Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…

And this compulsion also of the Ministers, we desire especially for the peoples sake, who we are content should be excused themselves from any such penal Laws, to restrain them from Sacraments; but when they know that Ministers are under such penalties, they will bear it at their hands, and take it the better, when we deal with them, as the Word of God requireth. I hear it with my ears, to the grief of my heart, how some of my neighbour Ministers are spoken against, with ⟨p. 297⟩bitterness by their people, because they give not the Lords Supper to all, even to the most ignorant and ungodly, that refuse to be instructed; or so much as to take themselves for any members of the Ministers charge: And that which they say is, that though Bishops and Common Prayer be taken down, yet the giving of the Sacrament to all the Parish, is not taken down. And they that now submit so quietly to the disusing of many other things, because Ministers are punishable if they use them, would also do the like in this case. And yet if you are jealous, that Ministers will go as far on the other hand, in refusing the people that are not to be refused, (though with one of an hundred, there's little fear of that) we are contented that you look to us also in this: To which end these two things will be sufficient. 1. Let the Magistrate join with the Pastors and Delegates of the Church in their meetings, where Church-affairs are transacted, that he may see what we do. If there be no Justice of Peace in the Parish, let every Church have a Church-Magistrate purposely chosen by the chief Magistrate; or some Agent on his behalf deputed hereunto. 2. And let the Magistrates Agent acquaint the Commissioners how things are transacted, in cases of ⟨p. 298⟩Complaint, and let them by the advise of the Assistant Ministers, correct us as we deserve, if you should imagine this to be necessary.

And this compulsion also of the Ministers, we desire especially for the peoples sake, who we are content should be excused themselves from any such penal Laws, to restraine them from Sacraments; but when they know that Ministers are under such penalties, they will beare it at their hands, and take it the better, when we deale with them, as the Word of God requireth. I heare it with my eares, to the grief of my heart, how some of my neighbour Ministers are spoken against, with ⟨p. 297⟩bitterness by their people, because they give not the Lords Supper to all, even to the most ignorant and ungodly, that refuse to be instructed; or so much as to take themselves for any members of the Ministers charge: And that which they say is, that though Bishops and Common Prayer be taken down, yet the giving of the Sacrament to all the Parish, is not taken down. And they that now submit so quietly to the disusing of many other things, because Ministers are punishable if they use them, would also do the like in this case. And yet if you are jealous, that Ministers will go as far on the other hand, in refusing the people that are not to be refused, (though with one of an hundred, there's little feare of that) we are contented that you looke to us also in this: To which end these two things will be sufficient. 1. Let the Magistrate joyne with the Pastours and Delegates of the Church in their meetings, where Church-affaires are transacted, that he may see what we do. If there be no Justice of Peace in the Parish, let every Church have a Church-Magistrate purposely chosen by the chief Magistrate; or some Agent on his behalf deputed hereunto. 2. And let the Magistrates Agent acquaint the Commissioners how things are transacted, in cases of ⟨p. 298⟩Complaint, and let them by the advise of the Assistant Ministers, correct us as we deserve, if you should imagine this to be necessary.

Direct. 4. The Magistrate should promote, encourage, countenance, yea command the Pastors to Associations and Brotherly correspondencies, for the more cautelous, and vigorous, and effectual management of these works; and for the concatenation and Communion of Churches, and the right understanding of each others affairs; that he that hath Communion in one Church, may by Communicatory Letters, have Communion in any of the rest; and he that is cast or kept out of one, may not be received by the rest, till it be proved that he is excluded unjustly. And those that join not so fully as the rest, may yet be provoked to own one another, as far as they can; that so we may maintain brotherly Love, with all that differ from us by tolerable differences; and may own them as Churches, though we cannot own their different opinions or ways; and may have such Communion with them, as we may, and upon their Letters may admit their members to our Communion. This the Magistrate should at least openly provoke, and encourage the Churches and Pastors ⟨p. 299⟩to; seeing no man can doubt whether it be for the edification of the Church.

Direct. 4. The Magistrate should promote, encourage, countenance, yea command the Pastours to Associations and Brotherly correspondencies, for the more cautelous, and vigorous, and effectual management of these works; and for the concatenation and Communion of Churches, and the right understanding of each others affaires; that he that hath Communion in one Church, may by Communicatory Letters, have Communion in any of the rest; and he that is cast or kept out of one, may not be received by the rest, till it be proved that he is excluded unjustly. And those that joyne not so fully as the rest, may yet be provoked to owne one another, as farre as they can; that so we may maintaine brotherly Love, with all that differ from us by tollerable defferences; and may own them as Churches, though we cannot own their different opinions or waies; and may have such Communion with them, as we may, and upon their Letters may admit their members to our Communion. This the Magistrate should at least openly provoke, and encourage the Churches and Pastours ⟨p. 299⟩to; seeing no man can doubt whether it be for the edification of the Church.

