Twelve considerable serious cautions, very necessary to be observed, in, and about a reformation according to the Word of God. Wherein diverse particular inconsistences with the word of God, very incident to reformations (so called) are briefly insisted upon, and argued from the Word of God. / By John Goodvvin, an unworthy servant of God in the Gospel of his deare son.

Cautions necessary to be observed in and about a Reformation according to the word of God.

IN the Name of God begins all that is bad,* 1.1 was the complaint of many, in the dayes of Popery. And if men be carnal and unworthy in their end, the Machiavillian directs them, Agant sua vota sub illo; let them take the Name of God, and of Re∣ligion, to make a covering for their nakednesse. There is none like to this.* 1.2 Am I now come up (saith Rabshakeb) without the Lord against this land to destroy it! The Lord said unto me, Go up against this land and destroy it. The Jewes pretended they had a law (meaning from God himself) for the putting his own Son Jesus Christ (God blessed for ever) to death.* 1.3 Wee have a Law, and by our Law he ought to die: even as some men now have a Re∣formation, and that from God, or according to the word of God, by which the faithfullest servants of God ought to be molested, and the light of the purest worship of God put out.

But if the hot-pressers of Reformation in these dayes, have not an heart and an heart, but are regular, single, and sincere-ended in their motions, and really intend and desire to make all things ac∣cording to the pattern in the Mount, I mean according to the word of God (the most unquestionable and least-ensnaring clause in all that solemn covenant, which they adore as if it were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the con∣trivement of God, and not of man) they shall consult this ho∣nour, and a name of Integrity to themselves for ever in this noble enterprise, if they will be carefull to advance by the way of these Cautions following: but if they shall (especially wil∣lingly and knowingly, and most of all, if consultedly) digresse and sin against them, as the Lord liveth, the soule and spirit of their designe is no Reformation according to the word of God, no nor yet according to the example of the best reformed Churches; but accor∣cording to the exigency of secular interests, and the inspiration of the accommodations and good things of this world.

[Caution 1] First, they who intend a Reformation according to the word of God, must take heed of admitting human passions into their con∣sultations:

For (as in James his Divinity) the wrath of man work∣eth not the righteousnesse of God,* 1.4 i subjects a man to an incapacity of doing that which is truly agreeable unto his will; so is it as true of other distempers also, as of envie, covetousnesse, ambition, &c. neither do any of these (much lesse all them in conjunction) work the righteousnesse of God, in this sense: but are as hostages gi∣ven to Satan, to secure him, that they mean no ill to him or his kingdome. The tenor, nature, and frame of the word of God, are of a pregnant antipathy against all these, and such like inordina∣cies in the hearts of men; and are bent with an high hand, to op∣pose and contradict all their motions, actings and proceedings whatsoever. Therefore most certain it is, that such a Reformation which is calculated for the meridian of these, or any of them, and the face of it set, either for the molestation of such persons with whom we are offended, or whose honor or peace we envie, or for the enriching or exalting our selves in the world, is not, cannot be according to the word of God. No man ever made hoops or bowes of timber that was streight, according to the naturall growth or streightnesse of it; but were fain to use art, or force, or both, to destroy these, to make those commodities.

[Caution 2] Secondly, a Reformation according to the word of God, must not be obstructive, much lesse destructive to the comfort and peace of the children and servants of God, who worship him in Spirit and Truth. Do not my words (saith God himselfe by his Pro∣pheta 1.5) do good to him that walketh uprightly? Therefore what Re∣formation soever grieveth the soule, and makes sad the Spirit of the generality of those in a land, who walk uprightly in the sight of God, it is a certain signe and evidence against it, that it is quite be∣sides, and not according to the word of God. And if the inward and essentiall frame or constitution of the word of God, be such, as to make it the joy and rejoycing of the heart of godly onesb 1.6; doubtlesse whatsoever is either acted or projected in conformity to it, must needs hold the like correspondence with them. Never was it heard to this day, that a Reformation according to the word of God, was ever burdensome or grievous to the most considera∣ble part of religious persons, amongst whom it was advanc'd, or set up.

