An expedient for peace, or some Christian and reasonable proposals, once more renewed and offered again to Friends of Reading conducing to an amicable composure of differences among them: with a healing epistle to them from Friends of Bristol, on both sides, tenderly advising them to meet all together again in their ancient publick meeting house. As also a seasonable expostulation and a persuasive to a reconciliation, with some remarkable testimonies added to promote the same and several objections against it answered, which may tend to a general service.

The Copy of a Letter and a Paper, Tending to an Amicable Composure of Differences among Friends at Reading, &c. Which is as fol∣lows.

The 18th. 9th. Month 87.

Dear Friend,

IT cannot but be a great grief to many of you, as well as with us, that so sad Heats, Animosities and Divisions have hap∣pen'd among those that were begotten to God by one and the same Word of Eternal Power; That such should fall out by the way is in∣deed Lamentable. Altho' the occasions taken may be very small, yet the Enemy of all our Souls gets his Advantage, when he draws us into Feuds, and Controversies, to the neglecting the most weighty mat∣ter; these things greatly tending to the prejudice and hurting of ma∣ny Tender, Innocent, and well meaning People. And as these things have taken too much place in your Town, and partly issued hither, so it will be well, if you first could hit upon a Reconciliation, that the same Brotherly Love might again arise, which at first was among Friends one towards another; where then will the Animosities be? Surely if all had kept in it, these things had never happened. Where∣fore I have been willing to send thee the Inclosed Copy of a Paper, Written by one who heartily Travels for the Prosperity of the Truth, and the Ʋnion and Tranquillity of those that Profess it, and shall esteem it well done of thee, if thou approve thereof, and propagate it to others of your Town; Where I hope there are many, either weary of these sad Disturbances, or at least troubled at them.

If all sides prove as willing, I hope it will prove as Easie, and as Comfort able to you at Reading to come out of them again, as it has done to our Friends at Bristol, who had long enough tryed the sad effects of Division: And if this Essay should have any of the same effect; I make no doubt but it would be to the Glory of God, the Ho∣nour of the Truth, and the Comfort of you all, the good Example of others, and much Rejoycing to the Author, &c.

Here follows the Paper.

SOmething once more soberly offered for an Amicable Com∣posure and Accommodation of difference, happened a∣mong the Professors of Truth in and about Reading, and which may be through the Blessing of God in order to their Friendly Meeting all together again in the Antient publick Meeting-House, if all parties concerned be Cordially inclined to agree hereunto and comply therewith, which is left for them all to consider of seriously, in and with the Precious Light of Christ Jesus.

WHereas it must be acknowledged on both Hands that there has been, and is a sad Division and Separation unhappily fallen out amongst the Professors of Truth in the Town of Reading, and that which hath partly occasioned the same has greatly proceeded from an unwary managing of Mat∣ters, too hot a Zeal, and Indiscreet Inadvertency; and though possibly there might be in the mean time a good inten∣tion in divers on both sides; yet alas! how have the sparks of contention arisen to a great flame, which albeit it may seem difficult, however we hope it is not impossible to be quenched.

I. In order to which it is therefore in the first place tenderly proposed, That it be Heartily and Unanimously concluded on by all concerned herein, That it had been more to the Honour of God and renown of his Holy unchangeable Truth, more for our prosperity therein and gathering of others there∣unto; had we all kept more in the Word of Gods patience, and in the Lamb like Life, more in Coolness and Calmness of our Minds and in the silence of all Flesh, than frequently we have done, whereby the Enemy of us all hath often prevailed upon us, to draw us out to those things which were unseemly and unbecoming our Holy profession, both to the wounding of

our own Souls, and also hurting many others, and casting stumbling Blocks before the weak, and whereby the pure Name of the Lord our God has been much Dishonoured, and his Holy Spirit grieved, the Hearts of the Righteous sadned, and many ill effects produced.

