Soft Answers Unto Hard Censures

SOFT ANSWERS, Unto Hard Censures:

REader, many things are charged upon my score, I shall account with thee faithfully in all; That thou mayest understand matters well and throughout before thou takest upon thee to judge: And then also deal more tenderly with thy Neighbors good Name (a precious thing, and it may be, his livelihood) than thou doest with a Glass of Crystal; and with his Meaning, be as tender as with the Apple of the eye. I will make no Apology for my words, I hope they shall not need any. I shall speak in matters wherein no man ought to be silent. Indeed I have been dissuading so long against strife and contention amongst Brethren, that it has almost fallen out to me, as to God's Faithful servant, Moses, he dissuaded an Israelite so heartily from smiting an Israelite, that the Israelite, who did the wrong, charged Moses with Murthering thoughts towards him; Thinkest thou to kill me, says he, when indeed Moses had no other thought but to Reforme him, to keep his hand and tongue from smiting. But to the Particulars of the Charge, Relating,

I. To a Book printed without Licence, which the Wardens have met with, and dealt with it and me as they pleased; or rather, as they said, their Duty is, and warrant in their hands to do. I confess I took some offense at their Dealing, which they say, was not given. I have no disposition, nor were it fitting to dispute that. But because I took an offense, and, I thought, very justly, therefore will I be the more tender of offending them. Only this I must mind them of here, That their Dealing with my Book and Me, layeth an Engagement upon them, As they love the Book of God, and Desire their Souls may thrive and prosper thereby, rather than fill their purse with gain therefrom, To deal with other Books filled with blasphemies from top to bottom; And with Doctrines contrary to the Mind and good Word of God: with known Malignants 〈◊〉 Pests and Plagues in City and Country, To deal with them, and these as they Dealt with me, and my Book. It is their Duty so to do, and but according to the power in their hands; And now it is their engagement also, because they have, in their zeal to the Cause, they say, and due execution of their office, dealt so with me; of whom I think, they judge so honourably (though they were pleased to question me about a libellous paper against the Lord's, which my soul abominates) That I would not for a world speak against the Lord Christ: Nor willingly against any the meanest of His Servants. And so forbearing all other matters, which might fall-in here, I come to give an account of my Doings in the Book, and the Reasons of my so doing: But first, I must make a plain narrative of the business clamored against; and that, which moved me to set upon the work, which was this. Observing an heavy and most grievous charge drawn-up against those, I need not name, being so well known unto us, for their known integrity and exac • walking according to the Truth of the Gospel, observing I say such a charge fixed upon the title page of a book, that it might be in the fullest view of heaven and earth, so as he that runs might read it; observing also the worth, Authority; and learning of the Author, a well furnished man every way, I bestowed a few hours, in running over the book from the first page to the last, that I might tell myself how he makes good the charge. And this I have told the Reader already in its due place. This remains to tell him here, how my spirit was stirred at the sight of this charge. And the Reasons I had so to be stirred. All this I shall tell faithfully, as in the ears of God, the searcher of all hearts.

1. That my soul could not bear the words of that charge. Therefore I had a motion stronger than I could withstand, which rendered me restless, till I had put my pen to paper, therewith to show, according as I was enabled, the vanity (I will give it but so light a name) of that so heavy a charge.

2. My reasons were many, the former, I will call for distinction sake, Negative. First, I did it not thereby to show myself singular or to side with any party: I love both parties so well, that the Lord knows, I know not, whom I love and honor most: And am confident, that if they be two now, in judgment, yet they are not two in affections (for so wise men should not be) or if two at present, yet they will be all one anon. Amen.

2. Not to tell the world that my soul goes out in the way of Independency, further, than I am persuaded, The Doctor himself would, upon sound debate with his own heart, go out with me. However, I have spoken of it according to my scant measure of knowledge, as the light of the world hath been pleased to lighten my candle.

