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THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Englifh Baptifts,
F R O M T H E
REFORMATION
T O T H E
Beginning of the Reign of King George I.
VOL. IV.
CONTAINING
Their History from the End of the Reign of King William III. to the Reign of King George I. including fome Part of his Reign.
By THO. CROSBY.
LONDON:
Printed for the Author, and fold by John Robinson, Bookfeller, wpon Horfe-ly-down ', J.Hodges, upon Zen- 4m'Bridg€ i and A. Ward, in Utth-BrUain. MDCCXL.
^HliiKiceA
L^iiJl
TO THE
E A D E R.
■ A M very fenfible that Icomejhort refpe5i- ing the due character oftnany of the wor- thy gentlemen I have mentioned-, and that there are many more whofe mlemorks ought to have been eternized in this hif- tory. Some indeed I had reafon to ex- pe^f, being promifed them, but they are not yet come to my hands. Others, it may be, lies buried in oblivion, my dejign having not yet reached the knowledge of thofe who are able to communicate them. But there are others who have with-held their communications at the in- Jligation of fome few m3.\e-contents, who have, without any ground, not only contemned, but alfo mifreprefented wy deftgn. Ichoofe rather to pity than mention them, believing the publication of thefe volumes will fuffciently confute their invidious as well as ill-grounded dejign.
It is very evident, that the Jieadinefs, zeal and virtues of the Englifh Baptifls, have drawn upon them the malice of thofe who are enemies to God and goodnefs ; who have^ with fuch confidence and affurance, vented their ill-grounded calumnies, fo as to impofe on well-meaning men, who- had not leifure or opportunity to examine into the truth of things, ^he principal defign therefore of this undertaking is, 'to fet their innocent and incffenfive behaviour in a true light % and I have found little mere requifie, than the laying the feve^ ral tranfa^ions of their condu^ before the world -, the which I have nowfinijhed as far as my materials would of- fer d^ and given a fair and an impartial hijlory of them. How
A 2 Wf//
To the READER.
tioeU I have fucceeded muji be left to others to judge % I can tnlyfay^ in wy own excufe, that I have done m^ beji^ and that it will be very agreeable to me to fee it better done by others, of more leifure, greater abilities and learning •, ejpe- cially, if any thing done by me may be of ufe to advance and improve fuch a defign\ and that I am not confcious to my felf of any ivilful or dejigned mifiakes or omijfwnsy havings throughout the whole, endeavoured to exhibit plain and naked truth, without being biafs^d to any party whatfoever 5 and, if I am mifiaken in any point, J fhall efleem it a particular favour to be fet right, and take the firjt opportu- nity that prefents to acknowledge and amend it.
It is true, the Englifh Baptifts are unhappily difunited and difiinguifhed, as I have before obferved, ly the title of generals and particulars •, and therefore 1 declared to the reader, at firfl fet ting out, that I was well aware, that fome things contained in this hifiory might awaken prejudice, cenfure, or difpleafure, and occafwn obje5lions and offence both to the treatife and my felf. But 1 do affure my readers^ that if I have, in the courfe of this hifiory, been more large in fetting forth the conduSi, fie adinefs and zeal of one part of the Englifh Baptifts than the other, it is by ac- cident, and not dejign. Indeed I muji confefs, that this diftin5fion always feemed to me as unreafonable as it is un- charitable, and would men but lay afide their prejudices, I doubt not but a free cdnverfation one with another would foon remove it. For tho* opinions or practices, which have been long ftanding, will have the force of prejudice on their fuie ; yet they will make but a light imprejfion on minds which han)e this fingle important tptejlion in their view, Whether they be lawful or unlawful, a duty or a Jin ?
1 mufi beg leave to obferve here, how well the reverend and learned Dr. Doddridge, in the fecond volume of his Family ExpoCitor, jujl publilh^'d,. has commented en his own tranjlation of the commiffion of our blejjed Saviour, Go ye therefore and profelyte all nations, ^c. *' I render '* the word ^^nnvirttli, fays he, profelyte, that it may *' be duly difiinguifhed from J'lJ^ettrKopjii, teaching, with ** which our verfion confounds it » Hhe iQiT£i(tx feems to
*' import
To the R E A D E R.
" import injlru^lion in the ejjentials of religion^ which it " was necejjary 2idu\t ^^vhm Jhould know and fubmit to " before they could regularly be admitted to baptifm ; the " latter may relate to thofe more particular admonitions in " regard to chrijiian faith a?id pratlice, which were to be ** built upon that foundation ; and adds. It is certain, that " no argument can be drawn from hence to the prejudice " of ^ Infant Baptifm. For had Chriji fent out thefe " miffionaries to propagate ]uda\{m in the world, he *' might have ufed the fame language. Go and profelyte " all nations, circumci^m^ them in the name cf the God *' of Ifrael, teaching them to obferve all that Mofes " commanded^
With humble fubmiffwn and all due deference to this learned and pious gentleman, I think it muji be the force of prejudice that has led him to this certainty. And there-' ■ fore thus query, Whether it would have beenjufiifiable, en his fuppcfed commiffion, for after ages to circumcife \hiU dren before they were eight days old, or even to have cir- cumcifed them at all, without the command of Mofes ? Again, whether it would have been jufiifiable, in mercy tV the infant'j body, to change the mode of the ordinance and only pare its nails, or prick the forejkin with a needle or other infirument, infiead of cutting it off? The Do^cr grants, that y.ctSiiriv(Tat% profelyte, feems to import in- jiru5iion, necefjdry to be known andfubmitted to by adult perfons before baptifm ♦, therefore upon this head Ijhill exhibit from Dr. RulTel one argument infiead of many^ which feems to me to be to the prejudice of Infant Bap- tifm, viz. " That Chriji' s commiffion dothfhew, who are *' to be baptized ; but it doth not jhew that infants are " to be baptized : therefore infants are not the fubje£is " ^/baptifm, according to Chrifi's commijjion.'* For if thofe that Chriji in his commijfion hath commanded to be baptized, mujlfirli be profelyted -, and our Lcrd, in his commijfion, did not require his apojiles to baptize any, but only fuch as they had before profelyted h teaching -^ then {here is a neceffity, that they floould be adual profelytes
before
■To the R E A D E R.
hefa-e tliy are baptized. And 1 pr^m^'tht DoBcr will notaffert, that m'imtscanbefuch. _
rir G u 1 s E, in bis Praaical Expofition, TO</«ri f«t-
'"all nations, nUtes B the whole i#« ofChr,fi;s com- ■ " lifflc, /./making tJifcipIes /. him ;" then U ,s aifurd to tdlus,as he does, that there are c.rcumftances « * r,tfhd Hate of the sofpel kins-dom, which make it necellary, KU vis chncfen/i</^^.;£^ baptized W./«r.
Zarltau-ht; fo that, according I" this gentleman, thofe •^ difdples -^ho are baptized, tW the;, ha« never ken mght, Ir are yet enable fJ"Jirfon:Me^^^ JtradiUs ct^ Lord himfelf, who H, f ^"J J^" come to me, and hate n°th,s father, and rnother, and wife.and children,and brethren, and Hfters, yea and his own life alfo, he cannot be my dtfaple. And whofoever doth not bear his crofs and come after t! cannot be my difiiple'^. Befides, o,<r Saviou^ ■ Z;, and that of John the Baptift, was, to make d,f- ctplls>«, and then to admit them t^ baptifm ; /.r ffe t xV fe tells us. That Jefus made and baptized 'tooVe difciples than John \ And the fra^ce of the Softies ehmdantfy confirm this; for we find, theyM tfuiht the popie to whom they came,^e.hortmg them to S~ Lfailb, and then to be baptized : and we read of none admitted to baptifm but thofe who made a foiemntrofeflion of repentance and. faith . ^ ThUieceiJdfrom^'^^^^^^^i-'' Effex an account of ih mrhigs of fine Baptifts tkm ; but the ^me corning t !fbcmds toilate, co^d not be inferted m thefe volumes I mi, if God permit, render thefe volumes more complat i Xl\m andthereforejhallp^a due regard to fuel mtters of faS, as come well attefled, aud worthy of notice.
» Luke xiv. 26, 27 I ]^^'^ i^- »•
A DFERTISEMENZ
WHEREAS by an Advertifement at the "End of Vol. II. it was propofed to print by Subfcription, a Second Edition of the . _, pradical Works of Mr. Benjamin Keach.,
m Three Volumes Fol lo; to be delivered to the Subfcribers Weekly. But as fome are poffeffed of his Parables, others of his Metaphors, and others of both J they were defirous to compleat what they had, by haying only what they wanted delivered to them accordmg to that Propofal ; which would con- fequently have left many imperfed Setts in the Pub- hiher's Hands to his Prejudice : He therefore now propofes to anfwer in general the Ends of the Sub- fcribers, by pruning a Second Edition of the faid Volumes m Folio, upon the following condi^ tions, VIZ.
I, The Parables to be delivered to the Subfcri- bers. Price bound in Calf, rza'^;^/^ ^M/;,^^.
,, "• ^^,^ J^^iaphors, which now contain Two Volumes m Folio, to be printed in One : and de-
^I c/?/^' Subfcribers. Price bound in Calf. Thirty ShtUmgs.
.mI^-^"^ ^'*i'»''triSicdWffr\io<! the' Author, O^l, 1"°"' '=°"^='"'=^ i" federal Volumes, *.,«.;• Oaavo &c. to be printed m One Volum ,i=i& with the LiFB of the Author prefixed. To be de '^:iS,^'''-^- P^ce bound in aif.
ABVERTISMENr.
IV. That as fbon as a fufficient Number are fubfcribed for, touching all, or any one of the Three Volumes, the fame will be fent to the Prefs, and public Notice given thereof. The Subfcribers then to pay one Half for what they fubfcribe, an4 the 9tl}er Half ^.X. Delivery.
V. None will be deemed Subfcribers, but thofc who have paid one Half of their Subfcription, and taken proper Receipts for the fame.
N. B. The PraSlical Works of Mr. Keach con- tained in the Volume with his Life prefixed, will be,
I. A Golden Mine opened ; or, the Glory of God's Rich Grace difplay'd in the Mediator to Be- lievers.
II. The Counterfeit Chriflian •, or, the Danger of Hypocrify.
'III. The Marrow of true Juflification ; or, Jufti- fication without Works.
IV. The Everlafiing Covenant, a fweet G)rdial for a drooping Soul.
V. The Covenant of Grace OTptntd,
VI. Jacob's Ladder improved.
VII. The Glory and Bifcipline of a true Church iifplafd -, with fome Other fmall Pieces to render the Volume <:ompleat.
^If^rTil^'^j^
THE
PREFACE.
jje5tfsS5?^-^' i^E many attempts to rende kWiSk-^- religion of the Baptifls at
ider the as the vilefl religion in the "xorld^ led me to examine the fame ^ without any views of communicatirfg my Gcqiafuions thereupon to the world \ hut that contemptible account lately publi/hed by the reverend Mr. Neale, whofe partiality put me upon a refolution to go through this laborious and diffctilt task •, the refult of which is laid together in thefe volumes, that have conHderably fwclled beyond my firfi intentions. Whether I have difcharged myfdf herein to the fatisfaElion of th?. reader, / knew not % hut fur e I am, I have endeavoured what I propounded impartially •, and if I have been ncc'jfarily obli- ged to mrntion feme things which fern to expofe the practice and condutl offome, otherw/fe excel- lent men, and fuch who have fuffered nobly in the caufe of Chrifi ; it is only the barbarity of their actions, not their ptrfons, nor profeffions, is thereby intended. •
a HOPT'
ii The Preface.
HOWEVER, notwithjlandlng all the pow- erful or politic attempts of men ^ I hope the reader has found ^ in the Englifh Baptifts, a piety a5fiue and zealous^ fhining through the blackejl clouds of malice and cruelty -, affii^led innocence triumphant ; a patience unconquerable under the fierce^ perfecutions ; a charity truly catholic and unlimited ; a fimplicity and upright carriage in all their tranfa^ions ; a fobriety and temperance remarkable to the admiration of their enemies. And in fhort^ the divine and holy precepts of the Gofpel drawn down into aElion^ and the mofi ex- cellent genius and fpirit of the Chriftian religion breathing in the hearts and lives of the Englifh Baptifts. And I hope he has feen alfo a real and evident confutation of thofe fenfelefs and abfurd calumnies that have from time to time, very un- jufily, been faflened upon them.
*tO fuffer perfecution has not been the lot of the Englifli Baptifts only., but the Primitive Baptifts had the like meafure meted unto them. The learned Dr. Cave iells us *, ' That the Chri- ' Jiian religiony at its firft appearance in the ' worlds was likely to engage its followers in
• miferies and fufferings., could not be unknown
* to any that conftdered the nature of its doSirine, ' and the tendency of its defigns. The feverity ' of its precept Sy fo diredily oppofite to the cor- ' nipt and vicious inclinations of men ; the pu- *■ rity of its worfhip fo flatly contrary to the loofe ' and obfcene rites and folemnities of the hea~ ' thens ; its abfolute inconjijiency with thofe re- ' ligions, which had obtained for fo many ages, ' which then had fuch firm poffeffion of the minds ' of men, and all the powers and policies of the
* Prii»itiv€ Chriftianlty, /. 3 1 9.
< world
The Preface. iii
world to fecure and back them^ could not pro- phefy to it any kind of welcome entertainment, 'This fc6l, for fo they called it^ was every where not only fpoken^ but fought againfl. For Jince men have a natural veneration for antiquity^ and efpecially in matters of religion^ they thought themfelves concerned to defend that way which had been conveyed to them from their anceftors., and to fet tbemfelves with might and main againjl whatever might oppofe it^ efpecially the great ones of thofe times ; and the Roman emperors made it their majler defign^ to opprefs and fiifie this infant religion^ and tobanifh it out of the world. Hence thofe imperial orders that were daily fcnt abroad into all parts of the empire, to command and impower their governors^ to ruin and defiroy the Chrijiians ; of which^ that we may the better apprehend the form of them., it may not be amifs to fet dozvn one or two of them out of the aSfs of the Martyrs. This following was agreed upon, both by the emperors and the whole fmate of Rome. .
' DFX I US and Valerian emperors., tri- " iimphers., conquerors., auguji., pious, together with the whole fenate, by common confcnt de- creed thus. Whereas we have received the gifts and bleffngs of the * Gods, by whom we enjoy vi£lory over cur enemies, as alfo tempe- rate feajons, and fruits in great plenty and abundance ; fnice isi>e have found them our great benefactors, and to fupply us with thofe. things that are univerfally beneficial to all. We therefore unanimoufly decree. That all Gra- ders of Men, as well children as fervants, fol- diers as private per fans, fuall offer facrifices to the Gods, doing reverence and fupplication a 2 ^ to
iv The Preface.
< to them \ and if any /hall dare to violate our *■ divine order^ thus unanimoujly agreed upon^
* -we command, that he be call into prifon, and ' afterwards expofed to feveral kinds of t'or- ' ments. If by this means he be reclaimed, he ' may expeSl no mean honours from us \ but if he ' jhall perfifl contumacious, after many tortures, ' let him be beheaded, or thrown into the fea, or
* caji out to be devoured by dogs, and birds of ' prey. But efpecially, if there be any found of ' the religion of the Chriftians. As for thofe
* that obey our decrees, they Jhall receive great
* honours and rewards from us. So happily fare ' ye well,
^ 'TO this, fays the doulor, we may add that ' fhort refer ipt 0/ Valerian.
' V A L E R I A N the emperor, to the mini-
* /iers and governors of provinces. We under- ' jiand, that the precept of the laws are violated
* by thofe, who in thefe days call tbemfelves - Chriftians. Wherefore we will, that appre- ' bending them, unlefs they facrifice to our Gods, ' you expofe them to diverfe kinds of punifioments ;
* that fo, both juflice may have place without
* delay, and vengeance, in cutting off impieties, ' having attained its end, may proceed no fur- ' ther.'
THAT thefe primitive Chrifiians were Bap- tiftis is abundantly verified in the writings of the Paidobaptifts themfelves. I fhall inflame here what I have before me from Dr. Cave, a perfon zealous enough for infant baptifm. He acknow- ledges, upon very juft grounds *, ' That thofe
* who made up the body of the baptized in thofe
* days, were adult perfons, who flocking over
* Primiciye Chriftianity, /. 194.
* daily.
The Preface.
' daily, in great numbers, to the faith of Chrift, ' were received in at this door. 'That at * firji ' all times were alike, and pe^fons were bap-
* tized as opportunity and occafion ferved. That ' the place where this folemn action was ptrfo^m- ' ed was at firfl unlimited ; any place where
* there was water ; in ponds and lakes, at ' fprings or rivers. That the party -f" to be bap- ' tized was wholly immerged, or put under wa-
* ter, which, fays he, was the almoft conjiant, ' and univerfal cuficm of thofe times. ^
TO zvhich the learned Dr. Whitby agrees ; and when attempting to reconcile Proteftants to unite, he pleads for fome condefcenfions to Dif- fenters i?i things indifferent, and unneceffary for the fake of peace. Having 'made fome inferences to the purpofe on the fide of the ejlablifhed church, he proceeds thus. ' And on the other fide, fays he jl, if notwithflanding the evidence produced, that baptiim by immerfion is fuitable both to the inftitution of our Lord and his apojiles, and was by them ordained to reprefent our bu- rial with Chriji, and fo our dying unto fin, and our conformity to his refurreolion by new* nefs of life -, as the apoflle clearly doth main- tain the meaning of that rite. I fay, if not- withflanding this, all our Diflenters ** do agree to fprinkle the baptized infant, why may. they ?iot as well fubmit to the fignificant ceremoniei impofed by our church ? For fince it is as lawful to add unto Chrifl*s inflitutions a fignificant ceremony, as to diminilh <? figni- ficant ceremony, which he or his apojiles injti-
* Primitive Chrillianity, p. 198.
t Pag. 203.
!i Protelt. Recon. p. 289.
** Of the P^edobaptifi -perfuafim I fuppofe he meant. ..
a 3 ^ t'.ttei^
vi The Preface.
* tuted, and life another in its fiead, which they ' did never infiitute. WhcU reafon can they
* have to do the latter^ and yet refufe fubmiffwn ' to the former ? And^ lihy pould not the peace ' and unioi! of the churchy be as prevailing with ' thtm to perform the ene^ as is their mercy to ' /he infant's body to ne^le5f the other ? '
INCONSTESTIBLE arguing! Let the diffenting P^dobaptifts reply to it if they can. I verily perfuade myfelf, could the Englilh Bap- tifts be brought to believe it lawful, to diminifh this fgnif cant ceremony^ which Chrifl irjiituted^ and his apojiles prahifed, the controverfy be- tween them and the ejiablijhed church, in other points, would foon be ended. But as they have more fclid grounds for their feparation, and have not been wanting, in a friendly and chrir- jiian manner to exhibit them, / foall, to avoid multiplicity, fix only upon thofe, being Jhort, and much to the purpofe, publifhed by the reverend Mr. Tho. Grantham, an excellent apologift for the baptized churches in England, which are as followeth.
A N
APOLOGY
FOR THE
Baptized Believers, Sc.
PRESENTED
To all pioiis and well difpofed Chrillians in the church of En gland.
SECT. I.
Honoured and beloved brethren,
'TO prevent a miftake, and to remove an afperfion too frequently caji upon us, be ^pleafed to know^ thai thd* "joe differ from you and others,
in
The Preface. vii
in Jome things relating to the ccnfiiiution and government of a true churchy yet -we do not therefore arrogate to ourfehes alone the Chri- fiian name, nor exalt ottrfelves in our imagina- tions above others, hut do believe and hope, that the number of the faved ones will he gathered out of all forts of Chrijiians, who heartily love God, and our Lord Jefus Chrift, and live holily and charitably among men, tho* they be diver- fijied in refpecJ of ceremonies^ by reafon of the place and government where they live. Tea, we have charity for all men, who are faithful to the means of grace afforded them, hoiv fmall foever -, knowing, that our God delights in mer- cy, and does not exa5f the utmofi farlhitig of any man.
BUT for all this, as it is certain there hath been abundance of errors introduced among Cbri- fiians, fo it has pleafed God to raife up a people fiill ta tefiify againfi them\ the memories of whom are bleffed, tho* they were frequently perfecuted. So we believe it a duty incumbent upon us, to bear our teftimony to what truth we know, and not to partake with any in their bye paths in life or religion, and yet endeavour, as much as in us lieth, after unity and concord with all that fear God, and own the Chriftian pro- feffion.
T 0 zvhich purpofe we have humbly propofed, zvhat we thought concerned tis, in order to a better under/landing and compliance, in our Friendly epiftle to the bifliops and minifters of the church of England, publifhed fome years ago, but has not been publicly taken notice of, till lately one Mr. Taylor, a perfon of worth for his integrity and zeal for the Proteftant interejf, and for his gentle difpofuion. towards 2, 4 kch
viii The Preface.
fucb as fear God, ibo' differing from him in the cafe of ceremonies.
IT hath plecifed him, I fa}\ to take notice of our fajd epiUlc, and to offer feme thing in order to a compofitre of diffni'ences, which, I confefs with him, to be a thing greatly to be defrred. But I hen he is p leafed to ffjew us nothing of mi- tigaiicn, or hopes of the removal cf the things 'CDhich hath occafwned our difunion ; but does rather wholly charge the caufe of divifion upon us, and fiippofes our differences about baptifm to he the chief caufe of our diffenting from the church ^England.
BUT tho* this is, indeed, a matter of great importance, becaufe^ true baptifm is antecedent to church ccnimunion j yet, that which is great- er in our judgment, is, that open profanenefs, which, God knows, reigns and rages in the church cf England ; and therewithal, the utter neglecl <?/dilcipline to refortn tkofe iniquities ', and alfo, that perfecuting fpirit, which appears even in too many of the guides of the church, by whofe cruelty our fufferings have been much aug- mented,
FOR thefe caufes we have thought ourfelves concerned to make this our Chrijtian apology, in which we crave leave to life that freedom of fpeech which the matters depending do require. And yet, feeing we mufl acknowledge, that we are not infallible, as neither does the church of England pretend fo to be, we (hall f peak under correction, and by the help of God, with refolu- iion to fubmit to a clear convitlion, f, indeed, it fhall appear, that the things wherein we dif- Jent, are jufiifahle on the part of the cfourch of England ; but till this be dene, it would be hy- pocrify, and .bafenefs in us, to violate our con-
fciences
The Preface. ix
fciences in things fertainiug to religion, to ob- tain favour from men ; for if we Ihould fo Gal. L pleafe men we lliould not be the fervants of^o- Chriit. And "we do the rather defire to he heard at this time, "partly, for that Mr. Taylor is pleafed to impute folly to us, in feparating from the church of England, becaufe we allow of moft of the thirty nine articles ; hut efpecially being t hereunto required by fome of eminency^ and great authority in the church of England, who alfo told MS, that unlefs we could fhew, that the church of England does hold fome error in point of faith -, or that fhe does pra£life fome- thing in her religion which is finful, we cannot juflify our feparation from her. And, whether we be ahle in this wife to vindicate cur prefent feparation, is the hufinefs, which we pray, may be ferioujly confidered,
S E C T. II.
A BRIEF account of the reafons, why the baptized believers cannot conform to the ce- remonies of the church of England,
RESERVING all due honour to the church of England, fo far as foe holds the truth in the thirty nine articles, and as fhe is a good for trefs againji much popifli fuperjiition and idolatry, we fhall humbly make our obje£lions in three par- ticulars.
1. CONCERNING infant-baptifm.
2. CONCERNING /^^r difcipJine.
3. CONCERNING her im^oUng of cerc- monies.
FR OM all zvhich we think we may fafely argue thus.
31 The Preface.
I^ is lawful, juflt and needful^ to^ maintain a prudent and friendly feparation, from fuch a church as does believe, hold, and maintain fuch things, as are evidently, and a^ually dejlru^ive of that Chrifiian liberty wherewith Chrifi hath ■made bis churches free ; and of that facred bap- tifm, ^?;^ ' oly difcipline, which Chrifi ordained to continue in all churches to the end of the world.
BUT the church of England does believe, held, and maintain, fuch things as are evidently, and a£ltially deflru£live of that Chrijiian liberty, wherewith Chriji hath made his churches free ; and of that facred baptifm, and holy difcipline, which Chrifi ordained to continue in all churches to the end cf the world.
Ergo, / "7 is lawful, jufl, and needful to main- tain, a prudent, and friendly feparation from the church of England, in her prefent parochial confli- iution. Suppofing the major is not to be denied by wjy Chrijiian, we Jhall endeavour to make good the jmnor.
'TO begin with facred baptifm. It' is evident from the Scripture, and partly from the confejfwn of the church of England ; that the things pre- requifite to baptifm, on the part of every one, zvho is to be joined with the church militant, or to be baptized, are thefe, i. They ought to have the Gofpel preached, or fome way fnade known to them, 2. To believe the Gofpel. 3. To repent of fin. And, 4. Willingly to put on Chriji in bap- tifm. Or to exprefs it in fhort. They are firft to be d^^a with Chriji ; and then, fecondly, to be buried with Chrifi by baptifm.
]>10 W, that the church of England does hold fuch things as are evidently, and a^lually dejlru- ilive of this baptifm, may, in our judgment^ be thus proved :
I, SHE
The Preface. xi
1. SHE believes, holds, and does teach others to bold, that all, or the very moft of her church members, are regenerate, without hearing the word cf God, without faith, without repentance^ or any knowledge of God •, and fo believes what neither %ve, nor any body elfe, can underfiand to be true and errs in faith.
2. T E T Jhe does not believe, that her mem- hers are regenerate at all, till Jhe crofs or fprinkle them with water \ neither does Jhe know, becaufs Jhe has no ground to believe, that infants are thereby made anew, fo as to become the children of God, and heirs of heaven > ' and believing ii:ns without fojfibility ordinarily to know it to be true^ Jhe errs in faith.
3. SHE believes and maintains, that thoje ought to be baptized, whom Jhe knows do ?wt, can- not believe, nor repent, nor in any meafure know God, nor any duty of religjon, and herein Jhe errs, as we conceive^ concerning faith.
^. S HE believes and 7naintains,, that fponfbrs do btlieve and repent for infants, or that infants do perfonn faith and repentance by their fponfors, and believing thefe things, and teaching her youth to believe them, without any ground from the word jf God, Jhe believes amifs, or errs in faith.
5. SHE holds, that perfons may be lawfully baptized when they are afleep, and does a^ually pretend to baptize infants when they are afleep ; which we think verily mufl needs be a very great error, both in faith and praftice.
6. S H E believes, holds, and maintains, that crofT^ng or fpr inkling is a lawful way of bapti- zing, when, indeed, it is no baptizing at all ; infomuch as thofe that ufe that mode dare not fpefik as they a^, I fprinkle thee in the name.
xii The Preface.
&c. their confcience bearing them wituefs^ that the [acred a5i of baptizing in the name., &c. cannot be esprejjed by the word fprinkling. They there- fore believing what they know is not true in this matter^ mujl needs err in faith, as well as in their practice. And this error has in a manner de- jlroyed the way of baptizing ufed by John the Bup- tift, Chrift and his apojiles.
7. THUSj tho* we grant, that the church of England /$• no lefs zealous for the doofrine c/'bap- tifm than ourfelves, yet it is apparent to us, that JJje has accidentally loji this holy ordinance, both in rfpe5i of the fubje(5t and manner of it, and in the due ufe and end of it, which was not appointed, 7ior fitted to receive new born infants into the church militant. And by this unwarrantable change, jhe has defaced the fate, and loll the praife of a true ? Cor. xi. church, becaufe fhe has not kept this ordinance, as it 12. was delivered by Chriji and his apojiles, but rather
fuppreffed it, and much oppreffcd thofe that labour to reft ore it to its due ufe and pa^ice in all churches ; which is a great aggravation of all thefe her errors in faith and pradlice concerning fa- cred baptifm.
SECT. III.
Concerning Difcipline.
WH AT manner 0/ difcipline the church of Chriji ought to obferve, is jufficiently declared Matth. xviii. i Cor. v. 2 Thelll iii. Tit. iii. and other places. And it is very well expreffed bv a minif^r of the church of England, /;/ 7jis de- fence of the thirty nine articles of the church of Ep.gland in ihefe words : The manner of proceeding in excommunication, is, firjl, by gentU admoni- tion^ and that once or twiccj given with the fpi-
rit
The Preface. xiii
rll of meeknefs, even as a brother y if the fault he not notorioujl-j known ; and next by open reprehen- [ion ; afterwards by public cenfure of the churchy to put him from the company of the faithful y to deli- ver him to Satan, to denounce hiin a heathen, and a publican, if no admonition will ferve, and the cri?nes and perjons be very offenfive. Thus he, and to this difcipline we can heartily fubjcribe ; it being, in- deed, the very fame which is religioujly obferved by the baptized believers in this age and nation.
BU'T where now, /hall this difcipline be found in the church of England ? Does any one a^ff'embly or court of the church of England obferve it ? Or does fhe not practice that in her courts, which is . too evidently dejlru5iive of it? For fo far as we can under/land, injtead of this brotherly admoni- tion, 7nen are clandefiinely prefented, and accufedy and often excommunicated for they know not what. What man is now taught, or bound by any order of the chxixch England, that in caje his brother trefpafs againji him, by defammg his reputation, offering injury to his per Jon, or by wronging him in his fubftance, to take that brotherly courje, pre- fcribed to all Chrijtians ? Or if he would take this Matth. courfe, what congregation is impowered or allowed xviii. to hear or determine the jtrife \ as Jin is in fuch cafes committed againji God ? We fee not how it is poffible for the offended, to do his duty in an or- . derly ijoay to the offender ; if he go about it, hs Jh all probably be derided, both by teacher and peo- ple ', fo far is he from obtaining Jujiice, againji the offender, in any congregation of the church of England, becaufe the ancient difcipline is an un- known thing to the people generally. And for want of this Chrijlian government are men continually expofed to fuits and troubles in courts of law, where- in the poor can have fmall help, as it is written.
If
XIV
The Preface.
Ecclef. If thou feeft the poor to be oppreffed mar-
V. 8. vel not for one great man keepeth touch
oldtran- ^-^^ another, and the mighty men are in au- thority over the poor,
5 . B UT that -which is more grievous \ we do not fee, that open profanenefsy can be met with, or [up- prejfed by your difcipline. For fuppofe a matt be given to fwearingy lyings drunkennefs, and lafci- vious talking, as, God knows, a great number of the members of the Q\iMXcht)f^T\^\ndi are known to be fuch j your difcipUne/f^wj to have no power in fuch cafes ; for, thus faith one of your tniniprs, who minds canon 109 / that prohibits common /wearers, common drunkards, notorious whore- majiers, and whores, ^c. from the bleffed facra- crament of the Lord's [upper ? Do not even^ Bi- Jbops hear men fwear a thoufand oaths, and either do not, or dare not ufe any difcipline againfi them ? But now, if a good man do not ft and up, and bow to the altar at the name of Jefus, when the Creed f J read : becaufe he dares not pay great€r reverence in a religious way to any writing, than he pays to the holyfcriptures. If be dares not ufe the fign of the crofs in baptifm, nor fprinkle his child, &c. then fhall he be profecuted as a great /inner, caft to the devil, and laid in prifon \ yea, be is fentenced already \ for in canon 6 thus we read, Whofoever fhall affirm, that the rites and ceremonies of the church of England are — fuperjhtious, or — fuch as men who are zealoufly andgodlily affe£fed, may not with any good confcience approve them, ufe them, or as occafion requireth, [ubfcribe unto them \ lefhim be excommunicated, ipfo fado, and not refiored, until be repent, and puMickly revoke, [ucb bis wicked Errors.
4. 'THUS, as we conceive, the difcipline of righteoufnefs, mercy, and charity, ejlablifhed by
Chrijty
The Preface. xv
Chrifl^ is laid afide. and a mercenary court fet up^ holding the traditions of men, injlead of Chri/i's inJHtutions, in ecclefiajiical government ; who alfo live voluptuoujly upon the fins of the people. But as for the reformation of evil manners^ or the ma- king peace and concord, alas ! It is not fought for^ nor indeed expelled from thefc courts. And as the reverend Gw^\\q<x& [aid at Rome, when he [aw all things ruled k; r^oney \ fo may I fay of the courts under canfideration. O money, money, what wilt thou not do there ? As for the opprobrious language, prohibited by the canon, we think it un- comely for any to ufe it, tho* we dijjcnt from the ceremonies themfelves.
SECT IV.
Concerning the impofing of ceremonies.
1 . AL L divine ceremonies ordained hy Chriji^ nr his apofiles, we reverence, and religioujly oh- ferve and keep, as they were delivered.
2. HR A T any church fince their days, haihjuji power to make and ordain divine ceremonies, to he any necejfary parts of the worflnp of God, we fee no ground to believe ; much lefs, that fuch cere- monies may lawfully be impofed, under pain of excommunication, bamfhment, imprifonment, lofs of efiate, and life. For tho* it is certaii^, God has given power to the rulers cf this world, to make, change, or difannul laws in point of civil government \ yet we believe all the power on earth cannot make one inflilule or divine ceremony in re» ligion. And therefore tve cannot but think, the church of England erred from the rule of righie- oufnefs, in decreeing rites and ceremonies, zvhicb God has not commanded.
3. FOR
xvl The JPreface.
3. FO R when we fee how /harply fome were reprehended by St. Paul, for bringing the chrijiian churches in Galatia, under fome legal ceremonies, which once had a divine original^ and ufe in the church of God, as invaders of the liberty, where- with Chrift had made them free ; averring alfo, that if they were fubjeft to them, Chrift fliould profit them nothing. PFe can fee no ground to free the proteftants from /?», tvho either take up fcripturelefs ceremonies //'<?/« the papifts, or in- vent ceremonies themfelves j but leajt of all when they force men, will they, nill they, to conform to fuch ceremonies, or elfe to be eje^led and delivC" red up to Satan. And furely it was very unreafo- nable, for her bifhops to confent to a law, that pious men, only diffenting in thefe things, from the church of England, Jhould be banifhed, or elfe hanged as felons, without benefit of the clergy.
4. BUT if it Jhould be faid, that the ceremo^ nies 0/"/^^ church 0/ England, as /^<? fprinkling of infants, thejign of the crofs in baptifm, bowing to the altar, to name no more at prefent, are not finful ; then how fhall we be ever able to reprove a papift, for ufing holy water, bowing to the image of Chrift ? &c. Certainly if we mujl fubmit to the ceremonies of the church 6/ England, in her prefent conftitution, we mujl fubmit to theirs too, where they have power on their fide to enforce them. But he that fhall impartially confider, what a learn- ed Proteftant bath [aid, of the finfulnefs of that one ceremony, of the fign of the ^ro/j f« baptifm, in bis book intitled, Againft fymbolizing with An- tichrift in ceremonies, will fee great caufe to avoid tottchingwith any fuch inventions^ however they may be fuppofed, to have had an hanniefs u/e among Chrijtians at firjl. Biit who fees not, that when fuch ceremonies, have go! the reputation of religion
upon
The Preface. xvii
upon thcm^ and are forced on by human laws, what incredible miferies they have brought upon the Chrijtian world ? How have they Jorded it over kings and kingdo?ns, over the ejtates, liber ties, attd lives ofChrijtians ? Who fees not, that being thus Jet up^ they are fometimes more fet by than fine ere faithy and an holy life ? As if all true religion^ and loyalty loo^ were only to be judged of according to mens fubmiffwn to thofe human innovations, for it is notorious^ even in this our land, that let a man but conform to all the ceremonies, he fljall live honourably, let his life be never fo debauched. But let a man refufe thefe ceremonies, out of con- Jcience to God, hecaufe they are not from heaven, then he is envy*s mark, let his life be never fo juft and harmlefs. Such effe^s fhould lead us to conft- der, what the caufes are. And becaufe we are fpeaking <?/ ceremonies, we crave leave to enquire ', what means the ceremony of the ring in marriage.^ Why are we forced not onl'j to iije it, but to ufe it, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghojl ? 'The church oj England blames the Papifts, for faying. Marriage is a (acrament^ hutfhall we then make afacrainent of a ring ? Sure you make the ring as /acred in marriage, as you make the water in baptifm. Such ufages as thefe, we fear, give the Papifts too much caufe to ufe this fpeech. A Proteftant is but a Papift, feared out of his wits.
IT is not then any thing of prejudice or obflinacy
which makes us to ft and oj^ from the communion of
the church of England, but an unfeigned defire to
ferve God aright, and a godly fear, left by touching
with thofe unwritten traditions we fhould bring our
fouls under guilt in the fight of God. Howbeit, if any
can convince us, that the church of England is ju-
fiifiable in thefe things, here objeBed, wefhallfu-
b fpe^
xviii The Preface.
fpe^ our/elves to he jniftaken in other things, which we here mention not.
NOfV may it pleafe the God of heaven, to put it into the hearts of the gindes of the church c/ Eng- land, to conf.der thefe things.
I . T HAT none cf theje ceremonies ahcut which VJe differ from them^ are required ':>/'Chrifti:ins in the holy Scriptures, and that therefore. 2. To en- force them by excommunication, and penal Idws, upon the confciences of men, is more than God re- quires of you. Of any body elfe. And furely, if the making thefe things necejfary to our communion were but removed, fo that things which are not de- livered in. the word of God ^ were- left at liberty, we fmidd not Jiand at fo great a diflance from the church 0/ England, as now we do. For tho' we are verily perfuaded , that thefe things chje5led againjl, by us, ^r^ errors, and therefore prudently to be amended', yet, we believe the impofing 0/ them is a thoufand times mere offcnfive in the fight of God, and more grievous to the jouls of men i becaufe, as we conceive, God's authority is then ufurped by man, and mens fear towards him is then taught by the precepts of men. And yet we know, and indeed fnujl confefs, that 7uany things, as to the more convenient performance of religious fer- vices in a church way are left to the prudence of the (hurcb, guided therein by the general rules in the Word of God -, and fomc things alfo, which are not cf the ejfence of Chrijhamty, will feem doubtful to fome and clear to others. And therefore there will ^ be a continual necefjity cf brotherly forbearance one towards another, in fome finlefs ceremonies ; as many things may be fo ejleemed zvbilfl not tnade ibe boundaries of communion, and forced upon Chri- ftians again (i their confciences. For example, tho^ fitting bexjbe 7noJi fafe gefiure at the Lord*s table,
becaufe
The Preface. xix
hecdufe nearejl to Chrifi^s exajnple, yet, if any in humility, and of devotion to God, think it their duty to receive kneeling, this furely cannot jujfly offend any Chrijlian. And thus alfo, bowing at the name of Jefus, being left at liberty, when^ where, and upon what occafion to do it, need not to offend any ; thd* .it is apparent, fuch bowings is not the meaning of the text Phil. ii. lo. And the fame may be faid of well compofed pray- ers ; fo that jlill fuch forms be ufed as a ??iatter of Chrijhan liberty, and not impofed by law as «#* ceffary.
AND could things be managed with fuch mo- deration {as certainly the fate of the inhabitants]of this land does much call for it) in a friendly and bro- therly fpirit, *tishop*d, our animofities would abate^ and charity would endear all that are upright to- zvards God, one towards another, iho* labouring under many weakneffes, or dark circumjiances* But whlljt one party ft ands up with a fword in their hand, or with power to ihruji men into gaol, and rifle their eft ates, unlefs they will all fubmit to their will and pleafure, not only without, but perhaps in fome things againft the word of God (jhe pre- tended rule to all Proteftants in matters of religion) this lays aneceffit\ upon all, that are of noble, and truly Chriftian fpirits, to teftify againft fuch cru- elty, and unmanly proceedings, and to affert the t>"ue Chriftian doBrine and liberty, and Chrift'sfo- ■ ' vereign authority only, to make laws for his churchy as fuch, altho* for fo doing, they fuffer the lofs of all things, which are dear to them in this world, and therewithal, to ftand off from the communion of fuch unreafnable men, as have not learned to do to others, as they would have others to do to them, under their di^erent opinions, when in a ^ate of fub]e5iion to thofe who differ from them. b 2 Thus
»f
SS: The Preface.
^bui much, hriefl), of the reafom or caufes.oj, pu,r J^r faration^ fays Mr, Grantham. ^»''i''-, ' '^
- ;_ . / T has not been the lot of the Baptifls'ow/); Vb he flandered, and injurioufls charged ds pt-rfom of irreligious principles, and fchifmarical. For, we ^.. find that all parties, //j*? Engliih Baptifts except- ed, when^ and where -ever they have been upper- mofl in. government, have condemned reparation, in all others^ from what was then ejlablifhed, as fchifmatical. ^hus the church of Rome, which for many years was the eflablifh^d church of this kingdom, charged the Reformation, and the ejla- bli^rnenl thereupon with fchifm. ^nd the re- formers, and all the members of the church <?/' Eng- land, are fl ill deemed by them fchifmaticks. But the Reformation has been well defended by their learned miniflry. The famous bifhop Bramhal narote a juft vindication of the church of Eng- land from Schifm •, wherein he has endeaveured to prove.
Pag. 6. I /THAT every fudden, paffionate heat^ or mtfun"
derflanding, or Jhaking of charity among Chriftians,^ tho* it were even among the principcdpaflors of the' church, i^ not prefently Schifm,
Pag. 7. 2. THAT every premeditated clafljing of bi-
fhops or churches, about points of do^rine or dif- cipline, long and rejolutely maintained, is not pre- fently criminous fchifm, Jo long as they forbear to cenfure, and condemn one another^ and to expel one another from their communion, and are ready to fubmit to the determinations of a general council.
Fag. 10. 3. THAT there maybe an a/^ual and crimi- nous feparation of churches, which formerly did join in one and the fame communion, and yel the feparators be innocent, and the perfons from whom the feparation is made, be nocent, and guilty of fchifm j hecaufe they gave jitfi caufe of fe- paration
TKtf^ Preface! M
paratior>/rcx« ihem. It is not the ieparattidri*, ' ]^isf/
i/fci/ caufe, that makes the Schijm.
\.^fH/11 to withdraw obedience from a parti- Pag. ir. ctilar churchy or from a lawful fuperior, is not always criminous SchKnu . '*'
TH &N he tells us^ that {c\{i(m fignifies a cri- Pag. i^ minous Iciflure, rent^ or divifton in the churchy an ecclefiajiical jeditiorty like a tnutiny inanarmyy or a facHon in a Jiate. And fhewsy wherein in- ternal and external communion of the Chrijiian ca- tbolick church doth confifi ; and proves y that ex- ternal communion may be fufpendedy and with- drawny there being not a necejjity of communicating in all externals *, that the rules of prudence, nor the laws of piety do oblige particular churches or Chri/ti- ans to communicate in all opinions and prafliceSy with thofe particular churches of CbrijiianSy with whom they hold cathclick communion.
THE biJJjop having taken a view of the fujfici-
ciency and authority of the Kingy and church of
JEngland to reform ; he confiders what were the
true grounds of the feparation of the kingdom and
(hitrch of England from the court of Rome, and
whether in the [ubduoiion or fub/ira^ion of their
obedience, or coi/munion, they obferved due mode- ration. ..mv;_iH..ui ,a(ivsw^^^-^q ;,.,•
THE grounds, fayib'e^ ofiFeirXeTpirmonwere Pag- 129. many.
*r"Firft, THE intolerable extortions, and excefi jive rapine; of the court of Rome, committed in the realm by thdr Legates and Nuncio's &c.
fXheir^ difpenjations of all forts tenths, frit
fruitSy appeals, palls, and a thoufand other arti-
fices to get money.
'^''TH E fecond ground < were their mo ft un- Fa"-. 134.
*jufi ufiirpations, and daih encroachm^ms ^ in-
irenchmenls, and extreme violations of all Jorts of
'f"""^ b 3 rights
xxii The Preface.
rights, civil and ecclefiafticaU jacred and pro- fane.
Pag. 145. T H E third ground hecaiife the'j found hy
experience^ that fuch foreign jurijiiioiion^ fo ex era- fed, was deflruBive to the right ends of ecclefiafii- cal di/cipline, which is in fart to prefervs pubiick peace and tranqtrilliiy ; to retain fuhje£ls in due obedience, and to oblige people to do their duties more confcientioujlj.
Pag. 147. THE fourth ground- — ' the-j mufl have been daily fubjeSl to have had neiv creeds, and new articles of faith obtruded u/on them. They tnufi have been daily cxpofed to manifold and manifeji peril of Idolatry, and finning againji God, and their own co?ijciences,
FROM the juflnefs of their grounds the bi' fhop proceeds to confider, the moderation of the En- gliOi reformers, in the manner of their feparation, and fays, They did not deny the being of any church whatfoever, Roman, or others, nor po/fibility of falvation in them ; efpecially fuch as bold firmly the Apofiles creed, and the faith of the four firjl . general eoitncils.
2. AS our feparation is from their errors, mt from their churches, fo we do it with as jnuch in- ward charity, and moderation of our affeoiions, as we can poffibly ; willingly indeed, in refpeH of their errors, and efpecially their tyrannical ex- anions and ufurpations ; but unwillingly, and with reluilation in refpeul of their perjons, and much more in refpecl of our common Saviour.
3. ^VE do not arrogate to ourfelves, either a Hew church, or a new religion, or new holy or- ders, for then we mufl produce new miracles, new
' revelations, and new cloven tongues for our jufli- f cation,
Laftly,
The Preface. xxiii
Laftly, WE are read-j^ in the ■preparation of our minds^ to believe and praoiife whatfoever the the cntbolick churchy even of this prefent age^ doth univ::rfaUy^ and unanimonjly believe and p'aclife. Quod apud miiltos unum invenitur, non eft er- ratum, fed traditum. And iho"^ it he neither lawful^ nor pojfiblefor us to hold a£iual communion^ ijDith all forts of Chrijtians in all things ; wherein they vary from the truth •, yet even in thofe things we hold a communion .iznth them in cur defireSy longingfor their converfion and reunion with us in truth.
NOrwi'THSrANDING this, the church ' of England not only fixed the like charge on the Proteftant Diffenters in general, but procured a law againff them, intilled^ An adl to prevent the growth of fchifm. While the hill was de- fending in parliament, and before the fame paf~ fed into a law, the DifTenters publtfljed, their humble fupplication to her Majefty ^ceen Anne, in relation to the faid bill, reprefenting to her Ma- jefty, That hozvever they were (landered and inju- rioufly charged as fchifmatical •, yet they were a body of her fubje5fs, who claimed the titles ofQhv'u ftians and Proteftants •, and as fuch, hoped for a Jhare in her ■^eal, for propagating^ and protecfing the true religion. And that, they were Chriftians of the fame orthodox /^///j, audof the fame univerfal cathcJick church of God, of which her Maje/iy always frofeffed her f elf a member, and of which the church of England, is declared to be a branch. That they were the fame with the faid church of Eng- land in all doftrinal articles, and in every prin- ciple ejfential to the life o^ a Cbrifian, and nectjja- ry to falvation, having ftgned and fuhfcribed to eve- ry one of the doclrinal articles o//66'conf(lioa of faith of the faid church of England, and to all b 4 tb9
xxiv The Preface.
the other articles of the /aid churchy except two only, which two bdfig allowed^ and acknowled^d, even by the church herfclf^ and by the Uws of this land, 7Wt to be effential lo falvation •, cr that the declining the fame amounts to any breakings off from the unity of the faith, by Ukhich Chrijtians are incorporated into Chriji^ the head of the univer- fat cathotick church i or from that love, umif^jind charity of Chriftians, by which all the members of that great body are united to one another •, and there- upon have been declared lo be no fchifmaticks. as they are malicioujly rei'refentcd to her Majejty to be^ by their enemies. And with all humility they it^fiji in their claim, of being received among the ycft^gfher Majefliesfubje^s profjfng the fame Chrijlian reli- gion with tbei'/i, and of being acknowledged as true and orthodox Chrijlians by them, and by her Majefly. Becauje to their great comfort they have ■ been, as of right they ought to be, frequently decla- . red to be fucb, as zveil by her Majefly, and her glorious predeceffcrs, as alfo by and with the united concurrence of the Lords iplritual, as well as tem- poral and commons of this realm, afjembled in parliament, who have folejnnly pronounced, afid enabled, that we, the piffcnters aforefaid, are no fchifmaticks. ^.i r,,-.( • -/n
BUT when the Prefbyterians had theafcenaant, and were the eflablifhed church of thefe realms, then their learned miniflry let us know, that all others who feparaled from them, were, and ought to be, treated as fchifmaticks.
THUS the learned Dr. Cornelius Burgefs, in-.^ his fermon before the houfe of commons, March -. 30. 1642, fpeaking to them. ' Do you not, fays * he, fee or hear daily of the diforders, fe^s, ' rents, and fchifms, that every where bud forth ' already, and threaten all order, unity, and go-
' vernment '^ *
The Preface. ^'xx
XXV
>^(.
« vernment ? ' And he attempts to iUuJlraic hy 'a familiar fimile, the dangerous confequence (?/" repa- ration. ' For, fa)S he, give the water but, a paf- ^' /age, without making up the banks, and pu \ know how foon li.hole feas will break in upon us,
* and' render all irrecoverable and incurable. If ' one djficulty occur today, 'twill be doubled, yea,
* multiplied to morrow, 'There is no Hydra, fo ' fertile of heads, as error and fchifm, grown to ' fome Jirength and maturity ; k will afk but a " fbort time of connivance ; afterwards, there will
* be no curbing nor fhaming of it.*
THE famous Dr. Calamv, in bis fernion be- fore the Lord mayor, Jan. 14, 1645. inveighing againfl a toleration, prompts the magijl rates to life thai power that God had given ihem in fup- preffmg Separatifts, as far as they were able, that ihey might not be accounted acceffary to them, by their fupine negleof in this, the cauje of God. ' For, Rom. xiii, ' fays he, you are the minifters of God for good, 4- ' and revengers, to execute wrath upon them ' that do evil. And God hath deputed you, for ' the punifhment of evil doers, and for the
* praife of them that do well. Doth not God
* prophefy, fays he. That Kings fhall be our jfa. xlix.
* nurfjng fathers, and Queens our nurfing mo- 23. ' ihers ? And how can a Chriflian magiflrate
' difcharge that duty as he ought, if he hath not
* power from God to punifh thofe, that would
* poifon the fouls of his weak children with herefieSy ' and foul deftroying opinions.' He proceeds with branding feparatlon, witb almojl all the igno7ninies that tongue can exprefs ; and in his conclufton of this topick, thus queries. ' Shall not the chief
* magijirate of a kingdom have power to put out ' of his kifigdom, at leajl fhiit out from doing hurt, ' one that is his fubje^ and polluted with blafphe-
' mouSs
xx\d The Preface.
' mouSy heretical, idolatrieal opinions ? Is net the
* kingdom the magijirates houfe and family /" and much more to the fame pur pofe.
Pag. 1 7. <Tlne ntithor o^ {c\\\^m tried and condemned, w/3^'^j this remark on this celebrated gentleman' s zeal againji the Separatifts. ' One things fays he. I muji con- ' fefs^ feems to mc to be very odd ; that he that ' badfo lately prompted the pulling down the church
* of England, and defiroying regal government, ^ Jhould no'ov maki-: «/^ fl/ Ilaiah's prophecy^ that
' kings fhould be our nurfing flithers, and ' queens our nurfing mothers, to induce the peo-
* pie to obedience to the government then in being, ' and the magiflrate to execute laws that were ' made diametrically oppofite to kingly government, ' Stire, adds he, he might have found out a text of
* fcripture lefs refle^ing upon the then eftablifh-
* ment ; and, no doubt, would if he had not lain ' under a violent tranfport of paffton, in regard
* to the intolerable fin, as he calls it, of countenan-
* cing reparation. But whither is it, fome mens
* zeal will not carry them, in the mojl erroneous
* opinions, even to the making the mofl imperti- ' nent fcriptural quotations ? '
THG* many inflames might be produced tg the fame pur pofe ; xet I flmll add but one more, and that is, from the famous Mr. Richard -Bax- ter, zvbo in his epiftle to feparate congregations, thus delivers himjelf ' From diverfity in opini- ' ons, and external rites, rejulted diflike ; thoice
* enmity, thence oppofuion ; thence fchifm in church ' and ledition in ft ate. '^he fiate not /landing fe- ' cure without the church, nor the church without ' unity, nor unity without uniformity. Confider
* this, *tis the judgment of fome, that thousands ^ are gone to hell, and ten thoufands upon their
* marPo thither \ that in all prohability, had never
* came
The Preface. xxvli
.■^h,come there ^ if they had not been tempted from ■^- the payijh churches for the enjoynent of commu- » nwn in a purer church.
' VERT fine ^ A-iV Baxter, fa-^s the aforemen-Vzg. i%*
* tioned author, c/fchifm tried and condemned. ' Can you damn thoufands, and ten thoufands ; ^ jome already gone^ and others in the high road ' to kdll, for ie^amnng from your ufurpation, un- ' der the pretext of greater purity in preaching
* and frayer; and could you refufe to join your ^ Jelfto the epifcopal church <?f Englancl, when in
* its flourifhing ejlate, from the fame plea ? Can
* you be angry with thofe that are guilty of the
* fame fin with your [elf ?^
THUS the pretenfiom of defigning men., who brand others as fch'ifmaticks ., and call the7njelves the church, ufurp authority over the confciences of others. But his grace the late archbifI:}op of Can- terbury, * accounts it a meanne[s of fpirit to defert
* the truth., or be afraid to own it., tho" never fo ' much clamoured againft by ignorant or defigning ' men*.*
TH IS ftale and deceitful cry of Schifm then, is nothing elfe but a departure from the way of thinking eftablifhed by law, and an adherence to truth, as it appears, and not, as it is reprefented, by human authority •, and fo is mt only harijilejs, hut moft commendable ; notwithfianding it is gene- rally fixed upon all fuch, as do not come up to the political model of a national church, tho* of that church which is from above, they be fine ere be- lievers, and are perfons of unblemifhed lives.
' BTthe loofe and random life of this term [fi:hifm] Ibid,
* fays the author, of Refled:ions on the manage-
* ment of fome late party difputes t^c. It is
f State of the Church, &c. p. 3.
xxvm
cr
Pag. 19.
The Preface.
manifeji, that very few fix any deterrninate, meaning thereunto^ and thofe who are inojt eager in the charge feem quite unacquainted with the controverftes from whence it artjes ; and therefore they throw it about amongjl alt they do not like^ for no other reafon^ but as it ap-- pears to carry in it fomething of reproach ; fo that wherefoever we find it, it feldom goes for any other than a mark of ill nature or malic e, and, is entirely dejlitute of any other fignification but a difiike of the perfgns upon whom it is charged,. Thofe who at all concern ihemfelves in meanings^ Uttderfiand by it, agroundle/s rent or reparation,, from fome religious fociety, of which the fepara-> tills were once fnembers. But then this ts quite, out of the cafe of our national church, and the, DilTenters frouc it, for there can be but very, few injlances given of any of them^ zvho have^, ever been in communion with the national- church., and therefore in this fenfe, it is notori-^ oufiy abfurdy to charge them with a fchifm, ,0^3 a reparation, where they never were members., It has learnedly and unanfwerably, fays he, been proved by Mr. Hales of Eaton, in his traj^l.. upon this fubje^t that Schifm is a crime, charge- able upon fuch perfons, who introduce into any ■ religious fociety or church, fuch innovations in., mattery of indifference, as may give offence to, to fome fcrupulous conjciences, who are forced to, wichdraw themfelves from their communion /<?-, iher than comply with them. Which doBrine . has often been improved to the turning the charge (p/^Tchifm upon the church herfelf, for lay- ing fo much fire fs^ and impofwg fuch matters of indi^erence upon her communicants, as have fhock.ed fever al fine ere, and jcrupulous Chrifiians, and caufed their diffention from her, tho* ftill
♦ keep'
The Preface, xxix
' keeping up to the (fri5ine[s of her do^rines, and *!^mddlmg only their ecclefiafiical difcipUne, and f'jhe externals of worjhij) as they think fomewhat '^^ more agreeable to apoflolical cufioms^ and the ge- f nius of that religion which they profefs.
» THE next meaning then, fays he, which is P*g- 20.
* moji likely to hold with this term, ?nufi he. That '^■fchifm is a noncompliance with, or a dijlike of ' the national church, as^ to its difcipline, and that *_ external form ofworfhip, which has been contri- '*l ved and ordered by a lay authority. But this 'can never he thought fufficient tojujiify the hideous
* out cries of the high clergy, who tie the fchifma- f 'ticks rtj [uch, down to perdition, and throw them
* quite out of the reach offalvation. What authority
* has the author ofChriftianity^ given to ajiy par- *'' ticular community, or fet of men, to determine ^things not by him prefcribed; and enjoin their *" ohfervation abfolutely upon any other befides them- ' felves ? How do the violent advocates of our na- ' tional church prove their model more apoflolical^ *■ and of divine original, than any other fociety of
* Proteltants, who in thofe externals do fomewhat *' differ from them ? The DifTenters differ and fe- ' perate from them upon nothing that is pretended ' to he o/" divine authority, but only upon what is *"' of a polifical aud civil nature, Juch as a man
* may like or diflike, comply with or reje^, with-
* out at all concerning him, as a Chriflian, deflroy
* his peace with God, or endanger his happinefs in ' a future fl ate. Shall they then he any otherwife ' regarded hut as madmen, and treated with the ' ut?mfl contempt, who pretend to thunder out ' curfes and anathema's upon perfons equal to them, ' if not fuperiour in faith and practice, only he-
* caufe they better approve of fame other difcipline^ *yand fom^e other form of government ? *
' F/ERE
XXX The Preface.
' IFER E it euauired into^ '■whether the D'if- ' fenters do not come up to the church in fuch ' matters of belief, as are on all fides allo'u^ed to ' be efiential to Chrijiianity itfelf? or, Whether ' their lives and prcholices are not as conform- ' able thereunto ? The church ivould be fo far ' from getting hy fuch a trial, that it is appa- ' rent, (he muft Jiand condemned for going off ' front for,ie of her own articles, and jhofe too, ' of the mofi importance, which ere to be found ' only amongfl the Diffenters, particularly- the ' feventeenth article?
THO* the church <?/* England lof} her Supe- riority, yet zvhen rejior^d to her former grandeur and authority ; by attempting an uhifo'rmity in religion, fhe 'uery narowh efcapcd an entire overthrow from the Romiili church. Wearied with the fiedfajincfs, zeal, piety, and firm refo^' lution of the Diffenters, to fufjcr the lofs of aW things, and even death itfelf, rather than be compelled to worfhip God in fuch ways, as to them fecmed not to be of his appointment. At length the jwbili'ty and gentry of England began io fee, that while their eyes had been taken up, with purfuing ^he leffer evils of fchifm in reli- gion among Prottftants, they had, as the confe- quence of fuch [roceedings generally proves, in- fenfibly fuffered the fecret encroachments of Rome and of France, and opened a door to popery and tyranny.
THE patriots of the Proteftant intereft in this nation *, finding the influence which French' and popifli emiffaries had on the king ; and find- ing the popifh lords in the houfe always vigorous to oppofe every thing which was for the advan-
* Effay on the liill. of Parties, Cs'f.
cing
The Preface. xxxi
cing the new meafures^ they applied themfelves to fever al ^nethods^ in order to weaken the po- pifh party. They could not yet obtain an a£i to prevent the popifli lords fitting in the houfe-, h^t the prefent cafe was to prevent popifli officers in the army^ who werefo 7nany^ and behaved fo info- Icnily^ that the army then encamped at Black- heath, was called the Cut Throat Army.
THE Earl of Shaftfbury, who till then had been one of the privy council^ called the Ca b a l, was the man who contrived^ and brought in the propofal, for a bill to difpoffefs thefe popifh offi- cers i and the title of the all expreffcd the mean- ing and defign of its being brought in, The Kingy the courts and all the popifh ^« J French intereft^ cppofed it with all their might ; but the popular terror^ and the juji fear, the people were in of a popifli armyy prevailed., and it paffed by a great majority. Neither did the King think fit to oppofe himfelf to the Jlream of the whole na- tion., at that time -, there being then a great mony hill depending in the houfe, for no lefs^ than 1238750 1. which would have been lofl. So the Bill pajfed 25 Carol. II. and is intitled^ An a(5t for preventing dangers which may arife froiTi popifli recufants.
THIS is the famous Test Act, the pre- amble to which is thus, jfo^ pjctf nting t?iing£T0 tol)ic|) nia? Ijappcu from popifi; rcctiranr0, anti foj quitting: t!}t niint?^ of lji3 ^mtif^, gooD fnbirit^^
THE uneafinefs of his Majejly^s good fubj eels was at that time manifejt, to be their fears of the army and court being put into the hands of papifts ; and the people who pujhed on the a5fy were thofe very people who efpoufing liberty and property, obtained, in contempt^ from the court party^ the name of Whigs.
THE
xxxii The Preface.
THE court, with all fojjihle moia^ehicnf and art^ cppofed this law, end endeavoured to a- larm the Diflenters "jjtth their danger from this etl. Alderman Love, one of the reprefiulatives for the city of London, a man ofunfpotted inte- grity, ivas privately Jpoken to, that he might op- pofe it on the behalf of the Diflentcrs. This, at firft, had fome effetl on the people j hut Mr. Love feeing into the defgn, avoided it, and 'would not meddle. On the other hand, the per- fons who brought in the hill, affured the DifTen- ters, there was no defgn, to offer them any diflur- hance, and that, if ih.-y dejired it, they would 'bring in another bill afterwards, to exempt them from the penalties of I he f aid a5f, reprefenting to them at the fame tiyne. that if they fluck in to eppofe this act, the bill againft popery would be Icfl, and both rhey and the church of Engl.md fJoould fall together, under the grvwiug n;i [chiefs arifng from the power of the papifU in the court. ■^ THE Diflentcrs prevailed upon zvith thefe arguments, and efpecially depending upon the promifes of the churchmen, that the adl had jig view towards them, and fhsuld in no wife be turned upon them, acquiefced, and to fave the church of England facrijiced themfelves and their pofterity to the ingratitude of ihofe that propofed it to them.
IN this manner, and on this occafwn, and 7to other, this a(5l was pajjed, which is now he- come fo much the favourite of a party, as to be thought the great defence of the church of Eng- Irnd.
B UT as the good providence of God over-rules all things, and has promifed. That all things ihall work together tor the good of them that fwcerely love and fear him j fo I cannot fee^
that
The Preface. xxxiii
that the Diffenters or rather the Englifh Baptifls, who deftre only their liberty to '■jjorpip God, ac- cording to their own confciences^ have any rea- fon to be difcontented, under the ufe they have ma4e of this a^^ which contrary to their promi^ fes, they J^ave turned againfi them, and to God muji be accountable for it. What are we depri- ' ved of thereby ? Only the riches, the honours, ' und grandeurs of this zvorld; which are but fnares and temptations, and fuch as are hardly confijlent with a profeffed love to God, and a de- fire to follow him in his defpifed ways. The ho- nours and grandeurs of this world, are but like ^^ unto bubbles the children make with water and foap, which at the firji blaft of wind are diffol- ved, and there remains nothing, but the water of vexation, contempt, and utter negW. For . thofe who take ever fb little complacency in the honours and g'"andeurs of. the world, offend God, and rob him of the honour which appertains to him alone. To us belongs nothing but fear. Therefore they who have received riches, nobi- lity, great offices, or afpirit above the vulgar, ■ought to be more afraid than defwous ^/honour, feeing all thefe favours and privilege? which are beftowed on us by the liberal harid of God, do oblige us to more gratitude, to a life moi'e per- fect, and to a greater account to- be made by us -, ^becaufe. He to v/hom much is given, of him much will be require! What blindnefs of fpi- rit then, is it for a Chrifiian, to ejieem himfdf happy for being advanced to a troublefome and difficult ofhcQ ; a burthen, which fcmetimes does not afford leifure to cat and drink with eafe, and which is warfe, not to mind the things which concern his own falvation. Is it not better to be mean in this world, than to poffefs dignities
c cr
xxxiv The Preface.
or offices ; to he opprejjed with the difturhames of them, and obliged to fo ftri5l accounts in the next as will not be eafy to clear. For who cart now a. days pleafe both God and men, feeing they are fo contrary to one another. Chrifl faid, we cannot ferve two mafters, without being un- faithful to the one or to the other. He that is in any office, fecular or ecclefiaflical, and defires to do juflly, mufl needs either yield to evil, or be ha-, ied of almofl every one ; and withal, he can do nothing alone, he mufl needs be grieved, feeing evil bearing fway, and himfelf not able to hinder it. Is it good then to wifh for offices, honours, and greatnefs in this world ? H^e are taught, that having food and raiment, to be therewith content, therefore, when the fBi- tious Caleb Danvers tho' never fo truly tells uSj it is a hardfhip we lye under, that the Teft adt is not removed out of our way -, let us regard him not ; for he is a wolf, tho' he may appear in fheeps clothing, and is only a^ing the part of his father, the Devil, who told our Lord and Mafier^ when he tempted him to cafl himfelf down from the pinacle of the temple. It is written, he (hall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they fhall bear thee up, left at any time thou dafh thy foot againft a ftone. Is it not better ta content curfclves (having cur civil and religious liberties fc cured unto us) with the will and plea- fur e of the flat e, and befubjc^ to cur governors, like Chrifiians, not only for wrath but for con- fcience fake ; than to be enfnared by the ferpentine counfels of fuch deceivers ; who, whatever they may pretend to, do hate us in their hearts, and only wait for an opportunity to get the power in their hands that they may defiroy us ? But let iu refgn our f elves unto the good providence of ■ ' Cod,
The Preface. xxxv
God, and defire only the honour 0/ his grace, "Jjhich 'voill render us happy in time, and thro' eternity^ ^Tis in vain to pretend to any happinefs without this. All other things are iiothing but amufe- ments andfooli/h imaginations. God alone being the center of our happinefs.^ we can never refi hut in him., nor find any other true happinefs, ^he poffeffion of all the honours in this world., can never fat is fy him who defires to be a member of Chrifl's kingdom, which is not of this world.
INDEED fome there are, who ejleem riches an happinefs, and therefore court great places t» obtain them\ tho* our Lord and mafier ejleems them an hindrance, to our f ah at ton, faying. That it is eafier for a camel to go thro' the eye of a nee- dle, than for a rich man to enter into the king- dom of heaven. What a folly is it then, for Chriflians to have the defire of poffeffmg riches ; who when they have acquired them are difquieted with the care of keeping them, the fear of loofing them, and the eagernefs ofincreafing them. For they are, as one well obferved, of the nature of fait water ; the more we drink, the more we thirjl \ and the more riches we have, the more we deftrCy and the lefs we are fatisfied with them. Our foul being divine, can never be filled nor fatisfied with earthly metals. JVhat aftupidity is it, for us to load ourfelves with a weight fo dangerous and difficult F IVhen this ftjort life is nothing but a fmall voyage, that leads to a happy or mi^ ferable eternity. One grain of righteoufnefs is of more value than all the riches and honours of this world, ' which cannot help us at the hour of death, but rather torments our minds in the ago^ nies thereof. Strange fottifhnefs andjlupidity of mind ! JVhen zve cannot reftgn our felves to the ^ovcrnmmt and good providence of Cod, wha c 2 knawi
ttxvi The Prefaee.
knows what ive have need cf^ and our fuccejfors alfo, 'who do often run to de/iru^ion, by the means of the riches that are left them. But to return^ AS the word fchifm •, fo alfo that of church, has been notorioujly ahufed, and the weaknefs of the people impofed upon by crafty priefts, who are mamfeflly enemies both to the Jiate and to the church of England, and who mujl have views inconffunt with the common good. It is very rnanifefi, their firuggles are not for any part of that religion., which comes from above., and tends to mend mens hearts and lives., but only for the Jkowy pari of worfJjtp., and thofe forms which gives the prieft a fuperiour regard. Secure them but in thofe dignities and privileges., which makes them powerful and formidable amongft their neighbours., and the efjentials of religion., fhall never interrupt their refofe. 'There are more pains taken., to prove their own cornmiffon from heaven., and that they are embafjadors from Chrijl, than to eftablifh the fundamental doctrines 1 of Chriftianity, and to inftru^ perfcns in the fe- ver al duties of life.
HAVE not thofe perfons in the church of England, who have mofi adorned their religion^ by their learned writings and difcourfes., and by their exemplary lives., been traduced and vilified as falfe brethren, and enemies to the church, only hecaufe they put in practice that charity and for- givenefs which their religion enjoins^ towards thofe of different fentiments in fame matters of light concern ? And are not thofe accounted the befi churchmen, who have neither learning to defend its dc^rines., nor piety enough to draw its precepts into example ; but are very noify and clamorous en the doSirines of pafTive-obedience &nd non-reiiiiance, or onfuch trifles as difiingiiifh
tb$
The Preface. xxxyii
the prieft/ri?;^; the lay aian, andgratifes the vanity ef a proud heart ? Is it not manifejl, that peO' pie can much better bear with one another* s diffe- rent fentiments in philofophy, and ether fciencesy than religion ? We have often feen men of great worthy for efiates^ learnings piety, politensfs^ and every qualification, that can recommend them to the good graces of mankind^ defpifed and ahu- fed, by the unthinking populace, purely becaufe they feparats from the efiahlifoed church. And it were to be wiped, thefe diforders could not be laid at the door of "men, in the church ^Eng- land, prof effing divinity. Is it not often fecn that young fellows, who perhaps have been fervi- tors in a college, jufi come from running of er- rands ; when made fpiritual guides, prefently to ftrut, and look haughty, and contemn the Laity, treating mankind in fuch a way as if they were their vaffals? And yet, fuch a one as this, tho' he be a fottijh, ignorant, railing and domineeri^ig priejl, f/3all be adored by the unthinking populace. But thefe are fcandals both to the church andfiate^ and to fuch may be attributed all the perplexities of the flat e.
T li AT worthy and pious prelate Dr. Burnet^ bifl:)cp of Sarum, in his fpeech, in the houfe of Lords, on the firft article of the impeachment of Dr. SachevereJ, thus exprejfes him f elf. ' But
* as thefe notions [the do£irines of paffiveobedi- ' encc, and non-rejfiftance~\ have been long let run ' among us ; fo they have appeared, in a mofi ' violent and unguarded manner, ever fince the ' attempt of the pretender; and more of late, ' fince the preliminaries, upon the overtures for ' a peace, feems to extinguijh their hopes. What
* fcrmons on this head, are preached in this city,
* at affizes, at Bath, and at many cathedrals,
'- J^uri-
xxxviii The Preface.
Furious men fit themf elves with fome hot fer- monsy which they carry about from place to place, to poifon the nation. This has not only the viftble effe5l defigned by it, ofJJjaking many in their allegiance to the queen, and in their adherifjg to the Proteftant fucceflion ; but it has a cur Jed effe5i on many others, on whom this their defign does not fucceed. I am very fenfible, fays the bifhop, there is a great deal of impiety, and infidelity, now fpread thro* the nation. 'This gives every good mind all poffible horror *, but I mufi; tell your lordfhip, on what a great part of it, is founded ; for fince my converfation with Wilmot, earl of Ro- chefler, I have had many occafions, to dif- courfe with perfons tainted with thofe wick- ed principles ; and I do affirm it, that the greateft prejudice thefe perfons have at re- ligion, at the clergy, and at the publick wor- JJdip of God, is this ; that they fay, they fee clergymen take oaths, and ufe all prayers, both ordinary and extraordinary for the government, nnd yet, in their agings and difcourfes, and of late in their fermons, they fhew viftbly, that they look another way -, from whence they con- clude, they are a mercenary fort of people, without confcience. I hope, fays he, there are not many, that are fo corrupted, and fo fcan- dalous. I am fur e, I know a great many that are far otherwife, who preach, fpeak, and a5f, as they fwear and pray ; but thofe who atl in another way, are noify and impudent, and fo bring an imputation on the whole body, and unlcfs an effetiual flop is put to this di' Jiemper, it is not poffible to forfee all the ill confiquenccs that may follow upon it*
WHAT
The Preface, xxxix
WHA'T may^ and ought properly to he mi- derjlcod by the word church, fays the author of Refle6lions on the management of fome late par- ty difputes •, ' If we go back to the firft ages of ' Chri(tianity, the terra ^kkkwia^ which we
* tranjlate church, was the common name of
* thofe focieties of converts to that religion, as ' by circumjlances of place, and other conveniens ' cies, affernbled together to worjhip God, in that ' way they judged mofl agreeable to his will, ' And the fe focieties or churches, were fever ally « independent of one another, as to their difcipline^ *■ authority, and choice of officers, and not onl)\ ' without the protetlion, but often under profe-
< cutions from the civil power. In this flat e all ' religious Chrifiianjociet ies were called churches^ ' and continued in the fame manner, until the « time of Conftantine, who turning Chriflian, « made that religion into the efiablifhment, a?ui
< prote^ed and fecured it by human laws. ' Whereby, adds he, it appears, that there was
< no fuch thing as a national ejiablifj*d church ' //// three hundred years after Chrifl; for fo ' long was it frofn him to Conftantine the firji ' Chriftian emperor, Afterivards^ other princes ' and fupreme.magif rates, as they beca?ne Chri-.
* fiians, in other places and countries, took that ' religion under the guardianfbip of the fate, ' and prcte£led and ft cured it by the civil autho- ' rity. And thus England, after rejecting the ' Pope':i fupremacy, and at left the Roman di-
* fcipline, upon the reformation, enat'tid fuch ' laws by the civil authority, and prefcribed that ' method of ecclefiaftical government ar,d difcl- ' pline, as Jlill continues under the name of the
* church as by law ejlabli/hcd ; the conftitution
* of which is fo interwoven, by thofe wife legi-
\ f^ators.
xl Tlie Preface.
« JIators, with thejiaie, that it is their rijal i/i' ' ferejl mutually to fiipport each other; and by
* fatal experience it has been found, one can- ' vot be in danger without the others being ' fo too.
* THUS it appears^ that the word chnr^
* is taken in a twofoldfenfe ; one, as it expref-
* fes a religious fociety, without any regard to
* a civil power, or human authority % and the •* oiher, as it refpecls only that difcipline, and
* external parts of worfhip, which for decency ■■ * and order fake is left to the determination of < * every community, and is fettled by human
« laws. Therefore it is manifefl, that thofe
* perfons are grievoufly impofed upon, who are ' « perfuaded, that the controverfy between the
* Church and DiiTenters, /; upon a religious
* J^count ', that is, about matters of belief;
* for it is only about difcipline, and the cxter- ♦ ' nal parts of worfJjip ; the objetts of worfhip
* being the fame, and the fame their _ faith.
* And" therefore, while the high clergy make ' fuch an outcry about matters of the higheji con-
* cern, and behave themfehes towards the Dif- ' fenters with fo much arrogance, and with fo ' little charity, as they have done, and fill do,
* their number is not like to be leffened. They *- cannot but be foured, and prejudiced againji ' perfons, who neither in their temper, nor way ' of living, difcover any of that . benevolence, « and meeknefs, which is the chief chara^er^ ' and beauty of the Chriflian religion?
I SHALL conclude with this obfervation, how much abufed the filly multitude mujl be, who, by the noife of the church's danger, are made to apprehend the lofs of their religion, and the intrcdutlio'n of one quite different from it.
It
The Preface. xli
It is not to i^e imagined, that thofe champions" of the church, who are mofi bufy in propagating fuch a mirchievous and falfe alarm, are them- fehes fo filly as to believe it ; they cannot but know better, and be fenjible of the impoJfibHity of fuch a change, wit bout a previous fubverfion of the civil conftitution ; and therefore they muji aci upon views very different from the interefi of religion, and wilfully impofe this deceit upon the people, for fome fecular purpofes. And it is too much to be feared, that it has been only a cover to fome ill dejigns and views deftru^ive of the confiitution, both in church and fiate. Thefe trumpeters of f edition, tha' they may pretend to aim at the advancement of religion, muji know them" felves, that they mean nothing but intereft, or to gratify their ambition and vanity, and con- fequently a5f againfi the light of their- own con- fciences ; therefore, let them be ever fo orthodox in matters of faith, they may be jujlly jiiled fchifmaticks, or rather worfe, fadious, jli-dc- figning, felf-condemncd hereticks.
.<f*r
^ e ' ■s-r. — ^'■" ''* —~^ *
T 11 E
[ ^1" ]
^'^iJOX^i
THE
CONTENTS.
rj-^HE Preface.
C H A P. I.
From the end of the reign of King IFilUam, to the end of the reign of Queen Anne.
General aflemblies changed into aflbciations, 3. An affembly of thirteen churches in London, 4. A fecond affociation of ten churches in London, 9. Mr. StennetV fcheme for a ge- mral hijlory of ho.pifm^ 18. T/??^ Proteftant di [fen ting minifiers c.ddrefs to the ^een^ 23. Affairs of Jl ate, 26. A paper of 2^dw\cQ in- tended to he prefented to the reprefentatives of the city of l^ondon /;z parliament, 31. The ^een begins to change her mniflry, 35. The duke of iVIarlbcrongh obtains leave to depart the kingdc^n, 48. The new miniftry/a// cut among themfelves, yo. And very much fhock and perplex the S^tAcen^ "dubich ended in her deaths 75. The duke cfhh\T\hovo\i^ returns to England, 84. Some debates in an affem- bly of feme of the lords upon King George'j public ent?'y, 90. A fecret fcheme againjl
King
The Contents. xliii
King William and his dominions^ intended to be executed on the aflalTination plot^ 98.
Chap. II.
Containing the three firfl years of the reign of King George I.
7he particular and general Baptill minijiers unite^ 109. The addrefs of the Proteftant dijfent- ing minijiers to tbeKing^ iii. The chd^vity {chool upon YiorMy -down founded^ 114. A rebellion formed again/t the King, 125. The united body of the DiiTenters addrefs the King thereupon, 127. Mr. Jonathan Owen em- braces the principles of the Baptifts, 1 50. A generous gift of Mr. Holiis to the poor of fame baptized congregations, 155. 216^ committee of the three denominations increafed, 158. A letter from the Baptill minifters at London
, to the Baptift churches in Penfilvania, 162. A new Baptifterion in Barbican finifked, 1 64. An addrefs from the Proteftant diffenting mi- nifters to the King, 173. A public difpute intended betisjeen the Baptifts and the Quakers, 177. The 7nanner of the Baptifts ordination of their elders and deacons, 183. The Bapti- fterion iipon Horfely-down repaired, 189. The anfwer of the Baptift churches in Penfil- vania to the letter fent them from the Baptift minijiers at London, 193. The fcheme con- trived for the fupport and maintenance of ho- nourable minifters of the Baptift perfuafion^ 199. Account of Mr. Tho. Holiis, 206. And of his fon Tho. Holiis, Efq^ 210. Of John Holiis, Efq; 231. Of Mr. John Taylor, 233. Of Mordecai Abbot, Ef^i
Chap.
^'liv Tlie Contents*
Chap. Ill,
Containing an account of fpme of the mod eminent and leading men among the Englijh Bapiijis.
Mr. James Sicklemore, 245. Mr. Jeremiah iMitSy 247. Afr. William Reeve, 249. Mr, Samuc;! Coveday, 250. Afr. James Brown, 251. Dr. De Veil, 252. D^. \Villiam RufTcl, 259. Mr. William Collins, 262. Dr. Nehemiah Cox, 265. Air. Tho. Har- rifon, 266. Mr, Benj. Keach, 268. Mr, Elias Keach, 309. Mr. Sam. Ewer, 314. jVfr. John Piggott, 315. Air. Jofeph Sten- ret, 319^ Mr. Eben. Wilfon, 326. Mr. Matthew Cafiin, 328. Mr. Jofcph Maifters, 342. Mr. Richard Allen, 346. Mr. B^nj. Scinton, 348. Dr. John Gale, 0^66, Mr. John Noble, 375. Mr. Edward Wallin, 390. Mr. William Arnold, o^q^. Mr. Abraham Muliiner, 405. A fnort dijjerta- tion on the pra5iice, condtiSi and difcipUne^ of the primitive churches, 407.
^
THE
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THE y^^//i^-
I S T O R Y
O F T H E
Englifli Baptifts.
C H A p. I.
From the end of the reign of Ki7tg William, to the ejtd of the reig7t of ^uee7t Anne*
^^^^^S E are now come to a reign, Anno
-- remarkable in fome years ^7°^ Vv^ thereof for Vv^ondcrf III works, 3 and mercies, that hiftory it- ^' feh-',the facred only excepted, ^ cannot parallel. The mild, the jufl, the ^. truly Trotefiant Reign of tlie late King ': William^ of glorious memory j whofe great foul was fet fo much on the good of man- . kind, that not content to make us happy
B during
2 TTje History of the
during his own life, but looking forward thro' diftant ages to come, he bent his fpe- cial care, to tranfniit the religion and h- berties he had faved, down to the end of time ; by fecuring to thefe nations a fuccef- fion of Frotejlaiit Princes in the line of Queen Amie^ and that of the illuftrious houfe of Hanover, For tho' the French king, the chief fupporter of the pretender to her majefty's crown 3 and who, her ma- Speechin jefty alTured us, * Is certainly engaged to ^menuOei. * extirpate our religion, as well as to re- 27* 1705- * duce the kingdom to flavery," dared to proclaim the pretender king of Rn gland ^ and was then very formidable to Europe -y yet her majefty's glorious arms humbled this proud enemy, by a necelTary and jufl war, which was hlled up with a feries of prodigious fuccelles, under that confum- mate general, "John duke oi Marlborough 1, whofe name will fliine beautifully in the hiftory of this wondrous reign throughout fucceeding generations J when his Enemies fhall be loft in their own obfcurity, or re- member'd only for their fliameful ingra- titude.
The queen, upon her acceffion to the throne, made no great alteration in the ftate of affairs, as they ftood at the death of the king. Both flie, and the parlia- menty continuing to purfue thofe meafures he had fo happily begun, effeftually to fecure the liberties of Europe. The cir-
cumftances
English Baptists. 3
cumftances which attended her majefly^s acceiTion and proclamation ; her iirft Ipeeches to her council, and both houfes of parliame7it^ and the feveral addreffes which enfued,, I fhall pafs by, that I may come to matters which more immediate'ly concern the EngUfi Baptijls^ connected with the bold attempts of a faSfious party, againfl: thofe who her majefty declared,
* had given repeated proofs of the greateft ^npiver to
* warmth and concern for the fupport of ^J^^^^ ^ ' tht Revolution^ fecurity of her perfon, Mar. i'3. ' and of the Frotejlant JiicceJIlon"' And ^7°7- in her anfwer to the commons addrefs at
the fame time, ' I think, fays fhe, all
* who endeavour to make divijhns among
* my faithful fobjedts, m.ufi: be mine and
* the kingdom^s enemies. And I fliail
* never countenance any perfons, who ' will go about to lelTen the juft efleem ' which I have for thofe, who have done,
* and continue to do me, the moft eminent ' fervices.'
The inconveniences attending the Qe- General neral Afjemblics of the Baptifts, by the ^£""^^1^"* great diftance of fome who Nvere to 2X.~ huo'^ajfad- tend them (and the churches being fettled ai^°»i' in peace and unity) brought the Baptized Churches into other methods, for the regu- lating themfelvesj fo that inftead of meeting annually in general bodies 5 they met to= getlier, fome of them, at pre-appointed times, to confult together of fuch things, B 2 as
^ l^he History of the
as might have a tendency to the well- being and good of the whole j and com- municated by letters to each of the con- gregations, their proceedings, conclulions, and agreements. Anno In the month oi j^pril 1704, the mi-
* 7°4- niflers and melTengers of thirteen churches, biyofvx ^^ ^^^ about the city oi London^ held an churches in Afjembly at Lorimers Hall^ which conti- London. j^^e^j three days. This afTembly was open- ed with a fuitable fermon in publick, by the reverend Mr. yoh?2 Piggott, And af- ter they had, in prayer, fought the lord, for his direction and bleffing on their deli- berations, they chofe Mr. Richard Adams moderator, and then proceeded to read the letters from the churches, and ferioufly de- bate the matters therein contained, and fent their agreements to each of the churches. All which they fubmitted to be approved, or refufed, as fliould feem moll meet to them. Prelimi- This Ajfembly agreed to the following narusof preliminaries or rules, for the re";ula- tion 01 their decates.
I. That what xhi?> A[Je77ibly fliall agree to, fliall be propoled to the feveral churches, whofe melTengers are prefent, only by way of Advice, and not be accounted binding to any church, any farther than the approbation and confent of fuch churches ihall make them fo.
2. That
English Baptists. 5
2. That to prevent all interruptions and diforder in debates, every perfon fliall ftand up when he fpeaks, direding his difcourfe to the moderator ; and no other perfon flmll fpeak till he fits down.
3. That no opinion, wherein any of the, churches reprcfented in this Ajjembly, differ from the reft, fliall be controverted in this AJjhnbly.
4. That the feveral matters recom- mended to the conhderation of this Afjem- bl)\ by letters from the churches^ be con- fidered in the fame order in which the letters have been read, and that no other bufinefs intervene.
It was unanimoufly agreed to in this "Theh- con, affembly, That it would tend much to the 'j^f^l''^^,^ edification of the churches, frequently to jnents. keep days of fafting and prayer in each congregation 5 and fometimes for feveral churches to affemble together on fuch oc- cafions, when it can be conveniently at- tained. Alfo, That it is an irregular pra- d:ice for one church to receive members from another, without recommendation, or at leafl without fending meffengers to the church from whence fuch perfons come, in order to their regular difmifHon. And that it is the duty of fuch perfons, who defire to be difmifled from one church to another, refpectfully to fignify their reaforjj or reafons, for fuch a difmiffion,
P 3 t^ '
T'he History of the
to the churcli to which they belong. Alfo, Thiit the members of each church ouglit ordinarily to attend the worfhip of God, in the church to which they relate j and that to make a common prad^ice of deferting the alTemblies to which they be- long, is a great difcouragement to the mi- nillers of fuch churches, a hindrance to the carrying on the work of God in fiich churches; occafions negled: of the poor among them ; and that the continuance of fuch a pradice has a tendency to weak- en, and will, perhaps, in time ilTue in the dilTolution of fome churches. Alfo, That the churches be informed, that it is the opinion of this j^ffejjibly^ that the dodrine of fanftification, by the imputation of the holinefs of Chriil's nature, does in its con- fequence, render inherent holinefs, by the -holy Spirit, unneceilary, and tends to over- throw natural as well as revealed Religion. Alfo, That it is the opinion of this JJjcm- hl\\ that in cafe the minor part of any church break off their communion from that church, the church-flate is to be ac- counted to remain v/ith the major part. And in cafe the inajor part of any church be fundam.entally corrupted with herefy and immorality, the minor part may, and ought to feparate from fuch a degenerate fociety, and either join themfelves to fome regular church or churches ; or elfe, if they are a competent number, may
con-
English Baptists.
conftitute a church-ftate, by a folemn covenant among themfelves. Alfo, That it be recommended to the feveral ajfociate churches, reprefented by this Affembly ; that each church do make an annual col- lection, for the relief of fuch minifters in and about the city of London^ dwelling within the, limits of the weekly bills of mortality, who have but a fmall Allow- ance from the churches to which they be- long. Alfo, That it is the opinion of this Ajjemhly^ that the ordination of perfons to the office of an Elder ^ or that of a Dea- con^ by the impoiition of the hands of the elderfhip, is an ordinance of Jefus Chrift ftill in force. Alfo, That it would be highly ufeful, that a Fund of money be fettled and maintained, either by fub- fcriptions or colledions, as each church fhall think mofl expedient, for the educa- tion of pious young men, who are in com- munion with one or other of thefe ajfociate churches, and are bleffed with promiiing gifts, in order for the better fitting of them, for the work of the miniftry ^ and alfo, for the furnifliing of others, who have not time to attain the knowledge of the tongues, and fome other parts of ufeful learning, with fuch EngliJJo books, as may be thought moft proper, for their affiftance and im- provement. And that this be recommend-? ed to e^ch particular church,
8 4 Ths
8 Tide History of the
The churches of which this afTcmbly confiiled v/ere : -
1. The church meeting \n Old Gravel- lane^ near IVapping, Their meirengers were Mr. ^john Gardiner^ Mr. Benjamin Cooper^ and Mr. Benjamin Gander.
2. The church meeting at Pinners-hall^ prelent, Mr. joftpb Slcnnet^ paftor, Mr, Mark Haivkins^ ' Mr. yokn Gee.
' 3. The church meeting upon Horfely- down^ Southicark^ prefent Mr. Benjamin Keach, paftor, Mr. Benj. Sti/iton^ Mr. yqpjua Farro'w.
4. The church meeting in Virginia- Jireet, prefent, Mr. Tko. Daiv/on, Mr.
Humphry Burroughs^ Mr. Richard Glover.
5. The church meeting in Shad%vell^ prefent, Mr. Nat'h. V/yles, paftor, Mr. yohn Brandy Mr. Caleb Hooker.
6. The church meeting at himehoufe^ prefent, Mr. Leonard Harrijbn, paftor, Mr. Robert PFynn, fAr. Stephen Ba?2ti?2ck.
■J. The church meeting near Spittle- Jields, prefent, Mr. Robert Cheney^ Mr. Lio7iel Sharps Mr. James Pope.
■ 8. The church meeting ^t Devonfiire- fquare^ prefent, Mr. Rich. Adams^ paftor, Mr. Mark Key, Mx. John Toms.
9. The churcli meeting at Joyners- hall^ prefent, Mr. Jo/eph Maijiers, paftor, Mr. Rich. Pain^ Mr. joh?! Tracers.
10. The church meeting in Little Wild-ftrectj prefent, ?vlr. John Piggott^ ' paftor.
English Baptists. 9
pallo!-, Mr. Richard Aland^ Mr. Henry Clare.