Direct. 5. For the better promoting of this Necessary work, I conceive it would be a very ready and unquestionable way, for the Magistrate to appoint an able, Godly, moderate Minister, to be a Visitor in each County, or rather in each half or quarter of a County, to see the Churches thus Reformed, and provoke the several Pastors to their duty, and assist them in it, where there is need: But not to have any Episcopal power to punish, or cast out any Minister, or excommunicate them, suspend them, or the like: But let every Visitor have an Agent of the Magistrate joined with him, armed with authority to convent the Ministers, and examine witnesses, and do what more the chief Magistrate shall see meet, so that still these two Visitors go together, but have not the same Authority or work; but let the Minister only enquire, direct, exhort, and give account and advice to the civil Visitor; and let the civil Visitor have all the Coercive Power: And let both of them transmit such causes as are exempt from their determination, to the Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Ministers, who by the advise of the Assistant Ministers may determine them. These Visitors ⟨p. 300⟩did very much to the first and great Reformation of Scotland, when Popery had overrun all: Nor did they Scruple the using of them, for all that they were against Prelacy.

Direct. 5. For the better promoting of this Necessary work, I conceive it would be a very ready and unquestionable way, for the Magistrate to appoint an able, Godly, moderate Minister, to be a Visiter in each County, or rather in each half or quarter of a County, to see the Churches thus Reformed, and prvoke the several Pastours to their duty, and assist them in it, where there is need: But not to have any Episcopal power to punish, or cast out any Minister, or excommunicate them, suspend them, or the like: But let every Visitor have an Agent of the Magistrate joyned with him, armed with authority to convent the Ministers, and examine witnesses, and do what more the chief Magistrate shall see meet, so that still these two Visitors go together, but have not the same Authority or work; but let the Minister only enquire, direct, exhort, and give account and advice to the civil Visiter; and let the civil Visiter have all the Coercive Power: And let both of them transmit such causes as are exempt from their determination, to the Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Mininisters, who by the advise of the Assistant Ministers may determin them. These Visiters ⟨p. 300⟩

But the thing requested now of Magistrates is, that they would keep out the Wolves, while we are feeding the Sheep▪ or help us in it. That they suffer not damnable deceivers, or any that plainly go about to subvert mens Souls, or the state of the Church, to fall in with our Ignorant, ungodly people, in the time of their Learning and Expectancy. And as I shall be ready against any Libertine, Infidel, or Papist in the world, to prove this to be in the Magistrates Power, and his flat duty (of which I hope no sober Christian doubteth) so I shall here lay before the Magistrate, the Reasons that shall evince the need of his help, in the present case.

Reason 1. The people that we now speak of, are so utterly ignorant, that it's easy to deceive them. It's no dishonour to Truth, that a fool, or a child my be deluded: but ⟨p. 303⟩such are not to be left to the malice and craft of juggling enemies.

Reason 1. The people that we now speak of, are so utterly ignorant, that it's easy to deceive them. It's no dishonour to Truth, that a foole, or a child my be deluded: but ⟨p. 303⟩such are not to be left to the malice and craft of jugling enemies.

Reason 2. So wicked are the hearts of those, that we now speak of (or many of them) that they are prepared for Deceit, and willing of it Materially, though not Formally, as such. It's easy drawing men from that which they hate, or their hearts are bent against, and to that which they Love, and their hearts are set upon. Such gunpowder will soon take fire.

Reason 3. Our people by the forementioned work of Reformation, will undoubtedly be cast into Discontents: They will be sorely displeased with their Teachers; which is a small matter, were it not that it hindereth their own Salvation. They have so long been used to have their own will, and to be admitted even in Heathenish Ignorance and Impiety to the Communion of the Saints, and all the outward Privileges, without any considerable exercise of Discipline over them, that now it will be a strange provoking thing to them, when their custom shall be altered. So that in the discontent and hatred of their minds, if Infidels, or Papists, or any such Malignant adversaries shall come among them, their own malignity and discontent, will drive them by ⟨p. 304⟩multitudes into their nets; and they will turn to the first that comes with any plausible though pernicious doctrine. With half an eye we may easily see this: And therefore, if the Magistrate will not help us to quiet and secure the people, and keep off deceivers, while we are Catechising, and Instructing, and Preparing the grossly Ignorant and ungodly, it will be to the hazard of many thousand souls, and a temptation to many fainthearted Ministers, again to cast open the hedge▪ and lay the Churches Communion common, for fear of the ill consequence, that will follow to the people by displeasing them.