[Caution 3] 3ly, They who desire to reform according to the word of God, must beware of putting any such ingrediēt into their reformatiō, w^ch is (or is like to be) obstructive to the course of the Gospel, or to the

propagation of the truth amongst men. We can do nothing (saith the Apostle) against the truth, but for the truth;a 1.7 meaning, that neither he, nor any of his fellow-Apostles, had any power or authority from God, to act any thing in prejudice to the truth, or to the sup∣pression or hindering the out-goings of that into the world. And (2 Thes. 3. 1.) he desires the Thessalonians to pray for him, that the Word of the Lord may run, or, have free course, and be glorified, even as it was with them. Therefore, certo certiùs, such Reformers, who say unto men excellently gifted by God, and affectuously inclin'd by God, and ardently desired of men, for the work of the Mini∣stery, Preach not in that Nameb 1.8 except you will preach in our name also, except you will acknowledge in us a power to give you leave to preach, and a power to restrain you from preaching, and be willing to receive neither you nor we can tell what, by our imposition of hands upon you; such Reformers (I say, the se∣cond time) that calculate and modell their reformation upon such terms, that either the precious souls of thousands must starve, or else the precious consciences of those that should feed them, be brought into a snare, and so defiled, well may they reforme by some other rule, but their according to the Word of God, they leave for others.

[Caution 4] Fourthly, they which intend to reform according to the Word of God, must not call that common or unclean, which God hath san∣ctified or cleansed: What God hath cleansed (saith the voyce from heaven unto Peter) call not thou commonc 1.9. And the Apostle Paul by commission from heaven; I will therefore (saith he) that men pray every where, lifting up, &c. So then, God having sanctified the whole world, and every corner and place of it for his Saints to worship him in they that by a strong hand seek to bring them back again, either to this mountain, or to Jerusalem to worshipd 1.10, that will allow the Saints no other places as lawfull to worship God in (at least publikely) but those only, concerning which, the greatest Question is, whether they of all others, be sanctified or no; and which the judgements and consciences of many thousand of the Saints look upon, as exceptions from Gods generall rule of sanctification in this kinde; these without all controversie or question, shape their Reformation, rather secundum usum Sarum, then according to the Word of God.

Fifthly, they who would have this golden Motto, According to the Word of God, written as well in the heart, as in the face of their

Reformation, must be free from all collaterall ingagements unto other patterns besides this Word of God; they must not suffer them∣selves to incline, no, not so much as a dust in the ballance amounts unto, to any Reformation of any other Church or churches what∣soever, further then they are reformed according to the same word. Be ye followers of me (saith the Apostle) even as I also am of Christ.a 1.11 The best patterns and examples under heaven, are but se∣ducers, in what they fall short of, or besides, the Word of God. The injunction from heaven is very particular and expresse: See that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed unto thee in the mountb 1.12. And Ezek. 43. 10. Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the pattern, &c. viz. to build with all possible exactnesse of conformity to it. Now then, when Reformers shall look partly upon the Word of God, partly upon other Reformations, where∣in it is a thousand to one, but there is some flesh, as well as spirit, they must needs (upon the supposition) bring forth a party-colou∣red Reformation, as Labans sheep brought forth speckled and spotted lambs, by looking upon the pilled rods which Jacob pre∣sented them with, at the time of their conceptionc 1.13.

But what if we be bound by covenant and oath, to reform, as well according to the examples of the best reformed Churches, as according to the Word of God? I answer:

Doubtlesse, no man ever covenanted, or sware, to reform accor∣ding to the example of any Church, or churches whatsoever, in opposition to the Word of God:* 1.14 or if they did either, they have cause to abhor themseves in dust and ashes for it. And to reform with them, or according to their example, in concurrence with the Word of God, is nothing but what every man stood bound in conscience unto, whether he had covenanted or sworn it, or no. So that covenanting or swearing to reforme according to the ex∣amples of the best reformed Churches, as well as according to the Word of God, doth no wayes bind any man to regard or minde their reformation for matter of example or imitation further then this comports with the Word of God; and thus farre, they who reform according to the Word of God, must necessarily follow their example, at least materially, and so cannot falsifie in the least with their covenant and oath.