11. The church meeting at the BagjiiOy prefent, Mr. Joh?i Skmier, Mr. Thomiis Lampetf^ Mr. George Cap ft a ff'.
12. The church meeting at Lorimers- hall^ prefent, M.v. Robert By afid, Mr.G^o. Richard/on^ Mr. Richard Wilkinfon.
13. The church meeting in Whitc- ftreet^ prefent, Mr. Rich. Parkes, paftor, Mr. Francis Sinn, Mr. John Coombs.
About this time the reverend Mr. /^//, vicar of Shoreham in Ke72fj pubHilied his Hiiliory of Infant Baptiffn, for which he had the thanks of the convocation. The iam.e was well, and learnedly anfwered by the reverend Dr. Gale.
On the 25th o^ March 1705, was held Anno another Aftenibly of ten ajfociate churches, ^^°5- by their reprefentatives, njiz. the church afodation at yoy?iers-hallj the church at Tinners- ^^^" hall, that at Limehoufe, that at White- LondtV'' fireet, that in Virgifiia-Jlreet, that at Shad- ivell, that upon Horfely-down , that at Little JVild-ftreet, that at Spittlefields^ and that in Barbican.
After a very fuitable fermon, preach- ed in publick by the reverend Mr. Jofeph Stennet, for which he had the thanks of the AJjembly returned him, with their de- fire to him to print the fame. And after having by folemn prayer, invoked the di- vine direction and bleffing on their deliber- ations.
lO The History of the
ations, yiv.yofeph Stennet being chofen 7nOr derator^ they proceeded to the feveral mat- ters before them ; having dehberately read the letters, and heard the meflengers from l/Ianu- the faid feveral churches j * And here, fay vtlL me * ^^^Yj ^'^^^^ great joy and thankfuhiefs ' to God, we cannot omit to mention, ' that great harmony, and that fpirit of
* love and peace, which appeared in every ' reprefentative in this AJjhnbly ^ info- ' much, that all things were not only de- ' bated with great calmnefs and modera-
* tion, but the matters agreed on, palTed, ' with the unanimous confent of all pre-
* fent fo that it was rare to obferve one dif- *- fenting vote among us.'
After the reprefentatives of the above named churches were affembled, ' We be- ing informed, fay they, that our beloved brethren, Mr. 'John Ward^ Mr. Mark Key^ Mr. Be?ij. Cooper^ and Mr. Ebene^ zer Wilfon^ deiired to be admitted into the Ajjembiy^ only as auditors of our debates, and agreements, we readily confented thereto, and they were accordingly ad- ^ mitted.' j
The preliminaries being the fame in ^ fubftance with thofe agreed to in the pre- ceding Affembly^ I fhall omit them.
In this AJJembly they did read over para- graph by paragraph, the letter fent to the churches, reprefented in the laft AJjembly ; and thought it neceifary to recommend
English Baptists. li
afreili, to the care and confideration of the feveral churches reprefented in this jlffem^ bl)\ the feveral matters thereby recom- mended to the churches, fo far as the fame any way concerned them, and then they proceed, and fay, * We further lig- nify to you, that this AJfemhly being in- formed, that there are feveral perfons, Vv^ho call themfelves Baptijis^ and meet at JVinchefler-hcuJe^ near Saint Mary 0-veries Dock^ in Soi^thwark^ who pre- tend to have formed themfelves into a church of Chrift, different from the bap- tized churches in Lo7idon, and are com- pofed chiefly, if not only, of perfons who were under the cenfure or dealing of fome churches ; or after a diforderly manner rent themfelves from fundry churches in this ajfociation, and from other baptized churches; and that they receive perfons into their faid fociety, without due recommendation from, or fatisfadtion to the refped;ive churches, to which fuch perfons did belong; and do take a liberty to refled: upon, and re- vile the baptized churches, and their minifters. And all thefe allegations be- ing fully proved to the fatisfadion of this Ajjembly^ agreed, I. That it is the opinion of this Af- fejnbly^ that the faid perfons meeting at Winchejler-houfe are not, nor ought to be efteemed, nor owned, as a church of Chrift.
2. That
12 Tide History of the
2. That it is the opinion of thisAffe/H'- hly^ that it is irregular and diforderly, for any members of a baptized churchy to join themfelves to them, or to frequent, or any way encourage or countenance the faid meeting at Winchefier-houfe.
3. And we do recommend it to all the churches in this Ajfociatio?:, to dilTuade their members from any fuch prad:ices, and to mark them that attend fuch an irre- gular meeting, as walking diforderly.
The reprefentatives of the church meet- ing in Barbican, having informed the Af- fembly, that they had it in charge from the faid church, to recommend to this Affejii- bly, that they will endeavour to prevail with, and give due encouragement to Mr. yofeph Stennetj to write a General Hifto- ry of Baptifm, in defence of the prad:ice of the baptized churches. And the Ajjefnbly being informed, that upon feveral meet- ings with Mr. Stermet, he had been pre- vailed with to prepare a title page, and the heads of feveral chapters proper for fuch a book, which, at the defire of the Affem- bly, he was pleafed to read j tho' he let the AJfembly know, that he feared the cir- cumftances of his health, and his other affairs, would not permit him to undertake the fame.
Agreed unanimouily,That it is the opi- nion of this AjJ'embly, that fuch an hiftory as propofed would be of great ufe and be- nefit
English Baptists. ij
fit to the publick. That Mr. Stennet be, d he is hereby intreated to write the faid [lory. That this AJjembly will, to the moll, encourage, and promote the faid )rk. That a committee be appointed to nfult Mr. Stennet more particularly out the faid Hiftory ; and to confider of z beil method of defraying the charge ?reof i and that they likewife take the iflance of any other perfbns, whom they unt proper, whether they relate to the fociation or not. That the faid Commit- i confifl: of one member of each church this AJjociation^ to be approved by the d churches, and now nominated and ap- inted by their reprefentatives. And the [lowing perfons were nominated, and ap- inted to be the faid committee, 'uiz.
r. "JoJm 'Taylor^ 'M.Y.Abra. Atkins^
r. John Valley, Mr. Rich. Alaiid,
r, John Brand, IS/iv.yohn Burroughs^
r. Abra. Hickman, ^iv. Hum. Burroughs
r. Geo. Jarvts, Mr. Rich, Wilkinfon,
nd that any four of the faid perfons, hen met, may ad; in the affair. And at the faid committee do meet at Deer- gs Co^ee-houfe in Finch-lane, on Monday ;xt, at five of the clock in the afternoon, id adjourn from time to time, as they all think fit.
Thus the Baptifts have continued to eet in ajjociate AJJemblies, not only in
Lon-
i/^ The History of the
London^ but alfo in feveral other parts of the kingdom. That at London, in the year 1739, in the V/hitfon week, was opened by the reverend Mr. Jofofi Maul- den, who preached a very liiitable fermoa on the occafion, which gave fuch general fatisfadion, that he not only received the thanks of the AJJmbh, but was alfo de- fired by them to print the flime. I fliail^ not mention the particular tranfaciions ot this aiTembly, but only obferve. That their proceedings and deliberations were with o-reat unity, peace, and concord, and that they beftowed an honour upon Mr. Maid- den, by eleding him to the dignity of the office of a Mejjenger to the baptized churches, an office parallel with (in ho- nour, tho' not fo beneficial) that of a bi- fhop, if not an archbiQiop, in the efta- bliffied church, t have made this tran- fition, to end with affociatcd Jjlembhes. But why fome of the ^Baptift minifters at London, and particularly thofe who make up the Baptift board, as they are called, have left this laudable care of their churches I cannot tell. The reverend Mr. Baxter, who may well be fol'owed e-ure of in fome things, tells us, * That the Hate church di- c q£ j-j^g flocks doth ufualiy follow the' p.^Ts. ' ftate of the Paprs, is known by the
* experience of all the churches, in all « ages and places in the v/orld. Where
* there is a holy, faithful, able, diligent,
' -and
English Baptists. 15
* and concordant miniftry, there is ufual- ' ly a reformed and agreeing people. And < where there is an ignorant, lazy, for-
* mal, ungodly, and contentious miniflry ; f there is either a people divided, or elfe
* agreeing in ignorance, formality, and
* ungodlinefs j at leail if fuch a miniftry
* have been long among them. And we
* need no other proof, fays he, of this,
* and of the chief caufe of the peoples di- ' vifions and miftakes, than the accu6- ' tion, and charges of the mi?iijiers againft
* each other'
I AM well fatisfied, That the only way, under the guidance and direction of God's holy Spirit, to prevent difcord^ and the fpread of error ^ would be by the compaf- lion and tendernefs of minifters, fliewed towards the weaknefTes of the people, who cannot be expeded to equal them in knowledge ; and by adhering to the an- cient fimple Chriftianity, making nothing neceflary to concord and communion, but what Chriil himfelf has made ; impartially judging of men by God's intereft in them, and not by their own, or their parties. It is Chrift that muft be followed, and not Calvin nor Arminius. Mofes, the greatell: I prophet that ever was, declared it. A prophet, fays he, fiall the Lord your God raife up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me, him (hall ye hear in all things, ivhatfoever he jhall fay imto you. Are the
pe-
%6 The History of the
peculiar diflinguifliing doctrines of Cahin,^ or Jj'-mmhis, effcntial to u Chriftian ? If not, why are they made elfential to com- munion one with another ? Nay, elfential^ to bar that Chriftian charity (I mean of being relieved in want, which is due unto all men) from the latter, and to be difpen- fed only to the former. Oh ! that thofe concerned would lay thefe things to heart, and not make their peculiar diftinguijUng doBrines a necefiary condition of commu- nion. Peace and concord are amiable even to nature. And the beft means to win the world to the love of holinefs, is by fhcw- ino- them, that holinefs doth make you unfeigned, and fervent in the love of one anoth^er. What praife can they expert from Chrifl their divine mailer, who make the door to a profeffion of his rehgion firaiter than he has left it ?
I HAVE been the more large refpeding the condaa of the Baptifts, in their Gene- ral Affemblies and Jljociations, becaufe of that declenfion fome of the prefent time feem to be under. They have not only dechned in their love towards tlieir bre- thren, for being more large in the extejits of Chrift's death than themielves j but alfo in their love and care towards their bre- thren of their own opinions, in negleding to affociate themfelves with fome of the judicious lay-brethren, as the pradice of the reft is, to confult together for the good
of!
\
English Baptists. 17
of the whole. And here, I think, the
words of the prophet Ezekiel may not be
mifappHed. T'hou fin of Man^ jhew the Ezek.
hoiij'e^ to the houfi of Ifrael, that they may ^''" '^»
be ajhamed of their hiiqiiities^ and let them
meafure the pattern. And if they be a-
fhamed^ of all that they have done j jhew
them the form of the houfe^ and the fa/kion
thereof and all the ordinances thereof^ and
all the forms thereof^ and all the laws
thereof^ and write it in their fight ^ that
they may keep the whole form thereof-^ a;id
^11 the ordinances thereof^ and do them.
Bat to return,
' 'Tis no wonder, that a perfon of Mr.
Ste?i72efs learning, and known character,
had fo large a fliare in the management of
affairs among tb.e Baptifts \ and that cafes
of difficulty, relating to that intereft, from
all parts of the kingdom -, and fome from
remoter climates, came under his care.
The charadler that he gained, by his an-
fwer to Ruficn^ put his friends on foliciting
him, to undertake that fi^reat work, which ■J . <j '
he intended to have performed, and was for lome years collecting materials for it 5 but tire ill flate of his health prevented his making any confiderable progrefs in it.
The large extent, and great ufefulnefs of this deiign, may in fome meafure ap- pear by the foliov/ing ficheme^ taken from a draught yet remaining in the hands of a friend of his.
C *It
i8
Life of Mr. Sten- net,/. 21.
The History of the
* It was propofed, fays the author of his life, that next to the fcripture ac- count, a particular coliedion (hould be made out of the authentic writers, of the firft, fecond, and third centuries, of every thing material relating to baptijm ; and a like colledion from the authors of the following centuries down to the time of the reformation ; particular care being taken to examine the books which re- late to the ancient Petro-brtiJia?2s^ Alhi- ge?ijh, and Waldenjes. That all thofe rabbinical books fhould be fearched, which give any account of the baptijm of profelytes among the Jews ; as alfo fuch Chriftian writers, who argue for, or againfl it. That all Chriftian liturgies, and councils ancient or modern, fliould be examined, with relation both to the mode and fubjeBs of baptijm. That in- quiry fhould be made into the different fentiments of Frotejlants about Baptijm at the time of the reformation : and par- ticularly, for a juft account of the cir- cumllances of the German and Hunga- rian Anti-psdobaptifls. That all the Englijh books which have controverted thefe points, fince the reformation, fliould be confulted; the arguments on both fides drawn out, and- remarks made, how the writers of the church of Eng- land^ and thofe of the Dijfenters^ mili- tate with refpe(^ to PadobaptiJ'm, That
rfi
English Baptists. 19
* a correfpondence fliould be fettbd with
* perfons of approved integrity and learn-
* Jng, in different parts beyond the feas,
* to furnifli fuch books and accounts as ' might give a juft idea of the ftate of the
* Anti -pcedobaptifls abroad. That affi-
* ftance Ihould be given to the author of
* the intended Hiftory, from enquiries
* made by others, in the feveral periods of
* it ; but that whatever materials were col-
* leded by other hands, he fhould him- , ' felf examine all the citations, digeft
* them into fuch order as he thought fit,
* making proper reflections throughout the ' whole work. Such a plan well and ju- ' dicioully executed, would doubtlefs have ' fet this fubje6l in a very full and juft
* light, and contributed not a little to the
* removal of thofe heats zxA prejudices^ for
* the future, which formerly have too of- ' ten appeared in difcourfes concerning ' haptijm j fo that it may well be efteem- ' ed an unhappinefs to the public, that he
* did not live to finidi it.'
How much Mr. Stennefs abilities were efteemed by the learned, may be mad? appear in m.any inilances. The reverend Dr. Wall himfelf, after fome converfation with him J in a letter he wrote to him, ex- preifes himfelf thus, * Upon reading over lb. p. *|j
* the fheets, I could wilh, I had revifed
* another place or two where I mention
* you. I would, how much foever wc
C 2 * differ
4^ The I-IisTORY of the
' diiTer,- have exprelTcd fomething mor^ * ofrefpeit.'
The repeated fuccefTes, with which it pleafed God, to blefs the arms of her ma- jeily, and her alHes, under the condudt and command of the duk^oi Marlborough ; in wh.ich he performed fuch great and glo- rious fervices, for the nation and its aUies, and defervedly attained to that high pitch of honour and riink, as was the admira- tion of the^ whole world, was particularly taken notice of by the houfe of Commons -,
I>fc^3- they voted. That the thanks of this houfe ^ * be given to his grace the duke of Marlbo- rough, for his eminent fervices to her majeily and this kingdom, in the great and glorious victories and fuccefTes, ob- tained over the common enemy in the
Dec. 5. lafl campaign. The houfe of Commons pre- fented their addrefs to her majefty, as did the hoiije of Lords another, doing the fame honour to the duke. And the Lord Keeper, William Cowper, Efq; made a fpeech to jiim in the -houfe of Peers j which be- ing fliort, I fliall venture to infert it, tho* it- may be deemed not pertinent to my kiflory.
' My lord duke of Marlborough,
*> ^ T Am commanded by this houfe, to give
^ ^ your Grace their acknowledgments
* and thanks, for the eminent fervices you
* have done fince the lafl feflions of par-
' liament^
English Baptists.' 2i
liament, to her majeft;/, and your coun- try, together with their confederates, in this jufl; and neceflliry war. ' Tho' your former fucceffes againfl the power of France, while it remained un- broken, gave moft reafonal le exped:a- ■ : tion, that you would not fail to improve them ; yet what your Grace has per- . formed this laft campaign, has far ex- ceeded all hopes, even of liich, as were moft affedionate and partial to their country's intereft, and your glory. The advantages you have gained againft the enemy are of fuch a nature, fo confpicu- ous of themfelves j fo undoubtedly owe- ing to your courage and conduct 5 fo fen- iibly and univerfally beneficial, in their confequences, to the v/hole confederacy, that to attempt to adorn them, with the colouring of words, would be vain and inexcufable j and therefore I decline it, the rather, becaufe I iliould certainly of- fend that great modefty, which alone can, and does add luftre to your adlions^ and v/hich, in your Grace's example, has luccefsfuUy withftood as great trials, as that virtue has met with in any inftance whatfoever. And I beg leave to {■dy, that if any thing could move your Grace to refled: with much fatisfadiion on your own merit, it v/ould be this; that fo a2/.gi{/i an A[jembly does, with one voice, praiie and thank you. An honour, which C 3 *a
i22 The History of the
* ajudgmentjfofure as that of your Grace's,
* to think rightly of every thing, cannot
* but prefer to the oflentation of a publick
* triumph/
pec. 17. The houfe of Lords prefented an addrefs to the Queen in fivour of the duke of 20. Marlborough. And a bill from the Lords, intitled, An aSl for the fettling the honours and dignities 0/ John duke o/' Marlborough, upon his poferit)\ and annexing the ho?iour, and nianour of Woodfiock, and houfe of Blenheim, to go along with the honour s^ was read three times by the houfe of Com- mons^ and pafled, nemine contradicente 5 and the next day it had the royal affent.
Other addrelTes were prefented to the Queen on the like occailon. I ihall only mention that of the Diffenters, in which the Baptifs are included. For in the be- ginning of the reign of the Queen, at whofe acceffion to the throne the I'ljfen- ters united in their addreffes to the court. They had formed themfelves into a com- mittee of the three denominations, to con- fult of public affairs for the good of the whole. It conlifted oi four minifters of t-ie Prefhyterian perfuafion, three of the Independents, and three of the Baptijis, who were all chofen by thofe of their own de- nomination, Anno The addrefs was drawn up by Mr. Sten-
.1706. ^gf^ ^j^j prefented to the Queen at Win^f-
firy
English Baptists. 23
fir^ June ij^ by the reverend Mr. John Spademajt^ introduced by the Lord trea- furer Godolphin. It had the honour to be highly commended by the Lord chancellor Cowper, and was as folio weth.
' To the ^een's mojl excellent Majejiy\
* The humble Addrefs of the Proteftant dif- * fenting minijlers^ of the fever al deno-
• * minations^ in and about the cities of ' London and Weftminfler.
* May it pleafe your Majejiy, HP H E late furprizing progrels of your Majefty's forces, and thofe of your Allies in Flanders^ under the command of the moft illuftrious prince, the duke of Marlborough ; and of thofe in Spain^ commanded by the noble earls of Peter- borough and Gallway^ happily fupported by your royal navy, under the condu(5t of your prudent and valiant admirals, engages us humbly to congratulate your Majefty, on fo glorious an occalion, The fignal anfwer it has pleafed God to return to thofe devout prayers, w^hich your Majefty and your People, by your dire- dion, addreffed to heaven, infpires us with a joy, equal to the mortification it gives your enemies. And while your Majefty afcribes your many vid:ories to the arm of the Almighty, and repeats your royal commands to your People, to C 4 * offer
24 The History of the
^ offer him folemn thankfgivings ; we can- ' not but look on your Majefty's piety as ^ an hopeful pledge of the like future
* fuccefs.
' As the important confequences of yo,ur
* Majefty's triumphs make a daily accef-
* fion to your glory, fo they give us an
* agreeable profpedl, of the fpeedy redu- ' (ftion of the power of France to its juft ' limits, the reftitution of liberty and peace
* to Europe^ the effectual relief of the re-
* formed churches abroad, and the fecuri-.
* ty of that provilion the law has made for ' a Proteftmit fiiccejjion to the crown of
* this kingdom.
* We gratefully acknowledge the fhare
* we have in the bleffings of your Maje- ' fty's auipicious reign, ^yhich preferves to
* us both our civil and rehgious liberties •, ' and take this occafion to renew to your ' Majefiy, the alfurance of our inviolable ^ fidelity ; to which not only our interell: ' and inclination, but the facred ties .of
* gratitude and confcience oblige us. And ^ we fhall ufe our utmoft endeavours, in ' our feveral ilations, to promote that u- ' nion and moderation among your Prote- ' Jiattf fubjeds, fo often recommended by ' your Majefty, as highly necefiary to the ^ common fafety.
' May the divine Providence, that has ^ made your Majefty, not only head of the
* Protejlant intereft, but chief in the con-
' federacy.
English Baptists. 25
federacy, for the glorious caufe o^ com- mon Liberty, give your Majefty the fa- tisfadion of feeing both more firmly eftablilhed than ever, by the influence of your councils, and fuccefs of your arms. May your Majelty's exemplary piety, zeal for the reformation of manners, and parental care of all your People, even thofe of the remoteil colonies, be emi- nently rewarded by the great God, with the confiant profperity of your govern- ment. May your reign- be honoured with an happy union of your two King- doms of Great Brita'm. May your royal Confort the prince enjoy a confirmed health. May your Majelly continue to rule in the hearts of your People, and be late advanced to a throne of Glory in the kingdom of heaven. So pray
' Tour Majeftfs moft loyal^ rnoft * obedient Jubjecis andfe?'vanfs/
The enemies oi Religion and Liberty be- Anno ginning now to ihev/ their heads, and fuch a *^°*' furprizing change in the affairs of flate ob- tained in their fa vour,gave life to the expiring powxr of the French monarch, and ecHpfed thegloryofherMajefty's reign, which had hi- therto been cro v/ned with laurels of vicftory ,fo ' as to fill herfriends with wonder,and her ene- mies with fear. I {hall, from Mr. Lediard*s Hiftory of the life of the duke o/'Marlborough, and others, colled; fome paffages refped-
ing
S6
Life of duke of Marlbo- rough, V, II. p.230.
The History of the
ing the ftate, during the remainder of this reign ; which having a tendency, and were defigned to fubvert our religious and civil liberties, I prefume may not be an unplea- fing digreflion to thofe, who are zealoufly affe(5ted with our happy conftitution, which took place at the end of this reign, not- withftanding the attempts of thofe who endeavoured to fubvert it, by procuring the remove of the patrons of liberty, thofe noble Englijh Patriots, I had almoft faid Bapfijis; inafmuch as our Lord himfelf faid, He that is fiot againji lis is on our part 5 or according to another evangelift, is for us.
* The dutchefs of Marlborough^ fays Mr. Lediard^ who hitherto had almoll engroffed the Queen's favour, began now ' very much to decline in her Majefty's efteem, and in the credit fhe had for- merly had. Her Grace had introduced one Mrs. Majharn into the Queen's fer- vice i and tliis lady had found means to infinuate herfelf fo far into the Queen *s good graces, that flie began to eclipfe the dutchefs, and to become almoft her Majefty's only favourite. Mr. Hariey\ afterwards earl of Oxford^ then fecreta- ry of ftate, and at the head of the party which oppofed the duke and his adhe- rents, and was endeavouring to fupplant them at court, began like wife to grow daily in the Queen's favour, and to have
* great
English Baptists. 27
great influence over her meafures. Two difcoveries were made at this time, un- luckily for Mr. Harley^ one was of a pri- vate correfpondence carried on with Frmice by one Gregg^ a clerk of the fe- cretaries office, whom this gentleman had not only entertained, but taken into a particular confidence, who was here- upon tried and executed for it ; but it did not appear that Mr. Harley was any way privy to, or had given the leaft countenance to this illicit correfpon- dence. The other. That Valiere and Bara^ whom he had employed as his fpies, to go oft over to Calais^ under the pretence of bringing him intelligence, were informed againS: as fpies employed by France^ to get intelligence from Eng- land. They were often complained of upon fufpicion, tut were always protect- ed by Mr. Harley j yet the prefump- tions againil them were fo violent, that they v/ere at laft feized on, and brought up prifoners for it. Thefe accidents might make Mr. Hay-ley more earneH: to bring about a change in the condud of affairs, in which he relied on the credit of the new favourite. * The duke oi Marlborough 2.ndi the lord Treafurer having difcovered many of his practices, laid them before the Queen. She would believe nothing that was fug- gefled to his prejudice ; nor would fhe
* enter
The History of the
enter into any examination of his ill con- dud:, but was uneafy when fhe heard it fpoke of. So thefe lords wrote to the Queen, that they could ferve her no longer, if he was continued in that poll:. The Sunday following, when they were fummoned to a cabinet council, they both went to the Queen, and told her, they mufl quit her fervice, lince they faw fhe was refolved not to part with Harley, She feemed not much concerned at the lord Godolphins offering to lay down, and it was believed to be part of Mr. Harley^ new fcheme to remove him. But fhe was much touched with the duke of MarlborougJfs offering to quit, and flu- died with fome foft expreffions to divert him from that refolution. But he was firm, and fhe did not yield to them ; fo they both went away, to the wonder of the whole court. Immediately after, the Queen went to the cabinet council, and Mr. Harley opened fome mutters reia- ting; to foreigrn affairs. The whole board was very uneafy. The duke of Sotnerfet faid, he did not fee how they could deli- berate on fuch matters, fmce the General was not with them. He repeated this with fome vehemence, whilfl all the reft looked fo cold and fuUen, that the cabi- net council was foon at an end ; and the Queen faw, that the reft of her minijiers^ and the chief officers, were refolved to
* with-
English Baptists'. 29
withdraw from her fervice, if {he did not recal the Two that had left it. It was faid, that flie would have put all to the hazard, if Mr. Harley himfelf had not apprehended his danger, and refolved to lay down. The queen fent the next day for the duke of Marlborough, and after fome expoftulations, flie told him, Harley fliould immediately leave his poft, which he did vv'ithin two days. But the Queen feeined to carry a detp refentment of his, and the Lord Godol- phin\ behaviour on this occaiion ; and tho' they went on with their bulinefs, they found they had not her confidence. The dutchefs of Marlborough did for fome wTeks abftain from going to court ; but afterwards that breach v/as made up in appearance. Both hoiifes of Parlia- ment exprefled a great concern at. this' rupture in the court, and apprehended the ill effe(5ts it might have. The Com- mons let the bill of fupply lye on the ta- ble, tho' it was ordered for that dav ; and the Lords appointed a committee to examine Gregg, and the other prijbnen. As Harley laid down, Har court then Attorney general, Manfell the Comptio- ler of the houihold, and S,t, 'John the Se- cretary of war, went and laid down with him.
' A FEW days after this breach happened * at court, the Nation \Vas alarmed by news
* from
^0 Tthe History of the
from Holland^ of a defign which the Frefich no longer kept, or could keep a fecret, that they were fending the prince of Wales to Scotlandy with a fleet and an army to pofTefs himfelf of that kingdom. He embarked when it was too late, and when all reafonable hopes of effedting any thing to the purpofe was loft ; in io mL:ch, that it was next to a miracle that he, together with his little fleet, did not fall into the hands of the Englijh, Which gave occafion to a report, that Lewis XIV. would willingly have loft his fhips to have been rid at the fame time of his gueft. By the ^'i^ilance of the Queen and her minifters, this delign was de- feated.*
At this critical jundlure of publick af- fairs, when the Parliament was called in 1708. It was the opinion of many emi- nent citizens, with the approbation of fe- veral noble and zealous affertors of the Englifl liberties, that a Paper of advice prelented by the citizens of London to their reprefentatives would be very fealbnable. Mr. Steiinefs pen was made choice of for this purpofe, which he performed with a fpirit fo becoming the perfbns in whofe name it was written ; and with fo decent a regard to the characters of thofe gentlemen to whom it was direded, as render it wor- thy of this Hiftory, tho' for fome reafons it was not prefented. The Paper is as fol- lows. * Gen-
English Baptists. 3c
' Gentlemen,
* A ^ y°^ h2i\& the honour to be chofen
* **■ to reprefent this great city in the en-
* fuing Farli anient, fo it is hoped it will ' not be difagreeable to you, to know the ' fenfe of the generahty of your eledlors,
* concerning the prefent pofture of pubhc ' afEiirs, and after what manner it is ex- ' pecked you will acquit your felves of the
* trult rcpofed in you.
' 'Tis your fortune to be chofen at a ' very critical junBure of time ; and the < auguft AJjeinbU, of which you are to be
* a part, will, in all appearance, have be-
* fore them fome oi the m.oft important
* affairs that ever were debated in Parlia-
* ment ', on the prudent management of
* which, under the divine providence, not
* only the happinefs of this city and nation,
* but the welfare of the whole Frotefiant
* intereft, and the greatefl part of E.urope ' depends.
* All the v/orld is convinced of the
* truth of that which her Majelly has io
* juftly obferved ; that the late infolent at-
* tempt of the pretender, muft needs have ' been encouraged by fecret enemies of the
* government here at home; and their
* party appears too confiderable to be either
* defpifed or negled:ed j which renders it
* highly probable, that a Britijh parlia^
* ment will think it neceflary to enquire in-'
*to
32 T'he History of the.
to the hidden fprings of that wicked and bloody delign j that by detecting the treafon of our intefline enemies, and by bringing the chief of them to j lift ice, the reft may not flatter themfeives, that they may commit the blackeft crimes with impunity ; and that their confederates abroad, by obferving the ftrength and fteadinefs of the Britijl? gover?7ient, may be difcouraged from engaging in the like prefumptuous enterprizss for time to come.
' We tlrerefore rely on your integrity and zeal, that when the plot, on which the intended invafton was founded, comes to be examined, you will contribute all you can to the difcovery of that treache- ry, and concur with thofe prudent mea- fures, which the wifdom of the nation iliall think fit to take, for the fecurity of her Majefty's perfon and government from fuch horrid confpiracies for the fu- ture. A leafonable and nice fcrutiny in- to tliis dark aftair, will probably bring to light fome of the myfterious caufes of thofe uncommon difficulties; under which the government has fo much laboured ; and may open a way to Ibme proper me- thod for the revival and fecurity of trade -, which is an article the reprefentatives of this city can never forget, without being guilty of a negligence and fupinenefs not
to be forgiven.
' There.
English Baptists. .33
*T»EREFORE we cafinot omit to charge you, with the necefTary care of making in Farliament a full and lively reprefentation of the calamities we have long fuffered, fometimes for want of convoys, and cruifers, fometimes by their unaccountable delays, and the unfeafon- able time of their failing, as well as by the undue preliing of men out of our merchant (hips, by which our trade has been almoft entirely ruined, and her Ma- jeily's revenue very much diminifhed.
* We moreover earneftly delire you would embrace every occafion that may offer in a parliamentary way, to confo- lidate the happy union of England and Scotland^ and to render it as compleat as poffible } for you cannot be ignorant, how much the welfare of Great Britain^ and indeed of all Europe^ is concerned in the keeping of that union inviolable ; and how much the confirmation of it will tend to mortify all thofe who wifh ill to our happy conftitution.
* And how much foever peace is to be defired, efpecially after a long and ex- penfive war ; yet it is fo evident, that it is impoflib!': for the ballance of power in Europe to be preferved, and the trade of this nation to be retrieved, without re- ducing the exorbitant power of France to juft limits, and relloring the crown of Spain to the houfe of Aufiria -, that we
D * think
34 ^^ History of the
^ think it much more eUgible, to. bear the -* burthen of a jufl and neceflary war, than ^ weakly to fall into the obvious fnare of ^ a dijl^onourabk and dtjiruSiive peace. * We hope therefore, you will do all
* that becomes our reprefentatives to fup- ^ port the glorious caufe of Liberty^ in ' which her Majefty, and the Nation are ^ engaged, till Peace can be attained on "■ honourable and lafting terms, according ' to the unanimous refolution of the late ' Parliatnent.
" We conclude in affuring you, that if ' you are delirous to oblige us, you can
* do it in nothing fo much, as in fliewing
* a forward zeal for the vindication of her ' Majeily's rightful and lawful Title to the ' crown (a Title founded on the juft and *" glorious principles of the late happy Re- ' volution) and for the fecurity of theyi^^-
* cejfton in the Protejlant line ; and in rea- / dily complying with all fuch meafures
* as fhall be thought proper, to promote ' union and moderation among Proteflants^
■J and to render them all as eafy to one
•^ another, as ufeful to the community,
^ and as ferviceable to the government as
* poffible. And all this we give you in
* charge, as you will anfwer the negled: of
* it to God, to your own Confciences, to
* her Majefty, to the Nation in general,
* and in particular, to the City you repre- ' fent.
* And
English Baptists. 35
' And now, Gentlemen, we promife our felvcs, that your conftant attendance in your places, in the houje of Commons^ your afiiduous application to the public bulinefs, and your peculiar regard to all the important matters we have recom- mended to you, will confirm us in the good opinion we have of your fidelity, and the other qualifications neceiTary to the difcharge of fo great a truft, as that of our civil and religious Liberties ; the ' prefervation and fecurity of which we commit to your Care/
In the year 17 10, foon after the Par~AnnQ liament was prorogued, the Queen made a ^7^°* ilep which gave occafion for fevere refle- xions; for withoiit communicating the matter to any of her miniflers, ihe took the Chamberlain's white flaff from, the earl of Kent^ whom in recompence (he advan- ced to be a duke, and gave it to the duke oi Shrewfjury, * This occafioned, fays Pvlr. Lediard^
* Lediard. no fmail uneafinels. it beine* ^'°'' ^^''
* fi-om thence concluded, that a total ' change of the miniflry would quickly ' follow ; and it was believed, there was a
* fecret management between him. and
* Mr. Harley with the new favourite,
* The Queen's inclination to the latter, ' and her siienation from the Dutcheis of
* Marlborough^ began now to appear more
* and more, and broke ouc upon many,
D 2 * tho' .
36 The History of the
' tho' trivial occafions. The dutchefs re-
' tired thereupon from the court, and was
' fe-tn no more at it, in this reign.'
Memoirs The duke of S/jrewJhiiry gave the mini-
efthe life ^^^.g ^ pofitivc afiurances, that his prin-
of the duke J r ,'1, 1^.
c/Shrewf- ciples werc the lame they had been during ^ury, the lafl reign, and vi^ere in no refpecft al- ^' ^ ' tered j upon which he defired to enter in- to conferences with them j but there was now too much ground given for fufpicion. For the fckcmcs digefted by the propofers, and laid before the Queen, were commu- nicated by her Majefty's order to the duke, who weighed them thoroughly j and his approving them added great weight to them, in the judgment of all thofe who were let into the fecret ; but may be faid to finifli the Queen's information, and fix her refolutions ; for after her Majefty had been told by the duke, that the fcheme of the adminiftration was well laid, and was not only pradlicable but neceffary, her Majefty was determined at once, and never made any farther hefitation. Lediard, On the 1 4th of J line fhe difmiffed the Fo/. III. g^^j oi Sunderland from the office of fecre- tary of State, without affigning any mal- verfation on his part, and gave the feals to the lord Dartmouth. But becaufe no for- mal negled:, or error in the difcharge of his office could be objedted againfc him j and it might appear ungracious to difcharge a nobleman, of an unblemillied charader,
and
p. 19.
English Baptists. 37
and fo near a relation to the duke of Marl- borough^ with feeming difpleafare, it was thought fit to mitigate his difgrace by a penfion. But when word was brought to hini that her Majelly, as a teflimony of her royal favour, and of her being fully fatisfied in his lordfliio's fervices, defigned to prefent him with 3000/. per annum ^ to be fettled upon him for life, to make up, in fome meafure, the lofs of the office of fecretary ; his lordiliip, with the genero- fity of an old Roman^ hardly to be parallel'd in thefe corrupt times, anfwered, * He
* was glad her Majefty was fatisfied he ' had done his duty ; but if he could not
* have the honour to ferve his country, he
* would not plunder it/
This change began to caufe fome un- , eafinefs, both at home and abroad ^ but her Majefty, to put a ftop to, or at leaft to lefTen it, told her fubjedls here, parti- cularly the Governor of the Bank ; and gave orders to her Minijiers abroad, to af- fure her Allies, that fhe would make no other changes. So the matter has been reprefented on one fide ; but on the othec it is faid, particularly with regard to the Bank ; that Sir Gilbert Heathcote governor, Nathaniel Gould, efquire, deputy-governor, Francis Eyles, efqj and Sir William Scawen, two of the directors, thought fit to make their application to the duke of Newcajlle^ lord Privy feal^ to whom having repre- D ^ fented
38 The History of the
fjiited the dangers likely to attend the change cf the minijlry^ his grace introduced them to the Queen. Her Majefty having given them a gracious hearing, was plealed to tell them, That ihe fome time before refolved to remove the earl of Sunderland^ for particular reafons of ftate; but that flie had not yet determined to make any other changes; and that whenever fhe fliould, file would take care, that the public credit might not be injured thereby.
The Emperor and the States General were apprehenfive, that the duke of MarU borough would either be removed, or fo '^,^ far difguftcd, as to lay down his command,
*' winch might bring a great prejudice to tlie
common cau fc. Count Gallas the Liipe'- ' Hal minifler, and Monfieur de Urybergi\ the Dutch envoy, were direcfted in a moil refpedful manner, to reprefent to the Queen, what ill influence the changing of the miniflry mJght have on affairs abroad. In anfwer to their refpedive memorials, the firft was told, he might affure tlie Emperor, that v/hatever changes the Queen defigned to make, flie had refolved to. continue the duke of Marlborough in his employments, and defired that prince Eu- gene^ and the other Imperial generals and' plenipotentiaries, might ad v/ith him, with the fame confidence as before.
Three
English Baptists, 39-
Three things of the greateft weight Memoir:, were at this time referred to the judgment P- 49- of the duke of Sbrewjhmy.
1. Whether the public credit might be maintained and fupported, tho' the mi- niflry were changed, and tho' the lord Treafurer and duke of Marlhorotigh fliould - lay down ?
2. Whether the fchemes propofed might be purfued without dilTolving the Farli anient ; and if not, whether the Far- Uametit mi^ht be diflb!ved without danoer to the ftate, and a new one obtained, with due difpofitions for the purpofes laid down I
3. Whether a peace might be treated
of without danger to the government, and .
with honour to her Majefly, and her Al« '^'
lies J that the effufion of the blood of her people, which was a particular grief to her Majefty, might be ftopt ; and that the prodigious expences the kingdom was nov/ obliged to be at every year^ might be brought to an end ?
It is faid, the duke anfwered all thefe LediarcJ, in the affirmative, and reafoned fo dearly ''^ ' upon them to her Majefty, as gave her par- ticular fatisfadion. So that about two months after the change of the fecretary of State, the Queen difmilTed the earl of Godolphin from the poft of lord Treafurer, and the next day put the Treafury in com- miffion. Lord pQ'wlet was the firfl in the commiilion 5 but Mr. Harley^ who D 4 was
40 7^^ History of the
was at the fame time appointed chancellor, and under treafurer of the Exchequer, was the perfon with whom the fecret was lodged. It was vifible that he was the chief minijier ', and now it appeared, that a total change of the Mini/try, and the dif- folution of the Parliament were refol- ved on.
In September the Queen came to coun- cil, and called for a proclamation to dif- folve the Parliament, which Sir Sijno?t Harcoiirt, made attorney general in the room of Sir "James Mountagne, who quit- ted that poll:, had prepared. When it was read, the lord Chancellor offered to ipeak ; but her Majefty rofe up, and would W admit oino debate; but ordered the writs for a new Parliatnent to be prepared. About the fame time flie difmilTed the lord Somen, and in his room, made the earl of Rochejier, lord prefident of the council. She fent to the duke of Devon- Jhire, for the lord Steward's ftaif, and gave it to the duke of Buckingham. Mr. Boyle was difmifled from being fecretary of State, and Mr. St. John, afterwards lord Bolingbroke^ had the feals. The ^arl of Derby was removed from being chancellor of the dutchy of Lancafier, and was fuc- ceeded by the lord Berkley. Upon all thefe removes, the lord Chancellor came and delivered up the great feal ; but the Queen not looking for this, was furprized
at
English Baptists. 41
at it J and not knowing how to difpofe of it, llie, with an unufual earneftnefs, prei^ fed him to keep it one day longer ; and the day following having confidered the mat- ter with her favourites, Mrs. Majham and Mr. Harley, fhe received it very readily. At firfl fhe delivered it to three lords com- miffioners, viz. Sir T^ho. Trevor, lord chief Juflce of the Common Pleas, Robert Tracy ^ efq; a Judge in the fame court, and Mr. Scroop, baron of the Exchequer in Scotland 'y but it was foon after given to Sir Simon Har court. The earl of Wharton delivered up his commiffion of lord Lieu- tenant of Irelafid, and that was given to the duke o^ Or7nond. And the earl of Or- ^
ford, with fome of the Commiflioners of ™
the admiralty, withdrew from that board , in whofe room others were put.
The duke of Shrew fbury, who had very much alienated the Queen's mind from the late minijiry, and had no fmall fhare in their difgrace 3 yet he was fo difpleafed with the dilTolution of the Parliaments and the new model of the minijiry, that tho* he continued fometime Mafter of the horfe, he refufed to lit any more in coun- cil, and complained openly of the artifices which had been ufed, to make him in- ftrumental to other people's deligns. He Memoin, was a perfon of no difpolition to pufh 3 he ^' ^^' would run no hazards for any party ; and declined all the great poils which might
em-
42 The History of the
embarrafs him too much, or make him go farther than he could retreat ; yet managed himfelf with lb much addrefs, that he was valued for his counfel by every fide ; tho' at the lame time he would never embark far in any thing he every advifed to ; and that if they came to any difficulties, there he always left them to Hand or fall alone. This love of his eafe, and this unad:ive temper, Vv^as what his friends complained of him for, and what his enemies reproach- ed him with.
The Queen having made an entire change in her Miniflry, and a Parliament procured ready to join with them in bring- ffk ing about their pre-conceived deligns, it ^ very much alarmed the whole nation.
They began with a charge againfl: the in- vincible duke of Marlborough. Upon which lediard, the Quccn in council declared, * That fiie Vol. ni. < being informed, that an information ' again ft the duke of Marlborough was laid
* before ^le houfe of Commons, by the com- ' mifiioners of the public accounts, llie
* thought fit to difmifs him from all his ' employments, that the matter might take
* an impartial examination.' Thus the belt of fervants, and the only glory of her reign, was abandoned by his Mifirefs j but received the melfage with an heroic relignation, without Ihewing any difguft or refentment, and wrote a dutiful anfwer to her MajelV.-, which lue fent by the
coun-
p._258.
English Baptists. 43
countefs of Sunderland^ one of his daugh- ters. The charge of the houfe of Comjnons aoainft the duke was. That he received a premtiun of the contradlors who fupplied bread, and bread wagons, to the forces in the Low countries^ in the Queen of Gi'-eat Britain' "i pay j and that he aUb received a dedu(ftion of 2 \per cent, from the foreign troops in her Majefty's pay.
As heavy as this charge againlt the duke might at firfl view appear, when repHed to by him, he had fo, much to fay to clear himfelf of it, that he flood entirely acquit- ted, in the eye of much the greater and wifer part of the nation -, tho' the houfe of - Commons feemed to be of another opinion, and contented themfelves with pafiing fome refolutions, and prefenting them to hqr Majefty, not offering any 'impeachment, or defiring the concurrence of the Lords, well knov/ing, that their Lorddiips had greater refped: for the duke's perfon and fervices, than they themfelves thought lit to exprefs at that time.
The great companion of the duke of Marlborough'' % glory, prince Eugene of Sa- i;oy, being now in England, when dining with the lord Treafurer^ his lordfhip, a- mong other compliments, told his high- nefs, that he looked upon that day, as the happieft in the whole courfe of his life ; fmee he had the honour to fee in his houfe, the greateft Captaiti of this age.
To
44- ^^ History of the
Lediard, To which the prince, fays Mr. Lediard, Voi.iiL fiirevi^diy and wittily replied, That if it was ^ Jo, he was obliged to his lordfiipfor it. Al- luding to the earl's being, as it was thought, the author of the Duke's difgrace, which rid his highnefs of a competitor in military ' glory, ^f tt^e prince's high efteem of the
duke, we have an inftance from bifhop Ib.'p.272. Burnet^ who tells us, that in one of the fcurrilous papers, wrote on defign to raife the rabble againft the duke, one of the perfons began thus, He was, perhaps, once fortunate, I took occafion, fays he, to let prince 'Eugene fee, the fpite of thefe wri- ters, and mentioned this palTage; upon which he made this pleafant refledlion. That it was the greateji commendation could he given him, fince he was always suc- cessful. So this implied, that in [one fingle inftance he might h^ fortunate ; but that all his other fucceifes v/ere owing to his condud:. Upon that, adds the bifhop, I faid, that fingle inftance muft be then, his efcaping out of the hands of the party, which took him, when he was falling down the Maefe in a boat.
Tho' the duke had the misfortune to lie under the cenfure of that houfe of Cojmnons, yet the brighteft pens came in, as volun- tiers to his Grace's defence. Among thefe. Vol III, fays Mr. Lediard; The author of the hiftory P- 274. q£ ^^^^ Parliament, expreftes himfelf fo nervou0y on this fubjedl, that from him
I
English Baptists. 45
I have borrowed the following quota- tion.
* I NEVER met, fays he, with any fub- je(5t in my life, in which I more paf- lionately deiired a full liberty of fpeech ; than in that of the queflioning the duke of Marlborougljs condu(fl, with refpe<ft to the premium for the bread contracts, and the dedudion of 2 and \ per ceiit. of the pay to foreign troops, for fccret fer- vices. I mull confefs, reflexions upon reflections croud in upon my imagina- tion, and words ftruggle to break their way ; but 1 mull: check the impetuolity of argument, and fubmit to the ultima ratio. The wretch, meaning the Exa- miner^ who has lately handled the mat- ter, would make us believe, it was faid . even in Parliament, That his Grace's falary as general, plenipotentiary, mafter of the ordinance, iic. was more than enough to fatisfy the moft craving appe- tite. That the rewards he had received from Parlia?ne?it were of fuch a valuable nature, as to be highly fuperior to his merit, had his fervices been much great- er than they were. That in thofe fervi- ces, which were fo much talked of by his advocates, he had done no more than his duty, ^c. I can, fays he, read no more of it. The Hiftories of the world, from the Creation to the treaty of Utrecht, have nothing like it. You may talk of
* the
46 The History of the
' the calling the conqueror of Carthage to
* account, for his delivering Rome from ^ (lavery. The Romans could not ftand it. ' Follow me, fays Scipio, to the capitol,,
* and let us thank the gods for the victory « that was on this day v/on of the Africans. ^ The Senators crowded after the Conque- ' ror^ and the accounts were forgot in a ^ minute. When his Grace had only the
* glory of his youth to fupport him, and ' the fervice of a few campaigns in France ' and Flanders ; when he was reproached ' by the enviers of that merit, to which
* nothing but her MajeiV/'s royal bounty
* could be fuperiorj that he w^sjine clade « liSior^ when he had only taken Riire-
* 7}W7id and Venlo ; how was he loaded . ' with applaufe, and immediately fet above
' the memory of King fVi I Ham, as the re- ' triever of the honour of the nation! Who ^ were the men that were thus lavifh of ' their praifc ? From w^hat quarter did ' thofe glorious votes come ? Or, were
* they intended rather, as an affront to
* that glorious King's memory, than as a
* compliment to the General, he had gi- ' ven them. Tf he had then retrieved the ' honour of England. Good God I What
* did he do afterwards ? W' hat did he for
* us on the banks of the Damibe .? At the
* battles of Ramilies and Oude?iarde? At ' the dreadful liege of that wealtliy and
* beautiful equivalent Lijlef "What, in a
' word.
English Baptists. 47
* word, were ail his campaigns, but fo ' many triumphs ? And where lliould we < have found room for his trophies, had
* we not our felves put a flop to his vid:o-
* ries ? Ther<5 is no need of any other re-
* membrances of thefe things, than the
* fpeeches and votes of Parliament, and
* the voluntarv addreffes of the nation, v^'ith ' which the Gazette'^ were filled, for fe-
* veral years fuccelTively. Hiftorians will
* always be fond of this part of the Englijh
* hlilory j it (liines fo bright, it wants no ^ ornament 3 and it is not in the power of ' envy and ingratitude to tranfmif it to
* pofterity, in any other colours but vKrhat •^ are daziing and amazing/
It was no.^ fmall mortification to his Graces implacable enemies, who, after a great deal of noife and clamour, could not fix any thing criminal upon him 3 for fe- veral foreign princes, v/ho had troops in her Majefty's pay, ordered their miniilers to reprefent, that the 2 and \ per cent, de- ducted from their troops, in her Majefiy's pay, was their own money ; and that they were v/illing to allow it, as a free gift to the duke of Ormond (who was declared general, and had the firfl regiment of the guards in his Grace's room) as they had done before to the duke of Marlborough,
The duke of Marlborough now -met with another fenfible afiii(5tion, 'diz. the lofs of the earl of Godplphi?!^ who died of
the
4^ Hoe History of the
the ftone. * He was, fays a late hifto- ' rian *, the man of the cleaneft headj the ' calmeft temper, and the moft incor- ' rupt of all the miniflers of ftate, I have ' ever known. After having been thirty
* years in the Treafury, and during nine ' of thofe lord Treafurer ; as he was never ' once fufpe<fl:ed of corruption, or of fuf- ' fering his fervants to grovj" rich under
* him ; fo in all that time, his eftate was
* not encreafed by him to the value of
* four thoufand pounds. He ferved the ' Queen with fuch a particular affection ' and zeal, that he ftudied to pofTefs all
' people with great perfonal efteem for "
' her. And flie her felf feemed to be
' fenfible of this for many years 5 that if
' courts were not different from all other
' places in the world, it might have been
' thought, that his wife management at
* home, and the duke of Marlborough^ ' glorious condudt abroad, would have fixed ^ them in their pofls, above the little pra- ' dices of an artful favourite.'
The prevailing party and their emiila- rles, ufed fo many arts to render his Grace obnoxious, and to involve him in any thing, that looked like a defign againft the government, made it necefl'ary for his Grace to leave the kingdom j and accord- ingly, he demanded a pafs, which was
f Lediard, ^^0/. III. p. 293,
readily
English Baptists. 49
readily granted, and accompanied with a letter from the Queen, to teftify how well pleafed fhe fhould be with the honourable reception his Grace every where met with. The duke having fettled his affairs, em- barked at Dover, in the North Britain packet boat, and came next morning be- fore the harbour of 0/h?id. The captain hoifted ■ the enlign at the topmaft head. The town took this as as Agnal of his Grace's being on board, and made a falute of all the cannon toward the fea; and on the packet boat's entring the harbour ; of three rounds of all the artillery on the ramparts. On his Grace's landing he was received by general Cadogan and brigadier de Caris, governor of the place, and con- ducted by a vaft concourfe of people to captain Brown's, where he dined. He fupped with the governor, lay that night at the Burgomafter's, and the next day, Dec. 13. his Grace fet out for Antwerp, being faluted by another triple difcharge of the cannon j and by the Tatckts and other EngliJJj fhips.
At his Grace's entring into Antwerp he was met without the gates by the marquis de Terrecejia, governor of the citadel, whom he had before honoured with his friendfliip j and who, in the Emperor his mafter's name, made him an offer of all the ceremonies ufually paid to their fove- reisn princes. But his Grace deiired to E be
JO The History of the
be excufed, and would have went incognito Jo the houfe provided for his lodgings, vvhich, however, was not permitted j fo that he was introduced as before, with the noife of cannon, and the acclamations of the people 3 who could not fee the perfon that had fo lately delivered them from the French yoke, without giving public tefli- monies of their thankful acknowledg- ments.
From hence, after he had, with great difficulty, been prevailed with to be pre- fent at a collation prepared for him by the marquis 5 his Grace, with his retinue, ' made the beft of his way towards Mae- firecht ', and without entring into the towns that had made preparations for his recep- tion, travelled the moft private roads he could poffibly make. Notwithftanding which, the country was alarmed at his prefence in thofe parts, and every place through which he pafTed, was filled with fpedators, having notice of his coming from the parties of horfe, that by order of the governor o£ MaeJirecJjt, were laid on the road between Antwerp and that town, .to efcort his Grace.
On his arrival at Antwerp, he again found himfelf under a neceffity of com- plying with the difpolitions that were made to comphment him, in refped to the States General, who had fent particular orders for it, to lliew the great value they had for his
perfon
English Baptists. 51
perlon and fervices. The garrifon was driiwn UD about iiCK)n under arms, in two ranks, from the Brufj'eH gate to the go- vernor's houfs, and about* fcven in the evening the Duke arrived, under a triple difcharg;e of the cannon from the bulwarks, and all other honours that were paid him in other places. He was accompanied by general Dopff\ who waited upon his Grace without the town j as alfo, by heutenant general Cadogan, afterwards earl Cadogan^ v/ho chofe rather, to his honour it mufi- be faid, to attend on his old general, than to enjoy his places and employments under the new minijlry. Who, for this refpect, (to their Ihame be it recorded) fhev/ed unto his Grace, divelled him of them. When the Duke alighted at the governor's houfe, a great guard was immediately pla- ced, under a captain, a lieutenant, and an eniign ; and the next morning his Grace was complimented by the magiilirates, in a full body, and with as great tokens of re- fpecft, as if he had ft ill retained the com- mand of the confederate arrmy. Nor was lefs obfervance fhewn lihn at his departiu'e, for there was the fame difcharge of all the artillery of the place, and the lame difpc- lition of the foldiery for his Grace's paffage through the garrifon, as v/as made before^ and the two generals Dop^-^ and Cadogan^ gave their attendance on him, till he was out of the territories of the States General. K 2 In
52 The History of the
In his journey to Aix laChappeUe, where he intended to take up his refidence for feme time, till fuitable provifions were made in the heart of Germany for his abode. The peafants, and others, flocked together to fee the Preferver of the E?npire ; and even the people of different nations (for all forts are on the borders of Germany) agreed, in bellowing their bleffings on the Hero J and their execrations on his enemies. They were full of aftoniiliment, at the light of him, and faid, his looks, his air, and his addreis, were full as conquering as his fword. Some of them could not, with all their ftriving, refrain from tears j others avowed, that they came with common cu- riofity, and thought of nothing elfcj but when they faw the man, who had filled the world with the fame of his great a<fl:s, dining with few attendants, in a poor ob- fcure village, and heard how ungrateful he had been ufed in his native country^ they were fo loft, that they thought they Ihould fink into the earth. Nay, even a Frenchman himfelf, could not forbear fay- ing; that tho' the fight was worth a mil- lion to his king ; yet, he believed, he would not, at fuch a price, have loll the lervice of fo brave a man, at fuch a time. In fine, all fexes, and ages, both adored, .and bewailed him 3 whilil the Duke him- felf lliewed the greatnefs of his fufferings was only to be furmounted by the greatnefs
cf
English Baptists. 53
of his mind, and went through the town o^ Aix la Chappelk to the houfe prepared for his reception, in fuch a manner as if he bore at heart the preffures of other people's misfortunes, not the remembrance of his own. The next day his levee W2.s crouded by all perfons of rank and diflin- d:ion in the town, who, tho' of different interefls and nations, were unanimous in their refpedls to his great merit. In parti- cular, the marquis of Lefdifgiiieres, a Frenchman, fpeaking of him, at his re- turn to the abbot de Gulijlre, faid, He could now fay, that he had feen the man who was equal to the marflial de 'Turrenne in conduit, to the prince of Conde in cou- rage, and fuperior to the marfhal de Lux- ernburg in fuccefs.
His Grace having received all imagin- able refped:, was induced to flay at Aix la Chappelk longer than he intended ; and the dutchefs of Marlborough having landed at Oftend in Feb. 17 13, the Duke met her Grace at Maejlrecht, from whence he re- turned again to Aix la Chappelk. They made but a fhort ftay at that town, for all things being ready for their journey, they vifited their principality of Mindelheim^ and feveral towns in Germany-, being re- ceived in all places with the greateft ho- nours ; paniculariy at Frankfort, where the Duke had fi^quent interviews with E^ 3 prince
54 - ^^ History of the
prince 'Eiigerie^ and received the compli- ments of feveral other princes,
I COULD not pafs this part of our E«!^-» lljh hiflory, tho' it may be deemed by feme not pertinent to the hiiLory I am writing. But as his Grace was fuch an eminent patron, and zealous afferter, both of our civil and religious Liberties j fo when a fubverfion of both was intended, tho' no crime could be juflly laid to his charge, yet it was deemed neceffary to rem.ove him out, of the way; and becaufe they could not become mafters of his life, they readi- ly complied with his voluntary exile. But it mud confequently be a very great morti- fication, and very much difturb and dif- courage that new minifiry, to fee fo much public refpedt jufdy put upon the very per^ fon, whom^ for no other reafon, but be- caufe he was loyal to his Milrrefs, and true to his Country, they had ufed fo ill.
Soon after this*, a private gentleman from France v/as entertained here by feme lords in conference, upon the fubjedt of peace ^ for fom.e months before it was pub- lickly known ; by what degrees an open face of a treaty was carried on after\'\^ards in London^ is not a fecret now to the world. This was the famous Monlieur Mcfnager, the fame formerly employed in Holland,
f ^emQirsofthelifeofikedukeofS\i\Q.\v^mY, p. 76.
who
English Baptists. '55
who the king of France found fo able in the fecret negotiation for the bringing a treaty on foot ; that however his quality, was at firft not thought equal to the charge, yet his capacities being found fu- perior to his birth, the king, who was a very good judge, foon honoured him equal to his ftation of a plenipotentiary^ and then named him to go to Utrecht^ there to fi- nifh the great work which he had fo dex- teroufly laid the foundation of, and which he had gone through with great difficulty.
The King oi France fent over hither the duke de Aiimont Tiis embaifador extra- ordinary, to make the Queen the ufual compliment on fuch an occalion ; the per- fon of this embaffador was lingled out, as one who fliould be fuppofed to be rather a man of pleafure, than a man of buiinefs, and a man wholly addiifted to gallantry and magnificence; and therefore when he appeared here, it was with the utmoffc gaiety and fplendor. He refided at Somer- fet-Hoiife^ where he kept aifemblies for play every night, and a public mafquerade every 'Fhurjday^ where the company were ^
entertained with the utmoft appearance of mirth and gallantry, and not the leafl of- fer or appearance of buiinefs, or of any defign that v\^ay. It is faid, there was a certain private room, the entrance of which was through one of the withdrawing rooms, and into which fuch perfons as .
E 4 were
The History of the
were in the fecret made their retreat, as if it had been only for refrefhment ; but that •having a clue for admittance, they were prefently in the room, where, without the ceremony of undrefling, but even in the habits of the divertifement, they fell to the bufmefs before them ; and that here were fome private agents from the court of ^t. Germains -, and the meafures were entred into here to bring a powerful army into the field, in order to affert the interefl of the pretender^ and place him upon the throne. Nay, fome of the conferences held here, are faid to have gone fo far, as to concert meafures to prevent the houfe of Hanover fetting foot here in cafe of the death of the Queen ; that the defign was to have been firft of all concerted fo, that an army ihould be ready, not only in Frajice^ to be fent over to afTiit in fuch an enterprize, but that a great fum of money Ihould be depofited, ready to carry on a powerful arm.ament in the pretender'^ fa- vour, on fuch an emergence. That a commiffion of regency ihould be fealed to a certain number of lords, empowering them to ad;, and proclaim the pretender king, and the like, after the manner of the adt of fettlement. Thefe things being found impradicable, none daring to ven- ture to be named in fuch a commiffion, this fcheme was rejeded, and another eve- ry jot as chimerical was propofed, i'/^;.
That
English Baptists. 57
That a motion iliould be made to per- fuade the Queen to refign the crown to him during her Hfe.
Of this propofal monfieur Mefnager fays, it was fo ridiculous, that he refufed to charge himfelf with the negotiation of it. It was faid, that the duke of Shrewf- bury was moved by the abbot Giialtier to mention fuch a thing to her Majefly ; but the duke was too penetrating, and cautious to be drawn into fuch a fnare. The ac- count Monfieur Mefnager himfelf gives of this part is very entertaining. He fa^ys, ' The ' abbot, as I was informed, had perfuaded ' himfelf to believe, that if he could get
* admittance to a private conference with
* the Queen : I fay, he fancied, if he had
* but even liberty of fpeaking his mind to
* her Majefty, tho' there were others pre-
* fent, he fhould be able to give her fuch
* an account of the dying expreffions of
* her father, the late king of England, ' fuch teflimonies of the prefent King
* James being really his fon, and of his
* protefting his fatisfacftion of his being ' born of the Queen's body, that he was
* fatisfied would touch the Queen in fo
* fenfible a manner, as that her Majefly
* would be lefs able to refift the arguments
* he would bring afterwards to prove, that ' fhe could never enjoy the kingdom of ' heaven, without flie delivered up the
- crown to him, v/hofe right it is. How-
* ever.
58 72^ History of the
ever, as the abbot Gualtier was charged with other negotiations than this, when he was in England^ he had room, I fup- pofe, to fatisfy himfeif that the method propofed, if he did propofe it, was im- pradicable enough. I have heard, in- deed, that he did make the attempt; but that there was not a man amongft the perfons of public bufmefs, who he had converfed with, that would bear fo much as to ftay in the room with him, while he talked of it ; much lefs under- take to give him an opportunity to move it to the Queen ; nor indeed could he exped; they fhould. But thus it often is, when our ecclefiafticks turn politi- cians.*
■' Before I went, adds he, the King fent for me, and receiving me with an uncommon chearfulnefs, Mefnager, fays his Majefty, I am putting the greateft piece of confidence in you, that is pof- lible for any man to be trufted with, and you carry the fortune of France in your hand. If you manage this point well, you ferve me, and fave your country. I need give you no other inftrudions, than you have already, except in two things. Firft, as to the fecret demands of afliilance, in cafe the Queen Ihould be infulted by her own fuBjeds, allure her Majefty, all the forces of France fhall be at her fervice in fuch a cafe.
' And
English Baptists. 59
* And, if it may be to render her fervice,
* I'll come in perlbn, as old as I am,
* with a hundred thoufand men to fupport
* her. I charge you tell her thefe very ' words. The other thing, continued his ' Majefty, relates to the young king here. ' It will be acceptable to me,^if you can ' render him any fervice ; and efpecially,
* if you can bring the 72ew minijiry^ and ' the Queen, into his interell, and make ' way for his being placed on the throne,
* after the Queen ; but remember, if the ' main affair of the treaty requires it, and ' the Queen inlifls upon it, you muft give ' him up to his better fortunes, we muft
* not be ruined on his account ; in enten- ' dez vous f fays the king twice together ;
* do you underftand me? I bowed, and ' told his majefly, I perfedly underflood ' his mind, and thought alfo, that I faw ' his interefl in that particular, and would
* make both the rule of my condud:.'
The Queen appointed duke Hamilton to go her ambaffador extraordinary to the court of France^ in return to the compli- ment of congratulation fent hither by the duke de Aiimont. Thefe two ambafladors were equally reputed men of gallantry and magnificence, who did not much at- tach their heads to the fatigue of bufinefs, and yet were capable enough to carry on any lecret commifHon they might be en- trufted wdth. It was well known, that
duke
6o The History of the
duke Hamilton was intirely in the intereji of the pretender, and had been frequent in fome confuhations, tho* not at ^omerfet- houfe, during the time the affairs of that party were in their bell profpecSts 5 and the principal agents^ on that fide promifed themfelves great things from the duke*s negotiations when he fliould come to the court of France. It was faid he had in-' flru6:ions, and a particular commiffion, for entring into a private treaty with the king of France, for cari7ing on the i?ite~ reji of the pretender, and dellroying the whole fettlement of the Juccejjion in F.ng- land. But the duke being killed in a duel with the lord Mohun, this enibalTy was never entred upon j and as there hath not been any footfleps of the fad; yet proved, it mufl remain only as a meer report, grounded on the duke's being known to be in that intereft.
However, be that as it will, it is cer- tain, the court of France appeared to be very much difappointed by his death, as if fome meafures which they had a more than ordinary dependance upon were entirely broken. And the pretender s party here appeared inconfolable upon the news, and afterwards perfedlly difconcerted ; their meafures being all broken, when the Queen named the duke of Sbrewjbury for the honour of that employment.; who, when he was in Franct\ would not enter
into
English Baptists. 6i
Into any ferious difcourfe, much lefs into any confidence with the French court, up- on the heads abovementioned j not tb.at he had any particular averiion to the intereft, but his unOiaken refolution of entring into no dangers, and of running no hazards, for any party whatfoever. This indifference made a certain minifler in France write to a friend in the Englifi 'court, to know what amphibious creature, as he called the duke, her Majeily had fent them, of whom, my lord, fays he, I have only this to fay. That he is, indeed, neither for us,' or againft us; bur, in Ihort, is good Tor nothing.
A s this was an embaffy rather of com- pliment than of bufinefs, this referve which the duxke of Shre^xjlmry ufed, was no way prejudicial to the errand he went about ; it was only a difappoinment to the friends of xht pretender^ both in Britain and mFrance^ who were in great expe(flations of fome- thing extraordinary at this time.
When the duke came home he found the 7iew minijiry all to pieces, breaking with one another for meer trifles, and car- rying on thofe breaches to fuch heighths, with fuch animofities, and io irreconcile- able in their temper one to another, that it was eafy to fee, they would in the end be entirely fubdued ; having left the duke be- hind them, out of breath in his politicks^ and not able to hold pace with them.
Nay,
62 "The FIisTORY of the
Nay, not Mr. Harley himfelf, then raifed to the dignity of a peer, having the flar and garter, and other accumulated favours heaped upon himj yet he could neither check their career, or keep pace with them, in their wild excuriions from their own fchemes ; but was at length oblig'd to leave them alfo.
During the hegotiations of the peace, the managers began to feparate in their views, and to counteract one another, re- proaching one another with ill condu61:, almoft indeed as warmly as their enemies -, which at length grew up to an entire want ■ of confidence in one another, and from thence in fecret ileps, for the fupplanting one another in the Queen's favour, a thing, which as it was fatal to themfelves, fo it was diflrading to the Queen, and as far as' fuch thinsis can be inftrumental to fate, they had their fhare in the fudden iicknefs and death of the Queen, and from hence they may be juftly ftiled ^leen kill- ers^ tho' the event was as unexpected by any of them, as fatal to all of them. For the aoimoiities between thefe new mana^ gers foon grew up to fuch a height, as to exceed thofe formerly between them and the old ones j and the lord Trealurer was as incompatible in all his meafures, with the lord Chancellor, and the vifcount Boling- broke^ as ever they were with the lord Trealurer Godolphrn and the duke oi Marl- borough^
English Baptists. 63
borough. And foiiie of them, who had a more open hand in the particular negoti- ations than the other, appeared in the end lefs able to ftand the teji of Parliament^ and therefore fought their fkfety in a vo- luntary flight to the court oi St, Ger mains, where I fiiall leave them. The mofi: re- markable tranfadions of this new minijiry and parliament ^ were the treaty of peace concluded at Utrecht j the Bill to prevent Gccafional conformity j and that, to prevent the growth of fchilm.
Many addrelTes waited on her Majefty, with congratulations on the peace conclud- ed, with France; and great endeavours were ufed to engage the Diffenters to com- phment the. Queen, and her miniilers, up- on this occaiion. But when they could not in their united circumftances be pre- vailed on, it v/as thought proper to try, if , any of the denominations iingly could be brought into thofe meafures.. Two noble iords were employed to try what could be done with the Baptijh > and accOx"dingly Mr. Jofeph Ste7mct * was fent for, on a prefumption, that if they gained him, a 1
conliderable flep would be made towards eifeding the defign. Some things vtxre inhnuated to him, to create a diffidence between the Eaptijh, and the other bodies of Diffenters j and he was alTured at the
^ Stennefs Life, p. jr.
fame
64 The History of the
fame time, that fuch an acceptable com- pliance as this, with the expeftations of the court from him and his brethren, would bring them highly inro the royal e^ fteem, and fecure them any favour they could reafonably exped:. But he afTured their lordfhips, that neither himfelf, nor his brethren, would ever be brought to jujftify with their hands, what their hearts difapproved -, and that no particular advan- tages to themfelves, could ever counter- ballance their regards to their country. Anno Now the enemies of liberty began to ex-
yT^^' ert themfelves, and had fo far engaged the Queen in their meafures, and brought us into fo bad a condition, that a great prelate compared it with the miferable cir- cumftances we were in before that happy 'Revolution in 1688.
' It may not be an improper attempt, fays he *, to try once more to awaken a nation, that has perhaps forgot paftdan- gers,and yet maybe nearer them than ever. If there is any difference, between the prefent flate of things, and that we w^re in about thirty years ago ; it is, that we are now more naked, and defencelefs, more infenfible and llupid, and much more depraved, in all refpects than we were then. Many are barefacedly go- ing back to that mifery, from which
* Buniet\ Tntrod. Vol. III. p. 8.
' God
English Baptists. 65
* God with fuch a mighty hand refcued . * us, and has hitherto preferved us, with ■* an amazing chain of happy providences/ Many, who refufed to take the oaths of Allegiance to the late King Willi ai7i^ and were therefore fufpetled of favouring the inter eft of ih.Q prete?2der^ were advan- ced to places of great honour and truft. The dod^rine of an ifidefcafible and heredi- tary right was publicly vindicated, both in addrefles to her Majefty, and books diiper- fed among the people. And the alliance made to fecure the Protefiant fuccejlicn, was in the greateft danger of being bro- ken. For in the conference at the Hague, which the earl of Strafford had the loth oi May, with the deputies of the States, concerning their negotiation with the Em- peror about the Spa?iijh Netherlands, his excellency intimated *, That the Qjieen judged, that the States ou^ht not to treat The^een of that affair without her concurrence, ^^''^^^'"^ confidering the engagements, into which A^fol" their High Mightijzejjes entred with her by :and. the treaty of Barrier, by which the. States are made Guarantees of the Prot.ftant fuc- cejjion, and that her Tvlrjefty would look upon hcrfelf to be free from thofe en- gagements, if the commonwealth ihould proceed in that negotiation feparately.
* Daily Courant, J tin. 14. 17 14.
F Some
.66 The History of the
Popery he- SoME of the vvorft parts of popery were
gi7is to bi rcvifed.
gtns to be j^^,,^ rcvivcd. For. fays biiliop Burnet *,
' But what can be faid of thofe, who are ' already going into fome of the worit parts
* of popery ? It is well known, that in
* praftice, the necellity of auricular con-
* feffion, and the priefily abfolution, with
* the conceit of the facrihce of the mafs,
* are the moft gainful parts oi popery^ and
* are, indeed, thofe that do moft efredu-
* ally fubdue the world to it. The inde-
* pendence of the church on the Irate,
* is alfo fo contended for, as if it were on
* defign to difgrace our reformation. The
* indifpenlable neceffity of the prieflhood
* to all facred fun(5tions, is carried in the
* point of baptijm further than popery-,
* their devotions are openly recommended,
* and a union with the Galilean church has
* been impudently propofed.'
The better to carry on thefe deligns, the fpirit of envy and perjecution was re- vived amongft the people, and thofe en- croachments that were made on the acl of T'oleration, caufed fome to fear, and others to hope, that in a little time it would be wholly taken away.
* 'Tis true, fays bifliop Burnet -f-, ma-
* ny of us oppofed the occafional bill, from
* which fiich great things were expedied. * ' We thought there were ill defigns under
* Introduft. Vol. III. p. 22. f Paftoral Care, Preface.
English Baptists. E^
* it J we thought it ill timed j we looked
* on it as tending to a breach of the jTo/?-
* ration.'
Sir Richard Steele, in his letter, p. lo. fays, * This ad: (to prevent the growth of
* Jchifm) therefore, in -a ftealing and too
* artful manner, takes away the T^oleration
* of diffenters ; for the force of it is dired:-
* ed to take place in confirmation of a law,
* which they are exprefly defended again ft,
* by the faid ad: of T^oleration!
The more zealous againft the Difjenters The Bif- were hereby encourasied to threaten them, -{'/'"'^^ . With the demolilhing oi their places oi worfhip, driving their teachers into corners, and banilhing out of the land, all that da- red to diiTent from their church. So faft The lords did the int er eft oi popery and the pretender "^jf''^-^'^^^ grow in England-, and fuch reafon ^^Si'^ainft the there to fear their attempts upon us ; that pretender. the houfe of Lords thought it neceilary to addrefs her Majefty to iffue out a procla- mation, promifing a reward to any, that fhould bring the pretender to juftice, in cafe he either landed, or attempted to land in any of her Majefty's dominions. And in an Addrefs from the fame houfe after, the dangerous condition we were then in was reprefented to her Majefty in thefe words *. * And lince the papffls and fion-
* jurors are fo infolent, as not only to
f Lord's Addrefs, ^une 24, 1714.
F 2 *fup-
68 The History of the
* fupport the prctcnder'% claim to your
* royal crown, by their writings and dif-
* courfes; but alfo traiteroully to inlift ' men into his fervice, and fend them to
* France^ we moft humbly befeech your
* Majefty to ilTue out your royal procla-
* mation, ^c'
Many true patriots of our country, as V/ell in church as ftate, had the courage to give us warning, and reprefent our great danger to us, afTuring us, that our civil and religious liberties were jull expiring, if Godi by fome fpecial providence, did not fave us; tho' all that did thus, were fure of being publicly difcountenanced.
* God be thanked, faid bifhop Burnet,
* there are many among us, that ftand up- ' on the watch tower, and that give faith-
* ful warning.'
The great zeal which the duke of Marlborough^ upon all occafions, fhewed for the welfare of his country, puts it be- yond all doubt, that during his voluntary exile, he was attentive to what palled in 'England, And it is as certain, that his thoughts were conftantly bent upon the means how he might again have a fhare in promoting the public good. ' It has been
* faid, faysMr. Z/^^/^r^*, and I make no ' doubt of the truth of it, that the Duke
* had a ftrid and regular correfpondence
» Vol III, p. 365.
English Baptists. 69
by proper agents, with the court of Ha- nover. If the enemies to the Frotejlanf fuccefjion m that illuftrious houfe, had formed any traiterous fchemes to prevent its taking place, after the Queen's death, as it was very ftrongly believed they had, no doubt but the friends and well-willi- ers to it, had a watchful eye upon all their motions, and had, on their fide, formed countpr-fchemes to aflert and maintain the right of the EleBoral houfe^ when the Queen's demife (liould call upon them to enter upon the poiTeffion of it. If fo, there is no queflion but the Duke was let into the fecret j and then it will be eafy to account for his Grace's being always in a readinefs to embark for Eno-land. durino; the lafl three months of her Majeily's life ; which her ill ftate of health, made it believed, would not be of long continu- ance.
' Whatever may have been the thoughts and wiflies of a few inconlide- rate perfons, it is certain, the main body of the nation was well afFe(fled to the Hanover JucceJjiG-n^ and looked for their fecurity and happinefs ^n that alone. It was believed, that the two principal perfons at the helm, were themfelves convinced of this truth; and as they look'd upon the Queen's Hfe as very pre- ^ carious^ tho' they were at variance with F 3 * one
yo The History of the
' one another, were both, for their own ' prefervation , thoughtful, how they
* might be reconciled to the party they ' had till then oppofed. With this view,
*' tho' they did not ad: in concert, it is ' faid, they feparately made their applica- ' tion to the Duke, and by turns invited
* him over. But it will be necellary to ' defcend to fome particulars.
^ Soon after the riiins; of the Parlia- *■ meiit, the jars which had for fome time •
* been daily encreafing among the new ' minijlers^ broke out into an^ open rup- ' ture. The treafurer had ever kept to
* himfelf the main fecret.^ and principal *■ diredlion of domeftic affairs, and the dif- ' pofal of moft places of profit, and by
* the credit and intereft of his high pofi:, ^ and by favour of the Queen, had procu-
* red illuflrious- alliances for his children,
* and advanced all his relations. The
* weight and fatigue of the foreign affliirs, ' lay, in the mean time, on the fecretary, ' who, as he was lefs circumfpedt in the ' profecution of bold meafures than the ' Treafurer, had therefore the largeft fliare
* of the pubhc vditim^ without any advan- ' tage, but the profits of his office, moll
* of which he laviilied away in riotous
* pleafures. In the mjcan time, as he was ' a man of excellent par;s, and great pene-
* tration, he could not but be fenfible of
* his own merit, and im.patient of depen-
* dance^
English Baptists. 71
dance, and unequal ufage. This occa- lion'd frequent warm expoftulations with the prme minijier^ who, believing him- felf fecure in the Queen's favour, and depending upon his great interefh in Far- lia?ne?2t, had no great regard to his com- plaints, which encreafed the rage of the Jlery fecretary. * fHEiR private difputes would have often broken out into open quarrels, had not the commands of the indulgent Qaeen, aflifted by the lord Chancellor and tiie lady Majloam^ kept them within bounds, to which, doubtlefs, the necef- fity they found themfelves under, of providing for their common fafety, and quieting the clamours of the nation, gave an additional weight. But no foon- er had the Parliament given a landtion to the peace^ by cheir folemn approba- tion, and all danger was removed on that fide, then their irreconcileable rivalfJ^ip^ and enmity appeared barefaced to the whole world ; and it v/as viiible, that the one, could brook no equal, nor the other, bear to be any longer fecofid. ' Before matters came to this length, the Treafurer, whether finding his in- terefl: decline at court, or defpairing of the Queen's life, and apprehending the confequences 'of fome late fteps, began to think of a timely retreat, and in order thereunto endeavoured a reconciliation F 4 * with
72 The History of the
with the contrary party, and particularly to gain the friendfhip of the lord Cowper, who had a great influence over them. He hkewife hoped to be lb ongly fupport- ed by the duke of Shreu'Jbury, who, by his candor, virtue, and great prudence, hi.d maintained himfelf in the efleem, both of the Queen, and of the pubUc^ and whofe late behaviour in Ireland, had very much endeared him to the well af- ftv^cd to the Hanover JhcceJ/ion. But his Grace juflly refenting the negled; of the mirajiry while he was at Dublin, gave himfcif little concern about them when he came to London, and rather enfiamed, than moderated their dilTerences, by complaining to the Queen, of fome or- ders that had been lent him, which he thought inconfiilent with the fervice of her Majefly and the nation. ' Notwithstanding thefe difap- pointments, the fanguine Treafurer form- ed the defign of dilplacing his competitor^' , as the fureft means to approve his afFe- (flion to the Pratejlantjhcceffcr j but while he was fettir.g fvveral engines to work, to obtain ihis end, he found that he bc;- gan to lofe ground at court confiderably ; and it was foon after vifible, that the Secretary^ what by his fuperior intereffc with the lady Majljain, . what by the affi- ftance of the lord Chancellor, and what by his humouring the Queen in every
thing,.
English Baptists. 73,
thing, and boldly purfuing all meafures, got entirely the better of his rivcJ in h::r Majefly's favour and confidence. * While the court was in this jemmt^ and an r'pproachin'5 change in the ?:ew 7ninijlry feemed beyond all doubt j on the i^th of y^/Zy, the lord Chancellor took leave of the courts ^o go down to his country feat lor fome refrefhrnent, defigning from thence to hav.'^ attend- ed the Queen at Wi7idjb:\ where (he propofed to be the 27th. But in th& mean time fome incident, not yet cer- tainly known, happened, v/hich retarded her Majeliy's departure from Kenjing- fon^ and hafiened the Treafurers difgrace. Conjed:ures what this incident may have been were various. Some, pretended, that the lord Bolingbroke had got in- telligence, and informed the Queen, of the earl of Oxford's inviting the duke of Marlborough to come over ; and it was probably with this intent that his Grace came to Oftend the i Sth of '^uly, and of his holding private conferences with fe- veral lords of the oppcfite party. Others would have it ; that he was fufpedled of difcovering the Queen's counfels to the court of Hafiover, and even, of putting them upon demanding a writ for the duke ot Ca7?ibridge. Others again faid, that he was both againfl the Jcheme of new modeUing the army, and the pro-
•jea
74 ^^ History of the
jecft of a new oitenfive league, between' the crowns of Great Britain^ France^ Spain^ Swede?!, and Sicily. And yet others, that the Queen was greatly of- fended at his prefuming to fend orders to Irela?id, without confulting either her, or her council.
' Whether any, or all thefe, were concurrent caufes of the Earl's difgrace^ adds Mr. Lediard, I leave undetermined. But this is certain, that the duke of Shrewjbury infilled on his removal, which, it was likewife faid, the Duke of Marlborough had made a previous con- dition of his return to Efigland, as havii»g been the prime caufe of his, and his la- mily's difgrace ; tho' otherwife, he had a better pretence to a reconciliation than Bolijigbroke^ as having obtained the per^ million the Duke had to go abroad. * Be this as it will, the 20th of July the lord Chancellor was fsnt for to court in all hafte, and the next day was in clofe conference with the Qoeen, and the lord Bolingbroke ; after which it v/as every where reported, that the Treafurer would fpecdily be removed. And, contrary to his own expediat-ion, as well as that of eve-. iy. body elfe, when he came to court the 27 of July^ the Haff was taken from him, rather with mortifying than agree- able ciicumftancesi when a conliderable penfion, or at leail a feather in his cap,
* was
English Baptists. 7^
was the leaft that v/as exped-ed for him: It has been reported, that very bitter re- proaches pafTed between the falling mi~ nijier on one fide, and the lord Chancellor with the lady Mafiam on the other, even in the Queen's hearing. The lord Trea- Jurer looking upon thefe tijoo as accefiliry to his difgrace, told them, that he had been wronged and abufed, by lies and miireprefentations j but that he iliould be revenged, and leave fome people as low as he found them.' He failed not to let her Majefty know, that by the meafures that would now be laid before her, thofe men would embarrafs all her affairs in a very little while, and bring themfelves into iuch in fuperable difficulties, as would expofe their weaknefs, and bring her Majefty to the neceffity of taking other mealures *.
' These -f- difagreeable expoftulations ' could not but fliock and perplex the fick- ' ly Queen, and give her uneafy fufpi-
* cions, of her having been abufed, and
* deluded by thofe fhe moil confided in.
* Some pretend that in this perplexity,
* and hurry of thought, which opened
* her Majefty's eyes, Ihe was difpofed to
* refign herielf wholly to tlie dul^ of
* Shrewfitiry. But it is more than pro-
* Memoirs of the life of the duke o/"Shrewfbury. •J- Lediard, Vol. III. p, 370.
* bable.
f'6 The History of the
bable, the lord Bolingbroke had got fuch an afcendant over her, that he was mod like to fucceed the earl of Oxford in the principal management of affairs. * The very day the Treajurer was re- moved, it was obferved, as fomething remarkable, that the lord Bolingbroke entertained at dinner, the generals Staii- hopCy Cadogan, and Palmer^ Sir William Wyndham^ Mr. CraggSy and fome other gentlemen. Which meeting of perfons, of fo different principles, as iv could not be the effe(5t of chance ^ occa loned vari- ous reafonings. The mofl pr: bable con- jedlure was, that the lord Bolingbroke confidering the Queen's life w^3 fo pre- carious, and foreleeing a florm he could not be able to weather, refolved to llrike in with the contrary party, and to invite over the duke of Marlborough^ in whicli he h?d reafon to expe(5l better fuccefs, than his late rival-, with whom it was faid, iiie dake had vowed, not to be re- conciled. Some other circumftances were at that time mentioned to corro- borate thefe fuggeftions. But tho' it is certain, that the duke of Marlborough^ after having been detained about a /cr/*- nigbt, by contrary winds at 0/iend, with- out which he might have been in Eng- latid, before the treafurer loH; his flaff, did at this jun<fLure embark at Qftend for England i ■ yet the true motive, and
* grounds
English Baptists. 72
grounds of his coming over, at this m- tic^!'mof}ient,\w'3i?> never pofitively know n ; tho' it vv -s iilTured, that he wus invited by both th?fe rivals in power, and that bulb oromifed iiiiii great deference wol Id be hct^ to -MS counfels, they navinq, both an ardent zeal for his intereft. JN«>v, it was reported, the comphment went fo far, that orders were fcnt to the com- manders of the caftles and foj-ts on the coafts of EJjex^ Kent, and Suffolk, to pay the fame honour, by firing of guns, where-ever his Grace landed, as was done, when he returned triumphant from his glorious campaigns in the lait war with France. But on fome account or other, this ceremony was foon after countermanded by an exprefs. Some imagined, it was by procurement of Bo~ lingbroke, upon intelligence, that his rival was beforehand with him, and had fucceeded better in the application to his Grace. Others thought, they had both apprehenfions, that he came not to ferve either of their turns, but with a juft re- fentment of the indignities that bad been offered him j and that fuch a parade of flattery would rather have expofed them to the contempt of the people, than be acceptable ^o his Grace, who wanted not the roar of their cannon to add to his glory, or proclaim his welcome to his
* native
y8 T/je History of tl)e
native country, which had been fo long unjuftly deprived of him.
* The removal of the I'reafurer v,'as fo fudden, and occaiioned fo much confu- lion, that there was great difficulty to dctemiine how to fupply his place, or to fill up fuch other vacancies as natu- rally attended his difgrace. The 29th of ^uly the cabinet council was to have {tt on this affair ; but their meeting was put off to the next day on account of the Queen's illnefs, which, probably, if not occafioned, was at leaft encreafed, by thefe uneafinelTes. And fhe is faid to have intimated to one of her phyfi- cians, that flie fhould not outlive it.
* The difpute to which her Majefly was an ear witnefs, and the confultation that was held thereupon, and lafted till near nm in the morning, certainly oc-- cafioned fo violent an agitation in the Queen's fpirits, as could not but add to her indifpofitioh, which encreafed fo much upon her, that the next morning flie was believed to be in great danger.
' The dukes of Somerfet and Argyle having advice of the defperate condition of the Queen's life, their Graces repaired with fpeed to Kenfington^ and without being fummoned, went into the council chamber, where the lord Cha?iccllQr, the dukes of Shrewfiirry and Ormond^ the
' three
English Baptists. 79
'2?-, three Secretarks of ftate, the bifhop of
* LondoJi^ and fome others, v/ere afTem-
* bled in a committee. The duke of
* Shrew/bury returned their Graces thanks,
* for their readinefs to give the council
* their affiflance on fo critical 2.x\ occafion.
* One of the council then reprefented, ' how necelTary it was, in cafe of the ' Queen's demife, that the place of lord
* Trea/hrer fliould be filled. The whole ' board affenting to this, the duke of
* Shrewjbury was propofed, and unani-
* moully approved of, as the moil proper
* perfon for fo high a trail. And the
* phyiicians having aiTured the council,
* that" the Queen was then fenfible, and ' might be fpoken to ; the lord Chancellor ^
* the duke of Shrewjbury ^ and fome others,
* were appointed to attend her Majeily,
* and acquaint her widi the unanimous
* opinion of the council. Upon which her
* Majeily faid, they could not recom- ' mend a perfon ilie liked better than the ' duke of Shrewjbury^ and giving him
* the I'reafurers ilaff, bid him ule it for
* the good of the people. The duke
* would thereupon have returned her Ma-
* jeily the lord Chamberlains ilafF; but it ' was her defire he ihould keep both j fo
* that his Grace was at the fame time pof- ' feiied of three of the higheft places of
* trail, honour, an^ profit, in the whole
* kingdom, being lord T^reafurer^ lord
* Cham-
to 7de History ef th^
' Chamberlain^ and lord Lhutenant of ' Ireland.*
Notwithstanding * the fatisfadion that all iides pretended in this ilep the Queen had taken, it was apparent, fome v/ere very much difappointed ; whether it was, that every one expelled it for himfelf, or not, I do not fay ; but as they knew he was no man of fire, and would not enter into any of the bold ftrokes they were to take, would not be a match to encounter with the attempts whicji they expedled v/ould be made by the earl of Oxford^ for the overthrowing ihtivfchemeSj and enfna- ring them in their meafurcs; and at beft, • would be a pull-back to them on all occa- lions. in puHiing the deligns they Lad in their view. This perplex'd them in the very firft fleps they had to take, and the late difmiffed Treafurer began to treat them in the manner they had deferved from him, 'viz. as men not equal to the work they had undertaken, and who would, of courfe, in a fev/ days link under the Aveightof the government which they had fo long coveted to have within their own management.
The duke of Shreivjbiiry\ -^ advance- ment, made an immediate and great change in the face of affairs, dalhed the tower-
* Memoirs of the life of the duke of %\\xf^^\y[y y p. 1 14. f Lediard, Vol. III. p. 373.
in§
English Baptists, Si
ing ambition of the lord Bolingbroke, and at the fame time it baffled v/hatever un- digefted fchemes he may have had to tlie prejudice of the Protejiant fuccejjiony gave a new hfe and vigor to all who were well affedled to the illiijirious houfe ol Ha7iover , The coming of the dukes of Somerfet and Argyle fo opportunely into the council, had a farther good effed: ; for upon their motion it was refolved, that all privy counfellors, who were then in and about London, without diflindion, Ihould attend 5 which the lord Somers, and fome other ilaunch friends of the houfe of Hano^ ver did the fame day.
But providence, and its inevitable de trees, took the whole work out of thet hands, furprizing to all, but terrible, as u clap of thunder, to the enemies of the Fi^o- teftant JucceJJion ; for about three in the uftermon^ the Queen relapfed into a kind of lethargic, or apopleftic fit, and foon after the phylicians acquainted the council, that her Majeily's life was in extreme dan- ger. The council hereupon , provided with wonderful prudence and difpatch, for the fecurity of the cities of hondon and IVejlminfier , o^iht maritime towns, and of Scotland and Ireland. ■ Orders were imme- diately difpatched to four regiments of horfe aad dragoons, which were quartered in re- mote counties, to march up to the villages near London, to keep the 'Jacobites and G dif.
