'That they professed their grateful sense of his Whighness's hazardous and heroical expedition, which the favour of Heaven had made so surprisingly prosperous. nothing strange among the occurrences of the present time, I should be greatly surprised to find, that divers French protestant ministers, fled hither for their consciences and religion, who have latitude enough to conform to the rites of the church of England, do accuse 'That they esteemed it a common felicity, that the worthy patriots of the nobility and gentry of this king-others of their brethren, who are fled hither on the same dom, had unanimously concurred unto his highness's design, by whose most prudent advice, the administration of public affairs was devolved in this difficult conjuncture, into hands which the nation and the world knew to be apt for the greatest undertakings, and so suitable to the present exigence of our case. 'That they promised the utmost endeavours, which in their stations they were capable of affording, for promoting the excellent and most desirable ends for which his highness had declared. 'That they added their continual and fervent prayers to the Almighty, for the preservation of his highness's person, and the success of his future endeavours, for the defence and propagation of the protestant interest throughout the Christian world. account, but have not that latitude, as schismatics, only 'That they should all most willingly have chosen This year there were many and warm debates in the that for the season of paying this duty to his highness, two houses of Lords and Commons, about a comprewhen the lord bishop and the clergy of London at-hension, and an indulgence; for bills were brought in tended his highness for the same purpose, (which some for both, and both were canvassed. Some were so naiof them did, and which his lordship was pleased con-row-spirited and so ungenerous, as, forgetting their prodescendingly to make mention of to his highness,) had mises and repeated declarations in the time of their distheir notice of that intended application been so early, as tress, from which they were just so wonderfully delito make their more general attendance possible to them vered, to be for still keeping the dissenters under a brand, at that time. Mr. Howe therefore at this time fairly represented their case, and strenuously argued upon it, in a single sheet of paper, which was printed, and is very fit to be transmitted to posterity. 'And that therefore, though they did now appear in a distinct company, they did it not on a distinct account, but on that only which was common to them and to all protestants. 'That there were some of eminent note, whom age or present infirmitiest hindered from coming with them; yet they concurred in the same grateful sense of our common deliverance." The prince in answer, assured them, 'that he came on purpose to defend the protestant religion, and that it was his own religion, in which he was born and bred; the religion of his country, and of his ancestors: and that he was resolved, by the grace of God, always to adhere to it, and to do his utmost endeavours for the defence of it, and the promoting a firm union among pro testants.' The case of the Protestant Dissenters represented and argued. 'THEY are under one common obligation with the rest of mankind, by the universal law of nature, to worship God in assemblies. 'Men of all sorts of religions, that have ever obtained in the world, Jews, Pagans, Mahometans, Christians, have in their practice acknowledged this obligation. Nor can it be understood, how such a practice should be so universal, otherwise than from the dictate and impression of the universal law. 'Whereas the religion professed in England is that of In this year 1688, Mr. Howe published a few prac-reformed Christianity, some things are annexed to the tical discourses: as, 'A Sermon on John v. 42. directing what we are to do after strict Inquiry, whether or no we truly love God:' and 'Two Sermons preached at Thurlow in Suffolk, on those words, Rom. vi. 13. Yield yourselves to God.' In 1689, he wrote a short letter about the case of the French protestants, which I shall here add, leaving it to the reader to guess (and I cannot myself do more) to whom it was addressed. 'Twas in these words: 'SIR, allowed public worship, which are acknowledged to be no parts thereof, nor in themselves necessary; but which the dissenters judge to be in some part sinful. 'They cannot therefore, with good conscience towards God, attend wholly and solely upon the public worship which the laws do appoint. 'The same laws do strictly forbid their assembling to worship God otherwise. 'Which is in effect the same thing, as if they who made, or shall continue such laws, should plainly say, If you will not consent with us in our superadded rites 'BUT that I am learning as much as I can to count and modes against your consciences, you shal. not t This referred to Mr. Baxter and Dr. Bates. worship God; or if you will not accept of our additions trary thereto. Wherefore to forbid such to worship to the Christian religion, you shall not be Christians: and manifestly tends to reduce to paganism a great part of a Christian nation. 'They have been wont therefore to meet however in distinct assemblies, and to worship God in a way which their consciences could approve; and have many years continued so to do, otherwise than as they have been hindered by violence. 'It is therefore upon the whole fit to inquire, that God that made them, because they can't receive your devised additions, is to exclude that which is necessary, for the mere want of that which is unnecessary. 