Sixthly, the sons of such a Reformation as hath been oft na∣med, must beware of separating between mens spirituall and tem∣porall

conveniences, when God by his providence hath graciously joy∣ned them together. What therefore God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder,d 1.15 (saith our Saviour.) The rule or precept is generall, (though given upon a speciall occasion) and ought to take place (especially) in all things which concern the comfort and peace of men. If so, how can that Reformation be according to the Word of God, which shall ei∣ther force men from their dwellings, the conveniencie whereof affords them, and theirs, the best of their subsistence in the world; or else from their relation unto such a Minister or Pastor, by whom God is pleased to blesse them in their spirituall estate, incomparably beyond what they have any ground to expect from that Pastor they must in such a case subject themselves unto? Yea, or which shall interdict the precious souls of men their spirituall accommodation from the hand of such Pastors, who want the eyes, and tongues, and hands of other men, and so can neither see, nor say, nor do many things, which they can; and yet may be eminently serviceable in the work of Jesus Christ, and peculi∣arly gifted for the edification of such and such men? A Reformation according to the Word of God, must not sacrifice the comforts of the people of God, upon the service of the credits or advantages of their Ministers. The people were not made for Ministers, but Ministers for the people.

[Caution 7] Seventhly, A Reformation according to the word of God, must be like a Bishop or Minister according to the Word of God; that is, no striker, no braw∣lera 1.16, must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truthb 1.17. Therefore certainly that Re∣formation which is froward, rough, peremptory, impatient, imperi∣ous, and will gather where it hath not strewed, and reap where it hath not sown, exact obedience and subjection from those, to whom it hath not effectually taught or perswaded obedience and subjection, nor ever gave any tolerable account unto truly conscientious and considering, and disinteressed men, of any worthinesse in it, why it should be sub∣mitted unto; but shall rather obstruct its accesse to the judgements and consciences of such men, by advancing it self by wayes, and methods, and practices that savour more of the subtilty of the Serpent, then the simplicity of Christ; doubtlesse (I say) such a Reformation, which com∣mends it self unto the world upon no better terms then these, cannot be judg'd a Reformation according to the Word of God by any, except those, who either suppose gain to be godlinesse, or the resolutions of Synods the word of God.

[Caution] Eighthly, A reformation worthy this crown of glory, I mean to be

named a Reformation according to Word of God, must take heed of eat∣ing flesh, to the offence of a weak Brother; I mean, of pleasing, humoring gra∣tifying, inriching the strong, and those that think they know all things, to the grieving, anguishing, afflicting of those that are weak, and not able to see this Name of Mysterie, written in the forehead of it, according to the Word of God. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou Faith? have it to thy self before God, &c.a 1.18 But when ye sin so against the Bre∣thren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore if meat make my Brother to offend, I will eat no flesh whilest the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offendb 1.19 Therefore that Reformation, which shall tread and trample under foot the weak and tender consciences of the Bre∣thren, for whom Christ dyed, like clay and mire in the streets, taking no pity nor compassion on them, that it may recompence the contrivers of it with flesh to eat, and wine to drink, and make their faces to shine in the world, is (doubtlesse) no Reformation according to the Word of God, ex∣cept it be the word of the God of this world.

