;wrcJ k

praftice and government; becaufe the remedy muft be extenfive to both fides, and in fuch cafes, atleaft, as to thefe particulars, Authority ufually is declined; and though it be unjuftly declined poffibly, yet when it is declined, it is unable to effeftuate this end ; and the remedy is to be applied, not as to what agreeth to a Church that is whole , but what agreeth to a Church in fuch a diftemper; evenasafick body is to be nourifhed not alwayes with the ftrongeft and wholefomeft meats which agree with fucf as are in health, but it is to be nouriftied with things fuitable to its diftemper, and are fit to cure it; yea, fometimes, with fuch things as may pleafe thetafte, when more healthfull things are not admitted. Alfo when both judgments are to be informed, and affections are to be gained, there muft be prudentiall and affe&ionat wayes ufed for gaining thefe ends. Hence we fee, that not only in Church-hiftory, but in the Scriptures efpecially, the duty of union is more pref-fed by perfwafions, intreaties, reafons to move to it, ills that follow the want thereof, and fuch like, than by an authoritative way, fuch as is ufed in the condemning of Hereticks, and other fcandalous perfons. And indeed union hath fuch conjunftion with the will and affe&ions, that it muft be perfwaded and cannot be fo commanded. And amon^ft fuch perfons as are fuppofed to be in this difference,privat and particular condefcenfion is rnoft becoming that refpe& which each ought to other. Thouzb one F/ /^' Wepremit, That fuppofe fufficient conde-fide fail in fcenfion fhould fail upon one fide, yet ought the other €wdc[<;cnd~ to condefcend fully the length that is poflible. ingtbeotber U Becaufe Church-union amongftChurch-men is ought not to no civil bargain to ufe prigging therein , but what is fiiL poflible is duty out of obedience to God, who com-

mandeth peace in other things ( and fo, much more in this) as far as is poflible, or as in men lyes. And, 2. becaufe refpeft is to be had to the Churches good,

whofe

whole advantage we (hould fcek, even though others were dcfe&ive; and often iuch condefcending gaineth more for the advantage of the Church, and commendation of the party condefcending, than if there had been more flicking, as we may fee in that praife-worthy inftance of B*ltlius his carriage , whoftuck on nothing, but abfolutely did lay by what was con-tended-for, without refpeft to his own right or injury, for the Churches good. And oftentimes it's one party their waiting for the others condcfccnfion, or taking occafion from their tenacioufnefle to ftick, that doth keep the diftance at a height.

6. Oftentimes in fuch debates as are amongft orthodox Divines and Mmifters, it Ieemeth they might be removed if one party fhould condefcend according to the qualifications and cautions formerly la id down; yea, it ieemeth it were fafcr for the Churches good in fuch a cafe, that either party fhould pra&ically condefcend to the way of the other , than that divifion fhould be keeped up upon fuch grounds. For, 1. It is not fuppofed here> that there is any matter of faith inqueftion , amongft fuch , often there was full harmony in the Confefiions of Faith, as in the inftances cited. 2. There is no queftion for Government fimply, nor for Councils and Canons, thefe al(b were acknowledged ; none did difclaim the general Councils , nor their a&s. 3. The queftion often is not amongft them, Whether others (hould be brought to their opinion or not, I mean as to the ftick of the divifion ; But often it is either, 1. upon fome miftaken exprefiion of another, or errour in fome leiTer point of Truth 5 And, in fuch a cale, it is that great Au-guftines word, ftijputable errours, or uncertain faults^ are not in their purfuit to be preferred to certain peace. Or, 2. it is for fome particular aft of Goverhment,or othermifcarriages by mifapplying of rules, or not walking according to them , or fomething of th3t ]uad, as was in contrary Ordinations of orthodox

men,

men* and fuch like: In which cafes, we fay, ( and it will be^ found from Hiftory ) That ic had been ever better for the Church, that either fide had practically condefcended to fuffer the other to rule and govern, and perfonally to have keeped themfelves free from accetfion to their guilt, whether of crookednefle negligence, or the like, than to have raifed or entertained divifions upon fuch accounts. For, often orthodox, andotherwayes blamelefle men, have b-:en made, by fuch divifions, fa&ious and carnal in their carriage, and much unufefull; who otherwayes,had they been free of that tentation, might have proved fober, and profitable; and, when the tentation was over, were found to be fuch.

7. We may obferve, that though in the primitive times there were diverfe ichifms and divifions, concerning Synods and Government, yet we will find that thefe contefts and divifions did flow from the matter and particular a6is and aftings thereof, and that there was hardly ever divifion tabled upon the formality of the conftitution of a Council or Synod; nor yet, that much difference was put betwixt declining of their authority, and of the Ails or Cenfures paft by them. Concerning which we mayobferve thefe generals, J# xn$ the l * ^ e m:itcer was "fifct an( * fitisfyin^ that was . dtiinzs ani concluded by many Bifhops and Church m:n, there not the for- was an acquiefcing in the authority thereof 2. If rndityofSy-thc matter were difpleafing and hurtful!, of whatever nzlsth&ioc-fotm it was, and of whatever number, its authority cdftontd dl- wis no: much refpefted , becaufe it confifted only in vifionofoll adding weight to thefe things , as we may fee in the jtrUn Councils, which were often very numerous, and others alfo that were erroneous, and oeherwayes corrupt, although there was no formal deciinatour, of them,or protection againft them as null; though there were (ometimes fome diflenticnts in them, yet was not their authority any way confirmed by the

for-

forbearing of fuch Proteftations or Declinatours* 3. Somccimes we will find worthy men appearing before and anfwering unto moft corruptly confirmed Synods , as was in thofe fame times, and although they were fentenced and depofed by them, yet did chcy never efteem thefe Sentences to have the more authority, as we may lee in the ca(e of Mbanafus y Cbryfoftom, and many others. 4. Sometimes they did proteft againft Synods as null, when they (aw violence and iniquity prevail in them* as was done in the Council of dntiocb, in the cafe of Euftacbiut ; and was done in the fecond Council ofEpbefus by Fhvia-mis and zAnatolm. Sometimes alfo upon fcen hazard, and defigns of profefled corrupt enemies, Proteftations were drawn in writ antecedently,* as in that Proteflation which the Reformers in Germany gave out againft the Council of rmrt,after its indidi-on ; becaufe there was no probable acccfle for Truth > to have liberty in fpeaking, and equity in judgment; AndasS/o>rfdtf hath icfetdown, they alleagedCpi/-luA for the firft pra&ifer of this, in the time that the Arians prevailed. This we may fee is their praftice when they have to do with profefled enemies; not flicking on formalities, but on what was matcriall. And again, amongftthemfelves, the Orthodox ufed not to ftick upon the trying and fcanning of the formality of any of thefe Councils ( for certainly in fuch corruptions as were fo univerfal, Synods corrupt for the plurality of them, might have been had with all the formalities and folemnities that could be required in the external conftitution of any lawfull Synod) but when they had occafion to meet, they went to the doing of what was for the prefentgcod of the Church, condemning the matter of fuch cor-rupt Synods ; which they did account fufficicnt in fuch cafes: And for difference amongft themfclves, when they were of a right temper, they did alio endeavour to redrefle fuch particulars as needed, and

CO

torcftore perfons unjuftly fentenced, and the like; Whereby it appeareth chat the matter both in things of general and particular concernment, did ever bear mod fway. Debatescon- ^' Although fuch debates concerning Govern-cetnint go* menc ^ cem mo ^ ea ^ e t0 ^ e rcmove d> yet often and al-vernment m0 ^ ever*they have been moft difficultly healed, and more Ai$- have been followed with prcateft bitterneffe atvi con-cultly rcmo-tention in the Church; for, different Judgements vci. (imply, and alio different Ceremonies, and different

prattices in other things, may conlift without direft oppofition or counterafting , and may either be the more eafily born or removed : but when it comes to Government, whole Sentence (hall ftand> whofe Ordination fhall be acknowledged, who (hall have place to decide fuch and fuch things, and the like? it is far otherwayes. Hence it came to paffe that men could keep union and communion with others that differed from them in far greater points of Truth ; but to perfons that did not acknowledge their Authority, or did acknowledge thofe that did controvert with them thereanent, they could by no means fo condefcend: Becaufe, i. in Government, mens own particular intereft is more concerned than in points of Truth, and that inadvertently ftcaleth in upon men. 2. Becaufe* in Government the queftion is not only for what is paft> but there is a fear of what may come : Hence men that have fom6 tettimony in themfelves that they are not ambitious of Government, yet having taken up a prejudice againft others, they are fufpicious that if fuch had power, they would mifcarry , not only in reference to them, but in reference to publick concernment; And therefore in removing fuch a divifion that is in point of Government, the great difficulty is not fo much to heal and remove what is paft, as to prevent the fear of what may come, if fuch continue to govern. And thismakech, that the refult of fuch diyifion is, That

either

cither chcy themfelves, or fuch as they have confidence in particularly , may have the weight of government upon them, which may indeed be aimed at with fome fincerity ; becaufe being fomeway alienated with prejudice > they do not think it fit for the good of the work, at leaft during that time, that any others fiiould have fuch truft ; and this made the heat of debates in the time of divifion, to break out mainly in the ordination of Bifhops, and planting of Churches; becaufe by that means their intereft in the government was keeped up, whereby there was after- acceffe to the management of every other thing according as this fuccceded.

CHAP. VIII. Some preparatory endeavours for uniting.

ALthough we have been fomewhat large in thefe generals > becaufe of the falling in of feverall things, yet we conceive it may be ufcfull to the point, and we may have the I fpeedier progreffe afterward in loofing this great que-ftion , What an orthodox Chucch divided in it felf in fome circumftantiall truths (tofpeakfo) or contrary praftices and actings, when flillagreeing in the fundamentals of Do&rine, Worfliip, Difciplinc and Government > and having mutuall efteemof the integrity one of another: What, I fay, fuch are called to do for the healing of that breach ? In reference to which, thefe things, or this method would be followed.

c. AlU efpecially Miniflers, would walk under ^^ the impreffion of the dreadfulnefle and terriblcneffc of ^ f a J*i m l fuch a plague ; It is like, if God were looked to as p H rr on 0 f angry at a Church, and at Minifters in iuch a time, ffo dread* men would be in the greater fitnefle to fpeak concern- julntfie of jing a healing. Some time therefore would be be- (mb ttftgue

flowed

flowed on this, to lee that confideration fink down in the foul, that the Lords hand may be taken up therein 5 the many fad confequents thereof would be reprefented to the mind > and the heart would be feri-oufly affe&ed and humbled therewith* asiffword, peftilencp or fire were threatened ; yea, as if the Lord were (pitting in Mimftcrs faces, rubbing fhsme upon them , andthreatning the making of them despicable, the blafting of the Ordinances in their hands, the loofing the girdle of their loins, and authority amongft the people* the plucking up of the hedges to let in Boars and Wolves to fpoil the Vines, and deftroy the flock ; and, in a word to remove His candleftick, fo that Minifters or octier perfons in fuch a cafe, have not only men that are their oppofits to look to as angry at them > but they have the Lord to look to as their party * whofe anger hath thus divided them; and the not obferving of this, makethmen the more confident under fuch a judgement; Whereas, feing it is a plague, men, even fuch as fuppofe themfelves innocent, as to the immediate rife thereof, ought to humble themfelves under the mighty hand of God, with refpeft to this as to other plagues.

A fearfull 2 ' ^ en wou ^ a ^° '°°k u P on ll as a ^ narc > & fnare in dh ^ ow man Y tentations have fuch divifions accompa-vifion. nyi°g them, efpecally to Minifter*; andalfohow many affli&ions, erodes and reproaches, upon the back of thefe! Might it not make a Minifter tremble to think upon the matter of divifions > that now be-fide all his former difficulties and ftraits, there is a fnare and trial in everv thing ; in everv Sermon that he preache th it is thus, left his own affeftjon fteal in for the zeal of God, to make him hoter and more vehement againft thofe that oppofe him in fuch things that are controverted, than he ufeth to be in things more nearly concerning to the glory of God. and left by difcovering his carnalneffe, he make his Minifte-ry despicable before others, vvhen he hearech he is in

hazard

hazard to be irritated by a contradi&ion; and though there be no contradi&ion, he is in hazard to lay the lefTe weight upon what might be for his edification, becaufe it is fpoken by one who in fuch and fucli things differeth from him. When he is in any Judicatory , there is a tentation waiting on, by the leaft motion of fuch things, to difcompofe all, and make fuch meetings fcandalous and burdenfome; by this allconverfingalmoft becometh heardefle and com-forclefle, the moft intimate brother is either (ufpiciou?, or fufpeited ; all conftru&ion of mens ingenuity and fincerity in any thing,are> for the moft part, grounded upon mens interefts, as if men after that had no con-fcience of finning, there is a failing of fympathie amongft brethren, <srt. And may not thefe and many fuch like, make Minifters circumfpedt in fuch a cafe, that they may be flow to fpeak to what may foment divifion, and wary in hazarding upon fnares. Alas, it is unlike this, when men ufe more confidence and liberty in conftru&ing, fpeaking and afting, and with leffe tendernefle in times of divifion than at other times; and were men once impreffed with the fear of finning upon the occafions of divifions, they would be much more difpofed for fpeaking of union.

3. Minifters and others would (oberly retire to ^^ m take a view of their own fpirituail condition, and v ' le Ji v * 0 f fee if they have keeped their own vineyard : w& mirinwaU particularly, before the Lord, put themfelvcs ro thefe. condition. 1. How union with him hatht)ecn prized , and if there hath bcen-ftudying to be, and abide, inChrift, and to keep themfelvcs in the love of God. 2. If there be any ground of quarrel! in the Jfrcfcnt ftrain or bygone praftice, that might have influence to provoke the Lord to fmke them in thcgcncralh Or> 3. and efpecially, If by their negligence and unfaitb-fulnefle, imprudency > heat, paflion, tenacioufneffe, addi<3ednefle to other men, and too much loathntifc ^ to difpleafc chem; prejudice at, and uncharitablnetfc 7* tittcd

33& * e/* i reattje concerning be and al. Part4»

unto others, or the like, they have been any way ao ceffory to the bringing in of this evil; for which caufe they would take a view both of the fins that procure it, and the evils which do difpofe for it) and increafe it, ( which were formerly mentioned ) and would be impartiall and through in this; for, it is prepofterous for men to meddle in removing publick differences., while they know not how it ftandeth with themfelves. Repcntdnce 4, When that is done, there would be repentance (uitable. fuitable to what is found, and extraordinary humiliation and fecret prayer to God , not only for themfelves and for their own particular condition, but for the publick, and particularly for healing of that breach, and that thereby God would fpare His people, and not fuffer His inheritance to be a reproach* , It is no little furtherance to union, to have men in a fpirituall > abftraded and mortified frame ; for, we are fure, if it remove not difference, it will in a great part moderate thedivifion, and reftrain the carnal-tieffe that ufually accompanied* it, and difpofe men to be more impartiall to hear what may lead further. Vnhnmuld S- Men would not fift in this, but as they have inky all wif- tereft , and are led by their places, they would cn-rantable deavour foberly , warily and ferioufly, by fpeaking, i-earis be writing, obtefting and otherwayes, to commend uni-commended on to thefe that differ; yea, even they that differ, uyto, and W ouid commend it to thefe that differ from them. puffed upon We f ee tJ)e Apoftles do this frequently in the New tbt(e xut Xeftament, and that not onely in the gcnerall to htbo'etbat Churches, but fome per fons arc particularly by name (irffet one °ktefted, as, Ibilty. 4. 2. And in the primitive times, «fon ant* Btfhops and Churches who were not engaged , did iter. ferioufly write, and fometimes did fend fome of their

number to Churches and eminent perfons that were dividedyand often their interpofingdid prove effe6tu* all. And when that difference between dngujlw and

Jeromz

Jerome did come to fomc height, he (to wit, dugu* pine) preflcd himfelf fo on the other,for the begetting of a better underftanding , and the abating of that difference, that he did prevail with him, and by their mutual 1 apologies, and better underftanding one of another, they came notwithftanding of their difference to have much refpeft one of another. For this end Policarpm came from Afi* to %orne , to ftay the di* vifion about Eafter 9 which prevailed fo far , that it . fitted for a time. Alfo men, efpecially of the fame judgement, would deal with others with whom in that they agree , to be condefcending, and ferioufly obteft them 5 and when they exceed, would objurgate them for the Churches good* This is often of great weight, and often alfo, men that appear moft in a difference* will be hoter and carry things further than lefle engaged men of the fame judgement will allow* and fuch ought not to be filent in fuch a cafe* Thus Irenewi (though of Vitfors judgement in the matter of Eafter) yet did boldly expoftulate with him for his vehemency in preflmg of the fame, to the hurt of the Churches peace, charging him to forbear and to follow union notwithftanding; which aft of his, is ftill highly commended> and ( as Eufehim ob-fcrveth) counted anfwerable to his name.

£♦ Serious and fingle thoughts of union would be ConfiAncf laid down, and that wduld be purpofly driven as the att ^fiH^ great duty ; fo that endeavours would not principal- **(* hereto ly tend to (lengthen a fide, or exoner themfelves, or get advantage to others, & c. but to make one of both; and therefore when one mean or occafion fai!eth,ano-ther would be effayed; neither would men weary or faint herein , although it prove often a moft fainting bufineflTe.

7. Men would endeavour all this with tenderfteffe With ten-and refpeft to mens perfons, actions and qualificati- dernefsani ons ; for, oftentimes the rife of a divifion, is in the f *ft*& alienation of affe&ions betweeti fome perfons; which Z 1 afecs-

afterward difpofeth to conftruft hardly both of their opinions and a&ions : and indeed often the ftick is here, chat mens affe&ions are not fatisfied one with another, and that maketh them that they do not truft each other: Hence we fee, that in the Scripture , the commending of love , and of honouring and preferring of others in honour to ourfelves, is ordinarily fubjoyned to the exhortations to union , or reproofs of divifion, as, fbilip. 2. Epb. 4. Mattb. 18. (?c. And we fee in the primitive times, when no mean could cure fchifms, one party (hewing refpeft to another, or to fome eminent head of the oppofit party, (it may be even after their death) did alley the fame, and engage thefe that formerly (bunned communion , to joyn with them. It is particularly obferved, That when at Conflantinople fome had continued feparated from the Bifhops government, and the Church thereof, after ^n/V^?w^depofition, for the fpace of thirty five years, and were called Jobanits ; ye: ^rocltit, who by fome interval fucceeded in that See, by recording C^/p/fo^'; name amongft eminent perfons, and making honourable mention of him, and bringing his body from the place where it was buried in his exile, and burying it honourably at Conflantinople in the great Church of the holy Apoftles, did fo appeal and engage thofe that had difclaimed all the in-terveening Bifhops, that inttantiy they did acknowledge him and joyn with the Church. The like alfo is mentioned to have been the end of that Schifm at Antiocb, becaufe of Euflacbitt&his removal from them? vjhtnCallaudion theBifhopdid return his body honourably to be buried* and went out with his party to receive the fame folemnly fome miles from the Town ; thofe alfo, who out of refpeft to him (to wit Eufldcbim) had continued feparated from the fuc-ceeding Bifhops for above an hundred years, now feeing the adverfe party put refpeft on him, they alfo did from that time forth joyn with them, Both thefe

arc

Part 4. A Treatife concerning Sc and a ii 34*

are recorded in the fifth Century ; and if refpeft to dead men be prevalent to enpage affedtions, certainly mutual refpeft and evidences of confidence amongft men living , would be much more weighty. This giving of refpedt would be manifefted in thefe and the like. 1. Rcfpcftive mentioning in word or wric of the perfons, and what concerns thofe that differ, cfpecially fuch as are mott eminent and leading amongft them. 2. There would be good conftrufti-onsput upon their end and intentions, and (incerky, even in fuch actions as are difpleafing. 5. Mens opinions and anions would not be loaded with grofie abfurditics and high aggravations) rfpecially in pub-lick ; becaufe that tendeth but to make them odious, and ttandeth in the way of a future good underftand-ing, when one hath propofed another as fo abfurd and hatcfull a perfon. 4 All perfonal reflexions would beabftained, as alfo flcighting anfw?rs, dif-dainfull-likc words and falutations,. and fuch like» would be fhunncd; But on the contrary,there would be love, familiarity, tenderneflc ", and if there have been any reflexion or bitterncfle to occafion miftake, yea,if it have been unjuflly apprehended, there would be condefcending to remove the fame. I have heard of a worthy perfon, who being led away in an hour ot tentation, was by many of his former friends afterwards difcountenanccd , whereby he was, as it were, engaged in a kind of difcontenc to defend his deed, and refent the difrefpeft of fuch perfons, which al-moll grew to a rent: but having occafion to encoun^-tcr one who was moft oppofic to his prefent way,who yet notwithstanding of all, did lovingly and familiarly j as ever, imbracehim, without mentioning any fuch thing ; it is faid, That his heart melted infiantly with the conviction of his former oppofition, and fo any further procedure towards a rent was prevented, when he fa w there was yet again accefs to the affections of the moft eminent of thofc he did differ from. Z 3 5. There

T

34a A Tnatife concerning Scandal. Part 4.

