The Door of Truth Opened

THE Door of Truth opened.

IT hath pleased M. Burton in the later end of his Paper, to call his Narrative an unpleasing discourse. A fit Epithet for such a paper. Unpleasing we believe to God himself; unpleasing to all meek, humble and peaceable Christians; unpleasing to his quondam loving neighbors and friends of Aldermanbury; unpleasing to most of the underwriters; and we conceive it will at last become an unpleasing discourse to M. Burton himself, when the judicious and impartial Reader shall clearly and fully understand the true grounds and causes of his discontinuing to preach his Catechisticall Lecture in Aldermanbury; which before we come to declare, we desire the Reader to take notice of the Title of the Narrative, which is, Truth shut out of doors: or, A brief and true Narrative of the occasion and manner of proceeding of some of Aldermanbury Parish, in shutting their Church-doors against me.

In which Title M. Burton doth seem to assume to himself the name of Truth (which is a very high and sacred Title ) and to make the shutting of him out of doors, to be the shutting of Truth out of doors: which how fit it is for any humble and self-denying Minister to speak of himself, we leave it to the Reader to judge.

And besides, This Title layeth a very heavy charge upon the Church-wardens and others of Aldermanbury, as if they were now become enemies to the truth, as if they had shut the Church-doors upon truth, insomuch as that it is cried up and down the streets of the City, Truth shut out of the doors of Aldermanbury, to the great disparagement and defamation of us all; so great, as that we conceive it to be a high breach of the ninth Commandment, and we expect Reparation. And as he hopes in this his Narative that M. Calamy will find just cause publicly to confess at his next day of humiliation, Let us be ashamed and confounded, so he must give us leave to say, that we expect, and that more justly the like from him.

Especially, if the Reader will be pleased to consider the Texts of Scripture that are subjoined to the Title page. In which he doth secretly seem to insinuate (for to what purpose else are they there put?) That because he is not suffered to preach any longer at Aldermanbury (upon just causes hereafter to be mentioned) That therefore, Truth is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter. That therefore, We are a rebellious people, lying children, that will not hear the Word of the Lord, who say to the Prophets, Prophesy not right things. And like to the Scribes and Pharisees, who commanded Peter, James and John not to teach in the Name of Christ. Now whether this be not a perverting of Scripture, and an unparalleled affront to Aldermanbury, we leave it unto the unbiassed Reader to determine. In the last text he justifieth himself, in the words of Paul, Act. 20.27. which puts us in mind of a Book written by him of his life and sufferings, wherein he is pleased to compare his sufferings with the sufferings of S ^t Paul, and in many things to prefer his sufferings above Paul's sufferings. And yet we do not write this, as if we would any ways undervalue M. Burtons great sufferings, for which we bless God, and for which we shall always honor him, and we do believe that therein he did great service to the Churches of Jesus Christ. But howsoever we would desire him to remember what Cyprian saith of many Confessors (especially of one Lucianus ) that had endured much for Christ's cause in times of persecution, and yet afterwards in times of peace, presuming upon their former sufferings, did venture to do many things which did much tend to the great disturbance of the Church.

But leaving the Title page, let us come to the Narrative itself.

In which there are divers things supposed, and taken for granted, which are not to be supposed; and many things misreported and misrepresented. And therefore that the Reader may have the whole matter set before them in the right colors, we are necessitated to show what those false suppositions and false representations are. And M. Burton must not be offended with us for speaking the truth. We profess that we write these things with grief of heart. For we know that the common enemy will take advantage by our differences; but woe be to him by whom those offenses come. For our parts we declare to all the world, that had it not been that Truth would have been quite shut out of doors by our silence, we would not have answered this Narrative of Truth shut out of doors. But to come to the matter itself.

