The Review, or, A representation of the late sufferings & condition of the dissenters written some years since, but not then suffer'd to come abroad : now publish'd as well to encrease their gratitude to the King for delivering them from all those calamities, as to excite them to joyn vigorously in all lawful means that many conduce to the prevention of their falling under the like, or worse severeties hereafter.

CHAP. IV. The Dissenters Resolutions.

SECT. 1.

1. WE will endeavour to walk in all good Conscience towards God, and towards Men. If we may not be permitted, to Wor∣ship God in our Publick assemblys, we will do it as we can, for we may not cease all Worship of the Deity, what ever it Costs us. When the C••rches of God were persecuted, in the Primitive, and more Mo∣dern Ages of the World, and could not have the Liberty of Worship∣ping their Maker, and Redeemer at Stated Times and Places, they Wor∣shipped him as they could, in Woods and Groves, in Vaults and Grotes, in Charnel Houses, and Sepulchers of the Dead, and herein we shall follow their Example. If we may not serve God, and Build up one anothers Faith and Godliness, where, and when we would, we will do it, where and when we can.

2. We will worship him in our Families by Reading, and Hearing his Word, by Sanctifying his Sabbaths, and calling upon his Name. We Read in the Scriptures of Churches in private Houses, whether there were no other Persons, Members of those Churches, but the Mem∣bers of those Families we will not say (tho we judg the contrary most probable) but this we will Say and Do also, we will forme our Families as much after the likeness of Churches, as we are able, we will performe all those Acts of Worship in them, that Lawfully, and justifiably we may.

3. But especially, and peculiarly, we will Adore him in our Closets, Privasies, and Retirements. We will Prostrate our selves before his Foot-Stool, and power out our Souls unto him. We will review our lives, and enquire into the Errors, and disorders of them, we have reason to suspect that all is not well. God doth not afflict willingly, nor greive the Children of Men. We will search out those Sins, that have provoked the Devine Indignation against us, we will confess,

Humble, and abase our selves before him, we will begg his Pardon, and hope he will not refuse us. We will get God of our side if we can. Quien a Dios tiene, todos las cosas tiene, y Quien a Dios no tiene, ninguna cosa tiene. He that hath God hath every thing, and he that hath not God hath nothing.

4. As we will take care of being Pious to God, so we will be careful to be just, and Righteous towards all Men. We will outrage no Mans Person, we inquire no Mans Estate, Reputation, Name, or Honour, but by the Grace of God, we will give to every one his Due. In breif we will Love our Neighbours, as our selves, and Love is the fulfilling of the Law.

5. In the conduct of our own Conversations, we shall observe the Laws of Prudence, Temperance, and Sobriety, we will have no Com∣munion in the Licence, & Luxury of the Age, God hath made us Men, and we will not Live as Beasts, he hath given us reasonable faculties, and we will not abandon our selves to the conduct of our senses. We have been Baptised into the Christian Covenant, and we will not Live like Heathens, Infidels, and such as are manifestly Hypocrites, and Apostates from it.

6. The Grace of God, that bringeth Salvation, hath appeard unto all Men, Teaching us, that denying all Ungodliness, and Worldly Lusts, we should Live Righteously, Soberly, and Godly, in this present World. This Doctrine we have been Taught and Learnt, and this we purpose, by Gods help, to Exemplifie in our Life.

Sect. 2.

1. We will preserve true Faith, and Allegiance to our Prince. We will never depart from the Duty we owe him, what ever Provocations, injury, and wrongs we may receive from his Servants, and Offi∣cers. We have so great an Opinion of his Clemency and Goodness, that we can never impute any of the Severities, that are exercised on us to his choice, or inclinations, if he knows any thing of them, or give any consent unto them, we must ascribe it to those Evil Characters, that are most impiously given of us, and that Force that is put upon his Royal Dispositions. For tis most certain, that the Subject, bien Sou∣vent Sentoit du mal per lamain des Serviteurs, encore qu' il n'y eust que bi∣en au caeur du Maistre, doth oftentimes Suffer ill from the Hands of Servants, when the Master or Prince means them no Evil in the World.

2. If we Suffer, we will take care that we do not do it, as Evil Doers, and if we Suffer for well doing, we shall have the Apporbation of God, and our Consciences, and the support of an innocent and upright

mind, things in our opinion more valuable, than Crowns and Sep∣ters. We may be prety well able to bear the rage and fury of Spite∣ful and malignant Persecutors, whilst our Consciences acquit us, and we have the support of God; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if Conscienc•• charge us with guilt, and God depart away from us▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must fall under their indignations, and utterly sink under the burden and weight of it.

