A retraction of separation wherein VI arguments formerly erected for the service of separation upon the account of infant baptisme are taken down, and VI other arguments for saints generall communion, though of different perswasion, are erected in their room : together with a patheticall swasive to unity, peace, and concord as our generation-work in speciall / by William Allen.

An exhortation to unity, peace, and concord.

HAving said this much by way of Argument touching the unlawfulnesse of Separation, and the lawfulnesse of communion between Saints, though of different perswasion; I shall now adde a little more to quicken the bre∣thren on both sides, to unity, concord, and peace; which have been too long divided and too much e∣stranged one from another. For this end let it be seriously considered;

1. That the heart and soule of our Lord Jesus, is exceed∣ingly set upon the unity, not onely of the Saints of this or that particular and different perswasion, but of all those that believe through his Apostles word, how different soever in opinion and perswasion, they otherwise may be. And this appeares; 1. In that Christ made it matter of his solemne addresse unto his fa∣ther, that so it might be. John 17.20, 21. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word: that they [all] may be one. 2. In that it was the subject matter of one of his last requests to his father now he was about to leave the world. Those things usually are most upon the heart, which men bring forth at such a time when they are ready to die. 3. And which is yet more: among all the things which concerne the Saints here in this world, he sin∣gles out this of their unity, as that which was most upon his heart to form into a solemne request unto his father on their behalfe. There are upon the matter but two things which he prayed for in the behalfe of all those that should believe, contained in that part of his prayer which you have from v. 20. to the end of John 17. the one of which respecting their fu∣ture condition in the other world; and that is that they might be with him where he is, to behold his glory: and the other re∣specting their present condition in this world; and that is that

they all might be one. So then although there be many other things wherein the comfort and welfare of the Saints in this world are concerned, yet their unity and agreement is that which Christ singles out from among all the rest, as being most upon his heart, and as one would think, should therefore be that thing wherein their peace and welfare is most concerned. 4. Its further most worthy observation, that among all the things which Christ prayed for in this prayer recorded in John 17. he does not insist so much upon any one thing as this of unity among the Saints. And therefore you have him re∣doubling this petition againe and againe, and mentioning it a third and a fourth time also, as you may see in ver. 11, 21, 22, 23. As if his heart were so full of it, as that it could not be all brought out at once but by degrees: it was out of the abun∣dance of his heart, that he abounded so much in this one peti∣tion.

And is the heart of our dear Lord so much in it? and shall not the heart of every one to whom he is dear, be much in it too! Can you follow a better pattern, or write after a better copie? It is without all doubt that the more you have of the same Spirit that dwelt in him, the more it will enlarge your hearts this way in conformity to this heavenly temper that was so eminent in him. And the more you shall finde your hearts run out to this thing, as Christs did, the more shall you be in∣riched with an assurance of your dwelling in him and he in you, 1 John 4.13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And what way is there in all the world for you to indeer your selves to Christ more, then in being found according to his owne heart? Doe not good disposition'd parents, take most pleasure in those chil∣dren that are most of their own temper? and so does Christ in those that are most like him. How great a praise was it to Da∣vid to be said to be a man after Gods owne heart! (Acts 13.22.) and I am sure it will be your glory in this, to be men af∣ter Christs owne heart. Did Christ pray and pray so earnestly for this thing, that all that are believers should be one? why then let those that would be like him, and professe to be lear∣ners

of him, doe so too. And not onely pray, but earnestly en∣deavour by use of meanes to bring that to passe which we ear∣nestly pray for. If men were but as willing and desirous to please Christ Jesus, and to gratifie the desire of his soule in this, as they seeme to be in some other things towards which he hath given no such apparent manifestation of his affection, we should certainly have things at another passe among the people of God, then now they are. And I pray you why should we not be most for that in which he most delights?

2. And therefore consider further, that love and kindnesse and cleaving of heart, and affection of Saints to Saints, is that which Christ among other things most desires, as being that grace wherein he hath most abounded towards them, and by which they will be most Christ-like, and so most Christian. As the greatnesse of his affection to union among the Saints, was expressed by his praying for it againe and againe in the same prayer, so does his great longing after love among all his Disciples, manifestly appeare by his fervent and importu∣nate pressing and enjoyning it againe and againe and againe in one and the same speech or Sermon, and in that also which was his farewell Sermon when he was now leaving them and the world, wherein to be sure he would insist most upon that which lay most at his heart. And this he did with a note or signe of speciall appropriation fixed upon it, [my comman∣dement] as if that were more especially his and had more of his heart in it then others. John 15.12. This is [my com∣mandement,] that ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 13.34. A new commandement I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another, John 15.17. These things I command you that ye love one another.