1. First, It is taken for granted throughout the whole Narrative, That the shutting of Independency out of doors, is the shutting of truth out of doors. And that the desiring of M. Burton to forbear to preach his Congregational way, is to desire him to refrain from preaching the truth of God. And that if M. Burton should balk this controversy, he should balk a necessary truth of God, and should shut up truth close prisoner. And many such like expressions, which will not we hope any whit move a wise and judicious Reader. For an opinion is not therefore a truth, because M. Burton saith it is. Bold and confident assertions may work upon those that have men's persons in admiration: but a wise and understanding Christian will consider not so much who speaks, nor the confidence of him that speaks, as the weight and strength of the arguments upon which his confidence is grounded. There was an Athenian that laid confident claim to every ship that came to the haven, and yet he had no true right to any, and was accounted a mad man for his labor. The reformed Churches know no such truths of God. An he himself (we believe) hath not been many years of this judgment. But howsoever let not M. Burton assume such a high measure of confidence to himself, as to make his judgment, and the truths of God to be terms convertible. The world is too wise to believe any such thing. And many will say that this is self worship and self-idolatry.

2. Secondly, M. Burton doth take it for granted, That he is bound to preach every truth of God that comes in his way, in this his Catechisticall Lecture; and that he is not to shut up any truth close prisoner (as his phrase is) And he blesseth God that the Committee when they met together, not one of them did use a word of persuasion to him to balk any one truth in opening and plowing up the Scriptures. But we are informed by some of the Committee, that upon his first admission to this Lecture, he was desired not to meddle with the points in controversy (which he is pleased to call the truths of God ) And that he did promise so to do, or at least by his silence gave his consent. And we can upō certain grounds assure the Reader, that M. Burtons meddling with the points in difference is much displeasing to most of them, who profess that they will not countenance him, nor maintain him in it. And that they sent one of their Committee to M. Burton, since his said Lecture ceased, to persuade him to desist from preaching his Independent opinions amongst us. And therefore we wonder that M. Burton durst write after such a manner concerning the Committee. Howsoever, if M. Burton will yet persevere in this his resolution, and this be also the judgment of his brethren (as we hope it is not) mark the mischiefs that must necessarily follow hereupon.

1 All underwriters, that are not Independents in their judgments, must be forced to study this case of conscience, Whether they can with a safe conscience contribute to the maintenance of that Lecturer, which is engaged in his conscience to preach up that opinion which they think disagreeable to the Word of God, whensoever it comes in his way?

2. This mischief also will follow, That all Presbyterian Ministers, in whose Churches these our brethren preach, with such a resolution made known, must either by their silence be accessory to the misguiding of their people, or by confuting them, make their Pulpits places of strife and contention, to the great disturbance of piety & peace, or do a third thing which will not be very pleasing to them or us.

But it seems strange to us, that M. Burton should think himself bound to preach his particular opinion in every Congregation: And that all truths (as he calls them) are to be preached at all times, in all places. Is it not sufficient to preach his private judgment to his own gathered Church, but he must think himself bound in conscience to come to infect (for so we judge it) all Congregations wheresoever he comes? If this should be the principle likewise (which God forbid) of all his brethren, let the wise Reader consider what a City-devouring fire this principle would quickly kindle.

3. Thirdly, M. Burton doth take it for granted, that he did preach no otherwise, Sept. 23. 1645. then is set down in the Narrative. But certainly, if he had preached only, as he saith, against man worship, and will-worship, blind obedience and resting finally upon men's determinations in matters of religion, without looking into the rule of the Word; those of us that heard him, would not have taken the least offense at it: For we have often, and often heard the same doctrine from our own Minister. And therefore we think it very rashly done of him, to charge M. Calamy, That he should in the face of God, and of the Congregation, bring this truth as a grievous sin to be bewailed: for he cannot but know that this is very unlikely, if not impossible to be true.

But there are divers others besides the Parish Clerk (as M. Burton by way of scorn calls him) that are ready to depose, that he did preach otherwise then is set down in his Narrative. And here we cannot but take notice how Bishop-like he lords it over the poor Parish Clerk, telling us of a garment of many pieces patch'd together. But surely it doth ill become his gravity to jest at a man's calling, and worse become his goodness to trample a poor godly man thus under his foot. And let the Reader judge, whether this discourse of the Parish Clerk were not sewed into the Narrative, as an old patch into a new garment, for it comes in very abruptly. But to the business. There are those amongst us, that will depose that M. Burton said, That for a people to wait upon man for a form to worship God by, was Idolatry. Nay, For a people to wait upon Parliament or Assembly, for a form to worship God by, was worse then corporal Idolatry.