82 The History of the
difafFedted in awe ; and to feven of the t^n ■ battalions of BritiJJo forces, that were then in Flanders J to embark at OJiend, and fail for England with ail imaginable expedi- tion. The lords of the Admiralty ^ in the mean time, laid an embargo on all fhip- ing, and gave orders for the fitting out fuch men of war as could be fooneft got ready. So that by thefe excellent orders the public tranquility remained undiflurb- ed, and no fign of confternation appeared, unlefs In the faces of thofe who were avowed friends of the pretender ; and who, by the prudence and forefight of thefe truly noble patriots, found themfelves en- ;*irely difappointed in the hopes, the great Upproaching change might otherwife ^have « uoyed them up with.
The Queen continued all night in a kind of lethargic dozing, which encreafed to fuch a degree, about ten the next morn- ing, that all her phyficians defpaired of her life. The privy council fent hereupon or- ders to the heralds at ar?ns, and a troop of the life guards to be ready to mount, in order to proclaim the eleBor of Brimjwick immediately upon the Queen's demife. Their lordfliips, at the fame time, caufed a letter to be written to his eleBoral HighnefSy to acquaint him, with the extretne danger the Queen's hfe was in, with the meafures they had taken to fecure the crown to him, and to defire his ekdioral Highnefs to
repair
English Baptists. 83
lepair with all convenient fpeed to Hoi- land^ where a Britijh fquadron, which was fitting out with all expedidoa, would attend him, and bring him over, in cafe ' it pleafed God to take the Queen to his mercy. This letter was fent exprefs by yames Craigs^ efq; jun. And by him or- ders were difpatched to the earl o^ Straf- ford^ to urge the States General to be in a readinefs to perforrh the Guaranty of the Prote/ia7it fuccejjion if need fhould re- quire.
All this being done, the indefatigable lords of the privy council refumed the confideration of the fete of the fea-ports, and ordered a ftrong reinforcement to be forthwith fent down to Portfmouth. At the fame time rightly judging, that if the pdrtifam oi tht pretcftder made any diftur* bance in Great Britain^ it would be in Scotland^ their, lordfhips ordered major general JVhethain thither, to affift major general JVightmau, and appointed the braVe earl of Berkeley to coLnrr.aiid the fleet.
Between twelve and c?ie the Queen gave fome figns of life, and took lome fpoonfuls of broth, and then continued ia a dozing heavy condition till about fx in the evening. Her pnlfe then beat fome- what higher, which gave fome hopes -, but it proved but a lightning before death : For the remedies the phylicians applied, and particularly the blifters, not having the G 2 wifhed
§4 ^^ History of the.
wiflied for efFecfl, her Majefly expired the * next morning, being the Jirft of Aiiguft^ a Httle after feven of the clock, in the 50th year of her age, and 13th of her reign.
Thus died this great and excellent prin- cefs, who, tho' fhe may have been mifled into fome prejudices and miftakes, in the latter part of her reign, .yet, I think, could not herfelf have any fhare • in the councils which were then on foot againft the fuccejfion^ at leaf!:, had no view to- wards the pretender^ in her fingling out duke Hamilton for her ambaflador to France 3 for if fhe had, Ihe would never have put fo efFed:ual a flop to it, as was done, by appointing the duke of Shrewf- bury to be his fiiccejjor ; who, as he was a perfon no way agreeable to the French court, fo he was alfo a declared oppofer of the pretenders intereft on many accounts.
The duke of Marlborough, with the dutchefs, after a ftormy paflage, landed at Dover Aug. i. 17 14. a day which will be memorable to all future ages, both for King George's aufpicious acceffion to the BritiJJd throne, and his Grace's return to his native country. As his Grace could know nothing of the Queen's death, fo the invidious cenfures which were paffed upon his conduct, by the enemies to him and the nation, were equally falfe and abfurd. He was received by the Mayor and 'Jurats
of
English Baptists. 85
of the town, who then hkewife knew no- thing of the Queen's death, in their forma- lities, with the univerfal acclamation of all people, and with a difcharge of a great number of guns from the platfor??!^ but none from the cajile, which never falutes any but the fovereign. His Grace lay that night at Sir Robert Furnefe'^ houfe. Au- gujl 3 . he proceeded to Sittingbourn^ ac- companied by a great many gentlemen. And on Wednefday the 4th. at the defire of feveral noblemen, and eminent citizens, his Grac3 confented to make a kind of public entry 3 tho', in reality, it was in a manner forced upon him j for Sir Charles CoXj member of Farliament for the ho-' rough of Soiithwark, a worthy noted gen- tleman for his zeal to the Froteftant caufe, and Liber h and Froi)ert\\ with about two hundred fubftantial inhabitants, many of whom were Baptijis, were prepared to meet his Grace on horfeback, and refolv- ed to attend him through their Borough, He was likewife attended as he palled thro' the city, to his houfe at St. 'James's, by above two hundred gentlemen, and others, on horfeback 5 and by his noble relations, and others of the nobility and gentry in their coaches, many of them with fix horfes ; the whole making a gal- lant appearance, tho' without any great formality. A company of njoluntier city grenadiers marched before his Grace's G 3 coachj
86 T%e History of the
coach, and having brought him to his houfe, faluted him with a 'uolley. The people every where crouded to fee his Grace ^ and made loud and joyful acclama-» tions of. Long live King George^ Long live the duke of Marlborough^ &c.
His Grace's enemies and enviers, not-» withftanding the confufion they were in, had yet the confidence to cenfure his making fuch a magnificent entry while his royal miftrefs was hardly cold. ' But without
* reflecting on the memory of that prin- ' cefs, fays Mr. Ijcdiard *, for fufFering
* herfelf to be fo far deluded, as to give
* up the bej} of \i(:x fuhjpdfs^ who had ga- ' thered all the Laurels that adorned her
* diadem J to the malice of his ungenerous
* enemies^ fure, fuch a dimi:i::t.ive tri- ^ umph was but a fmall recompcnce for *■ the great trophies he had formerly ' brought hom.e ; and the lead atonement ' England could make for her former in- ^ gratitude to the greateji of heroes fhe ' ever bore. Befides, it was neceffary to
* lay hold on the duke of Marlboi'ough'^ ' arrival as a proper occafion, for liie people ' to fhev/ their zeal and alTecflion for King
* George^ which ftill redoubled the fears
* and alarms of the pretender % friends, to
* fuch a degree, that vaft numbers of them,
* who had lately come over from France^ J returned daily thither.
* VollW. V;. i%o.
J His
English Baptists. 87
* His Grace was cpmpllmented, the
* morning after his arrival, by moft of the ' foreign minifters, and by great numbers
* of the nobility, gentry, and officers of
* the army 5 and having been that day at
* St. yames's, where he was fworn of the
* privy council, by the Lord's "Jufiices j as ' he went through the Fark to the houfe
* of Peers ^ his fedan was followed by ' crouds of foldiers, and other people, with
* loud huzza's ; after which his Grace re-
* tired for fome time to the Bath'
On the i8th oi Sept, his Majefly King George^ to the inexpreffible joy of every well wifher to the happinefs of his country, landed at Greenwich , about fix of the clock in the evening. The duke of 'Horthum-!^ berland^ captain of the life guards^ and the lord Chancellor^ at the head of the Lords Jiiftices, received his Majefty at his landing, and complimented him on his fafe arrival. There was a vaft and fplen- did appearance the fame evening, of nobi- lity and gentry, at the royal houfe in the Poj^k. * But among this throng of bright
* conftellations, fays Mr, Lediard *, none ^ fhone forth with greater fplendor, upon
* this happy occafion, than his Grace the ' duke of Marlborough ; his late fuiferings
* having added a new luftre to that he was
* ahvays wont to appear in, when he re-
» Vol III. p. 384.
G 4 * turned
88 Tihe History of ths
* turned triumphant from his vidforiotis ' campaigns, Npr was there any to whom ' the King {hewed more diftinguifhing
* marks of the royal favour and efteem.
' His Majefty, who was an incompa-
* rable judge of true merit ; and who, on
* his firft appearance in his new dominions,
* Ihewed, that he knew how to diftin-
* guifh thofe, that in the mofl critical of
* junctures, had boldly alTerted the rights ^- of his illuftrious houfe, and thofe who ' had oppoled, or afted contrary to his
* true interefls, gave the duke of Ma?'l- ' borough an opportunity, as it were, of ^ triumphing over his enemies, in the eye
* of the whole courts by his gracious and favourable deportment to him -, while his perfecutors were hardly looked on, or at beii met with a cold return, to their, perhaps, as faint oifers of their duty and loyalty.
* The Prince [now our mofl gracious foyereign] who had been an eye-witnefs of fome of the duke oi Marlborough'^ me- morable and glorious exploits, and was truly fenfible, with how ileady an afFe- d:ion, and rcfolution, he had ever efpoufed the real good of the nation, and in particular, that ;of the Protejlant fuc- 'cejjion^ in the aiijpicious houfe of Hano-- ver, was not wanting on his fide, to add to his Grace's triwnph. In iliort, tho' he was not vet declari^d, every one look-
' ed .
English Baptists. 89
* ed upon him as relnflated in his pofl of ^ Captaiji-general, and a riling favourite.'
I MUST not pafs the honour done to his Qrace from the pulpit, in a pafTage of the coronation fermon^ preached by the lord bifliop of Oxford. His lordfhip having fpoken of the eight glorious campaigns un- der the v^^ife condud: of the duke, goes on. But whether, fays he, it was to correct us for fome iins, whereby we had pro- voked God to anger, or to chaftife our confidence, which, it may be, we placed too much in the arm of flefh, or to con- vince us that his providence, which alone began, fhould alone have the glory of finifliing this great work, he was pleafed to fuifer us to fall into a condition, from which nothing elfe could have relieved us. Our enemy, who had fet up a pre^ tender to this throne, raifed from a con- dition of ajking peace, to a condition of giving peace, and princes too, to Europe, Our allies, fome divided from us, others miferably disjointed, and we ourfelves not only unregarded, but wretchedly broken into parties and fadlions at home. The friends of the pretender thought thefe circumfiances fo encouraging, that they openly avowed his title] in writing and difcourfe, and his agents as boldly lilted loldiers to alTert it with the fword. And he muft have beeli very fanguine, who in this view of things could have
* thought
go The History of the
thought that the pretender^ whom our Queen's repeated inftances could not re- move from a fituation, which the FaV" liament thought too near us, would not, upon her Majeily's demife, have brought a foreign army to join his friends here, before the Frotejlant heir, who was at a much greater diftance, could have arri- ved to have maintained his own juft right, or defended his faithful fubjed:s. But when that day was come, that was to put a period to that royal life, on the continuance of which alone this threat- ning danger feemed fufpended -, then was God pleafed to mix fo much mercy with the ftroke, as by his providence to order it, [that the unfettled poflure of affairs abroad, would not permit the pretender^ foreign friends to fend any forces to en- courage an infurretlion, and the unrea- dinefs of his furprized abettors here, would not permit them to appear in fuch a manner as to invite an invalion/ His Majefty, the next morning after his landing, fent a melTage to the duke of Ormondy to fignify his difmiflion from the office of general of the army. This raifed fome debates in an alTembly of fuch of the nobility as could exped: but little, if any, favour from his Majefty, refped:ing the Cavalcade y or public entry of the King. The author of the memoirs of the life of the duke of Shrewjbiiry giyes it us as a
piece
English Baptists. 51
piece of fecret hiftory : ' The affembly, fays
* he *, having brought things to this
* head, the lords began to congratulate
* one another upon the fuccefs, and, for a
* time, nothing but common difcourfe
* took them up ; at length a lord that had
* not fpoken yet, flood up, who, for the
* occafion, we fhall put into the courfe, ' and call him lord O.
* M.Y lords, fays he, I believe there is
* not one among us, but what entirely
* give our afient to all that has been faid
* by thefe noble lords that have fpoken
* before me ; and I have therefore nothing
* to add to what is pafl, but pray let us ' debate a little about our prefent conduct,
* what we fliall do as to the fhow to mor-
* row ? Shall we appear at court in the
* morning, and go in the train with them,
* or fliall we not ?
* Lord H. Truly, my lords, its my cpi-
* nion, that iince we are to have none of
* their favour, we fliould add nothing to
* their figure.
* Lord /. I AM of the fame mind 5 be-
* fides, my lord, I think it would be but
- a piece of juflice to the duke of Or </,
' fince they have diflionoured him as they
* have done ; let us fhow them, that we
^ will hohour him as much, and let us fee ■ \ who will have the greateft fhow.
f Page 127.
* Here
92 Tloe History of the
^ Here my lord — put in, and laid, it was a noble thought, if they had had time for it, but that the Canjalcade being appointed for the next morning, it was impoffible to give notice to their friends, elfe they would eafily have had a train of coaches almofi: equal in number to the intended fhow.
' Well, but, fays my lord il — , lam of opinion, that we fliould feparate as we are, and if we all go off in a body we fhall make fuch a chafm in their train, as will reduce their fhow to the fkeleton of what they think it fliall be, and fur- prize the world more with the confe- quence, than they will be furprized at the occalion.
' But how then fliall we order our march ? And, when fliall we break off from the reft of the train ? faid my lord G. who flood a little pauling upon the propofal.
' Says lord /. my lords, I find you do not rightly apprehend my projed; ; you all know the appointed order of the Cavalcade for the morning ; my propo- fal is, that concerting our meafures this night with the duke of Or d^ we appoint all our coaches to be ready at his apartment, about two hours before the time appointed for the Park 3 when, on a fudden, we fhall drive away to London^ and paffing through the city before they
* come.
English Baptists. 93
^ come, fliall let the world fee what a
' body of the principal nobility and gentry
* came away from them, in honour of the
' duke of Or d ; and, perhaps, if they
' fet afide their militia^ the city trained
' bands^ corporation pagea7itry\ and the
* like, we may make as good a train as ' the whigs, the King's perfon, the Prince,
* and their family excepted.
' But, my lord, fays lord G. do you
* believe, upon information of fuch a de-
* fign, they would not fend the guards af- ' ter us, and flop us ?
' No, my lords, replied lord I. I can- ' not believe any fuch thing. Befides, by ' v^'hat law or authority can they flop us ? ' Are we not freemen, and can go where
* and whither we pleafe ? If not, we are ' prifoners, and the folemnity of this day ' can be exacted of us as a duty, which is ^ not our cafe.
* Says lord G. nay, I am not concern-
* ed about that, let them flop us if they ' pleafe 5 that will be no difadvantage to
* us, but to them ; for it will add weight ' to us, and fhew the impotence of their
* refentment -, for they cannot commit us
* to priibn, 'tis no rebellion, we fhall not
* be in arras ; 'tis no deferting, for we are
* not lifted in their fervice ; 'tis acting as ' their dealing with us leads us to, and I
* think juftifies us in ; for we only go away
* from thofe who have firft driven us away.
94- 215^ History of th^
« In a word, the ajfembly agreed to the
* propofal, and made the place of rendez^ ' voiis to be at the duke of Or — — ^'s le^ « vee, from whence they refolved to drive « diredly to London with the duke, and ^ neither take their leave at courts or any ' notice of the court in it.
' With this general refolution the af- « fsmbly broke up, and the lords made it ' their bulinefs to communicate their de-
* fio-n to all their friends ; nor was there
* many but what exceedingly liked of the ' thine;. Bat when they came to the « duke himfelf he could not be prevailed « with to hear any thing of it. He pro- ' tefted, that tho' he thought himfelf ' hardly ufed, yet that he could not do
* any thing fo inconfiftent with duty and « with courtefy j that, to fliew himfelf to « be thus popular would bring thoiifands of •^ enemies upon him, and, perhaps, open « the door to future inconveniencies, which
* at prefenc might be avoided.
' The duke, who was not apt to be ve- ' ry pofitive in things, efpecially where
* his own interefl; was fo much concerned, ' yet in this, notwithftanding the impor-
* tunity of the reft, continued inflexible in < his refolution, and could not be prevailed « with to alter his mind j fo the reil were « obliged to their great difappointment, to ' lay afide the thoughts of it, and referving
* all their other wicked agreements, they
' refol-
English Baptists. 95
* refolved, tho* againft their inclinations,
* to appear at the public entry of the King,
* which they did accordingly.
* This wholefome refolution of the duke of Or— — ^ was faid, to be the confequence of the duke of Shreijojbiirf^ good advice, who never left preffing and perfuading his Grace, till he obtained a promife from him, that he would not leave the place J which would have been offering the greateft affront to the perfon of the King that they could poffibly have done, and might have been attended with ma- ny fubfequent things to their difadvan- tage. But after this we find the duke of Shrewjbiiry never took any great de- light in appearing at court i for having laid down the ftaff in order to its being given in commiffion, Mr. Walpole [fince Sir Robert'] a perfon he had no relilh of, was quickly placed at the head of that commiffion, for the management of the treafury.'
The affairs of the E?igUJh Baptijls, un- der the enjoyment of their civil and religi- ous liberties, affording but few peculiar materials for the continuation of their hi- llory in this reign, I have made this di- greffion, to fet forth the dangerous condi- tion we were in, under the adminiftration of men who not only oppofed, but by their artful infinuations, under the pretence
'of
96 TTje HisTOkY of the
of obtaining peace to the nation, deceived, if not forced, a glorious Queen, to fet a fide the beji Minijiry this nation ever was blelTed with before. And I have been led hereunto, from ihtfaBious clamours which have been made againft the prefent mini^ fin^ under a jealoufy, that fome of the fame perfons are at the bottom of them ; and I may not be miftaken, if I imagine they belong to the club of the fiditious Caleb Dan-vers, efq; I hope the DilTenters in general, which are a ballance between high-church and low-church-men, as they are but juflly diftinguiflied, will beware of being feduced by them ; for let their pre- teniions be never fo plaufible, they are but gilded baits to catch the unwary withal. Peace^ peace, was all their cry, in the reign I have been treating of; and tho* to their iliame, and the prejudice of the na- tion, they obtained it, they were difap- pointed in their chief end, the Profejlant fuccejjion took place, and they, with all the pretender's adherents, were con- founded.
It is well known, that one of Caleb's chiefs, who have changed their note, and cry now, JVar, war, was a principal in that faction, which oppofed tlie Siiccejjion in the illuftrious houfe of Hanover, and kindled the flame of that unnatural rebel- lion, which was againft his late Majefty, and intended to perpetuate thofe black and
de-
English Baptists. 97
dellrudtive defigns, which they were not able to accompUfli, by their dark poHtics, and crooked councils. That he even Hft- ed himfelf under their banners, after they had recourfe to arms, in order to deftroy the conftitution, and bring us back to the Jlavery which we had been hapoily deU- vered from, by the late glorious Revolution ^ And fhall fuch a man as this, after fuch ' tranfad:ions as thefe, founiverfally known, and fo undeniably true, direct the councils of this kingdom, and be followed by any of his Majefty 's good fubjeds ? No, God forbid 1 Let us remember,thatwhenhe,and his faceti- ous party were in power, they would not al- low us the liberty of educating our own chil- dren. His feditious papers, under the pretence of being an advocate for liberty, d'^figned to poifoii the minds of the weak and ignorant, and (liake the people's allegiance, in order to introduce popery^ Jlavety, and arbitrary power into thefe kingdoms, furely can have no effetStj but upon fuch abandoned wretches, who neither fear God^ nor ho- nour the King. And, could they obtain their ends, would certainly thernfelves be difappcinted ; for had the horrid plot, in- tended for the affajjination of our glorious Deliverer Kinp- William^ of immortal me- m.ory, fucceeded, and King Ja^nes been reftored j the tories then v/ould have been difappointcd, and been made in common with the reft of their countrymen, Jla'ves H and
gS Tlje History of the
and vaffals to France^ as appears from the following account, which I have tranfcrib- ed from the author of Rejiediio?is on the management ofjome party difputes. Ap. 1696. * About this time, fays he, we had
* an account by private letters from Fraiice^
* of the following fecret fcbeme, and de- ' fign againfl King William^ and his do-
* minions of Great Britain and Ireland^ ** as laid down by the French king and his
* confidents, which King 'James^ and his ' Britijh friends, were to know almoft
* nothing of, viz. That as foon as the ' prince of Orange fhould be afjajfinated -, ' that is, as foon as this fliall be known at
* Calais^ by the fignal which was agreed ' to be given from Dover Cliffs^ imme-
* diately King James was to go on board, ' and to land with an army of te7i thou-
* Jand men ; and that foon after, without
* the leail: delay, twenty thoiifand veteran
* French troops, which were brought thi-
* ther before hand, were immediately to
* embark with all haft, and carry along with
* them eighty pieces of cannon, with all
* other accoutrements and furniture, in a ' fleet oifeven hundred tranfport ihips, un- ' der a convoy of t%ve?ity eight men of war,
* in order thus fucceffively to invade Eng-
* lajid -J and that much about the fame ' time five thoiifand men were to land in
* Scotland^ to join their friends in that
* place. But how many the Jacobites
' were
English Baptists. 99
were that were to join them, was not certainly difcovered. However, this was done, that juft as they iliould land, the , Tower of London and the Exchequer fhould have been fiezed, by fome parties of the confpirators here, and that after this the city of London was to have been burnt down, and totally deftroyed, and the country, for at leaft /even miles round it, reduced into a wildernefs for ever.
' Some, indeed, of the French cabal, objedled againft the deflrudion of L072- don^ at firft alledging, that it would bring a vail revenue to the crown of France J by its cuflioms j but it was an- fwered, that it was abfolutely neceiHiry, that that city fliould be utterly deflroy- ed, . ..becaufe the King of France could never other wife fecurely hold the Bri- tijh kingdoms in fubjedion ; and that if London were fuffered to fiourifli, it would not only be an overmatch for Paris^ but might in time contend affain with France, and even with the v/hole world for empire as well as trade, as Rome did of old. The total deil:rud:ion therefore of Lon- don being finally concluded on, the next refolutiqn was, that ail the landed men, and v/ealthy monied men in England that were to be fpared, and not cut off, Papifts as v/ell as Protejlatits, fhould be tranfported' into France^ but v/ith this H 2 'diffe-
lOO Tloe History of the
* difference, that the Proteftants fhould
* be made Jlaves and drudges, and the ' P^pifl^ ^^^^ ^^^^'"^ equivalents given them ' in France for their eftates in England. ' For thefe purpofes it was concluded,
* that the French officers fliould have the
* gentlemens ellates given them j and that
* an equal number of day-labourers, and
* poor French families, fhould have been
* brought over inllead of the tranfplanted
* Britifi captives, in order to inhabit and ' cultivate the defolate countries ; which ^ was judged the only beft and fecureft ' method, to put the Englifi for ever out
* of condition to revolt, or endeavour to
.' recover their liberties and pofTeffions, or
' to be any hindrance to the French King
' to gain and preferve the univerfal mo-
* narchy of Europe. And for the better ' fecuring the Ff^ench monarchy, and pre- « venting the Britijh from attempting any « change, an ediSi was agreed upon to be ' publiilied in due time, viz. That none ' of the tranfplanted Englijh fhould ever ' return again to their ovvn country on ' pain of death. As for Kingj^j;??^^, tho'
* his title was fpecioufly to be made ufe = of, particularly at firft, in order to divide
* the Englijh amongft themfelves, that « they might, all of them, become the < more eafily a prey to France ; yet he
* himfelf, tho' he knew but little of the , ' main French defign, was brought under
English Baptists. ioi
* fpecial obligation, not to have meddled
* with the government, any otherwife,
* than as he (hould be direa:ed by the ' French King, until firft the crown of ' France inould receive /"at/v and four mil-
* lions fterling to be paid out of the pro- ' du3: of Britain 3.nd Ireland ^ . But then ' they had all fecretly agreed, which King
* James and his Britifi friends were to ' know nothing at all of, that before the ' fum could poffibly be raifed, they would ' find means to get rid both of him and his
* fon ; and thus fecure the poffeflion for
* ever to the crown of France^ by virtue -i^ ' of the relation that the families of Or-
* leans and Savoy had to the royal family ^ of Britain J as the next in the lineal fuc- ' ceffion thereof, in cafe of no male iiTue
* by King James j for a daughter, whom
* they had in their power, they could al- ' ways difpofe of, as they found it moft
* for their intereft.'
The author from whence 1 tranfcribed this, makes this obfervation thereon. ' Now, fays he, if our prefent high-churcb ' could have their wifh, that is, the pre-
* tender in the room of King George^ they ' cannot exped: things to be put on a bet- ' ter foot, than they expected from the
* reftoration of King James the Second.
* How many more millions are they now, after the efcaping their hands for above forty years, when they were become fo many in no more then eight years time ?
H ^ * And
10 2 Tloe History of the
* And if the confequences of his reftofa^ ' tion would have been, what the former ' account makes fully appear ; what have ' we not to expedl from the fettling his ' pretended fon on the throne now, con-
* fidering it cannot be done without the ' fame affiftances? And what vaftly a
* greater debt is now between us and the
* French King upon that fcore, than there
* was at that time ? If it is poiiible, fays ' he, for a tor)\ a high-church-man ^ a. ' Jacobite^ or a perfon poifcned with prin- '. ciples deftrudive of his religion, and na-
^^ ^ tive country, to be cool and rcfle<ft, let
^^ ^ him Vv'eigh the differences between a
' peaceable, quiet fubjedion to the pre-
* fent government, and the violent lirug-
* gles there muil: be to fubvert it, with ' the certain confequences of it, 2. foreign *■ JIavery.' And I add, Can the Ethiopian change is Jkin^ or the Leopard his Jpots ? Then may they do good that are accuficm- ed to do ceil. And fo, we need not wonder at, but v/ith contempt look upon all the fadious attem.pts of Caleb and his party againfl the prefent government, They may endeavour to perfuade us, it is in de- fence of our liberties 3 but let us beware of them, they defign to enfnare us, that they may enflave us. They are like their father the devil, and can put themfelves into any fliape to deceive. There is no medium between his prefent Majefly and
tlis
English Baptists. 103
the pretender ; they that oppofe the former in any ihape, are 'for the latter. All the ridiculous and foolifli parallels they have drawn, and the traiterous fluff they have vented, are naufeous to the wife, tho' pleafing to a few fools. But his Majefly's wifdom is our defence, and therefore not to be moved by fuch deceitful, wicked, and impertinent fcriblers, as in the leafl to doubt of the fidelity of his fervants, who for their zeal for the true interefl of the nation are the glory of his kingdom.
It mufl be confefTed, that her Majefty Queen Anne reigned very glorioufly over the^H BritiJJj nation for fome years, and the glories of her reign might have fhined with the lame brightnefs, or greater, to the end, had they not been eclipfed by evil counfel- ' lors, and the bafe defigns, which fome were carrying on, under a pretended zeal for the church, and concern for the pre- rogative of the crov/n. And had God, as our iniquities deferved, fuffered them^ to have gone a little farther, and given time for their conceived mifchiefs to have brought forth, what a dreadful fcene fliould we then have had before us ? Our civil and religious privileges taken av/ay ; our goods and eftates confifcated ; our po- fterity left to inherit nothing but popet^y and Jlavery, and a civil and bloody war mufl: have been commenced in our nation. But God, who has often faved us by his kind ^ H 4 P^ovH '
104 'The History oJ the
providence, interpofed once more in our favour, and upon the demife of her Maje- fty, who, herfelf began to make fome- change, all their counlels were turned in- to fooiifhnefs, and their deep laid defigns overthrown j the P rot eft ant fuccejjton im- mediately takes place j the regency is put into the hands of wife and faithful mi- niflers, and his excellent Majefty King George is proclaimed throughout the whole kingdom, with the greatefl joy and fatif- fadlion j the hopes of the pr-etender are entirely cut off, no foreign power daring ^ifes yet to give him affiflance.
Aright reverend prelate *, who was far enough from flattery, in the worft of times, fpeaking of the reign of this famous Queen, fays, in the preface to \\isfozir Ser- mons thus, * Such was the fame of her ad-
* miniftrations at home ; fuch was the re- ' putation of her wifdom, and felicity in ' choofing minifters, and fuch was then ' efteemed their faithfulnefs and zeal, their ' diligence and great abilities, in executing ' her commands ; to fuch a height of mi- ' litary glory did her great General, and
* her armies carry the Britijh name abroad ;
* fuch was the harmony and condud:, be- ^ twixt her and her allies j and fuch was ' the bleffingof God upon all her councils ^ and undertakings J that I am as fure, as
Bijhop of St. Afaph.
hiftoi-
English Baptists. 105
hiftory can make me, no prince of ours was ever yet fo profperous and fuccefsful, fb loved, efteemed, and honoured by their fubjedis, and their friends, nor near fo formidable to their enemies. We were^ as all the world imagined then, juft en- tring on the way that promifed to lead to fuch a peace, as would have anfwered all the prayers of our religious Queen, the care and vigilance of a moft able mi- niftry, the payments of a willing and obedient people, as well as all the glo- rious toils and hazards of the foldiery. When God for our fins, permitted the
fpirit of difcord to go forth and to
fpoil for a time this beautiful and plea- ling profpe(5t, and gives us in its ftead I know not what — — — Our enemies, fays he, will tell the reft with pleafure/
CHAP,
io6 The History of the
CHAP. II.
Containing the three Jirjl years of the reign of King George I.
Anno /Tp H E death of Queen Anne^ and the ^1^\' J[ fucceffion in the illuftrious houfe of Hanover taking place, occafioned a very great, but a happy change in the affairs of this kingdom, and gave new Hfe to the Protejiajtt intereft throughout Europe. A large body of EngUpj grey-headed gentle- men, who intended to have graced his Majeily's public entry, having obtained an order from the lords of the regency for their admiflion into the grand Cavalcade^ propofed to ride on white horfes, in their own grey hair, and white camblet cloaks, with a nofegay in their right hands, com- pofed of an Orange *, inclofed with Lau- rel -f-. They deligned to have formed themfelves into fix companies, to have
* The Orange in remembrance of the great Nassau, who left us this thrice happy legacy.
-f- The Laurel in commemoration of the always vidlo- rious yohn duke of Marlborough, who undauntedly by h?^ fword, rather obtained, than preferved for us, the poffef- fion of this entail, which is the bulwark of the Protejiant religion^
con-
•^
English Baptists. 107
conlifted of twenty four gentlemen in each ; a captain and mulic in the front, and an officer at tlie head of every company, at- tended by their refpedive lervants in live- ries on foot, with muiic in the centre and the rear j but v^^ere prevented in the exe- cution of this their purpofe, by his Maje- fly's not tofoo?2y but unexpeded happy ar- rival, before the faid gentlemen could form themfelves into fuch proper order as be- came the reception of that monarch that holds the ballance ot Europe. They in the year 1723 preleiited to his Majelly at St, James'^j and to their royal highnelTes, the prince and princefs of Wales ^ at Leicejier- bouje, a congratulatory poem on his Maje- - fly's fafe and happy return to his Britijh dcm.inicns. At both ^ which places the gentlemen were gracioufly received, and i ad the honour of killing his Majefty's hand, as alfo thofe of their royal high- neffes.
On the 4th o^ Augiift^ 1714- a letter figned by the reverend Mr. 'Tongue of Sal- ters-hall, was fent to fome of the Baptiji miniflers, dehring them to meet feverai of the Fadobaptijl minifters on Monday enfuing, at HamFrns, CoffeeAmiJe^ to hear Xuch matters as fliouid be propofed to them. Being met, Mr. T^ongiie reprefented ; that whereas there had formerly been a com- mittee of the three denominations of DilTen- ters, to confalt of public affairs for the
good
io8 "The History of the
good of the whole, it was thought conve- nient, and delired by feveral perfons, that that committee fhould again be revived. To which all that were prefent agreed. Now two of this committee being dead, vix . Mr. 'Jofeph Stennet^ and Mv.JohnPiggotty it was propofed to them, to Ipeak to thofe of their denomination, to choofe two in their room, to meet with the committee when they fat : And on the fame day in the afternoon, this matter was reprefented to thofe elders and minifters of the Baptift churches who met weekly at the Hanover Cqff'ee-houfe in Finch-lafie^ who approved of the reviving of theaforefaid committee ; and they chofe Mr. Richard Allein^ and Mr. Benja?ni7t Stinton, to fupply the pla- ces of the gentlemen decealed. But the deceafed having been often reflecfted upon for ading as reprefentatives of the whole, when chofen only by a part ; therefore, to prevent the like for the future, and in or- der to cultivate a better correfpondence among the Baptiji miiiifters of both par- ties, the chofen perfons thought fit to fum- mons the whole body of BaptiJl minifters in and about London, both particulars and generals, and they met together at the Hanover Coffee -houfe, on JVedneJday, Au- guft 17. enfuing. Being acquainted with the occalion of their being called together, viz. The chooling perfons to reprefent them in the committee, if they approved
of
English Baptists. i 109
of ading in conjundion with the other Diflenters, as before, and the fetthng a better union, and cdrrefpondence among themfelves.
After fome debates upon the firil of thefe, the queftion was put. Whether the Baptijis fhould continue to ad in conjun- ' dion with the other denominations of D*f- fenters, in addrciring the King, or in any- other thing that rektc;d to ':he: v:ubiic in- tereft of the whole ? And it palTed in the affirmative -, and then the fame three per- sons wxre chofen by balloting, who had been chofen before by the particular Bap~ tijis- only.
The other thing propofed by c2\Ymg The partis this nieetins; was W2a?iimouP,y approved, ^''^'^'' '^f'^
^ "^ '^. ■* , , general
and they agreed to meet again that day Baptip month, to coniider further of it ; and ntiniprs when they met on that day, they agreed, ""'^^' in order to maintain a good aifedion and correfpondence, to keep this meeting once a month ; and that it fhould confift only of the elders of the baptized churches. Mr. Je?2ki?is was chofen fecretary, and fe- veral orders to render it the more ufeful were refoived upon. But this laudable and good defign foon dwindled and came to nothing. Why ? Becaufe it was the refult of eccleJajHcks only, who are rarely found to be good politicians. Had they joined with themfelves one or two from each of their churches of the moft prudent
and
no The History of the
and moderate of their laity, I doubt not but a glorious harmony and good corre- fpondence would have continued with theiii until now. Let them but try the experiment. The whole Eaptifi infereji united in fuch a manner mufl confequent- ly tend very much to its reputation and encreafe.
Soon after his Majeiliy's arrival in thefe kingdoms, the committee of the three de- nominations prepared an addrefs to be pre- fented to him. The whole body of the diiTenting miniilers met together, and ap- proved the addrels. Dr. Williams was chofen to prefent it -, and it was agreed, that every minilTier fiiould accompany him • on this occafion. Iheumied It was prefented to his Majefty, at his f£7'" court at St. James's, Sept. 2^6, 1714. the king. They were introduced by his grace the duke of De-vo?2/l:irey3.nd had all the honour to kifs his Majefty's hand ; and afterwards the Prince's, to whom they were intro- duced by his grace the duke of Argyle.
The addrefs, \^.ith his Majeily's anfwer, was put into the Gazette of Saturday, Oof. 2. 17 14. w'^.
To
English Baptists. hi
* To the King's mofi excellent Majefty^
^ T^he humble Addrefi of the Proteftant dif- -
* fenfing minijiers, of the feveral deno-
* minatiom^ in and about the city of ■ * London, ^c,
' May it pleafe your Majejiy^
' IITITH thankfulnefs and joy, equal *■ ** to the great occalion, we congra-
* tulate your Majefly's peaceable acceliion ' to the throne, and your own, and the
* Prince's icS^ arrival j the merciful return
* of many ardent prayers.
* When we recollect your Majefty's ,* defcent from the King and Queen of ' Bohemia^ thofe renowned patrons of the
* Protejiant religion, we cannot but adore
* the divine providence, which has now
* rewarded their fufferings for that caufe, ' in their royal oiF-fpring with a crown,
* that renders your Majefty the head of the i whole Proteflafit intereft. But your
* Majefty's zeal for the fame religion,
* your known affed:ion for the liberties of
* Europe^ and the rights of mankind ; ' with your other celebrated virtues, give ' us the fureft profpecl, that the bleffings
* of your reign will be as exteniive as your ' power.
* The parliamentary entail of the crown ' upon your illuftrious houfe, we have
* ever efteemed one of the greateft blef-
' fings
112 TX^ History of the
' fings procured for us, by our late glori- ' ous deliverer King William^ of immor- ' tal memory. To this happy fettlement ' we have ftedfaftly adhered againft all
* temptations and dangers. Our zeal here-
* in has been owned to be very confpicu- ' ous, by thofe noble patriots who now
• %furround your throne.
' We hold no principles, but what do ' in confcience oblige us to acknowledge
* your Majeily for our only rightful and *. lawful fovereigD, and to do every thing
* in our power to fupport your title and
* government againft ail pretenders what-
* foever.
* Your Majeily 's wife and gracious de- ' claration, for which we render our un- V feigned thanks, does fenfibly relieve us
* under our prefent hardfhips, and gives
* us ground to hope, that as we are infepa- *■ rably united in intereft and fafety, with
* all that adhere to the fucceffion and mo-
* narchy as by lav/ eftabliflied, fo we
* fhail fliare in that protedion and favour,
* which will make us happy with the reft
* of your fubje6:s.
' We iliall conftantly pray, for the ' long life and profperity of your Majefty ;
* for their royal highnefles, the Prince and ' Princefs qI Wales ^ and all the branches
* of your auguft family. May that God,
* by whom kings reign, help you fo to
* employ your mighty power and intereft,
* that
English Baptists. 113
"^ that it may be your Majefty's glory, to
* proted: the Protejiant rehgion, to fup-
* prefs the profanenefs of the age, to heal ' the divifions of your people, to afTert the
* rights of the injured abroad, and to pre-
* ferve the ballance of Europe J
To which his Majefty returned this gracious anfwer.
* T Am very well pleafed with your ex- ' "■• prefiions of duty to me, and you may ' depend upon having my protedion.'
The declaration mentioned in this ad- drefs, was that which his Majefty had made in council, Sept. 22. being the firft time of his fitting in it, wherein his Maje- fty expreffed himfelf thus*
* I TAKE this occcifion alfo to exprcfs
* to you, my firm purpofe, to do all that ' is in my power, for fupporting and
* maintaining the churches o^ England and
* Scotland^ as they are feverally by law ' eflablifhed, Vs^hich, I am of opinion,
* may be efFeclually done, without the ' Icaft impairing the T^okratioii^ allowed ' by law to Protejiant DiiTenters, fo agree-
* bie to Chriilian charity, and fo necefla- ' ry to the trade and riches of this king-
* dom/
At
114 'The History of the
Stokes At the latter end of this year there was
fubii/hesa^ little pamphlet publifhed in defence of lif"%ap. Infant Baptijm, by Mr. Jofeph Stokes, a tifm. prefbyterian minifler at Horjham in Suff'ex, intitled, A fiirvey of hfant Baptifm, and the mode of baptifmg.
There is nothing new advanced in it, only the common arguments practically ' handled ; much the fame with what Mr. Bur kit had done before him; a method adapted to take with the populace, and affedl the paffions of tender and indulgent mothers and nurfes ; but will never jullify their pradlice with the wife and judicious part of mankind. This book did not re- vive the controverfv, for little or no no- tice was taken of it; nor did. any body think fit to make any return to it.
The author endeavoured to have got it recommended to the world by Dr. Wil- liams, and fome others of the mofl noted preibyterian minillers at London ; but up- on his application to them was told, that feeing things at prefent was quiet, and there was a good harmony and correipon- dence between the two denominations, they thought it not proper to do any thing that fhould break it ; fo it came forth, on- Anno ly under the authority of his own name. ''''5- In the year 171 c. the Charity fchool
ritjjchool upon Horjely-do'wn was let up by the Fro- upon tefiant diffenters, in. which the Baptijis
Horfeiy- j^^y^ ^Q o;reat a fhare, that in the fettle- down o > f'ounda. , ment
English Baptists. 115
ment thereof a peculiar regard is had to their opinion.
It was obferved, by fome of the mini- Hers in this part of the town, tha: the church of England had diverfe fchools of this kind, and obliged all that were ad- mitted into them, to go conftantly to the eftablifhed church, to learn the catechifm, and ufe the ceremonies belonging to it 3 and that particular care was taken, to pre- judice the children againft the principles and perfons of the Diffenters, and that ma- ny pious perfons were tempted, through poverty, to let their children be brought up in contempt of their parents and reli-
gion.
These minifters thought it neceffary to do all they could, towards the redreffing of this grievance, and that while they le- parated from others, to maintain a more pure religion, they ought not to come be- hind them in works of charity ; therefore refolved to attempt the fetting up of a fchool, for the education of the children of the poor, where they might not be un- der fuch impOiidons. The Frejbyterians had one or two fcliools of this kind about London ; but that this might be the more ufefui and exteiiiive, they defigned to form this after fuch a manner, that the Prote- fiant diffenters of each denomination might unite in it.
I z For
yi6 The History of the
For the promoting of this defign, fix minifters *, three whereof were Baptijis, agreed to fet up a leisure to be preached every Lord's day evening, at the meeting- houfc of Mr. Bejij, Stinton^ which was carried on by the faid fix minifters. Then they recommended the defign to their fe- veral friends and acquaintance, and it met v/ith fuch approbation and encouragement, that a fubfcription of more than an hun- dred a year was foon obtained.
Upon this the Subjcribers were fum- moned together, and they chofe twelve from amongft themfelves to be managers for the firft year, viz. the Jix minifters aforefaid, and Jix lay-gentlemen -f-, three of whom alfo were Baptijis.
This being the firft public Charity fchool, in which the Baptijts \vere an equal part of the confi:itution, as well as one of the mofi: catholic foundations of any yet in England -y and becaufe fome great attempts have been made by the Prejby- terianSy tho' without fuccefs, to change its conftitution, made me think it necefia- ry, to erect a monument thereunto, by giving it a place in this hifiory, that after- ages may know, upon what foundation the fame was firfl confi:ituted, and there-
* Isaac Maudit, Benj.Stinton, Rich. Parkes, John KlI- linghal, Edw. Wallin, John Sladen.
t Abr. Atkins, Tho. Hall, Luke Leader, John Sweet, William Dell, John Valley.
fore
English Baptists. 117
fore fhall infert the firft rules and orders of it.
WHEREAS an evening-ledure has been M5. penes fet up on Horfely-do^m in Southwark^ ^^' to encourage a Charity fchool^ for the educa- tion of poor children, in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and the principles of reU- gionj and feveral gentlemen having fub- fcribed liberally thereunto, the following rules and orders are agreed upon, for the better management of the fame.
General Rules.
I. That the faid fchool do confift of forty * poor boys, to be inftrudled as afore- faid, by one Mafter, who ihall receive thirty Jive pounds /^r a?2mim for the fame.
II. That twelve managers be annual- ly chofen by the fubfcribers j fix of whom fhall be of one of the denominations -f uni- ted in this charitable defign, and/:vof the other X y out of which managers a trea- furer ihall be chofen, one year of one de- nomination, and the next of the other j and that the time of eleftion be the fecond Thtafday in Febriia:ry. At which time al- fo, the former treafurer and managers fhall report the ftate and condition of the fchool, with an account how the money has been difpofed of.
* There are now fifty.
+ Psdobaptifts. % Antl-psedobaptifts.
I 3 III.
II 8 The History- of the
III. That if any of the managers fliall happen to be removed by death, or other- wife, before the expiration of the year, the fuhfcribers (hall be called together, to choofe others to fill up the vacancy.
IV. That the treafurer for the time being, fliall give bond to four of the ma- nagers, to employ what money he fliall re- ceive, as the major part of the managers fhall dired, and to pay the money that fhall remain in his hands, at the expiration of the year, to the fucceeding treafurer,
V. That at the firfl fixing of the fchool, boys but o^ fevejiy&^x^ of age fhall be admitted, afterwards none'tiil eight, and fuch as are capable to read a chapter in the New Teftament. But if any fliall be pro- pofed not fo qualified, they fhall, to the number of twelve, be put to a miflrefs, to be fitted for the next vacancy in the ma-, fler's fchool.
VI. That no child be taken in but by the managers, and that they be fjch, whofe parents are not capable of giving them learning,, which fhall be teflified by one or more of the Jiibfcribers j and as 6b- jedls are prefented they fhall be minuted down, and taken in, in courfe, as vacan- cies fhall happen, without any refped; of perfons.
VII. That the forty boys be annually clothed, at the difcretion of the managers, and that on the firfl convenient day after-
wardsjj
English Baptists. 'ii$
wards a fermon fl:iall be preached, and a collection made on that occalion; befides which, there (hall be a coliedion at the ledure once in eight weeks.
VIII. That the children be fupplied, by the managers, with all necelTary books, 'viz. fpelling books, teftaments, bibles, catechifms, pfalm books, writing and cy- phering books, convenient firing, and all other tilings proper for the fchool.
IX. That a catechifm be printed for the ufe of the fchool, agreeing with the AJfemblfs, the 95th qaeflion and anfwer, referring to the fubjects of baptifm being left out.
X. T.iAT when any of the children are fit for an apprenticefliip, if the fub- fcriptions be fufficient, the managers may affill: in the charge of putting them out to a proper trade and mailer.
XI. That the managers do at all times choofe the fchoolmafter, and afterwards recommend him in a ^general meeting of t\it Jiibfcribers for their approbation. And if any fchoolmafier fhall be negligent in teaching the children, or otherwife behave himfelf diforderly, the managers for the time being fhall treat with him about the fame, and have power, unlefs he reform, to difmifs, and exclude the faid mafter, giving him three months notice thereof.
Xil. That the rent of the fchool,
the maker's, clerk's, and tender's wages,
I 4. with
I20 T%e History of tha
within other other pharges, be paid by the treafurer quarterly.
Rules for the Majler,
I. That the fchoolmafter be known to have been a Frotejiant dilTenter for fome years pall, one of a fober Hfe and converfation, not under the age of thirty years, and well qualified to inftru(£t and govern the children, according to the rules laid down.
JI. That the fchool hours be from/t'- n^en to eleven in the morning, and from one to Jive in the afternoon, excepting No- vember^ December^ ya?tuary^ and Feb?-u- ary^ in which four months they ihali be from eight to eleven^ and from one to four -, and that Tue/days^ Thirfiays, and Satur- days^ be obferved according to the cuftom of neighbouring fchools.
III. That the mailer {hall pray with the fcholars every morning and evening, and inilrud; them \% reading, writing, and arithmetic, the principles of the Chriflian religion, and linging of pfalms : All thefe in the Englijh tongue only.
IV. That the times of breaking up, viz. ChriJimaSy Eajler, Whitjmtide^ and Bartholomenjotide^ be fixed, to be three days before each of the three feUivals, and that the children return to fchool the day after tivelfth day, and the Monday after Eajier and Whitjon week} one week only being
allowed
English Baptists. 12X
allowed at Bartholomewtide ; and that other holidays be obferved according to the cuftom of neighbouring fchools, Saints days excepted.
V. That this fchool being defigned for t»he benefit of poor children only, the mafler ihall not receive any money of their parents, either at their entrance or breakings up, or on any other pretence whatfoever ; nor fhall he teach any other children in the hours affixed for this fchool.
VI. That the mafter (hall keep an exadt account of the capital faults of the children, to be laid before the managers, that they may conlider, whether fuch children ought to be continued or ex- pelled.
VII. That every Lord's day, between four and five in the evening, the children Ihall meet at the fchool, having on the fo- ciety's cloaths, and clean linnen, from thence to go with the mafler to the le- cture, continued for the fupport of this charitable defign ^ and that the mailer take care, that they behave themfelves or- derly there.
Orders to be read and affented to by the Parents^ on the admittance of their chil- dren.
I. That the parents fhall not detain their children from fchool, in fchool hours, ' except in cafe of ficknefs.-
II.
122 The History of the
II. That they fend them clean wafli-» ed and combed. ^
III. That the parents take care of the o;ood behaviour of their children at home, and either correal them for their faults themfelves, or acc][uaint the mafler With them.
IV. And whereas the managers of this fchool will take care, that the mailer fhall not abufe the children, the parents fliali fubmit their children to the neceffary cor- redion of the fchool, and forbear coming thither on that account.
V^ That the parents take care, that on every Lord's day in the morning and afternoon, their children do attend fome place of worfliip among Frotejlant dilTen- ters, and in the evening fend them to the fchool, to attend with their mafter at the ledure.
VI. That if the parents fhall either neglecSl the faid orders, fo that their chil- dren be difmifled the fchool -, or fliall take them away, without confent of the mana- gers, their cloaths fhall be returned.
Lajily, T^at thefe orders may be the better known and obferved, both by the . parents and children, they fhall be affixed in fome convenient place in the fchool.
The I'reafurer chofen for the firfl year was Mr. Tho. Half, a hat-maker in 'Tooley- Jireef ; and Mr. Robert Morgan, a mem- ber.
English Baptists, 123
ber, and an occafional teacher of the Bap^ tiji church, under the care of Mr. Benja^ min Stinton^ upon Horfely-down^ was una- nimoufly chofen for the fchoolmajler, m which place he behaved himfelf to the fa- tisfad:ion of the fociety to the time of his death, and was fuceeeded by Mr. John Seage?', of the Prefbyterian perfualion, who is ftill Hving and in pofTeffion of the faid place.
A PRESBYTERIAN mceting-houfe in VnicGrn-yard^ being to be let, was taken, and made into a dwelling houfe for the mafter, and fchool for the boys, and foon after a catechifm was printed, according to the 9th article of the general rules, inti- tled, A Jhort catechifm^ containing the principles of the Chrijiia?i religion^ with the proofs thereof out of the Scriptures^ in words at lengthy approved of for the ife of the charity fchool^ at Horjely-down, South- %vark.
The annual fermon was, this year, preached by the reverend Mr. Matthew Clark ^ at Pinners-hall^ on the 20th of OBober^ the day of his Majefty's corona- tion, at which there was collected, for the benefit of the fchool, 28 /. 14 j.
About this time the reverend Mr. T!ho- Tho." wci^ Lowrey^ a prefbyterian minifler of the ^^°^Jf^ church of Scotland^ was baptized^ and ad- Baptift. mitted a member of the baptized church -in Spittlcfelds. He had been a licentiate
preacher
,124 1'he History of the
preacher in Scotland for many years, and belides his licenfe, figned by the modera- tor of the prefbytery of Peebles, he produ- ced three letters from the minifters in thofe parts where he dwelt, teftifying to his good and chriftian behaviour. He ac- knowledged, that he had been convinced a long time, of the error of Infant-bap- tifm, and o^ Jpr inkling, inflead o^ immer- Jion ; and that in his conferring with feve- ral minifters in Scotland, he found them to be of the fame mind j but thought it better to fubmit to the authority of the church in this cafe, than make a repara- tion about it, and deprive themfelves of the livings which they enjoyed.
He preached twice before feveral of the London minifters, in which fermons he gave good proofs of his knowledge in divi- nity, and abilities to preach the Gofpel ; but he had been fo long accuftomed to the Scotch language and pronounciation, that they concluded, he could not do much fervice in Kngland, efpecially near London -, hereupon a project was formed, for his re- . turning again into Scotland, and promote the dodirine and practice of believers bap- tifm in that kingdom ; for none were heard of there who openly profefTed it, tbo' fe- veral ftood well afFed:ed towards it.
Tins was propofed to the Baptlft mini- fters, at their united monthly meeting, who approved of it, and for the encourage- ment
English Baptists. 125
ment of the defign, agreed to defray the charge of it for one year; but when all things were fixed for his departure, he was vifited with a dangerous ficknefs ; and how it iffued I do not find. But to return to the pubhc affairs.
The difappointment that the enemies J reBel/icn to the government met with, by the Pro-^"'"'^^- teftant fucceffion taking place, did greatly provoke and enrage them ; however, they entertained fome hope, that the French King, and other potentates of the Romijh religion, would affift the pretender ; and if we may credit the current report, an alli- ance of this nature was formed by fevcral princes of Europe.
The King allured his ParJiameiif, that he had certain intelligence of preparations making to invade his kingdoms 3 and feve- ral rebellious tumults were raifed in diverfe parts of the kingdom, by perfons difafled:- ed to his Majelly and Government.
When thefe were up, their firfl work /kfi-?//;;^- was to pull down the meeting-houfes ^^^"'^■h^J' the Di[jenters^ crying out of the danger of the churchy and faying, No foreigners^ no prejbyterians. King fames III, &c.
These tumults were fo frequent, and^/a-iy in fo many parts of the kingdom, that the ^""^^ '* Parliament thought it necelTary to make 2.riotl. new law for fuppre/ling riots ; and addref- fed his Majefty, firll to afTure him of their ftedfaft loyalty, and readinefs to fupport
his
126 Tthe History of the
his title and government, againfl the pre^ tender and all his adherents. In the next place, to defire his Majefty to put the laws in execution againft rebellions tumults and diforders, and to make good the damages, which his faithful and loyal fubjed:s, fu- ilained by thefe diforders.
After the Farliament had led the way, addreffes v/ere brought frorn feveral parts of the kingdom to the fame purpofe, and among the reft, the united Protejianf diffenting minifters, in and about the cities o^ London and W^efimi?i/ier, prcfentcd ouq Aug. 1 6. 171 5. TJ^e united Jt was not now thought proper for the Durlnters wholc body of the minifters to go up with addrefsthe this addrcfs, as before ; but four of each ^^^i- denomination were chofen out of the reft, to attend on the prefenting of it ; and ac- cording to the method agreed upon, when they firfl united in addreSing, the prefent- er was now to be one of the Baptiji deno- mination, and Mr. Nathaniel Hodges was unanimoully chofen to perform this cere- mony. They were introduced by his grace the duke of Newcajile -, and their addrefs, with his Majefty's anfwer, was put into the next Gazette^ and was as follows_,
^7;
1:^
English Baptists. 127
*■ ^0 the King's moft excellent Majejiy^
WE your Majefly's moft loyal fub- jeds, think ourfelves obliged in duty and gratitude, humbly to acknow- ledge, that feafonable protection which your Majefty has been pleafed to give to thofe of our perfuaiion, from the late
* rebellious tumults ^ and for your gracious
* anfwer to the addrefs of your faithful
* Commons^ wherein they defire, that a ^ full compenfation be made to thofe, ' whofe fufferings they fo juftly impute to ' their zeal and firm adherence to your
* Majefty, and to your government. We
* can affure your Majefty, that no juft ^ occaiion has been given by us to our fel- ' low-fubjeds for any fuch treatment j nor
* can the principles, which oblige us to
* diftent from the church of E?2gla?td^ be ' a reafonable provocation, to any who ' have the leaft regard to the common. ' rights of mankind, or the rules of the
* Chriftian reli2;iGn.
* We deiire nothing more, than to en-
* joy our civil rights, with a juft liberty to
* profefs 'our own religious fentiments, ' which we take to be a privilege due to ' all men. We have been always ready ' to affift the church of 'England^ in de-
* fence of the Trotejiant religion, when in
* real and imminent danger j being agreed ^ with them, and all Protejiant churches.
128 The History of the
^ in thofe principles that began the refor-
' mation, and which alone can juftify and
\ fupport it.
* When there has been a defign to in-
, * troduce Popery and arbitrary Powei*,
* the Frotejiant difTenters have generally ' been firft attacked. Nor know we any ' other reafon, why we have now fuffer- ' ed the outrage of papijh, non-jurors,
* and other difafFe<ft€d perfons, but that ' they were fure, we were a body of men,
* fixed in our duty to your Majefty, and
* lay the moft expofed to popular infults,
* againft which your Majefty, and your ' two houfes of Parliamejit^ in your great
* wifdom and goodnefs, have given us a
* feafonable, and we hope, effedtual fecu- ' rity, for time to come.
' Whilst your Majefty's government
* is difturbed at home, and threaten'd with an mvafion from abroad, we can anfwer for thofe of our pcriiiafion, that there are not any of them, whofe principles and inclinations will not influence them to aljift vTand fupport your Majefty and x!i\^ Frotejla7it religion to the utmofl: of their power. .We look upon our felves bound, by the iirongeft tiesof ^luty, grati- tude and interefi, to acknowledge and maintain your Majefty's undoubted right and title to the imperial crown of thefe realms, and to declare our utmoft ab- horrence of all attempts, either at home or
* abroad.
English Baptists. 129
^ abroad, in favour of a popifi pretender.
* May that gracious Providence, which has ' fo fignally appeared in bringing your Ma-
* jefly to the throne of thefe kingdom?,
* continue to proteft and defend your royal ' perfon and family againfl: all attempts of
* your open and fecret enemies.'
His Majefiys rnoft gracious mifwer,
' T AM very much concerned at the im-
* •*• chriftian and barbarous treatment,
* which thofe of your p^rfuafion have met
* with, m feveral parts of my kingdom,
* and care fhall be taken, that a full com- ^ penfation bs made to them for their fuf-
* ferings. I thank you for this addrefs,
* and you may be- afHired of my pro-
* tedlion.*
This addrefs was very difplealing to the high-church, perfecuting party, and the more fo, becaufe it met wiih fuch a kind reception, and full anfwer from his Maje- fly. They endeavoured to expofe it all they could, and thofe that had the honour of prefenting it. A fpecimea of which was in the Toeekh^ journal^ on the Saturday following; a notorious llandering, tory pap.-r, the publiflicr of which was foon af- ter taken up by the government, for fpreading the pretender s- mamfejlo. Tlie account this yournalift gave of the DifTen- ters addrefs, was in the following words ; K * Ths
130 The History of the
* The fame day an addrefs was made to ' his Pviajefty, by the whole body of dif-
* fenting minifters, viz, Prefbyterians, In-
* dependents, and Anabaptifts, the latter ' of which, it being in their turn, had the
* honour to prefent it, and they chofe
* Mr. Hodges to perform that ceremony. ' The names of the other anabaptifts are, ' Mr. Stinfon, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Allen, ' and Mr. Noble, who, tho' they were all
* formerly of very mean occupations, have,
* lince their call, been looked upon as the ' mofl eminent preachers among that dip-
* ping fet of people. A man of parts, ' that hath raifed himfelf from a low de-
* gree by his talents,- is fo far from de-
* ferving our cenfure, that he deferves our ^ applaufe. Cardinal Woolfey was of as. ' mean extradiion as thefe ; and the prin-
* cipal of thefe, who is Mr. Hodges, was ' of a trade that ought not to be thrown ' in his teeth, conlidering, that it firft af- '■ forded us that excellent aftrologer, Mr.
* 'John Partridge, and has fince given
* them fo good a divine, in the perfon of
* Mr. Hodges ; to which holy fcience, that
* humble occupation, has a more imme- ^ diate tendency of its own nature, be-
* caufe it trains a ma,n up regularly to
* the curing of fouls. They were intro- ' duced' by his grace the duke of New- ' cafile, lord lieutenant of the county of ' Middlefex, and his Majefty returned
* them
English Baptists. 131
* them the following moft gracious an- ' fwer, (^cJ
The putting down all this fifyr and faljljoodj before the anfvver his Majefty gave to the addrefs, made it plainly ap- pear, a delign to render that contemptible, and to banter that exDreffion of the Kind's, The barkarcus^ and iincbrijhan treatment^ 'which thofe of your profejjion have met ^with.
There were as many of the Prejhpe^ rian, and alfo of the Independe?it miniiiers, that attended his Majelly on this occafion, as of the Baptifts^ and. men, v/hofe chara- d:ers would have afforded him matter for fatyr, if that would have been to his pur- pofe. But the Baptifis muft be fingled out from the reft ; and as they have always born the larger iliare of their perfecution-, fo they fhall alfo of their ignominy and contempt. They have had all manner of evil fpoken againft them falfly for Chriff's fake. Who have been more 77ieek^ more merciful, more pure in heart, Inore revi- led, more perfecuted, than they .? How- ever, t\izi\- reward \s in heaven, and there- fore they can rejoice, and be exceeding glad, under ail their fufferings 3 be it either honi the hands, or pens of men. But ly- ing is the talent by v/hich this fa^ious party have at any time prevailed, and what is faid of Mr. Hodges is utterly falfe, for he never was of any trade, but kept to the K 2 e;ram-
132 iToe History of the
grammar fchool while a child, and from thence removed to an academy at T'aunton^ where he fpent about ^-u^ years in his pre- paratory Hudies, and was from thence re- gularly called to the work of the miniftry, and foon after ordained an elder of a Bap- iiji congregation at \London. His uncle, a gentleman of a great eftate, did not ap- prove of his inclinations to the ftudy of di- vinity ; and finding he could not be divert- ed therefor m, nor perfuaded to join in the miniftry of the eftabliflied church, where he could have promoted him to fome dig- nity, made him afterwards, as long as he lived, feel the fmart of his refentment for his clofe adherence to what he believed to be truth. Upon the death of his uncle, when he became by inheritance pofTeiTed of a large eftate, he laid down his miniftry, and had the honour of knighthood confer- red on him by his Majefty ; he died Aug, 27, in the year 1727, in the fifty fecond year of his age, and lies buried in Stepjzey Church-yard, where a fine monument is- ereded by his lady to his memory.
Nor could it be faid with truth, that all the others were of mean occupations, tho' fome of them had been brought up to fe- cular employments. And what, if the Baptijis have fometimes called perfons from their trades, to take upon them the facred ofiice of the miniftry ? When their difficulties have made it necelTary j or they
have
English Baptists. 133
have found fuch perfons competently qua- lified for the work. Is this any more than what has been pradifed, and juftified by all the churches in the world ?
It was a cuftom among the yews^ for their greateft rabbies and doctors, to be trained up in fome mechanic art ; and one would wonder, what hom.ely crafts fome of them took up with. Rabbi Jofe was a currier. Rabbi Jochanan was ^Jhoe-ma- ker, and from thence lirnamed Sandaler, that is, one that maketh fandals or fhoes. Chafiani and Chanilai, two brothers of great note, among the fcattered tribes, were put apprentice to a weaver, which, fays the hiilorian *, was no difparagement to them. Rabbi Jiida was a baker. Rabbi Meir was a fcrivener, ^ and fo of others. And this they did partly by way of prevent tion, againil: fudden and furprizing turns of fortune, to which all men are liable. Hence came that proverbial faying, Artem qucevis terra alit, the fame that the ^Jew-i ufed to exprefs by faying -f*. If there be a /even years famine it will not come near the dwelling of an artificer. And partly for exercile, which is neceflary for thofe of a ftudious life. Hence Rabban Gamaliel Ben Jiida,^ prefident of the Sanhedri?!, gave this maxim. That the labour of the hands ought to be joined with the ftudy of
* Jofephus, Ant. Lib. |8. c. i?., •j- Buxtorf, Flor. Heb. p. 23.
K 3 the
i;54 ^^ History of the
the law. And this was handed down from one Rabbi to another, and taught uniform- ly in their fchools. And the Old Tefta- ment informs us, that fome of the greateft prophets, under that difpenfatiou, were called from their fecuiar employments to the facred work j as, David from the fieepfold, Elias from the plow^ and Amos from the herd. J[^^^^ Christ himfelf, tjie author of our hor-
ly religion, difdained not to follow the mean occupation of a carpenfe?-, till he en- ter'd ;Upon his pubHc miniflry ; and thofe whom he chofe for his apoftles, to propa-. gate the Chriftian religion throughout the w^orld, were mofc of them fuch as had been trained up in fome mechanic art. Peter and Johz were Jijljerraen ; Luke a phyficia?i -y Paid^ notwithilanding his learn^ ed education, was a tent-maker^ Sec,
If we come nearer to our times, and country, we find, that thofe w^ho are fo ready to refiedl upon the Baptijis in this cafe, have pradifed the fame themfelves. The Church of England has not only ad- mitted feveral into holy orders, who were once tradefmen, but at the beginning of the reformation, feveral in the pafloral of- fice, by reafon of their llender incomes^ followed other employments. Some, fays biOiop Burnet *, were carpenters, others
* Hift. Ref. Vol. IT. p. %2\
taylors^
English Bapt.ists. 135
faylors, and fome kept Ak-houfes, And in the time of the civil wars, when epifco- pacy was laid afide, and prelbytery had the^ afcendant, feveral men who had been of mean occupations, were intrufted with the cure of fouls, and had livings in divers pa- rifhes. ^ho. Eivms, a faylor, was made reBor Q>{ Chrifi-chiuxh in Brijiol -, Edward Hancock^ who had been butler to Sir George Horner^ was vicar of St. Phillips, in the faid city. Mr. Coveji, who was a fiip-joyner, was reBor of Samford-peverell, in Devon, and left behind him a parfonage table-board of his own making. Richard Hopkins, a glover or Jkinner, had the liv- ing of High Ereal in Shropfiire. One Say a weaver, and one Byles ^.fadler, officiated at Hounds-church near Southampton-, and , many other inftances there are of the like nature. And it is well known, that there are even now, not only among the Prejhy- terians and Independents, but alfo in the ejiablifod Church too, fome that were trained up in mechanic arts.
Now, if the Baptijis, when they hav^ . found fome tradefmen competently quali- fied for the work of the miniftry, have thereupon called them to that facred fer- vice J or if fome of their minifters, their congregations being unable to maintain them, have fcllov/ed fome honeft calling, for the fupport of their families, where is the crime of it? or, What have they done K 4 mofe
136 7^^ History of the
mere tlian other Chriilian or Frotefiant churches in the Hke cafe ? Have not even thofe, who fo often endeavour to reproach them on this account, adted the very fame themfelves, when in their circumftances ? Some think the apoflle gives dired:ion for its being thus, in cafe of poverty or perfe-
Tit.iii.14. cution. Let ours aljo learn to profej's ho-
^i'^ °"- neil trades,
I MUST confefs, it was not worth while to have faid fo much in confutation of fuch a fcandalous lying paper, as that 'Journal. But I find that mod authors, who have writ againil the Baptijls, have gone upon this as a common topic, to ren- der them odious and contemptible to the people. Neither do I underfland Mr. Ntdl^ when he fays, ' The advocates of
* this dctftrine were, for the moil: part^ of
* the meaneft of the people, their preach- ' ers generally illiterate,' if he did not thereby mean to render them odious and contemptible to his readers.
Let us now look back again to the riots, that occafioned this addrefs. Among the many meeting-houfes that were pulled down by thofe rebellious tumults, fome belonged to the Baptifis^ particularly one at Oxford^ the firfl place where thefe fedi- tious mobs began, being animated and af- filed by the fcholars of the univerfity. For on the 29th of TkT^y, the day of the relioration of King Charles II. which tho*^
it
English Baptists. 137
k fell on the Lord's day, did not hinder them from taking this opportunity to iliew their difafFedion to the prefent govern- ment, and great rage againft the Trotefiant diflenters. They had pulled down the Prefbyterian meeting-place the night be- fore, and burnt the pulpit, and other parts of it, in a triumphant manner; and this evening they deflroyed the Baptijis and Quakers meeting-place after the like me- thod.
The Baptijis had only a room in a dwelling-houle, but this would not pro- tect them from the fury of the high-church rabble, tho' it \v2iS Felony to break into fuch a place. The man of the houfe was not at home, and his wife was put into fo great a fright, as brought her into a dan- gerous ficknefs. They contented not them- felves witn deltroying the pulpit, torms^ and other things, which they found in the room ufed for a meeting-place, but alfo rifled the whole houfe, and carried off fe- veral of the houfhold goods, and pulled down the front of it, whereby thofe parts the family dwelt in lay open, and expofed to the weather j fo that, as the man of the houfe himfelf declared, they did about forty pounds damage there.
In a fliort time after there was publifh- ed by the fortes a very partial and lying account of the Oxford riots, fuppofed to have been written by one or more of the
fcholars
138 The History of the
fcholars of the univerfity. In this they endeavour to do much more mifchief to the Baptifls, than that of deftroying the room they met in, by cafling fuch an odium upon them, as would, if true, have expo- fed them to the hatred of all fober people. The paffage is fhort, tho' full of malice. I will therefore fet it down in their own words. 'J lying ' Before this, fays the author of the •f/ax?'^' pamphlet*, I fhould have told you, fcrd. ' that the rabble pulled down a room for-
* merly made ufe of by the Anabaptifts, ' near the caflle, tho' lately, the fed: has
* loft its name, a» well as its credit here,
* by a famous prank of the laft teacher's,
* who chriftened two wenches in the
* morning, and was found in bed between ' his new converts at night.'
To fpread this fcandalous 7?mHcious fto- ry the more effedually, they put it at length in the title page, and publiihed it in three of the fory nev/s papers -f. Vjefame Upon this, all the enquiry poffible was confuted, jnade by the Baptift minifters at London^ and they could find no foundation for it : The laft minifter that preached there, for fome . time, was Mr. 'John To?nSj a worthy gen- tleman of an unblemiflied charader, and univerfally relpected as an honeft and fober
* Page 5;.
f Examiner, Poll-boy, Weekly Journal.
man.
English Baptists. 139
man. When he removed to London^ which was fome years before the few Bap- tijis that were at O:v/or^ joined themfelves to the Baptifi church at Abingdon ; lince which time they have only had a ledlure at Oxford^ on week days, fuppHed one week by Mr. Collet^ elder of the Baptijl church at Coat ; and another week by Mr. Fuller^ elder of the Baffift church at Abingdon, To the latter of thefe a letter was fent, acquainting him with this fcandalous re- port, and defiring him to give what ac- count he could of the matter.
In his anfwer he aiiured the miniflers, that the charge was utterly falfe, ground- lefs, and malicious ; that he fuppofed it to be invented by Abel *, and his mafters, and that he thought it ought to be contra- didied in the moll: public papers ; and if it could be come at, to profecute the authors and publifliers of the fame.
Soon after this the mafter of the houfe at Oxford^ in v/hich the Baptijis kept their meeting, came to London. He was a member of the church of England^ and never was a diflentef; he came to the m.onthly meeting of Baptijl miniflers at the CofFee-houfe in Finch -lane ^ where they enquired of him concerning this fcan- dalous report. Be affured them, that he had lived in that place twenty and two
f The fuhlijher of the Poft-boy.
years ;
140 The History of the
years j that no miniiler, that had preach- ed there, ever lay under fuch a charge, and that he never fo much as heard of fuch a report as this, till jiow he came to London^ and was told of thefe papers ; and of all this he offered to take his oath, if they defired it.
The author of this lying pamphlet they could not find, no name being put there- to, and they found it not practicable to profecute the printer or publilhers, becaufe there was no name, place, or time, put to the llory j nor did they think fit to pub- lifh any confutation of it, becaufe the pa- pers were of no reputation, and continual- ly filled with fuch notorious lies ; neither did they hear of any perfon of common fenfe or honefty, that gave any credit to it. However I thought fit to take this notice of it, left hereafter, when it might not be fo eafily confuted, fome author of greater note, fhould lick it up and publifh it, to expofe the Baptijis^ as they have too often been ferved ; and fince the reverend Air. Neale has fo lately fet them an example, to revive this their defaming pra(5tice, I was willing to be aforehand with them.
Another Baptijl meeting-houfe fpoiled by the high-church rabble, was at Wrexham in Denbighjhire^ on the i6th oi "July fol- lowing; here, as in molt places where they made thefe riots, they went 'firft to the Prefbyterians place, and demoliflied
that.
English Baptists. 141
that, next they went to the Baptijis, and having gutted it, as they termed it, then they beat down the walls, and fo left the timber work flanding.
These frequent tumults, under a pre- tence of fhewine their zeal for the church, and to'infuit the diffenters, were the fore- runners of a very great rebellion in the nation againfi: the King and government. Several thoufands in Scotla?id and Lan- cafivre took up arms for the pretender^ and were headed by feveral of the nobility and gentry, who proclaimed him king of thefe realms by the name oi 'James III. in many places. But the manner of their riling, the mifchiefs they did, and the fuccefs which God was pieafed to give his Maje- Hy's forces againll them, are more proper for a ftate hiftory. It was happily quell'd by his Majefty's wife counfels, and fuccef- ful arms, conducted by the duke 01 Ar gyle in Scotland^ and the lord Carpenter in Eng- land^ two confummate generals, trained to the art and glories of war from their youth ; carrying terror in their very names, and commanding vidiory where-ever they led fuch couragious troops, under the auipices of fo good a King. After this the land was at reft ('bating fome fmall -troubles, at the fubfiding of fuch a ferment) and the mo- derate feverity infiidted on fuch as were principals in the rebellion, deterr'd fome
from
142 "The History of the
from the like attempt, and reduced others to a better mind.
I CANNCT, upon the mention of a re- bellion^ avoid i\\Q fenfatio?2 of that at Mun- Jter in Germany^ which has occurred to me in fo many pcedobaptijls authors, who have improved it^ tho* very unjuftly, to refled; an odium on all thofe who they are pieafed to ftile anabaptifts, notwithfland- ing the fame has been again and again fuf- fxiently confuted. All hiftorians about the feditions in Germany^ confefs thus far ingenuoufly -, That the intolerable oppref- iions of the magiftrates then and there, was one great occafion of their rife arid progrefs to that heighth which they at- tained.
But this unnatural rebellion (in which there was not one called an anabaptift j nay, not fo much as one, as ever I could hear, that was a diffenter from the efta- biiHied church ; but it was wholly com- pofed of papijis, and micmbers of the church of England) was the wicked de- fign and contrivance of fome years pafl:, and intended to fubvert the eflablifhed go- vernment, and the good laws of this king- dom, to extirpate the true Frolejlant reli- gion among us, and to deftroy its profef- fors, and inllead thereof to introduce and fettle popery and arbitrary power. Oh, horrid defign ! what rivers of Frotefiant
blood
English Baptists. 14;
blood mufl have been Ipilt, had this un^ statural confpiracy taken effed: ? In which fuch great numbers of perfons, of different degrees and quaUties, concerned them- felves, and a6led, pretending an uncom- mon zeal for the church q£ England, and •uniting their endeavours, with profefled papifts, to accomphfli it ; notwithrtanding by a concurrence of many wonderful pro- vidences, it pleafed God to give a quiet and peaceable accefiion to Iiis mofc graci- ous Majefty to the throne of his ancefiors ; to which he Vv^as received with one full voice, and confent of tongue and heart, and the united joy of every good fubjed: and good Frotejlant^ as their only lawful and rightful fovereign. And altho' from the moment his Majelly afcended the throne, his reign had been one feries of wifdom, juilice, and clemency 5 his la- bours conftant, unwearied, and fuccefsful, to retrieve the honour and reputation of thefe nations, to eflablifli the trade, and recover the wealth of his kingdoms. And altho' all imaginable encouragement had been given to the church of Engla?id, and all tendernefs fhev/n, even to his popifjj fubjeds, and his conilant care had been to procure the univerful good of his people ; yet, to delude, diforder, and corrupt the minds of his Majefly's good fubjedts, the moft groundlefs jealoufics were fomented againft his vvifc and happy adminiflration >
and
144- ^^ History of the
and in many parts of his kingdoms, the mofl unnatural, unexampled riots, and tumults, were procured, ftirred up, and encouraged, againfl his peaceable Trote- Jiant fubjects, under falfe pretences of zeal for the ciiurch of Englafzd.
The lord high Steward thus concludes his excellent fpeech made iofix of the con- demned lords for this unnatural rebelliori, previous to their fentence. * I muft, fays ' he, be fo jufl to fuch of your lordfhips, ' as profefs the religion of the church of ' Rome, that you had one temptation, and '^ that a great one, to engage you in this - * treafon, which the others had not ; in ' that it was evident, fuccefs on your part ' mufi; for ever hav^ eilablillied popery m ' this kingdom, and that, probably, you
* could never have again fo fair an oppor-
* tunity. But then, good God ! How
* muft' thofe Pi'otejfla?its be covered with
* confufion, who enter 'd into the fame ' mcafures, without fo much as capitula-
* ting for their religion, that ever I could ' find, from anv examination I have feen,
* or heard j or lb much as requiring, much . * lefs obtaining, a frail promife, that it
* fhould be prcferved, or even tolerated.' It is well known, that fome of thofe
concerned in this unnatural rebellion,, were once highly fatished with the juflnefs of the Prctcflant fucceffion, and fo continu- ed for fome confiderable time. How they
came
English Baptists. >f 45
came to alter their fentiments, and join themfelves to the tory^ Jacobite party, may, probably, be attributed to a reillefs ambi- tion, which encreafed with their exalta- tion. And tho' they had formed a delign, to fet afide the Froteflant fuccejjion^ in the illuflrious houfe of Hano'Ver, thofe who were fufpecled to be mod deeply concern- ed in it, bore their difappointment with a good grace. They feemed as w^ell fatif- hed with his Majefty's peaceable accefiion to the throne, and attended the fdlemnity of his proclamation, with as chearful a countenance as anyj tho' fdme will not flick to fay, that there were many a king hearts, under fmiling and hypocritical countenances on that day. However that be, it is certain, that in a fhort time they recovered themfelves fo far from the fright, as to lay no fmall claim to the King's fa- vour.
* The King ( fays the reverend Mr.
* Stackhoufe *) they gave out, intended to
* become an univerfal father to his people, ' and not to carefs any particular party -, ' his religion, faid they, was neareft akin
* to the church of England^ and mofh ' confonant to thofe high dodlrines in it, ' that they profefTed ; and the form of his ' government abroad could not btit coun-
* tenance their notions of fajji've obedience^
* Life of Dr. Atterbury, kte hi/hop g^Rochefter, p. 72. ,
L ' and
14^ Hoe History of the'
and other exaltations of the royal prero- gative • upon thefe prefumptions they promifed themfelves an equal (hare, if not a fuperiority above their fellow-fub- jed:s, in the King's affecftions ; and ac- cordingly none were fpeedier in their congratulations, and 'warmer in their ob- lations of fervice than they. The lord vifcount Bo — -g — ke was not only one, that firil: figned the royal proclamation, but fent an early account thereof to the court of Hanover^ with great expreffions of joy, and tenders of his duty; how- ever, be came foon after to be removed from his office of fecretary of Hate. The earl of M writ an artful letter to
* his Majefty, dated Aug. 30. 17 14. O. S.
* defiring*him not to credit any mifrepre-
* fentation, which party hatred might poili- ^ bly make of him, but to accept him for
* as faithful and dutiful a fubjecland fefvant,
* as ever any of his family had been to ' the crown, or himfelf to his late miflrefs
* the Queen. * The duke of Or d went to wait
' upon the King in all the flate and mag- '
* nificence imaginable, upon his firft land-
* ing at Greenwich^ and even out-did him- « felf, as well as the reft of the nobility,
* in the fplendor of his equipage, to tefti-
* fy his greater reverence and refpedt ; hut
* was foon given to underfiand, that his
* Majefly had no longer occafion for his
* fer.
English BAPtisTS. 147
fervice in the quality of captain-general, but would be glad to fee him at court. * The earl of Ox — -^, tho' iie was not in company the night the King land- ed, was one of the earlieft next morn- ine, in hoDes of a kinder reception, from the fenfe of fome fecret practices ; but it was with much ado that he obtained the bare honour of kiiung his hand, without ever changing one word with his Majefty. Nay, the very bifhop of Rocbejier, foon after the coronation was over, offered to prefent the King (with fome view no doubt, of (landing better in his favour) with the chair of Sate, and royal canopy, his perquifites, as dean of Weftminjlet' ; but the offer being rejeded, with fome negled:, it fluck to his heart, I have been told, and turned to refentment and indignation.
' These inflances of infniuation, and ready addrefs to his Majefty, adds he, I thought proper to mention, in order to let my reader fee, that pride, ambition, and a difappointed hope, were the true motives of luch mens difaffeftion. That the greatefc torics in the nation would have ferved his Majefly very willingly, had he continued them in their offices, and adminiflrations ; that they then be- gun to m.editate 'a revolt, when they found their prince's favour alienated, and places of power and emolument confer- L a 'red
mi:
14^ The History of the
' red on others. That the pretender corr- ' fequently owes them no great thanks for
* their prefent allegiance to him, when
* the firft fruits of it v/ere fo liberally of-
* fered to another j has no great reafon to
* depend on their fidelity, who have made
* him no more than a centre to their dif-
* gufl , and a common refuge in diftrefs;
* nor any confidence to place in their fer-
* vices, which fpring from neceffity more ' than choice, and may at any time be
* withdrawn by any ad; of grace, and re- ' vocation of attainders.
* ^i tali auxtlio^ et dcfenforibus ijiis
* Indigety tile mijer.
The party finding themfelves thus exclu- ded from the King's favour, and deftitute of all hopes of attaining their employments again,refolved upon other meafures,and be- took themfelves to another mafter. Bo—ke and Or— ^ made their efcapes into France ^ and thence threaten'd Englattdwlth a fud- den invafion. The earl of M — went into the highlands oi Scotla?id^ and there began a formal rebellion. Fofler in Northum- berland was actually in arms, and many more confpirators were ripe for an infur- red:ion. The pretender s declaration art- fully enough penned, and adapted to the prevailing difcontents of the nation, was pofted up in moft market towns, and in fome places his title proclaimed.
I
^>
English Baptists. 149
I CANNOT but obferve here, how thefe "Jacobites have now affumed to themfelves a new charadler, by which they would be diftinguifhed, tho' their defign is only to poilbn his Majefliy's loyal lubjeds, and draw them into their party. I mean, that of calling themfelves the country party, and pretending to be in the country inte- reft. A glorious character indeed! But, Can the Ethiopian change his Jkin ? What can be expeded from a party, at the head whereof are fome, who from their moft early appearance in public have diftin- guiflied themfelves in oppofition to the ^Froteftant eftabli(hment, and flrove^ to prevent the fucceffion in the illuftrious houfe upon the throne j and are the fame v/ho gave countenance and fupport to the defigns of our enemies abroad, and who have been ready, upon every occafion, to foment our divifions at home ; who under the once favourite name of Tories were zealous enough to rifque themfelves and fortunes, in forwarding the defigns and views of Rome^ to introduce the pretender upon the throne of thefe kingdoms. Thefe are they, whofe refentment againft the public meafures of the government has al- ways increafed, as a concern for the liberr- ties, and prefervation of our prefent con- ftitution has increafed in the adminiftra- tion. It is well known, they were warm promoters of the meafures taken in the ^ .L 3 laft
J^o The History of the
laft four years of the reign of her late Ma- jefiy Queen Anne^ and have been zeabus alTertors of the esxpediency of thofe mea- fures ever fmce j and they are they, that would' not allow us the liberty of inilruct- ing our own children, Thefe'are the gen- tlemen Caleb would fain perfuade us, are now our friends, and in the intereil of our country. But let us wifely beware of them, and not truft them, till time, and jnconteftible experience Hiews, they are loyal to his Majefty, and grateful to his miniliry ; who have nothing^more at heart, than the true interefl of Great Britain. Anno - To return to ourhiilory. On the i8th •7^5' oiAug. iji^. the reverend Mr. Jonathan Given, an Independent minifler, renounced the e^tror of inj ant Jpr inklings and was bap^ pized by Mr. Richard Adams. He was a man of good report, and had been very fainous among the independents, for his folid and orthodox preaching. Several years he had been the elder of a large con- gregational church in Deadmans place, SoutJ-mark^ and was very much followed j but upon a difference arifing betwixt him and his people, they parted by confent, ,^ftcr which he preached for fome time to a much lefs affembly, at a hall in the city. He was now about three/core years of age, and had. a fufficknt eftate of his own to maintain. liim. He declared,, that he had for fom^e years been attended with doubts
about
English Baptists. ^5t
about the lawfulnefs of wfant baptifm, but declined examining the controverfy, or ^Wm^ way to the convidions of his own mind'^about it. Immediately after his bap- tifni he preached a fermon to thofe that were prefent, from thefe words, Who hold Rom. i. the truth in unrighteoufnefi. And endea- voured to fhew, what is meant by the truth ; what it is for men to hold it in un- righteoufnefs J whence it is they are fo prone to do thus ; and the great fm and danger of their fo doing. In the applica- tion of this difcourfe he took occafion to acknowledge, that^ he had himfelf for fome years been guilty of this fm, -ftifling thofe convidions and flruggles he had in his own mind, concerning the true gojpel baptifm ; and added .further, that fome circumftan- ces with refped to his miniftry of late, had occafioned his looking more particularly into this controverfy, and that by prayer, and confulting the 'word of God, he was convinced, that baptifm belonged only X.o believers, and was to be performed by im- merfion ; and that, next to thefe means, his convidion was owing to that unan- fwerable book of Dr. Gales, entitled, Re- jleSfions on Mr. Wall'i Htpry of infant baptijm.
Tho this gentleman was not fo popular
and famous, as he had been in his younger
days, yet the change of his judgment and
' pradice in the point of infant baptifm.
- L 4 made
}5^ T^^ History of t/je
made a great noife in the town, and feve^ ral of the Pcedobaptijis caft many uncha- ritable reflexions upon him. Among the reft, the fcurrilous author of the Weekly 'journal joined, who was very careful to pick up any thing which he could make a ftory of to expofe and banter the diflen- ters. He thought fit to publiili an account of this matter to entertain the town 5 thp' he does it with many miftakes, as well as great profanenefs of wit, in his paper of the 17th of Sept. following. ' A great
* bewailing, fays he, lately fell among the ' Independents^ who frequent the meeting- ' houfe in Deadnw/ns place ^ for the lofs of ' "Jonathan Owen, who turned Anabaptijl, '■ and left the cure of their fouls to Mr. ' Killinghall, an excellent artift at "Joyners ^ work. However, Mr. Owen dived over ' head and ears at Horfely-down 5 but has
* rifen again, and got fafe out of the wa~ ' ters, wherein he only purified himfelf
* in the tub offalvation. He is now to
* be ken at Pewterers-hall in Lime-Jlreet, "■ where any that would be converted, may ' hear him uttering the following, and ' fuch like ejaculations. My eyes b'egin to
* be opened, aiid I declare, that I have ^ flood againft the Gofpel light above thir-.
* ty years ; but into the vineyard, lo ! I ' am come, at the eleventh hour, to ' fqueeze fome of the fruitful grapes.'
This
English Baptists. 153
This was from a party of men from "whom the Baptijis could expect no better treatment, and therefore troubled not themfelves to confute the Hes and banter in that fcurrilous pamphlet. But foon af- ter this they were attacked upon this head from quarters of more reputation, who, like the reverend Mr. Neal^ muft have but little charity for the Baptijis, feeing they turned up fuch a ftory to expofe the Baptijis, or rather the ufe of immerfioji. For a letter was fent from Bewdley in JFor- ceJierJJnre, alTuring the minifters at Lon- don, that it was a common report among the Prejbyterians and Independents in thofe parts, that Mr. Owen had liked to have loft his life by his new haptifm j and that there was but an inch between death and him -, in which they were deiired to fend down an account of that matter, becaufe the P^dobaptifts made a great noife about it, and caii feveral refledions upon their way of baptizing.
This ftory is fo like Mr. Neal's, re- fpeding Mr. Oates, that it feems to me to be from the fame original j but, however, I won't be politive, there may be likenefs and different origins ; and I would hope Mr. Neal had no hand in it. But in an- fwer to this ftory the following certificate was drawn up and figned, and fent as defired.
Wheue-
^54^ Tlje History of ths
iW5.penes c TfTHEREAs we are informed, that a
me. f YY report is fpread abroad, that when
' •' Mr. Jonatha?! Owen^ late Independent
' minifter, was baptized by hmnerjion^ he
' was in great danger of his Hfe, and that
' there was but an inch between him and
' death, as they exprefs it. We whofe
' ' names are under written, being prefent
' at the adminifiration^ do teftify, that .the
' faid report is utterly falfe, and that ^is
' baptijm was performed with great decen-
' cy and fafety ; and immediately after'
^ Mr. Owen himfelf both prayed and
* preached to the fpedators prefent. Wit-
/ nefs our hands,
* Rich. Adams ^ adminiftrator,
* Humphrys^ * Mark Ke)\
* Matthews^ ^ Bejij. Stint on.'
I FIND in this year a generous gift of.a worthy gentleman of the Baptifi perfua- fion, to the poor of the feveral churches of this denomination. He employed the re- verend Mr. Benjamin Stinton as his ahno- ner. The letter of advice given with the money, will {hew the nature and extent of . this charity, and may be an example wor- thy the imitation of thofe, whom God has fo blefled as to render able. I Ihall there- fore infert it J and it was as followeth.
October
English Baptists.
October 2. 1715. One hundred Gui- neas delivered to Mr. Benjamin Stinton by 7ho. Hollis.
Mr. Stinton is entreated to pay to the Deacons of the feveral churches under- written, the fums annexed to their names^ and the deacons are defired to receive it as an extra gift to their poor, with the advice of their minister. And if they pleafe to give a hil of the names, and how diftri- buted ; figned by the Deacons, and wit- jielTed by the miniller, if he p!eafes.
T^ll
Churches.
Gui- neas.
Mr. Hodges' s - - i o Mr. Aliens'?. - - Mr. Stinton' s - - Mr. Elliot's - - Mr. Wallin's - - Mv. Noble's - -
Mr. Rees's
Mr. Harrifon's - Mr. Parkes's - - Mr. WilJb?2S,hit Mr. Skeefs - - - Mr. Savage's - - Mr. Douglas's - Mr. Ada?ns's - -
10 10 10 10 10
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
To whom Paid.
Mr. Grange, Mr. Darby, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Ailing. Mr. Tickner. Mr. Staples. Mr. Borrows, Mr. Ferkins, Mr. Eaton. Mr. 6'/j^r/. Mr. JVatJbn. Mr. Harper. Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. ^(?;/;i.