And if Christs heart ran most upon this, they are in no wise like to please him, that by contending for some particular point, which hath not it may be the tenth (if any) of the e∣vidence of his minde, will and affection in it, which this hath, doe make a breach upon and hinder this. It was said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as

in obeying the voyce of the Lord? 1 Sam: 15.22. And may be said, hath Christ Jesus any such delight in your sacrificing a great part of the peace, charity, and comfort of the Saints, upon some controverted order or doctrine in the Church, as he hath in obeying him in this great command of his, that carries so much of his heart in it? For them that think so, let them againe hearken to what he saith, Mat: 9.13. Goe ye and learne what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacri∣fice. And to love him with all the heart — and to love his neighbour as himselfe, is more then all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices, Mark 12.33. And yet sacrifice was more expresse∣ly commanded, then most of those things that are the bone of contention among the people of God at this day. Love, mercy, and judgement, are the weightier matters of the Law, and therefore may by no meanes be thrust out by those that are lesse, as too commonly they are. What ever goes up, to be sure Religion and Christianity goes downe when charity goes downe. Therefore [above all these things] put on chari∣ty, which is the bond of perfectnesse, Col: 3.14.

3. Adde hereto another very weighty consideration, which is, That what ever knowledge you have of the minde of God, and what ever zeale you expresse for any truth of God, either concerning faith or practice, yet if while you hold fast other things, you let goe charity, your knowledge, your zeale, though it were to the losing of your life for truth, will pro∣fit you nothing. 1 Cor: 13.2, 3. Though I understand all my∣steries, and all knowledge, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I give my body to be burned, and have not chari∣ty, it profiteth me nothing. And left you should think it meant of that charity which consists in relieving of the poore, and not of that which consists in cleaving to and delighting in Saints as Saints, brethren as brethren; he saith also; Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poore, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing, 1 Cor: 13.3. All which neerly con∣cernes such to minde, that are more carefull and tender lest some other controverted truth should suffer, then charity, brotherly love and concord, should suffer; and care not

what rents and divisions they make among the people of God, so that they may but propagate their particular opinion. If there be bitter zeale (as the Dutch translation hath it) glory not of thy knowledge, and lie not against the truth, as if thou wert the Gospels friend, when by such a carriage thou art an enemy to it, James 3.14.

4. Your contentions and divisions, if you maintaine them, they will destroy you in your spirituall trade, and keep you from thriving by the means and opportunities of grace you enjoy. It was a sad thing wherewith the Apostle charged the Corinthian Christians, that when they came together to ex∣ercise themselves in the holy ordinances of the Lord, it pro∣ved to be not for the better, but for the worse, 1 Cor: 11.17. But upon what doth he charge this dreadfull miscarriage of their going backward in their trade, and of growing worse and worse by what was provided for their welfare? Verily it was their divisions that was the cause of all this mischiefe. Ver. 18. Now in this that I declare unto you, I praise you not, that you come together not for the better, but for the worse. How does that appeare? For first of all, when ye come toge∣ther in the Church, I hear that there be divisions among you. Concluding that so it must be that their divisions would occa∣sion their decay and losse under the richest enjoyments other∣wise; for they abounded exceedingly with spirituall gifts, Chap: 1.5, 7. Chap. 14. The truth is, they eat out the very heart of Religion: men may grow rich in a form of know∣ledge, and expresse a great deal of zeal for the out-side of Religion; and in the mean while be languishing in the very vitalls of Christianity, while they live in division and strife: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evill worke, James 3.16. This will be as a worme at the root of your tree that will keep it from prospering, what ever cost you otherwise bestow upon it.