Ob. But, saith M. Burton in his conference with M. Calamy, Will you not give credit to me, as well as to those that informed against me?

Answ. If he saith, That these things are not in his notes, or that he intended not to preach thus, we will believe him. But if M. Burton saith directly, He did not preach thus; We conceive it a very unsafe thing for a man to affirm a Negative, when three or four will witness the Affirmative. One that heard him at that time, tells, that when he said, Mistake me not, he added presently, I scorn mistakes. And the party perceived he began a little to be angry. And a man in a passion may say that which was not in his Notes. But if he thinks this harsh dealing, let him but review his Narrative, and consider how he deals with M. Calamy, believing and publishing to all the world what he collected out of his Sermon, but from one man, who is one, as we hear, of his own Congregation; whereas we have witness, more then one, for what we say. And also not believing that M. Calamy was not acquainted with his shutting out (as he calls it) though the Church-wardens came on purpose to certify him of it. And though he himself affirmed it to him: 〈◊〉 the conference he had with him, and though he hath no witness to prove the contrary. So great is his uncharitableness.

4. Fourthly, It is taken for granted, that M. Calamy in his Fast Sermon, September. 24, 1645. did call upon his people to be ashamed and confounded, as for divers other things, so amongst the rest for this, That whilst the Parliament is sitting, and laboring to settle things, and while the Assembly of Ministers are studying to settle Religion, and laboring to heal our breaches, should be separating from us; Thus much he confesseth he said. But now whereas it is added he should say, That this is a sin to be ashamed for, That while a house is a purging, men should separate from the defilements, and not wait to see what the purging will be. He conceives this to be either the willful, or ignorant mistake of his Notary. And he desires M. Burton would name another witness, if he can: For the Apostle saith, Receive not an accusation against an Elder, under two or three witnesses. He never thought, much less preached, that we should join with a defiled Church in her defilements. It is one thing to join with a Church in her corruptions: Another thing to separate from a true Church, because of some defilements that may be in it. And this is that for which we think people ought to be ashamed and confounded; Because for some few, (and those but supposed) defilements they separate not only from defilements, but from the true Churches of Jesus Christ, and engage themselves into separated Congregations, and do not wait and tarry to see what Reformation the Parliament will make. And this is no more then five (as we remember) of your brethren have written, as their judgment in print. And therefore what M. Burton writes in his margin, to prove that everyone ought today, before tomorrow, to separate from present defilements, is but to fight with his own shadow. For though we must separate frō the defilements of a Church, yet we are not to separate from a Church, for every defilement that is in it. The Church of Corinth had many defilements in it, as many we believe as the Church of Alderman-bury; And so had divers of the Churches to which Christ wrote. And yet neither Christ, nor his Apostles doth persuade the people to separate from those Churches, because of the defilements. And if this doctrine were true doctrine, we believe men will soon find cause to separate from some of their Churches, as well as ours. The time was when in print, the Church of Alderman-bury was accounted a true Church, even by one of his own way. And we can assure him, That it is much purer now, then it was then.

But he adds in his Margin. That each man in his place, and each Minister in his place, must forthwithfall to a purging out the defilements, not knowing, what others purging may prove to be, and how long we may wait, when in the interim we and our house may perish in our defilements. But to this we answer.

First, That we would gladly know what these defilements are, that he saith are still in our Churches.

Secondly, How will he prove that these defilements are of such a soul-destroying nature, that they that live in them, must necessarily perish?

Thirdly, Doth he not directly tell us in this passage, That we must not wait to see what Reformation the Parliament will make? And is not this an inexpressible prejudice to their proceedings?

Fourthly, It is our opinion, That every Minister, and every man ought so to administer, and so to partake of God's ordinances, as not to sin in the administration, and participation of them. And this they ought to do today, before tomorrow. But we conceive, and, if it were a fit opportunity, would prove, that this may be done without separation from us. It is one thing to keep ourselves pure from pollution, another thing to gather Churches out of Churches, and to set up a new frame of Government, according to the private judgment of the Minister and people of every particular Church. This we conceive to be his practice, and of dangerous consequence; and for this we think he hath no warrant in the Word, but that he ought to wait yet longer upon the Magistrates establishment. The Scripture gives much power to Magistrates, in purging of Churches, when corrupted: As we may perceive by the examples of Asa, Hezekiah, and Josiah.