'And where is that man that will adventure to stand forth, and avow the hindering of such persons from paying their homage to the God that made them, if we thus expostulate the matter on God's behalf and their own? Will you cut off from God his right in the creatures he Qu. 1. Whether they are to be blamed for their hold- hath made? Will you cut off from them the means of ing distinct meetings for the worship of God? 'For answer to this, it cannot be expected that all the controversies should be here determined, which have been agitated about the lawfulness of each of those things which have been added to the Christian religion and worship, by the present constitution of the church of England. 'But supposing they were none of them simply unlawful, while yet the misinformed minds of the dissenters could not judge them lawful, though they have made it much their business to inquire and search; being urged also by severe sufferings, which through a long tract of time they have undergone, not to refuse any means that might tend to their satisfaction; they could have nothing else left them to do, than to meet and worship distinctly as they have. 'For they could not but esteem the obligation of the universal, natural, divine law, by which they were bound solemnly to worship God, less questionable than that of a law, which was only positive, topical, and human, requiring such and such additaments to their worship, and prohibiting their worship without them. their salvation upon these terms? What reply can the matter admit? "Tis commonly alleged that great deference is to be paid to the laws, and that we ought to have forborne our assemblies, till the public authority recalled the laws against them: and we will say the same thing, when it is well proved, that they who made such laws, made the world too. 'And by whose authority were such laws made? Is there any that is not from God? and hath God given any man authority to make laws against himself, and to deprive him of his just rights from his own creatures? 'Nor if the matter be well searched into, could there be so much as a pretence of authority derived for such purposes from the people, whom every one now acknowledges the first receptacle of derived governing power. God can, 'tis true, lay indisputable obligations by his known laws, upon every conscience of man about religion, or any thing else. And such as represent any people, can, according to the constitution of the government, make laws for them, about the things they intrust them with: but if the people of England be asked man by man, will they say they did intrust to their representatives, their religion, and their con 'The church of England, (as that part affects to be called,) distinguished from the rest by those additionals to Christian religion, (pretended to be indifferent, and so confessed unnecessary,) hath not only sought to en-sciences, to do with them what they please? When it gross to itself the ordinances of divine worship, but all civil power. So that the privileges that belong either to Christian or human society are enclosed, and made peculiar to such as are distinguished by things that in themselves can signify nothing to the making of persons either better Christians, or better men. 'Qu. 2. Whether the laws enjoining such additions to our religion, as the exclusive terms of Christian worship and communion, ought to have been made, when it is acknowledged on all hands, the things to be added were before not necessary; and when it is known a great number judge them sinful, and must thereby be restrained from worshipping the true and living God? 'Ans. The question to any of common sense, answers itself. For it is not put concerning such as dissent from any part of the substance of worship which God hath commanded, but concerning such additions as he never commanded. And there are sufficient tests to is your own turn to be represented by others, is this part of the trust you commit? What Dr. Sherlock" worthily says concerning a bishop, he might (and par ticularly after, doth) say concerning every other man, He can be no more represented in a council, than at the day of judgment: every man's soul and conscience must be in his own keeping; and can be represented by no 'It ought to be considered that Christianity, wherein it superadds to the law of nature, is all matter of revelation. And 'tis well known that even among pagans, the settling rites and institutes of religion, revelation was pretended at least, upon an implied principle, that in such matters human power could not oblige the people's consciences. 'We must be excused therefore, if we have in our practice expressed less reverence for laws made by no authority received either from God or man. 'We are therefore injuriously reflected on, when it distinguish such dissenters from those that deny any is imputed to us, that we have by the use of our liberty substantial part of religion, or assert any thing con- acknowledged an illegal dispensing power. We have u Vindication of some Protestant Principles, &c. p. 52. w As by Numa from his Egeria. And their priests, to whom the regulation of such matters was left, were generally believed to be inspired. done no other thing herein, than we did when no dispen-civil interests of the nation, (not for our different modes sation was given or pretended, in conscience of duty to of religion from the legal way, though the laws gave him that gave us our breath: nor did therefore practise that advantage against us, which they did not against otherwise, because we thought those laws dispensed with, others,) that we endured the calamities of so many but because we thought them not laws. Whereupon little years. need remains of inquiring further. 