3. Not to thwart Authority, or the Dictates therefrom: Certainly my soul abhors so to do. You will say,

A. And yet I have done, what my soul abominated.

B. If I grant that, it is no more but what my betters will grant, and have done before me; What I hate, that I do, said Saint Paul. But yet I cannot understand it so:

For first, I sought for a Licence, but could not obtain it, though my manner is to yield up my papers to be corrected, as the Licenser, in his better judgment shall think fittest. And indeed so an Author should do, for he is worst able to judge of himself; and he may slip with his pen as soon as with his tongue, which the Licenser, by adding or leaving out a word, may help, and reconcile the Authors words and his meaning. Therefore no man I think, is more willing to crave judgment and submit unto it, then I am. And with this kind of Licensing, any spirit can well close. But for a Licenser to withdraw his hand, out of prejudice to that, he will not read; or because it may not suit with his judgment, This gives an offense sure, which ought not be given.

Secondly, I observed books passing abroad with Licence, which I thought were wanting to Truth in part; and to right Reason, more wanting; and to the Law of Charity wholly wanting, all throughout: Yet these have their Licence. I thought now, That since I craved leave and could not have it; I might take leave, and the liberty to speak the Truth, keeping the Dictates of Right Reason, up close in desire, to the Law and Rule of charity all along: certainly, so I did in desire. But my performances, I know, all short of my own mind, and cannot reach up to my rule: All good men will pardonme here, Their Lord and Master will.

Thirdly, Not to cast the least scruple. much less a stone of ofence at the way is now beating out before us. I have said in deed, That the way of Church Government (I would name no more) is an Holy way; And that I can discern no other in it, but what ought to be, Holiness therein all along: And this Holiness, not so discernible in the other Way. But still I have said, I travelled with hope, That the ways we have unhappily differenced, by two names of Debate, will meet in one, and there shall be one way; my endeavors are for it, so are my prayers, even so, Amen. And now, me thinks, I have in my hand that which advanceth my hope, for I am reading the Directory for worship to the Church in Scotland; (A thing I confess I stumbled at, hearing it so much talked of amongst us: But I stumbled at it, as a man in the dark, at that he neither sees nor knows before him) I am reading of that book. And truly not to show myself curious therein, which I should not be, this I must say. That they have spoken very well; and my soul can go out with it, persuaded their endeavor is to live up in their practice, according as they have spoken; And as their light comes in, so shall their comings in and going forth be, before all their people: As the Lord shall be pleased to clear up the way of Worship before their eyes; they will (for there is no standing still in God's way) hold it forth before all Congregations. 〈☐〉 What we expect from the Assemblies here, I cannot tell, great things sure, and sure we shall have them according to expectation, if our sins, our murmurings, and repinings, and (for want of faith) our making haste, our great sin: And the sins of some Ministers also, which they know best, and we know too well, to be such as may cast an offense in the way may hinder, at least, the faithful endeavors of the Best approved: And therefore are matters of deep humiliation, unto all before all the people: The sins of Ministers Assembled now; Oh let their sins be found-out, and greatly humbled let them be for all they have done; That the Righteous may have their hearts desire, touching the way of worship before their God, which certainly they shall have, if sins hinder not, theirs and ours, reaching higher and crying louder, than the prayers of all the Righteous in the World can cry in the ears of their God: And if so (but surely so it shall not be) and if matters answer not expectation; yet I praise God as well as I can, I think (for I dare not be confident of my own heart) all within me doth praise His Holy Name, for all that good the Lord hath done for His poor people, by the unwearied labors of His faithful Servants; Abundantly recompensing all the expense of Spirits, Time, and Purse. Though the expense were a thousand times more than it is, And we should live to see no more, yet abundantly sufficient is that we have seen touching the purifying of God's house; His worship and services there: Now the Lord be praised for this, And all within us must bless His Name, for giving gifts unto His servants; and hearts to lay-out themselves and their gifts, To advance His Name, A Reformation, or way of worship, suitable to the excellency of His Name, Power, and Godnesse. I have been the larger here to clear my intentions, That nothing could stand so contrary to the purpose and tendency of my soul, than to diminish anything from the beauty of that way, is now beating-out before us; or from the labor of love in those, who lay-out themselves in that work. And these are the reasons I call, for distinction sake, Negative. The other you may call Affirmative, are these.

1. That I might do as much for the Brethren, as I stand bound to do for my enemies Ass, his that hates me; to my power, I must help the Ass-up, and case him of his burden. I conceive, I have done no more now, I saw a mighty burden of Reproach cast upon the Brethren; I have put to my hand to ease them of it.