In this year alfo, two of the Baptifl Mr. Tho; eono;reg;ations at London^ whofe elders had -^"'^^^ been removed by death, w^ere fupplied «, ,/^f;..
with
15^ 'The History of the
with ethers. One was the church that meets in Little JVild-Jireet near Lincoln'^- Inn Fields, which had been fome years under the care of the reverend Mr. John Figgott ; they chofe for his fucceffor Mr. ^ho. Harrifon, vvhofe father and grand- father had both been elders of Baptift churches ; he was folemnly ordained by prayer, and impofition of hands, ^nV i8. 'Mr. TYio. lyi^. The other was the church that Ridgway Yi2j^ been gathered by Mr. Elias Reach, fon of the famous Mr. Beiijamiji Keach ; but their lafl paftor was Mr. John Nichols, They had for fome years met in Goodmans Fields, at a large meeting-houfe erected for them ; but were now removed to a fmall meeting-houfe in Angel-alley in WhitechapeL Thefe chofe Mr. Tho. Ridg- way, who was on the 20th of 05tober fet apart, without the laying on of the hands of the elders, according to the ufage of fe- veral independent churciies in Fnglaiid. Anno In the year 17 16, one Thojtias Ely, a
*7'6. Baptift minifter, conformed to the church
Tho Elv 1 J ' * ^
conforms to ^^ England, and was ordained by the bi- the ch. of {hop of London. He had been a very England, troublefome man, and guilty of feveral diforders ; one while profeffing the Armi- nian or Remonjlrants fcheme j another while a zealous Cahinijl ; and while fae' was a Baptift minifter, ftood Godfather to the child of a rich relation, from whom he had fome expeftations. • When he was
accufe(i
English Baptists. 157
accufed of this he denied the fad:, tho* the clergyman, the midwife, and the nurfe, teftified it. He was iirfl a member of Mr. Gimmif^ congregation in Moorfields, but not meeting with that encouragement there which he expelled, he removed to that church of which Mr. Douglas was paftor, where he was alfo difappointed ; and after fome time brought under the cenfure of the church for lying. After this, upon Mr. Piggotfs deceafe, he en- deavoured to procure himfelf chofen elder of that congregation, but not fucceeding in this, he caufed a divilion in the church, and fet up a meeting at a little diftance, with fuch perfons whom he had prevailed upon, by his preaching, and iniinuating converfation. When he wanted to be or- dained elder over this fmall number, he fir ft applied himfelf to the Cahmiji mini- fters to do it j they refuling, he next at- tempted to prevail on the Arminian elders to grant it to him j but none of the mini- flers in "London^ who were acquainted with his character and condud, would be con- cerned in it. At lafl; he perfuaded two or three country minifters, who came out of Buckinghmnpnre ^ to do it. But in about a year's time, finding that his number did not encre'afe much, and that there was no great gain to be made in this way, he was refolved to try his fortune in the efcablifh- ed church; and upon application to the hu? ■ bifhop
15^ The History of the
bifliop of London was admitted into orders, and found it eaiier to get an ordination in that church, than among the defpifed Baptifts. *rhecom- At a meeting of the committee of the 7hethr{e ^'^^'^^ denominations of the diffenters, it Denomi- was agreed, that it was proper to encreafe nations ^j^g number of the faid committee, there being frequently a difappointment when a meeting was fummoned, by reafon of iicknefs, or perfons being out of town, (^c. It was alfo concluded, that the addition fliould be two of each denomination, which was accordingly recommended to the feveral bodies, who agreed with the committee. The Frefjyterians chooling three (Dr. JVilliams being dead) who were Mr. Chrifiopher Taylor^ Mr. "John Evans, and Mr. Smith. Tlie Independents chofe Mr. Ned, and Mr. Ridglcy -, and, the Baptifts chofe Mr. Abraham MuUiner^ and Mr. JobrNohlc,
In this year a publick charity wms pro- moted among the Baptifts. Several Fi'ench minifters, refugees in our nation for their religion , made appHcation to them for relief; They being very ancient, havi;ig no con- gregation, and by reafon of the changes in publick affairs, were deprived of the ai- lowance they ufed to have from the go-" vernment, they reprefented their cafe in the following letter, which two or three of them brought to the Baptiji minifters, at
their
English Baptists. 159
their ufual meeting, at the Hanover Coffee^ houje in Finch4ane,
To the reverend our mod honoured brethre?:^ the pafiors and minijiers of the baptized congregations.
TH E French minifters, banifhed their native country for the caufe of their . holy religion, humbly reprefept to you, that in the year 1696, the court having fufpended for fome time, the fubfiftence which ufed to be granted them, they were obliged to apply themfelves, to the chari- ty of their moft honoured brethren, the minifters of the baptized churches, who liberally affifted them in their neceilities. At prefent being afflided with the fame, or greater neceilities than ever, by having been entirely forfaken for the lafl two years and half of the Queen's reign, and a year and half of King George's, they take the liberty again to implore your Chriftian and brotherly affillance, humbly befeech- ing you, if there is any confolation in Chrift, if any comfort of charity, if any communion of fpirit, if any cordial affe- (ftions, you would compleat our joy in af- fixing us, in fuch manner as your piety and charity fhall judge proper. Our great ages, and continual infirmities, warning us every day of our approaching end, giveth us juft caufe to believe, that this fhall be the lafl time we fhall addrefs our felves to
y
/ou
■^160 Hoe History of the
you, at leaft in the like cafe. In the mean
time we pray the Almighty to blefs your
perfons, your families, and your churches,
\yith all bleffings temporal and eternal,
which is the ardent and fmcere ptayers of.
At Lanion^ Bacon^ J J years old,
30 Julyy 'pranch Gronguet^ aged 74 years,
'J 71. "James Solixhac^ 8 2 years old,
Samuel Vehard^ 84 years old,
added by another hand, Monf. Gomare,
The miniflers, after enquiry had been made concerning the men, and their cir- cumftances, agreed to colled: fomething for them. Five of the churches collecfled for them it^Ljs. but how much was col- ledted in the whole I do not find.
In this year the Baptift Church at ^iif~ ners Hall chofe Mr. Tho. Deivhurft fdr their paflor, and had him folemnly fet apart to that office, according to the ufage of the cono;rea;ational churches. Their former paftor, Mr. Ebe?icze?- Wilfon hav- ing been dead near Uvo years, a brief ac- count of whom I fhaii give in the chapter of the Baptiji miniflers.
Towards the end of this year, a letter " was fent from the Bapti/} churches in Pen- Jihania in America^ wherein they gave a large and particular account of the begln- ing and ^rogrefs of the Gofpel in thofe parts, the prefent number of their churches, the names and circumflances of their mini-
ilers.
English Baptists. 1-6^
flers, with feveral other particulars which I have taken notice of in Foil. p. 122. And whereas they ah'b defired, to keep up a corrcfpondence with the Baptiji minifters in Engla?id, and particularly thofe at Lo?i- don J and that they would affiil them with money, books, ^c. for the prefervation, and further promoting of the truth in thofe parts. This letter was communica- ted to the miniflers at their monthly meet- ing, and each elder that would had a copy of it to lay before their congregations j^ and two generous gentlemen being acquainted with" the matter, 'viz. Mr. "tho. Mollis, Mr. John T^aylor, the one fent twehe of Mr. Biirkif^" Annotatiom on the New Te- ftametit, direding, that each minifter in thofe parts might have one. The other fent about t-iventy pounds worth of older books, with feveral of the Baptijls cate- chifms, to be difpofed of as the miniflry fliould think proper. And the elders at London fent the following epiftle in return to the letter, along with the faid books.
M 24
3rfe The History of the
' 5o the elders and churches of fefus Chriji at
Penfilvania in America, baptized upon
profejjion of their faith ^ the elders of the
baptized churches in and about London
"y^f end greeting.
Honoured, and beloved brethren, -i T17"E received yours of the 20th o{ fuly ^^ iyi^' ^"^ were not a little pleafed with that particular account you therein give us of the beginning and progrefs ot the Gofpel in thofe parts of the world, and of the number and prefent ftate of . die churches, for which we return you our hearty thanks. We have not all had op- iportunity yet to read it in our feveral cqp- gregations, but defign fo to do at a conve- nient time. We rejoice to hear of your welfare, and blefs God that he has en- abled you, by his grace, to ftand fafliin the truth, againft all oppofition j and that after fo many troubles and temptations, mofl: of you are fettled again in peace, and bleffed with an able and fuccefsful mini- ftry. May you continually go on with the fame zeal and courage, and we ftiall not fail to offer up our fincere prayers, ito -God, for your farther eflablifhment in the faith, and comforts of the Gofpel. . And as we have abundant reafon to believe, the reprefentation you make, of the difficul- ties and hardfliips which you Jiill .labour - - - under ^
English B apt i s t s. -jo^^
under j lb v/e afllire you, of our readinefs to do any thing in our power for the ad- vancement of the Gofpel, and promoting the truths of Jefus.Chrifl among you. We have recommended your cafe to two generous gentlemen, Mr. Tho. Hollisy and Mr. yolm Taylor J who have, for your pre- fent encouragement, fent over a parcel of boolcs, which we hope will come fafe to • byonv hands, and be diftributed as tliey ffhavedireded. As to a fund for the fupport Ifof the miniltry, we have not yet been abje , ^o raife any fuch thing for the benefit- of the churches in England ; tho' ■ our iirte- -^reft has fuffered very much in fome parts -of this kingdom for want of it; fo that -there cannot, at prefcnt, be any thing .t)f this nature expeded. However, if -it i4hould pleafe God to blefs our churches ~i\vith ricli and generous members, we Jfiihould gladly encourage a fund for the j£:promoting the Gofpel in forefgn parts, as c2We find there is among fome other deno- hiininations of Protejlafits. For the prefent, -iwe 'heartily embrace your propofal of keep- i^^ng up a correfpondence by letters, and O^all be very ready to negotiate any affairs '.53for you, relating to the intereft of religion, ■Sifeither with particular perfons, or the go- bjvernment. We hope you enjoy a full li- a^fcerty for the exercife of youi r.:ligion, and *Iiive in peace and amity with the other de- iLltominations of dilTenters, as, bleffed be r- M 2 G«d.
1 64 The History of the
God, we do here, and have a hopeful profped: of its continuance. And we re-^ commend it to you as our advice, that you would endeavour after as great an union and correfpondence with thofe of different perfuafions, as the truths you profefs will permit of; but efpecially, that you care- fully maintain love and union among your felves, and keep up your afibciate meet- ings for that purpofe. And now, bre- thren, we commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheri- tance among all fnem which are fandtified^ and remain,
London, Tour brethren in the faith and
Jan. 4. 1 7 1 6. fellowpp of the Gojpel.
■■ P.S. Pleafe to diretl your letters to Mr. Benjamin Stinton^ at Horfely-donzn^ in Southwark. -^
r
"This was ligned by the body oi Baptifi minifters in general, who then met toge- ther once a month, to confult and take care of the intereil: of the whole, without any diftindion. A laudable pradice, and worthy to be revived ; for our Lord himfelf has obferved, T^hat a houfe divided againfl itfelf camiot fiand.
Towards the end of this year, the Baptijierion at Mr. Aliens meeting-place in Barbican was finiflied. There had been
great
English Baptists..^^ 165
great want of a convenient and handfome place to baptize in for many years, and af- ter many enquiries and confultations, this was fixed upon as the moft convenient place ; the meeting-houfe being very large, and a large empty fpace behind it, fit to ' be turned into convenient rooms for the minifler, and perfons to be baptized, to drefs and undrefs in. The perfons who took upon themfelves the management of this affair, and to defray the charges of it,, were ^bo. and John HoUis, efcjS) both Baptifts, tho' members of an independent congregation. And here I muft beg leave to obferve, becaufe Mr. Neal is pleafed to charge the Baptijis with narrownefs of fpi^ rit, Tor refuhng iinbcptized perfons into their communion, that the cafe between the Baptifls and the Independents, upon this head, vaflly differ. A Baptift cannot hold fprinkling, pouring, or any kind of wafhing, befides dipping, to be haptifm^ till it be fairly proved from fcripture or an- tiquity. We have a cloud of witneffes, even Padobaptijis, who were never under Mr. Neah cloud, as he was pleafed, by way of contempt, to term fcripture-bap- tifm, that affirm Immerfion is baptifm, and was fubmitted to by our Lord himfelf, and pradifed by his Apoftles. Now, the In- dependents can make no objedions againfl receiving into their churches perfons who have fubmitted to the fcripture-baptifm, M 3 ■ Ani
t66 The History of the
And as they are the nearefl of the reform- ed churches to the BaMiJis^ and once in- cluded them, 'tis no wonder thoy ftill re- tain aniong them fome of that perfuaiion. I do not know, whether Mr. lS!eal has jihiy of that denomination with him, pro- bably if he had, the Baptijis might have had a juft, inflead of an unjuil: reprefenta- tion of their charader and fufFerings.
The Independents mud be ov/ned to be a worthy and pious people, truly Chrilaan, and fuch who ftood up, in the worft of times, for the civil and religious liberties of tbe people, Choofmg i-ather to jufer a0^., 'ciiom'with the people of God^ than to enjaj the pkafures of fin Jor a feafon. But whc-i ther it would not be more to the credit anii reputation- of baptized believers^ to flrengthen the churches of their own per- fuaiion, by uniting with them, I fhail leave to God and their own confciences. But to return,
This Baptifiericn^ or ciftern, is fixed juft before the pulpit, the fides and bot- tom of which are made vvitli good polilhqd -flone, and round the top is- put-a kirb of -marble, about a foot wide -, and round it^ at /about a foot or two diftance, is fet up aft -iron rail, of handfcme cypher w^ork j un- der the pulpit are the ftairs that lead doWli into it, and at the top of thefe are two folding doors, which open- into the three rooms behind the meeting-houfe, which
are
English Baptists. 167
are -large, and handromely wainfcotted. Under one of thefe rooms there is a well, funk down to the fpring of water ; at the top of this there is a leaden pump fixed, from which a pipe goes into the bafon, near the top of it, by which it is filled with watery at the bottom of the bafon there is a brafs plug, from whence there goes ano- ther pipe into the faid well, to empty it
again.
The charge of making this Baptijlerion, and repairing the meeting-houfe, to make it fit for this uie, amounted to more than fix hundred pounds 5 and all that were to have liberty to ufe it, had licenfe granted them in manner following.
Minories^ iVbi;, 20, 17 16,
Mr. J obi Kinchy Mr. Rich. Drew^ Mr. John Darb^^
Gentlemefiy
CcoRDiNG to the power referved to to us, in our articles of agreement with you, we do hereby give free licenfe
to Mr. - to baptize in the Baptiftory
in your meeting-place, and to make ufe of the pulpit, and conveniencies prepared for that purpofe, fo often as he may have oc- pafion, at all convenient times, paying two M 4 (hillings
A
^1^68 The H I s T o RY of the
fhillings a perfon to be baptized. Witnefs
our hands,
Tho. HoIJis, John Hollis,
This certificate is carried to one of the perfons abovementioned, and entered into a book for that purpofe ; in which there is alfo kept a regifter of all the perfons names tl:ere baptized, and by whom.
Tho' the two gentlemen above named took on them the ordering and dired:ing this affair, and referved to themfelves the power of determining, who fhould have liberty to ufe the place j yet they did not defign to be at the whole charge, efpeci- ally wh:n they found it amount to fo great a fum.. Therefore, with what the con- gr.gaticn, whofe meeting-houfe it was, were obliged to pay, by a contradt made at firfl:, there was, upon application made, after it was iiniihed, ' to the feveral bapti- zed churches in and about London, raifed towards this charge, one hundred thirty and [even pounds 3 and the aforefiid gentlemen paid the reft.
Mr. Jonathan Given , of whofe baptifm mention is made in the preceeding year, being about to remove to Brifiol-, the Z/Wj- ^(5/? niinifters being dcfired fo to do, fent the following letter of recom.mendation with him. - 1
English Baptists. ^iSg
T(? our honoured, and well beloved brother y Mr. Andrew Gifford.
Dear Sir,
BEING Informed, that Mr. Jonathan Owen has lately been at Brljlol, and having preached feveral times to your con- gregation, they have thought fit to call him to take a part of the miniftry with you in that church ; and that he is now about to remove hio:ifelf and eifeds from Lojtdon to Briftol. But, that in order to a more full and entire fatisfadion, you have de- fired to have a tejlimonlal from the London minifters concerning him. We therefore, whofe names -.n-e underwritten, think our felves obliged, in anfwer to your 4efire, and in juftice to Mr. Owen, to give you the following account.
He has for many years been a Pcedobap- tift miniiler, among thofe of the congre- gational perfuafion, and for a confider- able time had the care of a large and flou- rilHng church of that denomination j and always, to the bed of our knowledge, be- haved himfelf fuitable to his holy profef- fion, as a chriiHan, and his charader, as a minifter. He has, of late, publickly renounced his infant-baptijin, and was on the 1 8th oi Aug. 17 15. baptized by our honoured brother Mr. Richard Adams, in the prefence of feveral other minifters;
fince
xyo ^e History of the'
flnce which he has received the Lord's fupper, with the church meeting in De- 'vonjhire fquare^ and preached to divers of our congregations with approbation. We hope he may be very ferviceable to the in- tereft of Chrift, and particularly of that truth by which we are diftingaiihed. We conclude with our hearty prayers, that the Lord may blefs and fucceed your labours together, and commend both him and you unto God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are fandiiied, and remain.
Tour brethren in the faith, and fellowjhip of the Gofpel,
Benj, Stinton, Rich. Ada?ns, n adJ
Edw.Wallin, Nath.Hodges,?indoth^:
Anno In the beginning of the year 17 17. the
^7^7' Protejlant diHenting minifters agreed to prefent another addrefs to his Majelly. Tho' they had prefented one foon after the breaking out of the rebellion, yet they had prefented none upon the fuppreffion of it, when moft corporations, and public bodies of men, throughout his Majefty's domi, nions did it. Now they had an opportu. nity to wait upon his Majefty with greater advantages than before ; his Majefty being newly returned from his hereditary domi- nions in Germany, and a plot concerted be^
JEnglish Baptists. 1-71
tween the Swedes, and fome of our Englijk yacobitcs^ to invade the nation, was dif- covered. After it was agreed that they fhould go up with an addrefs, they liad more difficulties and ftruggles before they could agree upon one, than ufual. Some were for having them fpeak plainly of the hardships the DilTenters lay under, and of the little regard that was had to them, not- withflanding their fledfail loyalty to his Majefly, and zeal for his houfe and inte- reft. Others thought, that an addrefs of this nature would come better from the Laity than the miniflers. An addrefs therefore, without any complaints, or re- flexions, was drawn up by the committee, and afterwards pafTed the approbation of the whole body ; but by the contrivance of fome a flop was put to its being carried up. The committee was again called toge- ther, and it was agreed, that a new one fhould be drawn up, and that fome gentle- men of the .laity (hould be invited into the committee, to affift on the public occa- fions. Thus thefe gentlemen began to fee the expediency of having judicious laymen joined with them, to affiil in the manage- ment of public affairs ; and had they fixed upon a number fufficient to have been a ballance in their debates, I doubt not, but much trouble might have been faved to them. But tliey agreed, that the P?'ejby~ terians fl:iould choofe but three^ and the 0 > . .' others
172 The History of the
others two each. Accordingly the Prejby- terians chofe Mr. Barrington, Mr. Grey Nevil, and Mr. Atwood 3 the Independents chofe Mr. Gould and Mr. iJoZ/zV; and the Baptijis chofe Mr.'Goddard and Mr. Mzr-
These gentlemen met with the corn- mi tee, and agreed to advife and affiil, but not to join in going up with the addrefs. An addrefs therefore was prepared in the name of the diifenting minifters only, as ufual j and after it had received the appro- bation of the whole body, was prefented to his Majefty by Dr. Calamy, attended with tivehe more of the minifters, four of each denomination j and the next day after it was publiilied ip the Gazette, with his Majefly's anfwer to it, as foUoweth.
St. James'^, March 4. this day the Pro-, tejlant diffenting minifters, of the feveral denominations in and about the cities of London and Wepninfter, being introduced by the right honourable Mr. fecretary Stanhope, prefented the following humble addrefs to his Majefty.
< T*
English Baptists. 173
' ^0 the King's mofl excellent Mdjejl)\
*l-X^e humble Addrefs of the Proteftant dif- ' fejiting miniliers^ of the fever at deno- ' minationSy in and about the cities of * London and Weflminfter.
* May it pleafe your Majejly^
TH O' we are very ambitious of pro- feliing the allegiance and duty we owe to your Majefly, on every occafion ; yet we never make thefe profeilions with greater readinefs and alacrity, than when your Majefty's government is unhappily threaten'd with any diilurbance at home, or from abroad. Such occaiions givino^ us the belt opportunity to exprefs that zeal and fidelity, by which we are al- ways defirous to be diftinguiflied. As we offered up constant prayers to al- mighty God, for the fafety of your Ma- jefly's perion, while you was abroad, and have fmce fent up our humble thanks, for your Majefly's fafe return to thefe your dominions i fo we reckon it our great felicity, among the refl of your faithful fubjeits, that your Majefty is in this your kingdom, before a rebellion^ concerted between a reftlefs faBion, and fome foreign miniflers, was to break out.
' We congratulate your Majefty, with all humility, on the fuccefs of your
' coun-
^74 T^^ Hi STORY of the
.« councils abroad, which tends to fecure ' your perfon and government, fi'om the « malicious deiigns of your enemies j and ' that, as your Majefty, upon viiiting your « hereditary countries, faw fome branches « of your royal family in health, fo, upon « your return from them, you found your « kingdoms in peace and tranquility, by « the prudent adminiftration of his royal « highnefs the prince of Wales; and her
< royal highnefs the princefs, recovered
* from a danger, which gave all your Ma- - ' jefty's good fubjeds the utmoil anxiety
* and concern.
' We take liberty, to return your Ma-
* jefty our moll: dutiful thanks, for thofe «. privileges which we enjoy in common
* with the reft of your fubjedts under your « government, by which the honour, ^ commerce, and credit of this nation, are
.« fo far retrieved and improved, and its
* fecurity fo much advanced; and alfo, ■ « for the fteps which your Majefty has
< been pleafed to take towards repairing
* the damages, which feveral of our per-
* fuafion fuffered by the late rebellious tu- .\.7nults, purfuant to the addrefs of the ho-
« nourable houfe of Commom, and yoiir
* Majefty's moft gracious aniwer.
* We unfeignedly wifli y.-^ur Majefty,
i:5 as entire a po&mon of the hearts of all
li thofe of your lubjcas, that have been fo
-*i uniuftly and violently fet againft you, as
•' * your
English Baptists. 175
' your Majefty has of the affections of all ' of our perfuaiion throughout your do-
* minions. Among us, we know not, 7I that you have an open, a fecret, or a gf fufpeded' enemy, nor any, who, not- rf withllanding v/hat they have fufFered
* from your M-ajefty's enemies, or the y5 negled; they have hitherto met from ]l others (for whofe fakes, and with whom 1* they have been always content to fuffer) i)\ can be brought to the leaft degree of in- 4 difference, about any thing that concerns • ■* your Majefty, your family, or your ad-
* miniftration. We reckon it our pecu- - ? liar glory, that during the late umiatural af rebellion^ there was not any of our prin- >fif. ciples, who did not exprefs the utmoft ifi zeal for the fuppreffing it, in their feve-
* ral ftations and capacities.
' Your Majefty 's penetration will, we
* doubt not, eafily lead you to difcern, that
* fuch a body of your faithful fubjeds, tj deferve to be diftinguiflied in another T* manner, xh^in hy 77jarks of infa?nyj their
' confolation is, that they were put under
* fome of them, for what was hoped, at
* that time, would have been for your
* fervice j had your Majefty, and the na-
* tion, found it fo, we had been the more ' eafy.
* We think it the particular honour of
* the Protejianf Diffenters, that their ftrid:
* adherence to the intereft of your illuftri- : - - * ous
176 7^^ History of the
ous family, before your Majefty's accef- fion, and their loyalty to it fiiice, have drawn upon them fo much of the fury of fome of their fellow fubjeds. We are not confcious, what elfe could ren- der us obnoxious to them j our princi- ples being, as we hope, the mofl friend- ly to mankind, and amounting to no more, than thofe of a General T^okratim to all peaceable fubjeds, univerfal love and charity for all Chriftians, and to aft always in matters of religion, as God fliall' give us light into his will about them.
' We do not fo much as expecft or de- fire any thing, that ought to give any one the leafl diflurbance ; we only wifh, that under your Majefly, as the com- mon Father of all your loyal people, thofe of our perfuafion might not want a capacity, as we hope your Majefty will find, they never want an inclination, to promote the true interefl: of the Prote- fiant religion, and of their country.
' May the great God continue to mul- . tiply his bleflings upon your Majefly, and every branch of your royal family ; and after you have many years ruled faithfully for God on earth, may you reign glorioully with him for ever in heaven.
Bh
English Baptists. ^7t.
His Majejiy's moft gracious anfwer. -* T Thank you for your dutiful and af-
* -*■ fedionate addrefs. I iim fully con- ' ^ vinced of the loyalty and zeal of the Pj'O- ' tejlant Di ([enters. I will give order for
* the fpeedy payment of the damages they ' have fuftained in the late tumults ; and ' they, and you, fhall always have my ' protedion.'
On the i ft of March this year, an ac- Apullk count was brought to fome of the Baptifl ^'fffU""
, tS/ided b*-
minifters, at their ufual meeting at the t^jeen tie Coffee-honfe in Finch-lajie^ That there was Baptifts in a few days to be a public difpute in q^j^^^j-s NorthamptonJJAre^ between the Baptifts and the ^takers ; that feveral of the prin- cipal ^lakers in town were very much concerned at it, apprehending, that at this juncflure it might be attended with very ill eonfequences, with refpedl to the dificn- ters in general; and that therefore they delired to confer with fome of the Baptifts about it J accordingly leveral of both de- nominations met together that evening.
There had been a publication made of this intended difpute, almoft thro' the whole county abovenamed, and it was now but Jour days before the time ap- pointed for it to begin. The Baptift mi- nifters at London knew nothing of it till 410W; but the ^takers had written to N their
xyH The History of the
their friends about it ; in order to get thofe that were belt able, down into that county, to manage it on their part. How^ ever, when it was confidered, that there had lately been feveral twrniltuous and riot- ous aiTemblies in diverfe parts of E^iglajtd-, that there was juft now a difcovery made by the government, of a defign to invade thefe kingdoms by the Swedes^ and fome of the late rebels, that were fled into fo- reign parts ', and alfo, that at this very jundure feveral friends of the diffenters, were foliciting both the court and parlia- ment^ to fhew favour to the dilTenters, as being loyal and peaceable fubjeds. Thefe things being debated, it was agreed on both fides, to advife the putting off the deiigned difputation, and in order to this, the following letter was fent unto them.
London, the ifl day of the ifl mo72thy
^/^//^r /oTITHereas we are informed, that a pre'ventit. W public difputation is defigned, be- tween the Baptijls and the people called fakers, at Burton in Northampton/hire, or thereabouts, on the 5th day of this in- ftant, upon fome of thofe points wherein they differ one from another. We, whofe names are underwritten, having confulted together on this affair, and apprehending, that the faid public meeting may be at- tended with very bad confequences, confi-
derine
English Baptists. 179!
Bering there has been feveral tumults lately in England^ and an invqfion defigned, by the enemies of our King and country being lately difcovered ; and alfo, that feveral dififfeded perfons would be glad of the leaft occafion to reprefent the peaceable diffenters as fomentors of tumults and dif- orders, as well as themfelves. We there- fore earneftly entreat, and defire our friends, as well on the one fide as the other, that they would decline the faid public af- fembling, and lay afide their intended dif- putation, and fubfcribe ourfelves.
Tour hearty friends and 'welUwiJhers ,
"John Noble, "|
Mark Key, tlie elders of feveral
Edw.WalUn, I B^/'/^y? churches in
John Skeep, London.
Benj. Stinton, , ^
, Gco.Whitehead,'\ John Butcher, Tyour friends called John Knight, f fakers. Simeon Warner, J
Care was taken to convey feveral of thefe letters down, to be given to thofe, who were to manage the difpute, either before, or at their coming together, which was done accordingly, but without its in- tended effect.
It happened, that thofe who v/ere to
manage this difpute, on the part of the
N 2 - Bap-^
S:So ^The History of th^
Baptijis, were of that fort, which are cal- led generals. This being unknown to thofe at London \ and as all the Baptijis that figned the letter were fuch as were called particulars ; fo thofe in the country having little knowledge of them, had no regard to them ; and not having advice of this letter by any other hand, but what the ^akerSj who went from London to affift in that difpute, gave them, knew • not what manap;ement mio;ht be in it.
The difpute therefore v/as held at the time and place appointed, and a great number of people were prefent ; and fo far were they from taking the advice fent them, that at the conclufion of this meet- ing they appointed another, to difpute on fome points in difference, which they had not time to debate then.
The day fixed upon for the next dif- putation was the 4th of Jtme following; and the Baptijis finding that the fakers brought fome of their befl qualified men from London to afiill; in the iafl difpute ; and being informed they defigned to do fo again, they were refolved to take the fame method. Accordingly they wrote a letter to Dr. Gale^ defiring him to come down, and aflift in vindicating their principles, at the time and place abovcmentioned.
The doftor communicated this to feve- ral of the minifters, who flill were of the fame opinion, that it was better to decline
fuch
English Baptists. iSx
fuch public difputes at this time, than pro- mote them J and as before, the fakers applied to the Baptijis j fo now the Bap^ tijls made application to them, to defire another meeting on this occafion, and ac- cordingly they met together at \h& Hano- ver Cojfce-hoiije in Finch- lane ^ on the 3d of May^ to confult of this matter, where they drew up, and figned the following letter, to be fent to the difputants in the country.
London, the 2 2d of the 3d month, called May, ^7^7- To our friends in Northampton fliire, who go under the denomination of Baptifts and Quakers.
WE are informed, that notwithftand- ing the advice fent in a former let- ter, there was a difpute held betwixt feve- ral of you, on the 5th day of the firft month, called March laft ; and that, as the effed of that, there is another propo- fed to be had on the 6th of the 4th month next, called fune j of which we declare our diflike, as well as of the former j for tho' we hope we have the fame zeal for our principles, and love to whatever we have embraced for truth, as any of our bre* thren ; yet we think fuch public difputes don't tend to promote it, they being ufual- ly followed with very ill confequences, as well as that the prefent ftate of public af- fairs renders them "at this time more eipeci*
N 3 ^'
t§« TheViisro^Y of the
ally ilnfeafonable. The event of the for-? ir.er meeting doth fhevv, that the confe-^ qiient is like to be worfe j for, from coi^ tending, we perceive fome on both fides are grown hot, which we fear, if not watched againft, will defiroy mutual love, arife to ftrife and envy, be a means to exafperate thofe who are of a different per- fualion from us, give a handle to the ene- mies of both to mifreprefent us to the gOr- vernment, and at iafl en4 in ^n unchrilf ian ftrife and trouble.
We do therefore earneftly intreat you, as well on the one iide, as the other, to forbear the intended meeting, and not to infift upon fuch public ways of ftriving with each other, feeing there are other methods, which will be lefs offenfive, and more informing to thofe who are in fearch of truth. We hope you will take us, in this whole affair, to be what we really are.
Tour friends and well-wifiers^
B^^j. Stinton, John Gale^ Lewis Douglas J yojcph Bur roughs J Jojeph yenkins,
Geo. Whitehead^ yohn Knight, *Tho. Pit/low, Wm.ArmitJlead, Simeon Warner^
your brethren of \ the Baptiji per- fuafion.
)
your friends cal- led Quakers.
This
English Baptists. ijSj
This letter was conveyed to them in time, and was more kindly received than the former ; and upon conlideration, they agreed, tho' with fome reluctancy, to drop tiieir intended dilputation.
On the 20th of Feb. this year, Mr, Richard Alien, elder of the baptized con^ gregation in Barbican departed this life ; and Ibon after his congregation chofe Mr. yofeph Burroughs to be their paftor. He had been a minifter in this congregation four or five years before, and they had in the year 1 7 1 3 defired him to be co-paflor with Mr. Allen j but for fome reafons he declined it. Upon Mr. Allen's death the church with great earneflnefs prefTed him to accept the pafloral care of them. And he being prevailed upon to accept their call, was accordingly ordained on the firil day of May following. At the fame time two other perfons were alfo ordained to the office of T)eacom in the faid church. He is a worthy gentleman of great moderation, learning and piety j but being ftill living, I mufl: forbear to fay any thing further.
Having often mentioned ordinations among the Baptifls, I fhall, in this place, fhew the manner of their doing it, by giv- ing a particular account of this, at which I was prefent, which may ferve for an an- fwer to thofe many refledlions which have been cafl: upon the Baptiji minifters, as i^ ^hey came not regularly into the miniflry. N 4 TsE
1 8^ IIdc H I s j o ry of the
The church fent melTengers to thoib niinilliers, whom they particularly dcfired to a6t in this affair, and gave a general in-r yitation to all the reft, to honour them with their prefencc on this occafion., \ The aftembly being come together, at the meetin2;-houfe in Barhicaii^ en the day appointed, Mr. Foxit-ell went firlt up into the pulpit, and read the third and fourth chapters of the hrft epiftle to Tij.no- thy^ after which he prayed for that church, for the perfons called to oflices in it, for the prefence of God, and tb.e aiiiftanccs of Jiis grace, in the duties to be that day per^ formed.
Next Mr. Bcnjmnin Stinton went up, and preached a fermon from Fhil. i. i. From whence, according to the province alfigned him, he endeavoured to explain the oftice and duties, both of an elder and deacons. Then followed Mr. Nathaniel Hodges^ who chofe for his text, T/Y. i. 5. From whence he took occafion, among other things, to explain and vindicate, the for?n of ordination.
After this, the minillers, and thofe who wTre to be ordained, being together, in the middle of the meeting-place, where the communion-table ufed to ftand, Mr. Stinton^ according to appointment, ftood * up, and faid. It is deiired, that all thofe who are members of the church, wliich ufually meets in this place, would draw
toge-
English Baptists. 1815
together in the middle of the meeting- houfe, and that the reft of the aflembly would feparate thernfelves, either by going into the galleries, or the remote parts of the place. Then dirediing his fpeech parr ticularly to the church, he faid ; we have been informed, ]3y mefTengers from you, that you have chofen our honoured and beloved brother, Mr. jofeph Burroughs^ to be your elder or over Jeer in the Lord, and have accordingly defired him to take that office upon him ; it will, however, be proper, that you fliould now, in a more public manner, and before this aflembly, declare, and confirm your faid choice. All you, therefore, who do approve of, and confirm the choice you have made of Mr. yofeph Burroughs^ to be your pafior, ^ and defire that he fhould now be ordained to that office, be pleafed to fignify it by the lifting up of your hands. When they had fo done, the negative was put, but no hand lifted up againfl; it. Then he turned to Mr. 'Jofeph Burroughs^ and faid. Bro- ther yofeph Burroughs^ as this church has unanimoully chofen, and called you, to be their pajlor ; and do earneftly defire, that you vvould take upon you that ho- nourable, tho' difficult office ; fo we defire yon to fignify unto us, whether you do ac- cept of their call, and are willing, for the fake of Chrift, and the good of this com- munity^ to be put into this office ?
1 86 ^^ History of the
Hereupon Mr. Burroughs figniiied, That it had been his defire, for many years paft, to be ufeful to the fouls of men in the work of the miniftry; and that this continued to be the free choice of his mind, in preference to any other employment; that in purfuance of this deiire, he had applied himfelf to the ftudy of the holy Scriptures, and to other exercifes, that might prepare him for public ufefulnefs : That he wifhed he had made better im- provement of his time, and was deeply fenlible of his infufliciency for difcharging the work to which he was called, fuitably to its great importance; but was willing to life his beft endeavours, and placed his hope in the goodnefs of God, who, he was aflured, was able to make him fuccef- ful : That the unanimity, which this church had {hewn, in chooiing him for their paftor, gave him an encouraging profped: of doing good amongft them : And there- fore he declared, that he took the over- fight of this flock, not by conftraint, but v/illingly, and fhould reckon himfelf obli- ged, by his acceptance of this people's call to be their paflor, and by being folemnly fet apart to the office, to be their remem- brancer in the doctrines and precepts of the chriftian religion, and to watch for their fouls, as one v/ho mull hereafter give an account ; and that he was determined, in every part of his proceeding, to make
the
English Baptists, 187
the holy Scriptures his only rule and Itandard.
Then after a ihort prayer Suitable to the occalion, the jninifters prefent laid their right hands upon his head, and Mr. Sti?i^ ton^ in the name of the whole, pronoun- ced the words of ordination^ as followeth, 'viz.
Brother J ofepb Burroughs, We do, in the name of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and with the confent of this church, ordain thee, to be an elder, hijhop, or overfeer of tliis church of Jefus Chrifl:. And their hands continuing on his Head, Mr. Stin- tofi put up a fhort prayer to God^ for him and the congregation.
I MUST obferve here. That there are fome among the Baptijis, who object againft this form of ordination, tho' it isthusufu- ally performed in their churches, believ- ing it favours too much of mens alTuming great power to themfelves, in their fetting others apart to the miniftry ; and alfo be- lieving, that the apolHes themfelves in or- dinations, ufed not this form, IVe ordain thee. And therefore decline pronouncing any words of ordination, and only pray to God for a bleffing on the paftor elect, lay- ing their hands upon his head, which they bold is ordination fufficient, and all that they know with certainty refpeding the
pra-
i88 The History of the
pradlce of the Apoftles, who laid their hands over the perfons whom they let apart, and prayed to God in their behalf.
After the ordination of Mr. Bur- roughs^ they proceeded to the ordmation of two deacons^ which was after this man- ner.
Mr. Stiiiton flood and up faid. We muft' now addrefs our felves again to you, the members of the congregation, that ftated- ly worfhip God in this place. We were informed by your meffengers aforefaid, that you have chofen two perfons from amongfh yourfelves, unto the office of dea- cons^ in this church of Chrifl, njiz. bro- ther Matthew Shelfwell^ and brother George Reynolds. It will therefore be necefTary, that you fhould in this, as you have in the other cafe, declare and confirm your ele- ction. All you, therefore, that do ap- prove, and confirm your former choice of brother Matthew Shelfwell, to be a deacon in this church, an4 defire that he may now be ordained to that fervice, be plea- fed to lignify it, by the lifting up of your hands. And then the negative.
After this the fame queflion was put, both in the affirmative and negative^ with refpedt unto the other; ii,nd it appeared, they were both unanimoufly chofen 3 and upon being afked, whether they accepted the churches call to this work ? and, Were willing to take this office upon them ?
They
English Baptists. 189
They anfwered, they were. Then the deacons eled; kneeled down, and the mi- nifters laying their right hands upon their heads, ordained them, Mr. Mulliner put- ting up a prayer to God fuitable to this part of the folemnity 5 and then he went up into the pulpit, and entertained the af- fembly with a very excellent difcourfe, on I 'T^hef. V. 12, 13. in v/hich, according to the province affigned him, he treated of the duties of the members of a Chriflian church to their officers, both elders and deacons^ after which he prayed, then a pfalm of thankfgiving was fung, at the conclufion of which the affembly was dif- mifled with one of the apoftolical bene- dictions.
This year the baptizing-place upon Horjely-do'wn wa; repaired, and a new meeting-houfe erected, with dreffing rooms adjoining, for the more decent adminiftra- tion of the ordinance of baptifm. And that it might be an accommodation to the Baptiji churches in general, the following letter was drawn up, and fent to every one of them.
Beloved brethren^
T T being earneftly deiired by feveral per- •■• fons, that the ancient baptizing place at Horjely-down {hould be repaired, believing it will be for the interefh of the Bapiijls^ and a better accommodation to feveral of
their
0O 7%e History of the
their churches, that there ihould be two places kept up for that ufe, as has been for ibme years paft. And whereas it is de- iigned, that the propriety of this place fhall not be lodged in any iingle perfon, or in any one community only, but that every congregation that fhall advance ten pounds towards the charge of its repara- tion, fhall have a propriety therein equal with others, fecured to them by a truftee of their own choofmg j and that every congregation who fhall advance any lefs fum, fliall be intituled to the free ufe thereof, without paying more for any per- fons to be there baptized, than any other the more favoured whatfoever. We have therefore thought it lit, to communicate this delign to all the churches, that fo eve- ry one that approves of it, may have, if they pleafe, the fame privilege with our felves, and an opportunity of joining with us in this good and public undertaking, and take leave to fubfcribe our felves,
Tour brethren i?i the faith and feU lowJJjip of the Gofpel^
Nath. Fox-well,
fohh Noble, and others.
P. S. The charge of eredinga place to preach in, of 30 foot by 20, and three rooms Oi II foot fo a are, between that and the Baptiilory, and repairing tiie bafan,
and
English Baptists. t^t
and feats round it, is computed at loo/. The charge of the pulpit and feats, and feve- ral new fuits of apparel, &c. at 3 o /. more.
This place being built, after the man- ner, and for the ufes aforementioned, it was enter'd according to the a6t of tolera- tion, in which there is this claufe, 'uiz, ' That no congregation, or alTembly for
* religious worfhip, fliall be permitted or
* allowed by this ad:, until the place of
* fuch meeting iliall be certified to the bi-
* fhop of the diocefe, or to the arch-dea-
* con of that arch-deaconry, or to the ju-
* ftices of the peace, at the general quarter
* feffions of the peace, for the county, city,
* or place in which fuch meeting fliall be
* held, and regiftred, &c,'
And becaufe this is to be done, for every meeting-houfe, or place where per- fons affemble for religious worfhip, I ftiall here infert the copy of the certificate, as a precedent in fuch cafes.
E. Reg. Dom. Epi. Winton^ &c.
THESE are to certify whom it may concern. That on Monday the third day of 'Ju7ie^ one thoufand feven hundred and feventeen, the certificate following, viz. Whereas a place is erected for religi- ous worfhip in Horfely-down Fair-Jireet, in Southwark^ in the county of Surrey, now in the polTefTion of Tho, Roats, fcM-
the
^5^9^ Tlje History of the
the ufe of thofe ProteJia?it diiTenters that fcruple the baptizing of infants, we whole names are here under-written do teftify the fame, and defire it may be recorded,- according to the ad of parliament iti that cafe made and provided. Dated Mai 20 1717.
Benj, Stinton^
John Noble^ and others.
was brought into the regiflry of the lord bifhop of IFinton, and is there regiller'd accordingly.
W. Chapman, Reg. Dep.
The churches that contributed towards the defraying_ the expence and charge of this Baptifterion, and thereby became°pro- prietors thereof, were,
Mr. Nath. FoxiveWs, which paid 20 £
Mr. Benj. Stintons 20
Mr. Edw. Walling 20
Mr. Mark Kefs 10
Mv. John Noble's ^ ro
Mr. Tho. Dewhurji's 10
Mr. Lewis Douglas's 10
Mr. Ben;. Ingram's _ r
The church at i^^/Z'/cr^ 10
Mr. Abraham Mulliner, for the church in White's Alley, Moorfelds, ti:o' iney did not become proprietors, yet gei.erc-,-Jly con- tributed to the charge thereof 87. 16 s.
After
English Baptists. 19
After this an indenture was made, in brder to lecure the place for the intended ufe, and to give all the truftees^ chofen l3y the churches, an equal right in it. By this indenture, Mr. Foxwell, Mr. Stinton, and Mr. WalUn, who had taken the leafe and built the place, made over a right and propriety to the reft, equal with them- ielves, and they obliged themfelves equally with them, to perform the covenants of the leafe, and to bear their part and pro- portion of the rent, taxes, reparations, &c.
This year alfo, in return to a letter with a parcel of books fent laft year to the minifters of the ^j/?//^;^^ churches in Pe?i- fihaiiia^ was received one letter from the church at Philadelphia ; and another from an alTociation of elders and meffengers of the cliurches met in thofe parts, of which the following are a true copy.
Philadel. Sept. 13. 1717.
The church of Chrijl at Philadelphia in Penfilvania, baptized upon p?'ofeJJion of faith ^ to the elders of the Baptift churches in and about London, efpecially thofe concerned lately in writing to us, Chri^ ftian falutations.
Beloved brethren,
YOURS of the 4th of Jan. laft came to hand, with the books, from our eueemed brethren, Mr. Hollis and Mr. O T^ayhr^
o
194 ^^ History of the
Taylor^ for which beneficency we return our hearty thanks, on the behalf of all our heirs interefted in the benefit of the fame. Having not ktn but few of our brethren abroad, we thank you for recom- mending our cafe to the above worthy be- nefa<5tors. We likewife thank them for their generoiity, in bellowing liberally ; but above all we thank our good God, that brought us to the fellowfliip of his fon, and having with him given us all good things to enjoy. We take this dona- tion of books as a token of divine favour, in regarding us in our low eftate. We truft and hope, and wait alfo for the re- turn of the fmiles of God's face unto us, and that he will yet blefs us, not utterly forfaking us, that are but a remnant. Ma- ny have fallen like untimely fruit, but not- withftanding we are preferved to this day ; give God glory on our behalf. We do aflure you, your letter and books has met with welcome entertainment among us generally; the feafonablenefs thereof has much revived our fpirits, and tended much to cement us in love in this city, it being a fun-flnne upon the difperlion of a cloud ; the particulars of the one or the Other we judge proper to fufpend, tho' we cannot look back upon them without amazement. Your letter was read in our meetings, in town and country. We con- cluded, that the books may be difpofed of
as
English Baptists. 195
as intended ; the family books for the be- nefit of well difpofed folks ; the annota-- tions to be for particular qualified perfons, the other books for public ufe, for ou'r leading brethren to relbrt to, lodged here in the city, to be lent and returned again : whereby ». the rifing generation may have the benefit of them as well as the prefent. The contents of the letters, and a cata- logue of the books, are recorded in our church book, to prevent all miftakes. The generality of our allociated congrega- tions, fo far as we know, are in peace, but few additions any where lately ; tho' within few years pall all our churches en^ creafed more or lefs \ the country being over-run with Quakeriim, that generally they will not hear, and them that would duril not, by reafon of their awful flri£t difcipline. But God can give another lliock to the kingdom that fits as Queen here, and thinks to fee widowhood no
'to3iJ]iiis! place has had ftiofl of the errors
lof the ancients new dreffed over, but, thro*
imercy, they feem to creep more and more
into holes ; but the errors about the per-
Ibnality of the Holy Ghoft, and about ori-
vginalHjfiits;ic^;iOn-imputation, with others,
;kirks about tlie tents of fonae denominated
-ij^iiptifis, who utterly difown us, and we,
indeed, them. One Hammond'^^ sl Bap-
vtiji\s. book, is much in refpedl with fome
'^ O 2 here ;
1 96 ^e H I S T O RY 0/* /yj^
here; what is made of a day famous in yewry^ we'll leave ; but if fome fubftan- tial informing tracfis were in their hands, may be it would be other wife. By reafon that here is no material alteration lince our former, we fhall conclude with our hearty love to you all, hoping, that as you have been acquainted with our eftate* we fliall not be forgot by you in your folemn addref- fes to the throne of grace, for fuch blef- iings and favours, as God knows, we want, and that might tend to the glory of his name, hoping likewife to have the continuance of the comfortable correfpon- dency, happily begun with you by letters. Not willing to be further tedious in wri- ting, or burdenfome in regard of com- plaints and expedations, we commit you all to God, that can make all bleffing to abound to you and us, remaining
Tour brethren in the Go/pel of our Lord J ejus Chriji^
Abel Morgan^ .
At our meeting for Samiicl Jcnes,
K':;;;wloL" Wm.mnnerjly,
church. Edwd. Church,.
and eight more.
Direct to Abel Morgan,- or Edward Churchy in Phiiadelfhia.
ro
English Baptists, 197
T'o our reverend brethren^ the elders oftBs baptized churches in and about London 5 and to our good and generous benejaSlors^ Mr. Hollis and Mr, Taylor,
We the elders^ minificrs^ and mejfengers of the churches under the fame detiomination In Penfilvania, and the Jerfey'5 in Ame- rica, met in our general meeting, held at Philadelphia the 22d, 23^, a fid 2 ^th of Sept. fe?id our mo/i heartyfalutatiofis.
Beloved brethren in our Lord "Jefus Chrijl, grace be unto you, and peace frojn God our Father, thro' our Lord and Kedeemer,
'VT'OUR letters we have feen, and the "?- books according to the catalogue, are copie to hand, and by our brethren ifi the city fettled prudently^ whereby all of us may have the benefit thereof, that our fuccelTors may profit as well as we. The fame of this makes fome rumour abroad and profit at home, that we hope this good work may bring forth, yet more good fruit to the advantage of religion, and the glory of God, the which we hope will be re- turned an hundred fold of benefit to your felves, according to the feed fown. The generality of the foundnefs of the authors, is a fingular advantage in this country, and what we find otherwife we will endeavour ■^o diftinguifli. We think, that the very Q 3 minds.
igS ^e History of the
minds of the commonality of the people here are tainted with Arminianifm, Soci- niaKifm, and what not 3 that the common notion of reHgion among them is Hke a le- prous houfe, not to be mended by patch- ing, but rebuilded by puHing down, and difcovering the foundation, and that ail be laid upon tiie right foundation of the cove- nant of grace; which v/e generally labour to do, and fo we go againil: the current of the times, that others that may fucceed, may fee no caufe to lament our going be- fore them. And this we will do, God permitting. We hope to hear from you the next opportunity that may prefent ; fo returning our hearty thanks to you, for the favours already fhewed us, we remain,
' Tmir brethren in the Lord^ and
fellowjhjp of the Gojpel^
Tho. Abbot, 'John Burrows^ f and nineteen more.
In this year like wife Mr. Jofeph Stokes, a Prefbyterian minifler at Horfiam in Suf-
fex, wrote an oftavo pamphlet in defence of the practice of baptizing children, in anfwer to that learned treatife written by Dr. Gale againft it. He intitled his book, A compajj'.onate plea for ijifants, or remarks on Dr. Gixl's RefeBions on Mr. Wall'i Hi-
ftory of infant-baptifm. In this he charges
the
English Baptists. 199
the dodor with mifreprefentiiig fome of his authors ; giving a falfe, account of facls^ and endeavours to enervate feveral of his arguments. It is pretty well fitted to mif- guide and prejudice the common people, who cannot well be judges of that part of the controyerfy, which both Dr. Wall and Dr. Gale chiefly infifted upon ; their works being principally defigned for the ufe of 'j^he learned. But both this, and his fornrrr er book, intitled, A Stirvey^ of tJifant-ba-j^T tijm, and the mode of baptizing^ was well anfwered by Mr. Jqim Tajker, in three letters to the faid Mr. Stokes,
The next thing worthy of notice, is ail account of the fcheme, which was^ this year contrived for the fupport and mainte- nance of honourable minifters of the Bap^ tiji perfuafwn. The purport of it was as ifolloweth.
W
'He RE AS feveral minifters, ^nd other peribns, who have the intereft und welfare of the baptized churches in Eng- land very much at heart, have obfcrved for fome time with great trouble, the little union and correfpondence that there is between thofe of that denomination 5 the great decay of that intereft in fome ^parts oi England^ and the difficulty they ~J,have to keep up the public worfhip of God with any tolerable reputation in other parts 5 the great want of able and qualihed • Q 4 W-
200 T%e History of the
perfons to defend the truth, and to liipply thofe churches that are in want of mini- ilers ; the poverty and diftrefs which fome emploj^ed in that facred office are expofed to, for w^ant of a competent maintenance for themfelyes and famiUes ^ and the fre- quent appUcations that are made to fome private perlons on thcfe occafions, who neither have abihty to help all, nor oppor- tunity to enquire into the truth and cir- ■ cumflances of every particular cafe.
It is therefore propofed, and earneftly delired by the faid perfons, that a pubHc fund or fum be annually raifed, to redrefs thefe grievances, and more efpecially for the fupport and maintenance of honourable minifters, and^ providing tor the fucceliion offuch.
That tKisfimd ihall be for the ufe and advantage of thofe churches wi/v, who go under the denomination oi particular Bap- tifis.
That it be begun by taking fubfcrip- tions, and making public col]ed:ions for it, in the feveral congregations of that perfua- fion in Loiidon^ and parts adjacent, and by the free gift of fuch perfons whom God hath bleffed with an abihty, and difpoli- • tion, for fuch an expenfive and pious cha- rity.
That as foon as a competent fum be either advanced or fubfcribcd, the mini- fters and meffengers of the feveral churches
con-
English Baptists. 20i
concerned, be defired to meet together, to agree upon proper methods for the difpo- ling thereof to the intended ufes.
That the elders and meflengers chofen by the churches, fhali have hberty to in- vite any other gentlemen, who are contri- butors to this good defign, to adl with them as managers herein ; provided they are not members of thofe churches v/hp are reprefented by their meifengers.
This noble defign, by confining it to the ufe and advantage of thofe churches o;z/y, who go under the name oi particular Baptijis^ feems to be too much limited.
But this narrow plan had not long been laid, when fome minifters and others, chiefly of thofe who hold the dodrine of general redemption^ met and confulted how to eftablifli one of a more exteniive na- ture ; and to contrive a method, whereby all pious and ufeful minifters of the Baptiji perfuafion, without diftinclion, might have their exigencies relieved; and likewife young men of good difpoiitions and promiiing a- biiities encouraged in their ftudies, with a view to the miniftry.
In this catholic defign, their numbers encreafing, they formed a fcb'me^ where- in they declared, that it was far from their intention to oppofe their brethi en, already engaged in this good work ; but only to render what they had bep;un m>ore exten- five 'y and that accordingly ihey fhould be
ready
202 "Th^ History of the
ready to join with them in any proper mea- fures for attaining fo good an end. But they took notice with concern, that where- as the hx^fcheme of their brethren excludes a confiderable number of churches both in city and country, and is appUed only to the reUef of perfons of one particular cha- racter ; many worthy and ufeful men al- ready in the miniftry are negleded; be- fides, that very little proviiion appeiirs to be made for qualifying others to lill their places, as they {hall become vacant. They propofed therefore, that a larger fupply fhould be provided, for the fupport of the prefent miniftry ; which, under the dire- aion of prudent nianagers, might be di- ftributed without cliftindion, to all, as their exigencies may require, who agree in the praftice of baptizing by immerfion, up- on profeffion of faith, and appear to be fo- ber, pious, and faithful, in the difcharge of their work j and that due provifion like- wife be made for the education of pious and fober young men, who are enclined to devote themfelves to the work of the mini- ftry J that a fuccelTion of able men might not be wanted, as the neceffities of the churches fhall call for their labours.
I SHALL forbear tranfcribing any of the rules agreed on in this fcheme, excepting fome fev/ relating to ftudents , whereby a regular and ftated provifion is made for
training
English Baptists. 203
training them up ; whereas, in former times, the learned men of this denomina- tion ufed to be provided for, either at the charge of their parents, or of ibme few perlbns joining together.
One inftance, inftead of many^ we have in the reverend Dr. Benjamin Grojhienor^ who was educated at the charge of his pa- rents. He was, about the the year 1689, baptized by Mr. Benjamin Keach ; became a member of his church, and continued fo about feven or eight years. He preached privately at Mr. Reach's houfe, before him and feveral others 5 who finding him to be a youth of promifing abilities, encouraged his going under inflrudions to be better Btted for the work of the miniftry. Soon after his return from his fludies, he decla- red, that it was his opinion, that infants ought to be baptized -J that the government of the church ought to be in the elderjhip^ and not in the members ; and that unordain- ed perfons ought not to preach. Thefe things moved the church to deal plainly with him; they recommended to him the reading impartially Mr. Tombe's Exa- men j and appointed proper perfons to dif- courfe thefe points with him. After much time fpent between the church and him in controverjy upon thefe points, without any effed:, he defired a difmifiion: But not being determined where to fx himfelf, they were neceilarily obliged to grant his
rtquefl:.
Jf04 The History of the
requeft, and did difmifs him in a ge- neral manner from his memberfhip with them.
I THE rather made choice of this in- fl:ance, becaufe the Dodor, and my felf, feem to be upon a par with refpedl to the turn which both of us took, from the way in which we were educated. He, from a Baptifi^ became a Pcedobaptijl j I, from ,a Padobaptijij became a Baptiji. My educat^ tion, wa^ under the patronage of the church of England. The hrfl light, as to haptifm^ that I received, was from her catechifm and the rubric ; which led me on my firft fcruples to read the books, written by the reverend gentlemen of her miniftry, who were eminent for their piety, learning and moderation. I foon ' perceived their con- cefTions j and tho' I found by reading others, that many of the learned Pcedobapttfis of all denominations did inveigh moll bitterly againfl the principles and praBice of the Bapti/is-y yet the few amongft them of more moderation, feeming to fpeak more agreeably with the fcriptures, gained the afcendant: And in the end, I refolved thro' grace to make the Scriptures my only guide in this point 3 and accordingly fubmitted to be baptized in the manner there pre- fcribed, and was added to the fame church from whence the Do-flor was difmiiTed, l^he reafo7i of my belief and praSiice^ I have fet forth in the courfe of thefe papers.
But
English Baptists. 205
But to return. The Articles relating to Student s^ in thtfcheme lafl mentioned are as follows, viz.
That as any perfons fhall be recom- mended to the fociety, in order to be en- couraged as Students ; before their admiffi- on, inquiry fhall be made by a committee of the managers, with refpedt to their mo- rals and piety, as well as to their abilities, and proficiency in learning ; and fuch only fhall be received, who have been baptized by immerfion^ on profeffion of faith, and are members of fome baptized churchy and in whom it may reafonably be hoped, there is a real love to religion, as well as a good difpoiition for literature.
That three years at lead be allowed to t\\t Jiudents to go through their academical ftudies 3 and that it fhall be in the power of the managers to gra.nt four otjive years, if they fhall judge, that the circumftances of the cafe require and deferve it.
That 2S\. Jludents^ who have behaved themfelves well, thro' the courfe of their fludies, upon a teflimonial from their re- fpedive tutors, or any other fufhcient evi- dence, as well of their fober converfation, as proficiency in learning, fhall be allowed any fum not exceeding t'wenty pounds per annum for one or two years after finifliing their faid courfe of fludies, at the difcretion of the managers.
U
2o6 The History of the
In purfuance of this catholic fcheme^ numbers of pious and ufeful minifters, both of the general and particular perfuafion, have been comforted under their difficulties, and feveral young men trained up in a courfe of academical ftudies, and others affifted with books. And more good would ftill be done in all thefe refpeds, if the gentlemen in the other Scheme could be perfuaded to take down their parti tion- ivall, and unite the whole Baptiji Inter efi : ' Which upon fuch a plan as this, might eafily be done ; but upon the other can ne- ver be.
Having thus traced the Hiftoryofthe Englip Baptijh from their origin to this period of time, which has given them li- berty to declare publicly, what before they pradtifed privately, as their opinion. That a due regard ought to be had in training up regularly, fuch pious perfons, as leemed well dilpofed for the work of the miniftry, I Ihall now take the liberty to give fome account here of a few of thofe gentlemeii of -the Baptiji perfuafion v/ho were famoui for their piety towards God, and their zeal, for the intereil of religion in the world j;and begin with, ^ ^IdeisLir^
Thomas M^, Thomas HolUs^ -who ^72^^ 2iBapti]t ^°^^''" by profeffion, tho' a member of the con- gregation of which the revt end Mr. Jere- miah Hunt is elder. The chara(fter he gave this pious gentleman in his funeral fermon, . ^ he
English Baptists. 207
he declares in the dedication, to be exaftly jiill, tho' it may by fome be efteemed blameable for its fhortnefs. ' He had,
* fays Mr. Hunt^ an early turn for reli-
* gion. His mother dying when he was
* about fwehe years of age, he exprelTed ' an extraordinary and uncommon forrow;
* and his father to allay, and dired: his
* grief, tells him, worldly forrow worketh
* deaths but godly forrow worketh repetit-
* ance to fahation, not to be repented of, ' Which, by the blefling of God, proved ' a happy occaiion to give a right turn to ' his thoughts, and attending Mr. Fijher
* at Shejieldj he had the change to falva-
* tion, which the apoftle fpeaks of under
* his miniftry, according to his own ap-
* prehenfion.
* His temper and complexion were na-
* turally warm j this, when he had re-
* ceived a ferious and religious ply, occa-
* lioned an uncommon zeal for the honour
* of God, and the intereft of Chrifl, and f for thefe great and valuable purpofes he *i early devoted part of his encreafe. He
* maintained ever in his mind a lively fenfe
* of the evil of lin, and arrived to a con-
* fiderable fhare of Scripture-knowledge.
* He walked in the ordinances of the Go-
* fpel, and in communion with this church
* above Jtxty years, near the period of time
* which is allotted to man in this world.
* His faith was llrong, fteadily trufting in ■- * God
2o8 The History of the
God, and relying on his promifes. His patience remarkable ; tho' he was To un- happy as to be bUnd many years, I ne- ver heard him make the leaft complaint, the feveral years I had been acquainted with him. He trained up his children in the knowledge and pradice of reli- gion, and fet before them an example of holinefs, ajjd in particular of public, pri- vate, and fecret devotion, which, by his infl:ru(fl:ions, he recommended to them ; and was fo happy, as to fee his pious care fuccefsful. If he had given any of- fence, as fometimes it would happen through the warmth of his temper, he would not difdain to aik pardon, tho' of an inferior, confcious it was the com- mand of his Lord. He delayed not do- ing good to his death j but daring his life caft about how he might be fervice- able to his relations ; and in a particular manner to the minifters of Chrilc, where- in he greatly abounded. His charity was not confined to a party, tho* it- might extend more to thofe who were of his own perfuafion, being fincere, and thinking himfelf in the right. He de- nied himfelf, and lived frugal, that he might more extenfively exprcfs his good- nefs. Various methods he took to be publicly ufefjl j diflributing books pro- per to encourage religion and virtue, promoting fchc^ls for inftrudion of the
* poor
English Baptists. 209
^ poor to read and write, and contribiiting
« to the building of places of worfhip. He
* ereded and founded two churches at Ro-
* theram and Doncafter^ and eflablirhed ' fchools at each place for teaching youth ; ' not only communicating in his life to
* their maintenance, but bequeathing fome ' encouragement after his deceafe. He
< freely contributed to the building of a « place at Shefeild, and when that proved ' too little, he liberally imparted to the ' building of a larger j and purchafmg the
< lefs, converted it into an almllioufe, « wherein fixteen poor perfons dv/ell, to
* which he has left a fmall endovvm.enC. « He v/as fo happy, as to live many years, ' in full afltirance, formed on fcripture-
* grounds (for he ufed to fay, faith and
* repentance were the work of a chriilian ' every day) and founded on the merits ' and intercefficfn of Jefus Chrift, of an ' endlefs flate of reft and happinefs. And ' tho' through great age he at laft declined,
*-<' the images and ideas which the Scripture '^' furnifhed him with, were the laft that ^ were effaced in him. When he was in
* his dying agonies, which were ftrcnger ' than ufual, at thofe advanced years, he ' was aft;ed, v/hether he defired to be
* v/ith Chrift ? And he anfwered w^ith an
* uncommon ftrength of voice. Yes! Yes!
* Thus he li'-oed to Chrift, and we have no ~ p ' * rea-
210 Hz History of the
' reafon to doubt, but death f roves to him ' gam,
rho. HoUis, Efq; the eldell fori of the aforegoing Mr. Tho. HolUs, v/as as noted for public woiks of charity as his father, ., and inherited not only his eftate, but his graces alfo. The reverend Dr. Hunt, in the funeral fermon he preached to the fo- ciety, of which he was a member, occa- fional by his death, gives this charader of him, viz. ' That when he was a young
* man he made a pubhc profeflion of
* Chrift, and joined himfelf to this yoaV/y,
* of which he has been a member about
' fifty y^^^^- '^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^
* obUgation he was under to this, and of ' the advantages that arife from comply-
* ing with it, made him ever prefs it up-
* on others, and recommend it to their
* practice. He was careful to obferve at-
* tentively his own conduct, and for that
* reafon wTote memoirs in fhort-hand for ' many years, which he afterwards com-
* mitted to the flames. The love of the
* Scriptures foon appeared. When bufi-
* nefs invited him abroad into France, and
* other places, at that time a young man,
* the new Teftament was his conftant ' companion. Public worfhip, and in this
* fociety to which he fliood related, he « fteadily and conilantly attended, and was « feldom or rarely abfent, nothing but
* fick-
English Baptists. 211
iickneiL^ or fometliing very extraordi- nary, preventing him. His relpea to minilters, for their works fake, was great and unufual. He was pleafed with their converfation, and efpeciaily when it was inftrudlive. He never allowed himfelf to fpeak more feverely of any of the performances of preachers, than that he fhould not choofe to fit conflantiy un- der fuch a miniftry. He was very fleady in family worfnip, and rcgular-irt- the time of performing it, to which the fmallnefs of his family did not a little contribute. He was, when in bufmefs, conftant and regular, and fo good a ma- nager of his time, that he always redeem-' ed a part of it, for the improvement of his mind by reading. He was careful in the choice of his books, and would of- ten fay, that the little leifure he had made it necelTary. Towards the clofe of his life he told me, that he had laid afide the reading of thofe books as required great attention, and contented himfelf with thofe which were v/rote in a more e-jfy, and practical manner, and wei-e fitted to raife and excite devotion. How well he behaved to hi^ relations you, who are his relatives, are perkdly apprized ; v/ith v/hat prudence and faith- fulnefs he adviied in any affairs of confe- quence ; and with what tendernefs and Gompaffion he received the news of any P 2 * diflrefs.
212 Uje History of the
diftrefs, that in the courfe of providence^ did arife to any of you. His public fpi- ritednefs was remarkable and uncom- mon. Diftant and remote countries, as well as Britain^ will mifs him, and la- ment his death. The communities to which he ftood related received inftances of his diftinguifhed bounty j and what makes this part of his character the more fhining, is, that his goodnefs was not confined, or reftrained to a party. * Two years before his death, feeling his ftrength to abate, he lived in a con- ftant expe6tance of his difiblution. In his laft illnefs, before his fenfes failed him, defirous only that his relations would do what might fatisfy themfelves, and not expreffing any folicitude about the event, he difcovered a calmnefs and ferenity of mind, which was agreeable to all about him. When one of his rela- tions put him in mind of the pleafure that he muft have from a review of his well-fpent life, tho' it was in the fcrip- ture-fcheme no foundation for a claim to merit, he exprelTed his fatisfadion, and approved the difi:ind:ion. And to the fame relative, in his lateft moments, he declared his affedions to all his relations, the church in particular to which he flood related, and to all the churches of Chrift. Thus died this good man : Thus he dropped like a Hiock of corn fully
' ripe.
English Baptists. 213
' ripe, in the feve?ity fcco7id year of his * age.'
N o fooner did the death of this worthy, pious gentleman, reach the diftant churches^ in New England , but from the highell to the loweft they feemed affedted with the fenfe of the greatnefs of their lofs, by the death of this their moil generous and noble patron of learning and religion ; and there- fore his friend and correfpondent Mr. Be?i~ jamin Colman^ paftor of a church in Bojlon at New England^ did preach a fliitable fer- mon upon this cccafion, at the ledture in Bojlon, Apr. i. 173 1. before his excel- lency the governor, and the general court j whereupon the next day in council, it was ordered, ' That Benjamin Lynde^ Efq; with fuch as fhall be appointed by the ho- nourable houfe of reprefentatives, be a committee to give the thanks of this court to the reverend Mr. Benjamin Colman, for his fermon preached yeferday, on occalion of the death of l^ho. HoUiSy Efq; oi London J who has merited highly of this government, and people^ by his li- beral benefadiions to Harvard College, for the promoting of learning and reli- gion in this province ; and that they de- iire a copy of the faid fermon for the prefs.
' Sent down for concurrence,
' J. Willard, fecr.
14- T*he History oj the
' In the houfe of reprefentatives, Ap. 2. ' 173 1, read, and concurred; and Mr. * Willis^ and Maj. Brattle, are joined in ^ the affair/
* y, ^ince)\ fpeaker.
* Apr, 2, 1 73 1, confented to,
y. Belcher.
This fermon was accordingly printed at B^flon in 7V^w Englajtd^ and intitied,- T'/;^ Iriend of Chriji and his people ; and dedi- cated in the following manner j
To hh excclkncw Jonathan Belcher, JS^j
Captain- general^ and governor in chief, in, and over his majefifs province of the Mailachufets-Bay in New England.
Aid to the honourable, his majefifs council, and hoife of reprefentatives, in general court affembkd.
In this dedication, fays the reverend au- thor, ' Your excellency began your public
* life, with a generous and noble expence ' for the ferving your country, and I pray
* God to repay you, both in temporal and
* fpiritual bleflings.
* Mr. Hollis merits alfo to be named ^ among great men, and to fland before ' kings. The honours which the general J court have once and again done to his
< name
English Baptists. 215
' name and memory, are pillars of grati-
* tude for future generations to look on,
* with great veneration. He was one of
* thofe righteous ?ne?i that fliould be had in everlafling remembrance. Like Aran-
* nah^ he gave as a prince for the houfe pf
* his God. And like David the king, he > Chron. ' fet his affediion, and prepared with all ^^^'^^ *
* his might, of his own prop|j: goods, of
* iilver and gold.'
In the introduction to his text, which was the words of Chrift to his difciples. Our friend Lazarus Jleepeth^ he tells his John honourable auditors, ' That it is upon the ^^- "'• tidings of the deceafe of a dear, and ho- noured friend to Chriil, and unto thefe churches of our Lord Jefus, that I bring you thefe words at this time. And I think our Lord will give me leave to put the name of Hollis^ as it were, into my text, and accept the grateful offering to his own name, for all the pious friend- fhip which his fervant has fhewn unto us for his name's fake. ' Know therefore, my fathers; the fa- thers of my country, and the fathers of our college ! And I am glad, that the tear of gratitude, and love, which I have to drop over the diftant grave of our common friend and benefad:or, is in this honourable prefence and audience, the fathers of the province in a general court aifembled.
P 4 * Know
2i6 T^he History of the
' Know then, that our friend HoUh fleepeth ! the virtuous, the pious, the gracious, the generous and munificent friend to our College^ and the churches of Nc'w England I The friend whom Chrift infpired, and raifed up for us, to do great things for his name and glory j having enriched him to all bountifuhiefs us-ward, to caufe,|^through us, thankfgiving to God, not only now, but in all times to come. For, how great are the founda- tions which it has pleafed God, from the enlarged heart, and open hand of this his fervant, to lay, for the fervice of re- ligion and learning in future generations ? So long as it fliall picafe the Lord Chrifl to have his golden candleflicks in thefe regions of the earth, and to walk in the midil of them. To how many thoufands of our money doth the charity and boun- ty of our excellent friend amount ? Which of his own meer motion, and even againft the refcraints of his humble friend now fpeaking, he freely poured in upon us, from time to time, as a living ipring whole v/aters fail not.
' And this he did, not to us; no, be it known to us, nor for our fakes, but un- to Chrifl, v/hofe he accounted us to be; and for the religious fake of J:.fus, which he delineated in an admirable manner, in the alms he fcattered fi^r and near, to the poor members, and churches of
* Chrifti
English Baptists. 217
Chrift; with a cheerfulnefs which God loves, and is abundant by many thankf- givings to him in many other places, as well as with us ■ For like, as the
light and rain of heaven, from our hea- venly father, reaches the moft diftant places, fhining and falling on the evil, and on the good j fo fome of the chil- dren of the moft high have from him ability and hearts given them, to extend their love and beneficence, through a wide and evil world — Not unto us therefore, not unto us, nor yet to the name and memory of our deceafed friend, but to the name of Chrift, whofe he was, and who made him what he was to us, be all the glory. Yet it becomes us this day, and by all the ties of juftice and gratitude we are obliged, in the pre- fence of Chrift, in whofe name and fear we are aftembled, to mourn the death of our happy friend, left that word come upon us, 'The nghfeous penjh, and merci- l^a. Ivl?, fill men are taken away^ and no man lay- ^' eth it to heart. But were it fo, yet blef- fed is the dead, he fhall enter into peace, and fieep as in his bed, after a life of up- rightnels.
* That which is fmgular in the piety, and benefits of Mr. Hollis unto thefe churches v/as, that tho' he was not ftridly of our way, nor in judgment v/ith us in the point of infant baptifn,
! yet
2.
21 8 The History of the
yet his heart and hand was the fame to us, as if we had been one in opinion and pradtice with him. And in this let him itand a teaching pattern and example to us, of a noble chriftian, catholic, apofto- lic fpirit of love; which makes thofe that differ in leffer matters to receive one another to the glory of God, and a fhining teftimony againll: a narrow party fpirit, which is fo much the difgrace and detriment of the Protejiant interefi ; and which fo early began among the difciples of Jefus, and was rebuked by him, even in 'John himfelf, that apoftle of love and charity afterward, who once faid to Chrift in a fret of zeal, Mafier^ ive fa\v O'ne cafling out devils i?i thy najne, and he followeth 720t us^ and we forbad him^ be- caufe he followeth not us. But fefusfaid, forbid him not. ' To the honour of my country, I mult add, that it was fome account Mr. Mollis received from us, of the free and catho- lic air we breathe at our Cambridge^ where Protejiants of every denomination may have their children educated, and graduated in our college^ if they behave with fobriety and virtue ; that took his generous heart, and fixed it on us, and enlarged it to us. And this fhall be with mong his diftinguifhing praifes, we rife, up and blefs his memo- blefs God in the remembrance
* of
me.
while
ry, i,e.
English Baptists. 2ig
of all the undeferved favours done us by him.
* And it were an ungrateful part in- deed in us, after fo many great bene- fadrions, from him, to the intereft of learning and religion among us, by the will of God to all pofterity, if his death were not mentioned among us, in that foiemn and mournful manner, as it now is. The weeping widows of Joppa^ would elfe rife up in judgment againft us, and condemn us, for they ftood mourn- ing about the dead body of Doi^cas^ a piou j difciple, that was full of good works and alms-deeds which flie did j and the rifen Jefus approved their forrow, and at the apoftles prayer raifcd her from the dead ; but we m.ourn a greater than Dorcas^ and have more to fhov/ for our forrow^ than her coats and garments for the poor. Our Hollis has left behind him 'wardrobes of rich cloathing, ia many places, both for the fouls and bo- dies of the poor, and fome of our fons wear them, in our light, and others are to put them on, from generation to ge- neration J and if their fathers have dry eyes, we call on our children, and in- deed, on all the fons of the prophets, among us, to weep over Hollis^ who clothes you in better than fcarlet, with the beft of delights, intellectual and mo- ral, and has put on you ornaments of
,220 The History of the
apparel richer than gold ! Lament over him therefore with this lamentation. How is our beauty fallen ! How lovely and pleafant to us was he in his life ! His love to us was wonderful ^ and all for Jefus fake.
' Forgive me, my hearers, this ten- der rapture of grief, and tranfport of un- feigned efteem ! That I have fallen, like Jofeph^ on the face of my dead friend, and father, and kifled it, with fuch affec- tion. Believe me, 'tis not becaufe he was mine, but yours, and 'tis not becaufe he was yours, but Chrift's j his friend and therefore yours. For this friend of the bridegroom rejoiced to hear of his voice, founding among us in thefe remote parts of the earth ; and fent over his bounties for the cherilliingjftrengthening, and eftablifhing the kingdom of Chrill among us. Thus did he fhew himfelf, one of the true and humble friends of Jefus, while he lived, and now he is fal- len afleep, and dead, will not the Lord own him ? Will he not fay concerning him as he did concerning Lazarus ^ in the words of my text ? Our friend Jleepeth. Indeed, there is fuch a ftrain of pious gratitude runs thro' the whole of this fermon, that I could hardly forbear the tranfcribing it. But I muft leave room, for the reve- rend y\x. Edward Wiggle [worthy D.D. and Hollijjian profeflbr of Divinity, who introdu- ced
English Baptists. 22J^
ced his fermon on the fame occafion, preach- ed in the Hall of Harvard College^ which was pubHlhed at the defire of the prelident, and fellows of the faid College^ in thefe words.
* Upon the forrowful news, which reach- ' ed us laft week, of the death of the pious, ' and charitable Tho. Hollis Efq; the ge- ' nerous founder of the lectures on this
* day, I queftion not, but it is expected,
* as a tribute due to the memory of the
* greateft of the benefadiors to \^\%jbciet)\ ' and which the relation I have had the
* honour for diverfe years of ftanding in to
* him ftrongly demands of me, that I
* fhould turn afide, from the flated exer-
* cifes of the day, to fpend a few thoughts, ' upon fome fubjeft, more peculiarly fui-
* ted, to fuch a difpenfation of divine pro-
* vidence. And conlidering the diftin-
* guill:iing charad:er of our departed bene-
* fador, I know not of any paffage in
* fcripture, which might fairly lead us, in-
* to more proper thoughts upon fuch a fo-
* lemn occafion, than the words which
* have novv^ been read unto you. And Rev. xIIL *' therefore I have chofen them, for the '4-
* fubject of our meditation at this time.* After he had liniflied his difcourfe he con- ■ eludes thus, * It only remains, that in juf-
* tice and gratitude, to an eminent fervant
* of God, who lately died in the Lord,
* and is gone b.efore us to a blefled immor-
* talityi we proceed to take notice of fome
' things.
222 TToe History of the
* things, for which his name ought to be
* precious, and to be had in everlafling
* remembrance with us.
' It cannot reafonably be expeded, fays
* he, that I fhouid prefume to eflay the
* character of a gentleman who was no
* otherwife known to me, than by that ' fpirit of unafxeded piety, which always
* breathed in his letters j and by thofe good
* works, for which all fucceeding genera-* ' tions among us, muft rife up and call him
* bleifed. I fhall therefore only obferve
* two or three things, with refped- to his
* bounteous donations to this fociety, which
* I think ought not to be pafTed by in li-
* lence. As,
* I. Thai' he did not refer his works ' of piety and charity, to the diredions of ' his . lail will and teflament j but chofe
* in them to be his own Executor^ or in
* other words, that he did not hold faft his
* worldly goods, as long as he himfelf was
* capable of enjoying them, and then give
* part of them away, from thofe who were ^ to fucceed him j but honoured the Lord ' with hisjubjla?2cej during his own life.
* 2. That the expreilions of his bounty ' were not confined to a party. And in- ' deed, by his frequent and ample bene- ' fadions, for the encouragement of theo- ' logical as well as human knowledge
* among us, who are chriftians of a diffe-
* rent denomination from himfelf, he hath
' fet
English Baptists. 223
fet fuch an example, of a generous, ca- tholic, and chriftian fplrit, as bath never before fallen within my obfervation, nor, fo far as I now remember, within my reading. However it was nothing, but what appeared in the conflant tenor of his letters, that he did not apprehend, the kingdom of God to confifi in meat and drink ^ but in right eoujhefs^ and peace ^ and joy in the Holy Gho/i. I hope the fhining example, he hath let herein, will be an inefiftable inducement, to thofe that fliall have the government of this fociety in all times to come, religioufly to comply with the very modeil refervations he hath made in favour of thofe, of his own de- nomination among us. * 3 . Tis no mean ftroke in his charader in my account j that he did not content himfelf to make ample bequefts to this fo- ciety, and then leave it to the confciences of them who had, or might hereafter, have the diredion of it, to fee that they were well improved ; but hath from firft
• to laft, taken the utmoft care, to put ' it, as far as was poffible out of our pow- ' er to milimprove them, or in any mea- ' fure to defeat his pious intentions. This ' looks not like one, that fought the praife ' of men, but who was fiacerely concern-
* ed, that the ufefuinefs, as well as the ' memory of his bounties, might be per-
* petuated.
324 71^^ History of the
petuated, to the glory of God, and the real good of his people. ' These, not to mention other inflances, are ftrong prefumptions, that he was one, whofe life was conduced by the laws of Chrift, fince it appeared to be fo filled, with the fruits of the Spirit. And therefore we may well conclude him one of the blelTed, who died in the Lord, and that he now rejisfrom his labours, and his works follow him. And tho' for this reafon, we may not lament his death, upon his own account ; yet we ought to confider, and lay it to heart, as a lofs, not only to this Jbciety; but to all the churches, of our Lord Jefus Chrift, thro' the land 5 fo far as the encouragement of religion, and learning among us, is of importance unto them. And at the .fame time, we ought to return moft hearty, and abundant thanks to God, who was plea- fed to infpire him with fo much good- will to us and continue him fo great a bleffing to us for fo maay years. ' Nor may it ever be objected in pre- judice to his memory that he hath found- ed two profefTorlhips among us, which are called after his name, without fet- ling fuch a fupport of them, as is fuffi- cient for the exigence of the prefent times. Bis other ample benefactions, fuch as 5-iiis charitable affiftances to indigent, but ■ ' deferv-
English Baptists. 225
^ deferving fludentSj devoted to the work
* of the miniftry j the fine and coflly appa-
* ratus for experimental philofophy, and
* the noble addition of valuable books to
* our pubhc library, are enough to render ' his name for ever dear and honourable.'
The learned Mr. Ifaac Greenwood, A. M. Hollijjian profelTor oi philofophy and the mathematicks^ in compliance w^ith fome v^ho thought it v^as a proper refped: due to the memory of fo great a benefacftor as Mr. HoUis was, that he fhould in fome manner accommodate his public ledlure to the forrowful news. And accordingly on the 7th oi April, he read to tht Jiudents oi Harvard College , a philofbphical difcourfe concerning the mutability and changes of the material world, which he introduced to his philolbphical audience in thefe words, viz, * You cannot expe6t, fays he, that I
* fliould go on in the ordinary courfe of ' my ledlures, at this time, regardlefs of
* that great change that has paffed upon
* the religious and moft generous founder
* hereof. I have thought it more proper
* to turn my thoughts, upon this mourn- ' ful occaficn, to the mutability and ' changes of the material world.'
The learned philofopher having treated of death as a ilate of chaage, the refur^ redion of the body, and the foul's immor- tality, concludes thus : ' If this be fo, fays
* he, with what comfort and hope may
Q_ I we
226 The History of the
' we furvey the relicks of our departed
* pious friends. They have ended one
* eourfe of change to begin another ; they
* have born their fruit in this world, and
* returned to their feed, that they may
* fpring up the fooner in another, pro-
* dudive of other good fruit. And as in
* the vegetable kingdom, it is with a fu-
* perior pleafure and expectation that we
* conlider the revival of fuch plants, as
* have always been diftinguifhed by the
* plenty and delicacy of their fruit ; fo
* with earneft defires and hopes we fhould
* wait for the day, when we fliall behold
* the refurredion of fuch as have diftin-
* gui{hed themfelves by ads of charity and
* bounty. And with fuch expedlations
* and hopes nature it felf will allow me to ' bid a folemn farewel to the remains of ' that unparalleled benefador to this fo-
* ciety^ i'homas Mollis^ Efq; of London y
* who, with fo many other uf«ful bene-
* fadions, has laid the foundation of this,
* and other philofopliical, and mathema-
* tical exercifes A fort of learning,
* which, he knev/ well, naturally tends to
* the benefit and improvement of the feve-
* ral profeffions and occupations of life,
* and has of late been excellently applied ' by many, learned men of feveral nations,
* to the advancement of religion, the mofl ' important principles of which, natural
* and revealed, are abundantly illuftrated,
* * and
English Baptists. 227
* confirmed thereby. And on thefe ac-
* counts, without doubt it was, .that he
* thought fit to found a public profefTor-
* fhip thereof. I fhall not prefume, fays
* he, to give any account of his numerous
* benefactions, fince many remarkable cir-
* cumftances thereof have been excellent-
* ly noted by the reverend Dr. Wigglef-
* worthy and the fa(5ts may poffibly be as
* well done by the reverend Mr, Wadf-
* worthy prefident.*
That nothing might be wanting to perpetuate the memory of this worthy, pious, generous gentleman, the reverend Mr. Benj. Wadjworth, prefident of the college, prefixed a preface to the fermon of the aforefaid Dr. JViggleJworth^ whereia he more particularly fets forth his bene- faBions ; and as it fliews what a grateful efteem he had for the memory of him, I ffiall oblige the reader with the whole of it in his own words.
' SOLOMON, fays he, the wifefi: of Prov.' ' meer men, has faid, Tbaf the foul be ^^^' ^* '* iDithout knowledge it is not good. One
* greater than Solofnon, even our blelfed
* Redeemer, faid to his eternal Father,
' This is lije eternal, that they might know john
* thee, the only true God, atid J ejus Chriji^ xvii. 3.
* whom thou haft fent. The infpired apo-
* file Paul faid, I count all things but lofs, Phil. ill.?.
* for the excellency of the knowledge of Je- ' Ju£ Chriji my Lord. Thefe things being
Q_2 * fo.
2 28 iToe History of the
fo, the ufing of proper means to promote and propagate right knowledge, muft needs be looked on as very beneficial to mankind. Our fathers, who firft fettled in this wildernefs, were well aware of this, and therefore in their early times, tho* they were few in number, poor, and low in their worldly circumitances, con- flidting with many dangers, and difficul- ties, did found a college here, called Harvard College^ in Cambridge in New Efjgland^ to train up youth in good knowledge, learning, virtue, that there- by they might be the better qualified, eminently to promote the glory of God, and good of men. That God of all grace, and giver of every good gift, who enabled and enclined our fathers to en- gage in this noble work, has owned, and fmiled on their pious defigns in this mat- ter. He has hitherto continued the col- lege, and made it a river, the Jireams whereof make glad the city of God. That many educated here have been eminent- ly ferviceable in promoting both the fpi- ritual and temporal welfare of this peo- ple, as well as in fome other countries, is too well known to need any proof. * To the college thus begun in weak and low circumftances, God, of his meer grace, has raifed up fundry kind, gene- rous benefadors, (ome at one time, and feme at another ; fome in doing lefs, and
^ fome
English Baptists. 229
fome more, to promote the noble and pious ends aimed at in founding of it ; thanks be to God for his fmiles herein. But the late l^ho. Hollis^ Efq; of London, merchant, now gone to his everlafting reft, did in his donations to our college, far exceed any other of its benefaBors, He founded two profefforfhips in it, one for divinity^ the other for the jnathetna- ticks^ and natural and experimental phi- lofophy. Out of the incomes, or intereft of his doiiations^ he ordered four/core pounds per anniifn in our money, to each of his profeffors, and te?2 pounds a piece per annum to ten poor fcholars, of a laudable character, defigned for the work of the gofpel-miniftry, as an help to de- fray the charge of their education, and twenty pounds per annum to the college treafurer for the time being, to reward him for his care and trouble in managing the donations he has fent us. Befides thefe things, he has given us a curious apparatus, for mathematical and philofo- * phical experiments. By his means we have Hebrew and Greek types to be ufed. in printing \ and he has at fundry times' augmented our college hbrary, with very' valuable books, partly of his own gift, and partly by procurement from friends. Indeed his heart was extenfively enlarged in doing good^ in efFays to promote God's glory, and the welfare of mankinds Q 3 ! Th4
1,30 ^oe History of the
* The exprefs declarations in his ftatutes ' and orders, as well as many paflages in ' his letters, are plain indications of the *. great piety prevailing in bis foul. May *■ the reverend Dr. Wigglejhioorth'% fermon,
* his profeffor of divinity, occafioned by
* the mournful news of bis death, and
* well adapted to the occaiion, preached ' in the College Hall^ and made public ' herewitb, be followed by the divine
* blefTmg, to quicken perfons to live in, ^ and to the Lord, that they may die in-
* the Lord, and be blelTed for ever. The
* fubjoined difcourfe of his mathematical
* profelibr, on the fame occafion, may
* poflibly be entertaining to the curious and^ ^ philofophical, whether taking withrorrj ^ dinary readers or not. May our very
* kind, p^enerous benefador's name, be
* ever precious and honourable in our CoU ' lege and churches. May God, the God
* .of ail grace, v/ho has raifed to our Col- ^jlege all its friends and benefadors, raife
* up more fi-om time to time, to fhow to
* it that favour and kindnefs in all regards, ' which may be needful \ and may all who
* love its profperity profper. May the-
* College be continued for a great bleffing ^„to this whole land, as Ions as fun and *^moon fliall endure. And may all who *■■ wifli it well, tho* not able to beftow gifts
* or donations on it, yet pour out their ear- ■ neft prayers to God for it, that all who
* do.
English Baptists. 231
* do, or {hall belong to it, may be furniih-
* ed • with knowledge, learning, grace, ' and be made eminently inftrumental of
* advarjcing his intereft and glory in the
* world.
Benja7?iin Wadfworth , Cambridge in Prciident of jfcri;^ri
Jp. 29, 1731! College^ in Cambridge^
New Engla7id.
yOHNHollis, Efq; brother to the afore- John faid Tho. Mollis, Ji% poiTelTcd the virtues "°""' and graces of his family 3 and if his public charitable benefad:ions did not amount in fum, he haviijg a Lirge family to provide for ; yet they did in degree, as coming from a foul as truly great and noble as theirs. Three fuch inilances ia one and the fame family is rare to be found. All truly pious, early converts, and fuch as honoured the L^rd with their jubftance.
Dr. Hunt, in his fjneral difcourfe, oc- calioned by the death of this gentleman, tells us, * That the principles of religion,
* which in his youth were inftilled into his
* mind, foon made a deep impreffion up-
* on him, and became the incorruptible
* feed of a fpiritual life. His great con*?
* cern was to keep alive thofe religious ' and divine affecftions, And for that pur-
* pofe, when bufinefs called him to leave
* the city, and go into the country, he ^ togk with him fuch books as were writ-
^32 I'he History of the
ten with peculiar warmth, and particu- larly fitted to excite and raife devotion. He was fteady and conflant in private as well as public worfhip, and paid ever a due defference to the appointments of the chriftian doctrine, and recommended them to the obfervance of others. His beneficence was confiderable, and in many infi:ances private, tho' in public ones it could not be concealed. He had his pafiions under great regulation, and tho' he did not talk much he was plea- fed with the free and chearful converfa- tion of others, even to the laft. He ,was careful and exad: in the perfor- mance of relative duties, a good hufband, and a mofl affedVionate father, always giving his children a handfome liberty of converfing with freedom before him, and at the fame time ever concerned about their fpiritual and eternal welfare. Not to fay any thing of the kind ufage he exprefied to his menial fervants, I could enlarge greatly on this part of his charadter, were it not, that I fear I fhould raife in his nearefl relatives an immoderate grief, which it is their duty to fupprefs. His patience, under his pain, was remarkable j and, if he had any defire to live longer, it was, that he might be ufefnl to his femily and others.'
