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.

POSTSCRIPT Containing an Advertisement, with some∣thing further relating to the aforesaid Ex∣postulation, &c.

I. BE pleased to Observe (Friendly Reader) in order to prevent any groundless misapprehensions, and to remove mistakes, That notwithstanding of what is so largely expressed, as with respect to a meek, charitable bearing and forgiving each other, &c. we do not however in the least hereby intend that whatever hath appeared, doth or may appear in any that is manifestly contrary to, and incosistent with the Holy, Pure Truth professed amongst us, ought to be Con∣nived at, or Countenanced, without a faithful Testimony given forth against the same, according to Gospel order, as likewise even against those who do act above their proper Sphere, and out of their places in the Concerns of Truth, by exalting themselves beyond their Stations in the Church of Christ, in which the Lord hath placed them, and in all humility ought to abide, and in lowliness of mind therein keep, but by departing therefrom, as too many have done in all Ages, and as in this of ours some do, hath caused much trouble and exer∣cises to the Lords People, and hath been one of the chiefest occasions of the Divisions, Contentions, Strifes and Animosities amongst them; such ought to be Cautioned and Advised, and also Warned of the great Hurt and Prejudice they do in many respects, both to themselves and others, and if they continue stiff and obstinate, and instead of receiving the tender Council and Admonition from any Friend, or Friends, concerned in the Love of God, to give the same, they ra∣ther grow higher minded and more into self Exaltation, Conceited∣ness, and spiritual Pride, they are then to be zealously detected and testified against: But still we say all this should be done in the Spirit of Love and Meekness, and with true Christian Prudence and Dis∣cretion, and nothing given away to harbour in the least any Perso∣nal Prejudice or Enmity on the one hand, (which is to be as care∣fully

watched against as Partiality or Hypocrisie, two great Evils, and too ready on the other hand to creep in.)

II. That so upon the Reforming, growing better, and mending what has been amiss in any upon any account, there may be both a friendly and kind receiving and embracing one another again into true Love, Friendship and Ʋnity, and also in that sweet Christian and Charitable frame of spirit, forgive whats past, and never upbraid or remember it any more against them. It is said in Eccles. 28.2, 3. Forgive thy Neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy Sins be forgiven, when thou prayest. One Man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord? he sheweth no mercy to a Man that is like himself, and doth he ask forgiveness of his own Sins?

III. * 1.1 There is nothing (as Charron well observes) so honourable as to know how to Pardon: To give Grace, to Remit and Forgive, belongeth to a Soveraign Prince, if thou wilt be a King of Kings them∣selves, do an act that may become a King: Pardon freely, be Gra∣tious towards him that offendeth thee: But indeed if God were not more merciful and favourable, of greater Compassion and Pity to∣wards us, than we are often towards one another, alas who then could be saved? For have we not all greatly grieved and provoked him, much more than any can provoke or grieve us? Is it not very unbeco∣ming for us to be Quarrelling and be Implacable one towards another when he is both willing and ready to be Reconciled to, and at Peace with us, after such innumerable Transgressions against him, which we all have been found guilty of? Come Friends, seeing then he is so ready to forgive us (upon a sincere Repentance) all our former provocations; Let us therefore also forgive one another, be Reconciled unto, and at Peace one with another.

IV. As also we desire it may be observed, that we plead for no other Ʋnity, Peace, Concord or Reconciliation with any, but that which we believe to be consistent with, and agreeable to the Truth, even that which the Holy Apostles exhorted all to endeavour after and to be found in, which is the Ʋnity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. And that is both much more comprehensive, and of grea∣ter weight, than many either understand, or would have it to be. This blessed Ʋnity, &c. which stands in Righteousness, we really desire forever to Prize, and do value above and beyond all other Ʋnities or

Ʋniformities whatsoever, in which we are and hope ever to be in true Ʋnity (in the Ground) withall the Faithful, Sincere and Ʋpright hearted People of God every where.

V. And we know that the True Spiritual, Invisible Fellowship and Communion of Saints (which consisteth in the Divine Light or Spirit of Christ Jesus) is not Confined to any External Ʋisible Form, &c. For as J. Hales of Eaton, * 1.2 a Worthy and Learned Man well observes, that it is the Ʋnity of the Spirit, in the Bond of Peace, and not the Identity (or oneness) of Conceit which the Holy Ghost requires of at the Hands of Christians, &c. Concerning which much more might be said, but let this suffice for the present, having enlarged already far beyond what was first intended.

The Reader is also desired to observe, that what is expressed in the aforesaid, concerning Heats, Animosities, Prejudices, &c. one a∣gainst another, only Relates to those amongst Friends and such places, where the Ʋnhappy and sad Difference hath fallen out, as in this and some other parts.

VI. So shall Conclude all as in the Beginning of the Preface, * 1.3 with the Apostles advice; Let all your things be done with Charity; and follow after it. Concerning which one of the Antients spake very excellently: For unprofitably (saith he) hath he all, who wants that one (viz. Charity) whereby he should use all; and how great is Love? for if that be wanting all other Graces lose their Grace; but if present, all are profitable.

VII. And as we find the Holy Apostles did neither affect nor seek of Men Glory, neither, says Paul, to the believing Thessalonians, of you, * 1.4 nor yet of others; neither at any time used we flattering words: So likewise he tells them, but we were Gentle amongst you, even as a Nurse Cherisheth her Children. And according to this their Practice they exhorted others as in, Titus 3.2. To speak evil of no Man, to be no Brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all Men. And in 2 Tim. 24. It is said, * 1.5 the Servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all Men, apt to teach, Patient in Meekness, instructing those that opposed themselves; &c. nor must be self willing, nor soon angry, &c. These Divine Blessed Qualifications ought all that profess to be Ministers, and fol∣lowers of Christ Jesus to be Endowed with, who should also walk worthy of the Vocation, unto which they are called, with all

humbleness of mind and meekness, and with Long-suffering and Patience, &c. Forbearing (or as some read it Supporting) one another through, or in Love.

THE END.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See Char∣rons Book of Wisdom chap. 34. page 104.
• * 1.2

  See his Golden Re∣mains Pag. 49, 50.
• * 1.3

  1 Cor. 16.14. and 14.1.
• * 1.4

  1 Thes. 2.5, 6.
• * 1.5

  Observe this well.