YOur Paper which you left with me, hath set my thoughts on work about the way of the propagating of the Gospel, concerning which, quot homines tot sententiae; we are neither of Paul, nor Apollo, nor Cephas: we are come into the unity of the Spirit, we are come to God the Iudge of all, and to Iesus the Mediator of the new [Page 6] Covenant, we are returned unto the Archbishop of our Souls, and we cannot go back to mens Iudgements, though seem­ing Pillars, nor give our voice for the use of any Carnal weapons; knowing such as are mighty through God to cast down strong holds, and high imaginations, and to wrastle with principalities and powers, and the Ruler of the dark­ness of this world, to which all the power, wisdom, and righteousness of man is altogether insufficient, whilst reach­ing not unto the Conscience, where only comes the de­monstration of the Spirit and power: and if it be said that the Spirit goes forth in these, it is answered, that the Spi­rit going forth, dismisseth these, as Gideon did his Soul­diers: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, when he was to build the Temple: it is the Cross of Christ by which we are saved, and God forbid we should rejoyce in any thing save that, by which the world is Crucified unto us, even in its wisdom and righteousness, and to undertake to carry the Cross by these, is nonsence and contradiction; it is to make it of none ef­fect, which is weakness and foolishness unto the world, stronger and wiser then the world. God hath made us able Ministers of the new Testament, not of the Letter, but of the Spirit; and to go forth in any strength and wisdom, but in the Spirits, is to doubt of the Spirits truth and pow­er: and if it be asked where this power is, we answer, that it hath been long withdrawn, that the man of Sin might be revealed: but it will come forth, and is now coming, and we are resolved to be weak, and fools in Christ, till we come forth in him, the wisdom of God, and the power of God: to go forth in man, according to the Proposals of some unto the Committee, is to go forth for Christ, against him: The Spirit of God his presence did let and hinder [Page 7] the revealing of the man of sin, as the light keeps out the darkness: It is his return only that can destroy that sin: and All goings forth of man against it, is the going forth of darkness, and sin, and Satan, and so is but a further re­vealing of the man of sin, whose appearance is in all de­ceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Blessed are they who go forth in, and with the Lord, to the pro­pagation of the Gospel, pray that it may have free passage, and be glorified: The Causewayes that we make for it, obstruct it, that is, not preparing the way of the Lord: Christ is the way, the truth, and the life: let me have no God, no Christ, nor Truth that cannot defend themselves and me, or deliver themselves and me into freedome: having upon design suffered bonds to be put upon them, and therefore let error, sin, and hell, and darkness come forth in their power, it is the will of God they should do so, and that Pharaoh should rise unto his full greatness, that he may appear to be above him, and get himself honour up­on him. Antichrist is now getting up upon his last legs, whose feet are Iron and Clay, there is life no where but in his stump, which is not enough to quicken him throughly in this his last image and form, in which he is coming forth: how soon was he thrown down in his last appear­ance and rising among us? even before he could bite, his teeth were broken: God smote him on the Cheek bone: before the Thorns were grown hard to prick, the fire took hold of them, and God is finishing the work apace, and cutting it short in righteousness, even his utter consumption and destruction by the brightness of his coming. There is no cause to fear for the tayl of this smoking firebrand, for the fire of the Lord upon it is not quenched, God will be a swift witness against this Sorcery, for so are all the dealings [Page 8] of men in the things of God: and this foundation that some Proposers are laying, will appear to be the abominati­on of desolation▪ When there is talking of foundation do­ctrines, when Christ is thrust out of his office, who is the Corner stone refused of the builders, setting up themselves in his place, and putting weapons into the evil servants hands to beat his fellow servants, because the Lord and Master defers his coming, not knowing that our strength is to sit still; other foundation can no man lay but that which is laid, even Jesus Christ: and to make Paul or Apollo any thing, is by the Spirit of God in Paul, interpreted to be the laying of another foundation, and defiling the Temple of God, which he that doth, him shall God destroy, 1 Cor. 3.