II. Wherefore in the second place, its necessary that a true godly Sorrow seize upon every Soul for these things that ever it should have so happened among us, and a Holy firm Reso∣lution through Divine Assistance never to be found therein a∣gain; having sufficiently learned by this time through a seri∣ous review and impartial Observation of preceeding passages, to be more wise and careful, more circumspect, watchful and moderate for time to come, so as to endeavour to amend what has been amiss in every one of our own particulars, hoping hereby, that our most merciful tender, hearted Father will be graciously pleased freely to remit what is past, which hath offended him, and favourably Countenance us, when as∣sembled together again, with the Glory and sweet Sense of his Blessed presence, than which nothing is more excellent or de∣sirable.

III. And that as we know right well he hath been, and is ready upon a true returning to him with the whole Heart, to pardon and blot out many transgressions committed against his Divine Majesty, so we truly desire to be of the same Mind as our Blessed Head was of, * 1.1 to overcome all evil with good, hear∣tily forgiving each other their Trespasses against us, as we pray to be forgiven our selves; putting on every one of us (as the Elect of God, holy and beloved) Bowels of Mercies, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, longsuffering, forbearing and forgiving one another; as the Apostle said even to the Christian Colossians, if any Man have a quarrel (or com∣plaint) against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. And above all things, put on Charity (the most excellent of all gifts) which is the Bond of perfectness: And let the Love of God rule in your Hearts, to which also you are called in one body, &c.

IV. And whatever imprudent miscarriages, Weakness, Frailties, Infirmities, and unfriendly behaviours have been

observed one towards another, either in our uncharitable ap∣prehensions, unadvised sayings, or action••, and whatever un∣savory Reflections, Provocations and Aggravations have been given by any when formerly together, or since asunder, we sincerely and heartily desire (in order to a Cordial uniting, and amicable Meeting altogether again in the ancient publick Meeting-House) That all these things aforesaid and whatever else has caused this unhappy Separation, may be forever buried in the Grave of Everlasting Oblivion (according to the ten∣der Councel and Christian Practice of our Friends of Bristol) and never to be remembred any more, or any to be upbraided there∣with publickly, or privately for time to come.

V. Whereby it may be hoped, that in time all these former or present Distances, Prejudices, Animosities, Shiness, and Strait∣ness, with all kind of Antipathy, Harshness or Enmity, and the very ground, or root from whence they have sprung, may come to an end, and be totally Extirpated; and in the room thereof, that Brotherly Love, that Christian Friendship, and Condescention, that sweet Society, lasting Amity and Sympa∣thy, in the antient Life, and Love of Truth may revive again; and that Heavenly Concord and Harmony, that desirable agree∣ment and unity of Spirit, and oneness of Heart Soul and Mind in the Blessed Seed may over all take place, appear and prevail amongst us; that the Bond of Peace may forever be kept invio∣lable, and nothing ever able to break it again, and so Truth, and Righteousness, Mercy and Peace, may flow as a mighty River in and amongst us, to our great mutual Joy, and rejoycing of the Hearts of all the faithful, and to the wiping away that re∣proach which hath been cast upon our Holy undefiled Religion.

VI. That it may be seen that there is a God in Israel, and that there is a restorer of paths, and a healer of breaches amongst us, even he who is the great Reconciler of differences, by whose reconciling, Peace-making Word of Life, when Ene∣mies to God and strangers one to another, we were brought near to him and into a Spiritual Relation; whose Infinite Di∣vine Power, which thus so graciously visited us, doubtless is as able (we must all acknowledg) as ever, to Reconcile and unite us again, and make us as near, and dear one to another

as ever; yea, and more than ever before; and that it yet may be known to all, w•• still retain that infallible Christian Token and most certain Demonstrative Character of being the Dis∣ciples of Jesus, through that tender unfeigned love which he hath begotten in our Hearts, and declares it self in bearing one with another, praying for, and forgiving each other.

