An apologetical reply to a book called an answer to the unjust complaint of…An apologeticall reply to a booke called an ansvver to the unjust complaint of…

Seventhly. In that which he addeth, upon the grant of this supposition, that he had not desired me, diverse things are considerable. 1. His unjust accusation of me (by way of intimation) as if I did quarrel and contend with him, because he did not desire me] whereas it is neither so, nor so. For neither was it my intent, in that writing, to quarrel, but to answer objections, nor did I blame him at all for not desiring me (for he may use his liberty, for me, to place his desires upon a more desirable object) but for pretending his desire to have me with him, when he did really hinder my settling there. 2. His Sarcastical insultation, when he tauntingly demandeth, Is he such a man of desire &c.] ⟨p. 205⟩Reply 1. It seemeth that I am not such a man of desire, in his account, yet, in the esteem of that Church, and of the Classis, how unworthy soever I am in my self, it seemeth, I am; Else, how comes it to pass, that they account themselves so injured by his opposing and rejecting me (as appeareth in their complaints) and that these so much desired that I might be promoted to the ministry of that Church,¹ as he hath formerly testified? 2. If I am not such a man of desire, in his account, yet J should not be such a man of scorn and contempt, to be so trampled upon in a strange land, and exposed to reproach, and that by a brother, and in print, whereby I am now become a man of sorrows, and that in many respects. 3. His voluntary concession, or acknowledgement (by way of supposition and intimation) that he withheld his desire from me, in the act of Election, is considerable. For, if, when his voice went with the rest for mine election, he withheld his desire from me; how can it be thought, that he did at all desire me? For did he give his vote for me? Did he subscribe my call with his own hand in that writing, whereof himself was the penman? Did he himself, accompanied with one of the Elders, bring it to me, and pray me to accept of it? And yet did he withhold his desire from me, in the act of election? No marvel then, if he held me so to this question. No marvel, that he refused the means propounded by me for accommodation. No marvel, that he procured that writing of the five ministers (howsoever by some of them intended in favour of me, they thinking that he sought to accommodate me, but) which he made use of to strengthen himself against me.

Seaventhly. In that which he addeth, upon the grant of this supposition, that he had not desired me, diverse things are considerable. 1. His unjust accusation of me (by way of intimation) as if I did quaraile and contend with him, because he did not desire me] whereas it is neither so, nor so. For neither was it my intent, in that wrighting, to quaraile, but to answer objections, nor did I blame him at all for not desiring me (for he may use his liberty, for me, to place his desires upon a more desireable object) but for pretending his desire to have me with him, when he did really hinder my setling there. 2. His Sarcasticall insultation, when he tauntingly demandeth, Is he such a man of desire &c.] ⟨p. 205⟩Reply 1. It seemeth that I am not such a man of desire, in his account, yet, in the esteeme of that Church, and of the Classis, how unworthy soever I am in my selfe, it seemeth, I am; Else, how comes it to passe, that they account themselves so injuried by his opposing and rejecting me (as appeareth in their complaints) and that these so much desired that I might be promoted to the ministry of that Church,¹ as he hath formerly testifyed? 2. If I am not such a man of desire, in his account, yet J should not be such a man of scorne and contempt, to be so trampled upon in a strange land, and exposed to reproach, and that by a brother, and in print, whereby I am now become a man of sorrowes, and that in many respects. 3. His voluntary concession, or acknowledgment (by way of supposition and intimation) that he withheld his desire from me, in the act of Election, is considerable. For, if, when his voyce went with the rest for myne election, he withheld his desire from me; how can it be thought, that he did at all desire me? For did he give his vote for me? Did he subscribe my call with his owne hand in that wrighting, whereof himselfe was the penman? Did he himselfe, accompanyed with one of the Elders, bring it to me, and pray me to accept of it? And yet did he withhold his desire from me, in the act of election? No marvayle then, if he held me so to this question. No marvayle, that he refused the meanes propounded by me for accommodation. No marvayle, that he procured that wrighting of the five ministers (howsoever by some of them intended in favour of me, they thincking that he saught to accommodate me, but) which he made use of to strengthen himselfe against me.

1. 1Sect: 12.16.19.