tnfrejfu $ f There would be expreffions of mutual confidence ens ofmu. in one another, which would appear not only in per-tuallconfi* fonail refpefts, but with refpe& to the Miniftery of dincc. f uc h a s they differ from, endeavouring to ftrengthcn and confirm that> which was the thing that endeared ( £afilim to Eufebius , that even while he differed, he endeavoured to have his Miniftery weighty amongft the people. 6, Refpeft would be (hewn to men of that judgment and fide (it being fuch a difference as is fuppoled ) they would be helped and furthered* andcounted,notwithftanding thereof, (if otherwayes qualified ) fit for truft and charge > for, this is not only engaging of a particular perfon, but of all the party, and doth hold forth a confidence in them not-withftanding of that; whereas the contrary is dif-pbliging and irritating of all, becaufe it propofeth all of fuch an opinion or pra&ice to be unworthy of charge or truft> which no man can well digeft ; and k fome way ncceflitateth them in a divided way to endeavour fome other way of entering> and to in-creaie their diffidence of them who fo partially (in their efteem at leaft ) manages matters, and prefers the ftrengthening of a fide, to the edification of the Church ; as any different party cannot but expound it , feing they fcem to themfelves to have ibme perfwafion of their own integrity in the main . , T work. 7. There would even be mutual vifits and H.Mvyiu f c |i ovv (hi pi c i v ii an d chriftian, as hath been ; yea, 1 rather it would be increafed; for if men have fome confidence that others love their per(bn^*ifpe£t them asMinifters, andeftecmof themasChrifiians, they will beeafily induced to truft the other as fuch alfo. 8. If rtfleftions and bkternefle be vented by fome { as even good men are too ready to indulge to themfelves a liberty in debate to exceed in this) yet there would,, be no fuch meeting given. Luther is cenfured for exceeding in this, even by fuch as loved him j and it is a mod excellent adyertifement that #*Mw giveth to

tBullenger and others, thus provoked by him, Epift.f7* That either they would not anfwer fuch a Paper ac alli or, in anfwering it, to remember, That the? had a moft eminent fervant of Chrift to anfwer, an" ib not to be provoked by his vehemency, feifr$ h c alfo had corruptions; and thus expreffcth his ow£ re , folution, Etiamfi me DiabolumVocaset, me tamen hoc ill 1 honoris babiturum, ut injignem { Dei fer\>um agnofcamgrc. It is upon this ground, that Auguftine and others, moft zealoufly affe&cd with the fchifm of the ^onatijis, yet becaufe they kecped in other things found in theFakh, they mention fuch of them as were fober, very honourably, and carried to them very brotherly ; and particularly heu'ed to vifit their Bifhops, if he had been goingelfewhere for Ordination or other affairs; and fome of them alfo ufed to vifit him, whom he entertained moft kindly, ever fpcaking to improve both for begetting a better underftanding, as may be gathered from inftances cited out of his Epiftles in what is before and after this. Sometimes alfo when he wrote to fome of them, hedefired them to write fo to himj as he might acquaint his people with both their Writings, and with his own, if they returned no Anfwer, that thereby he might conftrain them to rea-fonableneffe, yet faith, it (hall be part Vifcejjum viiti-turn, that it mi<>ht appear he intended not to make them odious. He doth alfo obferve* that a main thing that made the 'Donatifts averfe from yeelding to union, was a fufpicion which they had, that the C at ^ 0m licbj would ftill perfecute them if they had occafion, (peaking of a Conference, Ej>ift.i6i. he faith, dictum trat t ( meaning by thedonattfls) quod adbuc no/hi cos perfecuturi effent* which he with many words re-je&eth, (hewing bomEj>b. 4. that they had learned to keep union with forbearance: clfewhere alfo, as Epi(i 9 147. he excufeth the too great vehemenciebf thecxpreflions of fome that were on his own fide in that difference. All which fheweth the great necefli-

z 4 ty

544 *^4 Treatife concerning Scandal. Part/4.

ty that there is to recover affe&ions in the preflingof union, and how far men ought to condefcend in reference thereto, both in order to what is paft, and for the preventingof what may be feared* Stirringup 8.;Then Minifters would not only in their own to the life pratfice, but in their do&rine, and otherwayes, ftir and pra- up others to the pra&ice and life of Religion. We ftictofRe* ever find the Apoftle ufeth this way upon the back x>f U&ion. his exhortations to union, to prefle the working out of their falvation with fear and trembling, &c. Ancf in the Epittles to Timothy and Tittvs , when he dehorts Minifters from foolilh and jangling queftions,ftrifes and contentions, this remedy is either premitted or fubjoyned, that they would prefle the Believers to be Zealous of good works.and carefull to maintain thefe, 2i>. 3. 8,9. That they would follow after love, righ-teoufnefle, faith, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Ttm. 2. 22, 23. for, when cither Minifters or Profeffors are exercifed and taken-up with thefe things, there is little accefle to other things: then alfo they difcern the neceflijy of union the more, and are the more difpofed for it themfelves, and others are the more eafily induced to unite with them. Befide, it is never in fuch things that godly and orthodox men do differ, but it is in diverting from thefe; and therefore often much heat in particular differences,carricth with it, a decay and hike-, warmneffe in more pradlicall things; As on the contrary, zeal in thefe materiall things? doth ordinarily alley and mitigate heat and fervour in the other. 9. It is fit that there vverefolemn addreffestoGod Solemn ad- for direftine and guiding in the way to this end ; for, drfjjts to H e \ s the God of peace, and ought to be acknowledged & ■ in removing this great evil of divifion : Hence the

, Apoftle fubjoyneth prayers for peace, unto his ex-

hortations thereto h and we are commanded to pray for Jemfdlems peace* cVen Church-peace no lefle than Civil peace. It may be that the neglect of this is *» the

the caufethat found* godly and peaceable men, who Jove the welfare ot Zion , do yet continue divided , and cannot fall upon means of healing, that thereby the neceflity of the Lords interpofing may be decerned , and that there may be purpofed addreffes for this fame thing, andthatmenmay not undervalue .the thing, nor their adverfaries in it, fo as not to account it a rod, feing ic is God they have to "do with > nor be concent to lye under ic without aiming and dealing to have it removed by Him,as we would deal for the removal of any temporall plague , or cxpe6t . a blcfling upon this Gofpel.

CHAP. IX.

WhM things are to beforborn in order to uniting.

HAving laid down thefe generall helps, we are no'v to confider what is yet to be foi born and abftained from in reference to union : For, as . ordinarily divifions rife and are fomented , from and by doing and driving ot feme things, which others cannot concur in, or come up to; So when /uch things are abftained from , there is the nearer acceffe to union ; at leaft,it ftoppcth the impetuoulnefs of di-vifion, and maketh it to look liker a difference, which ( confidering humane infirmity ) is neither Co intolerable in it felf, nor hurtfull to the Church. Be fide therefore what hath been (aid for abftainingof per-fonal reflections, or what may irritate pcrions, or parties, or what may entertain jealoufie or diffidence amongft therm whereof fomeching hath been touched upon, We fhall add thefe things further,

I. All things that contribute to weaken the repute * .-j» * of others, or to beget an hard impreffion of them in a ^ ^f/ our felves or in others, in the general, would be for- % \ m WC ahcn born ; fuch as telling of reproachfull reports, even tbercputati-ihough they be true, much more if they be but re- on of others.

povced,

ported, yea, or the hearing of fuch with any delight, endeavouring to waken up difcontents in others againft oppofits, by fuch informations, folicitations and the like. Thefe are condemned in private mens carriages, and are the caufes of continuing fuch differences (for> where no tale-bearer is, ftrife ceafeth, Vro\>.i6.) much more amongft Minifters who ought not to walk as men. Alfo good heed would be taken to fuch as may have influence on advices, counfels and refoiutionstothat purpofe, left underhand-whif-perers, who really may mind fome further alteration in the Church, and may really be imbittercd at ho-neft men for their honefty, (hould yet infinuat them* Evilcwnfelklvcs with eminent men on both fides, and fo carry oh thedivifion, and difappoint the union ; As for inftance, Some, not altogether purged from Mamfm 9 . and imbittered at honeft Bifhops, as Atbmafim, Ofuu % and others, did fteal in upon the one fide of a debate, and held on the controverfie againft faithfull men; So Epipbanius was intangled byTbeopbilus of Alexandria to oppofe Cbryfjflom upon pretext of another difference ; Sometimes again, on the other fide, fuch as inclined to the Nobatians , wanted not influence to ftrengthen the oppofic party, and to keep them at a greater diftance from the other, as being grofle in receiving Traditores (as they called them) unto their fociety. Sometimes men juftly cenfured, or fearing cenfure from faithfull Bifhops* did fpread calumnies againft them, and made them odious, under pretext of their pride, arrogance, unfoundnefle and fuch like, even unto other orthodox men ; Sometinvs again, time-ferving men, by flattering Magiftrates did execute their revenge againft faithfull Bifhops, by keeping up Divifions againft them , driving on Sentences of Depofition, and fuch like, under pretext of other faults ; whereby the Churches peace hath been often marred and her divifions continued, as is clear in thofc fchifms and divifions at Conftantinople, firft> in

refe-

Part 4« A Treatife concerning Scandal. $47

reference to ^ry/offom, and afterward in reference to Ignatius, who,by a fa&ion in theChurch,was depofed, really to pleafe the Emperour, whofe inceftuous marriage he would not approve as they did : therefore I fay in the removing of differences, and refolving of duties in reference to union, there is great need of cir-cumfpedtneflfc in trying and choofing whofe counsels are to be laid weight upon 5 for, all men love not peace, neither feek fingly the good of the Church* and want not their own prejudices and grudgings at particular eminent perfons, who (where men are not very denied and mortified) will eafily fteal- in to mar a publick good, under pretext of particular refpeft to the perfon, whom, by fo doing, they ftir up. It's marked by Sleydan as the caufe of that unreafonable and unnatural divifion that brake-out and grew in Germany, almoft to the undoing of Religion therein, betwixt the Elc&or of Saxony, and Maurice afterward Ele&or, that fome Counfellors not well-minded to Religion > but favourers of the wicked way of Henry, towhomMwwefucceeded, who for that caufe had hatred at the Eleftor and thofe who were eminent fcr Reformation, and now having taken on a profeflion, * and infinuated themfelves in the counfcls and affe&i-on of Maurice , and finding fome begun matter of diffemion in other particulars, did fo kindle and fofler it>till they brought the divifion to that height, that one part of the Protcftants wereiengaged with Anti-chrift and his followers to deftroy the other 3 and yet fo clofely carried, that the difference was never ftated upon the real account, which indeed fuch did intend. Alfo men not fo nearly concerned in the Churches di* vifions as fuppofe they be of another Church, or men not fo immediately concerned in the debates thereof, and the effe&s that follow thereupon; As in that Council of Carthage, they ena& that tendernefle be ufed to the <DonatiJls, and means be ufed to reclaim shem; and for that end did acknowledge their Minifies

fters, though ordained in a fchifm, to beMinifters, although the Church of ^ome did write otherwayes to them, and did aft otherwayes themfelves: Thefe would be looked unto. Sometimes alfo there are a fort of perfons who long not for union ; for, as there is an itching after new do&rine in fome, fo is there, for divifions and changes amongft others, who may be found in doftrine, who in this are to be adverted to.

2. Men would efchew in fuch a cafe judicially to engage in fuch differences, either by pafling decifions Forbearing in thefe things pro or contra in Judicatories, or by to engage ceafuring, or noting with any reproach fuch as differ } T Ul QT ly fr° m tbem. For, 1. that maketh the divifion the pro rcon. m0 re difficultly removable in it felf. And, 2. itcn-gageth both fides the more, and proveth a let to retiring when men would, and heighteneth the difference exceedingly. In that difference that was between Cyprian and Stephanas , and other Bifhops of Glome, concerning the rebaptizing of fuch v as had been baptized by Hereticks and Schifmaticks, It is marked that Stephanas did preffe the condemnation of •It t did cenfure and rehife communion with fuch as joyned with Cyprian in his opinion : On the contrary 9 Cyp rian did indeed call Synods and decide, but - neither preffed any nun to his opinion or praftice, nor Ccnfured any that differed in fuch a matter; And becaufe his carriage is (o much commended by the Jncients„tCptcidMy by Augufline, againft the Donati/ls+ not becaufe he counted Cyprian right on the matters for, he difclaimed that, and owned the contrary opinion 5 but becaufe he carried in his opinion fo tenderly to the Churches union and peace. We fliall obferye two or three paffages of his > andof ^«g«-ftines concerning him. 1. In hisEpiftle^ Jubian-num, H*ec refcripfimm, inquit , nemini prafcribentes aut J)r<ejudicantes quo minus umfquifque Epifcoporum, quodputat facia. Et m quifquam pdlendm I merorum

cm«

confortioVideretur (dictt) nos quantum in nobis tft propter kccrelicos cum collegis {$> CoepifcopU nojlm mn con-tcndimus , cum quiluA cjtinam concordiam &pactm tcne-mut. EtTaulopost, SerVentur (inquit) anobupatien-ter & icmter cbd)'it&s animi, collegii honor , Vinculum ji-dci, concordia facerdotit. Which words and many others aie cited by Jugujline de { Baptifmo y tik 6. cap. 17. And in another place , when he hath cited this fame laft Sentence and other words, giving the reaion which ihe Apoftlehath, itf?Mi. If any man-frill be contentious , *toe baVe no fucb cuttome , nor the Churches of God: after which a little, Auguftxne fubjoyneth this approbation of his carriage ; Ma\m qutppein eo ro-bur Vxrtutu eminuit, cum ifta qute/lio nondum difcujfja nu-taret y quod aliter fentiens quam multi college, tantam mo-derationem obtinuit, ut Ecclefite fiei fanilam focietatem f nulla fchifmatu labe truncarety quam ft omnia non folum Veraciter>fedetiam pariter fine ifta Virtute fentiret j De SaptifmOy lib. 5. cap. 17. This he faith, even though Qprians opinion was confirmed bydiverfe Councels of Carthage. Which fhewetb what influence fuch abttinence hath on the Churches peace, which is the more obfervable, that he ufed this forbearance when he had the generality of the Church of Africk , and the authority of their Councels for him; ar:dal(b was provoked by the vehemency of his oppofits,and their Cenfuring fuch as were of his opinion h yet he forbare, not becaufe he doubted of the foundnefle of his judgement, but becaufe he refpefled the Churches peace* and even then did he writefwertly in many Epiftles, and a particular trcatife , prefling the unity of the Church ; for which he is eminently efteemed of as an excellent pattern in fuch a cafe by all fober and judicious men.

3. In fuch cafes when union is defircd, men would

abftain the propagating of their opinions in any pur-

pofed and publick way. This is not torcfirain a

. mans fober, chriftian andneceffary vindicating of

him-

$ 5 o A Treati[e concerning Scandal. Part 4 •

Abstaining himfelf in a due way. But $ 1. All unneceffary from propa*, traifick chat is principally for ftrengthening of a par-gdting their ty. 2. Publifhing in print, things to that purpofe, opinions fa. when there is no conveniency for the Churches good. Rioujly. 3 # Making motions in Judicatories that awakens fiding. 4. Infifting thereon in publfck preaching-And, laftly, (When there is fomc neceffity to fpeak or write on fuch things) all refle&ions and irritations, would be abftained; yea, it is fit that fome-cimes every word fpoken, or written upon one fide, (hould be paft over by the other, without reply, for peaces fake. Becaufe, I. the broader fuch differences fpread, they take the deeper root, and increafe fiding more amongft the people. 2. Becaufe* they irritate more and keep off men from thinking of peace. ?♦ Becaufe the memory of thefe things is ready to riffle mens minds, Therefore moft eminent men have wifhed>that all Papers pro or contra in fuch differences might be buried; for, one difference be-gctteth another,and one paper draweth forth another? none being willing that his adverfary (hould have the laft word; and oftentimes papers propagate a controverfie to a fucceding generation, to whom it had been good that many things had never been in writ. Alfo often, fuch writings prove edifying to few, and they but make Church-divifion the fubjeft of more difcourfe, and Minifters to be the more contemptible y and do in themfelvcs often involve many contrradi$ionsagainftone another, which readily are not poflible to be cleared in matters of fa£ » and refleftions one upon another; which derogateth exceedingly from die honour of the Miniftery. It is marked of Con/lantine , that when at the Council of Nice, there were many oppofit papers of differences amongft Bifhops prefented, he took them, and having gravely admonifhed the Bifhops for their contending amongft themfelves , would not have one of them read, butfaid, he would cover fuch infirmities

as they were bringing to light, by their contradictions, with his purple. • This way alfo hath been followed for flopping of divifions indiverfe reformed Churches.

4. All contrary a&ing would be abftained , as in contrary Elections, Ordinations, or the like* becaufe thefe tf S/>g. fix, as with a nail* the difference, as may be gathered from hiftory* It were better many a time for the Churches good, that any one fide had fuffercd the BiQiop, ordained by the other, folely to poffeffe the place > or that none had been ordained at all, than thatoppofit Ordinations had been ; becaufe, that fo the Church was divided even in communion, and fuch particulars have been ever difficultly compofed, and ever exceedingly inftrumentall to continue a breach, and it led men in Congregations to be factious , and to feek to gain men and affc&ions to their ! party.

5. All feparated and divided meetings would be sefarated efchewed, whether the feparation be totall in refpeft meetings $0 of all Ordinances and communion ingenerall, as be effaced* fometimes divifions have come amongft orthodox men to fuch a height; Or, whether it be partiall, fuppofe in Government, Sacraments, &c. or any of thefe; becaufe fo not only way is made to a totall feparation , but thereby there is a divided Chape put upon the one Church, and occafion is given for one party to condemn another, and fo to beget more ftrife ; andefpecially, becaufe it habituateth men to think themfelves not of one body , and, as it were, ere<fteth a Church or Altar againtt another ( as che Fathers were wont to fpeak) and fo becometh a draton line of divifion, and doth really make the difficulty of uniting the more difficult; becaufe ere union be made up, that partition muft be pulled down. It is fit therefore that either all fuch occafions of Fafts,&c. ^i ($&. .wherein all cannot joyn, (hould be forborn ; or that rated Fafit. they be fo ordered , as there may bee union in them, 6. Such

6. Such aft? and principles as put ■ tint upon cither fide> making others incapable of Crturcfv or the like, or which declareth them to befo, would be prevented; and if eftab!i(hed> would be orderly removed; becaufefuch things make a partition betwixt two. and heighten fuch a difference beyond the nature thereof: Alfo they evidence much prejudice and alienaiion of mind, and they feem to conftrain men to an,union, which is never right if it be not voluntary* flence we fee that the great friends of peace have ever endeavoured to prevent or remove fuch ; as in the inftances of'PolicarpJreneus and CyprianM clear, who did not only endeavour to remove Cenfures, but even cenfurableneffe from perfons fo differing. This alfo is very obliging to the oppofit party. In that 163. Epiftle of Auguftines (which is much to this pur-. pofe) mention is made of one Cenethliu$> a Catholick Bifhop, who (faith he ) was much efteemed of by the Donatifts, Quod conflituthnem datum contra eos s comprejftrit, &*ejfetfurn habere non fiver it ^

CHAP X. What u to be done in order to Vniting.

NO w we may be the (hotter in fpeakinp to what is to be done in reference to particular diflfc-rences,feing much may be gathered from thefe generals premitted, and it is not our purpofe to be particular } Yet we fay,

1. That it is the duty of fuch to be feeking union one with another* and for that caufe to be making offer of, and defiring meetings and conferences, and to be urging harmony one upon another. In that Council of Carthage, whereof J-urelius was Moderator, they did appoint Conferences to be fought for with the Vonatifts , although they had been long in a fchifmj and for that end did appoint Com-

tniflioners^

miffioners, and did gi" otions to go from place

co place, and to ck ~^ a fettlement, whereof thefe were a part, That their former fchifm and fepa- And effir* ration (hould be prejudicial! to none; That.Mini- ing fair fteis and Biffiops (hould continue in their charges i{cQnditi$ns< otherwayes they were worthy, notwithftanding of their former feparation: which is obferved not to have wanted fruit.in many places, as the zAs and events are recorded by Balfamon. And this is according to the generall rule of following peace, even when it feemeth to flie from men; And queftions that may engender ftrife are to be avoided and fled from, when they feem to follow after men, becaufe, as Paul faith, 2X/W.2. 22. &c; The fervant of the Lord mujl notftri\>e, &c. On this ground we find,that many of Juguttlnes Epiftles, direft to <Donatifts and others, are to this purpofe , craving friendly communings; and when he hath had occafion to be in cities where ©0-natift-Siffops were, he ufed to vifit them, and enter conference friendly with them ; and if any hope was, he wrote to others to entertain the fame , as particularly may be gathered from Epifl. 147. where he honourably mentioneth Promcliantit in the defire of a conference; andbecaufe he knew the too greatve-hemency of one Evodim, though of his own fide, had offended him, he did excufe ic, faying amongft other things," ldbominis ttatiignofcendum ejt>&c> The like he alio hath, Epifl. 163, when he mentioneth EortuniM) whom he had conferred with, with this te-ftimony to thefe he writeth to, Quantum enim arbkror difficilime poteflis iri\>eriire in Epiftopu Ve/im tarn utikm animum, (pyroluntatem, quam in iflo fene perjpexhnut 5 And therefore preffeth them to entertain the begun conference, though he might not ftay.

2. In carrying on fiich meetings, refpeft would be A **&* had to union in the ordering of every circumftance; "^/^r-

as in the ferfons chofen,that they may be men inclined y i % ■ "he other party concerned taKL" A a ftt 1 *

354 <*d Treatife concerning Scandal, Par14*

the Churches differences, and free of the fufpicions formerly hinted, andfuch like, left by an intended union there follow a greater rent and divifion, as oftentimes hath been feen in conferencesamongft diffen-tient men. Here alfo a fpeciall reipeft would be had to the expreffing of mutuall benevolence in words and carriages* left fome hard m»preflion leizeon men at the entry. Choife alio would be nade of the/«&-ject firft to be ipoken of; as what may be thought moftfubje&tomiftake* heat or contention, would be left to the laft place ; and what may be conceived more plaufible-like to both, would be begun at, that it may be rather known wherein men agree, than wherein they differ, at the entry at leafl. Poffibly alfo union in fundamental! things,being accomed unto, it may make way for moderating affeftions in other things lefle fundamental!♦ This method was ever urged by Bucer , ®ezy and other ^formers, who keeped conferences at firft with the Lutheran party; becaufe , beginning at fome point of Doftrine» or particular in pra&ice, wherein the difference is high-eft, doth often at the entry rifle mens humoursi and break off conferences abruptly with the more heat, as experience in thefe debates at that time did make too too manifeft. Contend ?• Such meetings for conference would be ferioufly on about and condefcendingly improved for the end defigned : formalities As, I. protra&ingsof time, or janglings about cir-to be for- cumftances would be efchewed ; as alfo tenaciouf-*or», neffe> and contentioufnefle about formalities of proceeding, and particular infifting upon contradictions in matters of faft, becaule fuch things become not the gravity and ferioufnefl'e of men aiming at fuch an end, But the main bufinetfe would be foberly and ferioufly gone about, and that timeoufly ; for, mm fliould not meet to take advantage one of another by fuch formalities, but to procure the good of the Church. 2. Criminations, or obje&ing of pcrfo-

nal!

part 4. A Treatsfe conce rning S c A N i> A i • 355^

nail faults one Co another, or difference in particulars, cperfonaB would cither be altogether forborn , or left to the laft criminatj-place, and the main matter would be firft handled, cm. and particulars accordingly fquared. 3. Their would becondefcending to follow fome circuroftan-ces, even though they feem not foreafonable> left by the wilfull adhering of one party to a circumftancc* the end be difappointed ; yea, fometimes more mater iall things, at left till there be a better underftand-ing begotten, are to be ceded in , when it may be without fin, if fo be it may contribute for the carrying on of fuch a defign, and we will almoft ever find thefe that are moft tender of the Churches good to be ™. m ^. moft condefcending in all thefe; Asam^ngftother !l ^L^l inftances, we will find in that conference becvveen the ^ (0 £ m ' Catbolic\s and <Donati/ls, at which Augufiine was pre- A e Lcndin& fencand which is fee down by him; whereirsamongft other things, thefe are clear, U That not only the Qatholkks fought the meeting , but alfo prefled the fpeaking unto the mam bunnefle, which the other did fometimes deny , faying, It was not lawfull for the children of Martyrs to meet with the children of apoftate or wicked men ; and fometimes by formalities > jangling queftions, they protracted time to eschew the main thing. 2. It is clear, that alfo the Catbolick condefcended to many ot their fuits, and yeelded to account them Bifhops, and did not con-tradi&, but cede at the entry,that Churches fhould be rendered to thefe from whom they were taken , if fo be that might have enclined them to union , and that even by benefits they might be mollified j and ftood on no circumftantiall thing with them. Such meetings have often been difappointed with luch vain janglings* efpecially when numbers have been con-fufedly admitted, and when each party hath charged another with former mifcarriages, As Jluguftineob-fervcth, Epiff. 163. and therefore hath that word to thenrf* Neque nos illit debere objicere fuorum fcelera, A a a nt$uc

35^ ATreatifeconcerning Scandal Part4, neque Mot nobis. And,becaule the ®onatifts upbraided the CatbolUk} ( as the orthodox are called in all thefe debates) that they were guilty of perfecting them, becaufe they had proceeded to fome Sentences, and procured commifiion from Civil powers againft them to put them from their charges, ( Thefe times they called temporaMacarianaJjeoLukofiuch a perfon that was eminent in the executing thereof ) And again^hc Catholicks uled to object to them,befide their fchifm, Hcadineffe, irregular violences, and the like, becaufe of the pra&ices of the Circumcellions, who, having faliea off with the (Donatifts , went alio in many ab* furdities beyond them; therefore when he is preffing a conference, #/#. 20^ Tollamm (faith he) inania objetidy nee tu objicM tempera Macariana , nee ego fe-Yttiam Circumcellionum. And in Epijl. 107. faith , that in his conference with Fortunim 9 ^Slacuit omnibus in talibus dtfputattonibus Violenta faHamalorum bominum nobis ah inVtcem objiei non debere. And there is no little furtherance or prejudice to a conference accordingly as this advice is followed or not, feing often fuch bygone particulars will heat more> than that which is of greater concernment in the main caufe.