That which is now held forth in some Proposals, hath been the foundation of all the persecution and confusion which hath been in the Churches: how hath the God of this world blinded mens eyes? how are those which were clothed in Scarlet, now imbracing the dunghils? my soul goes forth in pitty to them, sure they shall be saved, but it will be by fire; but how would I save them from that fire, God is going on his way conquering and to con­quer, who will set the thorns and bryars against him? he will go through them, and burn them together: Mark where the indignation of the Lord hath of late fallen, even upon those that have stood in his way, and would not give him free passage: there is no weapon hath prospered against our present State, every tongue that hath risen up in Judgement, hath been condemned: The hostility of the Bishops, and the treachery joyned with hostility in the Presbyters, and now that Balams incantations are in vain, he hath nothing left him to do but this; Midian, bring forth your women to them, snare them with your pruden­tial [Page 9] way of Gospel propagation▪ tell them what a reproach lies upon them from all Nations, that they have no care of Religion, and that they give liberty to all heresies and fan­tastical spirits, but ere they begin again to vex with these wiles, the Lord by his Spirit will suddenly be upon them from his Temple, and his voice will be heard, vex the Mi­dianites, and smite them, and to the Moles and Bats, they go from the glory of his Majesty, from henceforth be silent all flesh.

The Philistims know where Sampsons strength lies, but he hath been weak and blind long enough, he shall make you no more sport with him, your house is left desolate, his hands are shaking the main pillars of it, O ye Phili­stims! All the risings and puttings forth of Antichrist are fair and well looking, and there is nothing intended but weeding out the Tares, and the good of the Corn; but the Husbandman knows that by this husbandry the Wheat will be pulled up with the Tares; nay the Wheat will be de­stroyed, and the Tares nourished, and the Lord is now re­solved that the Wheat shall spread and flourish, and he will come himself and sever the Tares from it, and throw out these husbandmen, with them, into the fire.

The Spirit of Christ saith, Remove from these mens Tents. Your last Querie is concerning the Jews, whether they may be tolerated among us, or no? I am sure that this is now in design in some Proposals, which I believe the Pro­posers do not see, therefore Father forgive them, for they know not what they do; even to cast out, scatter, and de­stroy those inward spiritual Iews, the seed of the blessed, which rejoyce in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; I have given my testimony in this thing, and it stands before the world in Print, and now I look when the [Page 10] Lord will witness unto me, not secretly to them; which he doth already but openly, for which work he is at the door. And so wishing you the presence of the Lord with you, I rest, waiting with you for his Kingdome, which is not of this world.

IT is my humble Petition to the God of Heaven, to vouchsafe that Honourable Committee Time and Hearts to examine the Scriptures alleaged in that Paper: And at present, that they may please to weigh (with those double weights of the Sanctuary) this hum­ble Explication of the Four Proposals.

First, As to the first Head, viz. of Christ Jesus sending forth of his own Messengers: I humbly pray it may be remembred, that there is a twofold Ministry of Christ Jesus.

1. The one of Pastors and Teachers, Ephes. 4 11. The twofold Ministry of Christ Iesus. feeding the Flocks already Christian and Converted.

2. The other of Messengers or Apostles, sent forth to convert and beget to Christ. Of this sort I humbly conceive is the Sending now in debate before you: and of this sort is that Sending and Questioning so large and punctual ( Rom▪ 10.) How can they Preach, except [...], except they be Apostliz'd, or Sent? Upon which Distinction I humbly offer three things to be necessa­rily supposed. First, Apostolical Gifts and Abilities in the Men sent. Secondly, a greater spiritual power in the [Page 12] Senders, according to that Rule; Greater is the Sender then the Sent. Thirdly, it supposes an unconverted estate in the People to whom such Messengers are sent to preach and bap [...]ize. Which are three such Knots, that none that I know of professing Christ Jesus, these many hun­dred years, have been able to untie, and to prove such a Ministery extant, otherwise then by some (seeming) Prudential Inventions, or the Power of the Sword. Yet,

Secondly, Christ Jesus his fi [...]st im­mediate send­ing. Christ Jesus did immediately send forth his Messengers (Legatos à Latere) his LXX. Luc. 10. his XII, First to the Jews, Mat. 10. afterwards to all Nations, Mar. 16. Christ Jesus did immediately send forth by his Spirit, and mediately by the Church at An­tioch, Act. 13. He immediately stirr'd up Paul and A­pollos, &c. not only without Civil, but also without Spiritual and Church power. Yea since the Apostasie and Rising of Antichrist, He hath in all Ages stirr'd up his Prophets to witness (in a poor and mournful sackcloth) Rev. 10. & 11. & 14 Chapters. The Waldenses, the Wicklevists, His sending of Prophets all the Reign of Antichrist. the Hussites, the Lutherans, the Calvi­nists, &c.