But we are very glad to read in his Margin, that he makes mention of our solemn League and Covenant. And we hope he will remember that he hath sworn to endeavor the extirpation of Heresy, Schism, and profaneness, and to bring the Churches of God, in the three Kingdoms, to the nearest conjunction and uniformity, &c.

M. Burton goeth on in repeating M. Calamies sermon, according as his one only witness did dictate unto him. And he saith, That he preached that we should likewise be ashamed and confounded, that any should preach, That it is Idolatry to wait upon the Parliament or Assembly, and that it is above all corporal Idolatry, to wait upon them till they settle a Government. And here he triumphs exceedingly, and insults, (such is his spirit) as much over M. Calamy, as he did before over the Parish Clerke. He saith, he hopes that M. Calamy will in his next solemn day of Humiliation, find just cause publicly to confess, Let us be ashamed and confounded. And in another part of his Narrative, speaking of the same thing, he saith, O that I might hear a second voice in Alderman-bury pulpit, and that on the like solemn Fast day; Let us be ashamed and confounded, that we have been ashamed of the truth, more precious then our lives, and have shut it ourt of doors, &c.

But let M. Burton tell us, whether he be in jest or in good earnest. Doth he think that any meek, or humble Christian, will approve of this language? For our parts we will not censure him, but mourn for him. Doth he not think that this is a sin to be bewailed, that it should be preached, That it is worse then corporal Idolatry, to wait upon the Parliament, to see what Government they will settle? Is this Doctrine a Truth more precious then our lives? Is this doctrine a clear and undoubted truth? For so much he seems to say in express terms in his Narrative, in these words—; And being at the very worst, a clear and undoubted truth: which words we cannot but wonder at, and we believe when the Reader ponders them, he will stand amazed at them.

Object. But M. Burton saith, That he did not preach as it is here set down.

Answ. But to this it is answered. 1. That now he owns it as it is here set down as a clear and an undoubted truth. 2. That M. Calamy did not name him by name. But to this he replieth in his conference with M. Calamy, That he needed not to name you, for all that heard both you and me, understand plainly enough, you did mean me, so fresh it is in memory. But in this answer of his he doth seem ingenuously to confess, that he said the words he denied he said. For if he said no such thing, and spake nothing in derogation either of Parliament or Assembly, but made honorable mention of both; How is it possible that they that heard him, and M. Calamy, should suppose that M. Calamy meant him? This very answer of his, doth seem to confess a guiltiness. But to put him out of doubt, it is answered. 3. That M. Calamy hath good proof of others that have preached to this effect, though he had not. And therefore had just cause to say so, although he had not preached at all the day before. It is no wonder to hear men preach up their own practice. No wonder to hear those men preach against people's tarrying to gather into separated Churches, who daily gather people into separated Churches.

But he deeply chargeth M. Calamy in divers places of his Narrative, because he did not send to him to know the truth of those things, whether he preached them or no, before he spake of them in the pulpit.

But it is answered. That if indeed no other had ever preached to the same effect, or if he had named M. Burton by name, or if he had said it had been preached in that pulpit the day before, or if it had been preached in another Church before other people, then indeed there might be some ground and reason for this accusation.

But seeing that others have preached the like, and M. Burton was not named, and that it was about a sermon preached in his own Church, before some of his own people, of whose faithfulness he had no reason to doubt: And seeing it was only spoken in a general way, M. Burtons applying of it to himself, doth give us just cause to think that he was guilty of it.

Fifthly, It is taken for granted, that the Church-wardens said unto M. Burton, That they were sorry for what they had done, if they had done amiss. But they say that they did not say, that they were sorry for the thing they had done, but only for some circumstances about the manner of doing of it. And they do now further tell him, that upon diligent search made, they cannot find out by whose authority and allowance he first came to preach his Catechisticall lecture amongst them. M. Calamy saith, That none ever spake to him, to desire his consent. And our former Churchwardens deny, that ever they gave their approbation. And therefore they suppose, he hath no such cause to take it ill, if they upon just grounds forbid him to do that which he never had warrant, nor authority from them to do at all.