2 I considered, who they were, that were so extremely laden with disgraces. They are the precious and excellent of the world, which I speak, making no comparison with those, whom I acknowlledge to be precious in God's sight, and therefore honorable in ours also: All of them the sons of a King, and servants of the High God. These are the men so reproached.

3 And that the Gospel might suffer no damage, find no stop in their mouths, who are (I would detract from none, giving these their due) eminently gracious that way, and able above many to carry it forth, and to speak it from their hearts, to the hearts of all that hear them. Indeed I have more then a jealousy. That the way men have taken now a days (against their wills I hope and besides their intentions) is the readrest way, that can be taken to destroy the Gospel, (what man can do) and to take-off from the working of it in the hearts of the people, when they lay such cart-loads of disgrace upon the publishers thereof, as that they are, as Altars and Idol-services were in Judah's land, plagues and pests there.

4. This also, had the force of a reason mighty alone, to persuadewith me to do as I did: That (1) All the evil of manners is charged upon them, whose conversation is before Angels and men, as becometh the Gospel they preach; and the Faith they profess. (2) And all the evil Doctrines are charged upon them too, who (we may be persuaded in our souls) rather then they would hold-forth a Doctrine contrary to the mind of God, would hold their faces under a Milstone, there to be grovnd as corn in the Mill: Yet so and so they are charged. These are the reasons, which constrained me to write as I have done. If I had any aims and ends of my own, as possible I might have, the Lord show them unto me, and sanctify the counsel of my friends touching that matter; and if not them, then a prison: for truly I desire to under-stand my way, and if contrary to the Good word of God, then to return speedily and take shame to myself, for my erring from the good way, and wandering in by-paths, to the disturbing the peace of the Church, which should be sought for and pursued by all means, warranted in the good Word of God. And the Lord humble them, on what side soever, if they have pursued peace after a manner not comely for Christians: If so (I have more then a jealousy it is so) The Lord show them it that they may be humbled for it, in deed and Truth. And now I feel myself plucked by the ear, and charged with this Crime (so I call it, and accout of it) of Breaking the Churches peace, blowing the Coale of Contention, and so helping to kindle it to a greater flame. The least suspicion this way is grievous to me, but I am not suspected only, so I am charged.

•… . And so I come to the second part of my Charge, which relates to my particular calling; offenses taken against me in Reference thereunto are three. (1) That I abide not in the place God has set me, keeping myself to my proper work there, while I meddle with matters without the verge of my Calling. And (2) with some loss or hinder rance to my progress therein. And (3) in matters too high for me, above the Sphere of my Activity. I answer,