If then you have any minde to keep up Religion in heart among you, and not to have your wine to become as water, having lost its heart and spirit: If you would have the Gospel ordinances to yeild you their increase, and all your Religion

not to degenerate into form: If you would yeild God an ac∣ceptable and pleasant fruit of all his cost, and not such as is starvie, harsh, and unsavory: If you would not turn the fruit of righteousnesse into hemlock: If you would be freed from such a predominant distemper, as will hinder your spirituall rellish, and convert your food into a noxious humour, and sub∣ject you to a languishing disease in the midst of plenty; Then abandon contention, and lay aside division, and with a spirit of love, meeknesse, and peace, communicate your diffe∣rent thoughts, and patiently bear with a conscientious dis∣sent.

5. If you would secure the Protestant Religion and Cause from being a prey to the lurking Papist, and from being swol∣lowed up of Atheists, Libertines, Apostates, Quakers, by all which it is at this day sorely assaulted and dangerously beset, then unite heart, and head, and hand, to make one strength to withstand them, that no man take your Crowne. For your di∣visions incourageth them in their designes, invites them to attempt upon you, and prepares many to fall in with them. So that as long as you keep up your divisions, they will grow upon you, and get ground, and by little and little draw away your strength, and in conclusion over-master you, if by uniting you prevent them not: A kingdome divided a∣gainst it selfe, cannot stand, Mat: 12.25. And therefore if you shall so labour to maintaine one particular Fort, as in do∣ing it you loose the whole Nation; I mean so maintaine a particular opinion in Religion, as by dividing about it, to endanger the losse of the whole; you will shew your selves (according to the proverb) to be peny wise and pound foolish: and will Christ ever thanke you for such a ser∣vice?

6. The more you knit together in love for the great truth sake that dwelleth in you, the greater and richer [assurance of understanding] shall you have in the Mystery of the Father and of Christ. Col: 2.2. Being knit together in love, unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, &c. Being knit together in love, bears the relation of a means, to the full

assurance of understanding, as the end. Its one thing to know what the Gospel treats of; and another thing to know assured∣ly that all that which the Gospel treats of, is true and is no lie: Many have much of the former, which as it is to be fea∣red, have little of the latter. And yet some too, that have lesse of the former then others, but more love, have more of the latter then they. The Lord takes such pleasure in the close cleaving of the hearts of his servants one to another, as that he crownes it with this assurance of understanding: root∣ing and grounding them in love; and establishing them in the present truth. Hence I suppose it is that you have many who though they have lesse knowledge, yet having more love, stand fast in the truth, whilst others that have a great deal more knowledge but little or no charity, are turned up by the rootes. Its therefore prescribed by way of remedy or preven∣tion against being tossed to and fro, and carried about by every winde of doctrine, and slight of men that lie in waite to deceive, that the truth be spoken in love: that love, which is a uniting grace, accompany mens knowledge and profession of truth, Eph. 4.14, 15. And truely the full assurance of understand∣ing, and to have the minde and conscience established in the truth in these shaking and declining times, is a prize worth the running for, especially in so pleasant a path, as love and union of heart and affection is.

7. The more unanimous and harmonious you are, the more perfect you will be. You have much talke of perfection, and many pretend to it that are farre from it; but to be sure, its the mark and aime of every sincere Christian, and I think does consist in nothing more next our love to God, then in the Saints love and unity. This is the cry of the Scripture: That they may be made [perfect in one] John 17.23. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one minde, live in peace, 2 Cor: 13.11. Above all these, put on charity, which is the bond of [perfect∣nesse,] Col: 3.14. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is [perfected in us] 1 John 4.12. And love is the fulfilling of the Law, Rom: 13.10. Which is more then can be said of any controverted opinion among the Saints: and

therefore you mistake your way, if in your pursuit of perfecti∣on, you turn aside from love and unity, and make a faction to cry up some single opinion which is not of the essence of Chri∣stianity.

8. The harmony and unity of the Saints, is a lovely object to behold, and an excellent ornament of your Christian pro∣fession, and very taking with others. Behold, how good, and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psal. 133.1. And while the believers were of one heart, and of one soule, great grace was upon them all: and the Lord added to the Church daily, such as should be saved, Acts 4.32, 33. & 2.47. Which cannot be said of any particular opinion extra-essentiall to Christianity: and therefore there's not that weight to be laid on it, as is to be in preserving the harmony, unity, and commu∣nity of the Saints. But alas the contrary, works the quite con∣trary effect of disgrace and disparagement to our holy pro∣fession, and rendring it and the friends of it, lesse desireable; of which these dayes afford us more of the experience, then of the lovely, beautifull, and desireable effects of the Saints harmony.