4. To make the inftances more particular, the matter concerning which debate arifesand falls to be the fubje& of the conference, may be diftinguifhed, and fo more clearly fpoken unto: Which is, I. ei-* ther a difference in fome dodtrinall thing. Or, 2. fome particular praftice, or fome perfonall mif-carriage. Or, 3. fomething in Worlhip. Or, 4. fomething in Government, or fuch like.

C HAP.,

CHAP, XL ~ ffbdt u to be done in clofing dottrinal differences*

1. "I—'Or doitrinal differences of judgment, there f-f are three wayes to clofe them ; ( it is to be *■- adverted, that the difference is notfuppofed to be in any fundamental thins) & r ft> By fober and the firfr feriousconference,one party may bring another to the way of do-fame judgment with them ; or, both parties may quit fing dottru fomething of extremities, andjoyn in a middle opi- nail diffc-nion. This is the moft folid union, when men come fence*. to think and fpeak the fame thing, and fometime hath been attained. Yet concerning this, we fay, I. That all union is not to depend on this, as hath been faid. 2. It hath been very rarely attained, efpe-cially when difference hath fpread and rooted it felf by debating and contradi&ion i feing even good men have both infirmity and corruption. 3. We fay, that publick difpute, either by word or writ, hath never proven very ufefull, even amongft good men, to attain this end, But ordinarily fuch debates have beightned the controverfie, and engaged men more ; fo that if any thing prevail towards this, it is friend-ly , familiar conferences opening truth, rather than formal dated difputations ; becaufe in fuch, men are ( as it were ) upon their guard, and fully do exercifc their wit; in the otherwhere is more acceffe to inform the judgment, by a loving, grave, ferious manner of fpeaking of the truth, and that privatly to others,efpe-daily to fuch as are of reputation for parts and ability, and that it be not done in vain, as Paul hath it, Gal. 2.2. And it's obfervable that he fpcaketh this in reference to his way* when he intended the evidencing of his agreement with the chief Apoftles in the matter ofdoitrine. A Kb we find mee{nejfe zndinftruft* tflg put together,whcn there is any expedition to. re-A a 3 cover

3*8 1st Treatlfe concerning Scanda l7 Part 4.'

cover one from a difference, iTim.2.if. and convincing or diluting is more efpecially applicable to thefe of whom there is little hope, out of refpeft to the edification of others. Hence we find the Apoftles diluting with falfe teachers in fome points of truth, but rather intreating and exhorting Believers to have peace amongft themfelves, notwichftanding of leffer differences. The fecotti Afecond way of compofure, is, when fuch agree-wayQfcom. ment in judgment cannot be obtained, To endeavour pfingfucb a harmony and keep unity notwichftanding of that differences difference, by a mutual forbearance in things controverted : which we will find to be of two forts* The fir (I is, to fay fo> total , that is, when neither fide dothfo much as doftrinally in word, writ, or Sentences of Judicatories, prefle any thing that may confirm or propagate their own opinion, or condemn the contrary, But do altogether abftra& from the fame out of refpeft to the Churches peace, and for the preventing of fcandal; and do in things wherein they agree according to the Apoftle's dire&ion, Philip. 3. 1 6. Wal\ by the fame rule, and minde the fame things mutually, as if there were no fuch differences, and waiting in thefe till the Lord (hall reveal the fame unto them. This way is fafe, where the do$t ine upon which the difference is,' is fuch, as the forbearing thedecifion thereof, doth neither mar any duty that the Church in general is called to, nor endanger the falvation of fouls through the want of clearnefs therein , nor, in a word* infer fuch inconveniences to the hurt of the Church, as fuch unfeafonable awakening and keeping up of differences and divifions may have with it; Becaufe the fcope of bringing forth every truth, or confirming the fame by any authoritative fan&ion,&c. is the edification of the Church; and therefore when the bringing forth thereof doth de-ftroymore than edifie, it is to be forborn. Neither can it be ground enough to plead for fuch decifions in

preach-

preaching, that the thing they preach-for is truth, and the thing they condemn iserrour. Becaufc, i* it is not the lawfulnefle of the thing fimply that is in queftion> but the neceflity and expediency thereof in fuch a cafe: Now, many things arc lawfull that are not expedient, 1 Cor. 10. 23. 2. In thefe differences that were in the primitive times concerning meats, dayes, genealogies, &c. there was a truth or aner-rour upon one of the fides , as there is a ripht and a wrong in every contradi&ion of fuch a kind, ycc the Apoflle thinketh fitter, for the Churches peace, that fuch be altogether refrained, rather than any way ( at leafl in publick) infittedupon or decided. 3. Becaufe no Minifter can bring forth every truth at all times, he rnuft then make choice; And I fup-pofe fome Miniflers may die, and all do (b, who have not preached every truth, even which they knew, unto the people. Befide, there are (no queftion) many truths hid to the moft learned. Neither can this be thought inconfifient with a Miniflers fidelity, who is to reveal the whole counfel of God ; becaufe, that counfel is to be underftood of things neccflary to mens falvation, and is not to be extended to all things whatfoever; for, we find the great Apoflle expounding this in that fame Sermon, adff.20. ver. 20. / have keeled bac\nothtng tha t "toM profitable unto you 5 wh ich evidenced^ that the tohole counfel of God } or the things which he (hewed unto them, is the tobote, and all that was profitable for them , and that for no by-refpeft or fear whatfoever he (hunned to reveal that unto them. Alfo, it is clear, that there are many truths which are not decided by any judiciall a6t j and amongft other things, fparingneffe to decide truths that are not fundamentall judicially hath been ever thought no little mean of the Churches peace, as the contrary hath been of divifion.

The third way (which is thefecond ^orc of the former ) of compofure* is mixed, When there & torn? A a 4 mediiiig

3 60 * Treatye concerning Scandal. Part 4? The *bir& medling with fuch queftions, yet with fuch forbca-w&jtfcomr ranee, that though there be a feen difference, yet there fofing [tub is no fchifm or divifion , but that is ferioufly and differences tenderly prevented ; as upon the one fide, fome may cxpreffe their mind in preaching and writing on a particular queftion one way, others may do it differently ; yet both with that meekneffe and refpeft to thofe they differ from, that it doth beget no rent, nor give juft ground of offence » nor mar union in any other thing; Or, it may poflibly come to be decided in a Synod, yet with fuch forbearance upon both fides, that it may prove no prejudice to union ; thofe who have authority for them, not preffing it to the prejudice of the opinion, names, confeiences of the other, or to their detriment in any refpeft; but allowing to them a liberty to fpeak their minds, and walk according to their own light in fuch particulars: And on the contrary, the other refting fatisfied in the unity of the Church, without condemning them, or prcfling them to condemn themfelves; becaufe fo indeed their liberty is no lefle than others who have thedecifion of a Synod for them: And thus men may keep communion and union in a Church, even where by the Judicatories thereof, fome leffer not fundamental errour, which doth alfo infer unwarrantable practices, is authoritatively concluded. We have a famous inftance of this in the Church of Africa inthedayes of Cyp ri * n > which by Ait Ancients hath ever been fo much efteemed of. There was a difference in that Church concerning the Rebaptizing of Here-ticks and Schifmaticks after their converfion, or, of fuch as had once fallen in to them; Cyprian and the greateft part thought their firft Baptifm null, or, by their fall, made void ; others thought it notfo, who were the leffer part, yet right as to this particular; There was meetings on both fides for defence of their opinions. Alfo in a Council of near three hundred Bifhops, it is judicially and authoritatively concluded ;

dcd; yet that Synod carried fo, as they did not only not cenfure any that diffented, nor preffe them to conform in pra&ice to their judgment; but did alfo entertain moft intimat refpeft to them, and familiarity with them , as may be gathered from what was formerly hinted. And upon the other fide, we do not find any in thatChurch making a fchifm upon the account of that judicial erroneous decifion (though at leaft by three feveral Synods it was ratified) but contenting themfelves to have their conicienccs free by retaining their own judgement f and following their own pra&ice, till time gave more light and more occasion to clear that truth. And we will never find m the Writings of any time, more affe&ion amongft brethren, and more refpeft to peace, than was in that Church at that time amongft thofe that differed ; And there is not any pra&ice more commended in all the Church-hiftory and Writings of the Rtf£w,thaa this practice ; as partly may be gathered from what was formerly touched out of Auguftine. And if we will confider the cafe rationally, we will find that it is not impoflibleto have union in a Church where there is in fuch a difference an authoritative^ecifion, even fuppofing that fidc ; on which the crrour lyes^to be approved* For, 1. There is no neceflity for fuch as have authority for them, to preffe others in their judgment or practice in fuch things; neither can it be thought that fuch a decifion can of it felf fatisfie all fcruples, neither yet that mendoubtingly may follow ; Nor, laftly, that fuch controverfies can bear the.weiphc of troubling the Church, by cenfuring fuch* as other-wayes may be faithfull, fcing fometimes even unfaich-full men have been fpared with refpeft to the Churches good, as hath beenfaid. And, fecondly, upon the other fide, fuch a conftitution of a Church, doth not involve all that keep communion therein, in the guilt thereof, if perfonally they be free; as in the in-

I fiance of the Jewifh Church is clear: where, no queftion,

36i A Treatife concerning Scanda Li Party?

qtteftion many corrupt a&s have been eftablifhed, yet did it neither make communion in Worfhip or Government to be unlawfull, where the macter and manner of carriage was lawfull. Befide> this would infer, that no Judicatory could keep union, where there were contrary votes, or a Sentence paft without unanimity: becaufethat is certainly wrong to them who think otherwayes, and iffo, there could be no Judicatory expe&ed either in Church or State 5 for, it cannot beexpe&ed, that they (hall be ftill unanimous , or, that the greater part fhall cede to the Iefler, and refcind their own aft. Alfo, fuppofe there fhould be fuch a divifion upon one difference, can it be ex-pe&ed that thofe who unite upon the divided fides refpe&ively, (hall again have no more difference amongft themfelves ? and if they have, fhall there not be a new divifion ? and where (hall this end ? And feing men muft refolve to keep unity where there are faults of fuch a nature, or to have none at all, it is as good to keep it atfirft, as to be neccflicated thereto afterward* The Orthodox urge this argument againft tbfcfionati/is, who would not keep union with them, becaufe of pr<j|:ended corruptions in the proceedings of Judicatories and Ordinations ; yet were con-ftrained to bear with fuch amongft themfelves, and-particularly toreceivcand unite with the Maximinia-nifts , whofe communion they had once reje&ed, though a branch of their own fa&ion, becaufe they faw no end of divifions if they did not refolve to dif-penfe with fuch things amongft themfelves And jtugufline often afferteth, that they were never able to anfwer this argument when it was propounded to them, to wit, Why they did not give them that fame latitude, in keeping communion with them, which they had given to the Maximinianifts, who were guilty of fuch things as they imputed to them ? We conceive then, that even in fuch a cafe there may be union for profecuting the main work of the Gofpel, not-

vvkhftanding

(landing of fuch a circumftantial difference, if men otherwayes fct themfelvcs co it ; and the gcnerall grounds, formerly laid down, do confirm this.

CHAP. XII.

What to do for union in points not ioftrinall , but about matters of fa ft or ferfonall faults*

IV the difference be notdoftrinall in point of judgment > at leaft only , but being in matter of fa£t, as perfonall faults and corruptions; whereby the one is ready to objeft to the other fome bypaft failings, and mifcarriages : whereupon by inconfiderat upbraid ings, prefling of Cenfures, or condemnation of what hath been done > the Churches peace is in hazard to be broken , and men like to be rent and divided in their communion. And oftentimes fuch things prove exceeding fafhious, where men wilfully, or imprudently purfue fuch things without refpeft to the Churches peace. This often waited upon a time of darknette, or perfection, when men, being in the dark, and in a diftemper, were led away by tentati-on, and overtaken with many faults, andfometimes amongft others, made to juffle with, and trample one upon another ( as it were ) not knowing what they were doing; and when this time was over, fome were ready to carp at what was part in the dark, and to quarrell at others for fuch juffling, when they were fo through-other. This indeed was ordinary, but moft unbecoming grave men, to make that a ground of contending, which inadvertently was done by Cme ff sgm others in the dark ( as the great Bajtlius faith ) In no- ^ mt ' thc ,~ Iturno tempore, & denfis tenebrk Such contefts are of m 0 f( lv £ fo^ forts. ul forts.

rirft % Sometimes in generall, there is a diffatif-faftion with the conftuution of the Church, in re-

fpeft

DiQ'dttsfd-Bion from constitution of Officers andMcm* bets.

The ttUea^ ing of faults either not j true, or not tear.

*A Treatife concerning ScANDAii Part 4?

fpeft of the groflenefle of the Officers and Members thereof. This cannot be removed upon the one fide only, becaufe tares cannot but be in the Church, and thatdifcernably, as Cvpfiw faith; it is removed then by meekneffe and tendernefle upon the one fide towards fuch as have withdrawn, and by their yeeld-ing to return who have withdrawn , which when it came to pafle > hath been matter of gladneffe to all the Church. Amongft Cyprians Epiftles (tyift. 50. edit, famcli) mention is made of Urbanus, Maximus, and others of the Church of %ome , who being C0&-feffhrs and imprifoned in the time of perfection, and after their delivery finding many gtofle Members to be in the Church , and meeting with the do&rinc of Novatus that commended feparation to the godly for their more comfortable communion together, that chey came to be tickled therewith 1 and for a time to feparate from the communion o£Cornelius y and others of theClergy,pretending there could be no communion in fuch an evil conftituted Church*, but afterward, finding the great hurt that came thereby to the Church , they overcame their own affe&ions and inclinations , and out of refpe& to the good of the Church, did unit, which was exceedingly welcomed by all, a$theirEpiftleto£yj^«, and his to them, do manifeft. And as their fall fheweth, that it is not impoffible, but that zealous Minifters, who have keeped out againft defe#ion, may be overtaken with fuch a fault; So it giveth a fweet copie of Chriftian deniednefle and tendernefle by others to be followed in the like cafe* Their words to Cyprian are woithy the obferving. Ncis babito confilio utilitattbus Ecclefi<e, 6r pacimaguconfulentes , omnibus rebus prcetermijfis , & Judicio (Dti ferVatis>mm Cornelio Epifcopo noftro, pari-ter & cum univerfo Clerepacem feciffe , cumgaudio etiam unil>erf<e Ecclefi* , prona etiam omnium cbarit/tle*

A fecondbn of fuch contefts ,are > When faults arc alleaged which either arc not true, or cannot be

proven*

proven , although poffibly they may be both grofle and true, for both of thefe did the N.oy>atians and ©0-natifts trouble the Church , infilling long in charging many crimes upon men particularly upon Cealianus , andOfius, which they could never be able to make out, although they alleaged that fuch faults were cloaked by the Catbelkkj /and that they were not to be communicated with. In this cafe the Orthodox took three wayes to remove fuch a difference. 1. By pleading forbearance of awakening fuch contefls, and exhorting rather to keep union , than to hazard to break it upon fuch grounds, and fo (zsdugu/line faith J ut qwedam incerta crimina pro certa pace (Deo di-tnitterentur, Cont. Epifl. Parm. lib, 1. cap ,3. 2. If that could not be acquiefced in , they admitted the thing to proof, over , and over again, that by law-full triall it might be decided , as we will find in the former inftances, the fame cafe of Cccilianus was often tryed, even after he wasabfolved. It is true the ftonatifts did not acquiefce, but did ftparate, ( for which caufe they were ever accounted moft grofle Schifmaticks) yet is it of it fclf, a way wherein men may fatisfyingly acquiefce. A third way fometimes ufed,was, That when divifions were like to be occasioned by diffatisfafition with a particular perfon j againft whom things could not be judicially made J out fo as to found a Sentence, nor yet poffibly was ! there fo full fatisfadtion with him in every thing, as i by owning of him to hazard a rent, where a people were (tumbled by him, they did without judicial! proceffing, orCenfuring, intcrpofe with the Bifhop to cede, and wrote to the people to choofc another. So in that Council of Carthage, Cdnon.gi. letters are written to Maximianus (called Epifcopus fBagunps) and the people, that he might cede the Bifhoprick, and they might choofe another; yet there is no mention of any made-out accufation, or Sentence, but that for the good of the Church > Sywdo pUwit, &u

There

There is mention made elfwhere in hiftory of a Bi"» (hop of that place , of that name > who had been a (Donatift, and did return to the communion of the Church; but> if this be hd or what was the caufe of this appointment, is neither certain* nor of great concernment in this* pleadingfor A third fort of contefts of this kind, are , Whea fucb at are crimes are groffe and clear, and men are either juftly mojt jujhy cenfurable, or Cenfured ; fome (pofltbly honeftly cen(ured,w minded) may be engaged to do for them* by their in-ccnfurabld finuating upon them* and giving mifinformations and prejudices, and lb be brought to endeavour the preventing or removing of Sentences againtt,or from* fuch as juftly deferve the fame* In this cafe we find - a threefold way of compofure. i. An endeavour Tbe ptnejs ^j tQ c ^ n tQ oz fe ts t he juftice of fuch a Sentence uJcetoTe when it hach been traduced. Thus when Vafilides, cleared. and Martiaiis > were juftly depofed by a Synod of Spain, they did, by falfe pretexts, engage the Clergieof%orne to owne them, and write for their recovery, which did exceedingly offend the Bifhops of Spain ; whereupon they wrote to Cyprian and thefe in Afrk\. for advice, who, being met in the Synod,approved their de-poficion, and advifed them not to readmit them, be-caufe none fuch who had any blemifh and were not holy>ou£ht to minifter in the holy things,and that ra* ther they fhould bear with Stepbanus his miftake, who out of ignorance and mifinformation was led to fide with fuch: Thus Cyprian hath it in his Epiftles to the Church of Spain, Epi/l. <$8. So that fchifm was flopped , and the Churches continued to acknowledge the lawfully ordained Bifhops that fucceeded thefe-And the readmiffion of fuch > had neither been in ic felf lawfull, nor yet had compaffed the end of ob-Or the Sen- * a i n i n 5 P eace m c hefe Churches where the people was tence recaU ftumbled by their carriages. A fecond way was* led. vohenxbe When the men were orthodox and profitable, though ^rof/^6r failing in fome groffe particular, yet v^hetf they were' befrofitabte ®Y~

owned by others in the Church, Synods did not ftatid, ibr concordi to remove fuch Sentences 1 as was formerly inftanced in the cafe of OJius* Mgujline alfo in a certain Epiftlc, 164. doth approve the not-cen-furing of one Optatus , left thereby a fchifm (hould be occasioned, becaufeof manies adhering to him* We will find alfo a third way, That when men have been Sentenced , and tome have continued to owne them, and others to oppofe them, fuch have been brought to fubmit themfelves, and fo thedivifion hath been removed; It was fo in that hot conteft th*t continued Ion?, between theBifhops of ^Igtne&nd the Church of AfncK* in the cafe of fyiratus Bithopof Sica, &<;. w ho being depofed by the Synod of Carthage , was preffed to be admitted by theBifhops of $\ome, whom by no means thefe of AftU\ would admit; atlaft, thefe that were Sentenced, came to acknowledge the Sentence; whereby the divifion was flopped,

A fourth fort of contefts or divifiofts for matters of gM utua ji faft, is, When both fides have had their failings in a upbraiding* time of darkneffe and tentation, fome oneway', and ]w failings. fome another, and after fome breathing they fall, by mutual upbraidingsi to hazard the Churches peace; one cafting up this fault to him, and he again upbraiding him with another. The way taken to prevent this, is moft fatisfying, when bothjacknow- Removed by ledging their own guilt to other, did forgive one ano- * mutudU ther, and joyn cordially for the good of the work* [**&'&*&. In the debates with the Qonatifts there is much mention made, not without great commendation of the pra&ice of a Synod, which is called Concilium cir-tenfe , wherein the members did mutually confeffe their faults, and (faith he % to wit, duguftine, in the conference formerly cited) Sibi inVtcem ignofcebant ne febifma fieret. And by the fcope of the Catholic^ in urging that example, and by the vehemency ufed by the Vomtifls in denying the fame, it would feem,

chat

368 iATreatife concerning Scandal. Part 4;

that they looked upon this as a moft excellent and fa-tisfying way of removing differences amongft godly men* when every one acknowledgeth their own fault* and doth not upbraid but forgive one another, endeavouring to have the rememberancc of by paft miscarriages rather forgiven and buried inoblivion,than mentioned. Becaufe good men being but men, ufu-ally there are failings on boch fides, and the denying of it, provoketh others to infift the more thereon, as the acknowledging thereof doth flop the upbraiding of them with the fame; and ufually it is to be feen, that the beft men had rather mention their own faults in their acknowledgements, than hear the fame done by any other. S^4, £/?*/£♦ 23. alfohathfuch an advice as this to a Church that had fallen into divifi-on* Utinam utraque pars acqukfceremalitquamficuriofe nimium & fthovuKM quis Jit in majori culpa, inqui^ ratur.