No marvel, that it was procured to be ratified by the Classis and Magistrates, that I should rest in it, and conform thereunto. No marvel, that an order which the Elders would have made in Consistory, to secure me from trouble for that, was hindered by him, and that the convenient time, which they agreed upon to allow me, for satisfaction, was denied by him. No marvel, that other usages (which I forbear to mention) of me have been so unbrotherly (that I say no more) if he did not desire me. 4. In the same way of supposition and intimation he seemeth to say, that he was for another whom he might ⟨p. 206⟩judge to be more lowly &c. 1. This I complain not of as an injury to me, but I wish that he may both have such an one to be with him, and may be such an one himself, as he there describeth, if he judge of these properties by a right rule. As for me: I shall account him the most lowly, who with most self-denial takes upon him Christs yoke, and him most loving, whose spirit closeth most strongly with all good men, in all good ways, and him to be most faithful and upright, who doeth most exercise himself to have a conscience in all things void of offence, both towards God, and towards man. In this sense he might have had men lowly, loving, faithful, and upright, whom the Church desired, but enjoy not, to their great grief, and loss, 2. It had been more brotherly dealing to have admonished me in private (if he had discerned any thing in me contrary to those properties) rather then thus to traduce me in print, or, if he would publish such accusations, to have proved them to be just, and not thus, without proof, to reproach me. 3. The five Reverend Dutch preachers did not apprehend him to have such prejudices against me, when they composed that writing which himself hath translated, according to their words, and published, where speaking of me, they say, whom, for diverse respects there mentioned, we understand to be most dear unto Mr. P. It seemeth they were mistaken in their opinion of the Answerers love to me, if his thoughts of me then were according to this writing. 4.

No marvayle, that it was procured to be ratifyed by the Classis and Magistrates, that I should rest in it, and conforme thereunto. No marvayle, that an order which the Elders would have made in Consistory, to secure me from trouble for that, was hindred by him, and that the convenient time, which they agreed upon to allow me, for satisfaction, was denyed by him. No marvayle, that other usages (which I forbeare to mention) of me have bene so unbrotherly (that I say no more) if he did not desire me. 4. Jn the same way of supposition and intimation he seemeth to say, that he was for another whom he might

Himself subscribed the writing wherein I was called to the ministry in that Church (which also was subscribed by all the Elders and Deacons) wherein they thus express their esteem of me, in the fear of God having considered of such as might be fit thereunto, we have set our eyes upon you &c. being persuaded of your sufficiency, learning, and piety, hoping also, that, through those gifts of the spirit wherewith the Lord hath endued you, and wherein we have received much contentment, you may be a special instrument of building up the Church of God by your godly labours amongst us. This writing was penned by himself, and his own name subscribed with his own hand, wherein my fitness for that place is so testified, that it may seem strange how one & the same man should privately wright that, and yet publish this.

Himselfe subscribed the wrighting wherein I was called to the ministry in that Church (which also was subscribed by all the Elders and Deacons) wherein they thus expresse their esteeme of me, in the feare of God having considered of such as might be fit thereunto, we have set our eyes upon you &c. being persuaded of your sufficiency, learning, and piety, hoping also, that, through those gifts of the spirit wherewith the Lord hath indued you, and wherein we have received much contentmēt, you may be a speciall instrument of building up the Church of God by your godly labours amongst us. This wrighting was penned by himselfe, and his owne name subscribed with his owne hand, wherein my fitnes for that place is so testifyed, that it may seeme strange how one & the same man should privatly wright that, and yet publish this.

The 23. Section examined, of the Answerers rejecting the counsel of the Elders, when matters have been referred to them, if he thought they would conclude against his purpose.

The 23. Section examined, of the Ansvverers rejecting the counsail of the Elders, when matters have bene referred to them, if he thought they would conclude against his purpose.

The usefulness of the Eldership in the Church being considered, with the Honour which the Holy Ghost putteth upon those who are called thereunto, should warn all men to take heed of contemning them, or occasioning others to despise them.

THe usefullnes of the Eldership in the Church being considered, with the Honour which the Holy Ghoast putteth upon those who are called thereunto, should warne all men to take heed of contemning them, or occasioning others to dispise them.

First.¹ Their usefulness appeareth in that the Holy Ghost directed Paul and Barnabas to ordain Elders by voices in every ⟨p. 208⟩Church. Which text Mr. Nowell in this Catechism allegeth to show that there were in the well ordered Churches certain Seniors chosen, and joined with the Pastor, and thereby he would show that the Pastor should not excommunicate alone, without the judgement of the Church. This place being so understood, we may from hence note two things to declare the usefulness of such officers.² 1. that they were appointed to every Church. 2. That they were solemnly ordained, being commended to the Lord with prayer and fasting; which is not used in slight matters. It appeareth also in that they are joined, by the wisdom of God with other officers of as necessary use in the Church, as the members are in the body, 1 Cor. 12.28.