9. If you prize your comfort, prize agreement: for those that are living and not dead or benumb'd members of Christs body, cannot but be pained with the rending of one member from another of that body of which they are: If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, 1 Cor: 12.26. Was it not a sorrowfull sight to see the man in Mark 5.5. cutting himselfe with stones, and an argument that he was possessed with an evil spirit? Every one will grant it. And pray you how much lesse dolefull is it to see the Saints, children of the living God, cutting and wounding themselves; for so they doe, when they cut and wound one another; for they are members one of another, Rom: 12.5. Alas, how unnaturall is it! for who ever hated his owne flesh? Eph: 5.29. Certainly where thus it is, its an argument they are under a spirituall frenzie and madnesse, and so are objects of very great co∣misseration, and are an occasion of much trouble and distur∣bance in their Fathers house. But O the comfort of love, (as

the Apostle phraseth it, Phil: 2.1.) the pleasure of peace, and the delight of harmony; like a well tuned Instrument, where there is no Jarring. Behold how good and how [pleasant] a thing it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity. Its not one∣ly good and profitable, but pleasant and comfortable also, Psal: 33.1. A great part of a Christians comfort in this world, lies in his communion with Saints. David saith, The Saints and excellent, were all his delight, Psal: 16.3. And therefore a breach in this, must needs make a great breach upon a Chri∣stians comfort.

10. The more you are for union and reconciliation, and making of peace, the more you will be like God, whose infi∣nite goodnesse and grace inclines him to seeke after those that are at a farre greater distance from him, then any of the Saints are from one another: He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himselfe, 2 Cor: 5.19. Yea this is that good plea∣sure which he hath purposed in himselfe, that in the dispensati∣on of the fulnesse of times, he might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him, Eph: 1.9, 10. Sin had divided and scat∣tered his creatures in their affections as well from one ano∣ther as from him; but the soule of the Almighty was so set upon their reconciliation and re-union, that he sends his Son Jesus Christ in due time, to gather them together into one in Christ as their common head. And for that end also he appointed the ministry, and from time to time furnisheth them with gifts, First, to perswade men to be reconciled un∣to God, (2 Cor: 5.19.) and then to bring them all to unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13. This God hath done to procure reconciliation and peace. And therefore blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God, Mat: 5.9. They whose hearts, and heads, and hands, are in it, that labour at it with desire to effect it, to bring men, especially the Saints to termes of peace and good agreement, they tread in their fathers steps, follow the same work, designe, affect, and la∣bour at the same thing; and therefore well may they be cal∣led

his children; and followers of God as deare children, E∣phes. 5.1. And being his children, come under a great bles∣sednesse indeed, having such a father, whose affection and power for their advancement, hath no bounds but what an infinite wisdome sets. And truely if this will not set our hearts on fire to be at this worke, I know not what will. If then you desire to make good unto your owne soules the evi∣dence of your Son-ship and relation to God upon the best termes, it will not be enough for you to be your selves per∣swaded to reconciliation and agreement with your dissenting brethren, but to be active and busie in procuring it in others where its wanting. For otherwise though you may be peace∣keepers, yet you will have little to denominate you [peace∣makers.]

11. Its the way to have God with you and delight in you. He is so great a lover of peace and concord, that he will al∣wayes make one at this work; you shall be sure to have his company and presence, both whilst you abide in it, and when you lift up your heart, hand, and tongue to promote it. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you, 2 Cor: 13.11. Such shall have God with them as a God of peace, speaking peace to them, evidencing himselfe to be at peace with them. I appeal to their consciences who have knowne the difference of living in a divided state, and of living in unity with all Saints, and of making themselves servants to so good a worke as to reconcile Saints, whether they have not more inward peace from God, and a richer te∣stimony of his love in the time of their reconciliation, uni∣on and professed conjunction with all Saints, then they had in the time of their distance from many of them. Its most true that he that dwells most in love, dwells most with God and God with him, 1 Joh: 4.12, 16. And how they can expect peace from God, that doe not live in peace with all those with whom God is at peace, I know not. Especially consider∣ing that Christ hath told them, that if they from their heart, doe not forgive their brothers trespasses, that then neither will their heavenly father forgive theirs, Mat. 6.14. & 18.35.