Mr.
English Baptists. 233
Mr. 'John Taylor^ of whom mention is J°^i^ made, />. 1 6 1 . as joining with Tho. Mollis^ ^^ °^' Efq; in a benefaction of books, for the ufe and encoursgement of the Baptift miniftry at Fenfihania in America. He was a very pious and ufeful member of the haptixed church in Littie WihUJlreet^ near hin- cc hi' s,-Li}2 -Fields. And as through his great modefly he laboured to conceal his ufefulnefs, fo but little can be faid refpedl- ing the particulars of his many benefactions, in which he laid out a very great part of a plentiful etlate, in promoting the caufe of Chrift. This was very evident, and could not be concealed, viz. That he was very folicitous for the welfare of mankind in ge- neral, and a great encourager of what he thought likely to promote the intereft of true reiig;ion.
In Nov. 1703. when a great and dread- ful ftorm made many faces pale, and their hearts tremble, he was by a fignal provi- dence preferved, when in extreme danger. This fo aifed:ed his foul, that for fo re- markable a mercy, he annually, on the 27th oi Nov. the day thereof, publicly and pioufly devoted that day to the Lord, in comm.emoration of that dreadful ftorm, as long as he lived, on which day a fermon was preached by fuch as he appointed for that purpofe.
Indeed, it was a difmal and fore judg- ment, and affirmed by all who have made
men-
234 ^^ History of the
mention of it, that it exceeded any ftorni that has happened in the memory of man, or that can be found in any hiflory. Above 250,000 trees were torn up by the roots, and above 400. windmills overfet and bro- ken to pieces j barns and out-houfes with- out number. More than 800 dwelling- houfes were blown down, in mod of which the inhabitants received greatwounds and bruifcs, and many loft their lives. Above one hundred churches were unco- vered, the lead from fome of their roofs blown to an incredible diftance ; befides feveral which had their fceeples and battle- ments entirely deftroyed.
The city of Briftol did not only fuffer immediately from the wind ^ but io high a tide was occafioned thereby, as did above ioo,oco /. damage to the merchants goods ; and it caufed fo ftrong a current of the tide in the river Severn^ as broke dov/n the banks, overflowed a vaft tract of land, anddrown- ^ 15000 fheep, belides other cattle.
-That ufeful fea-mark, the light-houfe upon the Eddy-fione rock, off Plimoutb^ tho' it was built with uncommon art and ftrength, and had born feveral great ftorms, was not able to ftand this ; and the ingenious contriver of it, Mr. IVin^ fiank)\ being there, perifhed, with thofe that dwelt in it. The fhips that were loft are computed to be about 300 3 and that there were drowned in rivers, and at fea,
po
English Baptists. 235
no lefs than 8000 perfons. 120 were known to have loft their lives by the falls of houfes, chimneys, ^c.~2oo more were grievouily wounded and bruifed, in the city oi hondon and places adjacent. Among thofe that periflied upon land was that great and pious divine, the biihop of Bath and Wells ^ and at fea, the valiant admiral Beaumont.
A GENERAL faft was appointed in T>e^ cember following to be kept on this fad oc- cafion. Her Majefty's words in the pro- clamation thereof, were as followeth, viz,
* Whereas by the late moft terrible and ' dreadful ftorms of wind, with which it
* has pleafed almighty God, to afflicft the ' greateft part of this our kingdom on Fri-
* day and Saturday^ the 26th and 27th ' days oi Nove?nb:r laft j fome of our fliips
* of war, and many fhips of our loving fub-
* jeds, have been deftroyed and loft at fea.
* and great numbers of our fubjed's fer-
* ving on board the fame have periihed,
* and many houfes, and other buildings of
* our good fubjedts have been either wholly
* throVvn down, and demoliftied, or very
* much damnified and defaced, and there-
* by feveral perfons have been killed, and
* many ftacks of corn and hay thrown ' down and fcattered abroad, to the great ' damage and impoverifhment of many
* others, efpecially the poorer fort; a^d
* great numbers of timber, ana other trees,
* have
236 The History of the
have by the faid ftorm, been torn up by the roots, in many parts of this our king- dom. A calamity of this fort, fo dread- ful, and aftonifhing that the like hath not been or felt, in the memory of any perfon living in this our kingdom, and v^^hich loudly calls, for the deepeft, and moft folemn humiliation of us and our people. Therefore, out of a deep and pious fenfe, of what we, and all our people have fufFered, by the faid dread- ful winds and ftorms, v/hich we moft humbly acknowledge, to be a token of the divine difpleafure, and that it was the infinite mercy of God, that we and our people, were not thereby wholly deftroyed — have refolved, and do here- by command, that a general, and pub- lic fdfl be obferved, G?^.' The. fire of London^ by authority, is annually commemorated, and was indeed a great calamity ; yet it bears no compa- rifon with this, either for the greatnefs or extent of the damages done by it j nor is it to be named with this terrible ftorm, for the number of perfons that perifhed in it. That indeed was begun, and carried on ,by our trea- cherous, and cruel enemies thcpapijls ; but this was a plain indication of God'a anger, and a judgment coming more immediately from heaven upon us. And had God gi- ven, but a little more force to this tempeft, there had not been a city, town, nor houfe
left
English Baptists. 237
left ftanding in England. A few degrees more of violence, added to it, would have buried thoufands where it buried but one. But God was pleafed in mercy to this na- tion, to ft ay the rough winds ^ in the day of his ivrath^ and thereby prevented, an uni- verfal deltrudtion.
The pious gentleman, of whom I have been fpeaking in this article, to keep up tlie remembrance of this fore and heavy judgment, did ordain by his laft will and teftament, a fuitable provifion j that the fame day oifafting 2in6. prayer, with a fer- mon proper on the occaiion, might be an- nually obferved, among the Baptifts reii- ding in and about this great city. The which hitherto from year to year, has been obferved; and the Baptifts are the only people, I know of, who obferve the fame.
The charad:er of this v/orthy gentleman, is fummed up In a few words, by Mr. Tho. Harrifon, who preached his funeral fermon, and publiflied it, wherein he fays, that none, who were acquainted with him, will fufpedl him to be guilty of flattery, if he fays ; that he has left very few behind him in all refpeds his equals^ and adds, that, ' He in the iirfl place, fecured the
* welfare of his own foul, building on that
* rock of ages, the Lord Jefus. He faw
* the neceflity, both of relying on his me-
* rits, and of fubmitting to his govern-
* ment, and chearfully received him as
' his
238 'The History of the
his Saviour and his King. He was well acquainted with the feveral duties of re- ligion J and tho' his readinefs to affifl: others occafioned him a great deal of work, after he had left off his bufinefs, yet he redeemed fome time every day for prayer, reading, and meditation ; and often, like IJaac^ went out into the fields to meditate. I have heard him ipeak, fays he, v/ith a great deal of plea- fure, of the happy feafons which he had enjoyed in his retirements from the world. After he had given himfelf up to this church, he was careful to make good his place, and never allowed any trifling things to keep him from the fa- crament, I think \ may fay, that he was not abfent above twice in fix years. And as he carefully attended on divine inftitutions, fo his behaviour in the world was ornamental' to the religion which he profefied. Nor was he lefs exemplary on the account of a public fpirit j how vehemently did he defire the falvation of others ! the ilrength of his concern about this he evidenced, by laying oiit a very great part of a plentiful eftate in the Re- deemer's caufe. He difperfed large quan- tities of books through this land, and fent many abroad, for the help of pbBr minifters, and families^ And befides, to fome that were iix iiftrefs, he would give to J others he would lend without
* making
English Baptists. 239
making an advantage of what he lent. He was alfo very compaffionate towards thofe, who, merely by the frowns of providence, were rendered unable to pay their debts j and chofe rather to lofe that which was his due than to ufe fe- vere meafures. And that which made his charity both more acceptable to God, and more beautiful in the eyes of man, was, that he extended it to perfons of all ■ parties. It was enough to recommend
* an objedt to him, that the perfon was
* really indigent, and likely to make a ^ good ufe of his bounty, and to be the ' better for his kind offices.
* One thing more, adds he, I muft
* obferve, that as he did good without
* ceafing whilft he lived 3 fo he took care,
* that a confiderable part of what he left
* might be employed in the fame manner.
* In a word, he was not weary in well-
* dohig'y fo far from it, that he deter-
* mined, if he had lived, to do more good
* than ever -, and now, in due feafon, he
* reaps the fruit of his labours.'
I HAVE already very much exceeded the bounds I at firft it^ my felf ; and it cannot be expedied that I Ihould give an account of all the worthy gentlemen among the Baptijls^ whofe memories deferve to be eterniz'd in an hiftory of this kind. But I maft not omit that honourable gen- Mordecai tleman Mordecai Abbot, Elq; Receiver- Abbot.
general
240 7I&^_ His TORY mJ the
general of the cufloms, a noted Baptijl, who pafTed through an ill-natured world
-: {with an unfpotted namej and envy itfelf could not fliain his character. His worth was fo well known, and the want of him . fo much felt, that the court, the city, and the church of God, were not a little fen- fible who it was that was ravifhed from
,. them when he died.
The reverend Mr. John Piggott, in the funeral fermon occafioned by the death of this great and good man, v/hen about to give his charader^ expreifes himfelf thus : ' I am not now to give the charader of
* one that dwelt in a fliade, but of one
* whofe public employs expofed him to ' continual view, lb that I doubt not of a ' croud of witnefTes to atteil the truth of ' what I (hall fay. I confefs, to collect ' all that was excellent and irnitable in the ' deceafed gentleman, is too big a talk fot
* fo unildlful a perfoii as I am, w^ho can
* but lay the dead colours of his chara-
* d;er, and mud leave the finifhing ilrokes ' ;^ to more artful hands ; to men of better
' judgment, of greater compafs of thought,
* and exadlnefs of Uile.
- * I MUST own I am at a lofs where to ' begin, and what part of his excellent -' charader I iliall iniift upon > but I think, -* his piety towards God may properly
* enough be fpoken of in the iirft place.
^ He
English B a prists. 241
* He began very early to be religious,
* devoted to heaven the flourifhing bloom
* of his youth, the firfl, and beft of his
* time J he had well fludied, and digefted
* the great articles of the Chriftian faith,
* and had right notions of the perfon and
* mediatory work of Chrifl, which had a
* mighty influence into his whole conver- ' fation ; for tho' he lived in a croud, and
* hurry of bulmefs, yet he loft not his re- ' ligion in the midft of it, but kept clofe
* to the private and public duties of divine ' worlhip. With what ferioufnefs and di- ' ligence did he attend on fermons? and,
* What pains did he take in the writing *■ and repeating of them ? Which was the
* more extraordinary, becaufe his public
* employs engaged him in writing, even to
* toil and fatigae. He was not a gentle-
* man that affed:ed lingularity, or pre-
* tended to more purity than other Chri-
* itians ; but there was a native graceful-
* nefs that attended his a6ts of piety and de-
* votion, which he managed without pomp
* or noife ; this was an evidence of his great
* humility i a grace very confpicuous in
* him, as lome of the pooreft in this place
* cannot but have obferved, to whom he
' carried it as if they had been his equals,
•'' which added a mighty luftre to the reft
'* of his virtues. His zeal for fpreading
* the great truths of the Gofpel was ftrong
* and regular, bright and flaming; for
R * not-
242 The History of the
* notwithftanding his many necefTary avo- ' cations, he would redeem time to advife
* and affift in the promotion of fubftantial
* godlinefs. His lincerity was very extra- *■ ordinary and vifible 3 for he appeared al- :^ ways with great freedom, fmiplicity and
* plainnefs in converfation ; he detelled all
* referves and difguifes ; 'twas too mean
* for him to appear in mafquerade^ tho'
* alamode. Integrity preferved him from
* the meannefs of flattery, and he pre-
* ferved his integrity amidft a thoufand
* temptations. He was a true Nathaniel^
* who, by the grace of God, abating the ' common frailties of human life, might
J:,ht faid to keep himfelf unfpotted from
* the world ; for he adted like Jofeph in
* the court of Pharaoh, only with this
* difference, that he had not learned to
* fwear by his life.
* In his family he was very exemplary,
* gave great encouragement to the begin- J; ings of piety, but deeply re fen ted the r*: negligence of fervants or children, that
* fhould abfent themfelves from family-
* worfhip. The company he mofl delight-
* ed in was fuch, where he might either .* do good, or receive it. And indeed, I / may fay, that, like the mafler he ferved, ;* .^f we?it about doi?ig good; for as he
* fought out objeds to exercife his charity '^ upon ; fo he would thank his particular fc friends, when they told hini of ^ny that
* were
English Baptist's. :243
were deferving of his alms, and wdirid as chearfuU)* relieve them in the moft ge- nerous and noble manner. He was ne- ver deaf to the complaints of the poor and miferable, nor blind to the ma^ks of their poverty; neither did he fliut his heart, his purfe, or his door againft them. He did not only v^ifli them well, and give^ them foft language, but afforded them folid fupplies. He was truly that liberal man whom Solomofi fpeaks of, that devifeth liberal things. He gave very liberally, tho' very privately, to en- courage the bringing up of a pious and learned miniftry in Ireland -, and under- flanding that fuch a defign was forming in London^ he offered moft generoufly to encourage it -, but befo e it could be ac- complifhed, dejth fettrred thofe hands that were ahvays adlive in difpenling the moft noble charities. And I think it no **'^ Contemptible branch of his character, 3^- that he paid a deference and rtfytOi to "^^ all that were of the facred order of the
* miniftry, under what denomination fo- ' ever they palTed ; tho' his ears were not ' lervilely bored to any, for he did not
^ look on them as Lords of his faith, but
* helpers of his joy ; yet, I fay, he was not ^- wanting to aftbrd them the teftimonies '^ of his refpedt.
* As to his acquitting himfelf in his
* pubHc employ, it was with that honour
R 2 * that
244 ^^ History of the
' that few men in our age do. He was fo ', little diarmed with the gUtter of wealth, ^'^and his' mind was fo imbued with the
* "principles of the Chriftian religion, that
* he thought it belov/ him to raife his
* eftate by the mean pra<5tices of craft or
* violence, bribery, or oppreffion. He y feared God, and honoured the King^ and
* did "not meddle with thofe that are given
* to change. His loyalty to his prcfent
* majefty William, the king of Great Bri-
* taifi and Ireland, and the remarkable
* fervices he has done in contributing to-
* wards fupporting the credit of the na.ion, ^ at a time when it run very low, are too
* well known to need reciting here.'
The author of Mr. Jojeph Stemiet's life fays, ' That great and good man [fpeaking ' of Mr. ^I?l?ol] who pa (led with fo much
* reputation through feveral confiderable ' pofls, and was fo highly efteemed . by
•*- king William, continued in them all tfe •''■ flri(^t None onf or mi ft ; and was fo far from
* being adiamed to own thofe with whom - in religious matters he agreed, that he
* took all opportunitii.s, at Tmihridge^ '^ where Mr. Stennef was tor the uiQ of the
' waters, even before perfons of fuperior ^*rtank, to qive Mr. Stefmetiuch. marks of
* his reipedt, as render'd him uneafy, tilt
* he was convinced, that Mr. Abbot did it ' delignedly, to manifell the regard. he had ' for his cliaracler. -u-<ji'ji.> tj:);;iq y,
' C H A P.
English Baptists. 245
CHAP. III.
Co?ttai?iing an accou72t of f 07m of the tnofl eminefit a?jd leadi^ig men a?no7ig the Englifli Baptifts.
IT cannot be expe6led, that I can with- in the compafs of this chapter, infert rn account of all thofe minillers who have be;n no'.ei for their piety, learning, and ufefulnefs. It may be fufficient to point out fome few, for the confutation of thofe
jwho are ready to caft fuch reflexions on
"the EngUjh Baptifis^ as if there minifters were generally illiterate, and chofen from amongft the meaneft of the people, And herein I fliall not fet up for a mafler of the ceremonies^ to place the gentlemen in their higher and lower ranks, but fhall mention them as they now lie before m?. And therefore as they are fuch whom ma- ny now living have been very converfant with, it is hoped no exceptions will be ta-
'T'ken to the order in which I have placed
' them.
Mr. 'James Sickletnore^ by the times he James
. lived in may be fuppofed to have a right to^**^^^^' a place among the Juffering gentlemen of K 3 ^his
.more.
i^6 "The History of the
this denomination, tho' I have not been able to ^obtain any particulars. He was very famous for his great piety and learn- ing, was minifter of the parifli of Single- to?i, near the city of Chichejler in Siijjex \ and was one of thofe, who about the year 3 640. left the practice Q)ii7ifant baptifm^ and became a zealous afferter of the primitive practice of adult baptifm. Before he be- came a Baptiji, it was his metliod to cate- chife the young people of his parifli, and explain to them the meaning of the feve- ral queftions and anfwers contained in the church catechifm. It happened, as he was difcourfmg on what relates to Godfathers and Godmothers prcmifing things in the name of infants at their baptijin^ that a certain perfon attending afked him, what .warrant there was in the holy Scriptui-es, for any one part of which he had been fpeaking ? Being at a lofs with refped; unto the facred writings, he warmly in- .fifted upon he general voice of the Chri- iliian church. But afterwards, . on a calm enquiry into the original of tliat pradtice^ he found it was only a tradition of men, .and unknown in the apcilolic age. On this he refufed Xa baptize any more of Jiis , parifr loners children, leaving them at. li- berty to omit their bapti/m, or get other minifters to baptize them. He was alfo againft nnniflers maintenance by tithes, and therefore gave away the greatell part
of
English Baptists. 247
of his income to the poor and helplefs, Tho' after the change of his principles he continued in his parifh, yet he frequently preached in other places, more particular* ly at Swanmore and Fort/mouth. At both which places, as well as in his own parifh, he became inftrumental in the hand of God, of making and baptizing many difciples. This pradlice he continued to his death, tho' I cannot obtain the time thereof. From this beginning fprang up the two baptized congregations at Fortf- mouth and Chichejler j the former of which had for its miniiler the reverend Mr. Went-r worthy of whom I can obtain nothing but his name.
Mr. Jeremiah Ives^ a worthy mini- Jeremiah fler of great natural abilities, and com- ^"•- petent learning, which he attained by his own induflry, and diligent application. He was a great difputant, and frequently engaged with the fakers. Once upon bcjptijm, with the reverend Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge a prelbyterian minifter at 'New-. bury. I am informed by a manufcript communicated to me, that by his many difputations, he became fo noted, that King Charles II. fent for him, to difpute with a RomiJIo prieft. The which he did before the King, and m.any others, in the habit of a clergyman. Mr. hyes. prefTed the priefl clofely, fhewing, that whatever antiquity they pretended to, their do(5triiie ■ R 4 and
'V
y^\ J'he History of the
and pradices, could by no means be proved apoftolical, fince they are not .to be found, in any writings, which remain of the apo- lloUc age. Tlie priefl:, , after much wrang- ling, in the end replied. That this argu- ITierit of Mr. Ivcs^ was of as much force againil: infants baptifm^ as againfl the do- dirines and ceremonies of the church of 'Rome. To which Mr. Ives replied, that he readily granted what he faid to be true^ The prie{l upon this broke up the difpute, laying, he had been cheated, and that he would proceed no further j for he came to. difpute with a clergyman of the elfablilhedi church, and it was now evident that thisi was an anabaptifl preacher. This beha-vi viourof the prieft afforded his majefly and all prefent not a little diverlion.; ,
Mr. Ives was paflor of a baptized con- •. gregation in the Old jewry L>ttween thirty! » and forty years ^ was well beloved, and bore a fair character to his dying day. Hg X publiflied the following books, viz, .■:
1. INFANT baptij'm difproved, an^ilj believers baptij'm proved. Being an anfwertQ'^ feveral arguments propounded by Mr. Alexr^ '. ■■ cndcr Kellie, and fent to him, 4*°. 1 655.
2. CONFIDENCE qiieftioned;Qx,-h..> brief examination of fome do6lrines deli-oc vered by Mr. Thomas Willis of Botolphii^^ Billing /gate, in a fermon preached by himo: at Margw^efs ,Nezv FiJlj-JIreet, Dec. 7^3 1657. " . h^
3. An
English Baptists.
3. An account of two public difputa- tions with Mr. Tillam and Mr. Coppinger, about the fevejith day fabbath.
4. A CONTENTION for truth; or. An impartial account of two difputations with Mr, Z)^;?//?;?. 1672.
There is^lfo a pojifcript of his in the account of the two meetings at Barbican and Wheeler % Street^ on account of the ^lakers appeal to the Baptifts again ft Tho- fnas Hicks. Publiflied by Thomas Plant.
1674.
Mr. William Reeve, a minifler of con- William fiderable parts, and a great difputant. All ^^*^^- J can obtain concerning him is, That a little before, or after the Revolution, a public difpute was appointed between him and a clergyman of the church of England about baptifm, at or near Leicejler. But the clergyman at the time 'appointed did jiot appear, alledging, that having no li- tenfe from his bi(hop he could not. This brings to my mind the prevention of ano- ther difpute between a Clergyman and a Baptiji fnifiijler, which I had from a wor- Mr. Tho. thy reverend gentleman iince deceafed. ^<*^'"* I'he Clergyman at the appointed time came, but infilled, that the difpute fhould be in Latin. The Baptiji minifler plead- ed for its being in Englifi, that it might be to the edification of the auditory ; but the Clergyman could, by no means, be prevail- ed upon to confent thereto, and thereupon
laid
2^0 "Th^ History of the
laid down the argument in Latin, The Bnpttfi being an Irijh gentleman replied in Irijh. The Clergyman furprized at the learning of his antogonift, ingenuoufly con- fefled he did not underftand Greek, and therefore defired him to reply in Latin. Well, fays the Baptifl., feeing you cannot difpute in Greek, I will not difpute in La- tin, let us confent to difpute in Englifiy and leave the company to judge. But this being not complied with, the difpute was fruftrated. Samuel Mk. Samuel Love^ay, a learned, pious, Loveday. ^^^ veiy ferious minifter of the Gofpel, was paftor to a congregation of Baptijh, meeting in Goodmans Fields, which now meet in Virginia Street. Bis fubjeds moftly treated on, were fuch as tended to ftir up his auditory to live as became chri- ftians i to be watchful againft temptations, and diligent in performance of their dut/ ; not refting in external duties, and a bare fubmiffion to <!^^ ordinances only. And as he thus publicly inftruaed his auditors, fo he did the fime by his example ;_ for he lived agreeablv to his difcourfes, a life truly godly and pious. He was noted for his great moderation, and very feldom con-, eerned himfelf with controverted points. It was obferved in his family, by thofe who lived with him many years; that his reproofs of his children or fervants, when faulty, were always without anger, lo that ^ he
English Baptists. 251
he left the guilty no room to conteft the matter with him.
He wrote an Expofition on the 25th chapter of iVf<:.V//j6"i£.', an 8''°. 1675. And another book, intitled, Perjbnal reproba^ tion reprobated.
Mr. yohn Brown ^ a very learned di- James vine, was of Oriel College at Oxford. He ^^°^"* wrote a book intituled, Scripture rede?np- tion jreed from reftraint^ priiUed in the year 1673. againft Mr. Tronghton of One- leap, near Leicefter. He travelled, and difputed in many places in England, Wales, and Scotland, as the title page of his book informs us,
Mr. Abbot, Mr. fohn Keith, Mr. Wil- Mr. Ab-
liatn Kxiye, Mr. London, Mr. Henry Mor- ^°^' ^''
ri/s ; thefe were all gentlemen -of learning
who left the eftabiifhed church, and join^
ed the Baptifis. Mr. John Eccles of
Broofnfgro've, Mr. Robert Keate of JVa?i~
fage, Mr. Dan. King of Coventry, Mr.
William Con jet, Mr. Edward Harifjon of
London, Mr. fohn Pendarvis of Abingdon,
Mr. Richard Steed of Farringdon, Mr.
fohn Carpenter of Finftock, Mr. fohn
Tomkins of Abingdon, Mr. NicholasvSmith,
Mr. Edward Draper, Mr. Zach arias
Stanton, Mr. T^homas Glafs, Mr. yoi>/z
Y^rnon, Mr. T^homas Rofwel, Mr. Spencer,
..Mr. V/illiam Rider, Mr. Jit';zry Gregg,
MX' fohn Clayton, Mr. y<?/6/? 6'//z/z/^'.
iSThefe were gentlemen who probably bore
2^2 The History of the
a teftimony to Chrift, by fufFcring for his fake, tho' I have been able to obtain little more than their names. I may add to thefe Mr. Buttal of Flimouth, Mr. ^harp o£ Froome, Mr. F'imothy Thomas of Per- jkore^ Mr. Davifon of Trowbridge^ Mr. V/hinnel of Taimto?i^ gentlemen v/ho were noted for their piety, zeal, and ufefulnefs; but having not yet obtained any particulars refpe6ting them, I muil: leave them at prefent with the mention only of their names, and proceed to give an account of fome others, of whom I can fpeak more largely, and with certainty. [{{
Car. Ma- CAROLUS Maria de Veil, D. D. He Vdl^ was born of Jewijh parents, and educated in that religion. The rites and cuftoms of which, as it appears by his writings, he thoroughly underftood. But by perufing the prophetical part of the Old Tejiatnent^ and comparing them with the new, he was convinced, that Jefus Chrifl was the promifed Mefliah ; and thereupon he em- braced Chriftianity. This fo enraged his father, that with a drawn fword, he at- tempted to kill him ; but was prevented by fome prefent. He fell in firft with tlie Roman cathoUcks, and foon became a celebrated preacher amongft them. His . great abilities advanced him to fome confi- derable promotion in the Galilean church, and he was made DoBor of Divinity ^ m the famous univerfity of Anjou,
In
English Baptists. 253
In the year 1672. he publifhed a G?//;- tne?2tary on the Gofpels of Mark and Luke^ in which, befides a literal expofition of the text, col led:ed from the monuments of the ancients, he took opportunity to defend the errors and fuperilitions of the Church of Rome J which fo advanced his reputation, that he was appointed to affiil, in writing againft the Hugonots, the then main adver- faries of the Catholics in France. This employment, led him to examine, the controverfies between the papijis and the proteflants, to whofe principles he had hitherto been a ftranger ; and finding the truth on their fide, to prevent the confe- quence of fuch a change in his principles, he fled to Holland, where he abjured po- pery, and foon after came over into E?ig- land : and in a fhort time became acquain- ted with Dr. Stillingfleet, Biihop of JVor- cefter. Dr. Sharp, dean of Norivich, Dr. billot/on, dean of St. Pauls, afterwards archbifliop of Canterbury, Dr. Simon Pa- trick, dean of Peterborough, afterwards bi{l:iop of £/)>, William hoy d, bifliopofSt. Ajaph, and feveral other clergymen, of the greateft dignity, and more particular- ly with Dr. Compton, then bifliop of Lon- don-, a man of ardent zeal for religion, of a charitable difpolition, and a munificent patron of learned men. He was admitted into orders in the church, and became chaplain to a noble family, and tutor to the children. In
254 ^^ ^ I s T o RY of the
In the year 1678, he revifed his Com^ menfary, on Mattheiv^ and Mark. In the preface he gives an account of the nature of the work, and the alterations he made in it, with fome account of himfelf, I (liall therefore give the 'Englijh tranflation of it. Six years ago, fays he, when I pubHdi- ed a Commentary on Matthew and Mark, in which I explained the meaning which the words convey to us agreeable to the let-i- ter. In compoiing it I made ufe both of what I had taken notice of, in fearching thofe monuments, which the fathers of the church have left behind them, and of what I had obferved in reading over, and carefully examining many and feveral wri- ters, both ancient and modern ; and alfo that' talent of prudence, and knowledge with which God, v/ho is the bell of beings hath furnifliied me. To which may be add- ed, that the Hebrew rites and idioms., amongfl: which people I W/is born, inftrti=i d:ed, and brought up, give no fmall light to the reading of the New Teilament. At that time I publickly taught divinity, iii the univerfity o^ Anjcii j one of the dolors of which univerfity I am. I judged it there-* fore to be my duty, to interweave in my Commentary feveral entire differtations rela-» ting to the divine doctrine, and hiftory of the Chriflian religion. And in it I laid hold of all opportunities to defend the fu- - perftitions and errors of the Roman church,
ia
English Baptists. .255
in wliich I was then held j which I de- fended with as much acutenefs, as I was able. And therefore fince God has deliveij- ed me from that difmal darknefe out of his abundant mercy, it is fitting, that I fhould ufe the greatefl diligence, to have this my Commenta?'y reprinted, that I may therein publicly oppofe the errors v/hich I have defended j and here and there, briefly ex- plain the weighty reafons which God made ufe of to difpel the darknefs of my mind. Further, in this edition I liave changed very many things, even where the controverfy is not concerned; fo that I may fay, a good and great part of this book is new, and different from the former edi- tioti. And now, whatever writers I quote, I cite them truly ^ but becaufe as yet I •have no fortune, I have not wherewith to purchafe all the books I war4t. Moreover, I had fo fet down the Greek writers in my Cpllediion, as not to write out their words in Greek. Thefe, therefore, for want of books, which I might confult, I have made to fpeak in Latin j and almoft all the texts of Scripture I produce from the vul- gate tranflation, which is what I am beft acquainted with ; yet fo, as that I diligent- ly take notice, where it differs from the original Hebrew, and Greek copies, when it appears to be neceffary, for the under-
Handing of the f^cred text.
In
256 7X^ History of the
In the year 1 679 he pubUfhed his Uterat Explication of Solomon s> Song, and dedica- ted the fame to Sivyofepb Williamjbn^ privy counfellor to the king, and prefident of the Royal Society ; which was fo well re- ceived, by the moft eminent of the clergy oi England y and by the foreign reformed churches, that by letters of thanks, they encouraged, and exhorted him to go on, and to give the like expofitions, on the other parts of the facred writings. Upon this, he publiflied in the year 1680, his Literal Expofition on the minor Prophets which was dedicated to the Lord Heneagc Fincbj Baron of Davcnfry, Lord high chancellor of England^ privy counfellour to the king, and keeper of the royal feal.
These his labours were fo acceptable to the biihop of London^ th.at he gave him all poffible < ncouragcment, gi ing him free admittance at all times into his library. Here among otlier books, he met with . fome of the writings of the Rnglijh Baptijh^ and finding their principles truly Frotejlant^ and built upon the word of God, he, by the means of a young woman, one of the maid fervants in the biOiop's hcuf:, much derided by the other fc rvants for her Bap- tifi principles, obtained an interview with Mr. Han/'erd KnoUis at a nobieman*s houfe not far off, to which Mr. KnoUis ufed fre- quently to refort. But after this he be- came more intimatelv acquainted with
Mr.
English Baptists. 257
Mr. yohn Gofnold^ with whofe learning and converfation, he was fo taken, that he fbon became a member of^his congregation ; fuch a projelite as the docflor, brought no fmall credit to the interefls of the Baptifis^ tho' thereby, he loft his imployments and his friends, except Dr. Tillotfony whofe moderation led him, to value men for their merits, not their principles. Soon af» ter he joined the Bapujls he wrote his lite- ral Explanatio7i of the A5fs of the Apojiks^ in which he vindicates, the principles and pratflice of the Baptifis, with much learn- ing and good judgment. Upon which, the eminent and learned monfieur Claude a Pcedobaptiji, and the moft famous of the French Protejiant divines, publifhed the following letter, in commendation thereof j which he fent to the doctor.
* Monfieur J
Received your Commentary on the A5ls of the Apojlles you were pl-.afcd to fend me, and give you a thoufand thanks for this Ihare, you are fo kind to afford me in your remembrance ; which I have entertained, not only without due acknowledgment, but alfo with much joy, as coming from a perfon, who is and ever {liall be very dear to me, and for w^hom I have a moft particular efteem, I have perufed your Commen- tary, tho'"it came but very lately to my S *^ hands.
258 Hoe History of the,
' hands, and I have found therein, _ as in
* all your other works, the marks of a co-
* pious reading, abundance of fenfe, right
* realon, andajuftand exad underftand-
* ing ; and I do not doubt, but that this '• Commentary will be kindly received by
* the learned, and prove very ufeful to all
* thofe, who apply themfelves to under- ' {land the icriptures. This fliews you, ' Monfieur, not to be idle, and tha.t you ' manage well the talents, God has been
* pleafed to beflow on you. The pub-
* lie will be very much obliged to you,
* if you continue as I hope you will, and ' which I take this freedom to exhort you
* to, making it fiich like prefents. For
* my own part, I find therein a great edi-
* fication, and wiih with all my heart, it
* lay in my power to manifeft it to you by
* effedual fervices. I befeech you to be
* perfuaded of this truth, and that you ' would prcfcrve me the honour of your
* friend&ip, which I H-.ali ever lock upon
* as very much to my advantage, i take my
* leave, praying God he would "continue to
* pour 'upon you his holy benedidions,
* and alluring you, that I am,
' Monfieur^
* Paris, Jp. 15, 1684. * 2^07ir 7)20 ft kiimbk and
' Thefe for monfieur c ^^^^a ^l^./dient fervaut,
*^'^' ^Claude.'
This
English Baptists. 259
This Commentary was tranflated into Englijl\ with this letter of monfieur Claude prelix'd, Aittio 1685, by a namelefs au- thor, but luppofed by fome to be the doftor himfelf; who, being a foreigner, was not perfetflly a mafter of the Englijh language, which render'd him uncapable of preaching. However, the Baptifts, in confideration of his abihties, on his difinif- fion from his place, raifed him a falary, which he enjoyed till his death. He was a grave, judicious divine, a good chrono- ioger, a great hiftorian, a fkilful gramma- rian, and fuch a pious good man, as brought an honour to the caufe in which he was embarked.
'Dk. Willi ain Rujfel, was educated at the William univerlity of Cambridge^ and there created ^'^^^^• Dodlor of Phyfick. He was a worthy mi- nifter, of great learning and piety, and well verfed in the logical methods of difpu- tation ; and as God had blelTed him with extraordinary and uncommon talents, fo he tJiought himfelf obliged to ufe them in his fervice, and therefore applied himfelf clofcly to the ftudy of divinity, and be- came a jamoiis divine. In and about the year 1674. he had feveral public and pri- vate conferences with the people called ^'jjakiTs, who loaded him with opprobi- OLis names, and perfonally infulted him. One William Luddtngton, who fell frgm the Baptijis, wrote a book, intitled. The S 2 tivehe
26o The H I s T o RY of the
twelve pagan principles^ held by the ^la- kers, Jerioujly confidered. This book was replied to by Dr. Rupl^ in a treatife in- titled, ^lakerifm is paga?iijm by W. L'i confejjion ; or, twelve of the fakers opi- nions, called by W. L. the twelve principles or opinions for which the fakers are oppo- fed to ChriJiianSy examined^ and prefented to William Penn.
He was the firfl pailor of a baptized congregation at High Hall^ and wrote an anfwer to Mr. Michael Karripn, the prefbyterian minifter of Potter's Fury in Northamptonjhire ; who, in a reply to Mr. Collinses anfwer to his book upon infant baptifm, wrote many uncharitable refle- dions, and fcandalous afperfions, on the Baptijls in general. Soon after this fol- lowed that public difputation held at Portf mouthy by bis majefty's licenfe, which I have before taken notice of in this Hiftory, Vol. 3 . The dodor lived fome years af- ter this, in which he continued to defend and maintain what he apprehended to be truth ; for which no man was more/xemark- ably zealous. noHv ,:^af.^ii
He was, fays Dr. Jackfon, author of the funeral tear to his pious ?}iemo?'yy \ An
* able teache?, and fpiritual guide ; one
* that was thoroughly furnijhed to eve?'y good « word and work : And. as fuch, an able
* minifter of the New Teftament. One ' fo laborious in the performance of his
; ' * paftoral
English Baptists. 261
paftoral duty over the flock, which God's providence had committed to his charg^e, that his care for them was more than common. He was in his ftiidies unwearied, in his fermons and writings elaborate, and fo accomplifh'd
f^'both in his natural and acquired per- fediohs, as fpoke him truly a good man, and a great preacher, and one who ought to be fpoken of with love and
-*' reverence. He changed this tranfitory
*' life for a blelTed immortality, Mar. 6. AjiJia 1 70 1.' He publifhed, befides what has been
aforementioned,
1 . NO /event h day fabbath command»«. ed by Jefus Chrifl: in the New Teila^ ment, 1663.
2. An Eiplfile concerning Baptifm^ in anfwer to two treatifes publifhed by Mr. Tho. James, teacher of a congregation at AJhfordmKent, 1676.
3. Animadversions on Mr, Allen\ Eilay of conjoint finging, 1696,
4. INFANT Baptijm is will worfliip ^ being a confutation of Dr. Bereaulfs an- fwer to the P&rtfmouth difputatign, 1700. '^'^. A JUST vindication of the do- <5trine and practice of John the Baptift, Chrift, and his apoftles, concerning JVater haptijm, in oppofidon to Mr. Hewerdine of Marche,
s 3 Mr,
262 T^e History of the
William ]VIr. William Collim, a very learned and
^oriT' j^<^ic^ous minifler of Chriil. ' It was fays
p. 279. ' Mr. Piggott^ very early, that he difco-
' vered an inclination to ftudy, and books,
* and his progrefs in learning was fwitt,
* and fure. When he had pai?cd thro' ' g7'ammar learning and had had the ap-
* probation of Dr. Bujhy^ he began to tra-
* vel. When he came abroad, not going
* fo far as he at firft defigned, he remained
* a conliderable time in France and Italy j ' where he hnilhed the courfe of his other ' fludies, preparatory to ti.at of 'Theology^ ' to which he clofely applied himfelf, upon
* his return to 'England-^ and had many
* encouraging offers made to him, to join ' with the national church j which he ju- ' dicioufly refufed, it being confcience, not ' humour, that nmde him a diffenter. ^ How well he w^as prepared for the fludy ' of divinity by nature, learning, and grace,
* foon appeared by his proficiency therein j
* and after he had paffed a little time,
* preaching in the cour.try, he had a very f .remarkable call to the paftoral office, by
* the baptized church in Fetty France, "■ For the very day he received tiieir letter,
* that invited liim to London^ he had fo-r
* lemnly kept by himfelf, in.fafting an4
* prayer, for direction about difpofmg of ■ himfelf j for the con flan t exercife of his ' miniflryi and receiving this, in the clofe
* of thut very day, he looked on it as
* an
English Baptists. 263
an anfwer of prayer, and therefore con- fented to make them a vifit. Which having done, and the church having had fafficient proof of his real piety, as well as of his gifts and abilities, they gave him an unanimous call to the paftoral office with them. He was apt to teach, and able upon a fudden to bring forth fomething proper, for the ufe of edifying, and of that excellent ftock of divine knowledge, that he had treafur'd up ; having often, when difapointed of that help he expell- ed, gone into the pulpit, and preached an excellent fermon, in the opinion o( "competent judges. Yet, tho' he was thus qualified, he did not ferve God with that which coft him nought, but applied himfelf to clofe ftudy for every fermon, when his health would admit, - The fubje(fts he ordinarily infifted on, in the courfe of his miniftry, were the great and important truths of the Gofpel, which he handled with great judgment and clearnefs, and did well diftinguifli betwixt juftification and Ja?i£iiJication^ exalting the imputed right eoufnefs of Chrift, without undervaluing the work of the fpirit ; fo that his fermons v/ere ufeful under the influence of divine grace, to convert and edify, to enlighten and eftablifh, being drawn from the fountain of truth, the facred fcriptures, with which he conftantly converfed, in their original $ ^ * Ian-
264 T'he History of the
' languages, having read the beft criticks,
* ancient and modern j io that men of the ' greateft penetration, might learn from
* his pulpit difcourfes, as well as thofe.Df
* the meanefl capacity, .1
' He did not afFedl a flaunting fwelling ^ flile, but always fpoke what was ftrong
* and manly, becoming the weight of' ' thofe truths he delivered. He did not
* fludy to amufe^ but inftrudt his hearers,
* not fo much regarding what would pleafe,
* as profit them, always having on his mind,
* a fenfe of the worth of fouls, and there- ' fore he conflantly advifed his brethren
* of the miniflry to take the greateft care ' they could, to help forward the ialyation
* offinners, to exalt Chrift, and not preach ' themfelves. He had a rich ftock of ex-
" perience, as well as ufeful knowledge... ^ He felt what he preached, and lived on :\>
* that food he imparted to others. : Yet ' under ail thefe excellent attainments he
* was one of the moft modeft^ humble
* men, in his dayj of unaiFedted fteady
* piety, free from the wild raptures of ^;/-
* thiifiafm^ and the dull formahties of fu- " perjtition j not addid;ed to utter hard
* cenfures of fuch as differed from him in
* lefTer matters ; but had a love for all
* faints, and conftantly exercifed himfelf
* in this ; to keep a conjcicnce void of of- \ fence ^ towards God, and towards man.
' As
English Baptists. 265
* As he was conftantly calm in his mind
* in the time of his health, fo he was du-
* ring his laft licknefs. For when a mi-
* nifter, with whom he v/as very intimate, ^ took notice of his weaknefs, and appre-
* hending him in danger, faid to him, ' Sir, I hope you are not afraid to die. He
* anfwer'd, with great prefence of mind,
* and a chearful countenance, I blefs God I ' have not been afraid to die thefe forty *■ years/ He died Ociob. 30. 1702.
NEHEMIAHCox, D. D. a very ex- Nehe- cellent, learned, and judicious divine. He ™»a^Cos« was joint paftor with the aforefaid Mr. William Collins. I can obtain but a little account of him. He wrote a difcourfe o\\ the covenants^ and' printed a fermon he preached at the ordination of an elder and deacons^ in a baptized congregation in Lon- don. His treatife on the covenants was occaiioned by Mr. Whijion's, reply to Mr. Delaiine,^ intituled. Infant baptifm plainly proved. Dr. Cox perceiving the main hinge of the controverfy to turn on Gen. 17. concluded, that the only way to clear this great point, mull be to make a diligent fearch after that account which the fcrip- tures gives us of the nature and ends of the covenant there recorded. Indeed, it was not lo foon publilhed as expeded j but he tells us in the preface why it was delayed ; ' Partly, fays he, occafioned by thofe per-
* plexities which the reillefs plots of the
' papijis, '
266 Th^ History of the
< papijls, and their bold attempts to over-
* whelm us with the worft of miibries,
* have caufedj which I thought would
* not give leifure for the confideration of <^^what might be offered in this kind ; and
* partly, by my own averfion from every ' thing that looks like a controverfy with
* thofe who love the Lord Jefus, and fin- « cerely efpoufe the Frotjlant intereft,
< tho' differing in principle and pradice ' from me in fome controverted points/ Hence it appears, that he was a man of great moderation and piety, which was accompanied with a true zeal for the caufe of his m.ailer whom he ferved.
Thomas Mr. "thomas Harriffon, a very noted mi-
Harhflbn. nifler of this denomination. ' He took
' upon him the folemn profefTion of reli-
* gion, and became a member of an ho- « nourable Baptift church, about the age.
His * fays the reverend Mr. Piggott, that our iForksy c Saviour was, when he difputed with the ^■'^°' ' Jewifi doaors; and, like the mafter he
* ferved, he grew in wifdom and flature, « and in favour with God and man.' He was by his parents defigned for a trade, but his capacious foul alpired after fonle- thing higher j and fo foon as he obtained full liberty for ftudy, he made a confider- able proficiency in ufeful learning, under the tutorfhip of the learned Mr. Thomas Rowe, Befides the advice, converfation, and advan- tage he had of fitting under the miniflry of
English Baptists. 267
Dr. Nehemiah Cox, and Mr. William Col- lins^ two excellent and judicious divines, joint paftors of that church, to which he llood related for above twenty years.
When he had a due call to preach iil public, he foon difcovered his excellent qualifications for the minifterial work ; for as he had entertained very clear and found notions concerning the fundamental articles of the Chriftian religion ; fo the feveral graces that adorn the Chriftian life did fliine with an admirable luftre, thro* his whole condud:. His life, in every in- ftance, was agreeable to his profeiTion > and fo religious an obferver of his word, that his promifes were as fure, and facred as an oath. * He exemplified, fays Mr. Piggott^ ' the power of his principles in religion,
* by his clofe walk with God j and tho* ' his arguments for Chriftianity were al-
* ways, dcmonih'ative, and his perfuafions
* Ifrong, yet there was a greater force in ' the fhining virtues of his life ; for by
* thefe, men were convinced, that himfelf
* believed what he preached. He was (o
* entirely devoted to the work of the mini-
* ftry, and his heart fo engaged in it, that
* from the time of his firft appearing in ' public, to the laft, his life was one con-
* tinned fcene of labour and toil. His clofe ■ iludy and conftant preaching did greatly ' exhauft his animal fpirits and enfeeble ^ his ftrength 5 yet to the lail: he difcover-
* ed
Keach.
268 The History of the
' ed a becoming zeal againft the prevailing
* errors of the day, for he knew no face ^ in the pulpit ; his foul was too great to
* baulk any truth that he owned, for the
* frowns or flatteries of the greateft. He
* did not count his life dear to himfelf, {q ' that he might finifh his courfe with joy,
* and the miniftry which he had received
* of the Lord Jefus Chriift, to teftify the ' Gofpel of the grace of God.' He de- parted this life on the 14th dzy o£ yiiigujly Anno Dom. 1702, in the midftof his days, being about thirty five years of age.
Benjamin Mr. Be?7Jamin Keach, whofe writings are well known, and likely to preferve his memory much longer than this endeavour of mine J yet many who have read his elaborate works, or had the benefit of his fearching miniflry, may be defirous of knowing his charader, and fome of the moft remarkable paffages of his life, of which there has been no account publifh- ed to the world. And as I have been blef- fed with the happinefs of a good wife, the youngeft off-fpring of the reverend gentle- man whofe memory is hereby revived j fo the many years I have enjoyed this blef- fmg has given me an opportunity of being more particular, than in the many worthies in this hiftory mentioned, and may be a fufficient apology for the length of this ac- count. He had taken up a refolution of doing fo;nething of this kind himfelf fome-
time
English Baptists. ^6g
time before his death, but was prevented by his more ufeful fludy. We muft there- fore be content with that imperfed: rela* tion that can be coUeded from the memo- ry of his acquaintance, fome papers left behind him, and what has been occalional- ly pubhfhed in his writings.
This faithful fervant of Chrift was the fon of jfobn Reach, of Stokehaman in Buck- inghamJJjire, and was born in that town, Feb. 29, 1640. as it is recorded by him- felf in the regifter of his church. His pa- rents were honeft and pious perfons, but not capable of giving him fuch a learned education as was fuitable to his great ge- muSf and the honourable employment he was afterwards engaged in. He was at firfl: defigned for a trade, and employed in one a little time j but his capacious foul foon afpired after higher things. He ap- plied himfelf very early to the ftudy of the Scripture, and the attainments of divine knowledge ; and obferving the Scripture to be entirely HL^nt concerning the baptijm of i?ifants, he began to fufpedt the validity of the Baptijm he had received in his infancy, and after he had deliberated upon this mat- ter, was in the fifteenth year of his age baptized^ upon the profeffion of his faith, by Mr. "John Rtiffel^ and then joined him- felf to a congregation of that perfuaiion in that country. So good a proficient was he in the fchool of Chrift, that his profiting
appear-
Zjo The History of the
appeared to all that knew him ; and the fociety of Chriftians with whom he joined, thought fit, when he was but eighteen years of age, to call him to the work of the miniftry amongft them ; and from that time he continued to preach publicly, to the great comfort and edification of them that heard him.
He fet out with fome fentiments con- cerning the extents of Chriji's deaths and freedom of marts ivill, which he foon after- wards call off, and became, more efpeci- ally in the latter part of his life, a zealous oppofer (both in his preaching and writing) of them. This occafion'd fome to charge him with ficklenefs, and weaknefs of judgment. But it is to be confidered, that he had many difficulties to ftruggle with in his education, being thrufl into the facred ofBce of the miniitry very young, and therefore it was- almbit impoffible, that he fliould have examined thoroughly the diffe- rent fchemes of religion, and be well di- gefled in fame of the moil difficult, and controverted points of divinity.
The Baptifls, in thofe parts v/here he lived, and with whom he converfed, were generally, tho' not all, fuch as held the Remo?iftra72ts fcheme in thefe points, and went under the name of Ar?m?iians. Thefe were his affiflants, and under their preaching he had fet for fome years, and in their principles was he educated ; fo that
it
English Baptists. 271
it is not to be wonder'd at, that he was for fome time engaged in following of their opinions. But when he came to London^ where he had a greater opportunity of con- fulting botii men and books, and found that the different opinions in this article gave a denomination to two parties of the Baptifts he examined the point more clofely, and in a few years came to fuch a determina- tion as fixed his judgment in this point for his whole life-time afterwards. J In the year 1660 he married his firfl wife, whole name was Jaue Grove j a wo- man of great piety and prudence, that ' dwelt at JVinJlow in Buckinghamjlnre -, of whom hereafter I fliall have occaiion to fay more.
There being liberty in England ^q^ all forts of preachers, as well as of all kinds of opinions, during the firft two years after he had engaged in the rniniftry, he met with no trouble or oppofition in that time but went on his work vv^ith great comfort and fuccefs. But foon after the return of King Charles II. the national church re- turned to her pradice of perfecution again, and the Baptifts were the firll that muft fill under it. The Ihare that Mr. Kmch had in the fufferings of thefe times, as far as can be colleded, I have already iet forth in the courfe of this Hiftory.
Mr. Reach's miniftry, was not more acceptable in the country than at London^
and
272 T^e History of the
and before he had been here many months he was chofen and ordained paflor of a fmall congregation, that met in Soutlrtvark, This people, had formerly belonged to one of the moil ancient congregations of the Baptijis in London^ but feparated from them in the year 1652, for fome practices which they judged diforderly, and kept together from that time as a diftincft body, meeting weekly for public worihip from houfe to houfe ; the evil of thofe times obliging them fo to do. They had for their Elder Mr. IViUiam Rider, who pub- liflied a fmall traft, in vindication of the practice of laying on of hands on baptized believers , which pradlice has continued in the church to the prefent day. Tho' they were but few in number, yet they had the reputation of being a people of folid judge- ment, and fubftantial religion, and fome of them in very good circumftances, as to the poffeffions of this world. Their paftor having been dead for fome time, they unanimoufly chofe Mr. Reach to be their elder, and he was folemnly ordained, with prayer, and layi?ig on of hands , in the year 1688 ; being the 28th year of rds age -, and with this people did he continue to the end of his days. When he firfl: fettled with" them, they ufually met together at a pri- vate houfe in T'ooiy-ftreet, the better to conceal themfelves from thofe that perfe- * cuted them 5 but in a few years after King
Charles
English Baptists. 273
Charles 11. granting an i?2diilgence to pro-
teftant diffenters, they erefted a meeting
houfe upon I-lorfely -donjon^ and God was
pleafcd to give fiich fuccefs to his miniftry
that he quickly increafed to a 'credible
number J and they had frequently occafion,
"-^-to enlarge the place of their affcinbiing, fo
that at length it became a place large
V enough for the accornmodation cf near a
'' ''thotijhnd y>^o^\q.
In the year 1670, his wife died, which was a, very great affliction to him ^ fhe had been the wife of his youth ^ being married 'to her at 20 years of age^ and was a very ■ 'lender and loving wife to him ; as well as a very piou^ and good woman ; ihc had been his companion in troubles, and fuffer- ingSj ten years, had born him Jive chiU dren, three whereof viz. Mary^ Eli as ^ and Hannah^ were then living. She de^ parted Qtlobcr 7, in the thirty fir fl year of her age. And as he had an extraordinary affed:ion to his wife, fo he took an uncom- mon method of exprefllng it at her death, by writing a poem to her memory, and' intitling it, A pillar fet up. And to apo- logize for his doing thus, infcrted at the beginning of it, the example of Jacob, yi/id K'Sichel dicd^ a?id was buried^ and ] a.- Gen, cob ft^t up a iillar on her Q;rave^ that is ^^'"^' the pillar oj Rachel'j grave unto this day. In this, after he had lamented in very par- ticular terms, the greatnefs of his lofs; and T the
274 ^^ History of the
the extreme trouble it occafioned unto him, he gave her a veiy great and noble cha- ra6ler, commending her for her zeal for the truth, fmcerity in religion, uncom- mon love to the faints, and her great con- tent, in v.'hatfoever condition of life, God was pleafed to bring her to. He particu- larly obferves, how great an help, and comfort, fhe was to him, in his fuffering for the caufe of Chrift, vifiting, and taking all poflible care of him, while in prifon, inftead of tempting him, to ufe any bafe means, for delivery out of his troubles, encouraging him to go on, and counting it an honour done them both, in that they were called iofuffer for the fake of Chrift. She was of an heavenly converfation, her difcourfe was favoury, and for the moft part about divine things, feeking the fpi- ritual good of thofe, with whom ilie con- verfed, and fo fuccefsful was fhe herein, that fome have acknowledged, that their converfion to God, was thro' the conver- fation they had with her. And a; he de- figned, by publiiliing this, to recom.mend to others the example of fo good a wife, and fo pious a woman ; it would not be juflice done to his character to omit taking notice thereof 3 and fo fall in with his ge- nerous defign. After her deceafe, he con- tinued fingle about tivo year, and then was married a fecond time, to Airs. Sufanna Partridge^ QiKichnanfworth in Hartford-
Jhire 5
English Baptists. 275
flnre ; fhe was of the family of the Skid- more' s^ of that county, and was the widow of Samuel Partridge^ of that town, whp died in about nine months after his marriage. By this wife he had five daughters, viz. Elizabeth, Sufan?2a^ 'Two named Rachel^ and one Rebekah. They dwelt together in great love and amity 32 years. She fur- vived him about 23 years, and continued a widow to the end of her days, and died in Feb. 1727. She was a woman of extraordinary piety, who had a good re- port of alii a moft tender mother, 'and grandmother, and if flie exceeded due bounds in any thing, it was in her love and tendernefs towards her children and grand- children. She lived with me many years, and during the time I was acquainted with - her, which was near the laft twenty years of her life, I muft fay, That Ihe walked before God in truth, and with a perfect heart, and did that which was good in his fight. She lived in peace, without fpot - and blamelefs. Her eyes were turned a- way from beholding vanity, and her hands were ftretched out, according to her abi- lity, to the poor and needy. Her cloath- ing was humility, and her ornaments, a meek and quiet fpirit. Her converfation was upright, as became the gofpel, with- out covetouinefs, honed, holy^ and hea- venly. She, according to God's promife, looked for new heavens, and a nev/. earth, T 2 to
276 n^e History of the
to things not feen, and to things that are eternal. Her confidence was not in the fiefh ; her rejoicing was in Chrift, and Chrift was her all. In her dying mo- ments, fo much chearfulnefs, and readi- nefs to depart appeared, as made a reve- Mr. Will, rend minifler prefent, wifh, that fome Arnoldi Atheift, or Deift were by, to fee the com- fort llie enjoyed, and the quiet refignation of her felf to the will of God ; and fuch was her defire to depart, that ihe delired him to pray ; but not for the continuance of her life.
But to return to Mr. Keach. The hardfhips that he fuffered, for afferting belienjers baptifm, in oppolition to that of infants^ did not in the leaft, influence his judgment, nor abate his zeal for that principle j for he was afterwards, one of the moft noted advocates in his day for it, and wrote feveral treatifes in its defence, as will appear, by the lift of his works annex- ed to the end of this narrative.
ANNO 1 674. About this time Mr. Reach publifhed in a fheet, intitled Mr. Baxters Arguments for believers baptifii.
Mr. Baxter, that warm advocate for Infants baptifm, publiflied a treatife, to re- vive the practice of confirmation, as a ne- cefTary means to reform the church, and to relieve the differences 2iYnongProteflants. In this he endeavoured to prove that the Infants of believers, were admitted into
the
English Baptists. 277
the church by baptifm^ and had by baptifm a title to many priviledges ; yet when they grew up, this infant title ceafed, if they did not make a public profeffion them- felv'es, and be received as adult members, which he propofed to have been done by confirmation. His fifth proportion was this : * That as a perfonal faith, is the
* conditi@n to God, of title to the privi-
* ledges of the adult ; fo, the profeffion ' of this faith, is the condition of his right
* to the church j and without this protef- ' lion he is not to be taken in as an adult ' member, nor admitted to the privileges
* as fuch.'
In the procefs of this, Mr. 'Baxter pur- fues this point fo earneftly, as to be off his guard, and advances feveral arguments, that concluded as ftrongly againft receiving infants into the church, and baptizing them, without a perfonal profeffion of fiith, as adult perfons ; for he fays, when fohn the baptirt fet up his miniftry he call- ed to believers to confefs their linsj and that if they were baptized^ the fime in- fers, that it was not till they confejfed j nay, that it feems by his charge, that it was not till they promifed to bring forth fruit meet for repentance ; fo th.it the na- ture of the ordinance tells uc, that baptijni could not be adminlfter'd without a pro- fejjion 3 for they were to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy T 3 Ghofl,
278- T'he History of the
Ghoft, and therefore were to profefs^ that they believed in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghofl.
That Chrifi, in his commiffion, di- rects his Apoftles to make difciples, and then baptize them, promiling, that he that believes and is baptized Jl:>all be jdved-, and who can tell, that a man is a difciple, a believer, or an iniidel, but by his pro- fejjion.
That thofe inftances which we have in fcripture, oi ^tvions baptize d^ declare, that they profejjed faith before they received haptifm-y and then refers to the feveral paliages for the proof thereof, and adds, that pcenitentiam agere was judged by the ancient dodors, to i-epent^ as was pre-re- quifite to bapfifm, and that is a rnanifefi prcfeffed repentance.
That baptifm is faid to fave us j and therefore they that will be baptized mull frofejs the qualification neceflary to a faved flate.
That our baptifm is a Solemnizing of our marriage with Chrifi -, and it is a new and ftrange kind- of marriage, fays he, where there is no profejjion of confent j with many other things to the like pur- pofe.
These arguments Mr. Keach colleded together, and had them printed en 2ijheetj and called it as aforefaid, Mr. Ba.\ters aV'- ^umcnts for believers baptifm^ and referred
to
English Baptists. 279
to tlie book and page, where he had the very words -, and made fome fliort remarks in the tnm^gm upon them.
The learned Mr. Tomhes ferved ano- ther book of Mr. Baxter's in the like man- ner, about fifteen years before this, and called it Felo de /?, or Mr. Baxter felf- difputing. But Mr. Keaclfs, being much fliorter, and cheaper, and put into the hands of the hawkers, was prefently fpread about all over the town.
The credit of Mr. Baxters writings was by this method very much leffened ; his felf-contradiftions were made very evi- dent i and it was eafy to difcern, that the very fame arguments which he endeavours to confute, when advancing one opinion, he himfelf makes ufe of ftrongly in de- fence of another.
Mr. Baxter takes notice of this at the end of his treatife, intitled. More proofs of infants church mernberfiip, and right to baptifm, and complains of it as hard ufage. I think it is as fiiort an anfwer as ever was made to fo great a charge, and therefore fhall oblige the reader with it in his own words. * As I am writing this, fays he, ' the hawk.TS are crying under my win- ^ dow, Mr. Baxter s arguments for believ- ' ers baptifm. The man that cites authors ' at this rate cites me againft my felf with * the like confidence. Becaufe I have ^ proved^ in my treatife of Confirmation^ t 4 'the
zSo ^he History of the
* the neceffity of perfonal profeffion in
* the adult ; and he that will think, that ' fuch dealing as this doth need an anfwer j ' that if the adult muft make an intelli-
* gent profeffion infants mull not be bap- ' tized, let him be aggrieved, for I have ' no time to fatisfy him.'
It is pity, that a man who found time to write fo many books, and engage in al- moil every controverfy on foot in his time, llioiild want an opportunity to clear him- felf from fuch entire contradidions ; how much it would have tended to his honour, and the confutation of Antipcedobapfifm^ will be feen by one inilance. He in an- fwer to Mr. Blake made ufe of this argu- ment, * If there be, fays he, no example ^ given in fcripture, of any one that was ' baptized without the profeffion of a faving ' faith 3 nor any precept for fo doing, then ' muil not we baptize any without it j but
* the antecedent is true, therefore fo is the ^ confeqiient.' -Who knov/s not, but that every Bapiifi ufes this fame argument in the fame fenfe ? and to hear Mr. Baxte7\ after he had faid fo much againft them, ufe it himfelf, and produce fuch good proof both from precept and example in fcrip- ture ; this mull: certainly tend to confirm them in their opinion, and invalidate what he has faid before, in his Plain proofs J or infant baptifm^ and make him guilty of jeif-contradidicn to a very great degree \
unlefs^
English Baptists. 281
unlefs, when a Baptift talks after this manner it is weak, and fooliih reafoning j but when fo great a champion as Mr. Baxter takes it up, it is like the fword of Goliah^ and there is no Handing be- fore it.
There was no wrong done to Mr. Baxter by this method ; it is no other than what has been practifed by others, and al- lowed to be one of the bell methods to confute an opponent.
Bishop Je^vel, in his apology for the Trotefiants^ takes the fame method againfl the Roman catholics. And Mr. Wall takes notice of Mr. Baxters being fo fcrved by Mr. Tombes and Mr. Keach ; and he ra- ther juftiiies than condemns the method, faying, ' None can deny them the liberty * of making the beft of fuch a courfe *.'
What tho' Mr. Baxter intended his , proofs, of the neceffity of faith, only in the cafe of the baptifm of adult perfons, yet his arguments to prove this prove more ; and the middle terms beat down his own tenets of infant baptifm ; for if it appears, from the nature and defign of baptifm -y from the injlitution of Chrift, and the pra- Bice of the Apofties, That none ought to be baptized without a profefjion of faving faith 5 and that this profefjion be made in their oivn perfons -, this does as effedually
f Hi ft, of baptifm, Part II. pag. 4.
confute
282 ^e History of the
confute the baptifm of infants, as that of infidels. So that it is pity, as I faid before, Mr. Baxter could not find time to clear himfelf from fuch contradid:ions as he is , fo plainly guilty of.
Another author Mr. Keach engaged upon this fubjed, was the famous Mr. Bur kit, redor of Maiden in Suffolk, & gen- tleman of great efteem, as well for his preaching, as his excellent pradlical expo^ fition on the New T^eftanient, which has met with fo general an acceptation.
How Mr. Keach came to enter the lifts with this great man, and the fuccefs he had in the controverfy with him, deferves a place in this narrative.
Mr. John T^redwell, a Baptifi minifter of Mr. Keaclfs acquaintance and neigh- bourhood, was invited to take the care of a fmall congregation at Lavingham. He was a man of an unblemifh'd life and con- verfation, and a very folid and ufeful preacher. Several in this place, by his miniflry, not only being reformed from a vicious courfe of life, but alfo profelited to the opinion of the Baptifts. Mr. Bur^ kit, whofe living adjoined, began to be greatly moved at his fuccefs, and thought himfelf obliged to warn his people againft the dangerous principles and pradices of thiSj/2^, as he termed them, and fo began a pulpit war -, and contrary to his ufual method, contented not himfelf with prov- ing:
English Baptists. 283
ing his own opinions, and confuting thofe of his neighbours, but caft many unjuffc and unchriftian refledions, both upon them and their opinions. Mr. Tredwell, who efteemed the character of Mr. Burkit^ ia a friendly manner wrote a letter to him, to perfuade him to defifl from fuch methods, fo derogating from the character and repu- tation that he bore in the world ; letting him therein know, that they had fufficient ground from fcripture for their pradice, and that the methods of fcolding and ex- claiming were not the way to promote the truth ; and fo hoped, by this private me- thod, to put a flop to the growing mif- chief. Mr. Burkit^ contrary to his ex- pedation, in a little time comes with feve- ral of his parifliioners into the meeting- ' houfe, when they were met together for public worfliip, and demanded of Mr, T'redweli to hear the doctrines he had re- fleded upon, and called unfcriptural. Mr. T^redwell^ furprized at fuch a riotous and tumultuous challenge, however agreed, that he fliould have liberty to aifert and vindicate his opinions, provided he might afterwards have liberty to make a return to him and his people. Upon this the rector began with a fhort prayer, and then, for near /wo hours, difcourfed upon infant baptijm^ and when he had done de- parted with his riotous company, without giving Mr. Tredwell an opportunity of
making
284- ^5^ History of the I
making any return, except to a few of his own perfuafion that were left behind. ^ 1
The rector being not fatisfied with this liberty granted him, quickly after prints and publiilies the fubftance of his difcourfe, and intitles it, A plain and f radical dif- courfe of infant baptijm. And tho'it be a fhort, but ungenerous piece, yet it is as wxll adapted to prevail upon the affections and judgment of the common people, as • any thing wrote on that fide of the que- ^ flion. But the fafe ftories, and unchri- ftian reflexions "that he intermixed with it, fpoiled all.
Mr. T^re dwell applies himfelf to Mr. Keach, reprefenting the hard ufage he had met with, and that the whole body of the Baptifs were like to fuller by the falfe re- prefentations that were publifhed ; and therefore defires him, as the moft proper perfon, to undertake an anfwer ; and be- ing prevailed upon to do it, Mr. Tredwell wntes an epillie, in anfwer to what relates to himfelf, and Mv. Reach undertook the argumentative part, intitling it. The reBor 'rekifiedcmd TorreBed.
The moft fcurrilous part of Mr. Bur- klfs book was fet at the beginning of it, as the occafion of his writing upon that fub- je£t, which is here recited, becaufe it is a fpecimen of that treatment which the Baptifs commonly meet with from their; opponents. His words are thefe, viz.]
- * Since
English Baptists. sSc
Since the late general liberty the Ana- baptijls thinking themfelves thereby let loofe upon us, have difperfed themfelves into feverai counties, endeavouring to draw away our people from us, by per- fuading them to renounce their £ril de- dication to God in baptifm^ and to enter into their communion after the way of dippi?ig. One of their teaching difciples ' having fet up in our neighbourhood for making profvlytes, by baptizing them ia a nafly horfepond, into which . the fiith of the adjacent liable occafionally flows, and out of v/hich his deluded converts come forth with fo much mud and filtiJnefs upon them, that they rather refembled creatures ariling out of -the ' bottomkfs pit, than candidates of holy baptifm-y and all this before a promis- cuous multitude, in the face of the fun/jj For a man of Mr. Burkif% chara(^l:er to pub":ilh fuch a flory as this to the v/orld, and to do it without any manner oi hefita- tion, or doubt of the truth j and to de- clare, that what he relates was done in the view of a multitude, was a very likely way, I mufl confefs, to make it be believed, and to fix this fcurrilous oradice on the Baptijis, But it was well for them that a promifcuous multitude was prefent at their baptijms^ that fo tliey might have witnefTes to detedl this Ja/Je flory. A certificate was drawn up, and figned by feverai that were
pre-
2^86 2^^ History of the
prefent, both Padobaptifts as well as Bap- ti'h, in which, after they had cited Mr. Burkif^ words, as above, they fay, ' We « whofe names are hereunto fubfcribed, do
* folemnly certify and declare to the whole « world, that thofe reports and affertions
* of the faid Mr. Burkit are utterly and < notorioufly falfe, &c; This certificate being printed, and fixed to the faid reply
' of Mr. Reach, to which I therefore refer you, proves, that Xh^ filth which Mr. Bur- kit endeavoured to faften upon the Bap- tifis appears to be upon himfelf; and as this was a fufficient anfv/er to his'calumny, fo Mr. Keach gave fuch a full and parti- cular anfwer to his arguments, that Mr. Burhit, nor any other for him, ever at- tempted a rejoinder.
There are feveral other authors, who wrote in defence of i7ifa?2t baptifin, that are particularly anfwer'd by Mr. Keach-, as Mr. John Flaveh Vindiciarum vmdex. Mr. Rothwelh Padobaptifmus -Jindicatur. Mr! Jofima ExelH Serious enquiry. Mr. Shute'^ Antidote to prevent the pre^oalency of anabaptifm. And others. In his feve- ral anfwers to them it appears, that he had made himfelf mafter of this controverfy, and kept clofe to the rules of difputation, and avoided all indecent expreffions, and perfonal calumnies, and generally got the better of his antagonifls. Tho' it is com- mon for men, who engage in controverfy.
English Baptists. 287
to enter Into the perfonal charadler of thofe they contend with, and flander them with fome great crime or other ; and the opponents of infant baptifm have ^ much fuffered from their antagonifts by this treat- ment, yet Mr. Keach has efcaped beyond what is common, either from the clear character that he had, or the juftice of his antagonifts, who fcorned to ufe fuch me- thods, except towards the latter end of his life: When one Mr. Riijfen put forth a book in the year 1703, v/ith this title. Fundamentals without a foundation ; or, a true piBure of the anabaptifts. Wherein he endeavours to reprefent them as the moft vile and ofFenlive fed: that ever ap- peared in the world j not only holding the moft dangerous errors, but men of the moft vicious and profligate lives j and to this purpofe rakes together all ancient and modern ftories he could find ; befides fe- veral which, in all probability, were of his own coining. After many ftories of this nature, he adds, and Benjamin Keach, another noted writer and teacher of theirs, has been lately accufed as guilty of the fame, that is, of uncleannefs.
Had this gentleman, if he deferves that name, really heard fuch an accufation againft Mr. Keach, it was very unjuft from thence to intimate he was guilty, and to publifh it to the world, to take away his good name. Our Saviour was acoufed of
glutto-
288 T^S' History of the
gluttony, and drunkenefs, of blafphemy and fedition ; and all manner of evil was fpoken again ft the Apoftles, and the reft of his difciples. Now will any man from hence conclude they were guilty? God forbid ! But there appeared no real founda- tion, for fo much as he had aflerted j for foon after his book was publifhedj three | perfons of good reputation *, took an op- portunity to wait upon Mr. Rujfen, to know the reafon of his inferring this fcanda- lous ftory. Mr. Rupn at firft folemnly denied the fad, but when they produced the book, and fhev/ed him the words above- mentioned, he endeavoured to excufe it, by telling them it was fo reported to him by another hand ; and when urg- ed to declare his author he adually re- fufed to do it -, and was afterwards chal- lenged, by the ingenious Mr. Stennet -f , in the anfwer to his book, to name the perfon if he could, that ever accufed him formerly or lately, of any fuch crime; the i which he never complied with. Befides j all this, there, was a certificate figned by 1 fome of his neighbours and friends, two of whom were members offarlimncnt^ to deted ■ this falfe accufation, and affixed to the aforefaid ingenious anfwer, and is as fol- lows, viz,
* Mr.Tho. Carr, Mr. John Latter, i¥r.Sam. Newman. , f Stennet ^^«?.'?,'? Ruffen, /. 141. ■ *
English Baptists. 289
TJTE whofe names are underwritten^ ^^ being neighbours and acquaintance of Mr. Benjami/i Kfacb ^^nd diverfe of us Pivdobaptijh^ fome of us in the com- munion of the church of Engla/iJ^ ha- ving for many years known his good con- verfation as a chriftian, and as a mini- fter, do folemnly declare and teftifie, that we are entirely fatisfied, that Mr. David Rujjen's alTertion in his book, in- tituled, I^wida mentals without a found a- ticn^ p. 31. that the faid Mr. Keach^ has been lately accufed of unclcannefs, is fahe, groundlefs and malicious; for we never before heard of any fuch accufa- tion made againft him by any perfon whatfoever ; or, that he was ever chareed
•'7 o
with the leafl immodefty. And v^^e be- Heve Mr. Ruff'en might, with as much juftice, have accufed any other pious and mode ft man in the world. This we think our felves in juftice bound to de- clare, to prevent Mr. Reach's labours and books, feveral of which, even in Mr. R'ifjefis opinion, deferve due com- mendation, from being flighted j or ren- dred ufelefs to anv ; And we doubt not that Mr. Reach might have the teftim.o- ny of a multitude of hands befides ours, to what is abovefaid. In witnefs of which Vv'e fet our handSj Sept. 6. 1703.
* John Choh?jky^
' Charles Cox^ and twenty fix more.' U This
290 The History of the
This was fo full and fatisfadory a con- futation of this charge, that as it was ne- ver heard he was ever accufed before with any thing of this nature, or any thing like it, or. immorality of any kind, fo an en- tire flop was hereby put to this, and his charader £hone the brighter, by having fuch a full and honourable teftimony of his blamelefs converfation.
This truly famous fervant of ChrifV did not only fland up in defence of belie- 'vers baptifm, in oppofition to that of i?i- fants^ but alfo engaged in feveral contro- verfies that were argued among the Bap- tijis themfelves. The iirft ojf this kind was about the practice of laying on of hands on baptized perjbm^ and performing it with prayer, at their admiffion into the church. Thofe Baptifs, that hold the opinion of the Re/nonftrants generally pradtifed it ; but thofe who are called Cahinijls were divided about it. Some of their churches did net pradice it at all. Some made it indifferent, and fo admitted members either v/ith or without it. Others made it a boundary of their communion, and would receive none into their focieties but ■ by this method, and of this laft opinion was Mr. Reach's church, and they have been tenacious of this 'principle even to this day. Thefe things occafioned feveral trea- tifes to be wrote on each fide, and had been controverted among the Baptifts ever
fince
English Baptists, 291
fince their firfl forming themfelves inro diftiiK^ churches. But as fonie came from the eilabliilied church, who ufe it under the name of conjirmation^ and others from the Prefoyteria}i5, and Independants^ who ufed it not, fo they brought their difte- ' , rent fentiments, in this point, along with them.
In the confeilion of faith, that was pubHfhed by the Baptijls in the year 1643, there is no mention made of it, nor in any other agreed to afterwards by thcfe of the Cahiniji perfualion. But in the De- claration of faith put forth by the Knglijh Baptijls^ who were fugitives m' Holland, in the year 161 1, they declare. That the Art. 21. Riders and ID e aeons are to be chofen, by election and appt'obation of that church or congregation whereof they are members, \vith failing, prayer, and layiKg on of hands. And in the declaration of faith put forth by the Arminiari Baptijls about the year 1660, it is acknowledged to be theduty of all baptized believers, and neceilary to a right conflituted church. Their v/ords arc thefe, ' That it is the duty of all fuchjW'ho are Be- Art iz, ' lievers baptized^ to draw nigh unto God '2;
* in fcbmifli on to that principle. of ChriR's ' doctrine, to wit, pi: ycr, and fayi?2g on ' of ha72ds, that they iTi?.y receive the pro-
* mife of the Holy Spirit, whereby they
* may mortify tlie deeds of the body, and
* live in all thine;s anfwerable to their
U 2 ' pro-
292 The History of the
' profefTed intentions and deiires, even to ' the honour of him, who hath called ' them out of darknefs into his marvellous
* light. That it is the duty of fuch, who ' are conflituted as aforefaid, to continue
* fledfaftly in Chrifl's and the Apoftles ^ doctrine, and affembling together in fel-
* iowfliip, in breaking bread, and prayers.'
The chief advocates for this pradlice among the Bapfijis^ were Mr. Sam. Fijher^ Mr. William Rider, Mr. Thomlinfon, Mr. Grijith, Mr. Keach, and Mr. Grantham ; feveral Baptijis on the other lide united in publifhing a treatife againft it, and efpe- cially again ft feparating about it, intitled, A fearch for Jchifm^ but concealed their names. And Mr. Danvers, who had wrote fo well againft infant baptifm, fet himfelf very zealoufly to the oppoling of this practice, and publiflied a treatife upon it in the year 1674. This, with Mr. Reach's anfwer, takes in the fum of the controverfy on both fides, and has fo far put an end to it, that fcarcely any thing has been publiflied upon it fince.
Another controverfy among the Bap- tifls, wherein Mr. Reach was alfo very ferviceable, was about granting a due maintenance to thofe that were employed in the miniftry, that they might be taken off from fecular employments, and given wholly up to the miniftry. Even from the very beginning of the Baptijl churches
in
English Baptists. 293
in 'England feveral of their teachers had been tradefmen, and continued in their fecular employments, after they were or- dained to the work of the miniftry. In fome places this was occalioned through neceffity, the people being poor, and few in number, and expofed to many hardships by perfecution, fo that they were obliged to it for the fupport of themfelves and fa- milies; and when it is thus no one can juftly blame either the minifler or people for it. The great apoflle Paul himfelf did not difdain to work with his hands, when the circumflances of the church made it necellary. And even thofe who have been fo ready to refledl on the Bap- tijls, for this pradiice, have took the fame method themfelves, as has been in this hi- ilory before obferved. But there were others who ailed thus upon principle, thinking it a fin, either fo'r the people to give, or the minifler to receive, or take any thing, as a reward for his labour in the miniftry ; and grounded this opinion on a miftaken interpretation of thofe words in the Old Teflament, The priefi teacheth for hire^ and the prophets divine for money ; not the words of our Saviour, As ye hai^e freely received freely give.
The pride and luxury of the clergy,
and the oppreflions they were often guilty
of in collecting their tenths, did not a little
contribute to their running into this opi-
y 3 nion^
294 ^^ FI I STORY of the
nion, as it had the Lollards and Wick" lijfites before them. It prevailed chiefly in country towns, and places remote from London 'y for thofe in and about the city law the dangerous confequences of it, in greatly obflruding the fupport of truth, and rendring the miniftry among them contemptible. Upon the glorious Revo- lution in 1688, whereby not only the na- tion in general was delivered from popery and Jlai<er)\ but the Troteflant Dijejiters from their hardfnips which they had long fuffered from the efcabliflied church, they endeavoured a reformation in this matter 5 ^nd having now their liberty fecured to them by law, they hoped to maintain a more regular minifcry, and provide better for their maintenance. And the nrft thing they propoff Q in order to this was, to pub- iifli a treatiie in vindication of this rite, and therefore fixed on Mr. Keach as the moll proper perfon to do it. Accordingly a fmall treatife - v/as prepared, in which Mr. Keach effedualiy proves it to be the duty of every congregation, if capable of it, to mai?2tain their minifter 3 not only from . pofitive inrdtution under the Gofpel, and alfofrom the care taken of fuch under the lav/, but alfo from th^ very light of nature. He confiders the many fad eifeds and in^ conveniencies that would attend the negled: of it J anfwers the objedions ufuaily made againil it, and refolves feveral difficult
cafe5
English Baptists.
cafes made about it. And that this trea- tife might come forth with the more au- thority, and tend the better to anfwer the good delign of its being publifhed, it is re- commended to ail the congregations of baptized believers in England and Wales^ by feveral of the niinifters thus, viz.
' Beloved brethren^ VTJT' E have read and confidered of this
^^ enfuing treatife, and do conclude, it may be of great profit to the churches • of Jefus Chrift. We fearing fome con- gregations have not fo duly weighed, and confxdered of their indifpenfabie duty to the miniftry, in refpecft of providing fuch a maintenance for thofe who labour amongfi: them, and are over them in the Lord, as they ought to do, by which means it may be feared, that many of them may be hinder'd or ob- fi;ru6i:ed in attending on their work, in ferving of Chrifl: and his people, as the nature of their facred employment and office requires j and the prefent day efpe- cialiy calls for, and as the Lord himfelf hath aifo ordained. Therefore our ear- r.eft defires are, that our brethren, both minifters and memibers, would be plea- fed to get this little book, and both read and well weigh what is faid therein, without prejudice, both in refpe6t of a I'e^ular miniftry, the minijlers mainte- U 4 ' nance ^
295
296 Tie History of the
' nance ^ and the greatnefs and difficulty of
* their work. And now, that it may be
* bleffed by Jehovah, to the great and
* good ends it is deiigned, is, and fhall ■ be, the hearty prayers of us,
* Tour brethren y in the faith and
* fellowjinp of the Gojpel of our
* Lord fefus Chriji,
London, « Hanferd Ktiollis
July 30, .688, ^' JVilliam Kiffin,
' and many others.*
In the year following, when the elders and liiiniflers of above one hundred churches met in a general affembly at London, it was debated, Whether it is the duty of every church of Chrifl, to maintain fuch mini- ll:ers as are fet apart by them, by allowing them a comfortable maintenance, accord- ing to their ability ^ Which was carried in the afirmative. They likewife paffed their approbation of Mr. Reach's book in the following words, viz. * This aifembly do
* declare their approbation of a certain ^ little book, lately recommended by di- ^ verfe elders dwellino; in and about the
* city of London, in titled, I'be minijiers ^ maintenance vindicated. And it is their ^ requeft, that the faid treatife be dif-
* perfed amongft all our refpective congre-
* gations 5 and it is defired, that fome bre-
* thren of each church take care and
' difpofe
English Baptists. 297
difpofe of the fame accordingly. They Hkewife wrote a general Epijile to the feveral churches for which they were concerned, in which they held this as a great evil, and negled: of duty in churches, that they did not make due provifion for the viainteiiance of their minijiers^ ac- cording to their ability j by which means thofe minifters fo unprovided for, were incumber'd with worldly affairs, which render'd them uncapable of performing the duty of their holy calling, in preach- ing the word, and walking with their flock, as they ought to do.' Ii\ the 38th article of the church o^ Eng- land it is faid, * The riches and goods of
* Chriftians are not common, as touching
* the right, title, and pofleffion of the
* fame, as certain Anabaptifts do falfly ' boaft.' The minifters of the baptized churches took this opportunity of clearing themfelves and their brethren from the fcandal, which probably fome might caft upon them (the articles of the church of England, by the aft of Toleration, being more generally known and examined) by , fixing an advertijmeijt to the faid book of Mr. Reach, in thefe words, 'viz. * We
' look upon our felves concerned to de-
* clare, That if there were in the laft age
* in Germany, or elfewhere, any people
* bearing that name who afferted any fuch
* thing, we know none called Anabaptifts
*in
298 V^e History of the
* in 'England^ nor any where elfe, who
* hold that abfurd or rotten principle, but
* .do teftify our diflike and abhorrence of
* it ; and verily believe, as is intimated in
* the faid article. That the goods, riches, ' and pofTeffions of all Chriftians, as touch-
* ing the right and title of the fame, are
* their own, as the holy Scripture witnef-
* fes. Yet notwithilanding, we alfo be-
* lieve and teach, thiit every man ought, ' of fuch things as he pofTeffeth, liberally
* to give alms to the poor, according to his ' ability ; as is alfo there afferted.'
In the year 1691 M.x . Keach W2i^ en- gaged in another controverfy with the Baptijis, about fmging the praifes of God in the a[jembly for public ivorjhip. And tho' he had very great fuccefs therein, yet It brought upon him much trouble and ill- will. When he was convinced, th^tfng- iiig the praifes of God was an holy ordi- nance of Jefus Chrift, he laboured ear- neftly, and with a great deal of prudence and caution, to convince his people there- of 5 and firft obtained their confent to the pra6tice of it at the conclulion of the fa- crament of the Lord's fuppcr, and had but two of the brethren, in his church, that oppofed him therein, of whom he fais, in his general Epifle prefixed to the an- fv/er of Mr. Mar low's Appejidix, p. 12. * That one of them foon brought a great ^ reproach upon religion by immoral
* actions.
English Baptists. 299
' adions, and came to nothing j and the
* other Ibmetime after turned ^laker^ and
* to my face denied the refurreclion of his
* body.' After his church had continued in this practice about fix years, they fur- ther aflented to pradife the fame on pub- lic thankfgiving days, and continued there- in about fourteen years j and then by a regular act of the church, in a folemn manner agreed, to ling the praifes of God on every Lord's day, excepting about five or fix perfons that diilented therefrom : and if, I am not miftaken, was the. firil church of the Baptijh that -thus pradifed this holy ordinance. And fo far Vv^as Mr. Keacbj or the ch'jrch, from impofing on the confciences of thole few that dilTented (tho* the church then conliHed of fome himdreds) that they agreed to fing when prayer was concluded after the fermon j and if thofe few who v/ere not fatisfied could not ftay the time of linging, they might freely go out, and the church would not be offended at them 3 for they did not look upon fmging the praifes of God an ef- fential of communion, nor for the being, but for the comfort and weii-beins!; of a church.
It muft be confeifed, that reformation
is, and ever was, an hard and difficult
work ; and no eafy thing to reliore lofl
ordinances, efpecially fuch as have been
-fyx inany years neglected, and ftrangely
cor-
300 7>&^ History of the
corrupted ; which is manifeft with refped to the ordinance of baptijm. Is it not much to be wonder'd at, that fo many learned and godly men fliould be fo dark, as to maintain fo refolutely the practice of Tadohaptifm, confidering it hath not^ the leaft ground in the word of God, and is fo diredly contrary to the nature and confti- tution of a Gofpel church, 'and adminiftra- tion of New Teftament ordinances, as hath been made evident, even from the conceffions of the moft learned and pious Padobaptifts themfelves. But as truth is never without its oppofers j fo Mr. Ifaac Marlow publifhes a treatife ^igdXn^i finging in the public ajjemblies^ with an Appendix j and treats the practice of it with the fcurri- lous names of error, apoflacy, human tra- dition, prelimited forms, mifchievous error, carnal forms, carnal woriLip, ^c And very much refleas upon Mr. Keach for be- ing fo zealoully bent in bringing this pra- aice among the Baptifts. Both which were well anfwered by Mr. Keach^ and printed together in the year 1691. The '' one intitled. Breach repaired in God's wor- pip > or, finging of pfalms, hymns, and jpiritual Jongs, proved to be an holy ordi- nance of Jefus Chrift. The other, Jn an- fwer to Mr. Marlow'i Appendix.
Notwithstanding the fuccefs Mr.
' Keach had in this';controverfy, as appeared
by many other churches of the Baptifts^
which
English Baptists. 301
which likev/ife followed his example ; yet in his own church the difcontent of thofe few that firft oppofed him, through their inftigation (too much to be feared crea- tures of Mr. Marlow) drew over fome others in the church to join with them, and wrought up their unealinelTes to that pitch, that at laft a feparation enfued^ and thereupon another church was founded on the fame principles, y?/zg-/wg- only excepted^ which, through time, and the fiicceffion of pallors, is now become a credible church, and did difufe Jinging the praijes of God in their ajjembly for public worjhip-, till after the death of the reverend Mr. Ed- ivard Wallin^ they chofe Mr. Wefi to be their paftor, who made it one condition of his acceptance, that they Qi\Q\\\^ fing the praifes of God in their ajjembly for public worjhip'y with which they complied, and do now pradife accordingly.
The next trouble Mr. Reach met with in his church, was from a certain perfon of an unfettled and wavering fpirit, and of an afpiring temper, who had for fome coniiderable time, unknown to him, im- bibed the notion of the ye-wifi fab bath, and laboured to corrupt many of the young- er fort ; fome of whom, with himfelf, fell into the practice of keeping that day, and caft off the Lord's day, as not being of di- vine appointment. Some of them being apprentice?, declared, they could, and £i:>i:; wouldj
'^oa '^'^^ History of the
v/oiild, do any bufinefs or work for their mafters, on the firft day of the week ; and this principle they ■ received without ac- quainting i-im or the church with it, in- fomuch, that when it was publicly known, almoft the whole congregation was en- fiamed thereby. To prevent the niifchief like to enfue hereon he preached feveral fcrmons from thefe words, Te obferve days,^ ^ months, times and years, I am afraid of you, kji I ha've befowed on you labour in 'uatn. Which, at, the requeft of many, fome not members with him, was after- wards printed and publiilied, under this title, l^he Jewifli fabbath abrogated ; or, the Saturday fabbatarian confuted. In two parts. I. Proving the abrogation of the Mfeve?2th day fabbath. 2. That the Lord's day is of divine appointment. His hand- ling of this controverfy is with great pains and accuracy, and got him as much repu- ^tion as any of his polemical works. He had the honour to prefent one into the hand of the archbiihop of Canterbury, who highly approved of his performance, and recelived him into his favour and cosverfa- tion. And fuch was his fuccefs in this point, that it flopped the growth of that opinion in bis own congregation j and but three or four went off from him _ to thofe people Lhat: held that opinion.
Be w^as often engaged m public difpiita- imis \ once with the people called fakers.
At
English Baptists, At another time with Matthew Coffin^ and Ibme others, who were fuppofed to have denied the divinity, of Chrill: ; and often with the Fcedohaptijh. He was chal- lenged by fome rninifters of the church o'i England, not flu* from London, to dif- pute on uapti/m-, and the place appoint- ed was at Grave/end. As he was going thither in a Gravefend boat, in compa- ny with others, there happened to be a clergyman in the fame boat with him. The converfation Mr. Reach had in the boat, with fome of his^friends, caufed this clergyman to fufped: he was the pcrfon going to difpute with his brethren, and accordingly attacked him in the boat, and from hence faw the defence he was able to rnake, and what little credit would be obtained on their fide the queflion. As foon as the boat arrived at Gravefcfid this clergyman hailened to his friends, and let them know the converfation he had had with Mr. Reach in the boat, and what ar- guments he intended to urge j which put a.n entire flop to tlie difputation, ar.d Mr, Reach returned to London again, without feeing any oiie of them. Tho' they had render'd the Baptifis., as contempdble as they could, as if they had nothing to fay for their pradice in baptizing 'adult perfoiis -, yet v/hen ail came to all, not one of them dared to appear, and defend v/hat they had fpoker*.