First.¹ Their usefullnes appeareth in that the Holy Ghoast directed Paul and Barnabas to ordaine Elders by voyces in every ⟨p. 208⟩Church. Which text Mr. Nowell in this Catechisme alleadgeth to shew that there were in the well ordered Churches certaine Seniors chosen, and joyned with the Pastor, and thereby he would shew that the Pastor should not excommunicate alone, without the judgement of the Church. This place being so understood, we may from hence noate two things to declare the usefullnes of such officers.² 1. that they were appoynted to every Church. 2. That they were solemnly ordayned, being commended to the Lord with prayer and fasting; which is not used in slight matters. It appeareth also in that they are joyned, by the wisdom of God with other officers of as necessary use in the Church, as the members are in the body, 1 Cor. 12.28

Secondly. The Honour which the Holy Ghost putteth upon them, is very great, as appeareth, first, in their employments, which are honourable services, as, to assist the Pastor, 1. In admonishing offenders. 2. In imposition of hands at the ordaining of officers. 3. in consulting and counselling about Church affairs, the Apostles refused not their help herein, and this use of them continued (as Ambrose saith) till it was altered by the sloth, or rather pride of Teachers, who would seem to be some body, by doing all things alone. 2. In the titles wherewith he honoureth them being thus employed, calling them^(a) Leaders, ^(b)Presidents, ^(c)Overseers, ^(d)Governments. 3. In the qualifications required to be in them, viz. to be such as do the duty of their place in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a perfect heart, wise, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, blameless. In a word, they must not be destitute of any good property, whereby they may be fitted to rule well. 4. In the carriage which the Holy Ghost enjoineth the people to use towards them, in their well discharging their duty. As, to acknowledge them, and to esteem them very highly in love, to account them worthy of double honour. And to obey them.

Secondly. The Honour which the Holy Ghoast putteth upon them, is very great, as appeareth, first, in their imployments, which are honourable services, as, to assist the Pastor, 1. In admonishing offenders. 2. In imposition of hands at the ordaining of officers. 3. in consulting and counsailing about Church affaires, the Apostles refused not their helpe herein, and this use of them continued (as Ambrose sayth) till it was altered by the sloath, or rather pride of Teachers, who would seeme to be some body, by doing all things alone. 2. In the titles wherewith he honoureth them being thus imployed, calling them^(a) Leaders, ^(b)Presidents, ^(c)

Now then, if any man shall despise this office, as of no necessary use in the Church of God, or, if any shall go about, by disparaging speeches, to disable them from doing the work of their place, or to discourage and dishearten them in it, by a needles, though true, publishing their imperfections, much more, if the reports be untrue, and mere ungrounded reproaches, ⟨p. 209⟩the injury is, not only personal to the men, but public and common to the whole Church, which is much blemished, either for want of it officers, or for want of care to make a good choice, and to see that they discharge their duty as they aught, and much disordered, whilst those, who should be admonished by them, are now armed against them, as men branded with a mark of partiality, and insufficiency, and disorderly walking; and that by their Pastor, and in print.

Now then, if any man shall despise this office, as of no necessary use in the Church of God, or, if any shall goe about, by disparadging speeches, to disable them from doing the worke of their place, or to discourage and dishearten them in it, by a needles, though true, publishing their imperfections, much more, if the reports be untrue, and mere ungrounded reproaches, ⟨p. 209⟩the injury is, not only personall to the men, but publick and common to the wholl Church, which is much blemished, either for want of it officers, or for want of care to make a good choyse, and to see that they discharge their duety as they aught, and much disordered, whilest those, who should be admonished by them, are now armed against them, as men branded with a marke of partiality, and insufficiency, and disorderly walking; and that by their Pastor, and in print.

In which respect (for the prevention of such dangerous consequences or effects) it will be worth the while that we examine this second complaint concerning his slighting the Elders, which I will briefly dispatch, insisting principally upon those things which he calleth me to examine by mentioning my name, which he writeth at length, as his manner is, least else (it may be) the Reader should forget that I am the mark he shooteth at, thorough all these.

In which respect (for the prevention of such dangerous consequences or effects) it will be worth the while that we examine this second complaint concerning his slighting the Elders, which I will breifely dispatch, insisting principally upon those things which he calleth me to examine by mentioning my name, which he wrighteth at length, as his manner is, least else (it may be) the Reader should forget that I am the marke he shooteth at, thorough all these.

The Answerer saith, this complaint is a very unjust slander. ¹]

The Answerer sayth, this complaint is a very unjust slander. ¹]

1. 1Ans: Reply. 1.