CHAP. XIII.

What to do toward uniting in divifions ariftng from diver [itj of cirenrnftances in external ad-miniflrations 9 and efptciaUj ariftng from Church- government*

A Third matter that occafioneth divifions > is, a diverfity in Worfhip > Ceremonies, or things that relate to excernall adminiftration of Or-mlTfaV* finances■ w ^ en ^ ome fo^°w one way in Preaching, (trations. " adminiftratingof Sacraments, Catechifing, &c. and ' * others, another. This ordinarily breedeth janglings,

and oftentimes troubled the Church, as we fee in the bufineffe about Eafter and Ceremonies* It is not our purpofc to infift in this, becaufe ordinarily fuch debates pretend fome lawfulneffe, or unlawfulneffe in the thing contended for > and arc to be counted

amongft

amongft the jangling debates that the men of God are toefchew. And alfo, bccaufe thefe things are often fully and clearly difcufled > We (hall only fay con-cerningthem. 1. That* as there is a neceflity of differing fome difference in Do&rine, So is there alfo a neccflicy to bear with fome differences in circumftan-ces in the externall manner of Worfhip, &c. and men would not foon offend at every difference > nor be difplcafed if it proceed not from affectation of Angularity, unfaithfulneffe> or fome other corrupt rife. And we will find great conde (tendency in the great- Conicfctn-eft men, both of old and late , in things that are not & m j tbcrt-finfull in themfelves, for keeping of union in the* 71. Church : And thus far, the Apoftles praftice of becoming all things to all, will warrand. Ztmbim in an Epiftle to this purpofe,giveth both many examples of, and reafons for this. 2. We fay> that men especially in a time of divifions would by all means endeavour to keep the trodden and approven way that hath been ufed , and is in ufe in a Church in fuch ad-miniftrations; bccaufe the leffe men be flicking in the manner of thefe things, and the more firnplicity

j they ufe , and the leffe they differ from what is moft ordinary and approven , thekffe will the hazird of

1 divifion be in thefe things, which doth arife from the

multiplying of them 5 the changing of the old , or

bringing in of a new manner, the condemning of

the way and manner ufed by others, as having fome

greatabfurdity ink, and the preflmg of their way,* c '** r t0

even in circumftances, upon others ; Thefe 2nd fuch-* r b€ ' 1 ''[ mc

things are to be efchewed : and (o indeed there v is no JV* * ln P A

• 1 r i_ • i_ r i. /••■ Wan to alter

Way to peace in thele things but to forbear ; ior it is t fj eoU vit y m

itioreeafie to forbear fome new thing , than to make 0 *t[$rnic&*

others alter what is old, except there be fome rca(on fiderablc

in the matter to move to this. rcafon.

The great> andufually the moft bitter contentions

of a Church, as was fa id before > are in things 'Divifionsa-

that belong to Government 5 which are of many *>Gutcbura^

B b kinds, *"**■**

Cweern* ing the form of Govern-menu

PraZticall difference herein m&-keib divU pon>

ATreatifeconcerning Scandal. Part4.

kinds, and have their own proportionable cures when bleffed of God, We (hall inftance in thefe five kinds of contefts in chis matter. Thefirft, is concerning the form of Government. The fecond, is concerning the formality of Church-judicatories. The third, concerning the matter ena&ed or decerned by them. The fourth, concerning particular miscarriages and abiifes of power in Government. And the fifth, concerning the perfons who ought to govern, or to whom the Government is due > and whofe determinations are uktmatly to be obeyed.

For the fifi , Debates about the nature and form of Government, may be confidered do&rinally, and foitisa difference of judgement; Some think one form of Government lawfull, and others not that, but another. If this difference be fairly carried , ic needed) make no divifion in the Church , as was in the foregoing part hinted. 2. It may be confidered pra6Ucally, that is > when men not only think fo differently in their judgement, but accordingly they aft, driving eppofitdefi^ns , as if they were two parties, feeking to get one Church fubdued to them, and neither of them doth acknowledge the other. This cannot be wichout divifion; for, the ground of all union and communion in the vifible Church in all the Ordinances of Chritt, is, the unity of the vifible Church; as even in old time Juguftine didpreffe: SoEcclefi-aftick union, muftbe made up and entertained in a Church, by an unity in the Government thereof; for though there may be a forbearance and a kind of peace where the unity of the vifible Church is denied, or where there are divided Governments that are not fubaltern ; yet there can be no Church-union, nor communion in Ordinances, of Word, Sacraments and Government, which refults from the former, and doth neceflarily prefuppofe the fame. We dare not, nor cannot offer any directions for makin up an union here, fayc tbat men would unite in one

fonu

Part 4. e/^ Treat i/iconcerning Scandal. 371

form of Government thac can extend coche whole , body, and thac in fuch a Government as is allowed ' by Chrift , otherwayes it can be no union ; becaufe fo it were not a duty, as union is.

If it were asked , What kind of Government that may be mod probably, wherei'i men ought to unite? jtnfa. We mind not to digreffe to a doftrinall debate; yetthele charaftcrsmay be given of it. I. It muft cbtraftcti be a Government that can extend unto, and reach all of Govern^ the body ; for, one main end ot Government is tuiir men* fo fit on, £^.4. 3,io>u,&c, and the removing of of- uniting fences which make divifions, Mattb % 18. And this union is not to be in this or that particular part of the body, but in the whole, 1 C° r * l2 » that there be no fchifm in the body: therefore it muft extend to all, or be in a capacity to do ta 2. It would be in a proportionable fitneffe to remove thefe caufes that breed divifions, ( for, there cannot be union in a Government that is not fitted for that) and therefore muft be. , able to purge corrupt teachers, and the leaven of corrupt do&rine out of the whole Church > or any part thereof. Hence, both in the Scripture, and primitive times, and all alongs, there hath been ftill a joynt authoritative concurrence for removing thefe 1

caufes of this evil in whatfoever place they did appear. 3. It muft be fuch a Government as hath an unity amongft the whole Governours for this end* and fo it muft anfwer to the unity of the body: Hence, in the Bpiflle co the Galatians , Taul commend-eth theremeedingof that evill to them all in a joynt manner, as being one lump, without refpeft to their fubdivifionin particular Churches; and if this Authority did not imply unity amongft the Governours wherever they lived, and a capacity to aft unitedly upon occafion, there could be no acceffe authoritatively to remove fuch evils from the Church, nor fuch weight in the mean applied. 4, It muft be a Go-I ternment wherein there is a coordinateneffc anaongft Bb 2 tht

37i tATreatife concerning Scandal Part/4;

the Governours 5 becaufe fo not only the union of the Church is made up, but her communion is repre-fented ; and to place the Government in one , as Pa-pifts do in the Pope > doth not make an union in the Government, which implicth a mutuall and kindly co-ordinatneffe and afiociating one with another; but whatever they pretend of union in it» it is really buttyrannie, and fuch as the moll arbitrary ruler may have, when by violence he (eemeth to keep down alldivifionsunder him, neither fo can that body be faid to be united in him* And we fee in the primitive times, even after ( Bift>ops and Patriarchs were brought in into the Church,that ftill the fupream Government, whereby union was entertained, did refide in a mutual co-ordination, and combination, even of (uch filfbops, Metrapolitans, ^SiitrUrchSy&c. afting in ati united and joynt way: whereby manifeftly it appeareth, that fuch a Government as is to be united into, muft be ejetenfive unto the body, at leaft be in capacity fo to b: extended, and it muft be in a coordination and confociation of many Church-officers together ', and that fuch fubordinations as mar this coordination and equality, muft be fwallowed up, ere there can be an united Government for the prefervation of the union of the Church, becaufe the fupream Government and decifion mutt be in many; and many of different degrees and places, cannot be fo one as thele who are of the fame order, to fpeak Co» Yet we think , that where fuch an union cannot be had in Government, men that have liberty, without entanglement to their own confciences,to follow their ducy, ought to do it with all tender refped to the edification and union of the Church wherein they live, and to make the beft of their particular cafe that may be for that end. But feing the wifdom and goodnefle of God hath made it our lote in this Land, to live under a Government,to which the abovemen-tioned chara&ers do well agree 3 it is hopefull, if as

we ought we confciotiably adhere to the principles thereof we may, yea, (hall unite in the Lord.

Secondly, Suppofing, that men agree in that fame fupream government, to wit> Councils and Synoas, there may be fome debate concerning the formal conftitution Debates a. thereof, what is co be accounted a rightly conftitute^'^ 07 '" Synod, and fuch as ought to be acknowledged fo ? I0™ mon °J cannot be denied,but that there is a right and a wrong JTt0 ^ s ' in this, and that there are rules to be keeped, and that alfo de fatto they may be broken, even where there is no failing in the mater* It is true alfo, that we will fometimes find worthie men quarrelling the conftitution of Synods, and declining them, as was formerly hinted, refuting to appear before them, till fome per-fons were removed from them, as Cbryfoftom and fourty two Biftiops with him, did in reference to that particular Synod at Cbalcedom and fometimes their A(9s were declared void, becaufe the meetings were not numerous, as Balfamon doth inftance in the cafe of one Johannes Amatbuntus , whofe depofition was declared null, becaufe all the Biftiops of Cyprus were not conveened to his tryall, which might have been; and becaufe, in ftrift reckoning, there was one fewer at his depofition than was allowed s by the Canons. Yet concerning this we fay, 1. That it will be found very difficult to pitch on fuch defeats in the corftieu- T,c ^ t vl tionofaSynod, as will make the fame null without **" /n<r/ ™ refpeft to the matter thereof, feing there may be man> c ™ n °n **'•*/ defeftsthat will not infer this. 2. Ic will behard ^ out ^ r $[ n gather from Church-biftory, or Writings of the jhtel t f )cmAtr l ( . Tt ents, ox C an ons of Councils, what hath been a peremptory rule to them to walk by in fuch a cafe. Their In anc ; ent pradtices in this are fo various, that it appeareth, thccuunccli matter hath ever been more headed by them, than the .ounaneflc of formality of the conftitution. And therefore, ?. We mattet more will find their pra&ice to be according to this; Wncn w 7 the matter was found and profitable, it was accepted than and the Synod was reverenced, although it hath had //>v or ***** B b 3 lclie^v

leffe formality > and hath been of a fewer number i So the Council of Say die a, Laodicea , and fome particular Provincial Synods,have ever been of great authority becaufe of their matter* when more numerous Synods, with moe formalities> have never been fo accounted of, nor reckoned amongft the General Councils, although their number hath been far greater than many of thefe other. 4. When they come to determine any thing after the clofe of corrupt Synods, they do not ufually fift the conftitution thereof, but exa*-mine and condemn the matter thereof, and do repeal their Sentences, and account them null from the beginning ; not becaufe of queftioning their Authority that did ft, but becaufe of their doing the fame un-juftly, as in the cafes ofdthanafim, Bujlacbiws, Cbry Jo/lorn, and Ignatim, that followed him in the fame See: All whofe depofitions were accounted null, becaufe of the unjuft violence that was ufed in them. 5. We fay then, that hardly it will be obferved ; that thisconfideration of a particular Synods conftitution hath been the rife or ground of divifion amongft godly and orthodox men agreeing in the fame Truth, Form of Government, and Rules for conflicting of Affembliesor Synods, But we will ever find where Declinators or Proteftations are mentioned. 1. That the party declined hath been palpably corrupt in fundamental doftrines* Or, 2. palpably driving on that general defign, and violence againft particular per-fons, as fubferving the fame. And, ?• it hath been alfo, after many evidences of fuch corruptions and violences, as in the former inftances that are given of Declinators is clear ; where we find, that Synods have been acknowledged, and yet upon the difcovery of their corrupt deiigns and violence, have been declined and proteftcd againft as null, as thztfecond Council at Epbefti* was. Whereby it appcareth, that if their proceedings had been acceptable, their conftitution and authority had not been called in que-ftion. If

If it be asked upon fuppofition, That a difference concerning che conflitution of a particular Synod,and a divifion upon that account fall to be amongfl godly and orthodox Divines > agreeing in the fame Truths, form of Government, general Rules, for conflicting of Synods, &o What fhould be done for union in fuch a cafe ?

Anfa. It would feem there fhould be no great need &b*tjlmli togivedire&ions here, the difference being fo dm-be dove for row 3 certainly many of the Anctents % and alfoofour un '™> VPben Reformers ,and eminent Virtues, who have groaned and d '. vl m * m do groan under many fad preflures, corruptions, and ri J etb , m divifions in the Church, would have thought, wAfaSfa think ic a great mercy to have had, and to have the no £ t difference brought to fuch a point, and betwixt fuch parties; Yet, feing it is too too poflible to be flood upon, we do conceive ic is no fuch thing as may make union, amongft parties fo differing, impoflible. We fay therefore,

1. That fuch would confider the little ufefulnefle Little ufe-and weightineflc, as to the main of edification ihttjulnefiut* is in the thing controverted whatever way it bedeci- *ht cbunbes ded : For, 1. the declaring of fuch a Synod valid. or cdificatunin null, as to its conflitution, doth not corrupt any point* € thin Z of Truth, nor bring-in any new Form of Govern..'Mwer;-ment f nor alter any Rule concerning the Form agreed ti% in ; becaufe the queition is not in tbefi, what is the form and rule according to which a Synod ought to be confticuted ? that is agreed upon: But the queftion is, Whether fuch a particular Synod be agreeable to fuch a Rule ? and refpeft to the Rule makes the c that they cannot approve it , and the other that they cannot condemn it: And is it of great concernment to the main of the Churches edification to fay ic is fo, or not, confidering it abftra&ly, or fuppofingic fhould never be determined at all ? 2. We la vThac it is not of much concernment, even to Government, to fay chat fuch a particular Synod is right or wrong B b 4 con-

*7<S A Treatlfe concerning S c A N da i. Part 4?

conftituted: for, though a Church cannot want Government, and thatcanupt becaften; yet a Church cannot lofemuch byqueftioning the conftitution of one Synod, luppofe rightly conftituted, abftrafting it from the confideration of its matter contained therein ; and if its matter be warrantable, it hath weight in it ielf without fuch confederation of a conftitution , if it be not warrantable, fuch a confideration of a lawfully conftituted Synod cannot make it warrantable. Again, upon the other fide, The counting of a particular Synod to be rightly conftituted when it is not, cannot be of great hurt to the Church where the Rule is acknowledged. For, 1. It doth not alter the nature of the matter ; Nor, 2. doth it alter the manner of conftituting Affemblies> becaufe one particular failing in mifapplying the Rule cannot incapacitate a Church for all time to come to keep the fame, efpecially if it be guarded that no precedent be drawn from that pattern, to bind any new fenfe upon the rule/3. We fay, that it would feem if any debate be fuch as decifion may be for born therein, this may be accounted of that nature, to wit, Whether fuch a particular Synod be rightly conftituted,or not ? becaufe, if more corruption and inconvenience, that may be feared s follow* there are more material things to debate* and to differ upon ; if more follow not, but that there may be acceflc to an united Government whereby thefe fufpicions may be put out of queftion , then it feemeth unfafe to mar that, and the fruit which may follow by the difputing of what is paft.

But more nearly to take notice of fuch a difference, tbh iiffe- we may confider it two wayes. 1. As it implieth a renccis et difference in judgement. 2. As it inferreth a difle-tbtr in rent pra6tice- ftrjl, then, As it inferreth the difference juigement, of judgement , there ought certainly to be a forbea-and may be ranee, feing fuch things arc often involved with ma-firfain* ny difficulties and contradictions in matter of fa&,

that

that it is not peflible, by debating fully, to convince cither party to aflent to the other > cfpecially where heat and prejudice hath lomtway fixed and preoccupied the judgement; ar.d certainly,forbearance here cannot be incorfiftent with the duty of Minifies, although there were nor iuch a motive to periwade it. By forbearance we unc'cifiand, 1. That none peremptorily prcfle the other either to acknowledge the validity or nullity of fuch a conftitution. 2. There would be a forbearance of publick debating of it* or of any thing that may occafion the fame, aspref-fing of the A#s thereof, if no other ground fupporc the fame, but the Authority of fuch a Synod. And we conceive in the by, this occafion may be prevented by a mutual condefcending, or joynt authoritative cna&ing, that fuch and fuch things, as pcftibly may be ufefull afterward, be of force to all, if not by the former conftitution, yet by the prefent appointment, and fo both may agree in the matter. 3. A condemning of others for approving or difapproving the former conftitution,would be forborn; and feing the queftion is fo little and inconsiderable in it ftlfi ic would not be odioufly aggreaged or infifted upon.

Secondly, Confidering it as ic relateth to praUice, q t it relates fomething is to be forborn , and fomething is to be to pattkc, done. 1. For forbearance, What might involve ei- and \o feme-ther party in the matter of tadt contrary to their judg- thing is to be ment, would be abftained ; and this forbearance in tclcrateatii praftice would be as broad as forbearance in judg- fo mt bi*& ment, that, as Cyprian faith> ( in another cafe) differ- ' ing brethren may both have their judgment and pra-diice in fuch things at their own free arbitrements, as to fuch reftraints. Neither can this forbearance mar the peace of any, becaufe if fuch things be indifferent, and although lawfull yet not neccffary,thc preferving of the Churches peace, and the preventing of what offence would follow , is ground enough to abftain from fuch things, out of refpeft to the conferences of

others.

others. If the things be neceffary, then indeed ic is not to be forborn, neither is that pleaded-for here ; yet the doing of it upon the account of fuch an authority* is not neceffary; but the matter of the thing or fome uncontroverted ground may be had for warranting the fame. 2* That which is to be done, we conceive, is this* That there be endeavours to have fome united, uncontroverted authority eftablifhed, by whofe authority things neceffary may be dond Without infringing the authority of what was paft in refpe& of thofe who acknowledge the fame , and alfo without leaving the weight of the authority upon the former to thofe who queftion the fame : And r we conceive this being done* neither is there any con-fcience ftraitened, nor any thing neceffary for the Churches good omitted; yea, by this means there is accefs unitedly to feek the Churches edification, without any prejudice by the former contention ; becaufe by laying this new foundation pofteriour to the former , the Church is put beyond that (tumbling* block, and carried over, or by the fame ; And therefore there is no reafon to fear falling upon fuch a difficulty, but rather with the greater (peed to make progreffe when men may win by it and leave it behind them. This was the way that the Jncients took in the primitive times, even when Synods in this refpeft might have been faid to have been corrupted , when God gave opportunity they fejc them-felves to re&ifie the matter, and to do upon it what was fie for the good of the Church, without mentioning the nullity of the form thereof, or infifting thereupon. And indeed, the doing otherwayes fecms to lay too much weight upon the authority or conttk tution of a Church- judicatory, as if when the fame is every way regular, it could adds fomething, or ou$ht to have weight, where the matter is not ink felf approvable j which hath been cfchewed by Orthodox Divines both of old and late ? who ever

there-

therefore looked moft unto the matter determined or decided.

If it be asked, What ufually was done in fuch^^^j^ cafes where the Authority feemed to be declined >batb been From what is faid» the Anfwer may be gathered, iodine when wit, That both fides fatisfied themfelves with the tAuxhmtj reftifying of the matter wherein there was any grie- tern lali* vancc. And therefore , I* it will hardly be found, ntL when fuch a Declinatour was expreffed in one Synod that any mention is made thereof in the next enfuing Synod that did re&ifie the matter, but inftantly they fall upon that. 2. We will find, that where no ex-

y^reffe Declinatour was, yet did not that any way ftrengthen fuch an Authority, nor mar the condemning thereof more than in other Synods where it was, and therefore neither is fo much weight to be laid upon it, whether it be or not; for, its ftanding doth not

' weaken Authority where it is, and its removing or not being at all, doth not adde Authority where it is not, becaufe Authority muft ftand and fall according to its own intrinfick grounds and warrant* And we conceive that it is not fuitable to the Authority of Chrift's Ordinances, and the nature of His Courts, that either the removing or ftanding of fuch a Jegall formality, fhould be rigidly preffed, and itmakcth proceedings in Chrift's Courts to be involved in coo many fubrilties that are ufed in humane Laws. And

! alfofuppofing, that a corrupt conftkution may be

! without fuch a formal Protection , it feem^ to give

I too much advantage thereto, as if there were lefle acceflTe afterward to condemn the fame; And upon

j the other fide, fuppofing that a lawfully conftuueed Synod fhould be declined, as the Synod of ( Dm was lately by the drminian T^emonjlrants, the prelling too vehemently of the removing thereof, dQth liippofe fomeway th? conftkution tobcleffe vihd if fUcfa a thing fhould ftand. This is only to be underftood

i in the cafe prefuppofedi to wic> Where the queftion is

not

GfC ^^_ not about the authority of Synods fim ply > but of this ! rence be* or that conftitution of a particular Synod : the firft tween the indeed, thatis, the queftioning of Synodical Autho-declining o/rity, hath been thought intolerable in all times, be-Synoiicall caufe it ftrake at the root of Church-government and nAmbotitf Order* without which the Church cannot fubfift; fimplj,<t*i But the fecond, which acknowledgeth the fame Go-the con[titu- vernment in general* and Rules of Conftitution, and Muofafir- p ro f c (Tech refpeft to that fame Authority, is indeed ttcular ty- noc c 0 t nl:o i era ble, becaufe it doth fuppone ftill the Church to have power > and the exercife thereof to be neceffary. Hence we will find, that in the primitive times they did utterly condemn appellations from Synods (imply, that is, the betaking them to another Judge, as more proper than, or fuperiour unto, fuch Synods; and there are feverall Canons in the Councils of Jfric^ that threaten Excommunication to fuch as decline their Authority and appeal to %ome i or any forreign power as a fuperiour Judge; Yet we will find, that the Councils do allow Appeals from a leffer number to a greater, or from particular Councils to a general. Yea, from their own particular Synods to a more general hearing of others in the Province; yea> they allow even adjacent Provinces to be appealed to in cafe corruptions fliould be in one particular Province : This was enafted in the Council ofSardica, andBifhopsare requefted by feverall Canons not to think this derogatory from , their authority, becaufe this did confift well with re-fpefl to Church-authority and Government in it felf, but tended only to prevent or remedy exorbitances and abufe therein > which of it felt if it be not abu-fed, is not ill.

CHAP.

mil

CHAP. XIV.

What U to be done in order to union about divifi-oris concerning dcttrinall determinations.