Sixthly, And especially M. Burton takes it as a thing supposed, that his sermon preached Sept. 23. 1645. was the cause, and the only cause why he was desired to forbear preaching at Aldermanbury. Whereas this sermon was rather an occasion then a cause; And if a cause, yet not the only nor chief cause. The Reader must know, that M. Burton hath often and often preached his own private opinion of Independency, in his Lecture at Alderman bury, to the great offense and scandal of some of us, that have hereupon resolved never to hear him more, because we heard such things, which as we thought, were contrary to truth. And therefore M. Burton need not wonder what spirit haunted those walls and thresholds, that so few people came to hear him in that place. Surely it was the spirit of error that haunted them, and drove them away. For sometimes (as we are informed by those of our own Congregation that heard him) he would urge a necessity of entering into a Church-way, and that there is no expectation of salvation without it. And that it was as necessary to be joined in Church-fellowship, as with Christ the head. Another time, That a member that walks out of Church-fellowship is unuseful to itself, as if a foot and a leg be out of joint, it is unuseful: for any that walks singly and alone, without being in Communion and in a Church-way, He is out of the body of Christ, and so is unuseful to himself and others. Again, You complain you grow not in grace: but join in a Church-way, here is growth in grace. A member out of his proper place grows not. Another time, That none ought to be admitted to the Supper of the Lord, but such as were entered into a Church-way, and had covenanted in a Congregational-way. And that none could receive the Sacrament aright, that had not first taken the Church-covenant. And that to join in a Church-way, is more then to be a Protestant at large, because they ought to watch over one another, and those that refused to join, were as Cain, that are ready to say, Am I my brothers keeper? They that wrote his Sermons do also tell us, That he made sundry Sermons to press the necessity of gathering Churches, and covenanting together. They tell us likewise that he shown how dangerous it was for men to set up Churches Provincial, National, or Parochial. This was Antichristian and Babylonish, set up by the Pope, that all in a Parish might come to Mass. Another time he spake against paying of Tithes, as Popish, &c. Such things as these he often and often, as occasion served, did not spare to preach and urge with great vehemency: Insomuch as many of us, and others of the City did resort to M. Calamy, and told him that they wondered how he could with a safe conscience suffer such things to be preached, which they knew to be so contrary to his judgment. Upon this M. Calamy at one time got a reverend Minister of M. Burtons acquaintance to go to him, and to deal mildly with him about these things, and to represent the scandal of the people. But all the answer, as he remembers, returned was, that M. Burton thought himself engaged to preach the kingdom of Christ. Upon another time M. Calamy did likewise speak to one of his brethren of that way about it, and all the answer to his utmost remembrance that he had, was this, M. Calamy, you know the man, and of what nature he is, it is in vain to speak to him, he will do what he list: And it may be he preacheth thus to see whether you will cast him out, or no. At another time M. Calamy spake with another of the brethren of that way; and his advice was, To get a meeting of M. Burton, and the rest of his brethren, and they would see if they could persuade him to desist from preaching his Church-way in Aldermanbury. But notwithstanding all this, M. Burton continued in his Tuesday Lecture, upon all occasions promoting his Congregationalway, till at last, upon occasion of his Sermon, September. 23. 1645. The Church-wardens sent to him the day before he was to preach, to forbear preaching anymore at Aldermanbury. And this they did without acquainting M. Calamy with it, whatsoever M. Burton thinks to the contrary. Of which, as soon as M. Calamy heard, he sent for the Church-wardens, and obtained of them upon the Tuesday morning (which was the next day after) to go to M. Burton, and to declare the whole truth to him, how it stood, That M. Calamy was a stranger to the business: That upon M. Calamies entreaty they came to him, assuring of him that if he would be pleased to forbear the points in difference, and to preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified, the doctrines of faith, repentance, &c. they would willingly and cheerfully suffer him to preach. But he answered, as it is set down in the Narrative, That he was not to be restrained from preaching any truth of God. Now let all indifferent Readers judge, whether M. Burton by his former practices, and his last answer doth not willingly and willfully shut himself out of the Church doors of Aldermanbury.