[Caution 9] Ninthly, that Reformation which the Word of God will own, as con∣form to it, must take heed, either of gathering or scattering with Satan, and be carefull to do both the one and the other, both to gather and to scatter with Christ: must be a tender and nursing-mother unto all, not a bloody cruel stepmother to any the Churches of Christ. He that is not with me, (saith Christ) is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroadc 1.20 And the Apostle Paul: Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of ALL the Churches. Therefore that Reformation, which is so far from taking care for all the Churches of Christ, that it cannot subsist (with any tolerable con∣tentment) without the dissolution and ruine of many of these Churches, & those of the most Apostolical & Christian building, is no Reformati∣on according to the Word of God, except the Word of God be divided against it self, and destroyeth that, which it buildeth up. Some impeach that Reformation which gathereth Churches out of Churches, as a Re∣formation, over which the Scripture rejoyceth not, nor yet countenan∣ceth. And do these men think, that yet it will rejoyce over, or counte∣nance such a Reformation, which scatters and ruines Churches of Christ into no-churches at all; and that saith to the Saints sweetly combined in Church-fellowship, and walking together with love and peace in the ways and worship of the true God, Be ye scattered into the four winds of the heavens,* 1.21 and go and serve other Gods?

[Caution 10] Tenthly, that Reformation which glorieth as being according to the

word of God, must not be partiall, or a respecter of persons: must not absolve the lesse, and condemne the more innocent. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect Angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, doing no∣thing by partialityb 1.22 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of personsc 1.23. Therefore that Reformation w^ch justifieth those, who professe they know God, but deny him (and that most notoriously) in works; but falls heavie upon those who make no such hypocriticall profession, but rather ingenuously professe and acknow∣ledge their doubts & scruples in things appertaining to the knowledge of God, and withall are far more regular and Christian-like in their conversation, holds no other then a diametral correspondence with the word of God. For doubtless, he that saith he beleeves that there are three persons and one God, and yet gives demonstrative testimonies (or be it but strong presumptions) against himselfe, that he indeed and in truth neither beleeves the one nor the other, is a far greater offender, and consequently deserves a far greater punishment then hee who belee∣ving neither, professeth accordingly. Therefore that Reformation which shall punish men, and that with greater severity, not for not beleeving, but for not professing to beleeve, or for professing not to beleeve that which indeed they do not beleeve, and shall connive at, or passe over with some light censure, those that shall abuse heaven and earth with their dissimulation in this kind, and shall only say or professe, that they beleeve so or so, though it be as cleare at the Sun, that they indeed and in truth beleeve no such thing: Such a Reformation (I say) that shal be thus importunely and unconscionably partiall, holds no good quarter with the word of God.

[Caution 11] Eleventhly, that Reformation which pretends to that badge of ho∣nor of being a Reformation according to the word of God, must not seek to advance and lift up it selfe in the world by unrighteousnes, by speaking evill, especially untruly, and against its own conscience, of the Saints & servants of the most high God Put them in mind (saith the Apostle) to speak evill of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meeknesse unto all mena 1.24 The Cretians are alwayes liers, evill beasts, flow belliesb 1.25, &c. Yee shall not steale, nor deale falsly, nor lie one to anotherc 1.26. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not liee 1.27. Lie not one to anotherf 1.28, &c. But if yee have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truthg 1.29 But the fearfull and unbeleeving,—and all liers, shall have their part in the take which burneth with fire and brimstone, &ch 1.30. Therefore if any thing be vero verius, more true then truth it self, true it is in this degree,

that that Reformation which shal take Satans office out of his hand, and turn accuser of the brethren, & love all devouring wordsi 1.31, that shal not spare the names or reputations of those who are as the Apple of Gods own eye, & whom he seeks to commend unto the world as glorious in their generation, and more excellent then their neighbours, and witnesses of the truth, but shall consult with the powers of darknes, & oracles of hell, by what calumnies, reproaches, slanders, untruths, to set the world on fire with hatred and indignation against them, yea and shall still, oleum addere camino, write book upon book, book upon book, now a Treatise & then a Treatise, to grind all the credit and interest that such men have in the world, to powder; and all this to make it selfe a footstool, whereby to ascend into its throne; a Reformation (I say) that seeks to build it self an house with such polluted stones as these, certain∣ly doth not build with God, nor God with it: The word of God knowes no such art of building as this.