THe Queftion may be concerning the matter enalted by fome Synod, even when there is no exception afcainft the conftitution thereof, that is, when the matter approven by it 3 isunfound, or when a truth is condemned, at leaft it is judged to be (0. Wc are not here fpeaking of fuch matter as is fundamentals but fuch as is confiftcnt with found- 2)acirivaU nefle of judgement in the main , and piety in thefc m % lunda-whomaybe upon either fide. Such as were thtfc wcnull, ct debates concerning the rcbaptizing of Hcreticks; and rigb the Schifmaticks; or for the admitting them unto the ]cundavon* Church by confirmation only, and queftions of that nature, which may fall to be amongft orthodox men, 1 fuppofe it were good, that judicial decifions cf fuch things, were not multiplied; yet upon luppohtion that they arepaft , fomewhat would belaid. Such determinations are of two forts.

ftrft, Some are meerly do&rinall, and of this kind are fuch queftions as are concerning the obj- ft of Predeftination > order of Gods Decrees, and fuch like, and others, it may be, which are of leflerconcernment than thefc. Thefe being meerly doftrinal and inferring no diverficyin praftice, orWotflhip, there is the eafier acceffe to union notwithftanding of fuch , refpeft being had to the mutuall forbearance mentioned, fothat none be conftrained to acknowledge what is enafted by vertue of fuch a decifion,be-caufe (u^h a determination in matter of Doftrine is but tt^ufteriall, and declarative: And therefore as one man may forbear another to fpeak his own mind in fome things that differ from his, and, it may be, from truth alto , and not inftantly divide from him,

or

or much contend with him; So.oUght he to'bear with a Synod and not to divide from thefn upon that account , he having acceffc fo to declare his own mind and the reafons thereof, and .otherwayes^ to carry himfclf, as may keep him free of that apprehended guiltinefle; and fo a Synod ought to bear with fome particular men that differ. But by adding the fecond kind, there will be ground to fpeak more.

The fecond kind is of fuch determinations as have Somedoftri* notonly adoftrinall decifion > but alfo fome prafti-naldeci'ions call confequents following thereupon • which we infer dhifi- may again dirtiaguifh thefe wayes. 1. They are ei-en, others^ ther fuch confequents and practices as infer a divifion and oppofition, or a diverftty only; fome confequents infer a divifion or feparation > As luppofe a Church-Synod fhould enaft,that no perfons fhould keep communion with fuch as they judge not to be godly, nor joyn in Ordinances > nor fo much as fit down with them ; Or that no perfons, thinking otherwayes, might lawfully be ordained Minifters, or admitted to that office, as fometimes appeareth, hath been determined in very numerous Synods of the fionatifts. Indeed the (landing of fuch Sentences in force , and having execution accordingly following them, are fuch, as there can be no union had upon fuch tearms* Again, fome pra&iccs imply no divifion in Worftiip, or Government, but only fomething which poffibly is in it felf unwarrantable, as that Aft of rebaptizing was > which was determined a:nd ena$cd by feverall Councils in AfricJ^ : which kind of determination may be confidered either as peremptory, and exclusive , that is, allowing none to do otherwayes , or to be admitted to Miniftery and Ordinances which fiiould not engage to do fo y Or moderated* fo as though it held forth fuch a determination concerning the faft, yet doth not peremptorily preffe others beyond their own light. Of the firft fort were the peremptory A&s of the Weft-chujqh concerning B after^

^-,—

holydayes and other ceremonies; Of thelafl, were thefe A6ts of the Council of Jfric( concerning the rebaptizing of Schifmaticks wherein none were pteflcd beyond thir own judgement.

Jtgaitij fucHconfcquents and praftices that follow Som ^ cttfm Church-determinations, may either be prefently nc mm iki\s ctffary to be pra&ifed and dayly prafticall, as fup- areoj thing* pofe a Church (hould make conttitutions tor admini- &a)lypadi~ ttration of Baptifm and the Lords Supper, by mixing cabtc y o$btfi in with the eflcntials thereof, fuch and fuch corrupt^ jot an ceremonies and additions; Or, they may be fucb exigence, practices as are only fuppolable andpoffible,* but n^ancfyever may be exceeding improbable-like, at leatt for the *&*** 0[tiu1h future, chat there (hall be occafion to put them in r **& % aftuall cxirciic ; though> it may be, there was fome prefect exigent giving occafion to fuch a determina-tion, which poffibly may never recur; Asfuppofe, a Church fhould determine, that a converted Jett? , or Tw^fiiould not be baptized in the manner that others are baptized , but fome other way ; it may be there was fome JeV> or Tur[ to be baptized when that determination patted ; but that particular Ad being by, there is no probability that ever there may be accefle to put the fame in practice again , although it be not fimply impoflible. Now there is great odds betwixt thefe two ; and in efteft this laft cafe, doth look liker a doftrinall determation when the occafion thereof is paft, than any way to be pra&icall.

further, we may diftinguifh thefe alfo in fuch pra-ftices, that are positively ena&ed to be prafiiifed > by an authoritative AA : ordaining in fuch poffible cafes, that it be fodone, that is. when fuch a cafe occurreth, men (hould be aftnSed to follow the fame , and Mi-niftcrs (hould accordingly afci; Or they are fuch cafes, as do not ordain any practice to be done, but do declare fuch a thing to be lawfull ; As fuppofc they (hould declare > a Miniftcr might lawfully baptize a Jz*to fo as is formerly faid,wkhout any peremptory

Some deter initiations

3 84 A TrcAUfe concerning S c a n d a lV Part 4?

tory ordaining of the fame, which is ftill, rather a do&rinalldecifbnthan a potitive ordinance.

We may yet^onediftin^ion more, which is this* determination is either to declare fuch a thing lawful anfo?Mito Church-meninfomeEcclefiaftickmatter, asfup-niftlu pra-P 3 ^ C as was fometimes in the primitive pcrfecutions) tiice, others u P otl f° me Qwrle from fome Minifters, it flhould arc an'vers be, cnaiked, that in fuch and fuch cafes Minifters totbequcfti-might flic, fell the Church-goods, or ufe fuch and ens of Rh* fuch (hifts and means for their efcape and deliverancej for/, as others, it may be, would think unlawful!. Or it

is, when the pra&ifing of the fuppofed cafe belongs to Magiftrates, or men in civil ftations; as fuppofe, upon fome Queries from Magiftrates or others, enquiring if it were lawfull to admit JeV>s to dwell in fuch and fuch places meerly for civil traffick; or if they might eat and drink with an Ambaflador of the Cbam oiTartaria ; or help Chinas againft the Tartars; or fuch cafes, which polfibly, befide the occafion of the Querie, might never occur: now fuppofing the cafe to be decided affirmatively by a Church-judica-tory, and a rent to have followed thereupon, andco continue after the cafe is not probably pra&icall, be-caufe of the former decifion, and fo in the reft of the former fuppofitions, it is to be enquired, If? and, How union may be win at in them refpeClively ?

Now thefediftinftions being prcmicced , we come to confider accordingly, How union may be made up, where divifion ftandeth upon fuch accounts ?

In reference to all which, in the general, we fay, That peremptorinefle and fclf-willedneflc being excluded (which areexprefly prohibited to be in a Mi-nifter) it is not impoflible to attain union amongft faithfull, fober, and orthodox men, who willac-. knowledge that mutuall condefcending and forbearance is neceflary; which by going through the particular fteps will appear : wherein we may relate to ihc former generall grounds bid down? and be the

fltorcef

(horter in inftaticcs and reafons, becaufe this drawech out in length beyond our purpofe ; and alfo> becaufe Verbum faptenti fatis eft: and thefe cfpecially that are concerned in this, need not by us either to be inftruft-ed, or perfwaded to their duty, many of whom the Lord hath eminently made ufe of to teach , convince, and perfwade others. We fhall only,as in all the reft, offer fome things to their view > which may oCcafion the remembering of what they know>and the awaken* ing of the zeal and affc&ion that they have, to a6t accordingly.

To come then to the fi'fl fort of determinations, Cttoredo. which are doftrinali; it may appear from what isftrindUe~ faid, that there can be no juft ground of divifion upon "ft™ 5 i* that account; for, in fuch things a Church may for* /«?*«' bear particular perfons : and again, particular per- 1 oin * s fons may forbear a Church. It is not to be thought, cu &* t0 that all orthodox Divines are of the fame mind in all ^j^ things that are decreed in the Synodof IDort, particular- i * ly in reference to the objeft of predeftination; yet the Synod hath not made any divifion by Cenfuring of fuch, neither thefe whodifFer from that determination have broken off communion with the Church, but havekeeped communion : and union in the Church hath not been thereby interrupted ; yet thefe who apprehend themfelves to be right, cannot but think the other is in an errour: and if this forbearance be not allowed, there can never be union in the Church, except we (hould think that they behoved al! to be in the fame mind about fuch things>and that there (hould never be a decifion in a Church, but when there is ab-folute harmony; for,fuppofing the plurality to decide right, yet thefe, whofe judgement were condemned, were obliged according to their light to divide > feing they are in their own judgments right* It is true,I fup-po(e that it is not fimply unlawful, or hurtful to truth for a Church- judicatory>out of refpeft to peace in the Church* co condefcend abftraftly to wave a minifies C < rial*

riall dccifion without wronging of the matter; As fuppofe thefe in Afm\ , for peace had waved their ju-diciall decifion of the neceffity of rebapti^ing in fuch a cafe; or thefe who determined the contrary, might have waved theirs, yet neither of them had hurt their own opinion. Or fuppofe, that in the decifions that were concerning Eafler y upon both fides of the contro-verfie* either had paft from their decifions, and left the matter in practice to mens arbitrement without any decifion, I fuppofe this had not been a wrong to truth (fuppofing it to have been on either fide) And indeed confidering what is written in the Hiftory, fome thing like this may be gathered. For, firft, It is clear? that there were determinations on both fides, and particularly, That the Weft Cburcb,znd thefe that joyned wnh them, did determine the Lords Day neceffarilytobe keeped for diftinguifihing them from the JeV>s. % It is alfo clear, That Poller ates 9 with many Biftiops in dfia, did judicially condemn that deed> appointing the fourteenth day of the month to be keeped, So chat ne-ceflarily both decifions could not ftand. And, 3. this is clear alfo,That the way that was taken to fettle that difference fo flated* was, That judiciall decifions ftiould be waved , and men left to their own arbitrement to obferve what day they thought good,whether in the Bafi or Weft Church, whereupon followed an union 3 and folkarjjuA did communicate with Anicetus at Glome upon thefe tearms, Ut neuter eorumfententiam fuam urgeret aut defenderet ( as the Ce7rt«n4Joj'jhave it out of lreneus ) that is, that neither of them ftiould urge or defend their own opinion: and upon this there followed peace notwithttanding of that difference. It brake up again more ftrongly in the time of Vittor, and although lreneus was of his judgment, yet did he vehemently preffe him not to trouble the Church by purfuing fuch a determination, and did exceeding weightily expoftulat with him for it; He wrote alfo to the other party, that both of them might forbear

the

the preffing of fuch deci(ions,and that the thing might be left to metis arbitrement, without' prejudice to the Churches union, as formerly it had been ufed : this is clear from Church-hiftory>and that word of Socmen, lib. 7. cap. 19. is weighty, FriVolum emm>& qtddem me-rito 9 judicaruntyConfuetudinisgratia, a, fe mutuo fegregari eos qui inprctctyuis religionis capitibtvs confentirent, that is. They judged it, and upon good ground, moft frivolous for men to be feparated or divided one from another, becaufe of a cuftorae, who did agree together iti the main points of Religion. And though this matter be of it felf no controverfie decided in the Word, ( at leaft as it was ftated ) yet confidering their thoughts of it, and the grounds which they alleage for it, it was not fo to them: and that peremptorines of ^#0^ who afterward would not be reclaimed from that fecond determination, is condemned by all, as being the ground of that following fchifm. And indeed in fuch cafes, where two parts of a Church are divided, having independent authorities as to one another, and there being contrary determinations in the fame que-ftion j it feemeth convenient and neceffary for peace, that either both fhould wave their decifions, or than both fhould permit the decifions of each other to ftand and be in force, to fuch only as (hould acquiefce therein, and willingly acknowledge the fame*

Again, where there is nothing like a party or equi- #<,# tii ' lity,but the divifion is in the fame oneChurch betwixt (matter a greater and fmaller number, and the greater will not number be induced to remove thek determination ; It is wojJmli wayfinfull to the lefferto joynwith themnotwith-^ce/iwt^ ftanding thereof, they having their own freedom andf rw *«\ liberty cautioned, as was formerly faid ; Yea, this feemeth not unexpedicnt that they (hould do for the good of the Church. 1. Becaufe it is not fo readily to be expected, that men who have fuch an advantage will cede to thefc who have it not. 2, It may have in-ccnyeniencies, if a fmaller diffenting number fhould C c 2 nea

neccflicat a Church to wave former determined truths* thotigh poflibly not fundamental, becaufe of their dif-fatisfa&ion therewith, who eftecm them not to be truths, and ftrengthen others in a fchifm , as if they could not keep union and communion with a Church where any thing contrary their mind were determined* Alfoi 3. it feemeth moft agreeable to reafon, that in finlefle cedings, the lefler number fliould cede to the greater* And, 4. becaufe by fo doing, this accidental confirmation of an opinion,by having the plurality of a Church or Synod for it, is left open to the other fide, when they may be the plurality. Hence we fee generally, that the minor part cedeth to the greater (if the not preffing of the removal of fuch a decifion be a ceding) yea, even when the plurality were wrong, as in that cafe of Africf^ , thefe who differed, did not preffc the refcinding of that determination ,having their own liberty : Nor did thefe that had the plurality then for them>impofc any bond to keep the other from refcinding their determinations, if they fhould come to be in fuch a capacity, but both keeped peace for the time; and afterwards, in the dayes ofduguftine, we will find Councels of theCharch ofdfrk^ determining the juft contrary concerning that cafe of ^apti^ing , and yet ftill entertaining peace and communion amongft themfelves* although the authoritative decifion flood alwayes upon the fide of the plurality.

CHAP. XV.

What /hall be done in order to union about fuch de-cifions^ have practical consequents following thereon.

TO come to the fecond cafe, to wit, anent (iich decifions as have fome prafticall confequents following thereupon} For the more fiiort an-fwcring, we fhall lay down thefe JjfMions.

AfJttU

Affert. 1. In fuch praftices as are oppofit, and infer contrary divifion in the cafes mentioned, there can be no union * fa fti ccs or communion expe&ed, as we fee in all the cafes b u ju am u where tuch have been pra&ifcd, as of the KoVatians. of (cpara-(Donatijls , and fuch like ; chere may be more or lefle tion. heat and bkternefle betwixt men that differ fo : but there cannot be union, becaufe , fuch determinations and pra&ices do draw a line , and build a wall of fe-paration betwixt the one and the other, and fo makes one fide to be accounted as noc of the fame body.

dffert.i. Where the confequents only infer fome ^i ver r lty difference, or are not peremptorily prcffed.they do not t ^ cre * ^ infer neceflarily a divifion, as we fee in the cafes o( w j t b m ^ m Afric\ y and others mentioned; and Socmen mthc v if 9tt9 chapter cited , giveth many inftances of diverfities of this kind in Churches» without any breach of com-munion,and faith it is neceffary,becaufe, Heque eafdem traditknes per omnia fimiles, in omnibus Eccle{its, quamvu in omnibus confentknt , reperire Poffis, that is, Ye ^ill hardly find the fame traditions alike in all things in all the Churches , eVen though they agree in all things that are material. And, upon the matter, fuch determinations are but indeed as if they were do&rinall co fuch as acknowledge them not, and men are accordingly to walk in them.

Aflert.^. In fuch praftices as are daily pra&icable, -»

in refpeft of the occafions thereof, union is more dif- ^ * J° * ficult (though not impoffible) than in fuch cafes, h € ^j^M 9n where the occafion of praftice is not probable , be- f or w hac is caufe there being no prefenc occafion to pra&ifc the rarely or ne-fame, it looketh moft unwife like, to bring in, or keep ve r frafli<-in, a more certain and greater evil in the Church, for cable, efchewingof what folks may never be put to; and fuppofe the cafe to be paft, that may probably never recurrc, it is more for the Churches good by abftain-ing the approbation of fuch an aft, and by not being involved in the apprehended guilt thereof, to make up again the communion of the Church, for the preven-C c 5 ting

Jpo ATreatlfe concerning Scandal ; Part 4^

ting of a greater hurt, becaufe that continueth to be a duty, and is necetfary to edification; and the thing being paft* ought not to be the occafion of a prefent and following divifion, as was formerly faid.

If it be (aid, How can there be union in (uch a cafe upon the principle fuppofed, till (as may be faid by one fide) thofe who have decided and afted corruptly* fliould repent, and ( as may be faid by the other) till thofe who have divided unjuftly from the Church, and wronged the authority thereof, (hould acknowledge their offence, without which there cannot be* union ? For anfwer to which we fay, 1. What if neither party (hall ever be brought to repent or acknowledge an offence ? (hall the Church in fuch a cafe qever attain to union? Repentance implyeth a convi&ion, and this implyeth information and clear-. . nefs in the judgment that fuch a thing is wrong.Now, notimpof* lt b £ j n S °& m k en c h*c lt ls impoffible to get men of fiblenot- one judgment concerning fuch a thing, Muft there-witbltani- f° re union be impofiible till men be of one judgment ? ing diver- This hath been formerly difproved. 2. What if this ]tj of had been the mind of the Churches and Servants of lodgment. God from the beginning of the world ? there had never been publick-ecclefiaftick, nor privat-chriftian peace ; for they were never all of one judgment: and to affert or write what is fuppofed to be an errour, is proportionably a fin and an offence* as to determine ic judicially $ and it would infer the neceffity of repentance, even in fuch cafes, for the attaining of peace and making up of differences; And (hall we thus at once condemn the generation of Gods People, who have, without propofing, or, at leaft, preffing of fuch a thing, entertained peace and union amongft them-felves ? g.This would enervate all the former grounds that plead for union with forbearance, and fuch like, which, I fuppofe, will not be warrantably done. 4. This way is indeed cither to make union the more impoffible, or if union be attained in any mcafure*

both

Part 4. tATrettifeconcerning Sc anda l. 391 both the lefle hearty amongft themfclves, and the Icffc profitable unto others, as hath been formely cleared. 5. We arc not to refpeft in this, mens particular car-riage or defcrt ( which poffibly would not be thought of great concernment by others, not engaged in that debate,) but the Churches good is to be looked to, and what it doth require, as we may gather from what hath been formerly faid. And if Church-ccnfures (fucliasthe enjoyningof publick repentance, or acknowledgment of an offence, are) be to be abftained from, even in reference to open corrupt teachers fbme-times for refpeft to the union of the Church, and for the preventing the (tumbling of thofe that are weak, and prone to divide or mifcarry (if fuch fhould be cenfured ) as we fee in ¥aul*s abftaining to cenfurc the falfe teachers, Gal.$. and i Cor, 10. (fpoken to in the former part; much more are Cenfures of any fort to be abftained from upon that ground, in the cafe propofed, as it is confidered in its matter and pcrfons differing. Hence we may find what condefcendence hath been formerly ulcd in (uch cafes, when union hath been clofed,or propofed to be clofed, (in matters poflibly of greater moment than are fuppofrd ) Sine detriment*) bonom,aut cbaritatis, that is, without prejudice to reputation, or charity. 6. We therefore fay in op-pofition to that objeftion,That union is to be ftudied, by endeavouring to joyn in what is for the good of the Church, and by burying the refentment of each others wrongs,rather than (as ®e%a faith in that fore-cited Epiftie to Grindal concerning divifion ) There Jhould be too curiom y and, as it Were, contention-affecting enquiry made, Ivbo is mofl in the Vbrong , and thereby a bringing the matter to tbatpajje, that the Xthole body can* not be fd\>ed y but by cutting off'of fome members. 7, We adde, If repentance be neceflary, will any think that divifion is the way or mean to attain the fame, which doth imbitter and confirm men in their opinion and oppofition refpe£tively,as formerly hath been faid i C c 4 It

tATreatife concerning Scandal." Part 4.

Ic will be now no great difficulty to anfwer in the lajl Vtoo cafesy to wit, When the decifion is a fimple declaration of the lawfulnefie of a thing, without any pofitive appointment that fuch a thing (hould be put in pra&ice, &c. For, if upon the former grounds union may be attained* and divifion removed in the former cafes, it may be much more in this; moft of all>where the matter determined,concerneth fuch practices as a&ually are to be performed but in fome extraordinary cafe by Civil Powers. Becaufe in fuch cafes men may more eafiiy condefcend to forbearance, than in matters of greater neceffity and concernment; and there can be but little prejudice alleaged to follow unto the Church (to be put in the ballance with the Churches peace) either by condefcending that fuch a determination mould be waved, or ftand with the qualifications forefaid; It's true that tenacioufneffe in the leaft particular, and peremptory refufing to condefcend therein , will breed a rent and fchifm, and make union as impoffible, as if it were the greateft matter that were the ground ofdiftance; yet it would fecm,that in the cafe prefuppoled, (efpecially thefe laft three being put together) that judicious, fober, and godly men (hould be very eafiiy induced to condefcend to each other, with the qualifications forefaid, for the Churches peace.