These Protestant Witnesses could never clear up their Functions or Ministeries (as Bishops or Presbyters) yet doubtless hath Christ Jesus endowed them with Pro­phetical Gifts of Translating and Expounding the Scri­ptures. I say, they were as Prophets immediately stirr'd up by Christ Jesus; who doubtless hath now stirred up more then ever were in this Nation, men of Prophetical Gifts and Spirits, [ Gentlemen, Lawyers, Physitians, Soul­diers, Tradesmen] some adorned with Humane Learning, others only with the Scriptures. And doubtless such is [Page 13] his faithfulness and love to his Chosen, that he will yet stir up his Witnesses and Prophets, yea and in his time Apostles and Messengers to the Nations of the World, whose Of which I have spoken more particu­larly in the Hireling. Ministry &c. Gifts, Calling, Work and Wages shall all be from Himself.

Lastly, as to those Terms of Testimony, or Reward of Men; I am far from obstructing any countenance or encouragement to any whom Christ Iesus stirs up. This only I say, 1. It seems to be an ungospel or unchristian task put upon the Civil State, viz. To grant Licences (as the Bishops) for Preaching, &c. 2. It is not hard to guesse, Were it not for the Magi­strates sword and mony, his Test or testi­mony would be little re­garded. That were it not for the Magistrates Pay and Sword, very few would be found to sollicite his Test or Testimony. But doubtless such Preachers, who (either above or under board) make a Bargain for so much, or so much, without which they will not be sent; I humbly conceive they can never be said to be sent by Christ Jesus, although all the Civil Powers in the World should subscribe to their Commis­sions and Sendings.

To the second Head, of Permitting False teachers and Hereticks: I am humbly confident, that (from the Scri­ptures alleadged) it will appear to be the will of God, that Christians and Antichristians, the Wheat and the Tares, should be permitted to dwell, to trade, to live and die in the common Field of the World to­gether.

2. Upon a due survey it will be found, that the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and his Servants, have most com­monly been accounted, and have suffered as the greatest Deceivers, Seducers, Hereticks and Blasphemers in the World.

[Page 14] 3. The Body of this Nation, and of all Nations pro­fessing Christianity, professing to know Christ Jesus in word, and in works denying him, cannot but be acknow­ledged to live and die (if without Repentance) in con­stant real and practical Denyings and Blasphemings of Christ Iesus.

4. Christ Iesus hath not been without Care against Hereticks and Blasphemers: Christ Iesus his course with Blasphe­mers.

First, by judging them that are within among the Saints: therefore (1 Tim. 1.) Paul delivered Hymineus and Alexander unto Sathan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Secondly, by judging them without: First, some­times by horrible judgments in this life; sometimes by subduing them by his Spirit, as Paul from his persecuting and blasphemous courses.

Thirdly, As for the wilfully and finally obstinate, they are ordained (saith Peter and Iude) to con­demnation; And their judgment and damnation sleep­eth not.

To the third Head, The full de­bate of this point, may be seen in that great Contro­versie of the Bloody Te­net, between Mr. Cotton and my self. concerning the Civil Magistrates Commission in Spirituals, I humbly conceive,

1. That in these late years GOD hath made it evi­dent, that all Civil Magistracie in the World is meerly and essentially Civil; And that the Civil Magistrate can truly take cognisance of nothing, as a Civil Ma­gistrate, but what is proper and within his Civil Sphear. The Magistrate, if a Saint, hath a Spiritual power, and so have all Saints; and he that partakes more of Christs Spirit, hath more of Christs Power, whatever his outward condition be.

[Page 15] 2. By the last Will and Testament of Christ Jesus, we find not the least title of Commission to the Civil Magistrate (as Civil) to judge and act in the matters of his Spiritual Kingdom.