To
303
304. TT^^ Iril^TOViY of the
To colled: every peculiar tranfadion 01 this ^^orthy minifter's life cannot be ex- pe<fled at fuch a diftance of time -, nay, ' even to collect all that was excellent and imitable in him, is too great a tafk to be nowr undertaken. I fliall only obferve. That he was a perfon of great integrity of foul J a Nathaniel indeed; his converfa- tion not frothy and vain, but ferious, without being morofe or fullen. He be-* gan to be religious early, and continued faithful to the laft. He was not fliock'd by the fury of his perfecutors, tho* he fuf-^ fer'd fo much from them for the caufe of Chrift. Preaching the Gofpel was the ve- ry pleafure of his foul, and his heart w^s fo engaged in the work of the minlftry, that from the time of his firft appearing in , public, to the end of his days, his life was one continued fcene of labour and toil. His clofe ftudy and conilant preaching did greatly exhauft his animal fpirits, and en- feeble his ftrength, yet to the laft he difco- vered a becoming zeal againft the prevail- ing errors of the day ; his foul was too great to recede from any truth that he owned, either from the frowns or flatteries of the 11 greatefl. He, with unwearied diligence, " did difcharge the duties of his paftoral of- fice, preaching both in feafon and out of feafon, vifiting thofe under his charge, encouraging the ferious, gently reproving the froward, defending the great truths of
the
English Baptists, 305
the Gofpel, and fitting them in the clear- eft hght. How low would he ftoop for the fake of peace ! and, How would he bear the infirmities of his weak brethren ! That fuch as would not be wrought upon by the ftrength of reafon, might be melt- ed by his condefcenfion and good-nature. He was prudent as well as peaceable ; would forgive and forget injuries, being ciiaritable as well as courteous. He was not addi6ted to utter hard cenfures of fuch as differed from him in leiTer matters, but had a love for all faints, and conftantly exercifed himfelf in this, To keep a confci- ence void of offence^ towards God, mid to- wards men. He fhewed an unwearied en- deavour to recover the decayed power of rehgion, for he lived what he preached, and it pleafed God fo to fucceed his endea- vours in the Gofpel, that I doubt not, but there are fotne yet living that may call him father, whom he hath begotten through the Gofpel. He affeded no unufual tones, nor indecent geftures in his preaching, his ftile was ftrong and mafculine* He ge- nerally ufed notes, efpecially in the latter part of his life ; and if his fermons had not all the embeliiiliments of language, which fome boaft of, they had this peculiar ad- vantage, to be full of folid divinity ; which is a much better charader for pulpit dif- courfes, than to fay, they are full of pom- pous eloquence, and flights of wit. It X was
3o6 Ths History (?/ /^^
, • was none of the leaft of his excellent qua- liftcations for the minifterial work, that he knew how to behave himfelf in the church of God, in regard of the exercife of that difcipline, which is fo neceffiiry to Chriftian fociety. With patience and meeknefs, with gravity and prudence, with impartiality and faith fulnefs, did he de- mean himfelf in his congregation; and with prudence and condud, did he ma- nage all their affairs upon all occafions ; and was not only ferviceable to them, but ufeful to many others.
He wae fent by an ajj'ociation to preach in feveral parts of the kingdom, and vifit the baptized churches. He met with great fuccefs in his journey, and had Mr. Be?ija?nin Denms to accompany him. His zeal for the baptized interefl appeared, not only by his writings in defence of it, but alfo in encouraging of minifters, who came unto him from all parts, and getting feve- ral meeting-houfes ereded for the public worfliip of God; as, one at Liinehoufe^ another at Rotherhithe ; one in White-jireet^ Southwark, and another at Barkin in Effex.
In his family he was very exemplary, encouraging the firfl appearances of piety, and conftantly intruding them in the things of God, and putting them in mind of the concern of their fouls, praying with and for them. He was a very affectionate
huf-
English Baptists. 307
hufband, a tender father, a prudent mafler, and a conftant and faithful friend ^ and was naturally of a good difpofition, and generally pleafmt and cheerful in conver- fation. The vivacity of his temper fome- times expofed him, to iliarp and fudden fits of anger, which occafioned no fmall unealinefs to himfelf, as well as thofe who had given him any provocation ; but thofe fits were but of a {hovt continuance, and fo the trouble occafioned by them was foon over : And the goodnefs and tendernefs of his nature Vv^as fuch, as afterwards made fufficient amends to thofe who had fallen under his rcfentment. Befides, if his na- tural pafiion, at any time, fo far tranfport- ed him, as to caufe him to fpeak any rafli or ofi:enfive words, he was prefently reco- vered, and would with the greatell humi- lity and franknefs retrad: what he had faid; and thereby did difcover, that not the leail degree of prejudice, remained in his breail. He was of a very weak conftitution, being often afflicted with illnefs, and once to that degree, that he was given over by the phy- ficians j and feveral of the minifters, and his relations, had taken tlieir leave of hinij as a dying man, and pafi: all hopes of re- covery. But the reverend Mr. Haiiferd KnoUis feeing liis tlien dying friend, and brother in the Gofpel, near, to all appea- rance, expiring, betook himfelf to prayer, and in an earneft and very extraordinary X 2 man-
308 The History of the
manner begged, that God would fpare him, and add unto his days, the time he grant- ed to his fervant Hezekiah ; and as foon as he had ended his prayer, he faid. Brother Keach I fliall be in heaven before you, and quickly after left him. So remarkable was the anfwer of God to this good man's prayer, that I cannot omit it j tho' it may be difcredited by fome, there are yet living inconteflible evidences of the fad. For Mr. Keach recovered of that illnefs, and lived juft fifteen years afterwards ; and then it pleafed God, to vifit him with that fhort licknefs which put an end to his days.
During this fhort illnefs he had many friends with him, but the violence of his diflemper foon deprived them of the ex- pedation of his life. The reverend Mr. jfojeph Stennet was fent for, but being fb near his end, he had very little converfation wdth him. He defired 'M.v.Ste?inef to preach ' his funeral fermon from thefe words. / know whom I have believed^ and I am per- fuadcd^ that he is able to keep that which I have comfnitted to him^ agaiiijl that day. All the time of his illnefs, he behaved h'im- felf with extraordinary patience, and relig- nation to the divine will. Told his wife he recommended her to a better hufband, the Lord Jefus Chrift; and exhorted his children to love, peace, and unity, and a fledfaft adherence to Chrift, and his ways. A little before his expiring his daughter
Hannah^
English Baptists. 309
Hannah, who was among the people cal- led fakers, came in to fee him ; whom, when he faw, he endeavoured to talk with,
and fliewed a s;reat eao;ernefs and defire fo
• • •
to do, but his fpeech failing, prevented
him. He died y///)' 18. 1704, about 11 of the clock in the morning, and in the fixty-foiirth year of his age. And was bu- ried from his own meeting-place on Fri- day following at the Baptijfs burying ground in the Park, Soiithwark. There was a very numerous auditory prefent to hear his funeral fermon, but Mr. Stemzef being ill difappointed them. It was fome time afterward when he preached it j and tho' much importuned, could not be pre- vailed upon to print it.
Mr. Reach's fon Eli as, who was paflor ElJas of a Baptifi church, in Wapping, died fome Kea:h. years before his f:.ther. The greateft part of his minifterial time v/as fpent in foreign parts, where he was inftrumental in plant- ing two churches. And fuch was his fuc- cefs in the miniftry, that after his return from Penjilvania, he gathered one church here, of which he was the pallor, as afore- faid.
There are three of Mr. Keadfs daugh- ters ftill living, viz. Hannah, whom he had by his firft wife, Rachel and Rebekah^ whom he had by his laft.
The books he publifhed were many,
^nd fome of them now very diffi:alt to be
X 3 n^e^
310 Tlje History of the
met with. I think the following is a corn- pleat Catalogue of them, and an evidence that he was no idle labourer in his mafters vineyard.
His praBkal ^ucorh are,
1. Ti7£ child's inJiruBor-, or, a new and eafy primmer. The firll: piece he wrote, and for which he fuffered fo much. 24°. 1664.
2. A SUMMONS to the grave: Being Mr. Joh?i Norcot's funeral fermon. 12^ 1676.
3. TPOnOAOriA. A key to open Scripture metaphors, 2 vol. Folio. 1682.
4. 7' HE travels of true godlinefs, 8^^
5. T^HEprogrefsoffin-, or, the travels of ungodiinefs, 8"".
6. T^HE counterfeit Chriflian-y or, the danger of hypocrify, 4^^ 1691.
7- 'T^HE marrow of jiiftification. Be- ing feveral fermons on Rom. iv. c. 4.^^ 1692. ^ ^
8. T^HE everlafling covenant. Being the funeral fermon of Mr. Henry Forty, S''^ 1693.
9. A fRUMPET blown in Zion, ^'\
10. A GOLDEN mine opened-, or, the glory of God's rich grace difplayed, 4'°. 1694.
11. GOD acknoivledged. Being a fer- mon on a public faf]-, 4'^ ,1696.
12, :
English Baptists. 311
12. T'i?£ early feeker, and love of a dying Saviou r, 12". 1697.
13. The articles of the faith of the congregation at HorJely-dow?i. Wih. the glory and difcipline of a true church dif- played, 12°. 1697.
14. 'THE difplay of glorious grace -, or, . the covenant of peace opened, 8^°. 1698.
15. JACOB'S ladder improved, 8^°.
169B.
16. J CALL to seeping j or, a warn- ing 'touching approaching miferies, •12*'.
1699.
17. INSTRUCT:I0NS for children,
24°.
18. GOSPEL myfieries unveiled -, or, an expofition of all the parables, ^c. Folio.
1704.
His polemical works are,
1. Mr. Baxters arguments for Believ- ers baptifm. A iheet. 1674.
2. DARKNESS vanqiiijloed. Being an anfwcr to Danvers on laying on of hands, 8^'^ 1675. . .
3. GOLD refined ; or, baptifm in its primitive puritv, 8'". 1689.
" 4. LIG Hi broke forth in V^dts, 8^^
5. 'J^HE Gojpel mi?2ifiers maintenance vindicated, 12''. 1689.
6. antichrist: formed', or, the popiHi church proved to be myftery Baby- lon, 8"°. 1689.
X 4 7-
J 1 2 "fhe History of the
7. PMDOBAPTISM. Being an anfwer to the y^toM/z fociety, 4'°. 1691,
8. BREACH repaired in God's 'wor- fiip', or, finging of pfalms, (Sc. proved to be an ordinance of Jefus Chrift, 8''^ 1691.
9. A SOBER reply to Mr. Eteed'^ epiftle concerning finging, 8'°. 1691.
10. ^HE rector reBijied -, or, infants baptifm unlawful. Being an anfwer to Mv.Burkit, 8^^ 1692.
1 1 . T'HE dx laid to the root ; or, one blow more at the foundation of infants baptifm^ and church memberfhip. Part I, 4'°. 1693.
12. T'HE ax laid to the root ; where- in Mr. Flaveh, Mr. Rothivell's, and Mr. ExelH arguments are anfwercd. Part II. 4'^. 1693.
13. ^ COUNTER antidote-, or, an anfwer to Shiite's antidote, to prevent the prevalency of anabr.ptifm, 4'^. 1694.
14. A MEDIUM between two ex- tremes, S""". 1698.
I «;. THE Jewifli fabbath abrogated -, or, the Saturday fabbatarian confuted, 8"^°. 1700.
16. The French impofior deteBed ; or, an anfwer to Zachary Houjel and Dr. Cow- ard, who denied the foul's immortality, I2^ 1702.
' Ills
English Baptists. 313
His poetical works are^
1. SION in difirefs 3 or, the groans of the Proteftant church, 8^°. 1666.
2. A PILLAR Jet I'p, to keep in re- membrance his firfi dear, and beloved wife. A Ineet. 1670.
3. JVAR with the devil, 8'°.
4. T^HE glorious lover, 8^°.
5. 1 H R grand itnpojior difcovered -, or, the Quakers dodrine weighed in the ballance, and found wanting, S""**. 1674.
6. 'iTHE viBorious ChrijUan-, or, the triumph of faith. Being prifon medita- tions. A (heet. 168;;.
7. DIS1:RESS ED ^'lon relieved, 8^-. 1688.
8. SPIRITUAL melody, containing near three hundred hymns, 12°. 1696.
9. A FEASI' of fat things-, contain- ing feveral fcripture fongs and hymns, 12°, 1696.
Besides wiiich he has prefixed feveral prefaces and commendations to the works of others, viz.
A PREFACE recommendatory to Mr. Balmjord'?, poem, intitled. The feaman's fpiritual companio7i, 8^°. 1678.
ApREFACEto Mr. Prudom\ Truth un- veil'd by fcripture hght, 8""". 1699.
A PREFACE to Mr. Prudom\ new world difcover'd^ in which Mr. Keach de- clares
314 ^^ History of the
clares his opinion of the Milennium^ 12^. 1704.
An Introduction to Mr. Coleman^ narra- tive of a fchifm made in the church at Kil- bey in Leicefterfiire.
Mr. Sam. Mr. Samuel Ewer^ a generous worthy Ewer. j^^j^ q£ great piety and learning 5 he was paftor of the Baptijl congregation at Hemp- fiead in Hertfordjlm-e^ and well beloved and refpeCled by his people. ' He was Worksy * fays Mr. Piggott, jullly efleemed by all p. 416. i men of probity and good fenfe, who had the advantage of his acquaintance. For if one confider the reverend Mr. Ewer, in any relation while living he was very delirable. He has dill:in2;ui{]ied himfelf for feveral years, as an exemplary chrifli- an, whofe piety towards God, and affa- bility towards men, have recommended him to the efteem, and approbation of all ; being an example to the believers in word, in converfation, in charity, in
fpirit, in faith, in purity He had a
prudent and regular zeal for the glory of God, and the falvation of fouls. He ever expreiied a jufl indignation againft fm^ and prelTed after the higheft degrees of holinefs. He kept clear from the ex- tremes of Superjiition and Eiithujtafm^ believing that fubflantial religion did con- iift in a conformity to the moral perfe- ctions of the Godhead. His moderation
' was.
.English Baptists. 315
was remarkable and extenlive j he fol- lowed the tilings which made for peace and difFufed the grateful odours of cha- rity, wherever he came. He was pa- tient and fubmiffive, under the various trials and affli(fiions to which he was ex- pofed, thro' the courfe of his life. It was not the profped of outv/ard gain, but the love of fouls, that engaged him in the minifterial work. He did forego that which he might have demanded, viz. a maintainance for himfelf and fa- mily J yet he always generoufly gave his labours to his church, and notwithftand- ing took not the lefs pains, in the pro- moting of their falvation. But he ftudied diligently to {^t^f^ himfelf approved, a workman , i^ho needed not to be aJJ:)amed^ rightly di^jiding the ^ivord of truth. And conflantly in the courfe of his miniflry, he did infifl upon the great and fubffcan- tial truths contained in the chriflian re- velation.' The time of his death I do not find; but his indifpoiition Vv^as but fhort, for he was well and dead within the compafs of [even days. His funeral fer- mon was preached by Mr. Piggott Dec. 24. 1708.
Mr. John Piggott^ was another learn- john' ed and pious minifter, whofe memory is Piggott. blelTed, and will be precious in the ac- count of all, who knew the excellent gifts, and abilities Qod was pleafed to beilow on
him.
3i6 The History of the
^ggottv him. ' That might juftly be faid of him, fays the reverend Mr. Stennet^ which the Apoftle fays of his foil Timothy^ That
f?'om a child he knew the holy Scripture s^and that thefe made hiin wife to Salvation^ thro'
faith which is in Chriji fefiis. The great delight he then had, in hearing the joy- ful found of the Gofpel, made him fre- quent diverfe religious aifemblies, and that not without fome hazard, at a time, v/hen they w^ere often diflurbcd and interrup- ted, and fometimes alfaulted with vio- lence, while they were worihiping God, according to the didtates of their confci- ences. Some of the fermons which he heard in thofe affemblies, made a deep and lafting impreffion on his mind j and his early converiion to God, was at- tended with an earneft delire, to be em- ployed in the work of the miniflry. This inclination grew fo ftrong, and ur- gent, that nothing could diffuade him from his delign of ferving pod in this publick capacity. To this purpofe he applied himfelf to thofe ftudies, which he thought moil conducive to the end he had in viewj and that with fo much diligence and fuccefs, that in a little time, his profiting appeared to all, and at length, he approved himfelf, a workman, that need not to be afijamed^ rightly dividing the word of truth.
God,
English Baptists. 317
* God, who inclined his heart to this work, and called him to it, had endow- ed him with diverfe conliderable talents, to prepare him for it. He had a folid judgment, as well as a lively fancy, and quicknefs of thought as well as a facility of expreffion. His firong and mufical voice, together with that agreeable mixture of gravity and fweetnefs, which reigned in his countenance, tended to make way for the truths, and reafons he delivered by awakening the attention, and engag- ing the affedion of his auditors. He taught with clearnefs and argued with ftrength, exhorted with vehemence, and reproved with a becoming authority, and found the art, which fo few who fpeak in publick attain, of blending- reafon and eloquence fo happily together, that they mutually affifted and embellifhed each other, and equally adorned his dilcourfes; which were adapted at once to improve the mind and touch the heart, and had fome- thing in them, that was entertaining, both to the learned and illiterate, both to the polite, and lefs cultivated part of mankind. 'His great improvements, next to the divine blefling on his aliiduous ftudies, was owing, partly to the generous am- bition he had to to excel, which indu- ced him to apply himfeif to clofe fludy and meditation, lefl he fhould produce any thing crude and undigelled ; partly
'to
31 8 The History of the
to the prudent choice he made in his younger days; and partly to his great moderty, which gave him a continual jealoufy of his own performances, and engaged him frequently to fubmit what he had compofed to the cenfure of thofe friends he thought capable of adviiing him, and to intreat them with uncom- mon importunity, not to fuffer any faults to efcape their remark, but to be free in advertifmg him of every thing, that might feem to them, either defedlive, or redundant.
' His good will and charity to man- kind in general, was confpicuous, in the indefatigable labours he fuftained, in en- deavouring to promote the interefl of their fouls. He often lamented the un- reafonable differences among Chrillians, and had a hearty refpeft for all who held the efTentials of the Chriflian religion, tho* of different fentiments in matters of lefler moment. And as he had a mind too generous to be determined by the opinion of others, without making a ftricl enquiry into the reafons of things ; fo his modefty and charity were too great, not to give all due deference to thofe who entertained notions which he could not fee reafon to embrace. And whereas, he thought it his duty frequently to ex- pofe the errors of thofe of the Romijl: communion, in terms of forae force and
* warmth.
English Baptists. 319
warmth, he defired it might be fignified to the world, after his deceafe -, that the zeal and fervour he fliewed on thofe oc- cafions, did not arife from a difaffedion to any of their perfons; but from the deep fenfe he had of the pernicious ten- dency of their errors, and from the ar- dent defire he had to reclaim them from thofe delufions, as well as to prevent others from falling into them. That piety and charity which adorned his con- verfation in the time of his health, feem- ed to encreafe their ftrength and luftre during his long ficknefs j a ficknefs, which gradually Vvxakened his conftitution, and at laft grew ftrong enough to diffolve it/ - He changed this life for a better in March 171 3. His public works 1iave been col- led;ed fince his death, and were printed in one volume oSfavo, Anno 17 14.
Mr. Jojeph Steimet, a reverend and Jofeph learned divine, was born in the year 166? Stennet. at Abingdo?2, in the county of Berks, and was the fecond fon of the reverend' Mr. Edward Stennet^^ famous for the part he took in the civil wars, being on the fide of the parliament, which expofed him to the negled: of his relations, and afterwards to many difficulties. Being trained up in a family, where there vC-as fo much genuine and undiffembled piety, he became^a hap- py inftance of that early converfion, which in Ibme of his printed difcourfes he has fo
well
320 "Th^ History of the
well recommended to others. What ant early and juft fenfe he had, of the advan- tages of fuch an education, appears from the following paffage, written when he was very young, and found among his pa- pers fmce his death. ' O God of my fal- *■ vatioui how abundant was thy goodnefs ! « O invaluable mercy ! Thou didll feafon
* my tender years with a religious educa-
* tion, fo that I fucked in the rudiments ' of Chriftianity, as it were, with my mo- '■ ther's milk, by the gracious admonitions, « and holy difcipline of my godly parents. « Tins was an antidote fent from heaven, ' again 11 the corroding poifon of fin 5 this
* made confcience fpeak, while my childifli
* tongue could but ftammerj this is a
* branch of thy divine bounty and good- « nefs, for which my foul fliall for ever
* blefs thee.'
Having finiflied his grammar learning, at the public fchool in Wallingford, he foon maftered the French and Italia}! lan- guages, became a critic in the Hebrew, and"^ other oriental tongues j fuccefsfuUy . ftudied the liberal fciences, and made a confiderable proficiency m philofophy.
He came to London in the year 1685, and for the firft five years employed hini- fclf in the inllruftion and education of youth J and being fenfible that it was ne-> ceffary, to iludy men as v^^ell as bocks, he endeavoured to cultivate an acquaintance
with
English Baptists, 321
with feveral perfons, eminent for their piety, good fenfe, and learning j and na- ture had fo well furniflied him with a ca- pacity of pleafing in converfation, that he feldom failed of recommending himfelf to men of that charafter. He was bred up with a true fenfe of the value of EngUjJj liberty, and had very early felt the fmart of perfecution, having in the reign of King Charles II. attended his father a confider- able time in prifon for the caufe of confci- ence and religion. About this time there- fore he wrote feveral witty pieces, efpeciak ly in poetry, which were publiflied, and tended to encourage the fpirit of libertv in the people : They were much taken notice of, but never w^ore his name.
In the year i638 he was married to Mrs. Siifanna Gill, daughter of George Gill^ Efq; an eminent French merchant, who iat the time of the revocation of the edid of Nantz had left his native country, and a very confiderable eflate there, for the fake of religion.
By the earnefl felicitation of his friends, being about this time prevailed on to appear m the pulpit, he was foon taken notice of, 6fpeciaily at an evening ledure which he preached in Devonfiire-fquare. The con- gregation Wiiich obferved the feventh day, meeting then at that place, and afterwards at Finners Rail, had been for fome time deprived of their worthy pallor, the pious Y and
322 The Hist 0K\ of the
and learned Mr. Francis Bampjeild^ who, after , various lufFerings, and many years confinement, died a prifoner for the fake of a good confcience, as has been in this Hi- ftory obferved. This people foon fixed "their eyes upon Mr. Stennet, as a proper fucceflbr to fo excellent a perfon. Ano- ther fituation might have been more to his temporal advantage, and there were not wanting offers of that kind j yet he pre- ferred the invitation of this fmall people, by reafon of his agreement with them in prin- ciples. Accordingly he was ordained their paftor the fourth of March 1690 ; and tho' they were able to do but little towards the fupport of him and his family, which proved numerous, yet no temptation could ever prevail on him to leave them ; but he continued their faithful and mofl affedi- onate paftor to his dying day *.
Tho' his public labours amongft his people v/ere on the fe^uenth day, yet he preached todiverfe other congregations con- llantly on xhtjirji day. He ufed to bring nothing with him into the pulpit, except fome Siort hints of the heads of his dif- courfe, and references to texts of fcripture, fo that he committed things only, and not
* He has a fon of his own name, now in the miniftry, who, tho' he is of the fame principles with his father, re- fpeftirg the keeping of ikefe'venth day as a fabbath, yet is pallor of a congregation in Little Wild-Jlreet, Lincoln' i-Inn- FieUs, that k^p ihtfrjid^y as fuch.
words.
English Baptists. 323
words, to memory. Some of his leifure hours were filled up, in tranilating ufefal books out of French into our own lan^ guage ', among which was the bifhop of Chiapa'z account of the cruelties of the Spaniards in America^ and Daciers Plato ^ &c. At other times he diverted himfelf in exercifing his /'(?^ifzV^/ genius ; and as his friend Mr. T^ate^ the poet laureat, jufily faid of him, * He had the happinefs to be
* a good poet without being a Have to the ' mufes.' His vernon of the Canticles^ with his J'acrament'al hymns^ raifcd his re- putation for divifie poefy j and occalioned his being applied to to revife the verfion of Davids P/alms^ made by that celebrated poet Sir John Tienham. And fuch was the opinion of Dr. Sharps then archbiOiop of Tbrky that his grace was pleafed to fay,
* He had heard fuch a chara6ler of Mr.
* Stennet^ that he thought no man more ' fit for that work, than he j not only for ' his ikiil in poetry^ but likewife in the
* Hebrew ton2;ue.'
Tho' he was naturally averfe to dif- putation, yet he v/as fevin-al times enga- ' ged in it 3 and m.ore than once in a pub- lic manner 3 on which occafions he feldoni failed to gain the efceem even of his oppo- nents. Inftances of this misiht be given in his difpute with Mr. Pen?i the Quaker , Capt. Hedworth and Mr. Rjmns on the XJnitarian points 5 Mr. hejley the Non- Y 2 juror.
324 Tlje History of the
juror i and fome among the Romanifts themfelves.
When he publiflied his thankfgiving Jlrmon^ for the victory at Hockjiedt^ in 1 704, it was prefented to Queen Anne, by fome noble hand, without his knowledge. Her Majefly having read it over, was highly pleafed with the performance and ordered him a gratuity out of the privy purfe, with her thanks to him. But fo far was he from affedling popularity, that he concealed this from many of his near friends ; and perhaps, if it had not been firft made known by the gentleman, who was fent on the royal melTage, very few would have ever heard of it.
Mr. Ste?met's character being fo well known, he wanted not for fuch tempta- tions, as confidering he had a large family, and little to fupport it, might have been thought capable of prevailing, if he had not been very fteady to the principles he profefled. He had feveral coniiderable offers made him in the eftablifhed church, if he would have conformed. And a late eminent prelate, once faid to an intimate friend of Mr. Stenncf%, That if he could but be reconciled to the church ; not many preferments in it, he believed, would be thought above his merit. But how little impreflion fuch propofals made on him, appears, from what he faid on one of thofe occafions to a friend of his. ' That
' he
English Baptists. 325
* he bleiled God, he could hardly allow
* thefe things to be called temptations 3 be- ' caufe he never felt in his mind, the leaft ' difpoiition to enter into any treaty with
* them.'
In the beginning of the year 17 13, his health apparently declined. Many heavy afflidions at that time crouded upon him, which afFed:ed him more than ordinary; tho' he had been iifed to various trials, du- ring the whole courfe of his life, and had a temper of mind fitted for fach exercifes. During his illnefs, he loft his dear friend the reverend Mr. yo/j?2 Piggott^ with whom he had lived in a conftant, and moft intimate friendfhip, fcr many years. His funeral fermon, which has been hi2;h- ly efteeraed by the beft judges, was the laft Mr. Stenjiet preached, in which he has given a juft character of that valuable perfon, which I have before tranfcribed. Being advifed by his phyiicians, to remove into the air, he vvent to Knaphill in Buck- inghamfljire^ the houfe of his brother in law, Mr. Morton^ where he declined apace. When he drew near his diiTolution, he called his children about him, and in a par- ticular m.anner, gave his dying advice to his eideft fon, with refpedt to the manage- ment of his (Indies, and the condudl of his future lifej and having charged upon them ail, a due obedience to their mother, he prelfed them in a fpt cial manner to a Y 3 proper
326 "The History (?y /)§,?
proper concern for their fouls ; declaring to them, with the greateft afTurance, and a pleafant fmile in his countenance j that if they were found walking in the ways of true rehgion, his God would be their God, to whofe providence he could in faith commit them. He likewife figniiied to feveral about him, in a calm and fedate manner, a firm and well grounded hope of a blefled condition, in the eternal world. And to one in particular, who afked him in what difpofitiofi his mind was, under his low eftate of body, and in the profpedt of his great change. ' I rejoice faid he, ' in the God of my falvation, who is my * ftrcngth and my God.' Thus he gra- dually funk away, and llept in the Lord, on the nth. oi July 17 13. and in the forty ninth year of his age.
His works were colledted, andpubiifli-
ed after his deceafe in four volumes Oda-
yo.j to which is prefixed fome account of
his life, vv^hich I have made ufe of in the
•aforegoing account. He alfo wrote an
Anfwer to Mr. David Rujjhi's book, inti-
tled, Fiindamejitah without a foundation^
or a true pi Bare of the Anahaptijh, &c. 8vo,
1704.
Ebenezer Mr . Ebejiezer Wilfon, He was fome time
Wilfon, ^t ]yrr. JoUef^ academy in TorkJl:ire, to be
trained up for the miniftry. When he came
from thence, he was for fome years mini-.
fier to a Baptijl congregation at BriftoL
He
English Baptists. 327
He married the daughter of the reverend Mr. Founds (one of the ejeded Baptiji minifters, who thro' the cruelty of his perfecutors ended his days in a pripi as has been before related) by whom he had fve ovjix children. One of which, viz,^ Mr. Samuel Wiljbn, is now fhe elder of the baptized church in Goodman\-jields. They were part of that ancient flourifh- ing Church, which met in Broadftreet Wapping, who, with him, came off from them, and built that new meeting-houfe of which they are now polTelTed. The remaining part continued fome years toge- , . ■ ther 3 but labouring under many difficul- ties, in the end, were necellitated to dif- folve their church ftatc.
Upon the death of Mr. William CoIHjjs^ paftor of an ancient congregation in Spittle Fields J that church agreed to unite with a fmall church, that met at Loriners Hall^ and to bring in the pradice of fmging pfalms, which had not heretofore been ufed amongft them. They chofe Mr. Na- thaniel Hodges to be pallor of the united church.
Several members of the ancient chu rch and fome of confiderable ability, were dif- plealed at thefe things, and feparated from the reft, claiming to themfelves the title of the church, becaufe they flood by the ancient conftitution and fettlement. Thefe refolving to keep up their church ftate, Y 4 and
328 ^e History of the
and public worfhip, invited Mr. Ebenezer Wiljbn to come to them fi-om Brijiol^ and foon after chofe him to be their paftor. Tho' lie was a worthy man, and a fchoiar, yet he was no popular preacher; and as the people were but fe\7 in number, {o they continued ; yet he had a tolerable maintenance from them, fome of them being rich, and he being generally refped:- ed, they contributed largely for his fup- port. His funeral ferrnon was preached by the reverend Mr. WalUn^ but was not printed. Matthew Mr. Matthew Caffm^ a very. pious and Caffin. learned man, was born at Horjham in the county of Sujex^ we may fuppofe in OBot ber 1628, becaufe the parifli regifter fets forth, that he was baptized the 26th. His parents were of the eiiabliflied church, who being of a fair character, but mean in circumftances, a gentleman in their neigh- bourhood, took our Matthew^ ^vho was their feventh fon, into his family, as a companion for his own fon, being about the fame age. With him he was fent to a noted grammar fchool in Kent^ and af-r terwards to the univerfity of Oxjord. Hav- ing thefe advantages, and being naturally fedate and fludious, he became well verfed in the knowledge of the oriental languages, zealoufly bent on the fiudy of divinity. He fcon became convinced, that infants bap- iifm, had no foundation in the Scriptures,
and
English Baptists. 329
and was niiknown in the church till the days of Tertullian j - in whofe time many- errors were creeping in among the Chri- ilians.
Thus having found the truth, for his better information he debated the point with the mafters and fcholars, who, in the end, for want of better arguments, difmiffed him from the univerfity, that he might have no further opportunities of venting, what they called, his new and flrange dodrines. Upon his return to HorJJja?n he joined himfelf to a fmall con- gregation of Bdptifls, under the care of Mr. Samuel Lover, His abilities foon ad- vanced him to the miniftry, in which he was fo fuccefsful, that from a fmall num- ber they foon became a large and flourifli- ing church ; and is now the moft con- fiderable church in thof^ parts, under the care of Matthew Cajin, his eldeft fon, and Thomas Sowtho72 3 who were ordained to the paftoral office by himfelf, fome years before his death.
He was a man of indefatigable dili- gence J befides bis labours in his own congregation he frequently vilited other churches, and by his preaching, and pious converfation, was greatly inftrumental in planting and watering moft of the Baptift churches now in Kent, Surrey, and Suf- fex. He had fo the command of his tem- per, as render'd him very fit for public
dilpu-
330 The History of tide
difputations, in which he was much en- gaged ; and more efpecially with the ^^- kers J expoling more particularly their ex- travagant opinions ; fuch as pretending to immediate infpiration, finlefs perfedlion, their contempt of the holy Scriptures, and denying the Lord who bought them by his death on the crofs. His endeavours to undeceive thofe honell well-meaning peo- ple, made fuch as were too far gone in their miftakes, feek occafions of conten- tion with him. One remarkable inftance we have, was, when he occupied part of a farm, a ^aker came to him, and very gravely told him. He had a ?nelfage from the Lord. Come in then, fays Mr. Cajfif?^ and do thy meffage. The ^laker replies, I am come to reprove thee, for paying tithes to the priefts, and to forbkl thy do- ing fo any more. Mr. Coffin replied, I think I can fully convince thee, that thou art deceived, and that the Lord hath not fent thee j for I affufe thee, I never did pay any tithes^ nor am ever like to be charged with any. The land he rented being, as to him, wholly freed from tithes.
At the requeil: of madam Fuller^ a gentlewoman of an excellent character, he difputed in 'the pnrifh church oiWaldron, with the minifler thereof, on the point of infant baptifm. His fucccfs iffued in the convidion of the faid gentlewoman, and
one
English Baptists. 331
one Mr. Henry Miller, a gentleman who was an able pradlitioner in the law. Soon after they were both baptized on the pro- feffion of their faith. Mr. Miller quitted his employment, adhered to the ftudy of divinity, became an eminent preacher, and at length was ordained pa (lor to a Baptiji congregation at Warbleton in Siiffex.
At another time he difputed on the fame point with Mr. Rotbwell, minifter of Henfield in Sii[jex\ and feveral other mini- fters there prefent. In the end one of them took ianduary under the ftory of John of Leyden 3 to which Mr. Caffm re- plied, What is this to us any more than it would be to you, if 1 fliouid affirm, that- the felons m every one of our goals belong to the eftabiiflied church ?
He had frequent contentions with the Frejbyterians upon the do61rine of eternal and unconditionate reprobation. Once, as- they were about to difpute upon that fub- jedl, he propofed this queflion to his oppo- nent. Whether you think reprobation the caufe of Jin, or fm the caufe of reproba- tion ? After a conliderable paufe he affirm- ed. That reprobation was the caufe of Jin. At this the auditors were furprized^ and upon Mr. Caffiii?, (hewing, how unreafon- able it muit be, as well as contrary to plain Scripture, for an aul of God to be the firft caufe of ^?2 5; his opp07icnt not be- ing able to ani^Ycr quitted the difpute.
332 TJd2 History of the
He Vv'as a man of great moderation , and even in his public difputations adhered fo clofely thereto, fo as never once to tranf- . grefs; and ufually obfcrved, that where paffion, and ill language appeared, it was a fure evidence of a bad fpirit, if not alfo of a bad caufe. His ftrid: piety, his vir- tuous, peaceable, and exemplary deport- ment, gained him an extenfive efleem and -reverence ; yet this did not fecure Eirh'frpm the complaints and cenfures of fome of hi brethren, who were his moft intimate friends, with whom he would in converla tion freely declare, he could not 'be recon- ciled to fome of the propoiitions in the Athanafian creed. He could eaiily under- lland, and heartily alTent to, all that the Scriptures did fay, concerning either the Father, the Son, or the Holy^Ghoft ; but he ufed to complain, that he did not know what to do, when he is told, that he muft perijh everhfilngly ^ unlefs he believed, that the Son is both co-eternal with the Father, and alfo begotten of him. That the Fa- ther, Son, and Spirit, muft each by him- felf be acknowledged to be God, to be Al- mighty, Incompreheniible and Eternal 5 and yet at the fame time muft fay, there is but one God, one Almighty, one In- comprehenfible, and one Eternal. What others could do he knew not, nor did he envy their penetration 3 but whenever he went about to underftand this fcheme^ he
could
English Baptists. 333
could not help running into the exprefs contradidion of three eternal almighty per- Tons, and but one fuch perfon^ that each by himfelf is God, and yet that each by himfelf is not God, becaufe there are not three Gods, and bui: One only. Nor v/as it eafy to him to apprehend, how a perfed: God, and a perted; man, tho' ever fo clofely united, can be any other than two perfons, and two Chrifts, inftead of one.
This his freedom brought upon him much trouble ; for Mr. jofeph Wright of Maidjlone^ a man of piety and learning, one in whom he put great confidence, and main- tained clofe friendlliip, at length became his enemy, and put the worll fenfe on his private difcourfes, and charged his opinions as blafphemous and heretical. Of which I have made mention Vol, 3. p, 280.
A YOUNG man who attended the mini- flry of Mr. Fijh^ an ancient pious prefby- terian minifter, near Capell^ deiired a pri- vate conference with him, on the do6irine of the T'rinity. To this he con fen ted. The hngle point, this perfon undertook to prove, was, that Chrift v/as the moft high God; and to this end, he recited thofe many texts of Scripture, as he had learned them by heart, out of Chrijl's famous ti- tles^ v/rote by Mr. Dyer > Bat hov/ to ar- gue, or what to infer from any of them, he was altogether at a lofs. And when Mr. Ciffin had fhev.Ti him, how far any,
or
334 ^^ History of the
or all of thofe Scriptures, were from an- fv/ering the end, for which they were often cited, and the young man having nothing to reply ; he then advifed him to go home, and iirft fludy the plain parts of Scripture; to become acquainted vx^ith the inftitutions of the Gofpel, the virtues and graces of the ChriHian life, to learn the fear of the Lord ; and then told him, it would be time enough for him, to enter upon the difputable points of the gofpel. This was certainly very good advice ; and is worthy of the notice of all Chriftians, botK young and old.
Mr. Cqffi?i efteemed the errors of men's pradiice, in v/hich their will and choice were concerned, much more pernicious and deftrudive, than the m.ere undefig- ned miftakes of their underftanding and ]udo-ment; and in confequence of that conclufion, it v/as his conftant care and fludy, to live as beca??ie the Gojf^el^ to ado?'?t the doBrine of God his Saviour, by a pati- ent continuance in "well doi?ig. He always accounted, the importance of every do- ctrine, from the apparent influence it had upon practice ; therefore he took the A?!- tinornian Scheme, of refolving the falva- tion and damnation of mankind, into mere fovereign pleafure, without all regard to their good or ill behaviour in the world, to be a pernicious error ; and with the ex- Vol.l. ceilent bifiop T^illotfon, That in a popular p. 402. fenfc, a wicked life, is the very woril: of
herefy.
English Baptists. 335
herefy, as being the practical improvement, or confequence of bad notions. To this end, it was the nianifeft view of all his difcourfes, to prevent his auditors of any dependance, upon mere faith, how pro- found foeverj upon a. bare profeffion, or the outward performance of a round of duties. He ufed to iliew, how prepofte- roufly many rolled themfelves upon Chrifl and his righteoufnefs, fo as to fuppiy the want of that righteoufnefs, they are com- manded to acquire themfelves, by a courfe of holinefs and chriftian duty. He was once preaching this doctrine, from ABs. 17. 27. at the funeral of a perfon, at Capellj before a numerous auditory ; when as foon as he* had done, a warm prelbyte- rian flood up and faid. Well, old friend, now you have told us fo much, pray tell us, v/hat we mufl depend upon in point of Juftification ? The mercy of God, fays Mr. Coffin, we are nothing of our felves. I thought, replied the other, you had been talking quite other things. Why, fays Mr. Coffin, do you think that feeking God, and finding favour with him, in a way of humble duty, is at all inconliftent with a man's being accepted, thro' the un- dertakings of Chrift, and the free favour of God ? If you do, you ought to learn better. At which the gentleman was filent.
In
22^ Toe History of the |
In the exercife of church difcipline, h? was fevere againft all ungodlinefs, and un- righteoufnefs of men who held the truth ih unrightecufnefs', and if any who were pious, and humble entertained opinions he thought to be wrong, he v/ould, indeed, in meek- nefs inftrua: them ; but if he could not al- ter their judgment, he always continued to them the fame chriftian love and charity as before. If he found among the congre- gations, he ufed more efpecially to vifit, any contentions, he would always difcoun- tenance the fomenters of them, and per- fuade to forbearance and condefcenfion, fince no man could be refufed the liberty of his own private opinion ; fo that, it is a falfe and an invidious accufation, raifed, againil him by Mr. Cooper, as if Mr. Caf^\ fin promoted the excommunication of cer^ tain perfons at Biddinden for mere princi- ples 3 whereas it is apparent, from his own relation, it was alone on account of their having caufed divifions and piTences, and becaufe they had made an unrighteous rent and fchifm in the church of Chrift, con^ trary to the dodrine of charity and for- bearance delivered to them in the Gofpel. Had they been but peaceable and friendly they had never been cenfured by that church. This alio appears upon the re- hearing of the matter at Smarden, before three minifters from London-, at which meeting they alfo undertook to difpute for
the
English Baptists. 337
the two qiieilions following, i. Whether it be abfolutely neceffary to Chriftian com- munion, to believe that Chrift is effentiai- ly God, of the fame effence with the Fa- ther? 2. Whether it be abfolutely necef- fary to Chriflian communion, to believe that Chrifl is of the fubllance of Mary his mother ?
Mr. Coffin and others undertook the ne- gative, and made the unfurmountable dif- ficulties, which attend the Athanafian fcheme, fo fully and manifeftly appear, that the worthy gentlemen who undertook the affirmative, were not able to (land their ground. For, who can once ima- gine, that Chrift, whofe right it is, to fix the terms of Chriftian communion, has made it abfolutely neceffary, for every plowman and threiher, to believe a do- arine, which, after the utmoft application and labour, the learned find fo difficult to underlland, and make intelligible ? This would be to place his fwours out of the reach of the plain and llmple, who are much the greateft part of mankind.
His reafons, for not anfwering fome books that were publifhed againft him, were ufaally thefe. That as to Mr. V/righfs piece, it was made up chiefly of perfonal reproaches ; and what he fa id about the change of his opinion was utterly ground- lefs i that his other relations, were fo ma- licious, extravagant, and miftnterpreted, as Z to
33^ Tloe History of the
to contain in them fcarcely the appearance of truth J that as to the argumentative part, it was the barrenefl: thing he ever read ; and that the paper he fent him in a hurry, cfpecially had he printed it entire, would have been an anfwer to the whole more than fufficient ; that he was willing there- fore to let it die without any further diftur- bance. That as to Mojik's, book, a great part of it was fo myflerious, and unintel- ligible, as to need no confutation ; that the mofl part thereof did not affed: any principles held by him j and, in particular, as to the humanity of Chrifl, he had fuf- ficiently declared his mind in his anfwer to one Richa?'d Haynes, who had been dealt with for a mifdemeanor, and had printed liis cafe, and referred his reader to Mr. Mojik's book in a v/ay of defamation. In that an- fwer which came out in 1674, the next year after Mr. Monk's, there is this paf- Pag. 31, fage; * And whereas he alfo further fug- 3^' * gefteth to the reader, that I hold an er- ' ror concerning the Lord Jefus, and that ' Mr. Mo72k had wrote fomething againft
* it, the reader is to underftand, that the
* title of the book is but partly reprefented
* by Richard Haynes, to wit, i'he cure of the *■ cankering error ; but being truly repre-
* fented, is, A cure for the cankering er- ' ror of the new Eutichians ; which error, ' at no time was, nor yet is, by me believ- ' ed. Nor do I, as concerning the Lord
Jefus,
English Baptists, 339
Jefus, rior any other point of faith, 6^ relig'oiis vvorfliip, believe any other, than the very fame which was bcheved by me, and openly profelTed, when he, for many years, had fellowship with us. And if, by liis faying, that I deny Chriii took his fiefh of the virgin Mary^ he means, that the redemption of fouls is no more precious, than the death and blood iTiedding of a body of fle(h, in the fallen ellate, under condemnation of ori- ginal lin ; and that was, as to its begin- ning, of the earth, as the fivft yldam's was, I readily declare my dilTsnt there- unto, as does, in fome refpe(5^:s, the au- thor of that book, and alfo mofc others. But this I eonfent to, and verily believe, that the true Mejjiah, whom the Father hath fealed to be the bleffed Saviour of the world, was conceived in the virgin Mary, and- there took our nature and our form, and fo was in all points like unto his brethren, fin excepted, the fon oi Abraham^ the fon of David, confef- fed to be, while the firfl man WaS of the earth, earthy,- the fecond man the Lord from heaven.' Those who converf^J with him freely, and \vithout prejudice, fays the author of the mariUfcript comrfiunicated to me, faw his opinion to be this, together with the ground of it. He always aimed at exalt- ing the dignity, and natural excellence of Z 2 Chpfl^
340 Tl^e History of the
Chrifb 'y he was willing, fome how or other, to conclude him really man^ without his being of the fallen lump of linners. He apprehended, that in all human genera- tions, the principle of life, intelligence, and cogitation, was derived de J'emine maf~ cull, and that the mother contributed only nourifhment to the formed embryo 5 and as the conception of Chrift was miraculous, wholly out of the common way, fo he thought, that tho' he was really man as we, yet his produdion would likewife be fuperior and excellent. As he was really Mary's fon, fo he could fee eafily, how he muft be David's fon. His miftake, per- haps, lay, in making a diftinclion where there appears to be no difference ; that is, between taking flelli of, and receiving nou- riflim.ent from the virgin Mary. To ob- viate this point, he put an intimate friend to write his thoughts, and promifed to an- fwer to what he did not receive. When this was done, and it was made out to him, that nourifhment both before and after the birth, is nothing elfe but the ad- dition of new matter, by the menftrual ^ejluvia, or by the food miniftring chyle, and that turning into blood, and fo fup- plying what it wafled by perfpiration, la- bour, Gfc. and that incogitative matter is incapable of receiving any linful pollution j that fin is only a creature of the mind j that guilt is not conveyable by genera- tion;
English Baptists. -341
tion; and, that the pain and frailty to which only Chriil was fubjed, could be no objedlion to his meetnefs as a Saviour, He made no anfwer to that writing, from whence it was concluded to be agreeable to his prefent fentiments. He feemed very cautious in avoiding the error of the Nejio- rimis, who afferted two perfons, as well as two natures in Chrift. He thought it a little flrange and unaccountable, that in refped of the Deity, one fubftance Ihould , conftitute three real perfons, and yet, that in Chrift, two intelligent natures and fub- ftances fhould make but o?ie perfon. To avoid the difficulties of this fort, he feem-, ed fometimes inclinable to the fuppofition, that the Logos was alone the principle of adion in Chrift 5 but he was far from bi- gotry and impofition in matters of doubt- ful difputation. He knew the force of education, and early infenfible prejudice, and was always ready to make every rea- fonable allowance. His conftant preach- ing ; his frequent calls among the churches ; the charge of his own congregation, toge- ther with his imprifonments, and the care of his family, which he chofe to continue, rather than burthen his people, prevented his writing many books j and yet, befides the two pieces he was obliged to pubUfti in de- fence of his church againft Richard Haynes, hp^put out one, intitled. Faith in God's pro- miles the faints heft weapon. To wliich was 7, 3 annex*
34-2 Tl^e History of the
annexed another trac^, called, Tioe great error md mifiake of the ^lakers, concern- trig the true Chrift^ and how he is /aid to be in his people 5 attd concer?iijig the i-ide of mankind, in which their former extrava^ gancies are laid open aiid confuted. He aU iQ wrote a large piece againft the fifth mo- narchy principles, intitled. No kingdom for faints imtil the ki?2g of faints comes. But cbi"erving that mad notion to be upon the declme he did not think fit to pubhili it. He alfo left imperfecfl certain manufcripts on the do&ine of the holy Irinit^, which the proprietors of them have not" yet pub- haied. Thus hved this picas man, and when worn out by age in the fervice of his Lord he fell afleep in May lyi^^ and amidft a numerous attendance of mournful friends was committed to the filent grave m the fure expedation of the life and eiory to come. ^
Etrs. , ^'^^; Jjfiph Maimers, an excellent and learned divine, v/ho had for manv years been an honour to the Englijh Baptijls and was univerfally refpeded by thofe of otner denominations. He was trained up at the univerfityof O^^'c'r^, where he had for his tutor the famous Dodor Goodwin-, under whofe care he made a large proj^refs m uieful learning, and iiad a great proipca: ot honour and preferment. But upon the Refloraticn he quitted all this, to preferve a good confciencc, and to ad in religion
agree-
English Baptists. 343
agreeable to the light he had received. He was for many years paftor of a congregation of Baptijls at Theobalds in Hartjordfiire ; but when he was about j^/jy years of age the congregation at Joiners Hall, one of the richeft churches iii London, I may fay in England, Vv'anting an elder, earneft- ly folicited him to come to town and take the care of them. His church in the country was then reduced to a very fmall ^ number, and met in a Pre%terian meet- ing-houfe, the minifters of the two con- s;regations dividing the v/ork betwixt them. However, Mr. Maijlers would not accept the call of this rich church, fo as to lay afide the care of his little flock, who had hitherto enjoyed the benefit of his labours. It was therefore fo contrived, that the few members he had in the coun- try fliould come and join themfelves with him, to this church at London, and that he lliould go down one Lord's day in each month, to preach and adminifter the Lord's fupper unto them in the country ; and in this fituation he continued his care over them both, until his death, which was about t'^.venty years. He Vv^as a man of an unblemidi'd converfation,of extenfwe cha- rity, and modeft beyond what is common to men of his age and advantages. He was a very plain and ferious preacher ; and tho' he never ufed a pompous ftile, or fervent delivery, yet his preaching was Z 4 accept-
344 The History of the
acceptable almofl to all, and admired by- many ferious and judicious Chriftians of different perfuafions, tho' he himfelf was a profefied Cahinifi and Baptifi. He writ down in his fludy the greateft part, if not all, that he delivered in the pulpit ; but having a very retentive memory, which continued to the lail, he ufed no notes.
A FEW years before his death his con- gregation had warning given them to quit the Hall^ where they had met for many years; upon which they removed to Pin- ners Hall in Broadfireet ; the Independant church there, of which the reverend Mr. Himt is paftor, agreeing, that they fhould have the ufe of the hall one part of the Lord's day, and themfelves the other ; fo that after this he was not obliged to preach above once a day, which he held, not- v/ithftanding his great age, till within a few weeks of his death, which happened J^pril 6, 17 17, and in the feventy-fixth year of his age.
As he always avoided popularity in his life-time, fo, according to his own dire- ction, he had a private funeral, there be^ ing only a few relations, befides thofe that , fupported the pall, to accompany his corpfe to the Diflenters burying-ground in Biiii- hil-jieldsy where he was interred ; and as an emblem of his catholic charity, he had two .Prejbyteriai2s, tivo hidependant^ and t%!oo Baptiji minifters to be his pall-bearers,
His
English Baptists.
His funeral fermon was preached at Pin- Iners Hall^ on the Lord's day following, by his fellow-labourer in that place, Mr. yere?niah Hiint^ a worthy gentleman of the Piedobaptift perfuafion, in whofe due praife I could very much enlarge ; but he is ftill a fhining light in the prefent day, and therefore I muJl forbear, and only ob- ferve, that after a very full account of the bright and lingular charadier of this pious Baptiji, he fays, * In a word, he was fo
* happy, as to pafs a life of 2\vao9i fcvenfy-
* Jeven years without a blemifli. BlefTed
* faint ! uncommon in fiance ! worthy our ' imitation ! fo beautiful even in this im- ' perfed iketch of fo amiable a life!'
Such was his great modefty, that he could not be prevailed upon to publilh any thing while he lived, tho' earneftly folici- ted fo to do, by fome that had a great in- tereft in him ; nor is it likely that any of his works fhould come forth after his death, becaufe he writ all his preparatory ftudies m fl:iort-hand. There were, in- deed, two manufcripts found amongft his papers of his own decyphering ; the one, Aparaphrafe^ with practical obfervationSy on^ the parable of the prodigal fin. The other. Advice to young people^ in feveral difcourfes on Fjdl. cxix. 9. Wherewith Jhall a young man ckanfi his way f By taking heed thereto^ accordi?ig to thy word, 'Tis fuppofed he writ thefc chiefly for the ufe
of
345
346 7^^ History of the
of his own children, but feme would be , glad to have them made more public. Richard M.^. Richard Alien, a famous minifter, Allen. much noted in his day for ufefulnefs, piety and charity ; tho' he had not the advanta- ges of a learned education, yet he was a man of good natural endowments, and by his own induflry, after he was called to the work of the miniftry, he attained to fuch an acquaintance with tlie oriental lan- guages, and other parts of ufeful learning, as to exceed many who enjoyed the bene- fits of a learned education in the fchools. He went under the denomination of '2i ge- neral Baptiji, tho' he converfed chiefly with the minifters of the particular perfua- lion, and was with his church admitted into their afTociation at London in the year 1 704. And he was alfo a member of the fociety of Cahinifiical miniflers, that met every week at the Hanover Coffee -hotife in 'Finch-lane, for fome years, both before, and after that admiffion. The church, of which he was elder, is one of the moll an- cient congregations of the Baptijls about London, being firft confiituted in tlie time of the civil wars, and had for their pallor the famous M.r.JohnGofnold, who, about the year 1670, was fucceeded by Mr. Tiho- mas Plant; and about the year 1693 Mr. Allen fuCceeded Mr. Plant, bringing with him a fmall congregation, to which he had been paftor before, which met at "turners
English Baptists.
Hall in Fhilpot-kne. He was their pallor many years, and always preserved the cha- iaa:er of a pious man, and of an ingenious and ufeful preacher; and continued in ^is work till witliin a few months before his death, which was on the 20th oiFeb. ijlj. He was buried from Mr. Mulliner\ meet- ing-houfe in Moorjields, from whence his corpfe was carried to the diifenters burybg ground in Bunhil-fields, being accompanied by a great number of minifters and others. Mr. Mulliner entertained the people with a fhort difcourfe on mortality at the grave -, and his funeral fermon was preached the Lord's day following by Mr. Hodge^^ at his meeting-houfe in Barbican, He pub- li(hed feveral trads in his life-time, in which he has-left to the world, a fpecimen both of his natural and acc^uired abilities ; the titles of which are,
1. AN Effay^ to prove finging of pfalms with conjoined voices, a Chriftian duty, and to refolve the doubts concerning it, S''". 1696.
2 . A BRIEF 'vhidi cation of an EJjay to prove finging of pfalms, {£?f. 8^°. 1696.
3. A GAINFUL death the end of a truly chriftian life. A fermon at the fu- neral of Mr. fohn Griffith, 8^'°. 1700.
4. ^^fi/^AfOiV on the death of King
WilUamWl. 4'°. 1700.
5. -^^Ei^ikfOATontheunionofE/^g-- land ^nd Scotland^ 8^°. 1707.
He
347
348 7Z^ History of the
He was the author, tho' he put not his name thereto, of thofe two volumes in oSla'-co, intitled, Biographia Ecclefiajiica -, or^ the lives of the mofi eminent fathers of the Chrifiian church, who purified in the firfi four centuries, and part of the fifth. Benjamin Mr. Benjamin Stinton, was born Feb, Stinton. 2. Aono 1 676. He married a daughter of the reverend Mr. Be7ijamin Reach, and fucceeded him in the paftoral office^ of his church. It was with much ditticulty, that the church prevailed upon him to take this charge. But Mr. Reach, knowing his abiUties, and believing the church would fix on him to fucceed him, charged him on his death bed not to rejed; their call, if they Ihould think fit to m.ake choice of him; telling him with earnefcnefs, that ■ in fo doing, he would rejed: the call of God, and'could not expeCl his bleffing to attend him. The dying words of his fa- ther in law, and the preiTing earneflnefs of the church for his acceptance of their call, at length ilTaed in his confent.
He was a very painful and laborious minifter of the gofpel, and tho' he had not the advantage of an academical educa- tion ; yet by his ovv^n induiiry under the affiftancc of the famous Mr. Ainjworth, after he had taken upon him the minifte- rial office, he acquired a good degree of knowledge in the languages, and other ufeful parts of literature which added fome ^ lufire
English Baptists. 349
luftre to thofe natural endowments, which were very perfpicuous in him.
In the latter end of the reign of Queen AjuiCj he formed the defign of fetting up that charity fchool which I have taken notice of before, and accordingly confult- ed the reverend Mr. Joh?i Sladeti, a neighbouring minifter of the Psdobaptift perfuafion about it. But thofe in authori- ty, were fo violently fet againft the dif- fenters, in this very point of their children's education, that no further proceedings were made at that time. Upon the Queen's death, and King George's accef- fion to the crown, who gave the diilenters new affurances of preferving their liberty and property to them, he revived the de- fign, and God has fo bleffed it, that it is now a noble charity, and worthy the encou- ragement of all pious chriflians.
He was alio indrumental, ifnotthefirft mover, towards the redreffing thofe grie- vances the baptized 'mtQv^ik. laboured under, for want of a due provilion made for the Mef of indigent minifters, and training up others to fjxceed in the minillry. Which by the bleifing of God is now not inferi- our to the provifion made by the other denominations of diffenters, for the like purpofes J and I hope in time m.ay exceed them. Tho' Mr. Stinton joyned with the reft of his brethren concerned in this lau- (dable defign, he was far from alTenting to
their
550
T*he History of the
their limitation, 'viz. That it (hould be for the life and advantage of thofe churches only, who go under the denomination of particular Baptijls, and accordingly ente- red his proteft againft the feme, which was as folio weth. viz.
MS. penes sue.
WHEREAS, in the fchcme drav/n up for the management of a fund, propofed to be raifed by the Antipjedo- baptifts in and about Londo?! ; there is this claufe or article, viz. That this fund ihall be for the ufe and advantage of thofe minifters and churches only^ ^Yho go under the denomination oi particular Bapfijis. And whereas I my felf am one, that juftly goes under that deno- mination, becaufe I fledfailly believe, That God did from all eternity, choofe, and ordain, a certain number of per- fons unto eternal life by Jefus Clirift.. That no man can truly repent of his fms, and believe in Chrift, unlefs he be enabled by the fpecial grace of God, fo to do J and that thofe who are thus, brought into a ftate of life and falvation, are by the covenant of grace fecured from final apoftacy. Neverthelefs I- mufl declare my dillike of the aforefaid rule in this cafe, and do protefl againll it for the reafons following. < I. Because it opens a door for endlefs debates and flruggles among the maria-
* gers
English Baptists. 351
gers themfelves, to determine what par- ticular perfons fhall receive the benefit qf til is charity. Who are Particular Bap- tijisj mufl be determined^, either by a a pcrfon's making an exprefs declaratir on of his own faith, or by taking the common report and opinion of others concerning him; both of which will be attended with infuperable difficulties. Some pious and ufeful miniflers may be ,in fuch circumftances, as may make them unwiUing to declare their opinion ' of fome controverted points in religion. Others in neceffity, may be hereby laid under a temptation, either to deny or difll-mble, the real fentiments of their mind. And the managers themfelves muft firft draw up and agree upon cer- tain articles of faith, which fhall be the tefl and fiandard in this cafe. If it mufl be done by the common report, and opi- nion of others -, this is attended with e- qual difficulties, and more uncertainty. Thofe that are counted particulars by fome^ are zealoufly pubhfhed to be ve- nerah by others. And fo on the con- trary, ^ it will alfo be hard to fmd out, Vv'hat is the common opinion of others, concerning the principles of fome men \ and. fliill more difficult to fix, what number of reporters fhall be fufficient to determine a man's charafter on the one fide, or the other j and by both
* methods
352 ^^ History of the
' methods, the managers of this^ fund, < will be let up, as a fort of inquifition, for
* the tryal of men's principles in religion. |
' 2. Because there are feveral mini-^ « flers, and churches of Antipcedobaptijls, ' who defire not to go under the name
* either of generals or particulars, nor •• indeed, can juftly be ranked under ei- ' ther of thefe heads. 'Tis well known^^ « that feveral honourable and ufeful mini- ' fters, hold fome opinions agreeing with « the dodtrine of the Remonftrants, and at ' the fame time have other principles, that ' agree with the Cahinijlical fcheme of ' dodtrinesj receiving what they think to be ' truth, without regarding with what hu- « man fchemes it agrees or difagrees j and « yet their miniftry is very acceptable, and ' ufeful to thofe of both denominations. ' There are alfo feveral churches, to whom « this diftindtion muft be very difagreeable ' if not pernicious. Some focieties confift « of two churches united, who, before ' their union, one were truly termed ge-
* rals, and the other particulars. But « upon the principle of charity, and for the ' fake of the publick good, agreed,_to throw < away thefe marks of diftindtion, and « to walk together in love, as for inftance, « the church at Reading, and that at Co- ' ^ventry. There are alfo other churches ' about London, whofe members are partly
* of one opinion in thefe points, and partly
* of
English Baptists. 353
* of another ; and who likewife defire,
* and frequently have minirters, who
* go under both thefe eharadters, to preach ' to them, and chofe their paftors fome- ' times from one of thefe denominations,
* and fometimes the other j as the church
* at Barbican, and the church at DepU ' ford, neither of which were ever in any ' ajjbciation of the general Baptifts.
* 3. Because this will expofe the Bap- *■ tifts, to the other denominations of Pro^
< tejlant dillenters, as a people of an un- « charitable and party-fpirit. The Prefby- « terians have the fame differences among
< them about the ^inqueticular points, ' as the Baptiji5,jtt in the management of* ^ their fund (out of which they dillribute
* many hundreds by the year) they regard « no diftindions of this nature j nor have ' they fo much as tyed up themielves from
* helping an Independant, or a Baptijl mi-
* nifter ; if it be neceffary for the pub-
* lie good. The Independants alfo, have *■ a confiderable fund without thefe limita-
* tions, to tye tliem from giving to any of
< of their own denomination, or others
* out of it, if there be occafion. But by
* this rule, the Baptifts will tye up them-
* felves, from helping fome of their own
* denomination, be they in never fo great
* a necelhtyj or men of never fo much pi-
* ety and and ufcfulnefs 5 and tho' the ma-
. A a * ?jagers
354 ^^ History of the
' nagers themfelves, may then wifli they
* could do it.
* 4. Because this article, only guards .* againft the Errors of one kind,, and not 1
* thole of another kind, which may ' be equally dangerous and pernicious.
* Whereas if orthodoxy is to be the ilan-
* dard for the diftribution of this charity ;
* all dangerous errors, ought to exclude ' perfons from the benefit of it, as well
* as fome. By particular Baptijis, I fup-
* pofe to be chiefly intended, thofe that
* hold the dodrines of per final eleBion^
* and of the final perfiverance of the Saints^ ' according to the cahinifiical notion of
* them. Now a man may hold both
* thefe truly, and yet at the fame time
* advance principles more dangerous, and
* deflruclive of true godlinefs, than the ' denial of either ; fo that this article can-
* not fatisfy any moderate Cahinifiy un-
* lefs it be explained to this effect. That
* by particular Bapttjh^ is intended thofe
* that are neither ArminianSy nor Anti-
* nomians.
* 5. Because this article gives great
* offence, to feveral wealthy and gene- ' rous gentlemen, whofe afliftance in this ' defign would be of great fervice to the
* public, and is like to keep feveral rich
* and numerous churches from joyning
* with US; who if they were engaged
* herein,
English Baptists. 355
herein, would very much encreafe the fund, and help to preferve it to futurity.
* 6. Because it tends to promote dif- union, and oppofition among the 5^/>//y?^ themfelves. Several minifters not only in the country, but in and about London, have endeavoured of late, to promote a better union and correfpondence among thofe of this denomination , witnefs their frequent preaching in one anotiier's places, and their meeting monthly for the common interefl of the v^rhoie, without any regard to thefe party di- flindions. Whereas this will tend to fet us wider than ever, and make it necefTa- ry always to keep up this party difference.
* Lajily, Because what feems chiefly to be aimed at by this article, may in my opinion, be as fully and effedually anfwered without the article, as with it. When any cafe is propofed, the mana- gers are the fole judges, whether it (liall be received or rejeded. If upon the beft information they can get, they don't like his charader, or thhik it not for the publick good to aifiil him; they may difmifs him, without fixing any brands of in fmiy, and reproach upon him. And fmce the majority muft de- termine all particular cafes, and mufl: ex- plain this law, as they fee fit, and judge of the pcrfons orthodoxy, I fee not l.ow
A a 2 * this
35^ The History of the
' this rale can be of any great fervice j but
* on the other hand, is Uke to be attended ' with very fatal confequences, to this
* good and neceflary deiign,'
Tho' this account may not -be relifhed by fome ; yet I could not pafs it by when fetting forth the charader of a gentleman whofe judgment, abilities, and moderation, exceeded thofe of his brethen, who were concerned with him in this affair. It was his misfortune, indeed, to be out- voted ; but we do not always find in fuch cafes, wifdom to be on the major fide. How- ever, he was valued for his excellent parts by the generality of thofe that knew him ; and about this time had a letter fent him from the reverend Mr. Peart, of Broomf- grove in JVorceJierJhire, refpeding a difpute between the faid Mr. Peart and two Prejhyterian minifters about Baptijm, who when they were by fome arguments from plain texts hinged, afferted, the texts were wrong tranflated, which one of them gave under his hand in the following manner, inz. The original word tranflated, out^ Matth. iii. i6. is not truly tranflated^ Witnefs my hand,
tioo^^ Robert Paterfon. '
The anfwer Mr. Stint on returned was as follows.
V
Lond, .
English Baptists.
Lond. Sept,iOi ijij.
Honoured brother^
T Receiv'd yours of the 26th oi Augiift •■' laft, wherein you inform me of a com- bat which you have lately had with fome Prejbyterians, about the ordinance of Bap- tifm-y and that, in the conclufion, the Prejbyterian minifter gave it you under his hand, that in Matth. iii. 16. where it is faid, Chrifl went up out of the water, the word out is not truly tranllated. This is the old fubterfuge of the party, who, when they are prefled with plain fcrip- tures, or juil: confequences from thence, againft their opinion, prefently find fault with the tranflation, thinking thereby to filence their opponents, and impofe upon the ignorant. You defire the opinion of our brethren, who underitand the original, whether this text be rightly tranflated, or not. I fhould think, that fome authori- ties from among thofe of his own perfua- fion and pradice, might be more likely to convince or filence him on this head. Our Rnglifi tranflators, very learned men, and may be fuppofed to have underftood the original text full as well as this gentleman, and they were Padqbaptijis too, and there- fore could be under no temptation to favour our opinion. And if Mr. Paterfon will A a 3 pleafe
357
35^ lloe History of the
pleafe to look into TooH Synopjis, he will find, that other learned men underflood the original text according to what our tranllators have rendred it. Lucas Bru^ genjis^ and Pifcator make this remark upon the phrafe in difpute, Ajcendit autem^ nempe, in terram ergo defcenderat^ et in- jlumine baptizatus fuit. He went up, that is, upon the land, therefore he had defcended, and was baptized in the water. The learned Dr. Whitby, who has taken abundance of pains to fet the original text in as clear a view as poffible, in his para- phrafe, juflL^es tlie tranllators, in rendring difQ Tov u^clIqc, by, out of the water. And he produces fuch an argument, to prove thh the meaning of the Greek, as may fa- tisfy any man that has not more pride 'than learning ; namely. That the Greek church, wlio certainly were as good judges of th» Gjrek language as Mr. Paterfon, made this obfervation on this pafTage, He who afcend- ed out Qi the water, mufl firft defcend down into it. Baptifm, therefore, is to be performed not hy Jpr inkling, but u^afi- ing the body. I fay,^ thefe teftimonies of tlie fenfe of the original text, even from the Padobaptifis tliemfelves, feem to me the moft likely way to put an end to this part of your controverfy. But in compli- ance with your requell: I have defired fome gentlemen, who are good judges in the
cafcj
English Baptists. 359
cafe, to give you the inclofed remarks. I wi{h you good fuccefs, in contending earneflly for the truth, and remain.
Tour friend and fervant,
Benj. Stinton.
The original words in Matth. iii. 16. are, Ka/ Bctirlia^i}^ 6 'ln<yoi!(; ave^-fi diro rod S^clIo^. Thus rendered by our tranilators. And yefus, when he was baptized, went up jiraightway out of the water. Which is £ir from being a wrong tranflation, be- caufe it is fo very evident, that Jefus in his baptifm went not only to the water, but i?zto the water. Indeed, it may be tranflated. And Jefus, when he was dip- ped ( or having been dipped ) went up ilraightway from the water. ]3ut befides, that the participle /Sa7r7tir9c/^ properly lig- niftes nothing lefs than our Lord's having been dipped^ or plunged into the water; upon which account his coming M'^from the water neceflarily fignifies his coming out of it. There are inltances enough to , be found in Greek authors, where the pre- pofitioii a-TTo figniiies out of a place as well ajs from it. Thus Xcnophon, Lib. L EA- AyiJ'ix, fpeaking of the fight between the Ijacedemoniam and Athenians, fays, lytta- ')((iv'\Q (ItiI niv, i.e. They fought out of the fhips, or from on fliipboard. The fame A a 4 author.
360 7^^ History of the
author, in another place, fays, Xct/uL^d-
or^rZv^ where it is manifeft, that ix, and aVo are indifferently ufed as Jynonimous words. Herodian likewife ufcs aVo in the fame fenfe, Lib. I. c> 14. v/hen he fpeaks of the Palladium^ as taken out of ^roy, Tj iy:<; riaAAa'^'s^ ayct?ijucL xo/ui^ev dito T^ctac, And Callemicus has two pafTages, in which wc meet with exadly the fame phrafe v/ith that in dilpute. Thus Hynm^ in Appoll. 5. no. Awoi' V hk aVo 'irctvleg S^oi>p (popt^cTi M^AiaSa^, They bring not water to Ceres out of every river. And in Lavacr. Pallad.^. 45, 46. ^x/uef.cv Ap-y©^ Jlinf ctTfO TtpavctVj fjiY\ 0 etHQ ru)V 'urola/xoev. To day Greda?is drink out of the fountains, but not out of the rivers. And belldes thefe proofs out of other authors, this paf- fage in Matth, iii. 16. is not the only in- flance, among the facred writers, where (»7ro mufc be rendered by out. For the evangeliil Luke^ fpeaking of Mary Mag- dale7i^ Chap. viii. 2. gives this defcription of her, d<^ Vii; ^ct\fj/i\ipL kmloi .&>eA>]AL.'9G-<, which our tranflators have very juftly ren- der'd, out of whom went i^\tv\. devils. But to return to the account of our Savitt our's baptifm^ it appears that he came out " of the water, as well as from it, by the , parallel place, Mark i. 9. where we are' told. That Jefus v/as baptized of "John in^
Jor.
English Baptists. 361
'Jordan-, or rathet, according to the literal tranllation of \\c, rov lop^ctmv, into Jordan. But whether it be info Jordan ; or, iv tm lop^avn 'cto1ctjuu)j in the river Jordan, as it is exprefTed 'ver, 5. concerning the other perfons whom John baptized i yet it is plain there niufl have been a deicent into the water, and afterwards an afcent or coming up out of it. So that there would be no room for the criticifm of going dov/n only to the river fide to be baptized, and coming up only f?-em the river iide after haptijm, even tho' we had no other cafe recorded befides that of our Lord himfelf ; which yet is the only tolerable fubterfuge of thofe, v/ho infift, that our Saviour went w^frotn the v/ater, after baptifm, and not cut of the water. But Philip's baptizing the Eunuch, Ads viii. 38, 39. leaves no room to doubt, that both the baptizer, and the perfon baptized, w^ent down into the water, and came up cut of it. Xcdi'^mjav cc/bt^^m^i ik TO 'j'^(»}P^ 0, T5 ^iAi7nro(; ycti 6 €vVcL^;^o^' y^ ItdTrliaiv avrCv. '^'Oli ^1 ctvi/Sn- ocLv ix 70V tl^cclc^. Thefe words need no comment, and would be of themfelves a fufficient explication of thofe in St. Mat- thew, if any w^ere needful to fupport the tranflation, of coming up from the water, by coming up out of the water. Upon the whole therefore, we think our common tranllation of iW<2//i?.iii. 1 6. tobejufl, and
that
362 The History of the
tkat it clearly fignifies the meaning of the
original.
Nath, Hodgesy Jofeph BurroughSy John Gale, Benj. Stinton.
The regard Mr. Stinton had to the pub- lic good did not interfere, fo as to hin- der his ufefiilnefs, to perfons in a private capacity, where providence gave him an opportunity to exercife his talent. I could inftance in many cafes, but fliall confine my felf to one, which I think, is an evi- dence of the ^eat efteem, the public had for him j and may be a precedent to others worthy to be imitated on fuch like occa- fions, viz, A member of his congregation, who by a dreadful fire, had her houfe burnt to the ground ; and all the family, in which was an aged father and mother lofl their lives thereby except her hufband, and a child out at nurfe who only furvived this calamity. He drew up their cafe, got feveral miniflers to fign it, and re- commend the fame to their congregations, and thereby obtained for their relief near fifty pounds.
He was a man of prudent condud and complaifant behaviour well eileemed of by almoll: all. And many of thofe who ha- ted diffentcrs in general, yet had a reve- rence and efteem for him. He was of a catholick fpirit, and much frequented the
compa-
English Baptists. 363
company of the Padobaptiji minifters, yet he firmly adhered to iiis own principles, and was a great defender of them j and al- ways endeavourd to cultivate a good har- ' mony among chriftians, tho' of diiFerenti fentiments; being far from making tils principles of rehgion, wherein chriftians differ, an oecalion of contempt, of any of their perfons. And tho' he was of tliem,. who hold the dt>dtrines- oiperfonal ekciion^ and of the final perfeverance .of the Saints^ according, to the Cahinijlical notion of them^ yet he abhorred thofe doctrines, that tended to licentioufnefs, and werede- ftradive of true piety and godiinefs.
His death was very fudden and furpri-. zing to his friends, having been with feve- tal of them in London the day before. He complained of a great pain in his flomach, which was fo lliarp and fevere upon him, that he was forced to put into three houfes by the way,, as he returned home, and had little or no reft all night. He took fome phyfic in the morning, which fome- what relieved him -, but to the fudden fur- prize of his wife, laid himfelf down upon the bed, and died immediately, without uttering any more words than thefe, / am going.
Thus died thas ufeful minifter of the Gofpel, on the nth of Feb. 17 18. in the forty-third year of his age, and was bu- ried
364 The History of the
ried from Mr. KillinghalH meeting-place, in Deadman'^ Place , at the Baptiji bury- ing-ground in the Park, Southwark. The reverend Mr. David Rees was appointed to preach his funeral fermon -, but being very ill, it v/as preached by the reverend MrSho. Harrifon at his interment. And in a little time after Mr. Rees preached the funeral fermon he had prepared, at his meeting- houfe upon HorJ'ely-do'wn, before a nume- rous affembly, from thefe v/ords, Be ye alfo re ad J ; which were the laft words Mr. Stinton uttered from the pulpit, at the con- cluiion of a funeral fermon he preached the Lord's day preceeding his death. But nei- ther of them were printed.
Soon after Mr. Han-ifon publifhedyow^ poems on divine JiibjeBs, and dedicated them to his own church. To which was added, a Poem to the memory of the faid Mr. Benjamin Stinfon j in which he joins him with the reverend Mr. Maijiers, de- ceafed, as the two chief pillars of the bap- tized interefi, laid on the ground.
Mr. Stinton publifhed but two fmall tradls, by which he has given to the world a fpecimen of his acquired abihties. The titles of which are,
I. A SERMON ^Tc^ichcd the 27th of Nov. 17 1 3. in commemoration of the great and dreadful ftorm in Nov. 1703.
2. A
English Baptists.
2. A DISCOURSE of dhijte provi- dence, Occaiioned by the demife of her late majefty Queen Anne, and the happy acceffion of our prefent fovereign King George to the throne of Great Britain,
He left in manufcript a fmall piece iini{hed by his own hand, intitled, Afiort Catechifm, wherein the principles of the Chrijiian religioii are taught in the words of the facred Scriptures thetnfehes. Which, lince, his death, has been twice printed.
He had been fome years colleding ma- terials, in order to write an Hiftory of the Englifi Baptijfs, from the beginning of Chriflianity down to the prefent times, but did not live to digeft in order even thofe he had collefted, except the Intro- duBi^n, giving an account of the different opinions concerning the firft rife of the Baptijis, which I have publiflied in the preface to my firft volume entire. He al- fo deligned to end the faid hiftory with an >^/>^;z^/a:, containing, an Abridgment of the controverfy between the Baptijis and Padobapttjls ; and a catalogue of the books that have been written upon it fince the reformation. And had the providence of God continued his life, till he had ac- complished his intended defign, I doubt not, but the learned would have readily born a teftimony to him, and have rank'd him amonglt thij greateft men of his time.
Dr.
366 Tl^e History of the
John Dr. 'John Gale^ was born in London^
^* May, 26. 1680, of which place, his father was an eminent and worthy citizen, of good natural abilities, and great integrity. From the firfl proofs that his fon gave of his capacity, he devoted him to the great work of inftrudiing mankind, and to iit him the better for it, fpared no expence to give him a generous and liberal educa- ' tion ; and accordingly fent him to Leyden in Holland. Where in lefs than two years (which he employed there with that un- common application and force of genius) he furprized his tutors, and was honoured by the univerfity of Leyden^ with the de- grees of majier of arts^ and docior oi phi- lojbphy, even before the expiration of the nineteenth year of his age.
Upon his return to England, he purfu- ed his ftudies with equal ardour, and read over with incredible application, the great models of antiquity, and confidered the primitive writers cf the chriftian church, by which he contracSled a jufl; efteem for them, neither approving the conduit of thofe who fli2;ht them, nor that of others who rely too much on their authority. After he he had been in Rngland about four years, he received a letter from the univerfity of hey den, offering him the de- gree of dodfor in divinity, upon the condi- tion of giving his alTent to the articles of
Dort',
English Baptists. 367
Dort y which he refufed on account of that love of Hberty, which in his opinion, made that univerfity preferable to fome others.
Some time after this, there appeared in publick, an Hijiory of infant baptifm^ written by Mr. Wall, minifter of Shore^ ha?n in Kent, which was thought fo fer- viceable to that caufe, as to deferve the thanks of both houfes of convocation. This the doctor anfwered before he was twe7Jtyfeven years of age, with fo folid a judgment, fuch extenfive learning, and fo great moderation, that ic gain'd him the efteem and affed:ion, not only of the Bap- tijis, but of all men of candor and learn- ing on the oppofite fide.
Dr. Whitby, fpeaking of the pradice of Infant baptifm *, among the primitive Chriftians, fays, ' That Dr. Gale\ very
* learned letters, prove it to be doubtful
* and uncertain, whether that practice did
* conftantly obtain.'
Dr. Wotton, tho' he writes exprefly againfl the dodor in relation to the fewiJJj Talmud, fays thus much of him. He feems to be well acquainted with thofe books, and is a writer fo well verfed in the arts of perfuafion, and his way of wri- ting is generally fo very winning, that
* Diflfert. de S. Script, interpret. Pref. § 5.
when
368 !7^^ History of the
when I had undertaken to treat of the true authority of this mofl ancient text of Jewijh traditions to us Chriflians, I fhould have been wanting to my fubjed:, if I had not taken notice of what he had faid upon thefe matters.
Mr. Whijion, in his treatife againft In- fant baptifm^ confelTes, the firft Hght he received in that affair, was from Dr. Gale\ obfervation upon the palTage of Irenceus, which laid the foundation of what he wrote upon, that fubjedt.
And as different flates and circumflan- ces of life are no bars to friendfhip, be- tween men of real goodnefs, and folid j learning, fo the dodlor was honoured with the eileem of very eminent and illuftrious perlbns, who adorn their feveral ftations Anno with uncommon virtues. Among thefe ^726. "vvere the lord chief Juflice of the Common pleas, now Lord chancellor, and the right reverend the bifhops of Salijbiery and Ro- chejier ; the Jafl of whom, fiiys my au- thor*, vi^ill not be difpleafed, if I give his written teflimony to the worth of this va- luable man; for whom, as he expreiles himfelf, he had fb jufl an efteem, on ac- count of his good underflanding, great learning, candor, and largenefs of mind.
lS\k prefix' d to hi} /ermons, puhUj^id in iyz6.
He
English Baptists. 369
' He began flatedly to preach about the thirty -fijth year of his age. His flile was eafy and natural, his expreflrons ftrong and lively, his reafonings clear and convincing ; and during the term of his life w'as ho- noured with an auditory^ not only nume- rous, but as learned as any in his age could boaft of.
Some time before his death he had formed a defign to write An Expof^tio?i of the New T^eliament -y and alfo, to make the knowledge of the oriental languages more eafily acquired, by giving to the world a tranflation of the Septuagi?it, ac- cording to Dr. Grabe at Oxford. As alfo. An Hijiory of the ?20tioH of original fin j wherein he intended to trace that opinion from its firft rife, and to have fliewn, upon how little ground, a God of infinite good- nefs and juftice has been reprefent:d, as doing that which a good and wife man would have abhorred.
At this time, about twelve years di- ftance from tlie publication of the do6!:or's reflections, Mr. Wall publiilied his de- fence, for v/hich he had the degree of dodfor of divinity conferred upon him by the univerfity of Oxford. The opinion which Dr. Gale had of this performance, will be bed known from a letter which he fent to his father, wherein he thus ex- preiles himfelf, Dr. JVall has written A B b De-
370 Tf:)e History of the
Defence of his hiftory of infant baptifm j in which he has treated me very roughly, and has endeavoured to enrage the clergy, as well as our own people, againft me. Belides which, there appears not much to be in his book j however, I am preparing an anfwery which, ^c. But thefe, and all other his great defigns, were interrupt- ed by a flow fever, which feized him in X}[i^ forty -firjl year of his age, and in about three weeks carried him into a new and never ending fcene of adion. All which time he bore his ficknefs with that calm- nefs and patience, which became a man who firmly believed the fuperintendence of a good and wife God, to \vhofe providence he always refigned himfelf and his affairs.
There were four volumes of his works in oBavOy publifhed after his deceafe, to which is prefixed his Life^ from whence I collected this account. Thefe, with his reflexions on Dr. WalH Hijiory of hifant baptifm^ are all that have yet been made public.
The learned Dr. Kinch, who preached his funeral fermon, Z)^^. 31, 172 1. gives him the following charader, after having fpoken of his excellent abilities; * But
* what render'd him moil valuable, fays
* he, was, that his mind was well flored
* with heavenly gifts and graces 3 fo that, u « as a fcribe well inflruded in the law, he \
* brought
English Baptists. 371
* brought forth of his treafures thmgs ne'U) ' and old. Furniflied to every good work
* he was prevailed on to engage in the mi-
* niljry -, in the difcharge of which office ^ he fludied to fhew himfelf approved to
* God, a workman^ that needed not to be « aJJjamedj rightly dividing the word of
* truth, and gi'vi?jg to all a portion in due j^ feafon. In his preaching, tho' he highly
* deferved the praife and commendation of « his hearers, yet what he fought was their « profit and advantage. It was pleafnig
* and agreeable to a polite and ingenious ' audience, which ufually attended him ;
* and at the fame time plain and eafy to
* perfons of a meaner capacity ; fo *that in ' his difcourfes there was infrraction for ' the ignorant, and entertainmcint for the
* moft learned and judicious. His deport-
* ment in the pulpit was eafy, yet attend-
* ed with a ferioufnefs and gravity becom- ing the folemnity of the Vvork in which '
'^'he was eng-a2[ed. His method was exa6t, '*■ his ftile elegant, but unatTcded, his rea- **' fening clear and ftrong, and his argu- ' ments jafb and nervous, which, by his ^ happy managing them, confcantly difco- ^ vered frefli beauties to his hearers. His '"'^' voice was clear and melodious, which at •
* once charmed the ear, raifed and fired ' the imagination, and could not eafily fail
* to gain the affedions, and engage a rea-
B b 2 ibnable
T
372 Tide History of the
fonable mind, not wholly funk in fin, and bound down vyitii vicious habits, to receive the truth in love. He did not Jhm to declare^ as far as he could, th ivhole counfel of God-, nor was he afraid to oppofe thofe fentiments he apprehend- ed to be erroneous J tho' the zeal he fometimes ufed upon thofe occafions might, perhaps, induce fome, unreafoa- ably fond of their own opinions, to treat his labours with difrefped. However, it is apparent from the whole of his con^- du(5t, that the earneftnefs he has at any time fliewn, in contending for what he efteemed the truth, did not arife from the difaffedion of his mind to the perfon of any man, but from the love he bore to fouls i from his great defire to reclaim thofe whom he thought miftaken ; and prevent, to the utmoft of his power^ others from running into the like fenti^ ments. He flridly adhered to the Scrip^ turcs, as the perfed, and only rule of his faith and practice ; and was a zealous afferter and patron of univerfal liberty, where it tended not to licentioufnefs ; a warm oppofer of all human impofitions in matters of religion, and ufed earneftly to prefs all Chriflians to ftand fail in that liberty wherewith Chrift hath made them free. He entertained a fincere and hear- ty refped for all good men, and paid a
* great
English Baptists. 373
great regard to his mafter's new com- mandment to his difciples, To love one another. The different apprehenfions between him and other Chriftians, did not in the leaft aUenate his afFedions from them. He truly loved all who bore the image of the bleffed Jefus, He valued all his fellow-travellers, tho* they did not walk jull: in his path. He had an even and compofed temper, which difcovered it felf in the conftant ferenity of his countenance. The diffe- rent turn of his affairs feemed to make little or no impreffion upon his mind ; for he, with the great apoftle St. Paul^ t had learned, in whaffoever ft ate he was therewith to be content. He knew both how to be abafed, and how to abound-^ every where, and in all things was he in-- ftruBed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound, and to Juffer need. He was truly pious, but without any thing of oftentation, exercifmg himfelf here- in, to have a confcience void of o^ence, toward God, and toward man. He adorned the profeffion he made of the Chriftian doftrine, by an holy and ex- emplary Hfe J which was a convincing proof, that he firmly believed religion to be of the greateft importance j and that he was in earneft, when he endeavour- ed to perfuade others, to live foberly, B b 3 * ri^ote^
374 ^^ History <?/" /^^
^ righteoujly, and godly ^ in this prefenf
* world.
' He was a perfon of great integrity,
' and preferr'd the peace of his own mind,
- * in the anfwer of a good confcience, to
' all other confiderations. His thoughts
* were fo fully employed about affairs of
* the higheft confequence, that he ne-
* gleded feveral opportunities of advancing
* his temporal interefls. He was fo intent
* upon his great malter's bufinefs, that he
* had little time left to lay out on thefe af-
* fairs J and was fo warmly engaged in the
* purfuit of the durable riches of the eter- ^ * nal world, that thefe fading treafures.
* paft his notice. He was a kind friend,
* and made it his bufinefs to inflrud:, and
* inform, to advife, and, on proper occa- ' fions, to reprove, tliofe wit a whom he
* converfed j which mofl difficult office of
* friendfliip he fo well managed, that none
* could be offended with him j and being
* always delighted in doing good, he was ' ever as ready to perform any friendly of-
* fice, even for the meanefl difciple of
* Chrifl Jefus, as for thofe whofe circum-
* fcances being more exalted, are from
* thence generally deemed to have a more
* commanding influence. He abounded
* greatly in thofe fruits of tlie Spirit men- Gal. V. e tioned by the apolile, Love^ joy^ peace^
long'fufferingj gentkitefs^ goodnej's, faith ^
* meek-'
tZ, 2$.
English Baptists. 375
* jneeknefsj and temperance. But that vir-
* tue wherein he peculiarly excelled, was ' his great humility. Notwithftanding
* his valuable and uncommon abilities,
* both natural and acquired, he always ap-
* peared humble and modeft, mild and
* courteous, and was fo far from having a
* vain and proud conceit of his own en-
* dowments, that he knew how (with-
* out the affected vanity of lefTening his
* own qualifications) to ejieem others better ' than himfelf.'
Mr. yohn Noble ^ a man of learning and John excellent parts, noted for his peculiarity Noble. refped:ing fome dodrines controverted amongft men, and his zeal in defence of his own opinions, which fometimes led him even to uncharitablenefs, refpecfting others differing from him, which only ap- peared in his own pulpit j for in the pulpit of others, and in his converfation with men of differing principles, an uncom- mon moderation appeared in him. When > he had the honour of the chair, in the (o- ciety of the E?igJiJh Baptiji minifters in and about London^ who met together monthly, to confult of affairs, relating, to the Baptiji intereft in general, he behaved himfelf with that prudence and moderation as afto- nifhed many, who knew his zeal for thofe peculiar doctrines he efpoufed. And it is very much to be lamented, that, that bro- B b 4 ' theriy
376 The History of the
therly and chriftian fociety was ever broke in upon ; for it is very evident, the Baptiji ' intereft in general has fince fuiFered much thereby. A houfe divided agaivjl itj'elf cannot Jiand, Will God, who is infinitely good, when we come to ftand before him, reje(ft us, becaufe in underflanding we have not the fame lengths, breadths and depths with others? No furely, our un- derftandings, gifts and graces, are his own donations; and our bleffed Saviour has Matth. told us, that Not every one that faith unto yix. 21. i)ijj2. Lord, Lord, fiall enter into the king- dom of heaven, but he that doth the will of his father, which is in heaven. And what is the will of his father is amply fet forth in his fermon on the mount. Which was before, by the prophet Micah, fet forth in a few words, in anfwer to this queflion. Wherewith Jhall I come before the Lord ? He hath JJ:ewed thee, O 7nan, faith the prophet, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do juflly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. ' I muft not enlarge here, and there- fore fliall obferve, as an evidence of Mr. Noble's moderation, that he was very zea- lous againft ordinations, by the layitig on of hands, and could have laid as much ia the defence of his opinion as any one in his day ; he being invited to perform a part in the folemnity of Mr. '^ohn Gilh ordination,
which
English Baptists.
which was to be performed by the laying on of the hands of the elders^ preached at that time an excellent fermon from A£is XX. 28. without entring into the contro- verfy upon that head, or fo much as in the leaft to hint any thing againft the pradlice of his brethren, whom he believed aded therein according to the light they had re- ceived.