For though he supposeth his Congregational-way to be the truth of God, yet it is never the more the truth of God, because he supposeth it. And if he think it his duty to preach those truths (which we think errors) in Aldermanbury: The same consciences that obligeth him to preach those truths, will oblige M. Calamy, who thinks them errors, to preach against them. And by this means the course and fruits of his Ministry will be much hindered, and the Pulpit made a stage of contention, and to speak uncertain sounds; one thing upon the Tuesday, another upon the Lord's day. We appeal to M. Burton, whether ever he did, or ever will give leave to a Presbyterian Minister to preach his Presbyterian opinions to his people, that he hath gathered? Or if any should occasionally preach them to his people, whether he would not think himself bound in conscience to confute them? We demand further, Whether he doth not think it his duty, to hinder (as far as he can) that a Presbyterian Minister, resolving to preach his way (as supposing it the truth of Christ) should be suffered to preach once a fortnight to his people. And whether, if he should be a means to hinder it, he can be said to shut Truth out of doors? Let M. Burton seriously study these questions, and not think it hard measure, that he is not suffered to do that in Aldermanbury, which he would not suffer to be done in his own Congregation.

But further, we would have him to know, that they that are for the Presbyterian government, do firmly believe that that which they hold hath clear light out of the Scriptures, & that they are able to prove it: and that the Congregational-way is an invention of man: and that there is no Word of God for a Church-covenant: for gathering Churches out of Churches; for assuming all Church power within themselves independently: And that this is a way and means to divide the body of Christ into as many schisms, as there be Congregations. And he must not think that the Presbyterian Ministers are so void of a good conscience, so cruel to the souls of their people, so ashamed of the truths they hold, as to suffer them to be trampled under feet, and their people to be seduced by one that shall preach in their own Pulpits, with a profession to preach down the Presbyterial government, and they in the mean time sit quiet, and betray the truth, and their people by their wicked silence.

Add to this what was said before about the Committee, and divers other things fore-mentioned, and then it will appear to all peaceable and unprejudiced Readers, that there is just cause that M. Burton, continuing in this mind and judgment, should not continue his Lecture at Aldermanbury.

7. The seventh thing that is mis-represented and mis-stated, is, the conference that was between M. Burton and M. Calamy in private. Of which that there may be a right and full representation, the Reader must know, That when M. Calamy perceived by M. Burtons answer upon the Tuesday, that he was resolved not to cease preaching the points in difference (and as one very near him, told some of us, that M. Burton would not be muzzled up ) he sadly weighed all things that might happen hereupon.

On the one side he considered, that in this uncharitable age, even good people would be ready to censure him very deeply (though never so innocent) and charge him as the chief, if not the sole anthour of what was done, and that the times were too too full of divisions already, and that there was little need of new rents and schisms. And therefore he concluded with himself to do all that he could with a safe conscience for M. Burtons re-admission.

On the other side, he considered, That this was done without his privity or knowledge, and that the hand of God was in it, and that if now he should be instrumental for his re-admission without a promise, or at least a fair overture upon good ground (for he did not expect a formal promise) That M. Burton would preach only such things wherein they did both agree, he should for the time to come be accessory to all the mischiefs that might happen, if any of his people should either be led away, or if not quite led away, yet puzzled and ensnared by what M. Burton should preach. And this his scruple was the more increased, because M. Burton had already taken one of his Congregation into his Church, without ever acquainting him with it (which is surely a great injury to M. Calamy, and so great, as that we have good cause to believe, that few of his brethren would have done the like.) By this he perceived that M. Burton was resolved to catch (we will not say, to steal) as many as he could from his Church. Now here was the case of conscience, How far he might be active in M. Burtons re-admission. He consulted with godly, learned. He was told, That as things then stood, he could not with a safe conscience entreat for his re-admission, unless he had some ground to believe that M. Burton would not preach his Congregational-way amongst his people. Upon this the Wednesday after this Tuesday, M. Francis Shute coming to visit M. Calamy, who was sick, M. Calamy communicated the whole business to him, and desired him to relate it to the Committee, that they might have a right understanding of it, and to endeavor that the Committee might use their interest in M. Burton to prevail with him to forbear the points in difference, that so he might bere admitted. How far M. Francis Shute did manifest his dislike of M. Burtons meddling with his Congregational way in his preaching at Aldermanbury, we will not relate. But as M. Calamy conceives, upon M. Shutes applying himself to the Committee, proceeded the conference spoken of in the Narrative. For M. Shute came afterwards and told him that M. Burton would come to him. But he replied, That as soon as he was well he would go to M. Burton. But M. Burton prevented him.

