Animadversions upon a late treatise, entituled The Protestant reconciler, humbly pleading for condescention to dissenting brethren in things indifferent and unnecessary for the sake of peace and shewing how unreasonable it is to make such things the necessary conditions of communion by a well-wisher to the churches peace, and a lamenter of her sad divisions.

SECT. XI.

I Have now finished my Animadver∣sions upon the first Proposition of the Reconciler, which he prosecutes so largely, and with so many reflecting Passages upon the Church of England in this his Book, against the Imposition of unnecessary Ceremonies, (as he calls them) and retaining some Disputable Passages in the Liturgy, which he nowhere rec∣kons up. It only remains, that I press him to a speedy Dispatch of his promised Endeavours upon the second, wherein he undertakes to prove, with Words of Truth and Soberness, That Separation from Communion with us on the account of those few scrupled Ceremonies and Dispu∣table Expressions is sinful and unreasona∣ble as well as mischievous.

I will only remember him, that this is one of the best Periods in his Apology or Preface for a favourable Construction of what he hath already done; and that Disservice as well as Disrespect, which the Application of some Arguments and Phrases in his Treatise may do the

Church of England and her Honoured and Apostolical Governours.

[Since I, who do humbly plead for Condescension, do intend, God willing, to plead as stiffly, and I hope* 1.1 with more conviction for Submission to the Constitutions of the Church of Eng∣land.]

He hath given us some taste here and there of his great Abilities this way; I will only touch upon a few Passages, and so conclude.

These Arguments fall, many of them, with more weight on our Dissen∣ters,* 1.2 provided they can shew no Law of God plainly forbidding their Submis∣sion to these things. For let me ask them in the Spirit of Meekness these few Questions. Do they prefer Mercy be∣fore Sacrifice, who will not submit to Rites or Circumstances, or to the Use of things nowhere forbidden in the Word of God, to prevent Schism and all the dreadful Consequences of it? but ra∣ther will give cause to their Superiours to judg them scandalous Resisters of Authority, and pertinacious Disturbers of the Churche's Peace? Are they com∣passionate towards the Sheep, according ••o our Lord's Example, who rather

will refuse to become Labourers in his Harvest, and Teachers of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, than submit to these little Things in order to their re∣gular Performance of this blessed Work? Do not they scandalize, offend, and contribute to the Ruin of Christ's little ones, who do involve them in a wret∣ched Schism, on the account of things, which they may lawfully submit to? Do not they shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against Men, who forbid them to enter, when they may? Do not they impose heavy Burdens also, (and that* 1.3 without Authority) who say to their Disciples, Hear not the Common-Pray∣er; Receive not the Sacrament Kneel∣ing; Suffer not your Children to be sign∣ed with the Sign of the Cross; Commu∣nicate not with that Minister who wears a Surplice, or with that Church, which imposeth any Ceremonies, or Constitu∣tions, but concerning the Time and Place of performing Publick Wor∣ship. If the good Shepherd should lay down his Life for the Sheep, ought not they to lay down their unnecessary Scruples for their sakes? If nothing doth so scandalize Christ's Followers, as to find their Teachers at discord and

divided, can they act as becometh his Disciples, who are not willing to pro∣cure Unity and Concord, and to avoid this Scandal, by their Submission to things indifferent in their own Nature, and not forbidden in the Law of God?

Though it could be lawful for the Dissenter to refuse Obedience to the* 1.4 things imposed, yet if it be not abso∣lutely his Duty so to do, he cannot be excused for neglecting, what is so ex∣pedient for the Peace, Unity, and Wel∣fare of the Church.

Once more,

The great Rule of* 1.5 Equity, if duly weighed, would migh∣tily conduce unto the Satisfaction of Dissenters in many of their Scruples, and let them see, that in those mat∣ters, which are not apparently forbid∣den by the clear Word of God, they ought to yield Obedience to the Com∣mands of their Superiours; for do not they expect Obedience from their Chil∣dren in like cases?

If, as the Author of the Friendly Debate doth put the case, you had* 1.6 commanded your Children and Ser∣vants to come at ten of the clock into your Parlor to Family Devotions, re∣quiring

them to come dressed, and to kneel at their Devotions, would you permit them to refuse to come at the Time, and to the Place appointed, because all Times and Places are indif∣ferent to God? or in the Garb appoin∣ted, because God regards not Habits? or to refuse to kneel, because they may pray standing? Would you not esteem them Contemners of your lawful Autho∣rity, and needlesly and sinfully scrupu∣lous in those matters? And must you not by the same Rule be guilty of con∣temning the Lawful Authority of your Civil and Spiritual Fathers, and of the Masters of Christ's Family by your Refusal to submit unto their Constitu∣tions in Matters of like nature, upon the like accounts?

I have done both the Reconciler and the Church Justice in the exhibi••ing these excellent Passages again to view. And I must conclude, that I have not any-where offended him, who hath so∣lemnly declared,

That there is nothing* 1.7 in the World, in which he shall more heartily rejoice, than in a clear Convi∣ction, that in that Part of his Dis∣course, which doth concern his ever honoured Superiours, he hath been

(somewhat at least) mistaken.—

However it prove, I have endeavour∣ed and offered at it without Gall and Bitterness, or any such Transports, which are unbecoming a Loving and Dutiful Son in wiping off the Reproaches cast up∣on his Dear Mother, the Church of Eng∣land, with her true Apostolick Guides and Rulers, and Supreme Governour.

And in some things, I am sure, I may justly challenge his Promise both of Thanks and Retractation; or expect however a better Explanation of more doubtful Passages, than any that are to be found in our Common Liturgy.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ☞
• * 1.2

  P. 58.
• * 1.3

  NB.
• * 1.4

  P. 149.
• * 1.5

  P. 187.
• * 1.6

  Ibid.
• * 1.7

  Pref. p. 3.