If my practice can be justly blamed here, then a double Blame belongs to me, because it is clear against my judgment and the charge, I know, God has laid upon me. My judgment is, That a man out of his place, is like a bone out of joint, he troubles the peace of the Civil Body, as that Bone does the peac and quiet of our Bodies. The Charge is, In the place wherein God has set him, there let him abide, doing his proper work with all Diligence in all faithfulness: for such an one a man is, as he is in his Relations, Ashe stands, there, in an Answerablenesse to the several duties thereunto belonging. And here I am compelled to speak of myself, And yet not of myself, for that were not comely; But of the Grace of God with me (but a common grace neither): By his Grace assisting me I have kept my standding. served my Generation, done the works proper to my calling in all sincerity and faithfulness, as knowing myself called by God, and bound thereunto in my Obligations to man. And so I have these twenty years, and more (in much weakness, yet according to the Abilities God supplied me with) contended against the stream and strongest-tide of evil Customs in the most schools in point of Doctrine, and Discipline (for there is a little Church, or should be so tendered and accounted of): And evil practices in the parents house, whence the Children come, too ordinarily, with the Name of God in their mouths, which they heard not of till they heard their parents swear by that Terrible Name. Ah Lord, But I have said enough; for if that be all, which children, for the most part, learn at home, and bring to school with them (as sure enough it is all, but not all the evil) Then Ministers may teach from their Pulpits, and Masters in their Schools, till their tongues are spent, and spirits wasted, and do as little good, work as little Reformation, as now is discerneable: For look about with all your eyes, and tell yourself, if you can, where can you see it? Though we have entered into Covenant with God touching that matter, yet certainly that we call Reformation, is like a Common-wealth we have only heard of or that placce, which is nowhere; and nowhere will it be found, till it be found in Families; We poor folk do talk of Reformation, and some faint velieties, wishings, and woulding, we have that way; We wish that the Church were Reformed, and the Kingdoms all three. Alas we do but mock ourselves, for God is not mocked; Reformation cannot be, while Families are like the Sluggards field, quite neglected. There is the evil, the very head-spring thereof, Family-neglects; The unanswerablenesse to our Relations there in all the Duties, belonging thereunto. And this evil in Families, I have done my utmost to discover; And have, with enlarged affections to our prosperity there, unfolded the duties proper to the parents care there; and all to set that private house in order. And this service I have concluded to be proper to my Station & the greatest piece of service, I was possibly able to perform, whereby to serve this Generation, and that which is to come: For till this private-house be better ordered there will be no good order neither in Schools, not Colleges, nor Churches neither. Indeed the Masters in their Assemblies, Colleges and Schools, do stand but as Cyphars there, without a figure put to them, If they stand alone, the parents or Governors of families not with them, joining together in their watchful care, and contributing their double diligence; which parents will neverdo till they be told their duty better from the pulpits: Nor told-only, but till the Magistrates and Ministers both, go together hand in hand, prescribing orders to families, their due observation of them according to the Mind and Word of God. And here, if the command and charge of God might prevail with the Ministers of the Law and Gospel, I mean Civil and Ecclesiastical, To do their Duty in visiting Families and Schools, I would direct their course unto Mr. Grantham, to visit his Family, and scoole in the first place, after him, whom else they please. The Ministers may inquire there, how things are, whether as Fame reports them, and as the cry is gone-up against him in this City. Enquire they may, What manner of servant he is to God, and himself; And what manner of Master he is to those entrusted to his charge? And how Answerable he is to that great Trust, (the charge of Bodies and Souls too:) and his undertakings touching that matter; I mean, how responsable he has been, in deed to parents, when they have come to him, and spoken in the old Fathers language, Redde Depositum?

a blessing to his parents, and to his Generation? Let this be inquired into there, and everywhere, as we tender the Glory of God, and the accomplishment of the parents Hope; who has nothing but Hope -to bear-up their Spirits in their sore travel under the Sun, Hope that their children shall be, by the Masters care, made obedient to God, and their parents, able to serve their parents, and themselves, and their Generaton as the Law of God, and Nature commands. O that parents could consider this; and as their hopes are, to do thereafter in an orderly pursuance of their hope, by discharging their own Trust first; And then inquiring well into their conversation, into whose hands they will transmit their children, those dearest pledges, I return to that I was saying; That masters of Families, (Schools, are but families multiplied, made like a flock of sheep) must be content to be taught here, and prescribed how they may show themselves conscientious at this point, whereof they that make no conscience, surely, they have no conscience at all: And the Magistrate has to do with such, with them and their families. And when we begin there, in Families, to Reforme there, Then I shall believe that Reformation begins, and never till then: For this is the Apostles Method, not according to the Course of this world: But according to the course, the people of God, have taken, who have so ordered their Families, and so walked in the midst of their houses, that their praise is in the Gospel: And this is according to the Scriptures of God,They oversee themselves first, then theirs; First, their flock within doors; then the flock without; First, their own house, then the House of God. There is the Apostles Method, which by God's hand with me I have beaten-forth through all the observations and experiences, by His assistance I had made, and have desired to make them so legible, that he who runs may read them. What acceptance my labor has from Man, I say not, for little I can say; but my labor is, I hope to be accepted of the Lord, with whom my work is, and judgment from his Mouth; That I stand with my loins ready girt to be called forth to his foot, content to be something or nothing, or any thing, so I might attain the end of my placing in the world, the Glorifying God, and serving my Generation. And truly, God hath given me a Body, healthful, and able to do him service, above many thousands. I scarce remember, that pain in my flesh held my eyes waking one night; or made me keep my bed one day in all my life hitherto. And this I looked upon, this health of body, of mind too, as a great mercy, and a mighty engagement, to bind me over to duty. This Mercy has followed me all my days, evento the declining of my day; and so Mercy hath followed Mercy, which convinced me what my duty was, and engagement is, That duty must follow duty, else a double woe may overtake me. And surely I may say this more, that I feared always since I had any understanding of my way and Duty, to walk my own way, or to take my own course; What seemed good in mine own eyes. I say the truth, I yielded-up myself to God's hand; as he would be pleased to go before me, though his footsteps were as in great waters, that way, by His Grace, I would go. I was long since convinced, how vain my thoughts were, (and yet thousands do think as once I did) That I could mould forth my own trade of life, track-out a course pleasing enough to God; and most useful to myself (for self was my end; and high thoughts I had God knows, That I was some-body as well as others, and could) beat-out my own Way, cut-out and order my own Work, and then set about it in my own strength, These thoughts befooled me many a time; and now-mine eyes are to the Lord, as the Pilate's eye to the star; let Him direct my couse, for He alone can do it; cut-out, and direct my work, for that is His Work too; My work is no work but Duty, To eye, what He directs, and to follow Him; To hearken what he will have done, and to do it with all my might. And surely from His Hand it was. That I found a diversion of my studies, towards some other matters, somewhat without the verge of my calling.