Reason 3. Our people by the foremencioned work of Reformation, will undoubtedly be cast into Discontents: They will be sorely displeased with their Teachers; which is a small matter, were it not that it hindreth their own Salvation. They have so long been used to have their own will, and to be admitted even in Heathenish Ignorance and Impiety to the Communion of the Saints, and all the outward Priviledges, without any considerable exercise of Discipline over them, that now it will be a strange provoking thing to them, when their custom shall be altered. So that in the discontent and hatred of their minds, if Infidels, or Papists, or any such Malignant adversaries shall come among them, their own malignity and discontent, will drive them by ⟨p. 304⟩multitudes into their nets; and they will turn to the first that comes with any plausible though pernicious doctrine. With half an eie we may easily see this: And therefore, if the Magistrate will not help us to quiet and secure the people, and keep off deceivers, while we are Catechising, and Instructing, and Preparing the grosly Ignorant and ungodly, it will be to the hazard of many thousand souls, and a temptation to many fainthearted Ministers, againe to cast open the hedge and lay the Churches Communion common, for feare of the ill consequence, that will follow to the people by displeasing them.

And yet I may well conclude, that though still the Church will have need of some of the Magistrates help in this same way, yet nothing so much hereafter, as at first. 1 It is Custom that most holdeth the people now, and enrageth them against the breakers of it. And when once the Custom is broken and turned, they will be much more quiet. 2. We now find the Churches in the rubbish, and have the harshest work at first to do, which will soon be over, and the Churches and minds of men more settled. 3. A few years Practise of Confirmation, in the foredescribed way, I hope will introduce such abundance ⟨p. 305⟩of Knowledge, and so increase the face of Godliness, that we shall have little need of the Magistrates help, in this kind as now we have. But now at first our Necessity is very great.

And yet I may well conclude, that though still the Church will have need of some of the Magistrates help in this same way, yet nothing so much hereafter, as at first. 1 It is Custom that most holdeth the people now, and enrageth them against the breakers of it. And when once the Custom is broken and turned, they will be much more quiet. 2. We now find the Churches in the rubbish, and have the harshest work at first to do, which will soone be over, and the Churches and minds of men more setled. 3. A few yeares Practise of Confirmation, in the foredescribed way, I hope will introduce such abundance ⟨p. 305⟩of Knowledg, and so increase the face of Godliness, that we shall have little need of the Magistrates helpe, in this kind as now we have. But now at first our Necessity is very great.

Reason 4. Moreover, our Doctrine and Practice is most contrary to mens sins▪ and carnal Interest, and therefore though it be True, yet it is Provoking, and seemeth to be against them; as blood letting, Fasting, and bitter medicines to a Child, or a foolish Patient. And therefore no wonder, if tolerated Seducers can draw them from it, by sence or non-sence, in such a case. A little Reason seems to take men off from that, which seems against them, or which they hate.

Reason 4. Moreover, our Doctrine and Practice is most contrary to mens sinnes▪ and carnall Interest, and therefore though it be True, yet it is Provoking, and seemeth to be against them; as blood letting, Fasting, and bitter medicines to a Child, or a foolish Patient. And therefore no wonder, if tolerated Seducers can draw them from it, by sence or non-sence, in such a case. A little Reason seemes to take men off from that, which seemes against them, or which they hate.

Reason 5. On the contrary, the Doctrine and Practice of Deceivers, is suited to their nature, and purposely sugared for them by Art. For Instance: If Papists fall in with them in the depth of their discontent, and first rail at us as no Ministers, but Liars and Heretics; and then revile us for receiving maintenance (which is their way, though their Clergy receive so exceedingly much more) and then tell them of all their Ancestors, and then set them upon an easy, outside Piety, which ex opere ⟨p. 306⟩operato, will certainly confer grace, and shall take up at the strictest with an Auricular Confession, instead of necessary humiliation and true Church-Discipline; and shall make those venial, and improper sins, which we make damnable; and shall send many but to Purgatory, that according to Scripture, we send to Hell. In a word, when they shall comply with carnal hearts and Interests, but as much, as Montalte the Jansenian showeth us, that the Jesuits do; what wonder if our Ignorant, discontented people, do greedily swallow such baits as these, and turn to such a kind of Religiousness? And this makes the Jesuits glad of our Reformation, and stand by us as the Crows by Sheep, that they may have our leavings, or all that we cut off: For it's Number that they regard; and if they will but believe in the Pope, they shall be welcome to them; yea, be Catholics and be saved, though they believe not in Christ and the Holy Ghost, nor know not what Christianity is. He that thinks I wrong them: 1. Let them look on millions, and millions in their Churches. 2. Let him but read ^*Fr. a Sancta Clara, Problem. 15, & 16.