Little did M. Calamy think that such a private conference should have been made public, and cried up and down the City, and therefore he had no witness on his side to attest what he said. But seeing it is the will of God to have it so, and to suffer the fire of contention to kindle more and more, let the pious and peaceable Reader read over the conference, and then tell us.

1. Whether most of the conference be not already answered: Whether it doth not mis-represent the whole business, and take the six things before named for granted, which we have abundantly proved to be far otherwise.

2. Whether in this conference M. Burton doth not discover an Episcopal spirit, rather then M. Calamy. Indeed M. Calamy did not enumerate the particular things, for which we took offense at some of M. Burtons Sermons: but the reason was, because he was desirous to accommodate and reconcile differences, and not to increase them. And this was the reason likewise, why his Clerk was not sent for, because, as M. Francis Shute then said, it would but increase the contest between M. Burton and him, and make the breach wider.

Add further, That M. Calamy thinks that M. Burton hath misplaced many of his Questions, putting one before another, to the great prejudice of the conference, and interlaced many things, which (as he remembers) M. Burton did not say at the conference, and hath left out many things that M. Calamy did say.

One thing M. Calamy chargeth him withal, of which we will give the Reader a fuller account. M. Calamy had preached many Sermons out of Matth. 7.6. concerning brotherly reproof, and the duty of watching over one another, and had shown that this duty did belong to a Christian, as a Christian; not only as he was a member of a Church; and had likewise shown how far they that were members of the same Church, were to watch over one another. Hereupon he came to justify an equal and prudent division and bounding of Congregations by Parishes, that so by their near living together, they might the better watch over one another. And then he came to answer that Question, Whether the living in the same Parish did make a man a member of that Church to which his house belongs? It would be too long to repeat what was answered. But the next Tuesday M. Burton preached directly against bounding of Congregations by Parishes, saying, it was Popish and Antichristian, or to that effect, as those that heard him relate. Upon this M. Calamy when he came again to preach of this subject, amongst other things wished that all controversies amongst brethren might be laid aside, and that we would agree to preach Faith and Repentance. Then comes M. Burton, and calleth upon all Ministers to set up Christ's Kingdom, and adds, But some will say, we must not meddle with these things, but only preach faith and repentance. He answered, we must not leave out faith and repentance, but we must preach Christ's Kingdom, for we have liberty now to speak, &c. In reference to this story, M. Calamy not naming the story, charged M. Burton for preaching point blank against him. And his answer is, It is possible I might casually do so, yet without reference to you. Whether this answer be satisfactory, let the Reader judge. We are sure that if it be sufficient, it will quit M. Calamy of most of the accusations that are brought against him in the Narrative.

As for that concerning M. Lockier, we spake since with the Pastor of the place where he Lectures, and he assures us, that it is true that M. Lockier hath engaged himself by promise, not to meddle with the point in difference between the Independents and Presbyterians.

And for M. Francis Shute, because we love and honor him, we will forbear to write what we know. M. Calamy remembers not that M. Hartford should say. The Committee thought very hard that these things should be so carried, before M. Calamy had first spoken with M. Burton. The Committee surely are wiser, then to condemn a man before he be heard. We believe the Committee will not own this speech, much less thank him for it.

Whereas in the later end of the conference M. Burton saith, that he was sent home, without any hope of having the doors unlocked, we leaving him without hope of our keeping any truth close prisoner. If these words were well weighed, they would give a key to the Reader to unlock the whole business. M. Burton resolveth, wheresoever he preacheth, to let all truths out of prison, and whosoever will open the doors of their Church to him, must open their doors to all his Independent opinions also. How far the Committee and the rest of the Vnderwriters, and others whom it concerns will approve of this, we know not. But sure we are, that whosoever readeth the conference, and this answer to it, will confess that M. Burtons high language against M. Calamy, doth savor more of self-conceitedness then of just accusation.