But yet (2) which is my answer to the second exception: I took such hours for those matters, which sleep might have robbed me of; with no hindrance at all to my proper employment; for, truly such studies do enlive and quicken my fancy, whereas semper eadem iisdem, still the sameevery day is a dulling thereunto.

And (3) I do not conceive, I have showed myself a Busie-body, meddling with matters too high for me; but such as, through God's grace, my understanding could very easily reach unto.

And so I come to the third particular in my charge; The offense I have taken at Mr. Edwards his Book, and have given to the Church of God, as one, that has an hand in the breaking her peace, which rather then good men would do, they would suffer their bones to be broken all to pieces. This is part of my charge; Let it now be weighed with both hands, and this considered with all the heart. (1) This which is legible, for he that runs may read it; That brethren have troubled the Churches peace, and have broken the rule of charity, all throughout their writings; We may say of some of them, as Cicero speaks of some Orators in his time, Latrant Oratores non loquuntur: Or, as Calvin speaks of a rough-mouthed fellow; Stridet non loquitur, I will not English it; as one says in another case, we, common people, understand these matters too well; They are so legible. (2) And this which is visible too, and in every man's eye, That the sons of the Church, have shewn themselves the sons of the Cole, they have blown a spark so long, that it is become a cole; And now they have blown up the cole to a flame: And from so small a matter, how great a fire is kindled? Let it be considered, who has been blowing here? And when the fire was kindling, who has brought fuel, as oil to the fire: or buckets of water to quench it? If no man else will, I will speak for myself, That I thought it a matter greatly conducing to the peace of the Church, to mark those, and their writings, which have troubled the peace thereof: And here I noted Mr. Edwards Book, and one or two more, more unreasonable, for more may be, and uncharitable, than is that Anti-Apology: yet so cross is his manner of proceeding there, to the Dictates of right reason, and method of charity all along, that he may follow peace and pursue it in that way, pleasing in his own eyes; but he shall never undertake it while the world stands. It is my judgment indeed upon such proceedings; And I shall be of the same judgment till I die: And then also I shall not retract it, or repent of what I have done, touching that matter; And this I have fully declared, and faithfully; But the half of my papers are restrained. I may set them at liberty in due time: for what ever the Censure is against those papers, yet the truth is, they serve to declare the truth, and to maintain peace, as may appear in due time. But I was saying, that surely these men must repent of their doings, loath themselves, for the actings of their own spirit, before their labor (if they feel the weight of that word in the Apostles sense) can be accepted with the Lord, and with His people. So I have said, and I do not doubt but thousands, of a more refined judgment than myself, will say the same with are: Buttherefore am I charged (I will let petty charges go) that (1) I hold for a telleration of all Religions. (2) And with th •… that hold for an universal liberty of conscience, (3) That I speak evil of dignities, set myself as they do, who now call themselves Independents, but are not (unless neither to fear God nor reverence Man be to be Independent) against the powers which are of God, Parliaments, Councils, Synods. To the first, I have spoken, to the second I shall speak here; (2) That I hold with those; who think they may hold to what opinion they will, live as they please; do what seems good in their own eyes; It is their conscience so to do, the doings and actings thereof; And the Magistrate hath nothing to do there; And this is my opinion also, I hold for universal liberty of conscience: I answer, no, but I do not; The Lord knows, I abhor that opinion, As it is commonly understood, construed, pressed, forced, I abhor it as a bloody Tenet indeed, and the most destructive to Church and State, that possibly Satan could have suggested: or Satan's Adversaries, the godly, could have forced against their friends, the children and servants of the High God; which is, that we may walk every man his own way, pleasing in his own eye, live as we list, stand up against the Law, and Gospel-privilege, Infants birth-right; stand up against the Lord's day too, deny the due sanctification thereof; yet the Magistrate hath nothing to do with us, for it is our conscience so to do, and our judgment. Oh abhominable! Conscience! say we, It is our famie, a mere conceit suit; what ever it is, it is not conscience for they that hold to that opinion, have n • conscience at all. And it will appear that conscience they have none, by some eminent actions, flowing from that licentious conscience, whereby the way of God is blasphemed, and others enticed to seatter their ways; and to walk in bypaths, where the Magistrate ought to meet with them, and oppose them, while they hold their foot in their 〈◊〉 way, of sin and Death; There the Magistrate has to do with them, in ways apparently evil, and must punish them before the Sun. Indeed the Magistrate has no power over the conscience; I think no sober man ever said, That Man has power there; It is an inward thing, and an invisible Hand it is, That can reach unto it, and persuades there. But when the evil effects of this licentious conscience do appear, then Must the Magistrate appear against it and them. And that is all I will say, concerning my clearing touching that matter.