3. A Few wea•• ••nemies, are more eligible than those that are ma∣ny and might•• ••hose that Persecute us, are a few poor impotent mor∣tals; th•••• must die and rot in the same common Earth with our selves; but God and Conscience are powerful and Immortal, and tho they be not numerically many, they are effectually more then all the World. Persecutors may destroy the Body, but God can destroy Body and Soul and cast both into Hell. Persecutors may afflict the outward Man, but Conscience, like a Vulter, preys upon the Soul, to its unspeakable anguish.

4. If we may not have leave to serve God after our own way, with the approbation, or at least the Connivence of the Government & Laws, we shall not endeavour to prosecute it, by any unlawful Attempts or Methods. If we be Prosecuted for worshipping the Great God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, in a manner a little different from the Consti∣tutions of the Church, tho not from the appointments of Christ Jesus; we will bear it, and commit our selves to him that judgeth uprightly. Magni vias, & potentes semel ulliscuntur propriis ••iribus: probet & innocente ipse Deus: The great and the mighty revenge themselves▪ but God avengeth the just and the innocent, saith Cardon, and to him we leave it. We will be no Rebels however we may be reported, or defamed. We will behave our selves, as it becometh the Religion of the holy Jesus, however we be treated by our Enemies. We will give demonstration (as we have done also already) that dissent in some things from the Establish'd methods of Divine Worship, is con∣sistent with unspotted Loyalty, & que ce ne sont choses encomportibles d'estre bon Hugenot, & bon subject tout ensemble, and that (to speak in our English Dialect) 'tis not impossible to be a good Subject and a Dissenter both together.

SECT. 3.

1. We will patiently bear what is thought fit to be laid upon us; for tho we do not know that we have deserved those Severities from the hands of Men, that have been, and may further be inflicted upon us; yet we are sure we have deserved them all, and much more from the Hands of God. You are but the Rod in the Hand of God, and tho you may be unjust in persecuting and afflicting us, yet he is just in permitting you so to do. Absalom was a Rebel in taking Arms against his Father and his Prince, but God was very just in permitting it, as

Punishment for his Fathers Sins. Encore que Dieu n'ait point de part aux dess••ins des mechans & des meurtriers, il preside sur tous leurs con∣seils, & sur tous leurs enterprises, & il les dirige par son adorable pro∣vidence. Although God have no hand in the designs of the mis∣chievous and murtherers, he presides over ••ll their Counsels and Enterprises, and Governs them by an adorable providence. (Dre∣lincourt in his Charitable Visits, Part 3. p. 137.

2. The Physitian makes use of the gluttonous Appeti••e of Leeches, and Magistrates make use of the barbarous and inhumane hu••••••r of Hangmen and Executioners, and God makes use of the serene rage and malice of Persecutors. Il s'en sert d'une facon admirable. He serves himself of them after an admirable manner; sometimes for the Ca∣stigation of his People, sometimes for their tryal, sometimes for their reformation, and sometimes that he may take them away from the evil to come. Besides, we are all mortal, & il importe peu par quolle main nostre corps soit porté par terre, pourveu que nostre ame en sortant de ce co••p••, soit porté par les Anges au Paradis celeste, And it matters not much, by what hand our Bodies be sent to the Grave, provided that our Soul, when it goes thence, be conveyed by Angels into the Hea∣venly Paradise.

3. But this is no justification of those that Persecute us, or excuse of their Sin and Wickedness. The Scribes and Pharisees, and Rulers of the Jews did nothing, but what was according to the Determinate Counsels and purposes of God, but they were barbarous murderers for all that, for they did not put him to death, to serve the purpose and decree of God, but to satisfie their own spite and revenge. And we are pretty confident, that those that afflict and prosecute us, will prove Persecutors at the last day, notwithstanding they do thereby nothing, but what accomplishes the Counsels of God. For we do be∣lieve, that their ends and Gods are not the same therein. God does it to humble and reform us, to wean us from the World, and to fix our hearts on Heaven. They do it to satisfie their avarice, their revenge and Serpentine hatred of all Religion and Godliness.

4. We hope this free and open declaring of our judgment and Re∣solutions, shall not be improved to our disadvantage, and that be∣cause we avow a purpose of patient Submission, that therefore our burthens shall be encreased. We hope it shall never be said, that since they make such professions of their determinations, to suffer what is imposed upon them, we will try them effectually. They shall have burthen enough. We have read of Julian, that when the Christians complained of the injuries, and oppressions they suffered from his

Officers, he told them they were obliged to bear them, for such was the Commandment of their God. He excused the outrages that were offered to them, by telling them the Laws of their Religion, made it their duty to endure them. But we hope his actions shall never be drawn into example. We trust we shall never be oppressed, and our complaints answered by saying, You have promised patiently to bear what may be imposed upon you.