For, 1 ♦ The matter, although it hath a right and wrong in it, yet it is among the leaft of the truths that may be accounted to relate to the foundation. 2. It's in a matter moft improbably practicable, and which may poffibly never occur. 3. It's a determination, or an exercife of Church-power that hath leaft influence upon Church-matters, feing it pofitively ordaineth nothing. 4. It's in a thing moft extrinfick, which might have been put in pra6tice, and ufually is put in pra&ice without the Churches intermedling therein, either pro or contra* It feemeth therefore unfuitable that fuch a determination in reference \q fuch practices

Part 4. A Treat ife concerning Scandal .^ 3? 5

ces,(hould be greatly contended-for,when neither the ftandingof fuch a decifion can procure, nor there-moving thereof mar, the practices concerning which the decifion \%. 5. Suppofing the qualifications foresaid, the (landing of fuch a decifion doth not ftreng-then the affirmative opinion, becaufe it doth not infer any bond or obligation upon others who do not of their own accord acJ^uiefce in the fame; nor doth ic give ground for alleaging fuch a decifion to any but to fuch as of themfelves are fwayed with the matter thereof: And therefore feing it hath no force to bind moe than would be bound with the matter if it were not; nor can infer that it is the judicial decifion and judgment offuch a Church, more than this, to wit, That it is the judgfoent of the plurality for the time, yet fo as it is not acknowledged by others, and who are not to be conftrained to any alteration in their judgment* or in their pra&ice, by that determination, more than if it had never been ( which is a neceffary qualification of the forbearance mentioned) and fup-pofing the faid decifion to be waved) thefe particulars would be true* Again, upon the other fide, The

removing of that decifion doth not flrengthen the negative (for that cannot be intended by fuch a compo-fure that either fide (bould be ftrengthencd) nor doth the (landing thereof weaken the fame; becaufe, according to the qualifications forefaid, not only there can be no Cenfure following upon it, but even as to the Determination it felf, though it be not formally removed, to be no decifion (imply, it is no decifion to them, nor can be alleaged to them againft their opinion, more than if it were not: And thus it becometh of equall extent with thofe who approve the matter, and fo it doth bind only fuch as account themfelves bound ; and if men account themfelves bound, the removing of fuch a decifion,will not loofe them; and if they account not themfelves bound otherwayes, the ftanding thereof in fuch a cafe, will not bind them;

and

and therefore,Hkon the matter*we fuppofe, it is hardly imaginable that there can be a lefler ground of division, (the qualifications neceflary for union in the cafes of greater concernment being granted in this) lure we are there was never divifion continued upon a lefler account, to whatfoever fide we look j for, in effect, it is for the time to come as if that decifion had never been, as to its efficacie and weight in producing any effeft. And we are fure that the great Divines that have fo eagerly purfued, and fo much coveted union* would have thought themfelves happy if they might have had it by condefcending and ycelding either to the one fide or the other. And though the moderate divine Bucer, was thought to thijft after peace in the Church fo vehemently, that fome zealous men faid, that out of love thereto he was like almoft baurlre feces, that is> to drin^do^n the dregs titbit ; yet I am confident* that had the ftate of the controverfie come fo near, and in fuch matter, and amongft fuch men, as is formerly prefuppofed, he would not have been fo charged by the moft rigid, although for the peace of the Church he had drunken-over all thedreggs that might be in both the cups, the mentioned qualifications being obferved ; For, I fuppofe> that the removing or ftanding of fuch a decifion in the former re-fpcdfc, will neither be found inconfiftent with any Confeflion of Faith, even the moft full that ever was in any Orthodox Church ; nor with the Fundamentals of Religion chat are laid down in any Catechifms or Writings of any found Divines; nor with the Conftitutions and Afts that have been thought necef-f ary to be inrolled amongft the A6b of any Council or Synod j nor, for ought we know, will be found to have been the matter of debate, even in the moft contentious times amongft Orthodox Divines: It would feem then, that if there be a latitude allowed without hazard for one to condefcend to another for the good of the Church in any thing, it muft be in the cafe prefuppofed. CHAP.

Part 4« A Treatife concerning S c a NX) A Li 395

CHAP. XVI.

The remedies ofdivifons 3 arifmg frctn mifappli-cation of power in ordination ofMintfters, and admitting to, or debarring from, communion.

THe fourth matter of controvcrfie in reference to Government, is ufually fome mif'application of that power, or what is apprehended to be fo in fome particular a&s. As, 1. Ordaining fuch as were not thought to be worthy. 2. Depofing others (as was thought) unjuflly. 3. Admitting unco, or debarring from communion without ground refpe-ftively, and fuch like cafes. Upon the firtt ground arofe the £reat fchiim of the Donatifts, becaufe of the Ordinacion of decilianus, efleemed by them to be a Traditor. Of fuch fort alfo were the fchifms frequently at Jntiocby Conjlantinople,Alexandria, and other places, becaufe fome were ordained to the diffatisfa&ion of others. And fomctimes the diffatisfaftion was well grounded ; becaufe the perfons ordained, were not worthy: Sometimes it was groundlefle; But often ic tended to double Ordination, and Separation in the TbeOrdi-clofe. Thefc things had need to be prevented, (b as nation ef a there be no juft ground of diffatisfaciion given by the ferfon tool Ordination of an unworthy man in fuch a time, nor thy of the any oppofic Ordination to fix a fchiim 5 becaufe thefc ^«*My, things are more difficultly removed,as hath been faid: ordained h Yet fuppofing them to be, thefe generals may be pro- £^r*k-Offz-pofed for healing of the fame. I. We will not find J"£* ^[/J an Ordination eafily counted to be null, even though ^g^or/owc done in a fchifm> as all the inftances do clear; yea, fcf e fl u the Orthodox flood not to account the Bifhops and Presbyters ordained amongft the Vonatifts ,to be fuch, becaufe they had the eflentials of Ordination,and were ordained by Church-officers. 2. We fuppofe it need-full for peace, that there be no rigid flicking to have

fome

396 ATreatife concerning S c a n d a t • Part 4?

fotne particular Ordinations re&ifiedjto the prejudice of the Church in general ,♦ efpecially, where the un-fitnefle or unworthinefs of the perfon is not eafily de-monftrable. 3. It fcemeth right and juft, that no Ordination of fuch a kind fhould eftablifh one that is unworthy in the Miniftery $ for, that is not to be difpenfed with ; although it be not a valid ground to keep up a divifion, where the removall of fuch a perfon cannot be attained: and the moft unqueftionable Ordination for the form, cannot make one a worthy Minifter,whootherwayes is not a worthy perfon. In the conferences with the Ponatijls, the C a tbolicks offered to quarrell the Ordination of none amongft them that otherwayes was worthy, nor to maintain any . amongft themfelves who were not worthy. 4. Yet

»»'•»«««union would not be fufpended till this be done, but

foended m * c * s co ^ c mac * c U P' t * iat lt may ^ e ^ one> as * n ^ e * n " * (ucbtryals, ft anc e formerly given. Becaufe, 1. this trial is the work of an united JCirk , and will require joynt ftrength and concurrence for the fame. 2. Becaufe union is a prefent duty, although there were defefil in fuch a trial, and a defeft in that, will not warrant a divifion. 3. It is not only a duty commanded, but it is a mids neceffary for promoving the triall and cen-furing of unworthy Minifters,for times of divifion are ever times of liberty, and thereby Authority is wea-kened,men are difcouraged to follow icand are otherwayes diverted, &c 4» Becaufe divifion can never be looked upon as the mean to effe&uate that tryall, but it ftrengthens the perfon who is to be tryed, and lefleneth the number of rsalous purfuers of fuch a de-fign, and incapacitates men for this duty, who otherwayes might be inftrumental therein. 5. Befide, if the guilt be not fo very palpable, as it may be demonstrated to be in perfons, at fuch a time,it is fafer to preserve certain peace in the Church, than to hunt for an uncertain crime, as hath been often faid. Fifthly, Where a perfons being in a place, is the -

ground

ground of contention, and things look dot fatisfying-like in his way, even though grofneffe be not demon-Rrablc, we think it not unbecoming the authority of Church-judicatories, which is given for edification, to appoint the removal of fuch a perfon from fuch a place, ( as was formerly hinted) for, it looketh fad like, that a Minifter's being in fuch a particular place, fhould be moreobflru&ive to edification and to the Churches peace, than if he were not a Minifler at alK And it becoineth well that finglenefle that a Minifler ought to have in fcekingthe edification of the Church, to yeeld to fuch an advice and appointment , or, of himfelf willingly to overture the fame* For,Mimfters are not to plead intereft in a Congregation (imply, as a man doth his particular right; be-caufe every thing of this kind ought to be done with refpeft to the edification of the body, the promoting whercof,ought to regulate both entries and removals. It's true, there would be warinefle hercleft dangerous precedents be given ; yet confidering, that a Minifler who may fomewhat peremptorily plead intereft, and , that jure in the.Miniftery> that yet cannot with thac fame flrength of reafon plead it in fuch and fuch a particular Congregation ; and confidering, that it is a publick sood that is refpe&ed, and not the fatisfa&i-on or diffatisfa&ion of Tome in a particular Congre-gation, we conceive the former affertion cannot be fimply denied.

Where conjfiair Ordinations are, it is more difficult ; Yet it would be confidered that all thefe things we fpeak of now, are but particular: and therefore although full fatisfaftion fhould not be obtained in themi yet ought they not to be ftumbled upon to the prejudice of: union ingenerall, in which the good of the Church is more eminently concerned, as hath been faid", Yet where peace is intended, we fuppofe this difficulty may be win over, one of thefe wayes, which haye been formerly in ufe in fuch cafes. As, I. Sometimes

times one perfon did willingly cede to another for the good of the Church; SodidS^/i&tf inacafe formerly mentioned, for which his coadefcendency he is ever highly commended. Neither can this be thought to be a cafting by of the care of fuch a people, but rather the contrary, ic is more their good,that they (liould be united under one orthodox Minifter, though the more weak man, than to continue a diyifion with two that are more able. 2. Sometimes where two were* it was thought good to unite them in their meetings.and that the longeft liver fhould alone be acknowledged, if no other occafion ofered> and neither were unworthy of the place, as in a cafe at Antbcb formerly mentioned. 3. Sometimes both have been laidafide> where neither have been worthy, or faftions have been flrong for either party , and fo rooted prejudice of the adherers to the one fide againft the other. This overture is offered by Augufline to the Vonatiftsfoz compofing that difference ofoppofit Ordinations,which was frequent amongft them, each city almoft having two Bifhops; And this way hath been followed in compofing rrnny fchifms, even of late. 4. Sometimes the party offended and wronged by an oppofi:Ordination,hath keep-cd divifion down in fome rerpe&, by ceding, or withdrawing, or hiding their offence,till fome probable or regular way hath occurred ; rather choofing never to poffeffe fuch a place than to do it by wronging of the Church>in keeping up an irregular fchifm,when there was no accefle orderly to redreffe it. Thus Eufeb'ws being offended that Lucifer had ordained Tatdinu* a Bifhopin y^iw&toaparty difclaiming him, who were called Eallacbidmfe moderated his carriage and withdrew, waiting to have had a lawful decifion>and refolving to be fubmiflire to that. Where men mind the good of the work, ic is not like but fome fuch way will comoofe the(e things ; and if thefe fail, we will find alfo adjacent Bifhops travelling to compofe the fame 5 Yea,fometimes men of authority coming from

very

very far; And alfo fomc by civil Authority appointed to treat therein , as in the clofing of that fchifm at Jtntiech; for, fchifms,arifing from fuch difcontents, arc not ordinarily by meer Authority removed, bc-caufc there is often fomething both of affe&ion and confeience in the bufinefle : there is need therefore of mutuall friendly conferring for giving and receiving of fatisfa&ion therein.

CHAP. XVII.

Remedies of divifions arifing from the mi/application of power, incenfuring, or/paring Mi-nifterS) reall or fuppofed.

ANother part of the exercife of this power(wbich often in itsmifapplication,or its being pretended to be fb,is the ground of Church-divifions) is The matter of cenfur'tng and rf^^wgofMinifters, and that two wayes. The one is,When fome good men are depofcd,or fuch as arc fuppofed to be fo, whereby perfons that apprehend the injuftice of the fa&,do difclaim fuch a pow-cr,and adhere to fuch a perfon notwithftandin^ Thus did the fchifm at C on ft ari ^pople arife for the unjuft de-pofition of Cbryfoftom, and his adherents were called Iboannite , as if they had been of another Religion ; Such alfo was that of the Euftacbtans at Jntiochy which being driven againft honeft men,and there being no condefcending, at leaft what was once con-defcended unto, being again recalled , there was no In w ^ Um flopping of fuch divifions, till in the manncr,formerly f es extremi-hintcd, and that being after both their deaths. In fuch ties are to be cafes extremities are to be (hunned , for, its extremity Jbunnc L that maketh rents, that is, too little condefcending on the one fide, and too much tenacioufnefs on the other. One extremity to be eichewed, is, WhenChurch-judicatorics are too tenacious of a paft Sentence, or

the

the formality of fome legall advantage which fccmcth to juftifie the Sentence, as in that cafe of Cbryfojlotns, almoft all the weight was laid on this at firtt, That her efufed to appear before them,or acknowledge their Authority as they were conftituted: and although both the people and others did adhere to him, yet there was no condescending, which occafioned a great fchifm, and was exceedingly condemned by the generality of faithfull men in thefc dayes. Another extremity is, upon the other fide, When for fatisfa&ion of a Judicatory too little is ceded ; or upon fuppofition, . even of an un juft Sentence, a fchifm is ftated, to the *™'^ wriw hurtof the Church. In this cafe we may obferve rimlwt'ru c ^ e thin S s > *• That fometimes the Judicatory hath .m s condefcended to re-admit a perfon, otherwayes of efteem, although poffibly fome particular flip hath been, that in ftrift juftice might have deferved the Sentence: this was in the cafe of OJim formerly cited. It is true , there is no mention of the caufe wherefore / the Synod of Spain did depofe him, nor is it clear whether it be that famous Ofm % whom the Arum depofed and whipped till he approved Atbanaftm his depofiti-on ; yet this is clear, that he being a man efteemed of in theChurch,though poffibly out of infirmity having fallen in that fault, he was for concord reftored, Sine detriment honoris, without prejudice to his credit. 2. Where men have been depofed upon the breach of fome legality >or contempt, if otherwayes they have been men of gifts, and approven integrity in the main, though poffibly thought proud and rigid by others,as in that cafe of Chryfojtom ; they were again received into the Church, and the Sentences with content laid by, as appeareth in the readmitting o(Cbryfo/iom after his firft depofition ( of the juftice of whofe Sentence of depofition > becaufe there was no convincing evidence to fatisfie the people, Se\>eAnm in preaching did lay, That his pride was reafon fufficenc) which for a lime removed the divifion, and brought a chearfutl

calmneffe* till fhortly after his old enemies interrupted it,and did enter a new procefle with him , becaufe he had re-entered his Bifhoprick being once depofed by a Synod > and not having their authority; (which wasgrounded even upon the constitutions ofJrian Councils) this being the fecond time driven-on againft the intreatics and obteftations of many worthy Bi-(hops and good people who adhered to him, did again renew and fix that fchifm. 3. When the men were otherwayes corrupt, or difcoveredto be grofle ^ n/ ^ f -andprophane, although many other orthodox men l ro r^ au * did interpofe for them • yec by all means it was K'ncnfoPM fitted ; becaufe they ftill fuppoled fuch worthy men f^Lnt^ ■ thatfided with fuch to be mif-informed. And it's^,/^^, obfervable* that the moft peaceable Synods who did^^f, moft for union, as thofe in Africk^ and that of Spain, who had received Ofius, becaufe of the Churches of France their interpofing, by that to prevent a fchifm> yet were they moft peremptory, as it were in this, and -refufed to receive $arjiltde$ and Martialti, as that of Canbage did refufe Jpiarim, norwithftanding that %ome interpofed for them, giving this rea(on,Thac there was a ncceflicy of having the Churches provided with faithfull and holy Minifters. 4, Sometimes, and oftentimes men fentenced, though poflibly with too much rigidity, if not with injuftice , have yet fubmitted with refpefil to the Churches peace* either totally, and upon that ground have again been admitted; or partially, by abftaining to aft any thing contrary to fuch a Sentence, but for reverence there- ' unto waiting for fome legal redreflfe, as in hiftory is frequent; and it is fie it (hould be fo in fuch cafes where the hurt is particular, and proceedeth not from a common defign of undoing all faithfull Minifters; becaufe the making of a fchifm, doth more hurt than the contending for their particular Miniftery doth cdifie in fuch a cafe ; and therefore fometimes though fome men haye been preffed to undervalue an unjuft

t> d Seii'

Sentence,and to continue to officiate notwithftanding, Yet out of refpeft to Church-authority and order, have refufed till they (hould be admitted orderly unto the fame. Indeed when the Mans draveon the deposition of their moft eminent oppofers, it was other-wayes, becaufe fas is marked in the Cfetmti// offor-dica ) in bearing down of them, they endeavoured to bear down the truth which they maintained: But, where the controverfie is not fuch, but the men orthodox and found on both fides, though poffibly there may be fome particular faults or miftakes; in fuch a cafe, ic is fafer for either fide to cede in part,or wholly, than to keep up a divifion : and we conceive, when one fide cedeth not, if the other fhould cede wholly, ic would be moft to the advantage of their caufe, and to the commendation and ftrengthening of their authority in the Churches of Chrifh Debates ^e 9t ^ er OCC2L ^ on °? bebate in fuch Church-mat-about con- terSj * s u P on ^ e defeft, that is, when fome are really, mving at or are thought to be, connivers at guiltie men, or at £M#7iHflileaft defe&ive in putting of them to trial!: others again, may be thought too forward and precipitant in that, whereupon arifeth difference ; and ifone cede not to another, it becometh the occafion of divifion, as may be feen in inftances formerly given: Concerning which, we fay,

1 . That men would remember, this is but one particular of many, that tend to the Churches good, (though indeed a main particular) and fo ought not to be the rife of a divifion, nor of continuing thereof, to the marring of the Churches peace in other things, but men ought fingly to do their duty, and therein to acquiefce, without partaking of the faults of others, whether it be by being defeftive, or by exceeding in that mater; and feing there may be no corrupt defign in either who may be upon thefe extreames, it would not be fo highly aggreaged on either fide-

2. We fay, that as often difference in this, may

breed

breed divifions ; foagain,divifions do occafion mens differing more in this : and k cannot be expfftcd where divifion is, that men who are men and fubjeft to be byaffed, can be fo fingle in receiving teftimonies of the innocency of thefethat differ from them, or of the guiltineffe of thefe that agree with them, as if there were no divifion at all: And again, it is impoffible, that where there is a difference in fome other thing, that men can think others differing from them fo fingle and unbyafled, as they fuppofethemfelvesto be, but are ftill ready to conftruft their differing from them in this to be occafioncd from fome former prejudice ; for,as was faid,divifion breedeth jealoufie, fuf-picion, and diftruft among men > and men are naturally inclined to fufpe<5t that others drive the defigh of ftrengthen'ing themfelves by the fentencing of fuch a perfon, whereby they are fecretly induced, even unawares, todifappoint fuch a fuppofed unftreight end, which maketh them on both fides fufpeft every thing, difpute every thing, and readily rejeft everything that cometh from the other.

3. We fay therefore,that union would not be fuf- Ww Appended upon fatisfaftion in this, but rather union ther t0 bc would be preffed, that fatisfa&ion in this may be at- J° ll$1 * e & tained \ becaufe fatisfa&ion in this cannot be expeft- ™ a *f dtUm : ed till there be mutuall confidence of one anothers in- hcreinmti tegrity: and till there be fome walking together, and j, j ?a i ' fome further evidence of the finccrity of each other in

the main bufineffe, this mutuall confidence cannot be expe&ed : and again, this cannot be obtained without an union, and fo confequently union would be laid as a foundation for attaining of facisfaftion even in this.

4. It would be confidercd, that oftentimes fuch ap-prchenfions of extremities, which are imputed toho-neft and zealous men, are moft groundleffe; but there being fomething in them as men,it is conceived on the other hand, becaufe of fecretly entertained icalcufic,

0 d a id

404 ! ATreatife concerning Scandal. Part 4^

to be much more. There was nothing morecaften up to the Orthodox by the KoVatians and fDonatifts, than that they were defe&ive in this, in admitting to, and retaining in the Miniftery, men that were corrupt, Yet after many trials they were never able to prove what they alleaged upon fome eminent perfons whenitcametotriall, even when fuch things were In times 0 f generally accounted true amongft them. This would divihon> ^e *dverted,that every general rumour be not accoun-tumours te ^ a truth, efpecially in the times of divifion , for fo> concerning few of the moft eminent on both fides fhould beinno-tminent cent. Again, on the other fide, it occafioned much jcrfonsfiot heat againft Cbryfojiom, that he had cenfured many of to befo re* his Bifhops, and threatened many of his Clergie; this garded. did exceedingly provoke envy againft him , and made fuch men to vent many calumnies on him,which were too much regarded, even by fome orthodox and good men, who differed from him upon another account ( as Epipbanim did upon the occafion of Origens writings) yet in no hiftory it is recorded, that he aimed at the cenfuring of any unjuftly , though he did cenfure with a naturall vehemency, as he did every other thing; but the hiftory faith , menfpake much of the number of thefe that were fentenced by him > and of the vehemency of his manner in reproving and cenfuring of their faults, which they accounted to be pride, not confidering the faults for which he did cenfure them ; But men having conceived prejudice at him, were the readier to admit of their accufations againft him, as if they had been unjuftly dealt with by him, and upon that fame ground of prejudice at . . him, were the more inclinable to reftore them whom ?*?/'* he fentenced.

jujuy ten- $ I c is to be confidered alfo, That zeal againft imifflm ^ uc ^ as are ' u ^ty cenfurable, is moft confiftent with mtb a (pi-a ^P 1Vit °^ un * on * n c ^ c Church , as appeareth by the ritofuni- former inftances of men moft tender of union , and .#«, . yet moft zealous in this: yeai thefe two go together;

becaufe

bccaufe zeal for the Churches edification,conftraineth to union, and doth alfo prefl'e the removing of corVupt unfaithfull Minifters, which, next todivifion in a Church, is the greateft plague of a Church. Therefore thefe things would be adverted, 1. That the purging of the Church of fuch, and the work of union, would be joyntly rcfpe6led>otherwayes if union be flcigbted, it will hazard the falling in too nearly with the fchifmsof thcNoVatians and tDonatifts , which have been fo hurtfull to the Church. 2. Union when it is ret union u in competition with the depofing of fome unfaithfull to be pc-men, and both cannot be obtained together, it ought fared, to to be preferred, as we fee the Apoftle doth, 2 C or * *o. tkc cenfur* 6* who will notcenfure in fuch a cafe, left he ftate a ingoffom^ fchifm ; for, the continuing of fuch in a Church,is in- m f^^l u ^ deed a hurt, feing they are ufelefle, and in a great part mcu * hurtfull, yetfo, honeft Minifters may have acceffe to do good befide them : but when fchifms enter ,the hurt thereof is more comprehenfive , and they do render unufefull the Miniftery both of good and bad. 3. It would beconfideredalfo, that the divifion being in the cafe fuppofed, where men are orthodox and pious on both fides, it is not fo exceedingly to be feared,that either men,palpably corrupt in doftrinejor convention, (hould be entetrained upon the one fide or that men ufeful in the Church,and blameleffe in their conventions, fhould be crufhed upon the other. 4. It Vnitn^ no would follow alio, that union fhould be no prejudice t re J ud * ce to the ridding of the Church of corrupt Minifters, but t0 . ti)e ^ ur ^ that it (hould be ftudied where there is need, becaufe it & n & J*| *' is a fruit of the fame fpirit (to be zealous againft cor- €Qfru * ' rupt men) from which meekneffe and moderation toward thefe who are not fuch, do proceed ; and therefore if there be any fuch obje6t of zeal, as an unfaithfull Miniftcr, (as it is not like that evct the Church wasi or (hall be free of fuch) then ought men to beftir themfelves faithfully in the removing of fuch. It is m arked and commended in the Angel of Epbefu5 f D d 3 %K

4o<5 tATreatife conccrnlngSc akdai* Part 4.