3. That great pretence from the Land of Canaan, and the Kings of Israel and Judah, hath been in these late years proved but weak and sandie, and the Lord Iesus Christ himself to be the Antitype of all those Fi­gures, the King and Head of all the Israel of God, Form­ing, Reforming his people, &c.

Hence, The Saints wil be Saints, whatever the Magistrates & the Times be. although it be the Duty of Kings, Queens, Magistrates to be nursing Fathers and Mothers to the Saints: Although it be the Saints Duty to pray for Magistrates, that they may live peaceably under them in all Godliness and Honesty, Jer. 29. and 1 Tim. 2. Yet suppose the Magistrates to be never so ungodly, idola­trous, blasphemous, bloody, (as they were in the first 300 years after Christ) yet Christ Iesus failed not, nor wil, to preserve his Saints in the Power and Spirit of true Christianity and Godliness: And contrarily, the Saints never discovered so bright an Image of Christ Iesus since, in those times wherein Constantine and so many after him have used and drawn their Civil swords in Spiritual causes.

Our Fathers before us in England, though famous for Civil Laws, and Wars, and Victories, yet have they but trod the Round, and walked in a Circle; plant and pluck up, plant and pluck up; as we their Children do: and all for want of Commissions from Christ Iesus, and his Instructions and Promises in such a Work. The Parliament established King Henry the 8. Head of the Church: this Supremacy hath continued in four Prote­stant [Page 16] Princes since. The bickerings of the Clergy from H. 8. his time, all ze­lous for the Civil sword. Yet first, what Disagreements a­bout the Title? For while the Clergy have preacht the Jus Divinum of the Princes Authority in Spiri­tuals, after the pattern of the Kings of Israel and Iudah; the truth is, that Parliaments and People since have pleaded, That Princes could not receive but what the Parliaments gave them, and the Par­liaments could not give them but what the People gave the Parliament their Representative; which could not possibly be a Spiritual and Soul-power.

Secondly, the Work hath never prospered: but succeeding Times, more enlightened by Christ Iesus, have still been breaking down and pulling up. For in­stance: The Protestant Bishops with their English Com­mon Prayer, supplanted the Popish Bishops and their La­tine Masse: The Presbyterians and their Scotch Directo­ries, after some Disputes, at last rout the Protestant Bi­shops and their Common-Prayers: Now the Parliament being graciously pleased to remind the Providence of the most High, in using Instruments of various Consci­ences in their late Service, cannot but expect to be sol­licited by some of these Consciences, and to be zealously told, that Christian Kings and Magistrates succeed the Kings of Israel and Iudah, in the power of Establishing Religion, and Reforming it; of Defining Doctrines, espe­cially Fundamentals; of Punishing the contrary as Hereticks and Blasphemers; of Granting Licences and Authority to Preachers, of seeing their VVages paid them, &c. And therefore that they are bound, as they will answer it to God, to Christ, to their own souls, and the souls of others, to settle Religion, to Establish something, &c. But,

[Page 17] My humble Prayer shall be to Him that is only wise, so to guide this Renowned Parliament, that they may see and shun the Rocks on which our Fathers (as touch­ing a State-Religion) both Papist and Protestant have made most woful shipwrack. And that they may be pleased to remember, that be the Plants never so new, so fair, so hopeful; yet while National, while State-plants, and inforced, our Spiritual Lord the Lord Iesus will sooner or later eradicate and pluck them up, untill at last the work and glory be given to Himself, to work freely and in his own way, by the free Breathings of his most powerfull Spirit, in the mouths and hearts of such by whom and in whom he freely pleaseth.

Hence, oh that it would please the Father of Spirits to affect the heart of the Parliament with such a merci­ful sense of the Soul-Bars and Yokes which our Fathers have laid upon the neck of this Nation, and at last to pro­claim a true and absolute Soul-freedom to all the people of the Land impartially; so that no person be forced to pray nor pay, otherwise then as his Soul believeth and consenteth. Soul [...] of mighty [...] sequence to th [...]s Nation. This Act, as I believe it to be the absolute will of God, as to this and all the oppressed Nations of the World; so will this most prudent State find it to be a principal Expedient for two great ends: First, the easing and sweetening the minds of the people of this Nation, who have so long cried out of Burthens, &c. Secondly, the preventing all the Clergical Designs of one sort or another, when the whole people of the Nation shall be engaged as one man to maintain that Power, that hath from Heaven set them free from so great and so long continued Slavery.