8. The eighth particular which is mis-related in this Narrative, is about a second conference, which, as M. Burton saith, he procured out of love to Aldermanbury, There were two of the Committee sent to M. Calamy, to know of him, whether he would be pleased to suffer me to exercise there still: His final answer to them, was; That he could not in conscience suffer me any longer to preach there, because his people were of a contrary judgment. Thus far M. Burton. Now that the Reader may understand how far this Relation is from truth, we will set down M. Calamies answer, as it was written, word for word, by one of those two, who were sent to him, and it is this,

November the first, 1645. M. James Storey, and M. Robert Dolman were sent by the Committee to M. Calamy, about M. Burtons preaching in that Church. And his answer was,

1. That he had no hand, directly or indirectly, in keeping of him out, and that that business lay in the Church-wardens and Parishioners.

2. That if the Committee will send under their hands, that they are confident upon good grounds that M. Burton will preach the truths of Christ, and not meddle with the controversy, he will be a means to the Church-wardens, and the Parishioners for his re-admission.

By this answer it may appear to all the world how desirous M. Calamy is that M. Burton may be restored to his Lecture amongst us. And we can further evidence to all that are willing to receive satisfaction, that M. Calamy hath dealt with many of the Committee, and hath made use of one of them in especial manner to deal with M. Burton, to see whether he could obtain of him to join with M. Calamy in a way of peace and unity. But M. Burton will either preach all his mind at his Church, or not preach at all. Now whether M Burton, or M. Calamy be in the fault, let the world judge. And that all men may likewise be fully convinced of Aldermanburies love, and good affections towards M. Burton, we do here profess to all that read these lines, That if M. Burton will be pleased to forbear preaching his Congregational way amongst us, and preach such things, wherein both sides agree, we will re-admit him with all readiness and cheerfulness, and will promise to endeavor upon all occasions to come and hear him. Which offer, if M. Burton refuseth, let the world judge, whether M. Burton shuts himself, or be shut out of the Church-doors of Aldermanbury.

And thus we have given an Answer to this unpleasing Narrative, so far as it concerns us. And it may be the answer will be as unpleasing as the Narrative. But our Apology is, That ours is forced, his is voluntary. It is a sad thing that Aldermanbury, that hath had so much truth preached unto it, and hath had so many famous Preachers of truth, should now be cried up and down the streets of the City, as a people that shut Truth out of Doors. Who would not rise up to wipe off such an aspersion? Truth it is the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ: It is that which Christ brought into the world with him: For grace and truth comes by Jesus Christ. Christ Jesus came into the world to bear witness of the Truth. Truth it is the light and life of the soul, the Spouse of the understanding, the food and sustenance of the soul: It is to be preferred before gold and silver; pearls and precious stones are but dung and dross in comparison of it. And therefore if we contend earnestly for the truth, and make it appear to all men, that we are far from shutting Truth out of Doors. We hope that all that are moderate and sober Christians will not only not accuse us, but commend us for it. We have done. The Lord open all the doors of our hearts, that we may receive peace and truth as inseparable guests to lodge within us forever. Amen.

A POSTSCRIPT.

THere is one thing that M. Burton mentioneth in the Narrative, which though it concerns not Aldermanbury, yet we must not wholly bury it in silence, and that is concerning the late large Petition for the speedy establishment of Religion. Of which he speaks very dishonourably, as also of the Petitioners, as of men led with blind obedience, and pinning their souls upon the Priests sleeve. We leave it to the Petitioners to answer for themselves. For our parts we conceive that no Reader, unless blinded with prejudice, can charge them with blind obedience. For the Petitioners do not desire to have the Model of the reverend Assembly established, but the government of Christ established, A Model whereof, &c. These words, A Model whereof, &c. come in with a parenthesis, and the sentence is complete without them. All that they affirm about the Model is, That the Reverend Assembly hath framed a Model of the government of Christ, according to their ability, and presented it to the Parliament. And who but he that hath pinned his faith upon an Independents sleeve, can except against this? But if M. Burton be displeased with the Model of the Reverend Assembly, we would entreat him that he at last, after so long expectation, would set forth his Model.