%v.2. v. 1,3. That he was eminent in patience and enduring) and yet to zealous in this, that he could endure no unfent Mimfter, but tryed fuch as called themielves Apoftles, &c. which contemperature or mixture is exceedingly commended: And in reference to the fcope which we are upon > zeal in this* is not only a duty as at other times, but a fpeciall mean having influence on the procuring of union ; becaufe fo, one of the great ftumblings that hath been in the Church to make theMiniftery contemptible is removed , and a prafticall evidence of mens zeal is given, which tendeth to lay a ground of confidence of them in the hearts of others; fo, alfo men are kceped from falling under the tentation of luke-warmncffe > and forgetting of every duty , but the fupporting of the fide, at leaft, that which ufually is imputed in fuch a cafe, is removed; and alfo by this, men would find the neceffity of bearing with many things in others, who may in the main be fuppofed to be honcft: And however 5 it is the way to be approven before God, and to have a tefiimonie in the confeiences of others. All which conduce exceedingly to union; whereas univcrfall ceffation fronuhis, as if there were no fuch matter to work upon , and obftrufting formally,yea, or materially or virtually any thing thereof, doth exceedingly tend 'Othe fixing of divifion,and cooling of the affe&ions of many that look on, without which, that is, warmed affeftions, there is little acceffe to hearty union* P . 6. We fay, that this duty of purging would not be

not to be ^° * n * ts ve hcmency preffed, either under a divifion,or much prcf.whAe union is not confirmed, as when a Church is in fed M mi-a 8°°d condition ; becaufe > that were to give firong in be j5x- phyfick to an unfettled weak body, that might rather <si, liir the humours to the prejudice of the whole, than

remove them: Therefore we conceive» that fobriety and prudence would be ufed here > in moderating of theexercifeof this duty, till the union be confirmed,

and

Part4. A Treattfe concerning scandal. ^°7

and, as ic were, by preparations the body be difpofed for the fame : Therefore if faults be not grofl'e, evidences clear, and a perfons unfruitfulneffe or hurtful-neffe dcmonftrable , ( in which cafes no difference amongft fuch parties as are to be united, is to be feared) It is fafer for the Church to abftain the fame,than to hazard the opening or ruffling of a wound fcarcely cured, by the unfeafonable prefling of fuch a duty. The Apoftle doth in feverall cafes fpare cenfuresof unfaithfull men, out of reiped to the Churches pood, as hath been formerly hinted; and as the judicious divine Mr. Gillcff>y (who yet cannot be branded with luke-warmncfle in this duty) in his jfarons rod, mak-cth out, and doth give inftances of feverall cafes, wherein this forbearance iscallcd-for. Infum, we fuppofe that having to co in fuch a cafe with fuch pcr-fons,it is more fafe for men to do their own duty,keep-ing the peace of the Church, and co leave others to do C according to the manifeftneffe of things as they (ball anfwer before God,as to their feeking the good of His Church ; and if this prevail not with fuch men for ordering them in their duty, will any think that the keeping up, or threatening of divifion, will prevail ?

La]lly y It would be confidered, if fuch ends as any fide would propofe* either in keeping in, or purging out of men who are thought fit or unfit refpedtively, can be attained without union, fo as with it. Therefore feing that is a thing which belongeth to Govern-ment,and men are to be fwayed in fuch Afts by what conduceth moft to edification , when they cannot attain the length they would ( as we fuppofe men (hall never do, in this matter of purging ) they then are to walk by this rule of choofing what comparatively is moft edifying, as was formerly faid. Sometimes alio difference hath been about the excommunicating of perfons , or readmitting again to communion: but what concerneth this may be fomewhat undcrftood from the former grounds, wherein extremities would be D d 4 (hunned,

4o8 ^4 Trcatifc concerning Scan da l • Part 4.

fhunned, and the Churches peace, and the Authority of the Ordinances ftudied : Alio, we have otherwayes beyond our purpofe become fo long, (and poffibly ad naufeam ufque) in other things, we (hall therefore forbear particular dcicending into this, but proceed in the generals propofed.

CHAP. XVIII.

The fears of mi(-government for the time to come, and remedies thereof*

THe laft thing in Government > which was propofed, as that whereabout differences and divifions do arife, is, in reference to Government for the time to come, and refolves in this, Who (hall have chief hand in thedecifion of matters that after may fall out ; fuppofing the union to be made up. This refultech from the preient diffidence and prejudice which each hath in reference toother, and from that impreffion that men have, that there will be a driving of fides, according to power, even under a concluded union : And indeed fomewhat may be feared and expe&ed, at leaft for a time, confidering mensdiflance in fucha cafe; for, if diffidence and fufpicion be cbme to that height under divifions, that one will not truft another in fome petty particular fa& that is paft 5 Or lay by jealoufie where no proof is, notwithstanding of all folemn atteftations 5 it's no marvel that in matters of greater confequence which are to come, they do not eafily give them credit. This is often the greateft bufinefle to be compofed in a difference : hence it is, that fometimes bygones, which have been the rife of the divifion* maybe removed, when as yet this cannot be compofed, becaufe there is no way conceivable how both parties may have the chief hand in Government,and neither being willing to qede to the other; either from a feqr« ground

of fleighting one another, or from that root of Yufpi-cion whereby they conceive all loft that the other is able to carry over them , whereby from fear of hazarding the Churches good condition > they run here in a certain prejudice , and, in fome fenfe, tall in that inconvenience, which a Writer obferveth on the contending of two BiChops, expreffed in this as the ground of their divifion, tsntu utpreejjet alter nefub-ejfet,fed neuter ut prodefiet ; which isofcen-times, on the matter>too true in all luch contefts, this laft being a conkquent of the former two.

This difference may be confidercd two wayes, Ii As it pretendeth adiffatisfa&ion with the perlons who are to govern ; tome, upon the one fide,thinking it unfit to joyn with prophane men ; fome, upon the other, difdaining to joyn with Schifmaticks. In this ftraitwere the Fathers of the Council of C aY ^age in their dealing with the® onatiffs 5 fome of them affert-ing, on the one fide, Thac there was no uniting with fuch as the generality of the Catholic^ were; and Au-gufttne often citeth the word of Trimianttt, given-in to them as an Anlwer to the defire of a Conference, In* dignum eft ut in unum conveniant filii Martyrum, & progenies tradttorum ; that is, It is a motf mfiemly thing that the fins of Martyrs , and the brcod of Traditors Jhould ajjemble together in one place. On the other hand, they were preflcd from %ome and parts adjacent, not to unite with thefe Schifmaticks the flonatifts, as may befecn in that Council; yet did they find it their duty to feek union with them notwithftanding, and to admit, that luch of them as were put before from their Churches, (hould be repoffefled by him that was appointed C°gnitor, and deputed by the Emperour in that Conference, Ut eo modo eos ad conferendum etiam bene-fitivs inVttaret • that is, That fo he might irMte them to conference at leajl by fuch benefits. This principle, we fuppofc, ought not, nor will not ftick in the hearts of fuch men, and in fuch a cafe , as is preluppofed, and

. . . it

it leadeth to a Theft, That there is no communion in Government to be kceped , where* upon any of the former accounts, men are difpleafed with fuch perfons as are joyned therein with them: and though aflfe&i-on, andfometimes inclination,being ftirred with prejudice anddifcontent, will be ready tomakefome fuch praftices to be plaufible, which do infer this; yeti I fuppofe, the Tbefis it felf will not be maintained, more than fuch a ground will warrant Separation in any other Ordinance; and the grounds formerly laid down in feveral parts of this difcourfe, will not admit of fuch a principle, which,if admitted, would exclude union for ever, We (hall therefore paffethis.

The fecond and main difficulty then, is, In the ordering of things fo for the time to come, as the ends of union and government may thereby be obtained, and that nothing that may be juflly feared by one fide or other, may be altogether fleighted. In reference to this, it will not be expe6ted that we fhould be parti-% cular or fatisfying, yet not to leave it altogether im-

perfect. We (ball, firft, propofe (orr^e general con-fiderations,to mollifie the (harpneffe of divifion upon this account- 2* Offer fome general helps, which in fuch cafes may be thought on. 3. Lay down fome advertifements upon fuppofition that full fatisfa&ion be not obtained.

We propofe thefe confiderations to be thought on

It mjlbe concerning this, 1. In fuch a thing it is impoflible

fuch a (atk- that men on both, or either fide, can expeft full fatif-

faShn at faction to their mind, or even (imply to their light;

neither is becaufe men have not the carving out of what is good

fully fatisfi* to the Church (imply before them, but comparatively

ct> and in reference to fuch and fuch a circumftantiate

cafe; and therefore muft refolve, that refpeft muft be

had to the fatisfa&ion of others as of themfelves;

for, ic is not the fatisfaftion of one fide that maketh

up union, but of both : and therefore it muft be re-

folvedtobe fuch a fatisfaftion to both, as neither is

fully

fully and (imply fatisficd therein 1 and for that caufe it's not to be expe&cd that in fuch a cafe all inconveniences which are poffible, can be fatisfyingly pre-vented> or queftions concerning the fame anfwered. I doubt if in any cafe there will be full fatisfa&ion as to thefe.

2. Let it be considered, if the abftaining of uniting will prevent thele inconveniences upon cither fide, and if it doth not rather bring on greater, and moe upon the Church; and if inconveniences fway 5 which areleffer and more uncertain in the one cafe, thofe which are greater and more inevitable,ought to fway more in the other * for, it's already prefuppofed, that joyning doth not make one guilty in thefe inconve-niencies, more than abftaining doth.

Yea, ?. Let it be confidered, if by continued di-vifion, men be not neceflarily guilty of the inconveniences that follow it; becaufe (to fay fo) they follow itperfe, or naturally and neceffanly, whereas the other follows upon union but by accident at the mod : Other confederation*, formerly mentioned, are alfo to have weight, and ought to be remembred here.

We come now to confirier the helps which may in ^ e tW;/ -part be ufefull to prevent thefe fears. In reference tO/ cdr ^ ^ mt which we would, 1. confider, that the matter feared, corrupt do-is not the bringing-in of unfound doftrine in the ge- faine nor a neral, nor the altering of pradtical rules to the ftreng- hrong Go. theningof prophanity, But it is the mifapplicationitffjwiw. of good rules already made, efpecially in reference to thefe. 1. The admitting of unfit Officers in the Church. 2. The depofing of fuch as deferve the fame. 3» The decifion of Tome particular differences that may occafionally occur in the carrying-on of Church-affairs, wherein men may apprehend and fear partiality,as they fhall occur: which grounds of fear upon either fide, we may gather from what hath been formerly hinted. Concerning the matter of depofuion, we have fpo-

ken

kcti already and (hall fay 110 more. Concerning the other two points, we may confidcr them either as they are concerning things paft, before the union be made-up during the divifion ; or, as they relate to what may occafionally fallout afterward.

Concerning what is paft in fuch debated particulars we have fpoken already> and, it(cems> one of thefe three wayes muft be taken in reference therunto. •i. Either by waving of thefe things (if they be fuch as maybe waved) fo that without infifting in them, they may be buried ; or, by one parties ceding > or, by a mucual compofure, they may be iriftantly fetled. z> ' not 2# ^"'^ac cannoc be, the union is not to be fufpended tobe fufpcn* t ^ iereotl > ^ ut fome mutually may be appointed tola-ded Lon c- ^ om m ^ ^ ame afterward, that with confent it may very \mi- be brought to a point, which is not to be thought Je-adar. fperate, although it be not ended for the time. This way of mutuall conferring is natutail, as being an approven mean for compofingof differences of any Some parti* fort, in any place, at any time. 3, If that pleafe culars to be noz 9 or attain not the end, the matter may be ami-referred n ca bly referred to fome acceptable to both, who may ^L*^fibe trufted with the ultimat decifion in fuch parti-•^* a *^ culars: neither is this unbecoming Church-authority fo tocondefcend, nor Minifters in fuch matters to be fubmiffive. For, 1. it is no matter of doSrine wherein they are to decide, or wherein either party is toacquiefce, but it is in fome particular pra&icall thing. 2. The Submiffion is not in a difference betwixt a thing finfull and a thing la wfull, but betwixt two things that arc la wfull, which of them comparatively is the moft expedient to the Church in fuch a cafe; wherein I conceive, it were not implicit walking, though men fliould acquiefce in the judgment of fome others in fuch things,more than in their own. 3. It would feem, that that advice of the Apoftle's, I C or * &• ( ft Mere not a ^ife man amongst you ? tsfc. ) is piopofed in the general, to prevent all fuch ftrife and

contention

Part 4^ A Treat %fe concerting Scandai. 4^3 contention,as doth bring fcandal with it: and therefore ought not to be excluded in this cafe , feing there is a gift of prudence and wifdom given unto the Church for the governing of her felf, and is more eminently given to one than to another, even as the gift of knowledge is for do&rine ; and therefore we conceive that in fuch cafes, fuch may warran-tablybe trufted with fuch particulars, feing it might be cxpe&ed that they would endeavour to make the beft thereof for the good of the Church. In that conference with theftonatifts y we find that the ®ona-tifts are defired to name one for themfe!ves,who might joyn with the Cognitor appointed to judge of fuch particulars and matters of facft, as were in debate betwixt the Catbolicf^s and them; and their refufing thereof was looked upon as an evidence of their not defi-ring an end of the controverfie : Neither is it to be thought, that Juguftine and nigh 300. Bifliops with him who yeelded thereto, did undervalue the matter in debate between them, though they were content to have differences in fa£t fo decided. We find alfo, that for the removing almoft of all the forementioned fchifmsi there were particular men, either deputed by Synods, or commiflionated by adjacent Churches, or called by themfelves, for the compofing amicably of fuch praftical differences as were the occafion of their rents: And, it may be, that were this more ufrd for compofing of Church-differences, the height that oftentimes they come to in particulars, might be prevented.

We here think not fit, that fuch things (hould b c Such thn f decided by Church-judicatories by a mecr authorita- ?^°*/$ a tivedecifion : not out of any dif-refpe6l to Church- J a r e aut l 0 „ Judicatories; butbecaufe, as was formerly hinted in rim i vc the generall grounds, Church-judicatories are fitter wa y % for preventing fuch divifions than for removing of them: And further, a Church-judicatory being in all publick divifions a party, fuch deqifion would.

Jookliker fubmiffion (which men are notfoeafily induced ifhco ) than union. Befide> fuch a way is more ready to breed heart- burnings in (uch things as have been the matter of conteft formerly , and (o is palpably in hazard to brangle an union fcarce begun 1 Alfo, men will more eafily bear any decifion wherein themfelves have a content > though it were mediately by committing it to fome others, than where there is only a ncceffity of obeying • and efpecially where fuch prejudice is conceived to be in the Judge, as in the cafe fuppofed. This maybe clearer from what may be faid afterward. Better fet a ^ or re g u ' at i n 8 things which may occafionally fall time tljor- ouc ' ^ or c ^ e timt to come > wc ma y P ro P 0,c c ^efe ge-hear many derail helps to be confidered. I. That there be an things, than abftinencefrom what may readily feem to prove the to brangle occafion of any differences leaft for a time: and it is union. better to forbear many things»than to brangle union* or grieve a party with whom we have united 5 Yet generally it appeareth, that it is driving and not forbearing, that breedeth divifion, and alfo grieveth men after union, and tempts them to rue the fame. Neither is this a bar to any from a neceflary duty, it only regulateth men in the doing of neceflary duties, fo as they may efchew the guilt of renting the Church, or grieving of others; or, atrnoft, krelatethbuttothe tyming, manner, or (ome other circumftance of a neceflary duty : As fuppofe in the matcer of planting a Church , a divifion fhould in all appearance be like to arife, It is more fit that it fhould be for a time fuf-pended,and other endeavours for facilitating the fame ufed, yea, ere a breach be, chat even other perfons be fought out ; for, though it be duty to plant the Church, and that with none but fuch as are worthy, yet it is not alway a neceflary duty to plant fuch a particular Church, at fuch a time, and in (uch a manner , and with fuch a worthy perfon; Yea , it were better for the Church* and more peace to the perfons

mind , that fuch a particular place (houldvakc for fevcrall years, than that the peace of the Church, or compofedneffe of,her Judicatories, fliould be marred thereby* and fo in other matters wherein forbearance is called-for.

2. In fuch a cafcdoubtfull practices would be ab- <D$ u btfull ' ftained ; and whatever fide men choofe in any occur- patthcs to ring particular, it would be fuch, and in fuch a man- be abfiawd* nerdone, as may be convincingly approvable umo fnm. any of whatfoever fide ; for, it is often uncertain things,or difputable at the moft,that breed differences amongft judicious fobcr men: men therefore would fomeway confine themfelves within unqueftionable things for a time, and not only have refpeft to their own confciences in fuch things» and to what is right in it felf, but alfo to others, who want not their own fufpicions and jealoufies > and who by their deed may either be foon tempted> or grieved ; both which they ought to (hun.

g. We conceive, that it is ufefull in fuch a time to ^ avj i ro . have many brotherly confutations, and conferences, tbcrlyconie-concerning fuch things as may be moved, that things rences to come not in abruptly , for, fo fometimes men may be pnvtnt a-furprifed with fomewhatthey have not heard of, and brup \wt* become jealous where there is no ground: Alfo, it is {Tijais. an evidence of refpeft fo to communicate thoughts, and men may thus know what is fit to be moved, and what not; whereas otherwayes, men may be foon engaged in oppofition to a motion , and not foeafily brought off. This communication would not fo much be by appointment of others, as voluntary, and out of refpeft between particular perfons: Alfo, it would be refpeftively done to the perfon with fub-mifiion to his reafon, that is, if hefeem reafonably diflatisfied therewith, and do not rellifh the fame, the motion would be forborn, at leatt for a time, and the other waited upon therein, till he come up to ic, or at leaft connive at it; this would breed confidence

and

and make the defigns joynt. And this way that is to be followed in the firft moving of things, would alfo bs continued in the promoving thereof. Hdttets $f 4* Matters of difficulty would rather be committed difficulty ra« to deputed perfons than inftantly decided efpeciaily tber com- infuperiour Judicatories. The reaibns are* i» Be-miuei % tban caufe ordinarily fuperiour Judicatories cannot wait tnftantl/dc- the time that fretted fpirits will requite to bring bufi-dicL nefles of difficulty to any cordial cloie. 2. Itfeenjeth

refpe&ive like when they are fd taken notice of, and flighting like when things are haflencd. 3. Neither fo are all after-murmurings and riiings of heart prevented! when things are not heard to the full. 4* Be-caufe time may do many things,and that may be eafie ere long which is difficult now- $♦ In fuch deputations there is more accede to have refpe<St to the appointing of fuch perfons, as may moft probably ef-fe&uate the thing for the Churches good ; and, no queftion, a Church-judicatory is to take the way which may do the thing beft, afwell as a particular perfon, and they are to abftain from debatable things and hafty conclufions, even as particular perfons are: and oftentimes experience teacheth , that fuch Com-miffions expede many things , which more frequent Affemblies could not fo well do. Hence we will find, that it was ordinary in the primitive time upon fuch grounds,to give Commiflion to tome few to do things, and particularly, that often-mentioned Council of Carthage did think good to diflolve, and to depute fo many for deciding that, in matters of difcipline, which they could not by themfelves fo well be able to com-Not unfit, paffe. fomc prfons 5. \# e conceive alfo, that it were not unfit in fuch intt ie- ca f es ( for a time at leaft ) to have fome defigned by fignei for a mutual confent, who might cornpofe fuch occafional tmct$<om. difF erences as poffibly might ariie; or, who at leaft MUdtffu mi g^ c have fo much powrr as to reftrain and keep fciuei. " ^ owa £ heTame from being a new ground of divifion

to

a«

to the Church, or matter of great grief to any party. This is not to conttitute anew Judicatory, bu: according to the light of nature to provide a mean for keeping up of order , and preventing of confufion, when, in refpeftof the prefcnt diftemper of fpirit, there is no poffibility for attaining^ that end by the conftituted Judicatory: Nature in fuch a cafe teaches all men to feek for order in every fociety, and it being fuppofed that there cannot be a joyning in ordinary Judicatories without this, and that it might be attained with this, it's hard to think, that that is denied to the Church which agreeth to all other focie-ties; or, that it can be faid, that it is better to wane union in Church-judicatories, than to have it fo qualified. Sure fome Churches would, and do think much to attain this length , as appeareth by the many voluntary affociations which worthy men have been led unto, for the keeping of order, and attaining of fbme union, who are yet good friends to Church-government ; and the reafon that warranteth them in their deed, to wit, the neccflity of union and order itl the Church, and the impoffibility that there is of any further mean for attaining the fame, will warrant this praftice in the cafe fuppofed ; for, the queftion is not (imply, What is t^c (rft conftituted Government of a Church in a good condition ? but it is, Whether a Government with fuch a qualification, be better than "500Government, or a divided Government, it being fuppofed that no other in the circumftantiat cafe can be attained ?

It would be confidered alfo, That fuch a voluntary reference to fuch perfons, doth not include any autho-;y> as to ordain Minifters, or depofe,&r*. but it is to Oe in matters of faft, as in thefitnefle or unficnefle of fuch a Plantation, of fuch a Procefle, and the like ; which was mentioned in reference to differences paft j for,what was faid there, is alfo binding here.

Neither can this be thought any limitation or £ e wiakfting

4lS ^4 Treatifc concerning Scandal, Part4J

weakning of Church-authority and power: For* i. Ic doth make that authority and power ftronger than formerly it was without this s in the cafe fo cir-„ cumftantiate; and the quettion ft ill is to be confirm tendeth dered not in theft, but in bypotbefi. 2. Becaufe this is to recover for the recovery and ftrengthening of an authority finngtb to that for the time is not in exercife, at leaft in fuch an tfudica* extent? and it is to give the fame a being, as it were, tones* and to bring it to its former luftre; as if a weak man (hould be led, or get a ftaff in his hand till he recover; onas ifadisjoynted leg (hould be fenced about other-wayes than one that is whole, and fo be the fooner incapacity to walk without thefe. 3. This is but a temporary acceffory help, and is not pleaded-for as aneflential of Government > but only as a lawful! expedient when it cannot be wanted* 4 It may be con fidered that poflibly no ufe may be thereof, and if fo, it can be no encroachment; aad if there be need thereof, fo as things cannot cordially becompofed otherwayes, Is is not expedient then, for the preventing of a further inconvenience? 5. Ifuppofc it is not inconfiftent with Civil Authority , when union is made-up betwixt two Nations, or in the fame Na-tions,efpecially where Authority hath been brangled, that fome by joynt confent be chofen for deciding of fuch things as may occafion a new breach: and there are many inftanecs of this in hiftory; for, the being of Authority is cumulative to the means that men are naturally furnifhed with, for the prefervingof union and order, and therefore it cannot exclude fuch prudential confederations.