Such a Service for God and the Nation, cannot but be [Page 18] attended with many Objections: To all which (as also for some mercifull and humane consideration (at least for a season) to such of the Clergie, whom any Town or peo­ple of the Nation shall not freely close with in Worship and Maintenance) the wisdome of the most High is infi­nitely able to direct the Commonwealths High-Senate of Parliament; and doubtless will, if they humbly see their want, and beg supply from him.

Upon the Scriptures, and the fourth Head, as touch­ing the JEWS: I humbly conceive it to be the Duty of the Civil Magistrate to break down that superstitious wall of separation (as to Civil things) between us Gentiles and the Jews, and freely (without their asking) to make way for their free and peaceable Habitation amongst us. And the rather, because that People (however for a season under a most terrible Ecclipse) yet,

1. The holy Scripture saith, Arguments for permission of the Jews. that they are a Beloved people, and beloved (as we sometimes love unworthy chil­dren) for their Fathers sake.

2. They are a people above all the peoples and Nati­ons in the World, under most gracious and express Promises.

3. We Gentiles by their fall have had the occasion of our rising to the blessed and joyful Knowledge of a Saviour.

4. Their rising again to own and imbrace Christ Jesus, is promised to be as life from the dead, not only to themselves, but as to the propagating of Christ Jesus to other peoples.

5. Out of some kind of sense of these things, we pretend to look, and long, and pray for their Return and Calling.

[Page 19] 6. As other Nations, The Guilt of England, and the Kings of it, as to the Jews. so this especially, and the Kings thereof, have had just cause to fear, that the unchristian oppressions, incivilities, and inhumanities of this Nation against the Jews, have cried to Heaven against this Na­tion and the Kings and Princes of it.

What horrible oppressions and horrible slaughters have the Iews suffered from the Kings and peoples of this Nation, in the Reigns of Henry 2. K. Iohn, Richard 1. and Edward 1. Concerning which not only we, but the Iews themselves keep Chronicles?

For the removing of which guilt, and the pacifying of the wrath of the most High against this Nation, and for the furthering of that great end of propagating the Gospel of Christ Iesus; It is humbly conceived to be a great and weighty Duty which lies upon this State, to provide (on the Iews account) some gracious Expedients for such holy and truly Christian Ends.

Lastly, Objections against the Jews. I humbly crave leave to say, That I am not without thoughts of many Objections, and cannot with­out horror think of the Iews killing of the Lord Iesus; of their cursing themselves and their posterity; of the wrath of God upon them; of their denying the Fundamentals of all our Christian Worship; of some crimes alleaged for which they have been so afflicted by this Nation; of their known Industry of inriching themselves in all places where they come. But I dare not prejudice the high wisdom and experience of the State, abundantly rich and able to provide answerable Expedients, if once it please the most High to affect their Honorable breasts with the piety and equity, the duty and necessity of so great a Work.

1. THat Persons of Godliness and Gifts, in the U­niversities and elswhere, though not Ordained, may be admitted to preach the Gospel, being ap­proved when they are called thereunto.

2. That no person shall be admitted to Trial and Appro­bation, unless he bring a Testimonial of his Piety and Soundness in the Faith, under the hands of six Godly Mini­sters and Christians gathered together for that end and purpose, unto whom he is personally known; of which num­ber two at the least to be Ministers.

3. That a certain number of persons, Ministers and others of Eminencie, and known Ability and Godliness, be appoint­ed to sit in every County, to examine, judge and approve all such persons, as being to preach the Gospel, have recei­ved Testimony as above. And in case there shall not be found a competent number of such persons in the same Coun­ty, that others of one or more neighbour Counties be ad­joyned to them.

4. That care be taken for the removing the Residue of the Ministers who are Ignorant, Scandalous, Nonresident, of Disturbers of the Publike peace: and of all Schoolmasters who shall be found Popish, scandalous, or disaffected to the Government of the Commonwealth.