VII. And that as there is now such an Universal Calm and toleration in the Nations, as to outward Disturbations; so we all may partake of the benefit thereof together; and that this Town may no longer be the only differing place from all others, but that for time to come we may meet all together in the Antient tender Love of God, meekly, and quietly, we all endeavouring that all occasions of publick differences as much as in us lies may be avoided on all Hands for time to come; and that as we would not that the truly Conscientious on the one Hand should be opposed, or obstructed, from doing those things that they believe are their Christian duty; so one the other Hand the tenderly scrupulous should not be Im∣posed on or Compelled to act beyond their own understandings or Convictions, or conform to any thing they are not clear nor free in their own Minds, so to do in Matters purely Con∣scientious. And thus an equal liberty is allowed to both, and which all Christians ought to grant one to another. For as one well said, none but God alone hath power to impose a Law up∣on the Conscience of any Man to which it ought to be subject as obliging by it self. This Conclusion is proved by the words of the Apostle, There is but one Lawgiver who can both save and destroy; There is nothing (said another) in the Primi∣tive Church deserves greater Imitation than in that admirable Temper, Moderation, Action and Condescention, which was us∣ed in it, towards all the Members of it. And to separate Good∣ness and Mercy from God, Compassion, and Charity from Re∣ligion, is to make the two best things in the World (God and Religion) good for nothing, &c.

VIII. What is aforesaid proposed, is judged very proper and necessary expedients, in order to a Friendly agreement and Composure of differences amongst the Friends of Reading, even by a mutual acknowledgment one to another, and forgiv∣ing

each other, and some body must begin this good work. God Almighty grant that this honest, sincere undertaking in proposing these things in the Universal Love of God, in true and tender good-will to all, may be Prosperous and Successful, and have its desired effects; That over all, and in and by us all, he may be livingly Worshipped, Served and Reverenced, ac∣cording to his own appointed Way, and in the Divine Order of his own Ordaining. Blessed and Magnified be his Holy Name for ever and ever.

25th. of the 8th. Month, 1687.

Hereunto is also Annexed the Copy of a very tender, hea∣ling Epistle, from some of the most Eminent Friends of Bristol of both sides, and Directed to several Friends of Reading also, of both Meetings, which contains good Christian Counsel, and seasonable Advice, and doth well agree with the aforesaid: And is as followeth.

Bristol the 5th. of the 1st Month 1686 7.

• ...Thomas Curtice
• ...William Lambol
• ...Leonard Key
• ...Abraham Bonnifield
• ...Robert Sandilands
• ...Robert Payne
• ...John Kent,
• ...John Buy,
• Benjamine Coale, &c.

Dear Friends,

We dearly and heartily salute you, in that Ancient Love of God, which did at first reach unto us, and gathered us to be a People, and which hath often refreshed our Souls and Spirits to our great Consolation and Joy in the Lord, and one in another.

It having pleased the Lord, to take away the cruel hand of the Informers and other sufferings, that have of late attend∣ed us in this City, and our Meeting-Houses being again de∣livered up to us, it came into our Hearts, and we believe from the Motion of the Spirit of the Lord in us joyntly, (notwith∣standing

some misunderstandings and differences had happened amongst us) to meet and continue together in the Worship of God as in former times, in and through which we have found great refreshment and satisfaction; for by our mutual endea∣vours to bury the extreams that offen'd each other, we feel the antient love to arise the more, which brings us nearer unto each other, wherein we rejoyce and have great Consolation; and from thence arises the same true and antient love unto you, with prayers unto the Lord and desires unto you, that the same endeavours, may be amongst you, that in the Grave of Obli∣vion, all that hath been hurtful may be buried and utterly for∣gotten, that so as one Family you may again meet together in your antient love and place as formerly; then will certainly the true love more and more arise, and the hope and faith that will remove Mountains, and the peaceable Saviour be more rejoyced in, that leads through and over all that which doth offend, into Brotherly kindness and forgiveness one unto ano∣ther, wherein you may be one anothers joy and rejoycing in the Lord. May the Lord so tender all our Hearts and lead you and us, in the same path, are the Prayers and desires of your

Dear Friends and Brethren,

• ...Thomas Gouldney
• ...Richard Snead
• ...Charles Hartford
• ...Thomas Callowhill
• ...John Love
• ...Charles Joanes
• ...Cornelius Sarjant
• ...William Ford
• ...Thomas Jordan
• ...William Smith.

We send this by our Dear Friend John Os∣good, whom we have desired to communi∣cate this to you.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Colos. 3.13, 14.