The third particular of the Charge; It is against those, who standing single, and alone, are worth ten thousand of myself. And indeed an heavy charge it is; But it is but a man's charge; he (I will speak of him single, though he is plural) hath charged his brethren very heavily, though with weight of words only, Hard and devouring; he hath spoken much and proved nothing at all, nothing by all his Allegations and Quotations. Notwithstanding, that which he hath suffered from the hand of the wicked;and the honorable esteem he hath in the hearts of the Godly, shall compound for all his hard words against his brethren. But truly, how he will compound this Matter with his God, is a question to me, Now I do remember, and he will remember it also, That a better man than he, MOSES, having offended but once in the like manner, could not compound with his God, touching that matter; Thus we read; God spake unto MOSES saying, speak unto the rock; MOSES did contrary, he spake unto the people, and smote them with his tongue, ye Rebels, said he, Indeed such they were; but MOSES had no warrant to call them so, not to speak, so unadvisedly with his lips. But so he did speak, and God was angry with him; And O how fain Moses would have compounded the business; but he could not compound with God; his Lord and Master would not be entreated, no not by that most faithful servant Moses; because he spake unto the People, saying, ye Rebels; That was all, and a Truth it was; yet an unadvised speaking with his Lips, and he could not compound for it. It commands our mark, and saddest thoughts upon it; And then it will be matter of so trow to us, who have spoken so unadvisedly, once and again calling them Rebels, who are not so; and Presumptuous sinners before the Lord, Whose daily Prayer is (as in charity we are bound to think) Keep thy servant Lord from Presumptuous sins: Let not those have dominion over me: Surely the thoughts of Moses story, his going-cross to the command of God, will make our hearts sorrowful, because we have charged our Brethren, So and so, ye Rebeli; and ye teach others to be Presumptuous sinners before the Lord. A grievous Charge; but matter of great comfort it is to all, that are so charged, but are the faithful of the Lord, and do abhor evil, all that which is presumed against them, matter of great comfort unto these: For so were all the faithful of the world charged before them, That they were troublers, meant to Rebell, chief enemies against Kings, and their Kingdoms; so the best men in the world, have been charged by the worst men of the World: Yea their LORD and Master Himself, He was so charged, That He was an enemy to the Powers, which were of God: And the more blameless He was found to be, the more * fierce the chief Priests were against Him, and the more vehemently they accused * Him, till they prevailed with Pilate so as he delivered Jesus, not to the justice of the Law, but to their * will, the injustice thereof, to do unto him as they pleased. If they have dealt so with the Master of the House, how much more with those of His Household? But let not the disciples of the Lord Christ, bend themselves against disciples, their dearest friends, Rather let them do, as is comely for the servants of the high God, live together, love together, and build together, the House and Household of God. Let there be no falling out between Brethren, specially now, when the Argument whereby to argue the case,and to command agreement amongst brethren, is as strong now as it was in Abraham's days, for worse then Perezites and Cananties are in our land, who glory in this our shame. But all •… toutoon, I proceed to the last particular.