And what kinde of forgivenesse that is that can stand with punishing their brethren for involuntary misprisions, with re∣jecting them from their communion, and carrying themselves towards them as if they were none of the same house, but children of another father, I desire may be deeply ponde∣red by those whom it concernes.

The Apostle exhorting the Ephesians to this very duty, backs it with no lesse then seven motives or reason, Eph: 4.3, 4, 5, 6. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. For 1. There is one body; and 2. one Spirit, even as 3. ye are called in one hope of your calling: 4. One Lord; 5. one faith; 6. one Baptisme; 7. one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Each of which have very much in them to prevaile with the divided hearts and unpeaceable spirits of professors, to lay aside their warres and contentions, which are but the off-spring of their owne lusts. James 4.1. & 3.15. 1 Cor: 3.3. Gal: 5.20. But I would not be tedious, and therefore shall not inlarge upon them, hoping that what hath been already said, cannot but come home to the conscience of all those whose uncharitablenesse hath not exceedingly hardened their heart.

Neither doe I doubt but that every one will be ready to acknowledge this which I have been exhorting to, to be every Christians duty, and will professe their great affection to u∣nity and peace. But alas, experience shewes, that it is too commonly with this proviso, or inward reserve, viz. so as that they may have unity and peace upon their owne termes: uni∣ty in the truth, as they call it, and that truth, their particular opinion, upon which division is built. The meaning of which is, that they would maintaine peace with all, provided that none would oppose them in their opinion, but say as they say: having that in their mouthes, Jer: 15.19. Let them returne to thee, but return not thou unto them; which they wofully a∣buse whiles they apply it to lesser differences. But if unity and peace, and communion too, were not to be had and held but upon such termes, what use would there be (in relation to different opinions in lesser matters,) of those many exhorta∣tions

of bearing the infirmities of the weake; of long-suffering and forbearing one another in love; of bearing one anothers bur∣dens; of not looking every man on his owne things, but every man also on the things of others? Rom: 15.1. Ephes: 4.2. Col: 3.13. Gal: 6.2. Phil: 2.4. A cordiall and peaceable communion, and forbearance are not inconsistent. Union, com∣munion, and peace, must be kept and maintained upon Chri∣stians agreement in fundamentalls of faith and holinesse, when in the meane while, bearing and forbearing must be exerci∣sed in relation to those things wherein they otherwise differ. Which being the plain Scripture-road, its much to be lamen∣ted that so many who seeme zealous of the Scripture-pattern, should misse it.

Therefore I beseech all those that love the Lord Jesus, and that love to doe that which pleaseth him, that you suffer not those few and lesser things wherein you differ, to prevaile more with you to keep at a distance, and to deny your com∣munion to one another, then those many, great and precious things wherein you are agreed, to bring and binde you close together, and freely to afford your Christian communion one to another. Is it reasonable or hath such a thing been heard of in other cases, that the minor vote should carry it against the major? Lay aside then all prejudice, stiffnesse, and selfe-will'd∣nesse, and count it your glory that you can seeke to others to receive you into closer communion, before they seeke to you. And in your prosecution of this work of reconciling distant brethren, doe not be beaten off, by others hanging off; but reckon it so choice a piece of generation-work in these divi∣ding times, as that you can hardly lift up your heart, your tongue, your hand, to such another.

And you that are Ministers of Christ, who is the Prince of peace, and of the Gospel, which is the Gospel of peace, and whose work is to guide mens feet into the way of peace, and the end of whose calling is, to bring all to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God: be intreated Reverend and beloved, to take heed of making the breach wider, and by any undue representations or aggravations, to frighten Saints of

different perswasions, from coming neere one another: but to perswade to christian moderation and forbearance, to a treat∣ing one another with a spirit of meeknesse, and an over-com∣ing of one another with love, and herein to approve your selves as patterns. And in so doing, you shall finde more peace in your owne soules, and procure more in the Churches, and finde a greater successe in your Ministry, make better tempe∣red Christians, and set a more glorious Crowne upon the head of the Gospel, then otherwise you are ever like to doe.