5. We will rather belive that our Resolutions of Patience and Sub∣mission, shall be our Protection against all Injuries, Violence, and Op∣pression. The Humble, the modest, and the Peaceable, should (we think) be treated with Kindness and Favour, when those only that are Stubborn and Rebellious, should be used with Rigour.

But be the Issue and Event of these our Resolutions for Patience and Submission, what they will; the Practice of it is our Duty, and that we must take care of, while the Event and Effect thereof is un∣der the Providence and Disposal of Heaven, and appertains to God. We are obliged to obey the Divine Commandments; and to observe the Laws of Patience, Self-denial, mortification, Heavenly-minded∣ness, Contempt of the things that Perish, and others of the like nature; but whether the performance of them turn us to any ad∣vantage in this World, is a thing that we cannot know, nor must not determine, 'tis sufficient that they will be rewardable in that which is to come, and if we find it not here; (as we seldom do) we will hope for it hereafter.

SECT. 4.

1. We will endeavor to make some advantage by our Afflictions and Calamities. Physitians make useful Medicines, and Extracts out of things of Venomous and Malignant Nature, & there is almost nothing so Vile and Mischievous, which they do not turn to use, and Improve to the benefit of Man. The Flesh of Vipers is an ingredient in that excellent Treacle that expels Poyson; and is of use in inveterate Head∣ach••s, Pestilential, and many other Diseases. Quick-silver (a thing sufficiently noxious in its own Nature) after due preparation, becomes useful in many Distempers, and where other things have failed, that hath been successful.

2. Since our Goods and Estates are taken from us, and we are not permitted the Enjoyment and Possession of them; we will endeavour to lay up our Treasures in Heaven, where no Thieves or Robbers can Rifle, Plunder, or deprive us of them. We will do all the good that we can, whilst we are here below, and thereby lay in a good Foundation against the World to come, and what is laid up there we shall not doubt

to enjoy; for though we may be Outraged, Spoiled, and Pillaged, till we come to the very Gates of that happy State, we shall know no such things when once we are entred there.

3. If we be laid in Goals, and denyed the Liberty of conversing with our Friends, we will fill up our leisure, and imploy our Va∣cancies in the Conversation of God; if we may not be permitted the Society of the Saints that are upon Earth, we will entertain our selves in the Communion of those that are in Heaven; though our Bodies be under restraint, our Minds will be at Liberty, and with them we will ascend on High, and make our approaches ••o the City of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to the innumerable Company of Angels, to the general assembly, and Church of the first born, to God the Judg of all, and to the Spirits of just Men made perfect. Et si corpus includitur, et si caro detinetur, omnia Spiritui Patent. Though the Body be shut up, and the Flesh under Bonds, all things lye open to the view and Consideration of the Soul. Tertullian, in Lib. ad Har∣tyres.

4. When we are reviled, and defamed by the blackest and most infamous imputations, when we are compared with Highland, and border thence, when we are said to have made equal Defections from Primitive Christianity with the Papists, when we are reported to Prostitute dayly, the most Sacred Rites of Religion, to serve our S••cular interests, and are said to be a Scandal to the Christian Name, we will satisfie our selves in the Testimony of our Consciences, and the approbation of God: We know these things to be Gross, and Notorious false, and therefore, when they are reported of us, we rejoice, hoping that our reward will be great in Heaven. Illud maledi∣ctum contemnendum est, quod beatitudinem creat, quod falso ma∣ledicentis ore producitur. Jerome in loco. Our Lord Jesus was reputed a Wine bibber, a Friend of Publicans and Sinners, a Magician and an Enemy to Caesar; the Primitive Christians were reported to have worshipped the Head of an Ass, they were accused of Incest, Adul∣try, Eating the Flesh of Children, and other things of like Nature, as may be seen in Tertullian, Minutius, Faelix, and other of the An∣cients; and if our Saviour and the most Eminent of his Servants were thus reproached, and belyed, we shall rejoyce in the Fellowship of their Sufferings and Reproaches, and in the hopes of Participaeion with them in their reward, and glory.

5. We are accounted and called the Pests of the Nation, we are thought unworthy to Live in the Land of our Nativity, we will there∣fore endeavour to prepare our selves for Heaven, and do hope, that

if we be exiled from hence, we may be received and admitted there. Our case were very sad, if those that Persecute us were Lords of the other World; in the same manner, Degree, and Measure, that they are of this. We might then expect as little Favour there as here. But blessed be the God of Heaven, those that may banish us from our Houses, Lands, and Country, cannot keep us from the House of God, nor from an Inheritance in the Heavenly Canaan.

