WE are exceedingly apprehensive of the desirableness of our Churches Peace, and of the pleasantness of Brethren's Unity, knowing that when Peace is set upon its proper Basis, viz. Righteousness and Truth, it is one of the best possessions, both delectable and profitable; like Aaron's Ointment, and the dew of Hermon. It is true, by reason of different lights, and different sights among Brethren, there may be dissenting in Opinion; yet,(a) Why should there by any separating from Church-Communion? The Churches Coat may be of divers colours, yet, Why should there be any rent in it? Have we not a touchstone of Truth, the good Word of God; and when all things are examined by that Word, ⟨p. 2⟩then that which is best may be held fast; but first they must be known, and then examined afterward. If our dissenting Brethren after so many importunate entreaties, would have been persuaded (either in zeal to the Truth, or in sincere love to the Churches peace and unity among Brethren, or in respect to their own reputation by fair and ingenuous dealing, or(b) in conscience to their promise made with the Minister of London, now five years since, or any such like reasonable consideration) at last to have given us a full Narrative of their Opinions, and Grounds of their Separation, we are persuaded they would not have stood at such a distance from us, as now they do: But they chose rather to walk by their own private lights, than to unbosom themselves to us their most affectionate Brethren; and to set themselves in an untrodden way of their own, rather than to wait what our Covenanted Reformation, according to the Word of God, and(c) examples of the Best Reformed Churches, would bring forth. But the offence doth not end here, it is much that our Brethren should separate from the Church, but that they should endeavour(d) to get a Warrant to authorize their Separation from it, and to have liberty (by drawing Members out of it) to weaken and diminish it, till (so far as lies in them) they have brought it to nothing; this we think to be plainly unlawful; ⟨p. 3⟩yet this we understand is their present design and endeavour.
WE are exceedingly apprehensive of the desireableness of our Churches Peace, and of the pleasantness of Brethrens Unity, knowing that when Peace is set upon its proper Basis, viz. Righteousness and Truth, it is one of the best possessions, both delectable and profitable; like Aarons Ointment, and the dew of Hermon. It is true, by reason of different lights, and different sights among Brethren, there may be dissenting in Opinion; yet,(a) Why should there by any separating from Church-Communion? The Churches Coat may be of divers colours, yet, Why should there be any rent in it? Have we not a touchstone of Truth, the good Word of God; and when all things are examined by that Word, ⟨p. 2⟩then that which is best may be held fast; but first they must be known, and then examined afterward. If our dissenting Brethren after so many importunate intreaties, would have been perswaded (either in zeal to the Truth, or in sincere love to the Churches peace and unity among Brethren, or in respect to their own reputation by fair and ingenuous dealing, or(b) in conscience to their promise made with the Minister of London, now five years since, or any such like reasonable consideration) at last to have given us a full Narrative of their Opinions, and Grounds of their Separation, we are perswaded they would not have stood at such a distance from us, as now they do: But they chose rather to walk by their own private lights, than to unbosome themselves to us their most affectionate Brethren; and to set themselves in an untrodden way of their own, rather than to wait what our Covenanted Reformation, according to the Word of God, and(c) examples of the Best Reformed Churches, would bring forth. But the offence doth not end here, it is much that our Brethren should separate from the Church, but that they should endeavour(d) to get a Warrant to authorize their Separation from it, and to have liberty (by drawing Members out of it) to weaken and diminish it, till (so far as lies in them) they have brought it to nothing; this we think to be plainly unlawful; ⟨p. 3⟩yet this we understand is their present design and endeavour.
- (a)What is the keeping Conventicles, or private Meetings, but separating from our Church-Communion.
- (b)Yet the Ministers of this persuasion made as little Conscience of their Subscriptions, Promises, yea, Oaths of Cananical Obedience to their respective Diocesans.Yet the Ministers of this perswasion made as little Conscience of their Subscriptions, Promises, yea, Oaths of Cananical Obedience to their respective D•ocesans.
- (c)Show us the example of one Reformed Church, which alloweth her Ministers Liberty not to use her Established Rites and Ceremonies.Shew us the example of one Reformed Church, which alloweth her Ministers Liberty not to use her Established Rites and Ceremonies.
- (d)This is plainly our Brethrens Design and Endeavour at this time.