He was, indeed, no great friend to en' comiians upon departed faints, of any cha- racter whatever ; and was little concerned about the judgment any might form of him, when he had fulfilled his miniftry, and iiniihed his courfe. The reverend Mr. Wallin , who preached his funeral fermon, gives the following account of him. He fays, * That in the early part of
* his life, which was a time of perfecu-
* tion, he ufed to attend his religious pa-
* rents to the worfhip of God, and was ' v/ith them and others apprehended and
* fent to the com.mon gaol, in which he ^ fuffered much hardlhip from the enemies
* of true religion and liberty j concerning
* which he ufed to fay, that tho' he fuf-
* fered for the profeffion of religion, yet, ' at that time, he was deftitute of the fav- ' ing knowledge of Chriftj would hence '• very juftly obferve, that a religious edu-
* cation, a mere profeffion, or a zeal for a ? party^ might carry perfons a great length
' in
377
378 7^^ History of the
' in fuffering for Chriftianity/ while, at
* the fame time, they are Grangers to ' themfelves, and the powerful influences
* of the grace of the Gofpel. The all-
* wife difpofer of all perfons and things,
* ordered his imprifonment to great advan-
* tage in the end ; for while he was con-
* fined, only for the profeffion of religion,
* the Lord was gracioufly pleafed to work
* a faving change upon his heart j there
* he began to receive the light, and feel % the power of divine grace, which after- wards, by the fupply of the Spirit of Je- fus Chrift, was much increafed, to the eilablifhment and joy of his own foul, and rendered him greatly ufeful in the church of God. Here alfo he purfued his ftudies for ufeful knowledge, in which he made fo coniiderable a pro- grefs, that he was able, upon proper oc- cafions, to defend, as well as to preach, the glorious truths of the Gofpel. Af- ter hi^ enlargement he foon fubmitted to the laws of Chrift, and being baptized upon the profeffion of his faith, was add- ed to a Gofpel-church 3 who, plainly perceiving his capacity for the miniftry, foon called him to that v/ork, and fent him to preach the Gofpel to other churches ; in which he was, through the divine bleffing attending his labours, greatly fuccefsful in the whole courfe of
^his
English Baptists. 379
his miniftry. He chofe, for fome time, to preach occafionally to feveral churches in the country, rather thai* to. take on him the paftoral charge^ among whom he was very ufeful : Ajid in this part of his Hfe he taught a grammar fchool, that he might preach the Gofpel with lefs charge to poor churches. After fome time ipent in this ufeful way in the country he came to London^ where his miniflry v/as very acceptable, he being invited by two different congregations to minifter Iktedly among them- but as he could not anfwer both their requefls, their value for his miniftry induced them to join in one community, and call him to be their paftor ; in which ftaticn he was preferved, with great honour, inte- grity, and ufefulnefs, for about thirty- four years ; in all which time he truly manifefted himfelf a minifter of the grace of Chrift. This was his delight- ful fubjecl ; he would fpeak of this with a holy zeal, and fervour of fpirit, as one who had tailed this grace himfelf, and defired, in preaching it, to commend himfelf to every man's confcience in die fight of God.
' Kis light and knowledge in the Gof- pel was very confiderable, and m^uch exceeded fome who yet are to be ho- noured as minilbrs of Chrifl-. His man-
* ner
380 7^^ History of the
ner of recommending truth to others was not with excellency of fpeech, or wifdom of words, but he chofe plainnefs of fpeech, and fuch a way of expreflion as was out of the common road, yet fo enliven'd with many ftriking fentences, as commanded attention, and carried with them much light and conviftion ; and he was ufed to declare, that he con- fcientioufly chofe it, as what he verily believed rendered his miniftry moft ufe- ful to fouls. His mind was raifed in^ the view of divine things above the com-
mon level, and he was very ready to the acknowledgment of the myftery of God, and of the Father, and of Chrift, as revealed in the Scripture. * The Scripture dodlrine of the ever blefTed Trinity, the divinity of Chrift,j the efficacious operations of the Holy Spi- rit, he efteemed to be neceiTary articles of his faith, and parts of his publick mi- niftrations. His clear apprehenfions o^ electing love, and the rich difplay of fo- vereign grace, in the everlafting cove- nant, were plainly difcovered to many^ by a turn of thought, and plainnefs of expreffion, almoft peculiar to himfelf. When he coniidered the concern of God the Father, Son, and Holy AS'pirit, in the contrivance and execution of the di- *■ vine fcheme, for the redemption and
English Baptists. 381
falvation of lofl finners, he was even in an holy extaly, when he exprelTed him- felf upon that glorious fubjed. Chrifl: was his delightful theme ; . he loved to dwell upon the glorious perfon, offices, and fulnefs, of the redeemer, in his public miniftry ; and was fo happy, as to explain and improve thofe great do- (ftrines, to the profit and fatisfadlion of his hearers, beyond moft other minifters. He frequently infilled upon the prieflly office of Chrifl ; and in a manner very clear and convincing would treat of the fiiU fatisfadlion, abundant merit, and compleat righteoufnefs, of the redeemer. Many are witnefTes, that the great do- dlrines of efficacious grace, of the in^ dwelling of the fpirit, of imputed righ- teoufnefs alone, for juftification in the fight of God, and the final perfeverance of the faints, took up a great part of his miniftrv ; tho' he well knew how, to lay open the miferable cafe of finners by nature, and preach free and full falva- tion to fuch by Chrifl alone, in a very plain and effeding manner. * Whatever might be infinuated by thofe, v/ho oppofed the dodlrines he preached, as tho' they gave liberty to fin, or lefTen'd a due concern for the difcharge of moral or religious duties, I may jufi'ly fay, that ye are witnefTes and
'God
3^2
7^^ History of the
God alfo, that he laboured to improve the doftrine of grace, to a ftrict regard for the precepts of the Gofpel, both in the church, and in the world; yea with an uncommon w^armth, would he often re- commend the feveral duties of the chri- flian religion to 'the profelTors of the ' 'Gofpel ; and when at any time he ob- ferved fuch regardlefs of their walk, he would ftrongly exprefs his difpleafure at their condud:. Altho' he could not al- low the very beft performances, to be any part of the foul's juftifying righteouf- nefs before God, yet he efteemed them^ the genuine fruits of the fpirit of Chrift,- and a means to adorn the dodrine of God our Saviour; therefore he would frequently argue, the faints obligation to the precepts of the Gofpel from the mercies of God, the love of Chrift, and the riches of grace difcovered to them : to the end, that believers might honour their redeemer by all Gofpel obedience. * It hath been obfe'rved by many^ that in his public addreffes to God, he feemed to be favoured wii:!i an eminent degree of the fpirit of grace and fuppli- cation, whereby he was enabled to come boldly to the throne of grace. Hov/ would he draw nigh to God, in a me- diator, with holy reverence, and yet with a becoming freedom, pleading
with
English Baptists. 383
with him as his own God, as one ha- ving received the fpirit of adoption, cry- ing Abba^ Father f In this- work he ap- peared to enter into the holioffc by the blood of Jefus, and to plead with the Lord, as one ufed to converfe with him, and gracioully admitted by faith, to nearnefs, communion, and fellowfhip witli him. The freedom of Ipirit, and liberty of expreffion, with which he ufed to draw nigh to God, tended greatly to affift, and fweetly to enlarge the minds of others, who joined with him in that part of publick worfliip. To what hath been obferved of this eminent fervant of Chrifl I fhall only add. He was one, who, in the whole courfe of his mini- ^ftry laboured to exalt a crucified re- deemer, and recommend him to pre- cious fouls ; according to the large mea- fure of the gift of Chrifl which v/as in him. What he apprehended to be truth, as it is in Jefus, he miniftred with all boldnefs, freedom, and faithfulnefs, without regard to the cenfures of men ; accounting himfelf a fervant to his ma- fler alone, for the difcharge of the fev.e- ral parts of his miniflry.' I HAVE not abridged the accounjt Mr. i Wmi?2y has given us of this worthy gentle- I man; becaufe he was reputed an Antino- mia?ij a charge too often unjuflly tixed .
upon
384 ^^ History of the
upon fuch, who follow the Cahiniftica\ fcheme of religion, and it muft be owned,' that fome Gentlemen in that fcheme dc run to extreams, as well as thofe whc are termed Arminiam in the other fcheme. Thefe, for the moft part, may be known by their pride and uncharitablenefs, and to them may be imputed the difturbances in the Chriftian church ; and if the Bap^ tifls have weekly feparated one from ano-' ther on the account of fome peculiar and controverted doctrines, the fame has been done by the Pcedobaptifts alfo j tho' the| former have been the moft, but unjuftly,' refleded upon for fo doing. For foon after the revolution, a confiderable progrefs was made in an attempt, for a coalition be^ tween the Prefbyterians and Independants* But great debates arofe between them j the occafion of which was, the reprinting of the works of Dr. Crifp, who was noted for his Antinomian notions, tho' reputed a very pious man ; with fome fermons ad- ded, to which a paper was prefixed, fub- fcribed by feveral, for which, a fort of an apology was afterwards publidied, which was prefixed to Mr yohn Flavel's difcourft intitled, A blow at the root, or the caiife: and cures of mental errors. Dr. Williain. wrote againft the errors of thefe fermons a book entituled, Gofpel truth ftated am 'vindicated', to which alfo there were feve-
ra
English Baptist?. n;^^
ml names fubfcribedi and Mr. Lorimer
wrote a large apoicgy for thofe fubfcri-
bers J and a great variety of pamphlets
were publifned on both fides, which made ,
a great noife and ftir. And at length there
came out in 1692, a paper intitled, The
agreement in doBrifie, among the difjenting
fninijiers in London^ which was fubfcribed
by many 5 but it anfwered not the end,
I for the debates were flill continued.
|. . One party iulpcded *, or at leaft pre-
i tended to fufpedl the other, of verging too
\ much towards Armi?tianijm, and they on
i .the other fide, charged them with encou-
i x2J§Xi%Antinomianijm, Several papers were
i hereupon drawn up and fubfcribed, in or-
' der to an accomodation j there was a/r/?,
• fifecond, and a third paper of this fort,
' and thefe very papers created new alterca-
j.tions and debates, that were carried on
' ' with no fmall heat and pettifhnefs -, and a
|,! number that ftood by, could hardly tell
! what it was they contended about. Seve-
''ral new creeds were framed, and ftill ob-
I ' je(fted againft by fome or other, either as
'• too large or too flreight, too full or too
' empty. The world was wearied out with
i pamphlets, and creed making ; and the
' bifliop of Worcefier and Dr. Edwards were
I ^ appealed to, and gave their judgments j
* Nelfon^ life of hi/hop Bull, p. 259.
C c and
386 The History of the
and yet the jealoufies that were on foot, ■ were fo firong, that they did not of a long time abate or decreafe ; and the only peace there was to be found, was amongft the ftanders by, who without medling with de- bates, amicably perfuaded the contenders, iince they could not agree to unite, to agree to differ, to lay afide their heat, and fpeak as well of each other, as they could. And fuch we^e the eifeds of thefe brangles at that time, upon the moft common conver- fation, and fo odd do the controverfies that were then managed appear, if reviewed at. a diftance, as to convince confiderate obfer- vers, that there is no fuch enemy to peace as jealouHe encouraged ; and that indulged fufpicion, is an endlefs fund of contention. Vol. III. B F .Stillingjieet in his anfwer to Mr. Lobb's, P- 4°5- appeal, tells us, that there is a remarkable ftory in the hillory of the Sytiod of Dorf^ which may not be improper in this place.. ' There were, fays he, in one of the uni-
* verfities of that country, two profefTors,
* both very warm and extremely zealous, ' for that which they accounted the moft ' orthodox doBri?ie -J but it happened, that?
* one of thefe accufed the other, before ' the Synody for no fewer than^;^^ errors,
* tending to Socianifm, Pelagiamjm, &c. ' and wonderful heat there was on both
* fides. At laft, a committee was ap-
* pointed, to examine the dreadful charge,
* and
English Baptists. 387
and upon examination, they found no ground, for the charge of Sociiiiajiijm or any other Herejy ; but only that he had < alTerted too much, the ufe of ambiguous ' and fchokftic terms, and endeavour'd to
* bring in the way of the fchoolmen in his
* writings; and therefore the Synod dif-
* miffed him, with that prudent advice,
* Rather to keep the language of the fcrip- « ture, than of the fchools.'
No reafonings, expolfulations, or com- plaints, could avail to extinguiili the flame that was kindled. At length there was a defign formed in 1694, to exclude Dr. Williams out of the ledlure at Pinners Hall', and then there was a new Tuefday lediure fet up at Salters Hall. And after this no farther attempts were made for a coalition j but the heat and ftrangenefs aba- ted by degrees, and they learn'd to keep up a friendly correfpondence with each other ^ making allowance for a diverfity of fenti- ■ments ; but ading in concert, in all mat- ters of common concernment, which was by experience found to be much more comfortable than the continuance of flrife and contention, which tends to confufion and every evil work.
Great alfo v/ere the donates, that were at this time on foot, about the do- drine of tlie trinity. Different explica- tions of that dodirine had been publjfhed by ' C c 2 Dr.
388 The History of the
Dr. Wallh, Dr. Sherlock, Dr. South, Dr. Ciidworth and others. And a certain wri- ter publifhed Confiderations on theje expli- cations J which occafioned the famous and learned Mr. 'John Howe, to publifli a tradt, intitled, A calm andfober enquiry, concern- ino- the pojjibility of a ^rijiity in the God- head, in a letter to a perfon of worth. To which were added, fome letters for- rnerly written to Dr. IVallis on the fame fubje6l. This enquiry was reflected on in a Pojlfcript to the defence of Dr. Sherlock's notion of the T'rinity in unity ; and there- upon Mr. Howe, in the fame year, pub- lifhed^ A letter to a friend, concerning that poftfcript. After this came out, Some cojifiderations on the explications of the do- Brine of the trinity, in a letter to H. H. And Mr. Howe being therein concerned, in 1695 he publifhed, A view of thofe con- f derations, in a letter to the former friend. Thefe things affed:ed men, according to their different notions; and Mr. Hoicc himfelf, as well as Dr. Sherlock, could not efcape the charge of downright herefy. A true Chriftian laughs at thefe difputes, and defii-es only that he may glorify God by an humble walk before him, in obedience to his will. The learned L^.pofllc St. Paul re- joiced in this, Tihat in fmplicity, and god- ly fine erity, he had had his converfation in this world. The learned Dr. Stillingfleet ,
in
English Baptists. 3^9
in his preface to his vindication of the do- arine of the Trinity, obferves, That there . is a kind of bitter zeal, which is fo fierce and violent, that it rather intl-imes than heals any wounds that are made, and is ot fo malignant a nature, that it Ipreads and eats like a cancer. And if a (lop, lays he, were not given to it, it might endanger the whole body. O, the beauty of learn- ino- i when it is attended with a pious zeal . fo? God and his church. What humility, what moderation, does appear m the pol- feffors thereof? I might inftance in Ti/iot^ fon Hoadley, and many others, but mult return to our Noble, whom Mr. Tf alhn tells us, ' That in his converfation, his
* knowledge of divinity, hiftory, and con- , ' troverfy, often render'd his company
' pleafant and profitable, as a min.iler, ' a friend, and a gentleman. He was fa- ' voured, through the whole courfe of his « profeflion, with a great degree of faith
* in Chrift, and a fettled joy and peace m
* believing J being able to fay in his latter
* end That he bleiled God, he was never
* fuffered to queftion his intereft in Chrifl ^ fmce he firft believed, tho' he was truly ' fenfible of, and afflided with the body ^ of fin and death. lu his lad affliction, < as in the other parts of his life, he ex- ' prefled a chearful refignation to the di-
* vine oleafare, and relying upon the wil-
C c 3 ' '^om
39°
Edward
Walliii.
7^^ History of the
dom and grace of Chrift Jefus, was will- ing to fubmit to the Lord's will, either as to his living or dying, declaring, that the truths he had preached to others were the comfort and fupport of his own foul in the near views of death and eternity. ' Thus, fays MvJVallm, did this excel- lent minifter of the Gofpel live by faith, and died in faith 3 and tho' for fome hours before he expired he could not ex- prefs his faith in Chrift, and full hope of eternal happinefs, yet there is no room to conclude it was abated till he departed to Chrift, the delight of his foul ; where the one ended in a full vifion, and the other in eternal fruition of his Redeem- er, from whom he hath now received the end of his faith, even the falvation of his foul.' He died in yu?ie 1730, very much lamented by his congregation' who greatly efteemed him, and was buried in the Park in Southwark, being about fe- veiity-one years of age.
Mr. Ed-^ard Walliii^ tho' but lately de- ceafcd, muft not be emitted in the lift of the worthy gentiemxn who have been noted for their ufefulnefs in the miniftry of this denomination. The hardihips and fuiferings his religious parents underwent for the caufe of Chrifl, who chearfully zndjoyjully took the Jpoi ling oj their goods, did not a little diHibie them from giving
that
English Baptists. 391
that education his great genius required. He devoted himfelf very early to the fer- vice of God -, and when he had evidenced his love to the Redeemer, by fubinitting to his authority and example in holy baptij'm^ he did not imagine that his work v^ras done, but indefatigably fet himfelf to the ftudy of the Scriptures, and the oriental languages, v^hereby it appeared, that his capacious foul afpired after fomething higher than trade, for which he was de- figned, and in which he was occupied. When he was about twenty-jive years of age, his minifterial gifts and abilities, in- duced two churches, at one and the fame time, to give him a call to the paftoral care of them. This put him under great perplexity, having engaged in the work of the miniilry with difinterelled views, and not upon any mean, mercenary, or world- ly confideration j efteeming himfelf, thro' his great humility, unfit, even for the prefent work he v/as ufually engaged in to afTift, much more to prefide. But being earneflly preffed by both, at length, upon, mature deliberation, he accepted the call of the poorer and meaner church, believ- ing it to be the mind of God that he fliould do^fo, and that his work lay there j tho* at the fame time he had a growing family, and under preffing circumftances of life, which obliged him to keep a fchool, till C c 4. God,
392 7^^ History of the
God, by his providence, raifed the low eftate of his church, by the great fuccefs he gave to his miniftry, into fo flourifliing a condition, that they were enabled to give him fuch a fuitable maintenance, as took him off from all worldly biilinefs after- wards. The reverend Mr. "Johji Gill, who preached his funeral fermon, gives him this character, 'uiz. ' That he had a large experience of the grace of God, and a confiderahk fiare of light and hioii'ledge in, the great truths of the Go/pel-, he had an heavenly fkill to lay open the wretch- ed and miserable ftate and condition of fmners by nature, and to fet forth the glory of Chrift in his perfon, blood, righteoufnefs, and facrifice. His lan- guage was plain and eafy, tho' fti'ong and mafculine, far above contempt, and yet free from the fweiling words of vain rhetoricians. His reafonJng was clear ^ and nervous, his mien and deportment! was grave, his addrefs v/as with majefty, \ which at once had a tendency to com- ; mand awe, engage the attention, and ilrike the aiTed:ion.'
It was none oi the leafl of this excel- lent man's qualifications for the miniflerial work, that he knew how to behave him- i felf in the houfe of God, in regard of the \ exercife of that difcipline which is fo ne- j cefTary to Chriftian fccietics. He kept his
church
English Baptists. 393
church in peace all his days, notwithftand- ing there were but few amongll: them who oppofed the pradice oifinging the praifes of God in the public affembly 5 and tho' him- felf, and almoft all the reft believed it a laudable pradice, yet, becaufe it was the principle upon which the church was firft conftituted, he, for the fake of peace, and that the weak confciences of his few bre- thren might not be offended, acquiefced in the non-performance thereof. But fmce his death it is now pradifed by them.
He had a large kno\yledge of, and ac- quaintance with both men and things. This, with his great fagacity and penetration, joined with labour and pleafure in it, fitted, and gave him an uncommon turn for bufinefs. Notwidiftanding all his attainments, gifts and ufefulnefs, he was, fays Mr. G£//, humble, and entertained mean and low thoughts of himfelfj a pattern then, I think, worthy of Mr. G/7/'s imitation. Bat why does Mr. Gill allow him but a confiderable Jhare of light and knowledge ■ in the great truths of the Gofpel ? It is true, he was a man of great moderation, tho' of them who profefs the Cahinift fcheme of religion, and did not run into thofe flights, oi juftification before faith ^ and of good works, in no fenfe, being ne- ceffary to falvation j but with the Englifi ■ Bapttfs in general held, That none can
be
394 ^^ History of the
be faid to be aBually reconciled, juftiiied* or adopted, until they are really implanted into Jefus Chrifl by faith j and according- ly in his difcourfes did well diftinguifh be- twixt yujiification and SanSiijication^ ex- alting the imputed righteoufnefs of Chrift j without undervaluing the work of the Spi- ' lit. Neither do I know, tho' I was inti- mately acquainted with him many years, that he ever, publicly or privately, boafted of his learning or knowledge. A thing, indeed, frequently pradtifed by fuch as have but a coiifiderable, or little fliare of them ; and therefore I muft take the liberty, as well as many others, to diffent from Mr. Gill on this head, and believe him to have been endued with a large fliare of 1 knowledge in the great truths of the Go- fpel. It is well known, that the conver- fation of Mr. Wallin with men was free and pleafant, affable and courteous, in- ilrudtive and diverting, which made him i univerfally efteemed and beloved. He \ w,as calm and quiet under afflidtive provi- dences, and much religned to the divine will, and particularly throughout his laft iicknefs, which was a long indifpofition. He departed this life on the 12th of yune, AfmoDom. 1733, in ^^^ fifty -ffth year of - his age.
He publifned but two difcourfes ; one on the death of the reverend Mr. yohn
Noble;
English Baptists. 395
Noble ; the other on the death of Mrs. Mary Weare.
Mr. William Arnold, muft not byme William be omitted in this chapter 5 he was chofen, ^^i^^^^- and ordained paflor ol" the congregatio?:! which had before for their paftor the reve- rend Mr. Btmjamin Sfiuton. The leafe of their meeting-houfe being expired, they removed to a fmall diftance and built a new one in Unicorn-yard upon Horjley^ doivn, where they ftill relide, and are now under the paftoral care of the reverend Mr. lho?uas Flower.
1 r may juftly be faid of Mr. At'nold^ according to the wijaom of this worlds that he was a man of no learning, and the fame was too apparent to thofe whom he converfed with in a literary way. But when delivering himfelf from the pulpit, fuch was the correctnefs of his difcourfes, that they were not inferior to the moft learned of his brethren. And he appear- ed to be a folid and able divine. A very juft charader is given of him, by the re- verend Mr. Samuel Wiljbn^ who preached his funeral fermon, and at the requefl of the church publifhed it. I fhall there- fore deliver it in Mr. JVilfo?i?> own words ; who after a fhort preamble, fays thus, ' It was his great mercy, and I have heard
* him often mention it with praife and
* gratitude j that God met with him about
* the
39^ The History of the
the time of his firft fettling in the world> and wrought a change in his heart and converfation, furprizing to himfeif, and to all about him. After he had for fome time made a public profeffion in reli- gion, in an honourable church in the country, he was taken notice of as a man of uncommon ferioufnefs, favour, fpiri- tuality, and aifedion, efpecially in the difcharge of the duty of prayer, in which, from his converfion to his death, there were few more eminent. This engaged the church to follicit a tafte of his gift in expounding the fcriptures j a matter, in his opinion, fo weighty, and. of fuch moment and importance, that after he had fpent a great deal of time, in feeking counfel from God, he advi- fed with fome eminent minifters *, whofe opinion in his favour, after they had carefully examined him, with the renewed importunities of the church, brought him to fome degree of refolu- tion, tho' with m^uch fear and trem- . bling, to go out in the ftrength of the Lord, and publi(h the glad tidings of falvation. He had not been long in this work before God gave him fome remarkable feals to his miniftry, which greatly ftrengthened his faith, and encou-
* Mr. Davidfon o/^Trowbridge, ^c.
' rage4
English Baptists. 397
raged him to go forwards: And now he began to give himfelf wholly, to reading, lludy, meditation, and prayer j nor was it in vain, for his profiting ap- peared unto all, and he foon became the darling of the churches wherever he was called to minifler. I might fay much of his natural abilities, and I believe, eve- ry one that knew him will allow, that for a ready difcerning, of men and things, a lively imagination, a folid judgment, a ftrong and tenacious me- mory, he had few his equals. And as he has often exprelTed how thankful he ihould have been (fo far was he from flighting or defpifing a regular educa- tion) could he have read the facred oracles, in the original languages • fo providence feemed to make up this de- fedt, by bleffing him vt^ith an induftri- ous fpirit. He thought no pains too much in reading the beft EngUfi divines, and confulting the moil judicious com- mentators to come at the fenfe of the Holy Ghofl, in paffages more difficult and obfcure ; and in this he was fo fuccelsful, that men of the greatefl ca- pacity, and the mofl improved litera- ture, often attended his miniftry with pleafure and advantage. He was indeed^ a fnilfid workman^ who Jieeded not to he ajhamed^ rightly dividing the ivord of truth. " 'His
398 The History of the
* His natural difpofition was good, his
* converfation moll agreeable, an innocent
* chearfulnefs, attended with proper pru-
* dence, diicovered it felf upon almoft
* every occafion 5 fo that he had as many
* friends as acquaintance -, nor could you
* be in his company long without im-
* provement and delight.
* In his family, he was a tender huf-
* band, and a mofl affedionate father, con- « fcientious and conllant in the difcharge of ' relative duties. In the world few more
* inofFenfive ; courteous to all, ready to do
* crood offices even to ftrangers ; faithful
* and fedulous, in the fervice of his friend ; ' and fome have thought, as a fecond < caufe, that the laft great breach upon ' his conftitution, was owing to his zeal
* and application, for the profperity of ' one whom he loved as a brother.
' About fourteen years lince he was ' called by this church to the paftoral ' office, and tho' the invitation was very ' unanimous and hearty, it appeared to ' him to be an affair which called for ' thought and deliberation. Accordingly, ' it was fome months before he could be ' brought to accept the charge ; nor even ' then, without calling the advice of his
* brethren in the miniftry. How he has ' fulfilled his miniftry among you, you
* are the beft judges ; and, I beheve, he
' has
English Baptists. 399
has a teftimony in every one of you, that with the utmoft dihgence, ferioufnefs, affe(ftion, and faithfalnefs, he has decla- red unto you the whole counfel of God, The nr.ore fubftantial and foul edifying truths of the Gofpel were the fubjeds he wholly infifted on ; faints and finners, babes, and fathers in Chriftj Siofi's, mourners, the poor, the afflided, the tempted, and diflre&d, the young and the aged, every one in the family, had his portion. Nor was he fatisiied with plealing the ear, but laboured in the flrength of the Lord, to fpeak to the heart and confcience ; and it was with that fpirituality and favour, as abundant- ly difcovered, that he tajied, and handled of the word of life in his own foul, whilft he held it forth to others. His method was eafy, jufl and natural, his didion ftrong and mafculine, yet plain and familiar i his gefture and deport- ment gracefiil, and becoming. He well knew how to clothe his words with au- ■thority; when as a fon of thunder he ' had to deal with the ftupid confcience of a ' rebellious iinner j nor was he at a lofs, in ' dilcovering the greateft tendernefs, fym- ' pathy, compafTion and affection, when
* as a fon of confolation, he was fent with
* a meffage of peace, to the humble peni-
* tent believer, of a broken heart and a
' con-
400 Tloe History of the
' contrite fpirit. And as he was richly
* furnifhed, with gifts and graces, which ' rendred him an able minifler ; fo the ' work of God, profpered in his hands. ' Many converts were gathered in, who ' dated their firfl ferious impreffions to a ' bleffing of God upon his labours. The
* faints found him, under a divine agency, 'to be a helper of their faith, joy and ' confolation. In his occafional labours, « he was always well attended, much be- ' loved, and greatly refpeded. A fpirit ' of government appeared in all his ma- ' nagements at church meetings -, he ' knew how to keep his place, without ' lording it over God's heritage j and few ' minifters more zealous in preferving the ' purity, and maintaining the difcipline of « the chui-ch. Thus he went on for about ' t'lvehe years, till his work drawing near
* its clofe, one indiipofition after another ' feized him, till at length the tabernacle ' began to fhake, as threatned with an ' approaching diffoiution. It has been ob- « ferved by feme that he has hardly ever ' been well, fince the removal of a valu- ' able friend *, ii-bo/e praifc is in all the ' churches, who was dearer to him than,
* a brother, and with whom he took much ' ' fweet counfel \ and as there was hardly
* Ihs Remrend Mr. WalUn, n.>iho dkdahont ayearfmce.
*' ad
English BAPTists. 401
an affair of importance, in which he did not confult him, in life j fo there was little difference in their death, Both had tne mercy to die comfortably, and go off triumphantly. The jjio?iday be- fore he died, he afl^ied his phyHcians, with his ufual chearfulnefs, what they thought of him ? when they told him there was danger in his cafe, they were no fooner withdrawn, but he faid to his friends, with his hands lifted up towards heaven, and with an air of pleafure and fatisfadlion in his counte- nance, now I am going; I am going home ; I am going to glory. Upon this he fent for his children, took a fo- lemn and affectionate leave of them, and with the authority of a minifter, and the affection of a parent, recom- mended to them their duty to God, to one another ; and how they ought to walk in the world. Huefday being ap- pointed by the church, as a day of hu- miliation, fafting, and prayer, on his ac- count, he fent them the following mef- fage, which he fpoke with the utmofl zeal, and mofl melting affection, tho' he was fo weak as to be fupported by two perfons whilil he delivered it. I de- fire, faid he, to an officer of the church then prefent, you will be a mouth for me this day to the church j give my love to them, as a fellow member, as a D d * mini-
402 Tide History of the
' minifter of Chrift, and as their paftor ;
* Tell them, that I am now going to my ' God, and their God j to my father, and '
* their father. I defire them all to join
* in praifes to God, for the exceeding
* abundant riches of his grace and mercy
* to me. Thefe words, T'hy fins, which
* are many ajid great, are forgiven i they ' have been fet home upon my foul with
* fuch power and joy, as almoft overfet the
* tabernacle : They were words, once, to ' me, as life from death, and now they
* are life in death. I am concerned for * , that little hill, in mount Sion ; fome of ' them, I believe, are feals to my mini-
* ftry, and will be my joy, and crown of, ' rejoycing in the day of Chrift. ' They
* have long been a credible and reputable ; ' church J they are now fo ; and it is my
* defire, they may continue in credit and
* reputation after my deceafe. I now take ' my farewel of them, and commit themi
* to the care of the great fhepherd and bi-
* fhop of fouls. Let them wait on God,
* that he may give them a paftor after ' his own heart, to feed them with know-
* ledge and underftanding. I defire them
* to fliew their love and value for me, by
* uniting in love and affection to one ano-
* ther, and then they may expedl to " meet death with joy and comfort, as I
* now do. And fo I take my leave of
* them, expeding to fee them in a little
time ;
English Baptists. 403
time ; and, that we (hall be companions again together, and be for ever with the Lord. He very frequently expreffed a great concern, for the Deijis, who deny a divine revelation, becaufe they mu(t be wholly deftitute of any degree of that fweet comfort, which he had received from the promifes, contained in the word of God J particularly, he mentioned thefe words, The blood of J ejus Chrifi his fon deanfcth from all Jin ^ as the great fupport, of his dying hours. After this, when he had bid his Lift adieu, in a very folemn manner, to many of his friends, and feveral brethren in the miniftry, he faid in the clofe of that day ; now my work is done, and defired to fee no more company. Wednefday he was in the fame frame of fpirit, rejoycing in the Lord, and longing for his diflblu- tion. Tlmrfday evening being afked, whether his comfort continued ; he an- fwered, witli his hands lifted up, yes ; without the leAll cloud ; Satan has not been fuflcrcd to interrupt it. Fr/W^J)' morn- ing, the morning in which he entred into glory ; about an hour before he died he laid to loivte friends j you will be afiied, by the world how I went ofF5 you are my wit- neffes^tliat I declare with my dying breath. That my firm fai h and dcpendance is on the blood, righteoufnefs, and fatisfac- tion of the Lotd jcfus Chrill, tor my ac- D d 2 * ceptance
494
Abraham Mulliner.
7lje History of the
ceptance in the fight of God. After this thanking them for all their kindnefs, he wiflied in the moft affectionate man- j ner that his God, might be their God, and that they might be eternal compa- nions with him in glory. One of them perceiving the near approach of death, faid. Sir, you feem to be very lov^^, He anfwered, with a kind of rapture, low ! No, I am mounting up as fail as lean. Upon her faying. Sir, do you feel any pain ? He anfwered no, I blefs the Lord, I feel no pain, he has made my paffage eafy. Some of his laft words were, lam an inftance of fove- reign and diftinguifhing grace, a brand plucked out of the burning. A few minutes after this, he fell fweetly alleep in Jefus, and died without figh, groan, or complaint,' on the 17th day oi May, Aim Bomini 1734, in the jorty third year of his age, and was interred in the burying ground adjoyning, and belonging to his meeting place.
Mr. Abraham Mulliner^ whom I may juftly ftile an old difciple of Chrift, he was born in the year 1671, and devoted himfelf to God in his youth. He was bap- tized, upon the profeffion of his faith in the year 1692, and then joyned himfelf to that congregation of which he afterwards became the paflor. It was an ancient congregation, iirft founded in the year
1641,
English Baptists. 405
1 64 1, under the paftoral care of Mr. Ed- ward Barber j who was flicceeded in the year 1674, by Mr. Jonathan Jennings, Mr. Jofeph Taylor had the overfig^ht of this church a fmall time, his converfation be- ing irregular they excluded him, and fix- ed upon Mr. Mullmer to take the paftoral care of them, who was ordained thereun- to in the year 1700. When he entred upon his minifterial fervices he made it his care to execute them well ; it w^as the chief, the moft conftant, and the mofl laborious part of his life, in which he cea- fed not, for the fpace of about /cr/y years, to watch for the welfare of mens fouls, and warm them with many tears. He laid no fchemes of raifing his worldly for- tune, to live at eafe in wealth and great- nefs, but left thefe things to God's difpo- fal, without concerning himfelf about them; but his chief thoughts, defigns, and contrivances, were, how he might fecure his own foul, and the fouls of others, in the love and intereft of God and hea- ven. To this end, he endeavoured, by the grace of God, to do all things princi- pally for his fake, and to his glory. His words from the pulpit, and in conver- lation, as becoming a minifter of Chrift, were grave, fober, and generally tending to the improvement of virtue and piety. He pradlifed himfelf wliat he perfuaded others IP J and none,, who ever had the benefit P d 3 Q^
406 Ihe History of the
of bis pious converiluion, but muft be ex- ceedingly aiFecfted therewith, unlefs they were endued with hearts as hard as itone.. The poor were his continual concern j to tne very utmoft of his circumftanccs he did abound in all the ads of charity to- wards them 3 they found a welcome at his hoLife within, not at the door 3 and often publicly exhorted his hearers, from, the pulpit, that labouring, they ought to fup- port their neceffities, rcmembrine, that Cnnft himfelf faid, it is more bleffed to gtve than to receive. It pleafed God to blels his labours with a numerous addition to his church. The great love he had to them, and the delight he took in ferving of them, words are wanting to exprefs. In his dying moments he declared to the reverend Mi',Sa?nuel Fry *, who vifited him, Tnat his heart was in his work, and that his foul breathed after the welfare of his people. And luch was the fpirituality and lublimity of the frame of his fpirit, that frequently in health, as well as in his laft iicknefs, he ufed to fay, h^ longed to go home, and join the church triumphant above. He was a man of exceeding mo- deration, was much grieved at thofe^ cavils which too much affected Chrirtians of differing lentiments, believing, that tho' the gate ts Jirait, a?id the way narrow that
<^<?wy!'^^^°'* °^**' ^o^S^egation in Falr-fireet, upon Horfelj-
English Baptists\ 407
leads to eternal life j yet the fume is made more fo, by the contention oi' chriftians one among another for meer trifles, and things not necefFary, tho' tit to be known. As his laft illnefs was long and tedious, fo it pleafed God to afford him great fupport, and comfort of mind therein. He decla- > red to his friends, that fmce his reftraint from pubHc fervices he had fet himfelf folemnly to examine his evidences for hea- ven and a future happinefs, and thanked God, that he was not afraid to die. He continued joyful in his foul to the end. The calmnefs and ferenity, peace and comfort of his mind, held till he fell afleep in Jefus, quietly religning his foul to God May 31, 1739, in th&fixty -eighth year of his age. He was interred in the bury- ing ground at Bunhill-fields Jime the 7th enfuing, attended with a numerous compa- ny of mournful fpecftators.
The Englijh Bapiijis^ tho' they are un- , happily difunited, and diftinguifhed by the title of Generals and Particulars j yet it is the only point, I know of, wherein they differ from the primiti'ue churches. I therefore Ihail conclude with a fliort dif- fertation on the practice ^ conduB^ and di- Jciplifie of the primitive churches, and leave the fame to their confideration.
It muff be granted, that foon after the
apoftles days, and even in the apoftolick
age, feveral herejies fprung up in the church
D d 4 fub-
4o8 The History of the
fubverilve of the fundamentals of Chrifti-. anity ^ to prevent the malignant efFeds whereof, and to hinder fuch hereticks from an undifcernable mixing themfelves with the orthodox Chriftians, as alfo to eilablifli and ftrengthen the true believers in the neceifary truths of the Chriflian re^ ligion J the Chriftian verities oppofite to thofe herefies were inferted in a creeds and together with thofe articles, which had been conftantly ufed from the time of the apo- flles, were propofed to the alTent and belief of all perfons who came to be baptized.
The whole fwarm of G'doJlickSy or at leaft the greateft part of them, held, That man was fatally necejjitated and. predeter- turned to all his actions, whether good or bad, and that he fliould not be judged at the laft day according to his works, but be difpofed of according to his Jpiritual feed^ eleiiion, ox Jo lit ary faith, which was natu- rally conferred upon him, and was not at- tainable by any endeavour or induftry of his own. Now, what m.ore monjirous and abominable can be exprefled or imagined ? Hereby God is made the author of Jin, re- prefented as unkind, cruel, and an unjuji being, puniihing, and tormenting his crea- tures for that nature which he irrefijiably forced on them 3 the nerves and finevvs of all human induftry and diligence are cut and broken, the nature of rewards and punifhments is entirely taken away, and
many
English Baptists. 409
I' Rl^ny< other blafphemies are the nalural I Confeqiiences of fo wild an opinion. Alfo the neceflity of an holy life is taken awav licentioLifnefs and impiety is introduced and all manner of wickednefs is patronized and encouraged. Where inch pnnciples as thefe are found amongft men profefTing Chriflianity, there are fufficient grounds for feparation and difiinSiion^ and fuch may defervedly be filled Antinomians. But I know of none fuch amongft the E?igliJJ;> Baptifts : If they differ about the exfents of Chrift's death, free-will^ and the effi- cacy ofgrace^ this is no more than what has been common to the church fi'om the beginning, and at moft can be deemed but mental errors ; and if they will continue to make dijlinciions^ and keep up Jeparate communities thereupon, letdiem remem- - her, who faid, A hoiije divided againft iu j'elf cannot Jiafid.
Saint Aujlin, the great aflerter of the. grace of God, and of the necefTity of its concurrence in the converfion of a finner, contends for the liberty of man, as well as pleads for the efficacy of God's grace ; lan inftance whereof we have in a letter of [his to Valentinus, the head probably of a jmonaftery, wherein fome over zealous and jimprudent oppofers of Pelagius had ad- ivanced the povjer of divine grace to that |height, as 10 take away 2\\ freedom from , joian, which he condemns as dangerous
and
4IO T^^ History of the
and erroneous^ and diredts to the middle ivay as the fafell:, wherein the grace of God is fo averted, as that the liberty of man is not denied ; and the liberty of man is fo maintained, as that the grace of God is not diminillied. There are come, faith he, unto us from your congregation, two young men, Crefconius and Felix, who re- port, that your monaftery is divided j that fome * fo preach up grace, as to deny man to have a free-will-, and, which is worfe, that at the day of judgment, God will not render to every man according to his works; but, that others difagreeing from them confefs, that, our free-will is helped by the grace of God, to think and do thofe things which are right, that when the Lord fhall come to render unto every man according to his works, he may ■ lind our works good which God hath pre-
* Quidam invobis fic gratiam prsedicent, ur negent ho- minis cffe liberum arbitrium, & quod eft gravius dicunt, quod in die judicii non fit vel redditurus Deus unicuique fecundum opera ejus, etiam hoc tamen indicaverunt, quod plures veilrum non ita fentiant, fed liberum arbitniim ad- juvari fateantur per Dei gratiam, ut reda faciamus, atque iapiamus ut cum venerit dominus reddere unicuique fecun- dum opera ejus inveniat opera nollra bona quas preparavit Deus ut in illis ambulemus. Hoc qui kntiunt, bene fen-i
tiuntprimo enim Chriftus non venit ut judicaret mun,
dum, fed ut falvaretur mundus per ipfum ; poftea vero jo- dicabit Deus mundum quando venturus elt, ficut tota eccle- fia in fymbolo confitetur, judicare vivos & mortuos. Si igi- tur non eft Dei gratia quomodo falvat mundum ? Et fi non eft liberum arbitrium, quomodo judical njundum ? Toot. 2. f/r/?.46. p. 179-
pared.
EsTGLisH Baptists, 411
pared, that we may walk in theo y fhoj} ivho think Jo thmk ^uvcll. Wherefore, a3 the apojlle did the Cori?ithwjis, jo I befeech you J brethren^ hy the 72a?ne of the Lord Je- Jiis Chrifi, that ye all fay the fame things and that there be no fchi fms ainongfl you \ for our Lord Jefus Chi ill: came lioG firil to judge the world, but ihut the world thro\ him (hould be faved ; but liereaft^r he fliall judge the world, when he liiall eome, as the whole church proiGfjfey in the creed, to judge both the quick and the dead. M therefore there be not God's grace ^\iQ\^ can he fave the v/orld r And if,tli€i^€. bie. Tioifree-^'ill how can he judge the workti Where he appeals, as it were, t-o tii.e' common fenfe of ail mankind, tluii ihcre could not be a proper and righteous judg- ment, as to be fure our Lord's will be, except the party judged w^xcfree and vo- luntary in all his a6tions.
At the appearance of the Lord of life and glory in this world, both Jews and Gentiles were concluded under lin ; they not knowing which way to free them- felves from the guilt and condemnation thereof, the apojiles were fent forth with full power and authority to invite them both to come into the Chriflian church, which they were then founding ; the en- trance whereiato was by bapti/m; afluring them, that they ihould therein receive a com- pleat and perfed reniiljion of all their fins.
Thus
412 ^e History of the
Thus our Lord, a little before his afcen- fion into heaven, authorized his difciples to go into all the world, and preach the Markxvi. Gofpel to every creature j He that believ- '5' '^' eth and is baptized Jloall befaved. Accord- ing unto vi^hich command, when they were all infpired by the Holy Ghoft on the day of pentecojl, the principal end and drift of faint Feter\ fermon then preach- Aftsii. ed, is fummed up in thefe words, Repent, 3^- and be baptized, every one of you, in the
name of Jefiis Chrijl, for the remigion of fns. And the apoftle Faiil, relating the manner of his converfion, tells us, that Ananias, a devout man of Damafms, af- ter he had reftored his fight unto him, exhorted him fpeedily to become by bap- tifm a member of the Chriftian church, that fo he might receive remiffion of fins. Afts jind now, why tarriefi thoul Arife and be '^''' '^* baptized] arid wajh away thy fins, calling on the name of the Lord.
BAPTISM doth in its own nature fuppofe the fubmiiTion of the baptized perfon to the dominion and lordihip of Chrift, it being the public rite of initiation into his kingdom, and the folemn admif- fion into the number of his fubjedts ; fo that whenever baptifm is ufed, the lord- fhip and dominion of Chrift is exprefly af- fented to and owned; from whence it follows, that irifants cannot be proper fub- jeas of baptifm. The apoftle ?aid ex^,| ■ * preflyl
English Baptists. 413
preily declares, there is but ons Lord, one Eph. iv, Jaith^' one baptifm^ one God and father of^' all. So that the very formahty of a Chri- flian, and the intention of a perfon's being fuch, is to fubmit to Chrift as Lord, which every one profeiTes to do at baptijm ; that being a vifible admiflion into his kingdom, and an open profeffion of fub- jediion to him. Whence Cornelius and his company were faid to be baptized in the name of the Lord-, that is, they were by baptifm initiated into the fervice of Chrift as Lord.
Now, that a profeffion of faith was made, at baptijm, by the perfon baptized, will appear, if we confider, that the apo- flles and evangelifis, who were the firft fent forth to preach the Gofpel, and to convert the world, both fewifh and Pagan, when they formally received any one a member into the Chriftian church by bap- tifm, they did then particularly demand his aiTent to the Chriflian faith, and a de- claration in fome form of words thereof. Thus, after the conference between the Eiinuch and Philip the evangelift, when Adsvlii. tlie eunuch teflined his defire to be baptized, Philip told him, that if he did believe ivith all his heart he might. Unto which, when the eunuch replied, that he did believe fe- fus Chrift to be the fon of God ; then Philip baptized hi?n, but not before. From whence it is manifeft, that the apoftks,
and
]
414 ^^ History of (he
and fiift preachers oftheGofpel, required of the pcrfon baptized a public declaration of his faith in the Lord Jefus. As to the foi-m of words ufed, they might not always be exadly the fame ; the governors of the churches might allow themfelves a liberty of exprelTion, according as they faw occa- fion ; yet, they had a creed, or form of words, profeffed at baptifm, which they made the terms of Chriftianity, and ad- miffion to their communion 5 unto which St. Paul might have an eye, when he ex- I Tim.vi. horted 'Timothy, to keep that which was 2o- . . committed to his truji j and to hold jaft the \^^^'^' form of found words. But be that as it '^' will, I think this is certain, that not only Timothy but the apojiolical churches, and all others, who received the chriftian faith from them, were foUicitous and careful to prefer ve, that /or;;z of faith, which 1 was delivered unto them by the Apoflesy, and as the apoftles, fo they in imitation 1 of their example, did always at haptifm,, require the affent of the perfon to h^ bap- tized, unto the articles of the chriftian 1 faith. Thus Jufiin Martyr, who is fup- pofed to have lived about the year 155,, alTures us that ' none were baptized unlefs they did frf declare their affent to the| doctrine and faith of the Gofpel. Ru^-
tr/. Apol.2. ;. 93.
nusy
English Baptists. 415
nuSj who lived about the year 390, tells us, that in his days '', the ancient cuflom was retained at Rome for perfons to be bap- tized^ publicly to recite the Creed. And Scihian, who lived about the year 460, fays, that at Baptifm % the Chriftians profejjed their faith in God the father almighty, and in Jefus Chriil his fon. The fame is af- firmed by Vigilius Tapfenfts who lived about the year 484 j if he be the author of thofe books concerning the Trinity to Theophtlus, extant amongfl the works of Athanafius ". Thofe, fays he, who came > to the facred laver of regeneration confef- fed, faying, I believe in God the father almighty, and in Jefus Chrifl his only fon, and in the Holy Ghoft.
In the cpndud; oHht primitive churches, it is obfervable, that as there ought to be, fo there was a mutual intercourfe and fociety, fellowfliip and communion, in all ufual and regular ways, between their fe- veral refpe^tive churches, and congrega- ' tions^ being all chriflians and believers,
^ Mos ibi fervatiir antiquus, eos qui gratiam baptifmi fufcepturi funt, publice fymbolum reddere. Ex-hof, in Symb.S 3, /. 565. ■ *
' Quae ell in baptifmo falutari Chriftianorum confeffio ? ■ Credo inquis in Deum patrem omnipotentem, & ia Jefum Chrillum filium ejus, De Gubern. Dei, lib. 6. p. 197.
'' Ad facrum lavacrum regenerationis venientes, confefll fic, credo in Deum patrem omnipotentem, & in Jefum Chrillum filium ejus unigcnitum, & Spiritum fanftum. I>!ier o^era A^\i^n7ii,7om. 2. lib. 11. «^ Tlieophil./. 591.
hold-
416 Tne History of the I
holding: one Lord, one faith ^ one baptifnt : One God, and jather of all. Whereby they did declare to the whole world, that tho' neceffity and conveniency, did oblige them to affemble in diftinB places, and compofe different focieties; that yet, ne- verthelefs, they were all members of one
- and the fame body of which Chrift Jefus is the head ; that they were all guided by the fame fpirit, did communicate in the fame inflitutions, and were governed by the fame general rules ; fo that whatfo- ever was regularly performed, and deter- mined in one congregation, was affented to by all others, and whofoever was re- ceived to communion in one church, was freely admitted in any other. This is evi-
- dent by their communicatory letters j which the Bijloop ele5i of any church fent to other bifliops and their anfwers in re- turn thereto. Thus Cornelius * advifed Cy- prian, bifliop of Carthage, of his promo- tion to the fee of Rome^ who returned him an anfwer, acknowledging him to be bt- Jkop of that part of the univerfal church,
and promifmg to hold commimion with him as a brother^ and feliow-member. Befides, there was alfo another fort of communi- catory letters, granted by the bifiops^ and governors of the churches, to fuch of their
* Tuas literas legimus. y^/w^ Cyprian, Epijl. J^z- i »-|
/• 99-
Literas noftras ad te direximus. U.
member^
Engi.is^-t Bap^tists. j^jj
members as travelled, called hy 'T'erfuUian \ the communication .of ,. peace, the title of brotherhood, and the common mark of hofpitalityj by virtue whereof they were admitted to communicate in all churches through which they palTed. And which is yet further obfervable, if it happened that a bifhop in his travels came to a
. ilrange church, which was not his own, he was, for the teftification of their union, permitted by the bifliop of that church, to ponfecrate the facramental elements of the Lord's fupperi as Poly carp ^ did at Rome^ by the confent of Anicetus the then bifhop of that church, who lived about the year 140.
A s to their difcipline, tho' there might be a difagreement in fome lejjh' and iiife- rior points, yet they fliil retained peace
,;and order, and one church did not impe- rioufly claim, and exercife a jurifdiclion
• over another ; but whatfoever was regu- larly performed in one church was allowed to be valid and obligatory by all others. Wiiofoever was baptized^ ordained, or the like, in one church, was not obliged to receive thofe things de novo^ if his circum-
..ftances, and the divine Providence, iliould
' Communlcatio pads, & appellatio fraternitatiis, & con- te/Teratia holpitalitatis. De prafcri^t. adverf. H^eret.
, s^'xa.v tw Wo'h.vK-li-mu. Ireu. apud Eufeb. ecclef. Hift, Mb. 5. r. 24. /. 193.
*'■' E e necefTitate
4i8 iToe History of the
neceiTitate him to be member of another. To advance proofs of this concerning^ bap- tifm is needlefs, feeing it is well known, that the baptifm of hereticks was deemed valid, and was never reiterated. Touch- ing ord'maticn^ I<Jtmiidicus^^ who lived about the year 250, being a /r^j/^r before, was admitted into the number of prefiyters of Carthage without a new ordination.
Another inftance of their mutual com- munion and fellowship, refpedting their difcipline was, that thofe who were jujlly and legally cenfured in one church, were not, in oppofition thereunto, countenanced and fupported by another ; but as they were excluded their own congregation, fo they were alfo debarred from the commu- nion of all others, and never admitted in- to the fellowHiip of any regular Chriftian fociety, till, by their amendment and fa- tisfadiion, they were received again into their own church, unto which they ap- pertained ; an eminent example whereof we have in Marcion^ who lived about the year 160, and being eje6led from the church by his own father, the bifliop of Smope in Pontus, applied himfelf to the church of Rome, to be admitted to communion there ; who rejedied him with this anfwer 3
** Numidicus prefbyter adfcribatur prefbyterorum Car- iba^inenjium numero. Cyprian, Ep. 35. p. 84.
tliat
ENGLISH Baptists.
that ' they could not do it, without the permiffion of his father, becaiife the faith is one, and the concord one, and we can^ not contradid: our reverend fellow mini- fter, but your father.
And thus, my brethren, I hope, in the courfe of this Hiilory, I have made it appear, that you are the only people who clofely adhere to the apoflolical pra- ctice, and the practice of the primitive churches ; I lament that difunion you maintain, upon principles, which, at moft can be deemed but mental errors. You all profefs one Lord, one faith ^ one baptlfm^ one God and father of all, why cannot you then m.aintain one communion ? Are the difcriminating fentiments oiAthancfms, So^ cinus, Cahin, Arminiiis, or the public con- fellions of national churches, or fe par ate congregations, of equal authority with the facred and infallible oracles of divine truth ? Or do they give a more exact and plain ac- count of the doctrines of Chriitianity tiian Xki^NeiD T^ejlament it felf contains ? I dare anAver for you, furely no. Ai-e not thea the holy Scriptures a fufficient ftandard of right belief? \i we fay they arc not, we re- proach and vilify them ; and if they are, what need is there of other tfs,
fcpiphan. adverf. Kaeref. Marcion, /. is,.'
For
410^
420 Tloe History, ^c.
For my own part, I make no fcruple to declare, that it is my opinion, That no faith ought to be explicit ely required, in order to the communion of Chriftians,, coniidered as fuch, but what is neceflary to denominate a man a Chriflian.
In the happy days of primitive Chri- ilianity, the Chriftians who were Baptijis, were lb eminent, above all other iQ&.s^ for their moderation, the peaceablenefs of their temper and difpolition ; and for their mu- tual love and charity, that the world ob- ferved it with aftonifhment j and the very Heathens cried out with admiration, Behold, how they love one another. We are, faith 'TertuUian ^, ready to die for each other, and we call one another Brethren 3 becaufe we acknowledge one and the. fame God the fa- ther, and have been fandified by the fame holy Spirit, and have been brought from the fame ftate of ignorance to the light of the fame marvellous truth.
^ Vide inquiunt, et invicem fe diligunt. Pro alter utro
mori funt parati Fratres nos vocamus quia unum
patrem Deum agnoverunt qui unum Spiritum biberunt fan- dlitatis, qui de uno utero ignorantias ejufdem ad unam lu- cem expiraverunt veritatis. lertul. apolog. cap. 39. p.709.
Soli Deo Gloria.
FINIS.
JPP ENDIX.
^^^^^^^'^'
N U M B. I.
Jftjort Covfejjwn or a Brief Narrative of tatth.
C H A P. I.
F5W^^311F. believe that there isDeut. ff. 4.. j but one only living andiraiah xlv. ^. true God, and that this'^''^''-^''''^- one God, is afpiritual^'P^ ^:'-^- '^eing and lubltance, nathRcv. xix.6.
his being in and of him-
X]. I 2.
felf, and is omnipotent, omniprefent, or P^- "^^^^^'^ by his fpirit prcfent every where, omnif-7' ^''"•.. fcicnt, cr knoweth all things, invilible, ^dv W eternal, immortal, incomprehenlibls andDnn. ii. 22. glorious, the great creator and preferver^la". vi. g. of all things, throughout, the rewarder of^'l'^^ YV^ them, that diligently feek himj the Lord ^olj^\'' of hofts'is his name. ^ i Tim. i. 17
Deat xxxiii. 27- i 7 im. i. 17. Ifa. xxxiii. 21. ifa. xl. 28. job. X'ii. 20. Ff, xxxvi.6. Heb. xi. 5. a Sam.vi. 2. A -1. As
.2 A. T T E N D 1 X.
• a. As we do believe this one God to be
an infinite, eternal, glorious, lelf-being,
invilible, immortal, and incomprehenfiblcj
ibj according to the Scriptures of truth,
we do believe the father, fon, and fpirit,
to be this one God, fo that this one God
fubLiileth in three, to wit, father, fon, and
I Joh. V. 7. holy fpirit, and thefe three are one ; each
Mart. iii. i6,^£'f;^gj„ js Q^^^ ^nd yet there is but one
^-^' God. Concerning each we Ihall give our
^ thoughts diltindly, yet ver^* bricliy.
I. Concerning God the Father, we be- lieve him to be the original, or great cffi-
I Cor, viii. 6. cient caufe of all things. To us there is
fT'-'''*^^^* ^^^ ^°^^ ^^^ father of whom are all things, Eph. IV. 6. ^^^ of him, and through him, and to him are all things; one God the father of all.
II. Concerning God the Son, our Lord Jefiis Cbnjfy we believe him to be the fon of God, and the fon of man, truly God, and truly man, the Mefftab promi- fed ; that as to his divine nature, it was and is of an eternal exiftcnce, of and with the father, and fo truely God, and this
Phil. ii. 6, 7, Godhead vailed itfelf in a human Body,
^' . and took upon him the nature and fub-
^^' ^^* ftaacc of man, in all its parts and infirmi-
Heb.ii; 14, ties, fm only excepted. And as he was
16. ^' thus vailed in. a Kuman body united in
"that one perfon, fo he is truly, not only
Lnkei 3? the fon of God, but the fon of man. And
lia. ixU:.' W£ do believe that our redeemer never
* • ■,'' was revealed or difcovered to any man,
but in the .union of natures, as he camc^
forth in time, nor never will be. Thus he'
wt»s.Ma all, the promifcs that God made
con-
A9 T E N D 1 1\ ^
concerning him 5 it vvas as he was mani- fefted in time, and no othervvife. In the firlt promijc, it was the feed of the wo- man. When renewed to Jhraham^ ir vvas Gen. iil. 15. to his feed. 7"he fame was rcneNved to .^;" 3-
j^i7c, and tlie fame to Jacob. And the Yxii Ig' fame promife to David, that his feed 'xxvi,4! ihould endure forever. And thus was he xxviii. 14. rrophetically fpoken of as a prophet, or^^- i^^xxix^ m his prophetical Office, and io he F^i"*^as i^?6 ^' formed his prieflly office upon the crofs', Deuc. xvin'. and is flill performing of it at his father's 18, 19, right hand. And fo he is prophelied of^*^^^''- 22, in his kinelv office: from all which we^^' ,.. conclude that our honi yefus Chrij}^ be- i\ 23/26. fore he was manifefted in the flelh, and 1 Tim, ii. 5. lince his manifeftation therein, and in the ^o"^-. '''"'•34- day of glory, was not, is not, nor ever^^ ' *^" ''^* will be, known to any man, in any of his jer. x.xx o. * titles, offices, power, and glory, but only Hof iii. ^-. in the union of natures'; and fo we own^^"''"- •^-J'^^v.i. him to be the objei^t of our faith, and our ^'^' redeemer, ^C'.
III. Concerning the Holy Spirit, we believe, fuitablc to the fcripturcs that (peak thereof, that the holy fpirit is oft Ccr. ii. u. (jod, and is God, of the divine ellence,^^^- '^^- J4 cocternal with the father and the fon. and-^^^"^'^: '^^' proceeding from both, God of the famejoj^n xv'i. 7. nature, the enlightner, convinccr, convcr-di^r. ter, fandtifier, ftrengthcner, and comfort- '-'iv. 16, ij, cr of his people, in and by the means ap-"°', ^.. pointed for that end, namely, the word of j p^^^ j^ 22 ^ truth, and dodrine of the gofpel.
A 2 CHAP-
1^ A'P T E N D 1 X
CHAP. II.
Of the Holy Scriptures. Concerning the huly Icriptures, wx, be- lieve, that the Icriptures of the old -diwd new teltament are the written word and will of God, given by infpiration to the holy prophets and apoftles", and are left upon record for our learning, that we through patience, and comfort of the fcriptures, might have hope ; and that they are a perfe6t rule, containing all things neceflary to falvati«n; they being the counlel oi God concerning all things necelTary for his own glory, and the eter- IfalaKviii.zo.nul good of fOuls, relating both to matters sTim.iii. 15. ^f faith and pradice, eipecially the doc-
,/' , trine of the aofpel therein contained. Kom. V. 4. c^ r
CHAP. III.
Of the Creation.
Concerning the creation we believe,
that in the beginning it pleafed God
almighty, for reafons belt known to him-
Cen.ii, I. felf to create or make the world, and all
John i. 2, 3. things therein whether vifible or invilible,
Kcb. i 2. jj^ ^^^ {pace of lix days, and all very good.
Collie^ After God made the heavens and the
Gen. i. 27 earth, and all other creatures, he made
Ecclef.vii.29. man, male and female, after hisovui image,
P(. viu. 4, 5, jj.j ^ j^^j.g of glorious perfed:ion, free from
lin, but a llitle lower than the Angels :
having dominion over the works of his
hands.
AT T E N D I X. 5<
hands. And the Lord having made man, places him in the garden ot Erie//y where the Lord had provided all thiu^s neceliarv to his accommodation, that might tend to make his Itare or condition altogether happv. In which (late oi'innocency, hap- Gen. ii. 15. pinels, and klicity, he might have conti- nued, any decree ot God in any wife not- withiUnding.
CHAP. IV.
Of the fall of Mcw.
Concerning the fall of man wc belie \'e, I. That notwithitanding God made man upright, in a perfect Itate, not only free from lin, but alfo irom all thofc miferi^s that now are the portion of mankind, as the fad elfe6ts of fin, and gave him a per-Gen. ii. 16, leCllaw, which had he kept it, it had been^^* unto liie, and threatncd death upon the breach thereof; yer, through the iniliga- tion of the krpent, and the fubtilty oi^ Satan in and by liim ; man continued not in that ftate, but without any compuilion, did wilfully fall from it by tranfgTeffing ^ the righteous law of his maker, ifi eating J^"^"" '"• 3' ^» the forbid djcn fruit. Which tranfgrcifion '" of our firft parents, God was pleafed, ac- cording to his molt wife and holy coun- fel, to permit, knowing how to order it to his own glory.
2. By which tranfgreffion our firft pa- rents fell from their original righteouhicls, and became guilty of that fin, commonly A 3 known
(^en, iii. 14,
Rom. V. 12.
Rom. V. 18.
Rom. V. 12.
Gen. V. 3,
^ 'P ^P E N D I X.
known by the name of original fin, and in them all their pufleiitj', being then in" their loins. -\
3. Man having thus fallen, by tranP grclfing the hvv of his maker, God, as a righteous law- executor proceeds after an orderly manner to pronounce fentencc, I. Agalnil the ferpent, 2. Againft tht woman, 3. Againil the man.
4. As this tranfgrelhon did not only reach the cafe of our firft parents, butalfo their poflerity, being then in them ; fo like wife did the fentence that the Lord pall upon them, concern not only the per- fons of our firlt parent?, but in them all thole generations of men, that in fucceed- ing ages were to defcend from them, judgment came upon 'all men, ^c. The iame penalties thatwere inflicted upon our firll parents for that lin, which penalties are death, together with thofe temporal
-miferics that came upon them as an efte<5t of that lin, do certainly come upon their pcfterity. T.hey are brought forth in a n^ortal dying llate, liable to all the mife- ries of this life, and in fine to death itfelf. T)eath palTed upon all men, for that all have finned. Mortal man could not pro- create an immortal feed; he begat a fon in his own likenels, in his own image.
5. From whence we conclude, that our firft parents, by virtue of the firft tranfgreffion, brought not only themfelves, Ijut their whole pollerity, into a itate of jin and death ; together with thofe many incoiivenieneies and mifcrie^that
are
ATTEND! X. 7,.
are now come upon mankind as the fad cifcdls of lin. But that this rrangreilion did Job. x!v. i. procure m itielf the fecund death, v'fz^... in the lake of fire, or hell torments, ei- ther to Adamy or any of his pollerity, as is by fome not only imagined but affirmed,, as it's a dodrine that is altogether fcrip^^ turelels, and fo filfe, fo It's altogether ir- rational; from whence it hath no room in our faith. We ihall here fet down a lay- ing of Dr. yer. Taylor^ taken out of his difcourfe oi" Original Siu^ in oppolition to thofc that vvcie of the judgment, that all infants dying without baptifm, are fen- tenced to heil torments for orlgnal fin : His words are thefe : * i. Original fin
* is not an inherent evil, not a fin pro- ^ perly, but metonymically, that is, it is ' the cffe(^ of one lin, and the caufc of ' many ; a ftain, but no fin. 1. It does ' not dertroy our liberty which we Jiad '- naturally. 3. Ir does not introduce a
* natural necelfity of finning. 4. It does *" not damn any iniaat to the eternal pain ' of hell' And in his Eplfile to the Reader we find thefe words : * I talce
r great comfort in this, that my do&ine ' ' ' flands on that fide where God's ju{^ .5 tice, goodnefs, and mercy liand ^ppa-
* rently.' / ' \
.« 6. This fin did not only concern rhah-Gcn. iii.^i;. iind in general, but alfo the creation that Rom.ym. 19. was made with man for hisufc, is by vir- * ^'-^^' tue thereof fallen under the curfe, is brought into .a decaying dying Hate, aM made fubje.61: to vanity.
A 4 CHAP.
8 AT T E N D I X
CHAP. V.
Of the Love pf Goii.
Concerning the I^nve of God, we be- lieve, that man being iallcn into a llate of liri, and mifery, and death, as an etil(5t thereof, God of his own iree grace and love, when none dclircd it at his hands, did contrive the way of man's recovery out of his fallen Ihite. No fooner had man fallen from his created innocency, but the Lord findi out a way of reco- very ^ and before he pronounces the fen- tcnce againlt him, promifes that the feed of the woman fhould breaic the ferpent's head ; which feed of the woman we un- derftand to be the Lord 'Jefus Chriji^ who was the feed and fun of the woman;
Lukei. 31. whom God the father^ of his own free grace and love to jinful fallen man, did iend into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world thr(A/gh hjm
Johniii. 16, might be faved *. The love of God the
^7- ' father we underlland to he at the founda-
ijohn ix lo^i^j^ ^^ ^jj r I .^^^_ ^j^j ^1^^^ (^^j
2L0T.V. 19. - ^ ^ ,^ ./ J 7- ,j , '
I John Jv. 14. "^' J^f"^ Cbnjt^ delign d not the recovery
ii. 2. of a few only, as ibme imagine, but of
Johni. 29. all mankind. We have fcen, and do tef^-
tify, that the father fcnt the fon to be
the faviour of the world. He is the
propitiation for our fins ; and not for
curs only, but lor the fms of the whole
world.
CHAP.
A T T E N D I X. 9
CHAP. VI.
Cf the Extcfit of the Death of Clmfi.
Concerning rhe extent of the death of i Tim i! 6, our dear redeemer, we bcUevc, that luit- Web. n. 9. able to th ■ great end of God rhe farher '°^'" .^'- '^''
CT' ^ 11.2.
in fending him into the world, he gavepf j^xv. ". himfelf a ranfon lor all mankind j for the 2 Cor. v. 19. vvoild, the whole world j and that there- '
by the world hath its prefent being ; and that thereby there is a way of re- conciliation, acceptation, and lalvation opened for all men : PVom whence wc conclude, that if any man come fliort of obtaining reconciliation, acceptation, and falvation, it is not for want of grace in the father, nor a facriiice in the Ion.
CHAP. VII.
Of the GofpcL
Concerning the gofpel we believe, thacLuke n. 10. the goipel is in irlelf glad or good rid-- Rom. x. 1:;. ings ; and that there is no bud tiding-^^''^*^.'"- ^• therein to any man except it be to thole p^^j^' *j^ ^' that do w^ilfully rejed: and neglecl the Rom. ii. 7. grace therein tendered and. iinceielv of-''VIark xvi.i6. fered unto thqm, bv their own wilful um-^^"--.-^''''- ^''^ belief and difobedience ; and th-nt this.- glad tidings or good news is to be pub-* ■ lilhed or made known to all men th^ougllT^ out all ages.
G H A r.
i«^ ATT END IX,
CHAP. VIII. Of the ^oiver and HVl of Man.
Concerning the power and will of man, we believe,
1. That the power and will of man are proper attributes and faculties ol the foul ; and if fo, then it's God's work- nianfhip, and properly of and from God : fo then man hath neither will nor power, but what he receives frum the Lord, tho' he improves it to contrary ends, and not for that end for which it was and is given him.
2. Notwifchllanding all the power and abilities that men have, are of and from the Lord, yet wc ^re ilrongly inclined to believe, that the will and power of man is greatly debilitated by the fall, but not wholly loft ; man, in all his parts, is weaken'd by the fall, but no part wholly- loft.
2. We believe that there rcmaincth Jiiic. vi. 8. ftill in man, a power to will his own good.
4. Yet we believe, that man knoweth not what is good any othervvife but as he is taught of the Lord.
5. Man being taught of .God -what i$j| good, and how and when to will this good, being thus Ihewed of the Lord. he hath now a capacity, in the ufe of the means that God hath appoin- ti^d, to bring his will to an inclinable
frame,
i
ATT E N D 1 X. II
frame, truly to be fceking after his eter- nal well-being : fo, in fhort, we fum up all thus : That man hath neither power nor will, nor a matter what to will for his own good, nor how, nor when, in re- fpe6l: of a fealbnable time, but what he hath from God, for all power belongethP^- '^'»- »!• to God; )'et we believe, that man ought to employ his will, yea, all the powers and faculties of his foul, in and about fpiritual things, which if men were faith- ful in, God would have the glory and they the advantage.
CHAP. IX.
Of free Grace,
^^\. Concerning free grace, we believe, that whatfoever a good man does, or Ihall enjoy, either temporal, fpiritual, or eternal, is freely given to him of God, ■without the leaft defcrt on man's part; therefore wholly of free grace, or the cffedis of God's great love to man. As, I. The gift of his fontis a gracious and a free gilt. l. The gilt of his holy John iii. i6. law of grace is a free gift. 3. The gift^*^- ^^"32- of his holy fpirit is a free gift. 4. The giving of ordinances are free gifts ; yea, all the graces and qualifications of a chrii- tian are freely given to him of God; for man could not do any thing, no not iu any wife, whereby he could deferve the leaft favour that he now does, or here- after iliall enjoy ; and therefore all our
enjoyments
12 AT f E N I) IX.
enjoyments here, and eternal life here- atter, are freely given to us of our good
Rom. vi. 23. God j and yet not to be obtained without our accepting of God's free grace, by yefus ChrtJ}^ and living to God: by him, as the holy terms thereof; yet not To as by doing or accepting meritorioufly to procure eternal life ; for wjien we have done all we are but unprofitable fervanrs,
Lukexvii. lo.and thcieforc we defcrve nothing from the Lord as a jull: and meritorious re- compence; but eternal Life is freely gi- ven to us of God, as an adl of his own free ^race artd niercy, deligned by him in
Heb. il. 9. the way of ©ur duty ; and we believe that this grace of God, by his fon, and in his law, is truly tendered to the world in 'general,
C H A P. X.
Of Faith
> "I Concerning faith we believe, that jufti- fving fiving faith does not dnly conlift in a bare believing in God, Chrijfj ^c. but alfo in the truth of God's word, as it is verbally declared to us in the fcriptures, which is the rule of our faith ; fo that whatfoever is plainly ftated in the fcripr . tures concerning the grace and love of God towards man, and the facrifice of Cbrift for the world, and the duty of man towards the Lord, with whatever clfe is, plainly Hated in the word of God, we are to belieVe it, as it is therein de- livered, I
ATT E N D I X. 13
livered, and to endtavouf to bring our undcrlVandings to lubmlt to the plain word of the Lord, and not make the plain exprels Avord of God to Hoop to our underlVandings and interpretations \ for fo to do, is to exalt our interpre- tations above the word of the Lord, which alwiiys ought to have the prehe- minence. It's true, fuch fayings in fcrip^ ture, us are Ipoken by way of allegory, metaphor, ^c. ought to have a lenfc given to them, which always ought to be fuch a one, as does compoi t and agree with the plain and exprefs word of the Lord, and the great delign of God there- in ; and not to underftand fuch fayings in the fcripture, fo as do in any wife dero- gate therefrom ; fo that . divine faith, which is the faith we are fpeaking oi^ is really to believe the truth of what the ■ Lord hath fpokcn in his word ; or to be fully perfuaded and fatisfied in our own judgments and confciences, that whatlo- cver is declared to us by the Lord in holy fcripture, is abfolutely and really true, without any kind of refervation "whatfoever. This was the faith ci^ j4bra-c^^. xv. v'. bam, the father of the faithful, and Rom, iv. 3. therefore muft be the faith of his chil- dren ; which faith, if attended Avith love to God, and lincere obedience to his janiesij. 22. will, we take to be that faith which is ofGal. v. 6. a jullifyjng faying nature.
CHAP.
14 ATT END IX,
C H A P. XL
Of Ref)cutance.
A£UxvIi.5o. Concerning repentance v^e believe,
Matt. iv. x7. 1. That it is a gofpel duty of great and
^^^^"'•3'5'vteighry concern to all thofe of whom.
'•■;'• it is required, and from whom it is
expe<5ted, without which they can have
no expectation before the Lord ; which
-^ ^ repentance we underftand thus, viz. To
be truly and fincerely humble before the
Lord, in a deep and thorough light and
Ezek.xviii.3ofcnfe of our lins, not for fome fms only^
Afts ii. ^8. but for all our adtual and perfonal tranf-
vni. 22. greffions againft God and his holy law. ;
1. That this repentance is the duty?
of all actual linners.
3. Wherever the fcripture does require: ftien to repent, we underitand that it in- tends them confidered as adbual fmners a- gainfl God ; and that no repentance is required in the word of the Lord, for that Jin which we could in no wife pre- vent, viz* original lin, but; for mens own actual lins and trangreflions againft tha holy word and will of the Lord, it's their
Afts iii. 19. duty and great concern to repent.
4. We believe that where this repen*. tance is in truth and power, it doth cffedki a change, and is accompanied, not only with a tbrfaking of the lins repented ol^
Ifa. Iv. 7. but with an utter detellation and abhor-
Ezck. xxxvi. rence of them, from a deep fenfe and
3»» 32* apprehenfion that they are ofTeniive to
the Lord. CHAP.
ATT END IX, IS
CHAP. XII. Of Baptifm.
Concerning baptifm we believe, i. That Eph. iv. 5-.-'*^^ there is but one baptifm properly fo cal-^'^iatt. xxriif.' led ; and that this one baptifm is a holy j9- ordinance, ordained by our Lord y£fus qq\ jj '^ 2. Chrijl himfeif, to be unto the party bap- Gal. iii, 27, dzed, a lign of his fellowship with him Ads ii. 38. m his death and refurredtion, of his being ^^^'^ *'.4- sngraftcd into him, of remiffion ^^ ^^^^ii.izriixv'uie. land of his giving up of himfeif to theAasviii. 36, jLord to walk in newnefs of life. 37-
2. Thofe that do actually profefs re- pentance towards God, faith in, and obe- dience to our Lord yefus Chrijt^ are the Matt, xxviii, only proper fubjc^s of this holy ordi-'9- aance.
■ 3. The outward clement to be made AclsvHj. sS". afc of in this ordinance is water, where-i^'^""^- ^^^ in the party is to be baptized, in the name of the father, fon, and holy ghoil.
4. Immerlion, or dipping of the per- (bn in water, is ncceffary to the right gdminiilration of this ordinance.
5. From whence we conclude, that fprinkling a little water in the face is no .K baptifm, neither are infants the proper fub- jeAsofit.
CHAP. A 0^3=3
i6 A 'P T E N D I X,
- CHAP. XIII.
Of the Lord'i Supper.
Concerning the fupper of the Lord,
vvebcUevc, i. That it was inltitutcd by
Matt. xxvi. him, the iame night wherein he was be- •
26,"^V. ^ trayed, to be oblerved in his churches'
" .^ ■ unto the end of the world, tor the per-** ig, 20. .,..',. ^ .
petual remembrance ot his dymg love, m- ortenng up himlelf upon the crofs once for uH.
2. The materials to be made- ufe of ' In this holy ordinance, are bread and
Watt. xxvi. wine, which hguratively do reprefent i6, <3'c. the body and blood of Cbriji.
3. That none ought to communicate in this holy ordinance but fuch as are or- derly members ofc' the church c<f C7;r///,
A(fls ii. 4.1, 42. made io by repentance, taith, and bap- iCcr. x:. ::3-tirm, and then they have a lawful rjght '^'' unto it • which holy ordinance ought to be
duly obierved and kept up in the order- ly church of Chrijiy only for the ends for which it was appointed.
CHAP. XIV..
Oftbe Work of the Holy Spirit.
Concerning the work of the holyfpirit,
we believe. That God does give the blcf-
iCqr.iii. 8. ^^ngs of his fpirit in and with his word;
the word being the fpirit's minillration, fo
that where the word is in truth, light, and
power
ATTENDIX: ty
power preached, there it is attended with the ipirit.
2. That there Is an abfokite neceffity of the workings of the fpirit, both in brin- ing and keeping fouls to the Lord.
3. Yet we do believe, that the holj^en vi fpint IS not fo given, but that it may bcNeh.'viii 20. relilted, and hath been to mens deilru6li-Aas vii. 51. on. And we have juft cawfe to believe 'Theff.v. 9. that multitude of fouls do flill reiill the motions of the fpirit, or they would not
go on, and wilfully perlift in the practice
of lin and wickednels as they do. ^
4. We do believe thaf God does give greater meafures of his fpirit, after be- lieving and obeying, than before ; which he ispleafed to communicate unto them in the way of their duty in feeking, asking, and waiting upon the Lord, in the way of his own appointment; which feems e- vident by the light of thefe fcriptures. We
defire to honour God in the gifts and gra-Lukexi. 13, ces ot his holy fpirit; yea, we believe that Ads v; 32/' wc ought to fubmit to its motions and ^^P^- ••. '3- operations upon our fouls, leit we rejed''*"'" ^^' ^' the council and work of the Lord to'our own deilrudtion.
CHAP. XV.
Of Jufiification.
Concerning juftification, we believe that men are not juftified, before and wifhput faith . ' '
B 2. That
i8 AT T E N D I X.
Gal.ii. i6. 2. That no man is or can be juflified iii. 1 1- by the works of the law, as delivered by
^ .. ^■^■Mofes.
,^m.u.22, ^j^^j. j^^ ^^^^ jg iuftified by faith
alone.
4. We do believe, that the terms on which men are jullified, are faith and gofpel works; which, according to the^ dodrine of the gofpel, are the terms of Mar.xvi. 16.^^^ intereft in the iuflification and life Rev.'Ixu."i4 ^liei'ci^ promifed, and that fo abfolutely the condition thereof, as that without which none that are capable fubjedls c.an obtain it. Yet cot as the meritorious or defcrving caufe, that being alone in Chriji ycfus'^ which terms inlhortare, I. Faith, without which it is impolfiblc to pleafe Heb. xi. 6. God. 1. Repentance, without which we Lukexiii. 3. jy^^i^ perilh. • 3. Love tojefus Chriji in his ways, and people, without which we iCor.xvi. 22. art curfed. 4. Holmefs, without which no Heb. xii. M-man Ihall fee the Lord. FVom whence we argue thus. Whatfoever is the terms of our acceptation before the Lord, is the terms of our j unification \ but faith, re- pentance, love X.O Chrijf, and holinefs, with- out which no man can fee the Lord, are^ the terms of our acceptation, ergo, fo they , are of our jullification. 5. In Ihort we un- derftand that men are jultified. I. By ths grace of God, as the primary efficient caufe. 2. By the death and fuffering of Rom. 111. ^i-(^i^j,ijj^ 33 the meritorious and deferving caufe. 3. By the word of the Lord, with its minillry, as the inllrumental caufe, tO; beget faith and obedience. 4. By faith and
obedience,
A9^ E ND 1± ,p
obedience, as the condition-al caufe, or the hol^ terms on vNhich they arc jultified.
CHAP. XVl. Of SandijicatiDjL
Conce^rning fandificarion we beh'eve that as God hath a people in the world' whom he doth accept and own for his own pe©ple, whom he hath choien out of all the world •belides, to be a peculiar people to himlclf; fo he doth not only afford unto them the grace of jufljficaticn, Rom.viiJ 30. but alio of ianctification. Whom he jufti- fied, them he alio fandified. God, w'ho is a holy God, will have his people to be a holy and fand.ified people. For this is ''^^^^- ^^- 3- the will of God^ even your landtification. 'Z"^'- '• '5- Ihis was one great end of the Lord ^niph v 2- giving hmilclt tor his church; and to the ^
lame end hath he given tbrth unto his peoj^le a holy law of grace; tending to nothmg more than the promotion ot'ho- linefs, in which he hath ordained holy or- dinances for his people to be obferving anddoth communicate unto them his holy fpirit, that they maybe a holy and fancl;i-K=^i"' ^"'-9' hed people, without fpot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing (the fpots and blemilhes of lin, is that which renders perfons un- lovely in the eyes of the Lo-d) the ereac defign ol'God in the gofpel, is to prepare a holy people now in this day of grace, by the powerful operation of his word knd rpirit, fitted and prepared not only to be ^- • ^^ ^ efpoufod
^o AT T E N D 1 X,
cfpoufed to the holy Jefus while here, ^ • bun to be with him where he is, or fhall be, in his holy habitation hereafter in Pf xxiv. 3,4. glory. Who fhall afcend into the hill of the Lord? and who fhall ftand in his holy place ? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, ^c, ,
a. This fandification is wrought m God's people.as an effea of the Lord's un- dertaking, by the word and fpirit, in and 2Thefs iin through the exercife of faith ^ by virtue Aasxxvi.i8.of which the body of hn is deflroyed, and Rom. vi. 6. the feveral lulls thereof more and more weakened and mortified, and they the more and more quickened and flrengthen- ed in all faving graces, to the pradice and J J J J exercifeofalltrueholinefs, without which
Heb'xiV'i4 no man fhall fee the Lord.
'3. This fandification is throughout, m
,Theff.v.23.the whole man^ yet imperfed m this lile ; While here, in this imperfect itate, there abideth Hill the remainders ot cor-
Gal. V. 17. ruption in every part, whence anfeth a,
2 Pet. ii. II. continual war, the flefh lufting againlt the fpirit, and the fpirit againfl the flefh.
4. In which war, although the re- maining corruption may at times, through
Rom. vii. 23. temptation prevail againil the befl otGod s fervants; yet, through the continual fupply of itrength from the fandifying fpirit ot
jam. iv. 8. Chriji, communicated to them, in the ^yayot their duty, in waiting upon the Lord in his
2 Pet IV ,8 holy ordinances, the regenerate part doth
z Cor. vii. I. overcome, and fothe faints grow in grace, perfeding holinefs in the fear of the Lord; and are preffing after a heavenly life, in
obedieiTce
AT T E N Dl X. 2^
obedience to all the commands of the Lord Jefus Chriji their head and king.
^^ CHAP. XVII.
Of '^erfeveratice*
'^Concerning perfeverance we believe, Matr. xxvi. That it is abfolutely neceffary, in orderji-^^^^.^ ^^^ to the obtaining of the end (namely ial-Lukexxi. 36. vation with eternal glory) for believers tO£ph. vi. 8. cleave to the Lord, and to keep clofc to jTheff. v.17. hi.m in the way of duty. l. To watch and ["^^^l^^-^.^- ^^v pray. 2. To keep clofe to the publico j^^„,^i;i ,3. worftiip and fervice of God. 3. To becol i. 23. mortifying the corrupt deeds of the bo-Heb. iii. 6. dy. 4. To be continuing in the exer- y^^- '• 5. • cife of faith. 5. To be growing and en- iij jg^ creafing in all the graces ot the new co- venant. In which way of keeping clofe to the Lord, watching and praying, wor- ihipping and ferving God, mortifying the corrupt deeds of the body, growing and cncreafing in all the graces of the new co- venant ; to wit, faith, love, humility, pa- tience, ^c. they Ihall be fupplied ^^i^hp. , ^^ • ^^ fufficiency of grace here, to preferve them ^ p^^' ^^ \^' fafely to the kingdom of glory hereafter.
2. Yet we believe, that it's pollible for true believers, through their remifsnefs or negligence in point of duty towards God, through the temptations of Safari^ ^J^^- "• ^°' and corruptions of their own deceitful ^ ^"l^^ i ,g hearts, finally to apoftatize from the truth Heb. iii. 12. they once made profeffion of, and in fo iv. n- B 3 doingPf-l^^''^-9-
;x-
2z AT T E N D I X.
doing reirJer tlfeir latter end to be worfe than their beginning.
C HAP. XVIII.
Of God's decrees.
Concerning Gods decrees we believe, that the word of God is his decreed will • and that there is no fecret will or decree in God, contrary to his revealed word and will- and that his decree is, that whofoever believethand obeyeth him, perfevering therein to the end, fliall be rjaikxvi.i6.faved • and he that believeth not ihall be damned.
2. We believe, that whatfoever God hath abfolutely decreed, fhall certainly and inevitably come to pafs. But then,
3. We believe, that many things that do come to pafs are not decreed of God,
Jer. vii.51. For it feems to us not only unfcriptural, 32, but alio altogether irrational, to imagine,
^'^•5- that the righteous and holy God ihould decree any iin, or unholinefs, either in angels or men^ that being not only con- trary to his word, which commands inen to Jdc holy, but alfo to his name ojna na-i ture, which is molt holy; and therefore could decree no unrighteoufhels. J^rom whence we conclude, that all the wicked and ungodly aditions, either of angels or men, tho'God doth permit them to come to piifs, yet there is no decree of his, that do neceflitate the being of them. It might: fuit the nature of the Devi/, or
wipked
AT T E N D I X. , 23
tvlcked men, to decree vvickednefs; but far be it from the righteous God io to do; Ihall not the judge of all the earth do right ?
CHAP. XIX. Of ^Tro^mdence^ or Forekfiowkdge.
Concerning providence or foreknow- ledge we believe, that notwithilanding God foreknovveth whatfoever comcth toHeb. iv. 12. pafs, yet we beheve, this foreknowledge's- is not lb exercifed, as to necelfitate the coming to pafs of things; but that they niay, or may not be, may come to pafs, or may be prevented. As for inltance ia the cafe of David. David being king in iS^. xxili. Keilaby and Saul was coming to take him,io> ^^• David asked of the Lord, whether Saul. would come down? and whether the men of^^?/^;^ would deliver him into his hands? TlieLord anfvvered that 5^tt/ would come down, and the men of Keilah would de- liver him. Then David with his men de- parted, and prevented both Saul,, and the men of the town ; fo what the Lord faid to D<;zw^ would come to pafs, did noi^^c. Another inftance we have. That at whatjer. xviii. 7, inftant God lliould fpeak concerning a na-^'^-. tion, to pluck up, to pull down, or to build or plant; if the people againft whom the judgment was pronounced, did repent, the Lord would repent of the evil; and when he did promife to build, ^c. if the^ people did do evil, he would repent of ■^ • B 4 the
24 AT T E N D 1 X.
the good he promifed to do to, and for them. The truth of which is evident in the cafe oiNine'-cch, yo/;^/^ preach 'd, that hhjie'uch in forty dajs fhould be over- thrown, and yet on their repentance it was prevented, God repented him of the Jonah ili. 10. cvil that he thought to do. Another In- ftance is concerning Jfrael: Thcx linned, for which the Lord would hav^ d.:ilroyed them ; but on tiie intercelhon of Mofes, the Lord was entreated, and repented Exod. xxii. him of the evil, vvhich he thought to have H' done unto them. Many more fcriptures
might be made ufe of to the fame pur- pole; yea, aH the promifes and threat- nmgs m God's word do prove the fame; that is to fay, that God's providence, or forefeemgofthings, doth not neceffitate the bemg ot them, but that in the ufe of means it might be prevented, God having to do with men capable to underftand him, both in his promifes and thrcat- nings, and not with Hocks or ftones, nei- ther with vegetive or merely fenfitive
creatures.
C H A P.. XX.
Of Ekaiotu
Concerning eledion we believe, not as fome who exprefs themfelves after this manner, in thefe words, by the decree of God, for the manifeftation of his glory, fome men and angels are predeftinated or lorc-ordaj^ned to eternal life, thro' Jcfus
AT T E N D I X. 2S
^'^//^■'y -and that thefe angels and men, thus predellinatfd and fbrc-ordained, are particularlv, and unchangeably deligned, and their number fo certain, and definite that it cannot be either increafed or di- ininiflied.
2. And affirmatively we believe, that the infinitely wife and holy Gc^d^ fuirable to his name and nature, did eled: or choofe unro himfelt" from eternity, and (merely of his own good pleafure) ^out of
the whole body and bulk c)f mankind ^°^- "■ 7- an entire fpecies, or fort of men, name-p/^Jj 9" ly thofe that In time do believe, and lin-Rev.Ti'.'io! cerely obey him, patiently continuing in the way of well doing unto the end. Eph, i.4.
3. We believe this eledion to be in^^'im-i- 9. Cbrijf y^/us^of God's eternal purpofe and
grace, before the foundation o£ the world.
4. We do believe that God's eleding grace doth extend itfclf to the whole number of the godly in all nations. Ads x 34,35 throughout all ages, under the various dif-P*- 1^- 3- ' penfations, under which they live,
C H A f . XXf.
0/ R eprohatinn.