6. And seeing we can find no justice, at the Tribunals of Men, we will appeal to that of God, who will judg the World in righteousness by the Man that he hath Ordained. And he is a Judg that accepteth not Persons, nor taketh rewards. And it will be time enough to be then declared Innocent, and have Sentence pass in our Favour, and we believe too timely and soon for our Enemies, and such as injure and oppress us. In the mean time, we will quietly, wait the ap∣proach of that great Day, that will set all things at Rights, and give unto all Men as th••ir works shall be, softly, and Calmely, saying, ••ometimes am••dst our Afflictions, How long Lord, how long?

Sect. 5.

1. We will hope for deliverance out of our Afflictions in Gods due time. When God will deliver us, we do not prete•••• to know, nor is it our interest, or advantage to be acquainted therein, but thus much we think we may safe••y say, concerning it, when God shall have purged out our Dr••ss and taken away our Tin, and when our Ene∣mies and Persecutors shall have filled up the Measure of their iniqui∣ti••s, God will come down and deliver us. And truly could we encrease in Holiness, Humility, Heavenly mimdedness, Mortification, contempt of the World, Love to God, and Man, and all other the Fruits of the Spirit, as fast as they do in Malice, Spight, Envy Rage, Oppression, Injustice, Hatred of God, and all good Men, with other the works of the Flesh, we might reasonably hope that the Evil Day would not be of any long Duration.

2. As we do not know when God will deliver us, neither do we know by what means or Instruments, he will accomplish it, nor have we any anxious thoughts about it, we know Gods Arm is not shortned that it cannot Save, nor his Ear heavy that it cannot Hear. God never wants Means to accomplish his own Counsels, when the fulness of time is come, he can make those that are our greatest Enemies, either with or besides their intentions, the Instruments of our Redemption and Deliverance. In the Reign of Charles the Fifth, the German Pro∣testants were lamentably outraged & oppressed; he employed all the Power of Spain, Italy, and Germany, for their Ruin, he beat them

in many Battels, took the Heads and Principal Persons of that Perswa∣sion Prisoners, and had Reduced them to that condition, that only the City of Magdeburgh stood out, and made opposition to his Arms. In conclusion, those that assisted to spoil and destroy them, formed a confederation against him, by means whereof some Liberty was gran∣ted to them, for the Exercise of their Religion, and a Period put to their Miseries and Calamities; at least in good degree and measure. For this, those that please may consult Sleiden ••n his Comentaries.

3. 'Tis possible that those that now Persecute us, with so much rage and indignation, may calm and moderate their passions, and put on some bowels of compassion towards us. St. Paul was as serious a Zealot as most of them. He shut up many of the Saints in Prison, ha∣••ing received Authority from the chief Priests; and when they were put to Death, he gave his voice against them. He punished them oft in every Synagogue, and compelled to Blaspheme, and being exceeding mad a∣gainst them, he Persecuted them to strange Citie▪ Videte istu•••• virum, una voce Domini ex Persecutore factum predicator••m. Behold this Man, by one word of God, of a Persecutor, made a Preacher. August▪ in homilia sextâ. Tom. ••0.

4. This is but one of those many ways, that lye open to the view of that God, whose understanding is infinite, by which we may be de∣livered. It becomes us not to prescribe to him, either the time or method, and means of our deliverance. Let him do it when, and how he pleases; we will hope for it, and with Patience and Resignation, expect it in his time, and whenever it comes, we will receive it thank∣fully and give him all the praise of it. And if we should ever live to see that time, we will love God and Religion never the less, remem∣bring that the Captain of our Salvation was made perfect by sufferings, and that if any Man will live godly in Christ Jesus, he must suffer Per∣secutions. Populus Diaboli persequitur populum Christi; dum adulteri per∣sequuntur Castos, infestantur sobrios ebriosi, homilibus insidiantur super∣bi, benignos invidi, largos cupidi, & eos qui mansuetudinem vel patientiā retinent, affligere non desinunt iracundi. August. Tom. 10. p. 777.

SECT. 6.