Reason 5. On the contrary, the Doctrine and Practice of Deceivers, is suited to their nature, and purposely sugered for them by Art. For Instance: If Papists fall in with them in the depth of their discontent, and first raile at us as no Ministers, but Lyars and Hereticks; and then revile us for receiving maintenance (which is their way, though their Clergie receive so exceedingly much more) and then tell them of all their Ancestours, and then set them upon an easy, outside Piety, which ex opere ⟨p. 306⟩operato, will certainly conferre grace, and shall take up at the strictest with an Auricuar Confession, instead of necessary humiliation and true Church-Discipline; and shall make those veniall, and improper sinnes, which we make damnable; and shall send many but to Purgrtory, that according to Scripture, we send to Hell. In a word, when they shall comply with carnal hearts and Interests, but as much, as Montalte the Jansenian sheweth us, that the Jesuites do; what wonder if our Ignorant, discontented people, do greedily swallow such baits as these, and turn to such a kind of Religiousness? And this makes the Jesuites glad of our Reformation, and stand by us as the Crows by Sheep, that they may have our leavings, or all that we cut off: For it's Number that they regard; and if they will but believe in the Pope, they shall be welcom to them; yea, be Catholikes and be saved, though they believe not in Christ and the Holy Ghost, nor know not what Christianity is. He that thinks I wrong them: 1. Let them look on millions, and millions in their Churches. 2. Let him but read

Reason 6. The Adversaries also are very industrious, and have many advantages of us from without. In most Churches they will meet, though with Godly, yet with young, unexperienced Disputers; because our Ministry is but Reviving, and the young ones must have time to grow. And the Jesuits, Friars and other Missioners, have a Pope and Cardinals, and Bishops, and Princes, and Lords, and Revenues, and wealth, and Seminaries, and trained Soldiers in abundance, at their backs beyond. Sea, to furnish them with continual supply. And how eager and busy they are, the Christian world hath had long experience: so that if such be let loose on Ignorant Souls, what wonder if they prevail?

Reason 6. The Adversaries also are very industrious, and have many advantages of us from without. In most Churches they will meet, though with Godly, yet with young, unexperienced Disputers; because our Ministery is but Reviving, and the young ones must have time to grow. And the Jesuites, Fryars and other Missioners, have a Pope and Cardinals, and Bishops, and Princes, and Lords, and Revenews, and wealth, and Seminaries, and trayned Soldiers in abundance, at their backs beyond. Sea, to furnish them with continual supply. And how eager and busy they are, the Christian world hath had long experience: so that if such be let loose on Ignorant Souls, what wonder if they prevaile?

Reason 7. And for the Event, if the Magistrates shall refuse us this Reasonable and unquestionably lawful aide, it may be the means of the damnation of many thousand Souls. I suppose I speak to Christians, that believe that sin is the poison of the Soul, and believe that Faith in Christ is necessary, and that there is a Heaven and a Hell: And if so, they must needs understand, what it is, to suffer men to draw their Subjects from Christ, from Scripture, from the means of Grace, and a Holy Life; and ⟨p. 308⟩to draw them into sin: that this is but to give men leave to do their worst, to undo and damn as many as they can; and to take them at the greatest vantage in their Ignorance and discontent to trip up their heels, and tise them into Hell. How dreadful a thing is this to a Magistrate, once to think of, that hath but any belief of Scripture, and pity on the Souls of men. And therefore (as long as we do not now call upon them, so much as to force Papists, or Infidels either to be of our Religion, or to profess that they are so, or join in Communion with us, but only desire, that they may keep their venom to themselves, and may not be suffered to take the advantage of our peoples Ignorance and Discontent) undoubtedly the Rulers that are friends to Christ, and the Souls of men, will never find in their hearts, to deny this assistance.

Reason 7. And for the Event, if the Magistrates shall refuse us this Reasonable and unquestionably lawfull aide, it may be the means of the damnation of many thousand Souls. I suppose I speak to Christians, that believe that sinne is the poyson of the Soul, and believe that Faith in Christ is necessary, and that there is a Heaven and a Hell: And if so, they must needs understand, what it is, to suffer men to draw their Subjects from Christ, from Scripture, from the meanes of Grace, and a Holy Life; and ⟨p. 308⟩to draw them into sinne: that this is but to give men leave to do their worst, to undo and damne as many as they can; and to take them at the greatest vantage in their Ignorance and discontent to trip up their heels, and tise them into Hell. How dreadfull a thing is this to a Magistrate, once to think of, that hath but any belief of Scripture, and pitty on the Souls of men. And therefore (as long as we do not now call upon them, so much as to force Papists, or Infidels either to be of our Religion, or to profess that they are so, or joyne in Communion with us, but only desire, that they may keep their venom to themselves, and may not be suffered to take the advantage of our peoples Ignorance and Discontent) undoubtedly the Rulers that are friends to Christ, and the Souls of men, will never find in their hearts, to deny this assistance.