[Page 21] 5. That to this end, a Number of persons, Ministers and others of eminent piety, zeal, faithfulness, ability and pru­dence, be appointed by Authority of Parliament to go through the Nation, to enquire after, examine, judge of, and eject all such persons as shall be found unfit for the Ministery, or teaching of Schools, being such as above described.

6. That for the expediting this work, these persons may be assigned in several Companies or Committees, to the six Circuits of the Nation, to reside in each of the Counties for such a convenient space of time as shall be requisite, un­till the work be done: And calling to their Assistance in their respective Circuits such Godly and able Ministers and others in each of the Counties where they shall reside, to assist them in this work, as they shall think fit.

7. That these persons so sent and Commissioned, may be impower'd, before they shall depart out of each County, to return and to represent unto the Parliament the Names of fit and sufficient persons, Ministers & others to be appointed and approved of, such as shall be called to preach the Gospel in such Counties: And in the mean time, the persons so Commissioned as aforesaid, shall have power while they re­side in each County, to examine, judge and approve of such persons, as having a Call to preach the Gospel in such Counties, shall upon such Testimonial as aforesaid, offer themselves to such Examination.

8. That it be proposed, that the Parliament be pleased to take some speedy and effectual course, either by impowering the persons in the several Counties to be appointed for Trial and Approbation of such persons as shall be called to preach the Gospel there: Or in such other way as they shall think fit, for the uniting and dividing of Parishes in the several Counties & Cities within this Commonwealth, [Page 22] in reference to the preaching of the Gospel there; saving the Civil rights and priviledges of each Parish.

9. That all Ministers so sent forth and established, be enjoyned and required to attend the solemn Worship of God, in Prayer, Reading and Preaching the Word, Catechising, and Expounding the Scriptures, as occasion shall require, visiting the sick, and instructing from house to house; residing amongst the people to whom they are sent, and using all care and dil [...]gence by all ways and means to win souls unto Christ.

10. That it is desired, that no persons be required to receive the Sacrament, further then their Light shall lead them unto. Nor no person sent forth to preach, and already placed, or which shall be placed in any Parish within this Nation, be compelled to administer the Sacrament to any, but such as he shall approve of, as fit for the same.

11. That a Law may be provided, that all persons what­soever within this Nation be required to attend to the pub­like Preaching of the Gospel, every Lords Day, in places commonly allowed, and usually called Churches, except such persons as through scruple of Conscience do abstain from those Assemblies.

12. That whereas divers persons are unsatisfied to come to the publike places of hearing the Word, upon this Account, that those places were Dedicated and Consecrated: That the Parliament will be pleased to declare, that such places are made use of, and continued, only for the better convenien­cie of persons meeting for the publike Worship of God, and upon no other consideration.

13. That all persons dissenting from the Doctrine and Way of Worship owned by the State, or consenting there­unto, and yet not having advantage or opportunity of [Page 23] some of the publike Meeting-places, commonly called Churches; be required to meet (if they have any constant meetings) in places publikely known, and to give notice to some Magistrate of such their place of ordinary meetings.

14. That this Honorable Committee be desired to pro­pose to the Parliament, That such who do not receive, but oppose those Ʋpon occa­sion of which motion, the Ministers were desired to instance: who therefore presented 15. Fundamen­tals, the Copy whereof is not yet come to my hand. Principles of Christian Religion, without ac­knowledgment whereof the Scriptures do clearly and plainly affirm that Salvation is not to be obtained, as those formerly complained of by the Ministers; may not be suffered to preach or promulgate any thing in opposition unto such Principles.

15. And further, That the Parliament be humbly de­sired to take some speedy and effectual course for the utter suppressing of that Abominable Cheat of Judicial Astro­logie, whereby the minds of Multitudes are corrupted, and turned aside from depending upon the Providence of God, to put their Trust in the Lyes of Men, and Delusions of Sathan.

Upon this new Project of these Fifteen Proposals, and Fifteen Fundamentals: I do humbly beg of the Father of Spirits, that He will either graciously please to stir up the Hearts of these Worthy Men to put in some Christian Retractation; or else the Hearts of some of his Faithful Witnesses (against such Graven Images) to present some faithful and truly Christian Observa­tions.