Concerning reprobacion we believe, that God hath not decreed, from eternity, the reprobation of any perion of mankind', confidered as fuch, who may not very poffibly be faved, notwithllanding any decree in God j much lefs do we hold a
decre^
26 j^TTENDlX:
decree of reprobation, from eternity, of the greatelt part of mankind, excluding a polfibility of their being faved ; for we believe that God doth not hate or repro- bate any man, as his creature, before he confiders him as an a6tual iinner. jer.vu.28,29. ^« We believe, that vvhenfoever God Prov.i.24,^V.doth rejed: or reprobate any perfon of =TheiT.x.ii,fj^^j-,).jj^d, it is for their own vvillul and *^* actual tranfgrellions, as the jull: deferving
cauie thereof, and not from iiis own will, any otherwife coniidered. , ' . 3. That the intent (at leaft the pri-
'^\V'}%c.^^^y ^^ antecedent intent) of God in his decree of reprobation, is the falvation and not the damnation ^f men. The Lord declares that he had rejected or reprobated them, yet exhorts them to duty, with promifes on their performftnce j and if ever the Lord does finally repro- bate any perfon or perfons, it is for their jTheCii. II, final rejeding him, in his many calls, and
II'. ... gracious mvitations.
Markxm.34. ^^ jr^Qj^ whence we conclude, that thofe that ow^n perfonal eledbion, and per- fonal reprobation belore time, fo as to deny the love of God to the world, do not own the fai'th of the gofpel.
5. We believe, that God hath not de- creed the reprobation of any infant, dy-s* jng before the commiflion of aftual liiiV
CHAP.
ATTENDIX. zy
CHAP. XXII.
Of God's governing of the fP'orU,
Concerning God's governing of thepf. cxlv. u, world, we believe, that God is the iu-^c pr'eme Lord and governor of the whole ^^"' ^^^ world.
2. As to the method that theLord makes ufe of in his governing the world (we mean the world of mankind) we believe that, I. For the keeping up and main- taining of all civil fociety amongft men, in natural and moral things, the Lord hath fet up governors, ordained by him-Roai. xiii. i. felf, unto whom he hath given power and authority to execute judgment and julHce amongft men j which governors, in refped of that power and authority which the Lord hath given them, are in fcripturc called gods, being his deputies ;Exod. xxii. whofe work is to be a terror to evil doers, 28. and a praife to them that do well; to kcep^^- '^-^xii. i. up, maintain, and cherifh all civil, natu- ral, and moral principles amongft men, and to punilh the breach thereof; for the law is made for the lawlefs and difobedi-x Tim. i. 9. ent ; that is, for thofe that tranfgrefs the law; and the magiftrate is the Lord's executioner, and beareth not the fword in vain ; for he is the minlfter of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon them that do evil. And thus far the gover- Rom. xiii. 4, nors of the w orld ought to exercifc their sythority over men, viz. in all things of
human
oS ATTENDIX. 1
human and civil concern ; and To far it's the duty and great concern of Chrijiiafts^ to be obedient antJ fubjed: to tiiem, and to render to tlieni all that honour that by the ordinance of God is due to tiiem. 1. As to fpiritual things, of re- ligious, eccleliaflical, or divine concern, "vve believe, that God, by y^fifs Cbri/i, doth govern the world \ We mean thus ; That government herein (according to tiic will of the Lord) is nut left to the will of men, but the Lord hath provided and inftituted holy and Tpiritual laws for men to believe in, cleave to, and be faved by ^ and that thefe lavvs are given forth by the Lord [fefus Chrifl^ as the
Jam, iv. 12. ^lone legiflator, or law-giver; and thefe holy and fpiritual lavvs are, by virtue of the Locd's commiflion, to be preached to the whole world, as a rule for them, not only to belie\e, but alfo to walk by. And fhofe amongft men that do obey the Lord in thefe his fpiritual laws, he ef- poufeth to himfelf to be his church and fpc'ufe, in and with whom his fpiritual kingdom is exercifed and kept up. And thofe that believe not, nor obey the Lord in thefe his holy laws, that will not have him to reign over them, but are
Luke xix. 27. enemies to him and his government, the Lord will deftroy, when he Ihall be re- vealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God,
c Their, i. 8. nor obey his gofpel.
So that the punifhments of men, for the breach of gofpel Igvvs belongs to God
alone.
A T T E N D I X. ap
alone, and not in any wife to man ; we
mean in i'uch things as concern God's
worlliip only. Yet we believe that whei.e
the golpel doth not come, that if men be
govern a by the law of God written inRom. ii. 15.
their hearts, and by the works of God pf.xix. 1,2,3.
•without them, which are fufficient to
teach them that there is a God, and
fo endeavour to live to God, fuitable to
the light they have received, no doubt
but they fhall be accepted, though they
are not under the miniitration of the Ads x. 35,34.
gofpel, and in the great day of judgment
rewarded according to their works.
CHAP. XXIII.
Of the Church of Chrijf,
Concerning the church of Chrijij we > believe, that the Lord Jefus Cbriji hath a<:hurch in the world, w^hich we under- ftand to be taken, i. more generally, for the whole number of the godly through- Eph. 1.22,23. out all ages 5 2. more particularly, for aHeb. xii. 23. particular aflembly of people, gathered out of the world by the miniltry of the gofpel, to the viiible profeihon of faith in Chrijl^ and obedience to his will., in all his holy inftiturions. Such a people, fo gathered into a particular congregation, continuing ftedfaftly in the doctrine of Chrijiy and his holy apoltles, we under- lland to be a gofpel church.
2. We believe that the Lord yefus Chriji is the alone head of his church,
whether
50 AT T E N D I X.
whether we underfland it more generally
for all God's peopk, or more particularly
lor any particular congregation of them ;
Matt, xxv'm. and no other Lord or lavv-givcr do we
1 8, l3y. own in religion and divine things, that dib
Col. 1. 18. concern the worlhip and lervice of God,
P .IV. 1 1, 2j^^^ j.|^^ Lord yejus Cbnft alune.
3. As to the way of entrance into the Mark xvi. 1 6. church of C^rz/f, we underlland it to be Ads 11.39,41. by faith, repentance, and baptifm, and that
none ought to enter in but in that way.
4. We believe, that to each of thefe churches, or particular congregations thus gathered, according to the mind and will of the Lord declared in his word, he hath given all that power and autho- rity, which is any ways neceffary and needful for tf eir carrying on of that or-
Matt. xviii. der in worfhip and difcipline, which he »7' "8. hath inlftuted for them to obferve, with
^^;*''"^': I' ^'commands and rules for the right and g " • '• '''(iue exerciling and executing of that power.
5. As all believers are bound by th^ law of Chriji to join thcmfelves to par- ticular churches, when and v/here they have opportunity fo to do ; fo all that
il'hcfT. V. i4,are admitted to the privileges of a church, sTiieff. ni. 6, ^j-e alfo under the go^rernment aad cen- *^ ^^' fures thereof, according to the rule of Chrijh
6. We believe, that no church-mem- bers upon any offence taken by them, hav- ing performed their duty required of them towards the perfon they are o'lfend- cd at, ought to make any breach in church
order,
ATT ENDIX, 31
order, or abfent themfelves from the af^
femblies of the church, or adminiftration .
of any ordinances, upon the account of
any luch offence at any of bis fellow-Matt. xvlii. :
members^ but to keep his place and dutyi5> '^'^•
in the church, and to wait upon the^^ '^*2*
Lord in their further proceedings with
fuch members again-ll whom the offence
is taken.
7. We believe, that as it is the duty of each church to pray c6ntinually for the good oi all the churches; fo the churches, when planted by the provi- dence of God, fo as they may have op-|>,cwn.xvi.i,2. portunity for it ought to hold communion
with each other for their peace, increafs of love, and mutual edification.
8. We believe, that a particular church gathered, and compleatly fitted, or ac- complilhcd, for tiie worlhip and publick fervice of God, conlills of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Chuji to be chofen and fet apart by the church, for the peculiar adminillration
of ordinances, and execution of power Phil. i. i. or duty in any refped: which he intrufls^'^^-^-'^'- '7» them with, or calls them to, are bilhops, ^ * or elders, and deacons.
9. We believe, that the churches ought to take great care, that the perfons they chufe and fet apart to office in the churches, be fuch as are fuitably qualified i Tim. iii. x, and eifted for that work, according to^' ^'^•.
the mind of Chrijf. ' '" " ^'
10. The way appointed by Chriji for the calling gf any perfon, fitted and gifted
by
3a AT "P E N D 1 X, \
by the holy fpirit, unro the office of bi-
lliop or elder in a church, is, that he be
chofeii thereunto by the general confent
of the church itfelf; and folemnly fet
apart, by falling, pra', cr, and impolition
of hands of the eldcrfhip of the cliurch,
if there be any before confticuted therein \
Afts xiv. 25. and of a deacon, that he be choien by
1 fim.iv. 14. li]^^. confent, and fet apart by prayer, and
svi.3,5, .j.|^^ jij,^ impofition of hands.
1 1. As v,e do beheve that the churches ouglit to take great care, and be very heed- . ful that the perfons they chufe and fet a- part to the work and office of elders in the congregations, be fuch as be gifted, and fuitably qualified, according to the mind of the Lord, for that office ; fo we do be- lieve that the learning of the languages, to wit, Hebrczv, Greek^ Latin, ^c. is no qualification fo abfolutely neceilary to the being of a minilter, or elder, but that a perfon may very polTibly be fufficiently qualified for that office without it ; tho* we readily grant, that the learning of the languages may be ufeful in its place, as a fervant to help, ^c. but to make it a qualification, abfolutely necelTary to the being of a minifter, we dare not. Our rea- fons are, i. Becaufe the gofpel was at firft preached and brought tbrth into the Adiiv. 13- world by unlearned men; fuch were the apoftles. 2. Becaufe amongft the many qualifications required in the fcriptures, to be found in thofe that are fet a- }\art to the work and office of an el- der, we never find this recorded as one
of
ATTEND! Xk 33
of th-ofe qualifications. 3. Pccaufe experi- ence tellifies, that men unlearned m the languages, have been very ukful ,n the Lord's hands, and have been famous mftru*'- ments for the good of fouls. Have not many- fouls been converted ? Have not many fa- mous churches been gathered by unlearn- ed men? Why then fuch perfons fhould. be laid alide, as not fuitably qualify 'd for the Lord's work, in point of aiiniitry, or elderderlhip, we fee no reafon ? 4. Be- caufe the confining to a learned miniflryj fecms greatly contrary to the mind of the Lord, and his method in bringing forth the gofpel ; and this appears, in that the fcripture lets us know, that the Lord hath chofen foolifli and weak things to con- found thofe that are mighty ; and things i Cor. i. 26, that are not, to bring to naught things ^'^" that are. Have not the great things of the gofpel been hid from the wife and prudent, and revealed unto babes *, viz^ to fuch as were little in the world's eyes, ^'^att. xi. 25, that fo men might not look after gofpel things for the excellency of the perfons that do bring it forth, but fof the worth and excellency that is therein ; and that the faith of God's people might not ftand in the wifdom of men, but in the power of God, that fo no flefh might glory in i Cor. ii. 5: his prefence. Had the Lord made choice ^* ^9^
of the wife and learned only to have been employed in the great Work of gofpeU preaching, had he not then chofen the wife to confound the foolifli, and the mighty to confound the weak, and things C that
J^
A T T E N D I X,
that are elleem'd in the world's eyes, to bring to naught things that are not ? And had not our faith then flood in the wifdom of men, and not in the power of God? And then might not flelh have glorified in his prefence, contrary to the I Cor, i. 29. Lord's defign ? What great and good effedis have vve feen of learning ? Why fhould men be fo fond of it ? Was not the Jpojiacy brought into the world by learned men ? Has it not been maintain'd and carried on by fuch ever lince ? And may there not be great caufe to fear, that the bringing of pcrfons to a great degree of learning, on j)urpofe to qualify them for the work of the minillry, is that which will by degrees ulher in another jlpojiacy ? And that this of learning, which now is pretended as a fervant to help, will, after a while, become a lord to ''. rule \ fo that thofe that have it not, tho* otherwife ever fo well qualified and gifted , for the work of the minillry, will be re- medied from that work, mecrly becaufc they are not learned men : And may not this be a means, in time, to reduce the few faithful labourers the Lord hath in his vineyard to a fmaller number ?
But as to the qualifications that ought to be found in thofe that are called to the miniflry, read and ponder, i Tim. iii. 2, ^c. and 2 Ttm. xxiv. 25. compared with ^it. i. 6 7; ^c, and of a deacon, i Tim. iii. 8, p, ^c,
12. As wc do believe it to be the
work of pallors, conllantly to attend
t!>;
fervice
AT T E N D I X. sS
fcrvice of CbriJ} in his churches, in the ^
miniflry of the word and prayer, with Aas vi. 4. watching for their ibuls, as they that mufl ^^^^' ^^^'- '^7- give an account to him; ib wc do be- lieve, that its a duty of great concern for I the churches to whom they minilkr, not I Only to give them all due refpeft, but i Tim. v. 17. alfo to communicate to them of all their Gal. vi. 6, 7. good things, according to their ability ;^ ^^'"' "' '^' fo as they may have a comfortable iupply Avithout being thcmfelves entangled in fecular affairs, that fo they may have a fufficiency of opportunity to be faithlul in the difcharge of a good confcience to- wards God, in the great work he hath called them to; and this is required hy ^CorAK.^^ij^, the law of nature, and by the exprefs command of our Lord who hath ordained that they which preach the gofpel llieuid I li\e of the gofpel.
13. Although we do believe it to be incumbent on the paftors of the churches, to be inftant in preaching the word by^ way of office; yet the work of preaching the v/ord is not fo confined to them, but that others alfo, gifted and fitted by the holy fpirit for it, and approved, and cal-^^r^^ ,,: led by the church, may, and ought to<^v. perform it. i P^^t- iv- i®»
- 14. As \\Q do believe it to be the duty ^^• of chriflians earneftiy to dehre fpiritual gifts, but rather that they may propefie ; fo we do believe, that every church of „ Cbrift- ought to be a nurferj', to nurfe up and cherifla gifts amongft themfelves, and to embrace any among them, whether C 2 learned
av. 1 1
3^ ATT E N D IX.
* learned or unlearned, that are likely to
be ufefull in the Lord's work. ;
CHAP. XXIV.
Of the refurre5iion of the dead.
Concerning the refurre^tion of the dead we believe, according to the fcrfp- tures, that there will be a refurreftion of A^sxxiv.ie.the dead, both of the juft and unjuft.
1. That the fame perfons that lleep in the dufl of the earth, even all the gene- rations of men, from one end of the Johnv, 28. world to the other, fliall be raifed in 1 Cor. XV. 21, the refurre(ftion ; the fame body ihall rife ^2- again and not another.
3 In this refurredtion, the vile bodies of the faints fhall be changed and faflii- oned like unto the glorious body of the Phil. iii. 20. Lqj.,j himfelf
4. The end of this refurredtion is to the faints, the perfecting of the reftaura- tion of the new covenant, and receiving the end of their faith, ^c. And to the wicked that they may receive the due and juft recompence of their wickednefs and
John V. 28. i-etjellion againft the Lord.
Dan. xli. 2. 5* ^^ believe, that there will be an order in the refurredbion, Chrift is the firll fruits, then next or after, they that arc
I Cor. XV. 2^, Chrijfs at his coming, then or afterwards
^f- „ . cometh the end» 1 ineir.iv.15^.
16.
C H A P>
ATTENDIX. s7
CHAP. xxy.
Of the eternal 'Judgment.
Concerning the eternal Judgment wc believe, that God hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world by ^^^^ Aasxvii. 31. Chrlfi^ to whom all power and judgment Johnv. 22, 27^. is given of the father, in which day not only the apoftate angels ihall be judged ; but likewife all perlons that have lived upon the earth, iliall appear before thez Cor. v. 10. tribunal of Chn(i^ to give an account ofj'f*^^^^-'^."-'!'
]vla.tt xii "^ o
all their thoughts, words and deeds, andj^Qj^'xiv. 10. to receive according to what they have Matt. xxv. 3 2. done in the body.
1. We believe, that as all men ihall give an account unto the Lord, fo the matters then to be enquired into, and for which they mull: be accountable, will be their own willful and perfonal iins, either of omiilion or commiifion j and that who- foever at that day fhall be fentenced to condemnation, will then know, that it was their wilfulnefs, not wcaknefs, actual, nor original fin, that was the procuring caufe thereof, or they will not be left in- excufable, the truth of which appeareth from the light of the aforementioned fcriptures.
3. We believe, that whomfoever of all the fons and daughters oi Adam^ ihall in the great day of judgment appear without adual iin, which is the cafe only of thofe that die in infancy, ihall not in that day C 3 fall
3S AT "P E N D I X,
fall into condemnation ; but Hiall be iaved with fuch a degree of falvation, as the righteous and merciful Lord and judge fhall fee fit to confer upon them^ ail the reafon vve fliall here render in this matter is, I. They have no lin of their own to condemn them. 2. They have the grace of the father, and the merits of the fon to lave them. 3. The Lord tells us of
Matt, xvili. fuch (meaning little children) are the
^'.3-. kingdom of heaven. 4. Becaufe the con-?
Fxod!'^xxxiv.^^"^'"y *^ ^ mcrcilefs principle, contrary to
6, Gods name and nature.
4. We believe, that futable to mens
improvement of their time and talents here,
' will their judgments be hereafter \ from
Afatt.x.iv.14. whence we conclude, that there will be
(Sc. very great degrees of reward, both iq
Lui.:exvii.i6. gJQj-y ^^^j punilhment.
Iii xl 10. 5' ^^ believe, that in this great judgr mtfitV<he eternal Hate both of angels and men vvill be determined ^ fo that fuitable to the fentence, then given by the righ- teous Lord and judge, will be their eter- nal ftate, and that there will be no revok- ing or altering of the fentence, which Ihall then pafs upon either angels or men; and fo it will be an irrevocable and eter- nal judgment, and men will know in the judgment, when the fentence is pall hovy it will be with them for ever after.
CHAP,
ATT END IX. 59
CHAP. XXVI.
Of the refiitutioH of all tlnngs.
Concerning the reltitution ^ve believe, that there Ihall be a reftitution ot allAasili. 21. things. And he that fat upon the throne Rev. xxi. 5. faid, behold I make all things new. God made the Erft or old world, both heaven and earth, aiwi all things therein, for the ufe of man, and then made man to poffefs it; but man fell by lin, and the whole creation with him for his fin, as a juft ^ud«-ment of God upon him. Now inai- much as this old creation was loft and fallen, the delign of Ggd by the man Chriji Jefus^ was the recovet'y and reftauration of all again, and to make all new, notp^^^^j ^^^ of new matter, but the old things muft ^^^ ,2. be made new, for it will be a refti- xcviii. 7, 8. tution, or reno.vation, not properly a^^^^. ^^^ creation, which reftauration, will won- ' ^^^ ' ^5 derfuUy tend to fet forth the powcrp^of. ii. rs. and godhead of the great creator, not Rom.vlii. 20 only in making and preferving but alfo^i, ^.^-^^ in reftoring ot fo wonderlul a creation, ^^j^.j .. ^^ and his wifdom will illuftnoufly be fecn qqI. i. 20. not only in contriving and creating oi Rev. v. 13. fuch various and many forts of creatures, Pf-.lx1x.34. and to bring all out of nothing, but alfo his wifdom and power will be wonder- fully declared by his works in the reftitu- tion for ever more.
0 4 CHAP.
;^a ATTENDIX.
CHAP. XXVII. Of the Reign of Chrift.
Concerning the kingdom and reigo f our Lord ye/us Cfjii/I-^ as we do believe, that he is now in heaven at his fathers right hand, fo we do believe, that at the time appointed of the father, he fhaH come again in power and great glory ; and that at, or after his coming the fe- cond time, he will not only raife the dead, judge and reftore the world, but will alfo take> to himfelf his kingdom, and will, according to the fcriptures, reign on the
hakei I'z <^hrone of his father Davidy on mount
33. Sion in JerufaJem for ever.
2. W e believe, that this kingdom of Dan. vii. 14. our Lord will be an univerfal kingdom JRcv. V. 13. and that in this kingdom the Lord yefus
M. 15. Qj^y^ji himfelf will be the alone vilible fu- preme Lord and King of the whole earth.
3. We believe, that as this 'kingdom will be univerlal, fo it will alfo be an
Dan. ii. 44. everlafting kingdom, that Ihall have no
Dan. vii. 14. end, nor cannot be ihaken; in which king-
Heb. xn. 27. Jqj^ xhc faints and faithful in Cbriji Jefus
Ihall receive the end of their faith, even
the falvation of their fouls; where the
Lord is, they ihall be alfo.
P^j jy 4. We believe, that the new yt;r///?//^;??,
^^. ' that jfhall come down from God out of
Tohnxiv. 3. heaven, when the tabernacle of God fhall
Rev. XX]. 4. i^p ^^ith them, and he wiJl dwell among
^-^^•^'3. them,
AT T E N D I X. 41
them, will be the metropolitan city of this kingdom, and will be the glorious place of relidence, of both Chrifl^ and his faints for ever, and will be fo lituated, as that the kingly palace v.'ill be on mount SioUy the holy hill of David ^ where his throne was.
5. We do believe, that this kingdom PH ii. 6. will be a peaceable and a very glorious ^^^- ^^'^' kingdom, beyond conception, and much 7^'^ -j more beyond expreffion, of which *5'^/c-ifa.xxiv. 83. raons kingdom was a type.
6. We believe, that this kingdom ofDin. ii. 4. our Lord, will be, that that faall fucced "• 35> 45- the fourth monarch fpoken of, and will
be the ftone cut out of the mountain without hands which fhall fill the whole earth.
7. We believe, that this kingdom ought not to be fet up by the material fword, that being fo exceeding contrary to the very nature of chriftianity; for which we fliall give thefe following brief reafons. i. Becaufe a chrillians liie is toMatf. v. 44. love our enemies, and to pray for them, ''^^n^-"« i>2. and not deliroy them ; to pray for all
men. 2. To be fubjed: to government in all cafes of civil concern; and patiently en- dure and fufler tribulation and perfccutionRoi"n. xiii. i, for the kingdom of Cbrijfs fake. 3. Be-'^^*^'^'- 22, caufe ChrifVs kinsidom is not of this world, rnhl'/'r-^'r: thereicre his lervants ought not to fight. From which conliderations, we cannot chearfuily have communion with thofe that own the fetting up C/mfi's kingdom by the power of the fword ; believing
that
4i
Eph.
Rev.vi.15. Hof. X. 8. Ifaiahii. 19, 21.
Luk xxiil.30.
15-
Mic. Rom. xii Deut. xxxii.
lieb. X.
AT T E N D 1 X.
that his fplritual kindom, which is his church here on earth; ought not to be fet up or forced^ either by the fvvord, or any civil law vvhatfoever, but by the preaching of the gofpel, which is the I'word of the fpirit, the word of God. And, 4. his eternal kindom on the throne of his father David^ oi which we are fpeaking, himfelf will fet up at his ap- pearing and kingdom, when the great men and noblemen, bondmen, and free** men ihall run to the rocks and mountains to fall upon them, and hide them from the prefence of the lamb. This will be the day of the Lord's vengeance j and it to him to execute it, and not
J 9- belongs unto us.
\o.
NUMB.
I
AT T E N D 1 X. 43
NUMB. IL
i'i/r. John Pilkingtom'j^ NarrathCy rend before a CongregaYmi of Pro- tcflant JDiflcnrers, meeting in Hait- Stieer, Co vent-Garden, on the i^th of May, 16^^.
O R the fatlsfadtlon of all my coun- rrymeii and bicthren in general, and of this worthy eongregation in particu- lar, whereof I am delirous to be a meni- t>er, I beg your attention to the following fjarrative, which contains the means and manner of my convidtion,
Jn order hereunto, I think it neceflary to acquaint you with fome part of my life pafl • which as it will evidence a particular goodnefs and love of God to- wards me, fo I hope it may give this auditory fome grounds to judge of th<s reality of my repentance.
After my education of fve years aud a half hy P^oniiflj emiilaries in Kngland, I was judg'd, by the proficiency 1 had made in the nlyileries of ^Popery, not un- fit for the interell of their caufe, and therefore fent to the Englifh Seminary at Lisbon,, in order to be duely qualified for the million.
What erroneous notions, and aim oil infuperable prejudices, in matters ot" re- ligion, I there inl'enfibly imbibed, "tis eafy for any perfon to imagine, who has
but
44 ^"P TEND IX.
but an imperfefl i{iea of the virulcncy and rigid feverity thofe nations are pot- felled with, where the luquijition rages, againll all perfualions differing from their own. The education I received in that place, for the fpace of three years, and Tjpwards, had fo powerful an influence on my mind, that, the better to fecure my foul from the dangers of Herefy (for that was the notion I had conceived of 'Vretefiatjcy) I was refolv'd to quit all thoughts of becoming a miffionary prieft, and betake myfelf to a religious Hate. But the prelident of our college, unwil- to loofe one of his flock, and withal ap- prehenlive of my friends refentments, who deligned me for other ends, hear- ing I had made intereft with monks of a certain order, and had obtained their confent to be admitted to their habit, quickly put a flop to my delign, by his frequent applications to thc^Pope's Nuncio. This unexpc6Led difappoinment was not only full of great heats and animolities to the two houfes, but likewife exaf- perated me to that degree, that I refufed to perform thofe duties to which the conilitutions of the college obliged me, and, delired to difmifled, in order to my return into England ; tho' I were fa- tisfied my friends would be highly dif- gufted at my proceedings.
This thought continuing, I refolved to fearch into the doctrines of the church -of England^ not doubting but that, if I could perfuade myfelf of a poifibili ty of
falvation
ATTENDIX. 45
falvation out of the church of Rome, I ihould meet with other friends in Eri^landy to maintain me at one of the univerlities. In purfuancc of this refolution, I ac- quainted Mr. Colbatch, minifter of the EngUfh factory (whom I had difcourfed three times before about controverted points in religion) with my delign, and withal delired his recommendntion to fome of the clergy of England, who might be aflifting to me in my enquiry after the truth. He wrote a letter to the bilhop of Salisbury s chaplain ; but he being out of town upon my arrival at Lo'ridon, I was obliged to apply myfelf to otliers, who made me known to the archbifhop of Canterbury .
The great encouragement I met with at this juncture difpellM, for the prefcnt, all appreheniions for my foul's future itate j and prejudice giving way to the glittering hopes of preferment, I forgot the refolution I had made, of not for- faking the Romijh communion, till I were fatisfied I might be faved out of it. I faid I had found the truth, and thought fo too, during this Ihort retreat of my prejudice, when I had hardly began to fearch after it. Upon my requell to take orders, in the church of England, I was fent to Oxford, Here prejudice again took place, tho' I ftrove all T could to ftifle and fupprefs it, together with its confequents, the doubts and fcruples that rofe in my mind, to the difadvan- tage Q^fProteJiancy ; yet all endeavours fell
ihort
4^ AT T E N D I X\
ihort of the deiired elFed:, the quieting of my troubled conrcience.
The preterments that were prom i fed me, tho' very conliderable, and the civih- ties I found in the univerlicy, tho' tar above my expectation, were bands too weak to keep me (after four terms fpent in the univerfity) from ealing my confcience of its burthen, by a Ihameful and wicked return to the church of Rome.
Upon my readmillion into that com- munion, I fubmitted to the'foohlli pe- nance of a pilgrimage to be performed on foot, and by begging, irom Loudon to Hcly- JVell in JFalcs^ and after eighteen months, the peace being concluded with France, I was admitted to the habit of a Bene' diSiine monk, in the EngJifi pionaftery of St. Edmund in 'l^aris^ in which I conti- nued near a year. But here I am forced, through an exccfs of admiration, to cry Rom.xi. 33. out with the apoftle, 0 the depth of the riches, both of the imfdom and knowledge of God ! ho\V unfearchable are his judg- ments, and his itays faji finding out .' For the divine providence fo ordered it, that that very place defigned by Satan for trapanning the fouls of men into e- ternal perdition, became an efFedtual in- Urument of opening my eyes, and freing me from that cloud of more than Egyptian darknefs, which had fo long hindered me from difccrning the bottomlefs pit I was hailening into ; and fo it was an effedual means of baniflfmg all manner of preju- dice, and making me that in reality,
which
ATT END IX. 4,7
which before I was but in effigy ; that is to fiiy, a true and real ^rotcfiafit. 'Twas a delire of feeing whether the llrange things I had read and heard of the ' profellbrs of this life, had any colour of truth to fupport them, that infpired me with a more than ufual curiolity to ob- ferve and infpe6l narrowly into all their pradtifes. Nor did I find the province Very difficult , for belides that I was pre- fent at all conventual duties, I was privy to molt of their fecret intrigues, by fup- plying the place oi fecret ary to the con- vent, the fecretary himfelf being very an- cient. Good God ! how was I furprized to find all things run counter to my ex- pe(5l:ations ; to fee the whole family mi- lerably divided into parties and factions, where I look'd for brotherly love, charitj', and union, not much inferior to that of the blelfed fpirits in heaven ! How was I amazed, in the room of the moft pro- found humility and felf abnegation, to fee the highelt ambition, pride, and felf- love to take place ! That temperance ^ they fo much boalted of, I found often- times turned into fhameful excefs and gluttony j but this was done in private, to avoid giving fcandal. Thefe things I very much vvonder'd at, but much more, when I became an eye-witnefs of the ge- neral and other fuperiors regaiiug of young women in a -clofe chapel ot our church, with wine and other dainties. Their hofpitality and poverty were quits vanilhed, and nothing to be feen but an
infatiablc
4S AT9ENDIX.
infatiable avarice and tliirfb after riches. Their obedience appeared moil in obeying their own unbridled lulls and paffions. In a word, ic feemed to me, their chief ftudy was, which of them (liould be mod wicked at home, and yet be thought the moft holy abroad ; that is to fay, who fliould molt genteelly play the hypocrite.
Such pradifes as thefe, one would think, were fufficient to have convinced me I had taken wrong meafures for my foul's fafety •, and that it was at leaft as eafy to have worked out my fdvation in Sodom or Go- morrah^ as in a cloyjler : but yet the great defire I had of that life, inclined me to believe I might live up to the rule and con- fiicutions of the order (which, in reality, are very fevere) tho' others gave themfelves the liberty to break them.
This thought had well nigh perfuaded me to ftay, v;hen, taking a bible into my hands, I providentially call my eyes on this verfe, in the 9th chapter of the Firjl: ^Epiflle to the Corinthians^ and the 26th verfe : Ego igitur, fic curro non qiiafi in in- ccrtum : fic pugno, non qiiaji aJirem ver- berans. I therefore fo run., not as uncertain- ly : fo fight /, not as one that beatcth the mr. This fcripture, atter ferious delibera- tion, backed by that other, in the firfl: chapter of Ifaiah^ and the 1 2th verfe : ^is h^c quc^fivit, de manihus vefl7-is ? Who hath required thefe things cit your hands ? ocai- fioned various doubts and apprehenfions la my mind, which fuffered me to take little reft day or night.
To
AT T E N b i x: 4^
To be lliorr, after frequent difpiitcs •vvithin mjfelf for and againil the exercife ot thofe mortifications and aullerirics the rule cnjoyned, I began to confider the rea- fonablenefsand weight of our Sivioiirs af- fertion, When ye jhall hwos done all tko/c things ivhicb are commanded you^ fay\ i£e are unprofitable fsrvants iind that cf the Apolllc, That the fuffenngs oj this prcfent time are vot ivorthy to be compared with the glory -which pjall be revealed in us.
Being fully convinced, that the Rowijh dodtrine of merit, and works of fuperer- rogation was highly derogatory to the ho- nour oiCbrifi^ I could not excufe that of Saints- worlliip from the fame cenfure, \vhen I vvas daily an eye-witnefs of their paying far greater veneration to the virgin Adary than they did to herfon, by pulling oft' their huods, kneclins; and liglitins; the altar-candles whilfi they ling her anthems, which it was not their cuftom to do ar other parts of the office.
Thefe and many other difcoverics being happily made, and my former prejudice by degrees vanifhing away, I began to ex- amine all the reft of their doclrines, the greateft part of which I found fo ex- tremely repugnant to God's word, that T could not chufe but be greatly aftonifliM at my former flupidity and blindnefs, in not difcerning that link of errors^ fiiper- Ji it ions and abo?ni nations I had wallowed in.
Upon the whole, that I might prevent
all danger of relapling, into any one of
X^ thofe
50 AT T E N D I X,
tliofe corruptions for the future, I took, up a firm refolution to fliut my ears a- gainlt all doctrines \yhatfoever tliat could II jt be plainly made good out of the fcriptures; and (all motives of intereil laid afide) to join in communion with that church, whofe opinions and worlhip I ihouid find mofl: conformable thereunto. In purfuance hereof I returned to Eiiglvidy and was prefcnt at the fermons, not only of the church of Ew^A/z/c/ clergy, but alfo of diifenting minifters of different per- fuafions ; I ferioully perufed their books^ and particularly read over the thirty nine articles of the church of Efigland: And truly I fnould have been very glad had I found them fo agreeable to fcripture in all points, as that I might with latisfadtion have fat down in that communion ^ but I cannot aifent to the 34?/^, ^Sth^ and ^6tb Articles y nor to thofe words in the lothy viz. Tliat the church hath power to de- cree rites and ceremonies, and authority' in controverlies of faith, alfo part of the lyth^ touching Infant Baptifm which are the fame the ^arliamefit was pleafed to except in behalf of thofe christians, that are generally known by the name oi ^na- haptijU^ into whofe communion I hearti- ly deiire to be admitted, as thinking them to come nearcfli, in their dodtrine and - worlhip, to the holy fcriptures which they profefs to make the rule of their faith and pra6lice.
Ka\'ing thus chriftian auditor s^ given you a moH exadand impartial account of
AT T E N D I X 5t
the moft remarkable paflages of ni^' life, andthe manner of my conviction; it re- mains that I now 'particularly renounce the Errors I formerly embraced in the Rotmjb church.
Mr. Pilkinton s Recantation.
i yohn'-Vllkington being highly fenilbie of the favour of Almighty God, in refcu- ing me out of the jaws of the Devil^ and truly forrovvful for all the iins of my life pall, and particularly thofe I immediately incurred, whilftJ adhered to the Ro?niJh communion ; do here, in the prcfence of the all feeing God, and judge of all men, moil: candidly and lincerely acknowledge that I am not only fully convinced of all the palpable errors, corruptions and no- velties of that church, as well in dodtrine as practice, but do alio utterly difown, re- nounce and abjure the fame, with the greatelt abhorrence and detefcation I am capable of, and in particular, as to thole doctrines that concern the infallibility and fupremacy of thebifliop or church ofRou/Cy the main foundations on which all the o- ther abominations of the ^apijis are built,, I utterly abjure them as groisly intrench- ing on the prerogatives of God.
Their do61;rine, that filvation cannot be had cut of their communion, is fo far from being countenanced in fcripture that I am perfuaded, it is moft uncharitable and antichriftian, moreover I utterly ab- hor their impious and \do]iitvous facrijfce D 2 of
j^i AT T E N D I X.
of the mafs\ as alfo their dodrines oitraH" fuhfiavtiation and half communion : The fame being not only contrary to the word of God, but to the folid principles of rea- fon. The equalling unwritten traditions to the holy fcriptures I'm affured, is high- ly blalphemous, and as fuch I abhor it. I look upon their forbidding eccleliaf- ticks to marrj-, and the laity to read the fcriptures, as alfo their multiplied fails and abftmences, under pain of mortal fin; their pradice o{ auricular confellion, and their vows of chaftity, poverty and obe- dience; as tyrannical and deftru6tive of true Gofpel-liberty : And therefore do free- ly renounce and forfake them.
I likewife abjure their dodrine touch- ing indulgences^ purgatory^ merits^ works ol fupercrrogatiou^ pra}ers in an tmkmwn tongue^ and theyi-u^w facraments.
Laltly, I renounce, as derogatory to the honour of God, and merits of the Lord Jefus^ their adoration of the crofs^ images and relicks : as likewife their /;;- vocation of the blelTed Virgin, Angels and
Saints.
Thefc, and all other errors, corrupti- ons, novelties and fuperllitions, taught and pradifed by the church of Kome,^ be- fides, or in oppofition to the purity ot th^ Gofpel, I do ti-om the bottom ot my foul difown, renounce and abjure, and am re- folved, by the grace of God, fo to do to my lives end.
'And now to conclude all, I earneftly
Jefire this pious auditory, to pray lor and
•^ with
AT T E N D I X, 53
with me, that the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chriji who f^nt his beloved Ton into the world to redeem and favelinners, and to call them to repentance, would vouch fafe to give me a repentance never to be repented of', and luch powerful af- fiftan'ces of his holy fpirit, that I may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pkajivgy and adorn the doSirifie. of God my Saviour iti all thin^Sj who hath wrought this won- derful change in my foul. And I do here in the prefence of God, his holy angels, and this congregation, proteft that I have done and faid all this, freely, _ without equivocation or mentual refervationj and do folemnly promife and oblige my^ felf (in cafe I be admitted a member of this church) to continue in lincere and conllant^ communion with the fame, or others ot the fame perfuafion, God affifting, as long as the members thereof ihall keep the pu* rity of the gofpel.
JOHN ^ILKlNGrON.
D s AGE-
54
A GENERAL
INDEX
TO THE
Four Volumes.
Note, The Numeral Letters denote the Volume^ and the Figures the ^Page ; and '-jvheri^ P. is annexed^ it denotes the Preface of that Volume.
^B BO'T^ George^ bjiliop of London^ i. =^ 123.
Jfbbot^ Mordecai, Efq; iv. 239. Jbbot^ Mr. iv. 251.
jkcount of the firll plantation of the gof- pel in Bntdin^ ii. P. 3, of fome per- fecutors in Oxfordfiire^ ii. 255?. J dams Richard J iii. 37.
Addtefi
1 N D E X sS
j4Mnfs^ of Jmiependants^ ^lakers^ and B/ptijis to King Charles the 2d, i. 250, of the Baptijis to the King, parlia- ment, and people, li. pS-, of the bi- lliop of London^ ^c. to the Prince of Orange J iii. 216, of the Lieutenancy oi Lofidon to ditto^ iii. 225, of the City of London to ditto ^ iii. 229, of the Bap- tijfs on the intended alfaffination of King W^tlliam^ iii. 278, of the Baptijfs on the French King's proclamation of thc'-Tretenderj iii-357, of the united body of the Diffenters to Queen A/ine^ on the fuccefs of the duke of Marlborou<rh. iv. 23, of ditto to King George upon his accellioD, iv. iii, oi ditto upon the re- bellion againfl him, iv. 127, 173.
j!dmimj]rator of baptifm, i. 96, the opi- nion of the Baptifts refpedling a pro- per one, i. 103, defended by fomhes^ u 104, and Lawrence J Efq; i. 105.
Jills bury (T'own of J alarmed at the feve- rity of their perfecuting jullices, ii. 183.
Jlbigenfes^ oppofers of infants baptifm, i-
P. 33-
Alkin^ Richard, a great perfecutor, re- buked, ii. 260.
Allen, IVilliam, iii. ^6.
Jllen, Richard, iii. 161, iv. 346.
Amory, John, iii. 126.
yhiderfhn, Richard ^ a ^^lu^aker, denounces a judgment on a Baptiji minilter, ii. 3fo.
Anne, Queen, is addrefled by the united
body of the Diffenters on the fuccefs
D 4 -of
S6 INDEX,
pf her arms, iv. 23, makes fome chan*- ges in her affairs of ilate, iv. 26, re-* moves -the Lord Chamberlain, iv. 35, dilmiiies the Earl of SunrlerLind^ iv. "^6^ removes the Lord Trcafurer Gor dolphin^ iv. 39, dilfolves her parlia- ment, and difmifies the Lord So7?iers^ and the reli oi her miniflry, iv. 40, dii- rniiFes the Duke 01 MdrlLwcugb^ iv, 42. appoints Duke Hamilton tu go her am.baffador to France^ iy. 5p, threatens the ftates o^ Hoi I and, iv. 65, her death, iv. 84, her new miniflry lay a claim to the favour of King George^ iv. 145.
j3/itipiedohaptifm, no more repugnant to magiltracy than ^P^dohaptifm, ii. 68.
Jlpology, of the Baptijis againft Vetniers rebellion, ii. "^^^ for baptized believers, iv. P. 6.
Jlpcftates^ yohn Child^ ii. ^y% Francis Spira, ii. 385, ■ Hale, ii. 386.
JppUn^ Rogc',\ iii. 127.
yjrcber^ Charles, iii. 124.
Arnold, William J iv. 395.
yljhton, , executed for a confpl<!?
racy againft CromwelJ, i. 250.
j^Jfemhly, of divines againft % toleration, i. 184. general, the iirlt held among the Baptijts, iii. 246, their declaratioi?' and proceedings, iii. 249, they clear themfelves of a publick reproach, iii. 255, they publiijh a contelhon of theif faith, iii. 258, general, the fecond held among the Baptifis, iii. 259, general, the third held among the Bapt/fls, iii. 564, the controverfy about iinging re- ferred
IN D E X. S7
ferred to them, iii. 166^ their deter- mination, iii. 267, of 1 3 Baptiji churches in hondon^ iv. 4, of 10 Baptiji churches in London^ iv. C), they reject and dif- own a pretended church, meeting at iVinchefter-houfe in South-war k^ iv. 11, they intreat Mr. 'Stcnnet to write a hiftory of Baptifm, iv. 13, and appoint a committee to aflift him in the charge thereof, iv. 13.
JJj'affination of King William intended, iii. ij'^-i the ¥re?icb King's fchemc thereupon, iv. 98.
Mtempt for a comprehenfion, ii. 217.
^4tkins^ yames^ his letter to the mayo|? of Dover, ii. 151.
jlujiin, St. baptizes te7i thottfand in a day, ii. P. 18, propofes the baptifm of in-^ fants to the Ancient Britons^ ii. P. 21, is fuppofed to bring a mafiacre \)n them for refuling, ii. P. 23.
B
Baker, , iii. ^_S'
Bampfield, Francis, i. ^60,, iii. 7, dies in Newgate, i. o^^y, ii. 361, imprifoned at Dorchejier, ii. 0^^^, at Salisbury, ii. 356, at London, ii. ^^^.
Bancroft, Bifhop, a great enemy to the ^^uritans, i. 86.
Baptijh, their origin, i. P. i8. ten put to death, i. 32, fourteen burnt, i. 33, ex- cepted in an a6l of grace, i. 39, two ■ burnt in S?mthfield, i. 39, thirty-one ba- pifh*^ and put to death, i. 42, are very
nurnerou§
j8 INDEX,
numerous in the reign ot Edward the 6th, i. 6^^ are pejkcuted in Queen EUzahetb's reign, i. 6S, tivo burnt in Sjnitbjield by Queen Elizabeth^ i. 74, all banifh'd. i. y^^ an account of them by Efwcb Claphamy i. 88, a church of them gathered in Holland^ i. 90, the frjt and /^ burnt in Engla?td of their denomination, i. lop, among the firft Diflenters that fettled in 'Ne'-cJ England. i. no, are perfecuted there, i. 114, publilh an account of themfelves, i. 124, arc perfecuted thereupon even unto death, i. 128, they piefent an humble fupplication to King yames^ i. 130, a profelite of theirs, his letter inter- cepted and publiflfd, i. 133, they are oppofed by the united forces of Dod and Cleaver^ u 141, they begin to form dill:in(5t focieties, i. 147, they difpute with Dr. Featkyy i. 152, firft known to Baxter^ i. 159, their opinion fpoken favourably of, i. 165, they publifh a confefTion of their faith, i. 170, which is acknowledged to be orthodox, i. 171, they are diilinguiflied by the names of Generals and Particulars^ i. 173, they are profecuted upon the or- dinance againft lay preachers, i. 193, they are abufed by the rabble, i. 240, in Somerfetfiire publifli a confeffion of iaith, i. 254, Mr. F//^^r joins them, i.361, ^re the firft Chriftians in Great Britain^ ii. P. 12, are not chargeable with the death of King Charles^ ii. 5, they pub- lilh a x:onfel]ion of faith, ii. 18, pre-
fent
INDEX. 59
lent a petition to King Charles the id, ii. 19, 23, publilh their apology againft Vc?mera rebellion, ii. ^^^ unjuJt- \y charged with the tragedy of Mun- Ji€i\ ii. ()(i^ their principles as conliftent with human fociety as any others, ii. 6p, unjullly charged with enthuliafm, ii. 78, none of them in the commiffion for fettling eccleliallical affairs, ii. 84, excepted out of the ad: for confirming ininilters in their benefices who con- tbrmed, ii. 93, imprifoned at Readmg^ ii. 94, they publifh an addrefs to the King, ^c. ii. 98, they petition the King and Duke of Tork 4:rom Dover^ ii. 159, 16 r, they arc aflaulted in pri- fon, ii. 178, their perfecution in and about London^ ii. 161, twehe of them condemned to death, ii. 181, difputc with the ^^akers, ii. 231, are denied the benefit of a burying place, ii. 239, they protefl againit, and challenge Robert Wright^ ii. 242, they controvert the laying on of hands, ii. 277, they contend with the ^^litaksrs^ ii. 294, and hear their appeal againfl Thomas HickSy ii. 296, and acquit him of their charge, ii. 306, they publifli a confeflion of faith, ii. 312, 345, are very much mif- reprefented, iii. P. 48, letter to Titus Oates^ iii. 170, their addrefs to King WtU'mm on the intended aiFaffination plot, iii. 278, in Cromwell's army, their refentment of his intention towards them, iii. 231, the firjt general allem-f \>]y of them, iii. 246, the feco^td, iii, 259,
the
^o / N BEX,
the third, iii. 264, are not fo faulty in their divi lions and feparations as the ^'Pcedobaptjh, iii. 272, their addrefs to K. JVilhavi on the French King's pro- claiming the pretender, iii. 357, the pri- mitive chriilians were luch, iv. P.4, why they cannot conform to the ceremonies of the church oi Engl and ^ iv. P. 5>, their general aifemblies changed intoafibcia- tions, iv. 3, could not be prevailed with to addrefs the Queen on the peace, iv. ^3, the particulars and generals unite, iv. 109, their meeting houfe deflroyed at Osford, iv. 137, they relieve the French proteftant minilters, iv. 158, an intended difpute between them and the ^^akers, iv. 177, a letter fent to prevent it, hadnoeffedt, iv. 178, ano- ther fent which put an end thereto, iv. 181, their manner of ordaining mi- niflers and deacons, iv. 183, Baptifm, not only the facrament of initia- tion, but to be continued in the church to the end of the world, i. P. 7, not adminiftred in fonts by the fiift chriftlans in England, but in rivers, ii. P. 20, by dipping continued in the Britijb church about 1600 years, ii. P. 33, oi infants not revealed in fcripture, iii. P. 13, of infants attempted to be juftified, iii. P. 1.5, the mode of it conlidered, iii. P. 33. by hmmrfion proved, iii. P. ^d, the door into the chrilVian church, iv. 412, Jiifants cannot be the proper fubje^ts of it, ih. a profeffion of faith was made by the baptized perfon at it. iv. 413. ■7 Baptiflmon^
1 N D E X. (^i
Baptifterm^ A new one made at tke meeting houfe in Barbican, iv. 164, upon hGrfelydo'-JDn repaired, iv. 189.
Baptizing^ ' in churches not pradilcd in £;/^/^;/^ for the lirA6oo years, 11. P. 0^^,
Barber, Eciw. vvrites in defence oi itntaer- fan, i. 151, 219. iii. 3.
Barker, Mr. acknowledges the fcripture a perfed: rule of faitij and pradice, ill. P. 6.
Barhw, Bp. acknowledges infant bap-* tifm not revealed in fcriptyre, iii. P. 13.
Battely, executed for a confpiracy againll CromiveU, U 250.
Ba.ster, Richard, his firft knowledge of the Baptijts, i. 159. againll toleration, i. 177. his chardter ot Mr, To?nbes, i. 292. challenges Mr. Cox to difpute, i. 220. his account of Mr. Coppe, 1. 224. acknowledges nija,yt baptiirn not re- vealed in fcripture, iii. P. 14. makes dipping in baptifm murder, iii. P. 3>^ and adultery, 36. (peaks favourably of the Baptifts, in. P. 54. tried, iii.^i64. acknowledges the Baptijis not fo faulty in their divilions and ieparations as the ^^liobaptijis, iii. 172. condemns fepa- ration as ichifmatical, iv.P. 26.
Baxter baptiied nn blood, a fcandalous pamphlet confuted, li. 279.
Biddle, John, tried for his life on the or- dinance for punilhing blafphemies, and herelics, i. 206. fome account of liim,
- i. 210.
Bijhops, againll toleration, '. 83.
Blaehwood, Chrijinpber, I ^^50.
Blifs,
62 INDEX.
Blifs<, William^ iii. 128.
Bocher^ yoau^ burnt, i, 46.
Bojingbroke and Harley at variance, iv. yc.
Bowes ^ Thomas J jii. 137.
Bramhaliy Bp. his grounds of reparation from tlie church ot^ Roine^ iv. P. 21.
Brandon^ , condemned to death, ii. 182.
Bringhurfi^ Robert^ iii. 128.
Britton^ WtlUam^ i. 254.
Brown J John^ indided for herejie, i. 2p.
Brook\ Lord, fpeaks favourably of the o- pinion of the Baptijfs^ i. 165.
Bi'owfiy il^VZ^^r^a?, a perfecucing jullice, ii. 173.
Brown J Robert j iii. p.
• yames, iv. 251.
Brum and Bere?igaritis ^ denied infants baptifm, i. P. 42.
Bucer^ Martin^ his opinion on the review of the common prayer book, i. 52.
Banyan^ yohn^ impriloned, li. 92. iii. 63.
Burgefs^ Dr. againll toleration, i. 177. condemns feparation as Ichifmatical, iv. P. 24.
— Thomas^ iii. 126.
Burkit, , his anfwer toTurners fcripture
proof for ^V//'^;;? baptifm, iii. P. ai.
Burnett^ Bp. his charader of the Englijb Baptijisy i. P. 7, his account of thofe who abjured before archbiihop I^Varbam^ i. 25, his account of baptifm according to Edward 6th. liturgy, i. 45, his ac- count of the burning of yoan of Kent, ). 47, his account of the burning of Geo. Vail, ^arre, '^' SS-t his account of the motion to reform the clergy, i. 58,
his
INDEX, 6^
his chaii61;eL' oi Cromwell^ i. 246, hb obfervation on the convention parHa- ment, '. 257, his account of the origin of the BaptiJfSy i. P. 18, acknowledges itifams baptilin not revealed in fcrip- ture, ill. V. 13. his anfwer to Turner s fcriptuie proof for i///^;/? baptifm, iii. P. 21, proves baptifm to be bv imimr- (ion^ iii. P. 40. B'uttaU^ iv. 2^1. ~
Cabal refolves upon a war with Holland, ii. 16^^ in great confulion, ii. 275,
Caffin^ Matthew^ iii. 116, 280, iy. 328.
Calamyj Dr. againil a _toleration,^ 1. 176, his chara61:er oi Tombes^ i. 293, his charge againft Mr. Dell, i. 331, ac- count of the ancient Britons, u. P. 24, acknowledges they differed about bap- tifm, ii. P. 29, his account of the plague in i<^65, ii. 209, condemns feparatioo as fchifmaticai, iv. P. 25.
Canne, 'John, i. 164, iii. 38.
Carder, William, fentenced as an obflinate Heretick, i. 28.
Carlton, Bp. not againlt lay preachers, i, 261.
Carpenter, John, \v. 251.
Cafxvell, HVliaw, abufcd, ii. 162.
Caije, Dr. proves baptifm to be by immer^ /ion, iii. P. 39.
Chandler, Dr. acknowledges the fcriptures a perfed rule of faith and pradticc, iii.
P -^. '
Charity
«4 i ^ J^ ^ ^'
Charity School^ u^on Horfely-dowfi^ iv. 114.
Charles I. King, i. 144, perfecutes the ^uritans^ i. 147, fummons a parliament, i. 149, his death not chargeable on the Baptijis^ ii. 5, acknowledges the Icrip- tures a perfect rule of faith and prac- tice, iii. p. 4-
Charles II, King, declares the conven- tion a free parliament, ii. 7, publifhes a proclamation, 11 : 8, and another con- cerning religion, ii. 17, puts forth a declaration concerning eccleliallical af- fairs with a commifTion to reform, ii. 84, refolves to govern abfolutely, ii. 264, forms the cabal, ii. 265, grants indul- gence to Diilenters, ii. 2.67, publiihes a declaration for liberty of confcience, ii. 26p, difappoints the commons in their bill for eafe of the Diirenters, iu 276, fuirimons a new parliament to meet at Oxford^ ii. 350. and difTolves them, ii. 351, perfecutes the noncon- formills all the reft of his days, ii. 2>5^', his chara6ter, ii. 387.
CheaVy Abraham^ iii. 11.
ChiU^ yohn^ his apoftacy, ii. 375).
Church J the word notorioufly abufed, iv. p. 36, what may be underftood by ir,^ iv. P. o^y.
Claphamy Enoch ^ his account of the Bap" ttfls, \. 88.
Clayto?}^ yohn^ iv. 251.
Clarendon^ Earl of, his charadter of the long parliament, i. 157, his relation of the addrefs from the Indcpendants^ S^^^- kers and Baptifts, i. 250, an end put to his power, ii. 2.14. Clergy
INDEX. 6s
Clergy^ of Rome^ fome of them mechania^cs,
i. 31. Ckjnens^ Anue^ a vile perfecutor, rebuked,
Clergy oi the Church of Efighujd carefs the Diirenteis, iii. 205. are more cla- mourous about orthodox}' than the Bap- tifiSj iii. 288.
Collet and Collins^ ii, 31.
Coles^ ^cUr^ iii. 126.
Collins J HcrculeSy iii. I2p.
Colliery ThomaSy iii. 51.
Collins y Willi am y vi. 262.
Committee of accommodation, i. 185, their arguments againft toleration, i. 186, of the united diilenting minillers re- vived, iv. 107, and increafed, iv. 158.
CommonSy houfe of, violently fet upon perfecution, ii. 220, addrefs the King againfl ius declaration for liberty of confcience, ii. 272, order a bill to be brought in lor eafe of the diilenters, ir. 274, are difappointed by ihe King, ii. 276.
Comff?ofj'prayer-book revived, i. 51.
Complaint of the opprellcd againil the oppreifors, ii. 1 4.5.
Comprehenjion agreed upon by parliament,
ii- 347- . ^
Conceffions ot '^^dohaptifls in favour of
the B apt ijhy iii. P. 3. Conference held at Hampton Court between
the Billiops and Puritans, i 85. Con/ety Willi amy iv. 251. Continuers oi^ools annotation, their an-
fwer to Walker s fcripture proof for J«- E fans
66 INDEX,
farit baptifm, iii. P. 28.
Contrcvei'fy about a proper adminiilrator of baptifm, i. 96, between Mattbeio Coffin and jfofeph PFright, iii. 280.
Coppe imprifoned, I. 224.
Corfiwdl^ Francis^ profelited to the Bap- ti/fs, u 152, 344. iii. y. ^
Convocation^ in 1536, their articles con- cerning baptifm, i. 34, fits after diflb- lution of parliament and pafs 17 Ca- nons the 5th againll the BaptifiSy i.
Co?roentick a6t, ii. 233, put into execu- tion, 245.
Council^ their confutation of Baxter bap- tised in blood, ii. 284.
Cow per y Lord keeper, his fpeech to the Duke of Malborough in the houfe of Lords, iv. 20.
CcXy Benjaminy i. 220, 353. iii. 6.
Nehemiaby iv. 265.
CroftSy his houfe ranfacked, ii. 28.
Cromwely Olivery diflblves the long parlia- ment, i. 243, his charadber, i. 045, confpired againft, i. 249, his intenti- ons towards the Baptijts in the army replied to, iii. 231.
• Kichardy proclaimed prote61:or, i. 257.
CurcellcetiSy his teftimony againft tradition for Infant baptifm, iii. P, 18,
Curtis y Stephen, iii. 128.
D.
Dagnally Stephny condemned to death, ii. 182. iii. 121.
DangerfieJd^
INDEX, 6r
Danger/ieUy tried, iii. 164. Dairoers, Henry ^ iii. c)o. Davis ^ yofepjjy iii. 130. D'awmnt^ Duke, fent to England^ iv. 55, tranladts privately in lavour ol the pre- tender, iv. 56. Declaration of Lords and Commons in favour of the Baptijis^ i. 196, con- cerning eccleiiaftical affairs, ii. 83, for liberty of confcience, ii. 269, of the nobihty, gentry, and commonalty of Nottinghajn in favour of the prince of Orange^ iii. 215), of the Lords fpiritual and temporal prefented to the prince of Orange^ iii. 223, of the Baptijfs ref- pedling their general affcmblies, iii. 249. Delaime^ Thomas ^ fome account of him, ii. 366, his letter to Dr. Calamy^ ii. ^6^^ is tried and fentence given againii him, ii. 375. DeJl^ J'ViUiam^ fome account of him, i.
323. iii. 3. .^ , .
Define^ Henry ^ impnfoned, 1. 221, lome account of him, i. 297. iii. 2, chal- lenges Dr. Featly to difpute, i. 303. Demey JolMy iii. 114. Dewhurjiy TbomaSy iv. 160. Difputation between the Baptijts and 4luakerSy ii. 231-, between the 5 ^pr;;^ 5 and Presbyterians at ^Portfmouthy iii. 312, intended between the Baptifis and Quakers prevented, iv. 177. DiffenterSy a ballance between the church of England and Koman Catholicksy are E 2 carefled
68 INDEX..
carefTcd by both, iii. 200, join In pro- curing the Tell Ad:, iv. P .32. DiJJentirig miniilcrs more clamarous on ac- count of orthodoxy than Baftijis^ iii.
Do^rines^ of paflive obedience and non- refiftance have a tendency to AMieifm, iv. P. 37.
Dod and CkaveVy unite to oppofe the principles of the Baptifisy i. 141.
Draper, Edward, iv. 251.
Drinkwater, Richard, iii. 137.
Deveil, Caro Maria, iii. 108. iv. 252.
Dyke, Darnel, i. 0^^^. iii. 6.
E.
Eccles, John, iii. uS.
Edwards — againft toleration, 1. 178.
Elizabeth, Queen, baniihes all the Baptifis,
i. y<). Ellit, — condemned to death, ii. 182. Ellwood, Thomas, his rage againft the Bap'
tijis, ii. 308. Ely, Thomas, conforms to the church of
Efiglafid, iv. 156. Engagement of the nobility, gentry and
commonalty at Exeter to the prince of
Orange, iii. 218! Enthujiafm, unjuftly charged on the Bap^
tijis, ii. 78.' Errors, called anabaptiftical, as much or
more held, by the 'J^adobaptijis, ii. J^.
F. Farmer
I N D E X, ^9
F.
Farmer^ Richard^ iil. ii8.
Farrow^ Juftice, a fevcre perfecutor, li. 182.
Fcudkhwdj Lord, an Irifi peer, a great perfecutor, ii. 262. ■ Lord, an RugJip peer, acknow-
ledges the fcripture a perfed: rule of faith and pradice, iii. P. 4.
Featly^ Dr. difputes with the Bapt'ifts^ i. 152, his account of the great increafe of them, i. 160, acknowledges the Baptijfs confefiion of faith orthodox, i. 171, is challenged by Denne to dif- pute, i. 303.
Feuwick^ Sir John^ in the intended aflaffi- nation plot, iii. 274, falfelj accufes fome noblemen, iii. 275, is executed, iii. 276.
Fincby — abufed and imprifoned, ii. 30.
Fijhei'j Samuel^ i- 359-
Fletcher^ and his family forced to
fly for their lives, ii. 29.
Floyer^ Sir Job}?^ proves dipp'uig {-Oi^Q and ufeful, i. 239, proves dipping ufed in England 1600 years, ii. P. 51.
Forty ^ Henry ^ iii. 100.
Fo'ujnncs^ George^ iii. 28.
jfbx, yohn^ his letter to Queen Elizabeth^ againfl burning alive, i. 70, his ac- count of the firil plantation of the gof- pel in England^ ii. P. 6. his terrible in- ftance of prieft pride, iii. 297. Frewefiy '^aitl, iii. 11.
E 3 FrouJy
70 INDEX.
Froud^ Thomas, iii. 31. *^?
Fuller^ Dr. his account of the beginning of the Baptijls confuted, i. 35), his mi- flake refpefting a congregation he Hilcs yif/abaptiftsj i. 1 6a, his account of the firfl plantation of the gofpel in England^ ii. P. 3.
- — , Mr. acknowledges infafit baptifm not revealed in fcripture, iii. P. 14, yet attempts to jufliiy it, iii. P. 15.
Fund fettled for the fupport of the 5^^- ^iy? miniftry, iv. 199, limited to Bapf ^ tifls of the particular perfualion, iv. 200, another fettled upon a more car tholick foundation, without any fu^h limitation, iv. loi.
G.
Gaky Dr. jfoh;^ iv. ^66.
Gavtman^ — iii. 119.
Garret^ Thorn a s, iii. 143.
Gaufit^ Ehzaheth^ burnt alive, iii. 185, her fpeech, iii. 187, her character, iii. 192.'
George I, King, lands at Greenwich^ iv. 07, difmifles the Duke of Ormofid, iv. 5)1.
Gerbardy yohn^ a Lutheran divine, his ac- count of the origin of the BaptipSy i. P. 19.
German feditlon charged upon Luthery ii. y6y hiftorians account doubtful, ii. 80.
Giffordy Andrew y iii. 148.
„ — — — Emanuel iii. 152.
Gilhy^yohny iii. 128,
GilJity Humphry y iii. 124
GJafs^
INDEX, * 71
Glafs_^ Tbof?MS, iv. 251. Godfathers for adult perfons as well as children ufed in the year 640. ii. P.
Godolphin, Ear! of, removed by Queen
jinm^'w. ^^y his charad:er, iv. 48. Gofnold^ yohn^ iii. 61. Grantham, Thomas, and others taken into
cuftody, ii. 149 iii. 75y flandered, iii.
261, his apology for baptized believers,
iv. P. 6. Gree, John, iii. 8a. Greg, Henry, iv. 251. Green John, iii. 82. Grevil, Jgnes, condemned for herefy, i.
25). Griffith, Dr. John, his complaint of the
opprefTed agaiiift oppreflbrs, ii- I45>
his cafe ii. 361, fome account of him
iii. 120. Grofuefior, Dr. Benjatnin, firft a Baptift, iv.
203. Grunden, 'John, iii. 128.
H.
Baggar, Bcnry, iii. 38.
Hale, Sir Mattheiv, his opinioiv On the great work of redemption, i. 174. Mr. an apollate, ii. 386.
Hamilton, Duke of; appointed by Queen Jmie ambaffador to France, iv. 59, killed in a duel, iv. 60. :
Hammond, Dr. his opinion of Bilhop
Baylors fcheme in favour of the Bapj-
tifls. i. 168, his anfwer to Turners
E 4 fcripture
1% INDEX.
fcripture proof for infa?it baptifm, iii.
P. 25, and alfo to M'alkc/s, ui. P. 27. Hanimofj^ George^ lii. 103. Hdrdcaflle^ Thomas^ iii. 27. Harding^ '^fohn^ iii. lo. HcTi'ley and BoJinghrnke^ at variance, iv.
70, is icmoved by the Queen, iv. 74. Hnrrifs^ Dr. acknowledges tiie fcripture
a perfedl rule of faith and practice, iii.
P. 6 Uarrifon^ Robert^ condemned for he ite,
i. 29. — -, ^homas^ his Ciiarader of Mr. KnolIiSy
i. 34o_ ■ — - Major General, ii. 9. - — — 'Thomas-) ordained, iv. 155.
■ Edward^ iv. 251 .
Eead^ Jojhua^ iii. II.
Headachy Mr. arraigned for his life, ii.
237. Jielmc, Mr. his Iioufe ranfack'd, ii. 28. Helwtjje^ Thomas y i, 269. Henry IV, King, grants a law for burn- ing of Heretic ks J i. 20 ■ Hezvity Dr. executed for a confpiracy
againfl CromiveJl^ i. 249. Hicks, Thomas, writes againft the Quakers,
Hill, Thomas, condemned to death, ii. 182,
Hind, James, iii. 126
Hiiiton, — a great informer, iii. I. II.
Hohbs, Richard, iii. 1 04.
Hobfon, '^Paul, taken into cuflodj, i. 226.
iii. 26. BoUis, Thomas, fome account of him, iv.
*— , Thomas J
INDEX, 73
— 'Thomas^ Efq; his generous gift to the poor of the Baptiji Churches, iv. 155, he with Mr. yohn Taylor jo'm in a gene- rous prefent of books to the Baptijt churches in ^enjihama^ iv. 161, feme account of him, iv- aio.
— yohn^ Efqj fomc account of him, iv. 231.
-f/^ow, Samueh denied chriftian burial, i. 164.
Howard^ Efq; a perfccutor, but after- wards reformed, ii- 16'^.
Huhhard^ Mr. i. 163.
HitgheSy Dr. acknowledges the fcriptures a perfect rule of faith and pradice, iii.
Hull J Thomas^ imprifoned, ii. 163.
Hutchififofiy Edwardy his account of the methods taken by the Englijh Baptijis^ refpecfting a proper adminiftrator, at the revival of immerJwHy i. 100.
yachnaiiy Mary^ condemned to death, ii. 182.
Jacob y Henry y i. 148.
James T, King, i. 80, removes the ^uri- tatiSy i. 86, acknowledges the fcriptures a perfeft rule of faith and pradiice, iii.
^•3- ... -
, Johiiy taken from his meeting, ii. 165, executed at Tyburn^ ii. 171.
, Kalph^ a heavy judgment de-
nounced on him by a ^luaker^ ii. 310.
Jam^$
/4
INDEX.
yamss TI, King, his firft fpeech, iil. 163. publifhes a declaration for liberty of confcience, iii. ipy, carelles the Diffefi' ters, iii, 201, eredls a new eccleliaftical commillion, and augments his {landing forces, iii. 204, retires to France^ iii. 211.
yeasy yohn^ iii. 128.
yefferieSy Judge, his behaviour at the trial of Baxter^ iii. 165, his cruelty in the JVefl^ iii. 183.
ycffery^ WtlUanty iii. 97.
yenuiugs^ Thomas y iii. 35.
, yonathaUy iii. ii^*
yejjeyy Henry ^ fome account of him, i. 307, iii. 2, declares for immerjion in baptifm, i. 310, attempts a more cpr- red tranflation of the Bible, i. 313, his charity to the diflrefled yews at yeru- fakm^ i. 316, dies in prilon, i. 320, his charad:er, i. 321.
Immer/wfty in baptifm, charged by Baxter
|v as murder, iii. P. ^^^ and adultery, iii. ^ P. ^6,
JndependafitSy a church of them gathered in 1 616, i. 148, another in 1621, i.^ 163, their requeft to the committee of accommodation deniect;' i. 186, their conceffions argued againft, ib.
Indulgence granted to Dijfenters. ii. 267* •
Infants haptifmy the advocates thereof a- gainft Bifhop Taylor^ i. 169, fome of the reformers againfl it, i. P, 20, not revealed in fcripture, iii. P. 13, not the proper fubjedts of it, iv. 412.
Johi the Baptijiy the firll baptizer, ii. P. i.
yoneSy
INDEX. ys.
yoftes^ yenkin^ imprifoned, ii. 26. ives^ Jeremiah^ difputes with the ^^luakers^ ii. 308, iv. 247.
K
Kaye^ William^ iv 251.
Keacb, Benjami/ty his life attempted, ii. 185, his trial, ii. 187, his fentence, ii, 202, his behaviour in the pillory, ii. 204, account of him, iii. 143, iv. 268.
, Elias, iv. 30p.
Keate, Robert, iv. 251.
Keith J John, iv. 251.
Kiffin, William^ his account of the me- thods taken by the Baptifts refpedting a proper adminillrator at the revival of immerjiotiy i. 1 01, and others, leave the Independants and join Mr. Spilsbury, 1. 149, profecuted on the ordinance for punifhing blafphemies and herefies, i. 206, procures the pardon of twelve Baptijis, condemned to death, ii. 184, fome account of him, iii. 3,
King, Ma7jajfethy\\u i\^> ', Daniel, iv. 251.
Kingman, John, iii. 126.
Knollis, Hafiferd, charade r of him by Cotton Mather, u 120, returns to Eng- land, i. 155, is imprifoned, i. 22<5, ii. pi, \s hy t\\& '^ re shyteriatis forbid to preach, i. 230, baptizes Mr. JeJ/ey, i. 311, fome account of him, i. 334, lii. ^3 his charai^er, i. 340.
7<^ INDEX.
Lamby Mr. taken into cuftody, i. 225. 'y Thomas y iii. 54.
• , JfaaCy iii. 101.
Lathorpy JohUy i^ 148.
Latimery Hugby Bifliop, his account of the Baptijisy i. 62.
Laurencey Efqj his defence of Mr. Spils- hurys opinion refpeding a proper ad- miniftrator of baptifm by immerfiony i. 105.
haying on 0} handsy controverted among the Baptijhy ii. 277.
Legal Cy Bartbolomeiiiy burnt in Smithfieldy i. 107.
LoJgCy TbomaSy a perfecutor, rebuked, ii. 261. *
Londofiy city of, againft a toleration, i. 184, minifters, againft a toleration, i. 187, fire o{y ii. 213, Bifhop of, fuf- pcnded, iii. 204, his, with the clergy and diilenting mlnifters addrefs to the Prince o£ Orangey iii. 216, lieutenancy of, their addrefs to dittOy iii. 225, re- corder of^ his fpeech to dittOy iii. 227, city ofy their addrefs to dittOy iii. 22p. , Mr. iv. 251.
Lordsy houfe of, their charader of Mr. Tombesy i. 293, addrefs the Queen a- gainft the '^Pretendery iv. 6y.
Love, Mr. oppofes Mr. Dell's fermon be- fore the houfe of commons, i. 330.
Lovedayy SamueJy iv. 250.
Lowreyj
I N D E a:
Lo-wrey^ Thomas^ a Presbyterian minifler,
becomes a Bapti/i, iv. 123. Lucius^ King, with many of his fubjed:s
baptized, ii. P. 13. Luther, Martifiy his opinion concerning
dipping in baptifm, i. P. 23, the German
fedition charged upon him, ii. "jG-
M
Magif rates, their oppreflion the caufe of the rebellion in Germany, ii. yi, of Dover very feve.re againft the Baptijis^ ii. 154.
Maifters, 'jQfcph, iii. 159, iv. 342.
Marlhorouih, Duke of, is difmifled from all his employments, iv. 42, vindi- cates himfelf againft the charge of the houfe of commons, iv. 43, by per- miffion leaves the kingdom, and is re- ceived with the greateft honour where- ever he went, iv. 49, returns to B^ng- land, iv. 84, makes a publick entry, iv.
Marfhall, John, acknowledges the Bap-
tifis confellion of faith orthodox, i.
172, his account of the origin of the
Baptifis, i. P. 19. Martin, Capt. and Mnuntfort's confutation
of Baxter baptized in blood, ii. 283. Mather, Cotton, his account of the Bap-
tijis in New England, i. 1 12. MauJden, "John, iii. 138. Meal-tub'plot, ii. 346. Meeting'houfe, of the Baptijis in Brick-
laney difturbed and many imprifoned,
ii.
78 INDEX.
ii. 162, 164, 172, 174, 175, 178, m Bulftake-aUey^ ii. 165, in Shake/pear S' ' walks y ii. 172. in Beach^ane^ ii. 175, in 'Tetty-France, ii. 176, houfes demo- lifh'd, iv. 125.
MeJhoviuSy JlrnoUus^ his account of the origin of the Baptifts^ i. P. 20.
Mefnager^ Monf. treats with Queen Ann^ new miniftry privately on the fubjedt of peace, iv. 54, his account of the motion to be made to the Queen, to relign her crown to the 'J^retcnder^ iv.
Middkton^ Humphrey^ burnt, i. 62.
MtleSy yohn^ iii. 31.
Miller y yohn^ iii. 121.
M'tnijlers of London againft toleration,
i. 187, oi hancapire^ ditto ^i. 190, of
Warivickfhire^ dtttOy i. 15)0, their fo-
lemn charge and office recommended
; to them, iii. 301.
Monky Thomas, condemned to death, ii. 182.
Monmouth, Duke ofj a riling in his fa- vour, iii. 182.
Moore, Stephen^ i. 165.
Morecocky Edward, iii. lop.
Morgan, Abel, his account of the Baptifi churches in ^enfihania, i. X22.
Morley, Benjamin, iii. 128.
Morris, Francis, iii. 140.
Morton, "John, fome account of him, i. . 276.
Moreton, Sir William, a great perfecutor, rebuked, ii. 262.
Moretofiy
INDEX.
Moreton^ Bilhop, (peaks favourably of the
Baptijis, iii. P. 54. Moulin^ Lewis da^ his character of the
long parliament, i. 158. Munjier rebellion began by a 'T'^dohaptifl
minifter, i. P. 25, unjuftly call on the
Baptifls^ ii. 66.
N.
Neal^ his account of the EtjgJip Baptijfs replied to, i. P. 4, his charader of Queen Elizabeth^ i. 79, his account of archbilhop Jbbot^ i. 1 23, his charader of King James., i. 143, his account of the fire of London^ ii. 213, his account of the bill in commons againft dillen- ters, ii. 221, acknowledges the fcrip- tures a perfed rule of faith and pradice, iii. P. 8.
Needham., Mark., fpeaks favourably of the Baptijis.'m. P. 53.^
Nelfofj^ his charader of Mr. Tombes^ i. 292.
New England., ^mipiedobaptifen as ancient as Chrifliamty there, i. 1 1 1, the Baptijls perfecuted there, i. 1 14, Roger Williams banilhed, i. 117, the controverfy of ?>/- fants baptifm revived there, and an af- fembly of minifters called thereupon, i. 119, Mr. Tombes's Letter to them, i. 121.
Nicholas^ John St. iii. 33.
NobUy John., iv. ^y^.
Ntat, Sir Thomas^ a violent perfecutor, ii. 247.
Oates^
79
7 N D E X,
••V
O
Oates^ Samuely tried ior his Jife and ac- quitted, i. 238, is thrown into a river by the rabble, i. 241, iii. 59.
■ T'ttus, fome account of him, iii.
1 65, is excluded from the Baptijts, iii. 182,
Ohaldiflon^ Sir Littleton^ a perfecutor, but afterwards reformed, ii. 262.
Ordinance of parliament againft unor- dained minifters, i. 192, explained and amended bj another, i. 194, for punilh- ing blafphemies and hereiies, i. 197,
Origin of the opinion of the BaptiftSy i.
P. 17.
Ormond^ Duke of, made general in the room of Marlborough^ iv. 47, is dii^ mifled by King George, iv. 90, an in- tended honour deligned him by Queen ^;/;/s new miniftry, iv. 91, he refufes it, iv. 94.
Orthodoxy, more contentions thereupon among the ^cedobaptifts than Baptifts, iii. 288.
Owen, Jonathan, an independent minifler becomes a Baptifi, iv. 150, is much refleded on by the '^adobaptifts, iv. 152, removes to Brifiol, iv. 168.
Oxford, a lying ftory forged there againfl the Baptifi s confuted, iv. 138.
P
<J^adobapt'tJis, as much or more fifth mo- narchifts than Bapttjfs, ii. 70, as much
or
INDEX. ^i
or more hold errors call'd jinahaptijii'^ cal^ ii. y^,
^almer^ Mr, his houfe ranfack'd, ii. 28.
^arcy George Van^ burnt, i. 55.
^ardoe^ William ^ iii. 114.
^arkefy Drj his confutation of Baxter baptized tn bloody ii. 185, is fufpedted to be the author of that fcandalous libel, ii. 291.
Parliaments Longy their charadber, i. 157, their ordinance againft unordained preachers, i. ip2, explained and a- mended by another, i. 194, diilblved, i. 243, convention^ Burnet's obferva- tion thereon, i. 257, fummoned to meet at Oxford y ii. 350, both houfes of^ vote the Prince and Princefs of Orange King and Queen of Great Britain^ iii. 212.
Tatioity I'homaSy iii. 42,
'Taxfordy Thomas, iii. 36.
^eace with France privately treated upo% iv. 54.
'Teacbely Dr, vice chancellor of Cambridge fufpended, iii. 204.
'Teircey Mr, his account and remarks on the burning oijoan Bochery and Georgs Van ^arcy i. S9y ^^^ anfwer to Nichols, iii. 182.
'^endarvis, Johny iv. 25 1^
'^eny Walker y iii. 126.
'^ennyjloncy Sir Tbomasy a great perfecu* tor, rebuked, ii. 262.
^enfylvaniay an account of the Baptiji churches there, i. 122.
'J^etitiof/y of the Baptifis to the King, ii. F ip,
8i
INDEX.
19, from Dover to the King, ii. 155, to thtr duke of Tork^ ii. 159. Pilkington, John, a. Roman Catholick^ joins cue BapiJiSi hi. 353, his recantation, iii.
355.
Piggoty John^ his charge to PilkingtoUy, iii. 354, fome account of him, iv. 315.
Plague, in 1665, ii. 209.
Planty Thomas J iii. 113.
Popery, the worft parts of it revived in England, iv, 66.'
Port/mouth, difputation, iii. 314.
PoweU Vavafor, i. 217, 373, imprifoned, ii. 26, 91, 227, iii. 6.
Priefi-pride, a fad in fiance thereof, iii. 297.
Presbyterians, againft liberty of confci- ence, and a toleration, i. 176, oppofed by Mr. Dell, '\. 324, not pleafed with King Charles Il's declaration of liberty of confcience, ii. 271, when uppermoft, condemn reparation as fchifmatical, iv. P. 24.
Primitive Chriftians were Baptijis, iv. P. 4, churches, their conduit, iv. 415. practice, iv. 4 1 2 , and difcipJine, iv. 417.
Prince of Orange, lands in Torbay, iii. 210, is, with the Frincefs, voted ■ by both houfes of parliamenc. King and Queen of England, iii. 212, is addrelPed by the bifhop of London, ^c. iii. 216.
Proclamation againft meetings?, ii. ^S-
Prynn, Mr, againft a toleration, i, 178.
Puritans, petition King James for a tolera- tion, i. 84. are enjoin'd to conform to the church, i. 86, fettle in Virginia^ i.
fakers,
INDEX. 83
^takers, difpute with the 5^z^/f,/?;, i'. 251. appeal againft TImnas Hicks, ii. 295, ex- hibit a new complaint, ii. 308, brand the Bapijis with infamy, and (ieiu unce judgment againft them, ii. 310, difpute with the Baptijis, W. 180, a fecond dif- pute intended, but by the advice of friends laid afide, \v. 183.
R
Radley, Mr, a great enemy to the Baptijls, in. yg,^
Rapifiy his chara6ler of Cromwell, i. 248, his account of King James I, i. 80, his remarks on the proclamation againft Pu- ritans znd Papfts, i. 87, his account of ' the firft plantation of the gofpel in Eng^ land, ii. P. 9, his account of Baxter's, trial, iii. 165, his account o^ 'Titus Oatest iii. 166.
Reafons why the Baptijls cannot conform to the ceremonies of the church ot England, \v. P. 9.
Rebellion ^^dSn^l^m^ George, \\\ 125.
Rebukes on perfecutors, ii. 30.
Reeve, John, iii. 99.
" , JVilliain, iv. 249.
Regicides tried, and fome executed, ii. fi.
Remarks on Dr Some\ account of the En- glijh Baptifts, i. 78.
Richards, fFilliam, iii. 126.
Rider, JVilliam, iv. 251.
F '^ Ridgway, •
S4 INDEX.
Ridgway, 'Thomas, ordained, \v. i c^6.
Roberts, Dr, of phyfick, iii. 147.
Robin/on, John^ a violent perfecutor, ii. 163, fends many to prifon, ii. 164, 172, perfecutes John James to death, ii. 169.
Roe^ Sir Thomas, a great perfecutor, re- buked, ii. 262.
Rogers John^ pleads for burning alive, as no cruel death, i. 60.
^ Dan'iek unconvinced of Infants baptifm, i. 167.
•, John, fpeaks favourably of the
Englijh Baptifts, iii. P. 52. RoffwelU "Thomas^ iv. 251, Rudyard, Sir Benjamin^ his fpeech, i. 147, Ruffell, Dr William, iv. 259.
Sanger, John, iii. 127.
Savil, Lawrence, his confutation of Baxter
baptized in blood, W. 2$ 5. Saunders, George, iii. 137. Sawtree^ William, burnt, i. 21. Saxons conquer England, ii. P. 14^ Schifm, what is not, iv. P. 20, what is, iv.
P. 21. School- divinity, the greateft plague to chrif-
tianity, i. 263. Scripture, a perfect rule of faith and prac- tice, iii. P. 3, proof for //j/iz;// baptifm,
iii. P. 20, 26. Separation of the chu^ph of England from
the church of Rome, their ^rounds, iv.
P. 21, is condemned as fchilmatical by
the Presbyterians, iv. P. 24, :. - Shalder,
INDEX, 85
Shakier, Robert, taken out of his grave, ii.
239- Sharp, Dr, proves baptifm to b^ by im-
merfion, iii. P. 39. Sharp, Mr, iv. 252. Shrewsbury, duke of, fent embaflador to
France, iv. 61, is made lord treafurer ki
the room of Harley, iv. 79. Suklemore, James, iv. 245. Sims, John, feized, his letters taken and
publifh'd, i. 232. Skinner, John, iii. 32. Slater, Jofeph, iii. 128. Slingsby, Sir Henry, executed for a Gonfpi-
racy againft Cromwell, i. 249. Smith, John, paftor of the baptized church
of exiles in Holland, i. 91, is charged
with baptizing himfelf, i. 92, the charge
confidered, i. 98, fome account of him,
i. 265.
■-^, John, iii. 35.
— , IVilliam, iii. 128, I41. ~
, Nicholas, iv. 251.
Some, Dr, his account of the Englijh Bap-
tifts, i. y6. Spencer, Mr, iv. 251. , Spilshury, John, his opinion about a pro- per adminiftrator of baptifm by immerfion,
i. 103. Spira, Francis, an apoftate, ii. 385, Stacy, Mr, executed for a confpiracy a-
gainft Cromwell, i. 250. St anger, William, iii. 128. Stanley, Francis, lu, 1%^,
. , John, iv. 251.
Stanton J John, iii. 128. .
■, Zach^'
U INDEX.
• , ZachariaSf iv. 251.-
Sued, Robert, iii. 10*
, Richard, iv. 251.
Stemet, Edward, fome account of him, i. 368.
— , Jofeph, his fcheme for an intended
hiftory of baptifm, iv, 18, his paper of advice, intended for the city reprefenta- tives in parliament, iv. 31, fome account of him, iv. 319.
S tilling fieety Dr, acknowledges the fcrip- tures, a perfect rule of faith and practice, iii. P. 5.
Stinton, Benjamin, iv. 348.
Stokes, Jofeph, publifhes a defence of In- fant baptifm, iv. 114, alfo a compaflio- nate plea for Infant Sy iv. 199, both an- fwer'd by Mr John Masker, iv. 199.
Stowel, , a great informer, iii. 120.
Sturgion, John, his plea for toleration pre- fented to the King, ii. 146.
Sufferings, of the Baptijis, i. 217, of th« Baptyis in Glocejierjhire, ii. 27.
Suicerus, his teftimony againft tradition for Infant baptifm, iii, P. iS.
Masker, John, anfwers Mr Stokesh two books on Infant baptifm. iv. 199.
'Taverner^ James, iii. 112.
Taylor, Bifhop, very much promoted the opinion of the Bvptijls, i. 167, his ob*
i fervation on the Hebrew and Greek fcho- lars, i. 262, acknowledges the fcriptures a rule of faith and pradtice, iii. P. 5. owns
that
I N D E^ X. 87
that Infants baptifm is not revealed in in fcripture, iii. P. 13, his teftimony a- gainft tradition for Infants baptifm, iii. P. 16, his anfwer to Turner*^ fcripture proof for Infant baptifm, iii. P. 22, 24, his anfwer to PFalker*s fcripture proof for Infant baptifm, iii. P. 28.
'Tertullian, oppofed Infants baptifm, i. P. 46.
Teji aEty how procured, iv. P. 32, turned againft theDiffenters, yet no difadvantage to them, iv. P. 33.
^orpi a fevere goaler at Oicford, iii. 125.
Tichborne, Sir Robert^ fome account of him, ii, it.
Tidmarjhy Mr, iii. 125.
Tillotfon^ Dr, proves baptifm to be by im- merfton, iii. P. 38.
Thomas, Timothy, iv. 251.
Toleration, petition'd for by the Puritans, i. 84, a plea for it prefented to the King, ii, 146, invaded, iv. 66.
Tombes, John, his defence of Mr Spilbury*^ opinion refpeding a proper adminiftrator of baptifm by itnmerfton, i. 104, his letter to the minifters of New England, i. 121. fome account of him, i. 278, iii. 2,, his character, i. 292.
lomkins, John, iv. 251.
Towerfon^ Dr, proves baptifm to be by im- merfion, iii. P. 36.
Tradition, Infants baptifm attempted to be juftified tiiereby, iii. P. 16,
^redwell, John, iii. 127.
burner, Anne^ condemned to death, ii. 182.
— ", John, his fcripture proofs for In- fant baptifm, iii. P. 20, 23.
Venner^
SS I N D E X.
U
Venner^ his rebellion, ii. 34, acknowledges he had no Baptifts with hinij ii. 6c,.
Vernorty Johny iv, 251.
Unlearned men, in what fcnfe they are ioy i. 261.
W
Walker, Edward, indited for herefy, i. 29. — — , Mr, attempts to juftify Infant baptifm. iii. P. 15.
, Fowler, his fcripture proof for In^
fant baptifm, iii. P. 26.
-, IFilliami fpeaks favourably of the
Baptifts, iii. P. 51.
Wall, Dr, his character of the Englijh Bap- tifts, i. P. 6, acknowledges Infants bap- tifm not revealed in fcripture, iii* P. 14, proves baptifm to be by imtnerfton, iii. P. 42, his account of the increafe of the Bap- tifts, i. 161.
WaUin, Edward, iv. 390.
Walfmgham, Sir Francis, his letter, giving an account of Queen Elizabetb*s feverities, i. 65.
Watts, Dr, acknowledges the fcriptures a perfedt rule of faith and pradice, iii. P. 10.
— — , John, iii. 78.
Warren, Mr, perfecuted to death, ii. 29.
Welch, William, condemned to death, ii. 182.
Welwood, Dr, hischaraftcr of the long par- liament,
I N D E X. V ^
Jiament, i. 158, bis chara<5ler of Cr.om' ivell, i. 245, his charader lof King Charksll,.u. 387.
JVentw&rth^ Mr. iv. 247.
fFerg, Robert, a perlecutor, rebuked, ii. 261.
Whigs, who firft gave them that n«me, iv,
p. 31.
Whithy, Dr. his anfwer to 1'urner*s fcrip- ture proof tor Infant baptifm, iii. P. 20, 25, his anfwer to fValker's fcripture proof for Infant baptifm, iii. P. 26, proves bap- tifm to be by immerfiony iii. P. 40, 41.
Whifion, fFilliam, is infulted by Dr. Sacke- verel in his parifh cliurch, iii. 288, his letter to Dr. Hitmphrys thereupon, ih.
JVbitchtirch, tVilliam, condemned to death, ii. 182.
Whitemani Edward, burnt at Litchfield, i. 108. ,, _
JVhitgift, flatters King J^wfj I. i. 85.
Wickliffe, "John, the firit oppofer of note of the corruptions of the church of Rome, i, 2, his opinions, i. 7, if not himfeJf, ma- ny of his followers were Baptifls» i. 11, called Lollards, \. ly, and were terrified at the law for burning Hereticks, i. 22. • ■
Wilcox y Thomas, iii. 101.
Willet, John, his confeflion of his flander againlt Mr. Grantham, iii. 263.
Wilmot, James, iii. 124.
Williams, Mr. iii, 10.
JVilliams, Roger, banifhed from New Eng- land, i. 117.
Williant III, King, of glorious memory, crowned, iii. 243, isMhtended to be af- feflinated, iii. 273.
G mils.
INDEX,
IVtlls, Obed, his charadler of Mr. y^r/;^^, i, 321, his obfervacion of the appeal againft Thomas Hicks, ii. 308, fpeaks favourably of the Baptifis, iii. P. 52.
IVife, Laurence^ iii. 32.
TVood, Mr. his charader of Mr. Tomhes^ i. 292.
Wood'ward, Willi am iii. 34.
IVright^ Robert^ conforms to the eftablifh'd church, ii. 241, is protefted againft and challenged by the Baptifis, ii. 242.
, Dr. acknowledges the fcripture a perfed rule of faith and pradice, iii. P. 6.
-, Jofeph, iii. ti6, the controverff
between hirn and Matthew Caffin^ iii, 280. JVyhy AndreWy fent to prifon, i. 235.
F I iSi I S.
WHEREAS fome Demands has been made for Mr. KeacV^ Primmer. That which he published, and for which he fufFered, could not by himfelf be obwined, tho' he fought greatly after it. , Ke afterwards wrote another, as near the fame as he could make it. I have one of them by me printed for himfelf, intituled, Ihe Childs InJiruSlor, leading to true fpelling and reading Englijb, with ufeful Counfel, and weighty Arguments, perfuading them to remem* ber their Creator in the Days of their Youth. Alfo a Coiifejfion of Faith, and Catcckifm for young People, The which I defign to publifh entire, with fome fmall Addition prefixed, to render the fame more proper to lead Children to the true fpelli'ig and reading£//g/^ ; which in this, as well as in other Primmers, leems to me to be introduced with too little for that Purpofe.
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