An examination of the chief points of Antinomianism, collected out of some lectures lately preached in the church of Antholines parish, London: and now drawn together into a body, and published for the benefit of all that love the holy truth of God, / by Thomas Bedford B. D. Vnto which is annexed, an examination of a pamphlet lately published, intituled The compassionate Samaritan, handling the power of the magistrate in the compulsion of conscience: by the same author.

Ans. Grant the truth of what is laid for the ground; viz. That none are free from error, according to that of Rom. 3. Nor can any one presume of an unerring spirit; And yet I deny the inference, viz. That therefore one sort may not com∣pell the other: For why? Though no man may presume of such a spirit, yet they that are of God may comfortably expect the conduct of the spirit, Psal. 25. 14. Joh. 16. 13. Again, though none may expect to be guided by inspiration, yet by the manuduction of that Rule which the Spirit of God hath fit∣ted and perfected for the Church of God; by this I say may the man of God expect to be throughly furnished, 2 Tim. 3. ult. Now then might the Prophets and Apostles who were guided by an infallible spirit, might they be alowed to compel them that were contrary minded (which is evident both by the pre∣sident of Saint Paul, 1 Tim. 1. ult. and also by the mans Argu∣ment: For if they that want it may not, because they want it; then they that have this infallible spirit, may compel because they have it) might they be alowed; And may not the Pastors of the Church, who have a Rule which is no less infallible? Is not the Text of Scripture as infallible a Rule of Direction to the Church of God in present, as the Inspiration and Revela∣tion was to the Prophets and Apostles? If not, why is that exchanged for this? Is the spirit less careful of the Church now, then in times past? Lesse careful I mean to lead it into all truth. I may grant indeed, that the Inspiration and Revela∣tion did carry with it a more active impression of light upon the understanding of the Prophets and Apostles, to evidence the truth of what they received: But the Question is

not so much, whether that way had not greater evidence, but whether this way hath not as great assurance. Things con∣cluded by reason, and received by Faith, have in them no less assu∣rance, then things perceived by sense, though not so great evidence. So then, In those things whereof the Pastors of the Church are infallibly assured by the text of Scripture that they are not deceived, they may (even by vertue of the Authors Ar∣gument) use compulsion to restrain the violence of them that op∣pose the truth of God.

Object. But of all ways, compulsion is the most unlikely to beget unity of minde, and uniformity of practise. Sol. Com∣pulsion is not used to this end, but onely ex consequenti, as the suppression of different judgements and practises may con∣duce to unity and uniformity: It is a vain thing to think that by fines and imprisonments the Magistrate doth seek to perswade men to piety and honesty: No, his primary and proper end is to suppress the contrary? As the weeding of the Garden doth not make the seeds to grow, yet in removing impediments, and making room, it doth accidently prosper their growth: So is it here.

Object. But Club-law causeth prejudice against what is so pro∣pugned. Sol. It may be so in some, and for a time; Yet God who is wiser then man, by his own practise hath given us to see, that when the way is hedged in with thorns, and when the Back doth smart under the Rod, the ear is opened to discipline and instruction. So that though the Rod do not directly con∣vince or perswade; yet it hath its efficacy in the way and work of preparation.