Neither can it be thought inconfiftent with the nature of Church-authority and Government : For, I. If it be agreeable to the principles of nature and %AU u con- f ounc j rca f on> i c cannot be inconfiftent with Church-•Vi^-a • ii government, which hath its own policy grounded up-SCl oa thefe : And althou g h ^e form of Government be thM'm l • not to be gathered from thefe* nor the ends which they mnt ^ (hould

fhould aim at who govern, yet the manner how fuch a Government is to attain thefeends, is in pofitivc things to be regulated by them : hence fometimes men are to ufeintreaties and perfwafions, fomtimes threat-' nings and authoritative means* according as the end may be attained* 2. Although Church-government in the general be determined; and men be not free to affociateor not, yet there is much, as to theexercife thereof in afibciating, and the particular manner mutually agreed upon > which ftill may regulate circum-ftances, though they cannot alter the nature of the thing. 3. It is not neceflary that Church-authority fhould be al wayes exercifed in every thing 5 for, it is not to be exercifed but when it is to the. Churches edi-fication.and there is no fuchChurch-authorky as edifies not ; and therefore, if in fuch cafes the interpofing of Church-authority in the ultimat decifion of matters be not edifying , it is no encroachment upon it to fay it fhould not be exercifed in that cafe; and fo at the moft>that which dependeth upon this reference,is, only prudentially to difcern and judge? if in fuch and fuch a cafe, it be fie for the Churches edification, that Church-authority fhould decide in fuch a particular matter> wherein not the authority or power, but the prudence, zeal, and fakhfulnefle of fuch pcrfons are to be reipefted for the obtaining of a forbearance. 4. We will find the great Apottle oftentimes conde* the great fcending to lay by his authority , and to intreat and Ap\\ie of* beteech, efpecially in the matter of union; and fomo*"* loyctb. times to advife, when he<bought his intreatics might tf W^ tf -more kindly prevail; or, when he thought hi* autho- ™ n tf« rity might bequeflioned, or his authoritative afting hazard a fchifm: which grounds, being moral, may Warrant a Church in fuch a cafe unto the end of the world to follow his example. ?. Seing union is maintained when it is weak by the fame means by which it is begun> (for union is not compleated whcr\ fomc agreement is clofed ) and fcing, -as we faid, qn

E Q

authoritative way is not ficteft for conceiving and bringing forth the fame; So neither will ic be for giving of it fuck and milk till it be able co abide ftronger meat. 6, Seing Church -authority is parental, and thac of the tendered fort, it is not unbecoming that it condefcend even to the weaknefle and childifh diftempers of fome members; fuppofing there be fuch (landing in need thereof; and if (uch conde-fcending may joyn them in and keep them in, in their own place, and prevent even their fnares and mifcar-riages more effe&ually than authoritative means will do, which are for the time fufpefted by them j ought not fuch means to be followed ? And if they fhould continue in their infirmity to ftumble at the peremptory ufing of authoritative means and the denial of this; will it be thought a fufficient ground to exoner men from having acceflion unto their fall ? or will it look like that tenderneffe and condefcendency which mothers and nurfes ought to have to children, even in their childifh and unreafonable moodes ? 7. This alfo mif-ftates the queftion, becaufe its here to be confidered (as was (aid) not what is the nature of Church-authority (imply, but comparatively, what is ficteft for procureing the edification of the Church, and for a time to be a mean for recovering her to a full authoritative manner of a&ing, which is now fuppofedto be brangled. Befide, if the recovery of Church-authority be a duty requiring means to be ufed fuitabie to that end ; then the ufe of this mean muft be a duty: becaufe, in the cafe fuppofed, it is the mofl: probable mean for attaining to that. If k be faid, that it is a more eafie way to acquiefce in the authoritative determination, and it were more fit for men to fubmit to that* Jnfto. That fuppofeth no prefent diftemper to be, and anfwereth not to the cafe ftated, which is upon the fuppofition that men do not that ; Is not this more fit for prefent edification, and more probable for attaining to a full authoritative

way

way of a&ing, than the continuing of a divifioft without condefcending in this ? In the laft place* alfo it may be confidered, That the exercifing of Church-authority in particular cafes, hie & nunc, is an affirmative precept, and therefore doth not bind adfemper, according to the common rule of affirmative precepts \ it cannot therefore be unfuitableto it, or the precepts by which it is commanded, to adde fuch qualifications as arc mentioned in the cafe pre-fuppofed.

CHAP. XIX.

Some advertifements concerning the overtures fropofed.

TO come now to fome advertifements accord-ding as we did propofe; we muft (hortly put them together, left we be too prolix in every thing.

1. Then it would be adverted, That there is no pe-remptorindle urged in any of the former helps or remedies > but if other means may be found more effe-ftuall, all thefe are to cede. Only this is intended, that if no more probable and effe&uall means be found out, or applied , that it is better on tuch like grounds to unite than to continue a divifion.

2. It is to be adverted , That there may be* and ought to be fuch a condefcending, in the concluding of, and fixing on the means, (especially for the time to come ) as by the expreffing of time > manner, and other particular circumftances of things, the fears of both may be fomeway guarded againft, and each by (hewing refpeit to other» may endeavour the removing of their mutuall jealoufies; for, feing jealoufies are mutuall, it will be too much for one fide to think that the other fhould wholly credit them, if there be no condefcending by them.

E e 3 3« Al-

watm

42a %A Treatife concerning S c A N D A l J Part 4.'

3* Although there fhould be fears that things fhould again break out> and that therefore it is to no purpofe to undertake a way of union, not every way fatisfy-ing ; yet it would be effayed, and if the Lord prevent that fear ? fuch an objection is loofed; if fome interruption come again to hazard an outbreaking , thefe who are acceflory thereto, will be the more guilty, and others who are innocent therein, may have more peace than if it had not been eflayed

4. If union cannot be compleated in every thing, then their would be endeavours to fix it fo far as is attainable, and to prevent the increafing of divifion,that if there may not be a pofitive union, at leaft, a positive divifion and oppofition may be Ihunned.

5. It would be endeavoured, that notwithflanding of fuch divifions, men may mutually concur in that wherein there is no divifion for the edification of the Church: for,divifion in one particular ought not,nor will not warrantably hinder mutuall afting in other things where there is none : As for inftance , if iube an interruption in carrying on the work of God joyntly in Government, becaufe of fome difference concerning that -; yet if there be acceffeto promove the edification of the body by an united way oQ preaching i that is to be followed and improven, as we fee it is done in iome places where Government is not allowed.

6. Whatever the cafe be, we fuppofe it is duty to make the beft thereof, when men cannot win the length they would.

C H A P.

CHAP. XX.

What u incumbent to Magiftratcs and Teople. for remedying this evil.

IT rcftcch now that we (hould fpcak fornething, to what is incumbent to Magtflrates and People, for remedying of fuch an evil in the Church ; but being keeped Co long on the former, we cannot enter on this; We (hall only lay down thefe few generals, I, That neither of them ought to be offended or ftumbled ac fuchdivifions, or thereby be brought to have leffe eftrem either of the Gofpel, the Ordinance of Government, or Worfhip, or the Miniftery and Miniflers of Jefus Chrift; much lefle would there be infulting over, or advantage taken againft, thefe upon this occafion , as is recorded to the infamy of feveral perfons; but on the contrary* all would be atfe6ted -therewith, as with a moft dangerous fnare, and fear-full plague : And to this pmpofc Mgufline doth feri-oufly prefle his ( Boniface i Governour of Jfrici, that he mould not ftumble at the divifions of the Church* and particularly Bptfl. 50.

'2. All would fearch if they have had anyfinfull influence upon the procuring of fuch a ftroke 5 for, if it be a plague and wo to them, they would look back to the rile thereof; who knows but the fins of Magiftrates or People in their fretting at the Ordinance of Government, defpifing of the Miniftery, not receiving of the Word nor walking anfwerably ther-to,and fuch like,may have procured this divifion from the Lord, as a judicial ftroke on them to harden them in their former fin, and thereby to ttrenptlcn their tentationtodefpife all the Ordinances more to their own ruin, as may b: gathered from what hath been fprm^rly fpoken ? 3. All would be carefull toabftaiti from what may E e 4 further

'424 tATreatlfe concerning Sc amd al Part 4*

further or heighten the breach , and by all means endeavour not to be engaged in fuch fidings; for, that often cncourageth others , and rncrcafeth and fixeth a , rent; and in experience it is feen f that thefe fchifms were ever moft dangerous.* and moft difficultly removed, wherein people came to party, and fide with op-pofit fides in the divifion : and feing the Spirit in the Scripture, doth forbid people as well as Miniftersto divide, this muft be their duty, not to joyn in fuch a divifion* Alio, it unfits them to get good from Mi-nifters, or to do good for removing of a rent amorrgft them. And we are fure, If doubtfull difputations, vain /anglings, and fuch like queftions, that tend not to edification , be to be efchewed by people, then we conceive that fuch as are in the cafes preluppofed, may be fo efteemed of*

4. They are by all refpeftive means ferioufly to preffe the abftaining from,and compofing of fuch differences, by their ferious reprefentations of the ills thereof, and exhortations, according to their places to have the fame remedyed. And were this more amongft people, upon occafions in due manner,toteftifie their ibber refentment of fuch evils in the general, and defire of union, and condefcendency for attaining the fame, fo far as is fir, it would much more become the fobrie-ty of tenderChriftians,and be much more efFe&ual for this end, than to be heightening and aggreging the mifcarriage of any one party to another, or carrying reports or informations true or falfcwhich may kindle humours to a flame that are hot and fmoaking already. It would affefit a heart to hear the regraits and expoftulations that Conftantine, Gratian, and others* have anent the divifions of Church-men in their times and their exhortations to remedy the fame*

5. All forts would endeavour to be in goodtearttis with God> in refpeft of their own particular conditions: and when all failethj they would ftill be inftant-ly dealing with God by prayer for healing of the

fame, as accounting it a great plague* even to them' while this continueth*

CHAP. XXI.

The grounfo and motives of the defired union.

THelaft thing propofed tobefpokento, was, the grounds whereby union on fuch like tearms, in fuch cafes, might be preffed : but feing fomethings to this purpofc have been already here and there inferted, upon fcverall occafions ; and feing thefe who are mainly concerned in this, are fup-pofed to be moft tenderly zealous of the Churches good, and fo not to ftand much in need of many motives to perfwadeto this which doth fo nearly concern the fame;and fearing to heap up too many words in a matter fo clear, we (hall forbear to infift, and only propofe fome confideracions to the confeience of the tender Reader,efpecially in reference to fome particular circumftances, which fometimes may occur in the cafeofdivifion. And let God Hirafelf, who is the God of peace, of love, and of order, put them home to confeiences with a ftrong hand. Brfty The confeiencious Reader may confider, when all is well weighed that is formerly propofed , with what may befides occur to himfelf,Ifthe ftudy of union be not a moft neceffary thing, and it without the eflaying of thefe and fuch like means, according to his intereft and calling, he can have peace, as being fuffi-ciently exonered in his duty, in reference to this great end ; and if there can be folid quietneffe to continue divifion upon the grounds mentioned, and to fleighc the purfuing after union, if attainable, upon thefe or fuch like tearms as are propofed, efpecially in thefe and fuch other cafes.

1. When a Church is under externall crofles and affliftjons, and by Gods difpenfation is caft into the

fur*

furnace; to be therein ftrugliag and wreftling one with another, and, as if it were in the time of the Churches greateft peace and calm , to be contending for matters of fuch concernment* O how unfuitable is it! Though indeed condefcending be called-for ac anytime, yet certainly, much more and m an efpeci-all manner at fuch a time. The judicious, and great Divine £!i/vj«, doth, upon this account, exceedingly aggregethedivifionsamongft fome Bnglifh inF^w^-ford, who being banifhed in thedayes of Qaeen Mary for the fame Religion , did even there contend for matters of little moment. This ( faith he, Bpijl. 200.) was exceeding intempeflb ?, or unrimous, and exceed-* ing offenfive to the Church of Chrift, and unbecoming their cafe: And although ht utterly difapprovecl thefe ceremonies.as unbecoming thcChurch of Chrift; Yet doch he ( Epift* 206.) prelfe moderation on both fides* ufing thefe words, Sicuti autem eos qui I \>obti dif* fentiebant bortatttA fum , ut qua pojjent moderathne in-flctieirent • itamibidijplicuit, nihil VuiJJlma parte Veflra recedi vd remitti , that is, A I did exhort thefe tybo Xbere not of one mind With you > to flretch themfehesy>itball pojjlble moderation • So it did difp'eafe me, that there V><u upon the other band by you, nothing ceded or remitted.

The fecond cafe is, When a Church by divifion, is I lid open to groiTe hereticks, who wait the occafion of fuch a divifion , that they miy make (as it were) an infall upon her, Divifion fhould be fhunncdac any time, but in fuch a cafe , union (hould be at any race, of warrantable condefcendency, purchased* In ; that difference between Eufebius and Bafilw, at firft it , was fufficient to cfchew divifion; for which end at $fy%ian%ens defire* ^afiiias removed; bttf when the jirians were like to take advantage .thereof, he did ' again return, and by his condefcending made up a perfeft union, thereby to ftop the door againft the in-breaking of errour upon that people : Which fa6l is ever highly commended, even in refpeft of the feafa~ 4 fonablnefle

fonablnefle thereof, in reference to that tentation.

3. A third cafe wherein union would cfpecially be ftudied. is, When there is little help f rom without>to the luftaining of the Government and order of the Church; but men in thatrefpeCl, have and take liberty ro aft as they will : becau(c then union is the only wall, and it that fall, there is nothing toguard* Hence it is , that nectflky > cipecially in fuch a cafe, bath made men think upon aflociations and mutual! bonds, for the eftabl idling and confirming of union.

4. It is, when fome ohhe Ordinances, eipecially the Ordinance of Government, is queftioned,or whet* they arc defpifed , and fomeway made contemptible before men : in fuch cafes, for relpeft to the Ordinances of Chrid * men ought to condefcend to the ut-termod , and to endeavour the recovery of the Ordinances of Chrift to tneir former beauty, which isim-poflible to be attained without this > becaufe divifion maketh all to appear contemptible.

5. ft is, when there feemeth to be fome fpeciall nick, or choak, or crifis ( to fpeak lb) that is, When, !if there be not prefent uniting and gripping, in all probability, the divifion and breach will grow greater and wider, and be more difficultly removable. In fuch a cafe men ought to dretch themfelves V>itb all the moderation that it poffible (zs Cabins expreflion is) if they may now, at Icad> through Gods good hand upon them , come to fome agreement, and taking grip j(to fay lb) while it 15 poffible. And if each of thefe jalone> drongly prefle the dudy of union, even beyond

what is ordinary ; O how very drongly will all of them, put together, prefle it! And how a&ively fliould men, zealous for God and His precious Ordinances > and tender of the edification of fouls, bedir themfelves to follow after peace in fuch a vehemently urging cafe ?

The fecond thing that would be ferioudy considered and thought upon, is, What is the pollibility, and

fea fable-

feafablenefle, and acccffe to attainment, of fuch a defirable end# It is true, tenacioufneffe in forae, may make union in the lcaft things impoffible, efpecially fuch as may by his grace, gifts, efteem^orthedepen-dance of others upon him becaufe of thefe, have fome fpeciall ftrokc and influence upon the thing: But the Reader would confider,

1. If fomeway the ftick be not at himfelf, and if there be not fomething poflible to him, in reference to union, which yet he hath not condescended to; for, although he hath not power over the wills of others, yet hath he over his own.

2. Let him confider, If the ills that follow divifi-on be not great and certain: andiffo, if the flopping at any ftep of the condefcending called-for, will bear out the confeience againft the cryes of fo many reproaches that are caften upon Ordinances by fome $ againft the many challenges that will arife upon the mifcarriages of others, that are occasioned by fuch di-vifions; and againft the impreffion that the weighting and fadning of many honeft hearts, will have with it one day ? And if he dare ftep in to judgment,without fear of being found faulty in any meafure in refpeft of the forementioned inconveniencies; if his conde-fcending, as is called-for, might have prevented them.

5. He would confider, if at the appearing of Jefus Chrift, when all fuch affe&ions (hall be laid by, and difpucings will not have place, nor recriminations be admitted; if, I fay, in fuch a cafe he may not have more peace in condefcending upon either fide, as is propo-ied, for the good of the Church, than by refufmg the fame to keep up the divifion.

4i It would be ferioufly pondered, whether union by fuchcondefcendency, or divifion without it, may be moft profitable and edifying to the Church} and if any of chefe things be of fuch confequence,as to ftand in the way of the Churches further edification*

S. The Reader may cpnfider, if ever in the pra&ice

of

of the primitive times, or in the writings of orthodox and fober Divines, old or late, any fo circumftantiat-cd divifion will be found warrantable, or if, out of the heat of debate, they would probably haveftuck at any condefcenfion that is here required upon either hand.

6. Icmaybeconfidered, If all the prefcnt reformed Churches being appealed unco in fuch a cafe, were finglyand impartially to give jud&cmrnc thcrcanent* whether it could upon any ground be thought, that they would judge fuch condefcending unlawfull upon either fide, if by it and no otherwayes union were to be attained ?

7. It would be confidered, That if all that ever have written on this fubjeft of old or late were con-fulted, that (for ought I know) it will be found that the condefcenfion that they allow for attaining, and preferving of union in the Church, will be of a larger extent, than any thing in this cafe requind ; And, I fuppofe, hardly will it be found, that from fuch writings there will be a flicking allowed upon any fuch thing as is propofed. And will it be fafe, at once to condemn fo many ?

8. The Reader may refleft on himfelf, and try what are his thoughts of former divifions, and if he doth not approve moft ordinarily thefe that were moft peaceable, and alwayes thefe that in fuch a cir-cumftantiatedcafedidftudy condefcendency 3 and if he doth not within himfelf judge, that it had been

I more for the Churches good, that fuch divifions had been removed upon fuch like tearms, than that they Ihould have been continued; and if there be not in his bofome a kind of indignation at the rigid drivers of fuch a divifion, whereby he may know anddifcern what is fit to be done in the prefent cafe, if he were as impartiall in it, as in the other*

9. He may confider, If union be not made up up-•n fuch or the like tearms; and if upon other tearms

^Jo c4 Treatifeconcerning Sc an da l. Part 4*

it be impofli ile> What will follow> or what ufu-ally doth follow in fuch cafes? Doth not bitternefle growfo a height amongft orthodox men as if each of rhem were enemies to the crurhof Chrift, and enemies to one anothers perfons ? names alfo are• often impofed upon each by the other, as if they were • not both of the fame body 5 or, as if it were goodi fervice to God, and advantage to the Truth, by fuch defignations to render one another odious, contemptible and ufeleffr: As thefe that refufed to joyn with the Church of ^ome in Edfler , were called Quarto-decimani ; whereupon folio weth abftinence in communion with one another, turning afide unto errour and novelty amongft fome; indulgence if not connivance at; and compliance with groflfe and corrupt men amongft others; coldneffe i« zeal to God , and love one to another v and upfitting in the power and practice of podlinefle amongft all, and many fuch like wofqll cffc<5b. And fhall, alas, (hall the weight of all thefe fad and Rfligion-ruining confequcnts* be ftated upon the refuting of fuch condefcendency as is here called-for ? G d forbid.

10. It would be'ferioufly confidered, what may be the thoughts of the generation that fhall fucceed ? Shall fuch a divifion be propagated to them, and they made heirs thereto ? Shall not they either continue miferable under fuch a condition, and that for ever, with fuch heightening circumftances as cannot but follow ? ( and will any ingenuous and pofterity-compaflionating Reader think of this, and not be affedied therewith?) Or they muft endeavour the re-tovery of union with much more difficulty than it i may now be ; and if fo, certainly that generation I will be in hazard to curfe thefe that went before them, who did bring them forth under the neccflity of continuing under the fin, fnare, and torturing-plague of divifions; or, at leaft, of being in fo greatly-puzling and perplexing (traits, ere they could expedc them*-fclvesoutof tnefame* "• If

11. If yet the Reader be not convinced pofitively to joyn and further union in iuch a cafe, let him yet confider if he hath (ufficient clearntfle to oppotc and cry dovvn the lame as finfull, and if he hath liberty anid freedom to cry down all that ever have approven or do approve the removing of a divifion upon fuch ; terms as thefe propofed ? and if he dare with confidence from his own particular diflatisfaftion,mar the fame amongft others ? and if pcflibly he might not have more freedom negatively to lye by, and neither dirc&ly nor indirectly to be the occafion of fuch an offence > and if the Church might not have more profit, and he more peace in fodoing? and if he be fatisfied, he may confider whether it were not better to endeavour fuch a compofure, though to the difla-tisfaftion of jbme (who poffibly may afterward lay by their difcontent ) than out of prepofterous rer-fpeft to them, to hazard the ruine of all ? which is, as it were, to bring a leaking fhip to land in a ftorm, though fome of the company.upon feme miftakeop-pofethe fame.

. 12. Let him confider, ifevercondefcending in fuch things hath been obferved to bring any hurt to the Church; whereas felfwillednefle ( whereof a Mini-ftcr efpecially fhould be free) hath alwayes been dangerous. ' It's true, *pwrU in points fundamentals fuch as that which Jnajlafim preffed, hath been moft 2ealoufly oppofed as hurtful], becaufe thereby the foundation was ftrucken at, and crrour in fundamental things got equal footing with truth ; But can ever this be faid in (Uch things as are fuppofed in the cale I laid down ?

Laftly, The Reader may confider, if in foberneffe, \ I and in an abflra&ed manner extra <eflum difputatiovis, ! he were giving his advice to a Church (o divided, I and immediatly thereafter to fiep in to judgment, he i would not readily incline to commend union on thefe I or fuch other terms, as neceffary for the good of the

Churchy

435 ATretnfeconcerning Scandal; Part^

Church, credit of the Ordinances, and the removing of ftumblihg-blocks from before the people, efpecial-Jy in the cafes formerly mentioned ; and if he might not have more peace to ftcp to judgment after fuch an advice, than if rigidly hefhould inhibit fuch conde-fcenfion* And we (hall leave the judicious, con-fciencious, and tender Reader, to anfwer thefc and manvfuch things to himfelf, and accordingly to do; arid irany, out of prejudice, ( as we hope none will, and heartily ^i(h ftonemay) (hall not confeienci-oufly ponder the fame, we leave him to confider that he muft reckon to God therefore, and (hall only ob-teft him that he will have more refpeft to the Churches peace, than to his own inclination; and that he will at leaft by fome other lawfull, poffible and probable mean effay the removing, or at leaft the prevention of the growth of fuch divifions ; and that he would with all conftru& well of the effayes of others, till we come all before the common Judge, who, we are perfwaded, loveth the Truth in peace, and hath joyned thefe together, which therefore ought by no man to be put afunder.

F I 2^ I $•