Whilst our Afflictions continue, we will hope that our Supports and Consolations shall continue; and if the one abound, we will hope that the other shall abound also. Hitherunto God hath helped us; he hath been with us in Prisons, and in Dungeons we have had experience of the light of his Countenance. Plus in carcere Spiritus acquirit, quam amittit Caro. Our Bodily losses have been abundantly compen••••ed by the Spiritual advantages that we have found there. Dominus glo∣riam

suam discipulis suis in solitudine demonstravit; Our Lord revealed his Glory to his Disciples in solidute, saith T••rtullian, and to us hath he communicated of his Holy Spirit in Goals and Restraints. Hoc praestat carcer Christiano, quod eremus Prophetis; A Prison is of the same use to a Christian, that a Wilderness was to the Prophets. Auferamus carceris nomen, secussum vocemus. Let us not call it a Prison, but a place of Privacy and Recess, in which we are at lei∣sure to converse with God, and where we do never fail to find him.

2. We have suffered with Joy the spoiling of our Goods, we have seen our Houses rifled, and the Utensils and Furniture of them taken from us, by unmerciful and cruel Men; and all this with a calm and undisturbed Mind. We have, and do remember, that our Lord Je∣sus had not where to lay his head; and we do not think it very likely, that our Persecutors will leave us meaner then the Son of God; who for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich; and when we do co••••••er and c••ll these things to mind, we do easily per∣mit the Spoilers to Plunder and Impov••••••sh us, rejoycing in being made conformable to our Lord.

3. If God shall think fit to add to our Burthens, we shall hope that he will add to our Strength; and if our Calamities do encrease upon us, we shall verily believe that he will also add to the nature and quality of our Joys. If we must pass through the Rivers and Waters, we do not doubt, but that God will take care that they shall not ov••rflow us; If we must walk through the Fire, we will trust in God that we shall not be burnt, nor shall the Flame kindle upon us. If the Majesty of Hea∣ven will be with us, and Comfort and Support us in our Afflictions, (and we have no reason to distrust him) we shall have no cause to complain of the greatness or weight of them Mas quiero ser atomenta∣do en elprosundo del infierno, teniendo tu divina gracia, que gozar de tu gloria con tu offensa. I had rather be tormented in the lowest Hell with the Saviour, than enjoy all the Glory of Heaven with the offence and displeasure of God, says a devout Spaniard.

SECT. 7.

1. We will Love and Pray for our Enemies, this was commanded and exemplified by our Saviour; He prayed for those that Murdered him, saying, Father forgive them, they know not what they do; we shall endeavour to imitate him therein▪ Amicos diligere omnium est, inimicos solorum Christianorum. All men love their Friends, but 'tis peculiar to Christians only to love their Enemies. Tertul. ad Scarulam. Delige∣re inimicos tantum Christianorvm virtus. S. August. To love Enemies is a Vertue found only among Christians. And we are of opinion,

that 'tis impossible to be a Christian without it, and therefore 'tis very much our Interest as well as our Duty, to live in the Exercise and Practice of it, and by the Grace of God, we find no great difficulty therein. When we consider how many H••ndred Talents God hath forgiven us, we can easily remit a few to our angry Persecuting Brethren.

2. As we do forgive all the injustice, violence, cruelty and oppression, that they have exercised towards us, so we shall heartily beg of God to remit and forgive it, and all other Sins that they stand guilty of before him. It shall be our hearts desire and prayer, that none of their transgressions may rise up in judgment against them to their Condemnation, but that they may receive a full discharge, and absolution of all, and every one of them.

3. We will suppose, they will confess themselves guilty of sins against God, but whether they will acknowledg themselves faulty in any thing they have done a∣gainst us, we do not know. Our Saviour told his Disciples, that those that killed them should think that they did God good service, and 'tis not improbable, but that our enemies may be of the same opinion; but we have other apprehensions, and will be bold to say, that if those frontless lies that are reported of us, and those barbarous outrages that are committed against us, and that spite and malice where∣with they prosecute us, be service to God, we know not what it is to serve the Devil. Persecution is an invention of the D••••••, ••••d he is the great desirer and promoter of it. Athanasius in Apol. ad Co••••••••ium pag. 716.

4. We will make one Supplic••ti••n mo••e on their behalf, and that shall be, That God will please to reform and amend their nature and their lives. This we con∣ceive will be a very useful and necessary request, seeing St. Paul affirms that with∣out holiness no man can see God, and our Saviour Saith, that unless a man be born of God, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We shall rejoyce in the••r Conversation and Reformation, and be very glad to meet them in the Kingdom of Heaven. We except not the very vilest and most mischievious of our Persecu∣tors, who find our selves under no temptation to wish them any evil, unless they think it an evil to be truly penitent, that they may be saved, which we do wish them with all our hearts, Heaven is sufficiently large to receive both them and us, that they and we both Repent, for their Advancement and advantage will be no prejudice or diminution to our Happiness and Glory.