If it be a slander, it must needs be unjust: for no slander can be just. Yea; if it be a slander, it is a very great one: for it is not against a private, but a public person, a preacher of the Gospel, and their Pastor, and that, not whispered in the ears of one, but published to the view of many. But, if it be true; the Answerers sin is double: 1, that he gave just cause of this complaint, in a case, not of private, but of public injury, by depriving of his flock, not of civill, but of spiritual liberties, to the violation of that order which Christ hath settled in the Church; 2. That he unjustly chargeth them with a slander, and so maketh himself guilty of calling good evil, yea, of the same sin, whereof he accuseth them, viz, slander.

If it be a slander, it must needs be unjust: for no slander can be just. Yea; if it be a slander, it is a very great one: for it is not against a private, but a publick person, a preacher of the Gospell, and their Pastor, and that, not whispered in the eares of one, but published to the view of many. But, if it be true; the Answerers sinne is double: 1, that he gave just cause of this complaint, in a case, not of private, but of publick injury, by depriving of his flock, not of civill, but of spirituall liberties, to the violation of that order which Christ hath setled in the Church; 2. That he unjustly chargeth them with a slander, and so maketh himselfe guilty of calling good evill, yea, of the same sinne, whereof he accuseth them, viz, slander.

For the more clear and full understanding and judging of what is said, on both sides, it must be observed that the first three pretended answers are mere evasions and diversions of the Reader from the matter of the Complaint. For,

For the more cleare and full understanding and judging of what is sayd, on both sides, it must be observed that the first three pretended answers are mere evasions and diversions of the Reader from the matter of the Complaint. For,

First, They do not complain of those decisions and determinations which have been made by most voices in the Eldership, but of those which have been hindered and rejected by him: nor of his giving sentence by his authority alone, but of his rejecting the authority ⟨p. 210⟩of the Eldership, and interposing the authority of the Classis to hinder their proceeding in things which might have been ended amongst themselves: nor that, those resolutions which have been concluded in Consistory, have been transacted without consent of most, but that some considerable conclusions, which most have agreed upon, have been by him rejected, without sufficient cause. So that, unless he can acquit himself of rejecting those determinations, which have been made by most voices in the Elderships, and of hindering their proceeding in things which might have been ended amongst themselves, and that, without sufficient cause; the complaint appeareth to be just, in this particular, and no slander.

First, They doe not complaine of those decissions and determinations which have bene made by most voyces in the Eldership, but of those which have bene hindred and rejected by him: nor of his giving sentence by his authority alone, but of his rejecting the authority ⟨p. 210⟩of the Eldership, and interposing the authority of the Classis to hinder their proceeding in things which might have bene ended amongst themselves: nor that, those resolutions which have bene concluded in Consistory, have bene transacted without consent of most, but that some considerable conclusions, which most have agreed upon, have bene by him rejected, without sufficient cause. So that, unlesse he can acquitt himselfe of rejecting those determinations, which have bene made by most voices in the Elderships, and of hindring their proceeding in things which might have bene ended amongst themselves, and that, without sufficient cause; the complaint appeareth to be just, in this particular, and no slander.

Secondly. They do not complain of his opposing, contradicting, or rejecting their opinions and counsels, when they were against right, and truth, or hurtful to the Church, or to any member thereof, but, when matters have been agreeable to truth, and right, and for the good of the Church, upon unjust pretences of the Elders insufficiency and partiality, as in the cases instanced by them.

Secondly. They doe not complaine of his opposing, contradicting, or rejecting their opinions and counsailes, when they were against right, and truth, or hurtfull to the Church, or to any member thereof, but, when matters have bene agreeable to truth, and right, and for the good of the Church, upon unjust pretences of the Elders insufficiency and partiality, as in the cases instanced by them.

Thirdly. They do not complain of his rejecting the counsel of the Elders only by showing his particular judgment, as one Deacon may oppose the opinion of another in their own session, or as in a Senate Civill, or Ecclesiastical, there may be difference, and so opposition of opinions amongst men; without rejecting such conclusions as are made by most voices in things lawful and equal; but of this they complain, that he so opposeth and rejecteth their power, in some cases, that he unjustly depriveth them of their power, upon untrue pretences of their partiality, and insufficiency to judge.

Thirdly. They doe not complaine of his rejecting the counsaile of the Elders only by shewing his particular judgment, as one Deacon may oppose the opinion of another in their owne session, or as in a Senat Civill, or Ecclesiasticall, there may be difference, and so opposition of opinions amongst men; without rejecting such conclusions as are made by most voyces in things lawfull and aequall; but of this they complaine, that he so opposeth and rejecteth their power, in some cases, that he unjustly depriveth them of their power, upon untrue pretences of their partiality, and insufficiency to judge.