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

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.

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.

Reason 10. Lastly, it will bring a most heavy Guilt on the Magistrates Soul, which he will never be able to stand under, before the King of all the world. To be Guilty of the neglect of an Office so Divine, received from God, that it might be used for him; and to be Guilty of the frustrating of much of our Ministerial work; and of grieving the ⟨p. 311⟩hearts of so many that fear God, and frustrating such hopes as we lately had, (to say nothing of the Prayers, tears, hazards, blood, and ruin of so many thousand, and the promises, oaths and Covenants to God) to be guilty of the sins of so many thousand, and of their everlasting Condemnation; to be guilty of the distractions, and betraying of the Church, and cause, and people of the Lord, and to be guilty of the insultings of so many Enemies, all this and much more, that would certainly follow the denial of this moderate necessary help, would be a burden intolerable.

Reason 10. Lastly, it will bring a most heavy Guilt on the Magistrates Soul, which he will never be able to stand under, before the King of all the world. To be Guilty of the neglect of an Office so Divine, received from God, that it might be used for him; and to be Guilty of the frustrating of much of our Ministerial work; and of grieving the ⟨p. 311⟩hearts of so many that feare God, and frustrating such hopes as we lately had, (to say nothing of the Prayers, teares, hazards, blood, and ruine of so many thousand, and the promises, oaths and Covenants to God) to be guilty of the sinnes of so many thousand, and of their everlasting Condemnation; to be guilty of the distractions, and betraying of the Church, and cause, and people of the Lord, and to be guilty of the insultings of so many Enemies, all this and much more, that would certainly follow the denial of this moderate necessary help, would be a burden intollerable.

Direct. 7. But because both the Magistrates, and many others are afraid, lest by going too far in such assistance, they may be guilty of Persecution, by restraining men from Preaching, or private persuasion, or by keeping the Ignorant and wicked from Church-Communion, or by compelling them to come to hear▪ and to be personally Instructed, I humbly propound these following things, for such a Regulation of their granted Liberty, as may free them from all danger of persecuting, without depriving us of their principal help.

Direct. 7. But because both the Magistrates, and many others are afraid, lest by going too far in such assistance, they may be guilty of Persecution, by restraining men from Preaching, or private peswasion, or by keeping the Ignorant and wicked from Church-Communion, or by compelling them to come to heare▪ and to be personally Instructed, I humbly propound these following things, for such a Regulation of their granted Liberty, as may free them from all danger of persecuting, without depriving us of their principall help.

1. If you compel not the Ignorant and ungodly to hear, and be personally Instructed, by the Minister of the Parish where they live, yet at least compel them thus to submit to some Minister: and let that Minister certify under his hand, that he takes care of him as a Catechumen, or Expectant, by public and private Instruction.

1. If you compel not the Ignorant and ungodly to heare, and be pesonally Instructed, by the Minister of the Parish where they live, yet at least compel them thus to submit to some Minister: and let that Minister certifie under his hand, that he takes care of him as a Catechumene, or Expectant, by publike and private Instruction.

2. Let not every man that will, be tolerated either to Teach, persuade, or hold Assemblies; but let your Toleration be Regulated, as well as your Approbation is. To which end 1. Let such persons as are thought meet for such a work, be appointed as Commissioners, to Approve, or Judge of such as shall be Tolerated through the Land, as the Commissioners now Approved of such, as shall have the public maintenance. For there is no Reason, that the Tolerated should not go under Trial, as well as the Allowed. And indeed without some such course to keep the Door of Toleration, as well as the door of public Allowed Teachers, you cannot put any reasonable Laws for Toleration in Execution; but any will come in, what ever your Law say. 2. Let these Commissioners for Trying the Tolerated, have Rules ⟨p. 313⟩given them by the Lawgivers, whom to Licence, or Tolerate, and whom not. 3. Let all that will gather Assemblies, or administer Sacraments, or Preach, have an Instrument of Toleration, under the hands and seal of these Commissioners, and let them be hindered, that have no such Instrument. Otherwise if you stay till they are convict of Blasphemy, they may do more mischief first, (for who will persecute them) then ever the Magistrate can comfortably be accountable to God for suffering.

2. Let not every man that will, be tolerated either to Teach, perswade, or hold Assemblies; but let your Toleration be Regulated, as well as your Approbation is. To which end 1. Let such persons as are thought meet for such a worke, be appointed as Comissioners, to Approve, or Judge of such as shall be Tolerated through the Land, as the Commissioners now Approved of such, as shall have the publike maintenance. For there is no Reason, that the Tollerated should not go under Tryal, as well as the Allowed. And indeed without some such course to keep the Doore of Toleration, as well as the doore of publike Allowed Teachers, you cannot put any reasonable Laws for Toleration in Execution; but any will come in, what ever your Law say. 2. Let these Commissionets for Trying the Tolerated, have Rules ⟨p. 313⟩given them by the Lawgivers, whom to Licence, or Tolerate, and whom not. 3. Let all that will gather Assemblies, or administer Sacraments, or Preach, have an Instrument of Toleration, under the hands and seale of these Commissioners, and let them be hindered, that have no such Instrument. Otherwise if you stay till they are convict of Blasphemie, they may do more mischief first, (for who will persecute them) then ever the Magistrate can comfortably be accountable to God for suffering.

7. When a man hath a sealed Toleration, to Preach, or hold Assemblies, let him yet be as liable to any just Accusation, before the Commissioners for Ejection, as the Approved, public Ministers are: That so if he be proved to be wicked and scandalous, or to preach any thing excepted from Toleration, by the Legislators, the said Commissioners may be Authorized, to deprive them of their Toleration, as they do others of their public station and maintenance. And this is a most Reasonable and necessary thing.

7. When a man hath a sealed Toleration, to Preach, or hold Assemblies, let him yet be as liable to any just Accusation, before the Commissioners for Ejection, as the Approved, publike Ministers are: That so if he be proved to be wicked and scandalous, or to preach any thing excepted from Toleration, by the Legislatours, the said Commissioners may be Authorized, to deprive them of their Toleration, as they do others of their publique station and maintenance. And this is a most Rersonable and necessary thing.