IIII. My defense of the Apologetical Narration, and the offense I have given to the Godly party thereby. I answer. I cannot conceive how this can be: for there are but two exceptions, which I could ever hear made by discreet men, (to whom my ears stand very open) against that Apology.

1. That never any wise men before them did so commend themselves as they did. I Answer, Yes, one of the wisest men, that ever was in the world commended himself, I think, as much as they do: So much that he called himself fool, for commending himself so much, I am become a fool in glorying, ye have compelled me, Says Paul, ye who ought to have commended me. And so, for ought I know, might these Brethren say too, I could say more to this, but I am straitened, sure I am, I must not be too curious in other men's sayings, or doings: I am bound also to be as tender in my censure thereof, as I am about the apple of mine eye. Again, Admit the Brethren were too high in their own praises; can this warrant the Dr. and his second to press them down as low as the earth, with cart-loades of disgraces? Surely, it ought not so to be. Jt had not sounded well from the false Apostles mouths, if hearing, as haply they did, Paul commending himself, they should have said to him in these words;

This had not touched well upon our ears from such men's mouths: Much less pleasing is the language we hear from Brethren. But I will take off my thoughts from this, and proceed to the other exception. (2) That they plead for a Toleration. It is granted, they do. They plead with their Brethren to bear, To tolerate them, suffer them to dwell in the land of their Nativity; They will live as Brethren, converse before them, and all the world, as becometh the Gospel; They will join heads, and hearts, and hands, and all to build with them the House and household of God: Only they entreat their Brethren to Tolerate them, to bear with them, suffer them to live securely by them. This is their plea for a Toleration. A sober man should not dare to carry this word any further; If he will so do, he will force it, give the sense of it most contrary to their meaning, as commonly the men of the world do; That they plead for a Toleration of all Religions: and for an universal Liberty of Conscience; That a man may hold fast to what opinion he pleaseth, he may teach others so, making many Disciples (that is) he may take a ready to way sear-up his Conscience,and to destroy his own soul; And yet, since it is his conscience so to do, what have the Ministers of the Law and Gospel, Civil or Ecclesiastical to do with him? What a forced construction is this! Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego, let who will, I cannot believe, That they have spoken, or done like Brethren, who have rendered that Word, Toleration so, so cross to the minds of our dearest Brethren. I take not upon me here to dispute how just this our Brethren's Plea is, for a Toleration: For it is not the question; Nor do we question whether the Dr. with his Brother, have not forced the word beyond all Reason, and Human understanding, loading it with such disgraces, and Reproaches, which were not Tolerable, not possible to be endured, but by such men, who are so loaden, innocent men, God knows; Who stand, notwithstanding all those Reproaches, Recti in curia, upright under the Burthens, and like Elephants in this respect, the more upright, the more pressed; Because cleerd, touching that matter, in the Court of Heaven, and their own consciences; we can make no question of all this:

But the question is;

Let the sober Reader judge by what has been said; And if he judge me to be a disturber of the Churches peace, let him join hands with whomsoever he can find an adversary to me, and bring with him the hand of Authority, they shall find me ready girt to obey: I thank God I can say touching this mater, I fear God, I fear not the face of man. The Lord knows, and man knows also, That I have laid out myself, the male of my flock, the first borne of my strength, all I am, and have to maintain the power of the Church, and to promote this cause, because it is the peace of God, & God's cause, & it shall prosper though the Gates of Hell are wide-open against it, the rage of devils, and men, their Force and their Fraud: yet it must Prosper: Nay, though Heaven sometimes seem to be against this cause too, Turning back the weapons, with which we fight against Babylon, as God's manner is to do (till His children and servants cease to fight against Him,) yet the way of God shall be Beaten forth: yet the cause shall prosper as sure as God lives and loveth his people. Now blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has assured His Servants, that the way of his worship shall be made more conspicuously manifest, the more it is trampled upon by the foot of pride: And His cause and church victory, in and over the world, shall be the more Glorious, at Last, the more it is opposed, and persecuted now by the Devils in Hell, and those incarnate, with flesh and blood, his Angels and servants on earth: Now blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has assured His poor sevants, waiting their Lord's time, and Doing their Lord's Work. That He will give them an expected end.