Reason 8. And if they should deny it, in Reason they must needs see, that they will fully give up the Churches of Christ, that are under their government, to distraction and confusion. They know well enough wh•t would come of it, if every man have but liberty to persuade their Armies into Mutinies and Rebellion; or to persuade the ⟨p. 309⟩Subjects against themselves, that Rule them; or to entice mens Children, or servants to lewdness, or their wives to unchastity. And will they, under pretence of Mercy or Liberty, permit men to do that against Christ, and the Church, and the Souls of many that are bad enough already, which they would not, they durst not permit against mens bodies, or against themselves, or against the Peace of the Common-wealth.

Reason 8. And if they should deny it, in Reason they must needs see, that they will fully give up the Churches of Christ, that are under their government, to distraction and confusion. They know well enough wh•t would come of it, if every man have but liberty to perswade their Armies into Mutinies and Rebellion; or to perswade the ⟨p. 309⟩Subjects against themselves, that Rule them; or to entice mens Children, or servants to lewdness, or their wives to unchastity. And will they, under pretence of Mercy or Liberty, permit men to do that against Christ, and the Church, and the Souls of many that are bad enough already, which they would not, they durst not permit against mens bodies, or against themselves, or against the Peace of the Common-wealth.

And what a dishonour will it be to Christ, to the Church, and Reformation, and Religion; and what a joy to all the Enemies of these, to see that our Reformation shall breed such Confusion, and bring upon us such inconveniences? And all because the Magistrate shall refuse his help.

And what a dishonour will it be to Christ, to the Church, and Reformation, and Religion; and what a joy to all the Enemies of these, to see that our Reformation shall breed such Confusion, and bring upon us such inconveniencies? And all because the Magistrate shall refuse his help.

Reason 9. And perhaps, the Magistrates will quickly find, that the Distractions of the Church will breed, and feed such Distractions in the Common-wealth, as may make them wish they had quenched the fire, while it was yet quenchable. Our Unity is not only Our strength, but their strength, especially if they promote it. Our Divisions weaken us as well as them. What will the Magistrate do, if he help us not in this case? Ministers cannot in Conscience always forbear their Duty, but will set about ⟨p. 310⟩it? Either the Rulers will suffer us to do it, or not: If they suffer us and assist us, it will be our Peace and theirs, and our peoples good: If they suffer us and assist us not, as is now desired, we shall exasperate so many of their Subjects by our Reformation, and shutting them from Church Communion, that will shake the Peace of the Common-wealth, and the Odium will fly on the Governors, for setting up a Ministry that so provoketh them, and so the people will be still in Discontents, and prepared for Rebellion, or any violent change. And the fire that begun in the Church, if it be let alone, may reach the Court. But if to mend this, they will put down or hinder Ministers, their persecution will bring Gods Judgments on them, and turn the hearts of honest, sober men against them. They have seen what Deformation and persecution have done, before their eyes.

Reason 9. And perhaps, the Magistrates will quickly find, that the Distractions of the Church will breed, and feed such Distractions in the Common-wealth, as may make them wish they had quenched the fire, while it was yet quenchable. Our Unity is not only Our strength, but their strength, especially if they promote it. Our Divisions weaken us as well as them. What will the Magistrate do, if he help us not in this case? Ministers cannot in Conscience alwaies forbeare their Duty, but will set about ⟨p. 310⟩it? Either the Rulers will suffer us to do it, or not: If they suffer us and assist us, it will be our Peace and theirs, and our peoples good: If they suffer us and assist us not, as is now desired, we shall exasperate so many of their Sujects by our Reformation, and shutting them from Church Communion, that will shake the Peace of the Common-wealth, and the Odium will fly on the Governours, for setting up a Ministry that so provoketh them, and so the people will be still in Discontents, and prepared for Rebellion, or any violent change. And the fire that begun in the Church, if it be let alone, may reach the Court. But if to mend this, they will put down or hinder Ministers, their persecution will bring Gods Judgments on them, and turn the hearts of honest, sober men against them. They have seen what Deformation and persecution have done, before their eies.