[Caution 12] Twelfthly (and lastly) A Reformation that would not be flattered, and yet be stiled, A Reformation according to the word of God, must give leave to the wind to blow where it listeth; and give liberty to the Spirit of God to do with his own what he plea∣seth; to make what discoverie of truth he pleaseth, and to what persons, and when, and where he pleaseth; and must not confine him to his market, or compel him to traffique only with Councels and Synods for his heavenly commodities. The wind bloweth where it lusteth &ca 1.32 Friend, I doe thee no wrong,—take that which is time own, and go thy way, I will give unto this last as much as to thee. Is it not lawfull for me to doe as I will with mine own? Is thine eye evill because I am goodb 1.33? And after six dayes, Iesus taketh unto him Peter, and Iames, and Iohn (so that the major part of the twelve were passed by in this dispensation) & carrieth the up into an high mountain alone, & his shape was changed before them, and his rayment did shine, &c.c 1.34 Therefore that Reformation which asserts the authority of Councels, Synods, Assemblies, major parts of men, as infallible, against the light, judgement, apprehensions, either of particular Churches, or men, or that restrains the Ministers of the Gospel from declaring unto men the whole counsel of God, and in some things the truth of the counsel of God concerning their salvation, that condemns as hereticall, the works, writings; tenets, of sober, lear∣ned, pious, and conscientious men, onely because an inconsiderable number of men, (for so is the number of 100, 200, 300, in comparison of those that are judicious, lear∣ned, and pious in a great and flourishing Kingdome) imagines (it may be, only dreams) them to be inconsistent with the Scriptures; or that shall subject the world (and in∣deed the glory of God himselfe) to such hard and miserable terms, as that men shall not publickly reap or tast of the pretious fruit of the gifts, parts, knowledge, wisdome, learning, which God hath liberally bestowed upon many thousands in a nation, but on∣ly according to discretion, and at the allowance of a very small parcell of men; (and those it may be, not of the greatest abilities neither, for discerning) when either the Alcoran of the Turks, or the Missall of the Papists shall appeare to be according to the word of God, then may such a Reformation as this hope to partake of the same honour also.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In nomine Do∣mini incipit omne malum.
• * 1.2

  Esa. 36. 10.
• * 1.3

  John 19. 7.
• * 1.4

  James 1 20.
• a 1.5

  Mica 2. 7.
• b 1.6

  Jer. 15. 16.
• a 1.7

  2 Cor. 13. 8
• b 1.8

  Act. 5. 28. 40.
• c 1.9

  Acts 10. 15.
• d 1.10

  Joh. 4. 21.
• a 1.11

  1 Cor. 11. 1.
• b 1.12

  Heb. 8. 5.
• c 1.13

  Gen. 30. 38, 39.
• * 1.14

  To violate an abominable and accursed oath, out of conscience unto God, is an holy and blessed per∣jury.
• d 1.15

  Mar. 19. 5.
• a 1.16

  1 Tim. 3. 2, 3.
• b 1.17

  2 Tim. 2, 24, 25.
• a 1.18

  Rom. 14. 21, 22.
• b 1.19

  1 Cor. 8. 12, 13.
• c 1.20

  Mat. 12, 30.
• * 1.21

  1 Sam. 26. 19.
• b 1.22

  Tim. 5. 24.
• c 1.23

  Iam. 2. 1.
• a 1.24

  Tit. 3. 2.
• b 1.25

  Tit. 1. 12.
• c 1.26

  Lev. 6. 11.
• e 1.27

  Esa. 63. 8. 8.
• f 1.28

  Coloss. 3. 9.
• g 1.29

  Iam. 3. 14.
• h 1.30

  Rev. 21. 8.
• i 1.31

  1 Psal. 52. 4.
• a 1.32

  Iohn 3. 8.
• b 1.33

  Matth. 20. 13, 14.
• c 1.34

  Mark 9. 2. 3.