'Qu. 3. Whether such laws should be continued? Against which, besides what may be collected from that which hath been said, it is to be considered, that what is most principally grievous to us, was enacted by that parliament, that, as we have too much reason to believe, suffered itself to be dealt with to enslave the nation, in other respects as well as this; and which (to his immortal honour) the noble Earl of Danby procured to be dissolved, as the first step towards our national deli verance. 'And let the tenour be considered of that horrid law, by which our Magna Charta was torn in pieces; the worst and most infamous of mankind, at our own expense, hired to accuse us; multitudes of perjuries committed, convictions made without a jury, and without any hearing of the persons accused; penalties inflicted, goods rifled, estates seized and embezzled, houses broken up, families disturbed, often at unseasonable hours of the night, without any cause, or shadow of a cause, if only a malicious villain would pretend to suspect a meeting there! No law in any other case like this! As if to worship God without those additions, which were confessed unnecessary, were a greater crime than theft, felony, murder, or treason! Is it for our reputation to posterity, that the memory of such a law should be continued? 'And are we not yet awakened, and our eyes opened enough to see, that the making and execution of the laws, by which we have suffered so deeply for many by-past years, was only, that protestants might destroy protestants, and the easier work be made for the introduction of popery, that was to destroy the residue? 'When by the late king some relaxation was given us, what arts and insinuations have been used with us, to draw us into a concurrence to designs tending to the prejudice of the nation! And with how little effect upon the generality of us, it must be great ignorance not to know, and great injustice to deny. 'But he that knoweth all things, knoweth that though, in such circumstances, there was no opportunity for our receiving public and authorized promises, when we were all under the eye of watchful jealousy; yet as great assurances as were possible, were given us by some that we hope will now remember it, of a future established security from our former pressures. We were told over and over, when the excellent Heer Fagel's letter came to be privately communicated from hand to hand, how easily better things would be had for us, than that encouraged papists to expect, if ever that happy change should be brought about, which none have now beheld with greater joy than we. 'We are loth to injure those who have made us hope for better, by admitting a suspicion that we shall now be disappointed and deceived, (as we have formerly been, and we know by whom,) or that we shall suffer from them a religious slavery, for whose sakes we have suffered so grievous things, rather than do the least thing that might tend to the bringing upon them a civil slavery. 'We cannot but expect from Englishmen that they be just and true. We hope not to be the only instances whereby the Anglica fides and the Punica shall be thought all one. 'But if we, who have constantly desired, and as we have had opportunity endeavoured the saving of the nation, must however be ruined, not to greaten (one hair) the wealth and dignity of it, but only to gratify the humour of them who would yet destroy it; we, who are competently inured to sufferings, shall through God's mercy be again enabled to endure: but he that sits in the Notwith-heavens, will in his own time judge our cause, and we will wait his pleasure; and we hope suffer all that can be inflicted, rather than betray the cause of reformed Christianity in the world. 'Nor can any malice deny, or ignorance of observing Englishmen overlook, this plain matter of fact. After the dissolution of that before-mentioned parliament, dissenters were much caressed, and endeavoured to be drawn into a subserviency to the court designs, especially in the election of after-parliaments. standing which, they every where so entirely and unanimously fell in with the sober part of the nation, in the choice of such persons for the three parliaments that next succeeded, (two held at Westminster, and that at Oxford,) as it was known would, and who did, most generously assert the liberties of the nation, and the protestant religion. Which alone (and not our mere dissent from the church of England in matters of religion, wherein Charles II. was sufficiently known to be a prince of great indifferency) drew upon us, soon after the dissolution of the last of those parliaments, that dreadful storm of persecution, that destroyed not a small number of lives in gaols, and ruined multitudes of families. 'Let English freemen remember, what they cannot but know, that it was for our firm adherence to the 'But our affairs are in the hands of men of worth and honour, who apprehend how little grateful a name they should leave to posterity, or obtain now with good men of any persuasion, if, under a pretence of kindness to us, they should now repeat the arts of ill men, in an ill time. Great minds will think it beneath them to sport themselves with their own cunning, in deceiving other men; which were really in the present case too thin not to be seen through, and may be the easy attainment of any man, that hath enough of opportunity, and integrity little enough for such purposes. And 'tis as much too gross to endeavour to abuse the authority of a nation, by going about to make that stoop to so mean a thing, as to make a show of intending what they resolve to their utmost shall never be. 'But some may think, by concessions to us, the church of England will be ruined, and a great advantage given to the bringing in of popery. 'To which we say, the generality of the dissenters differ from the church of England, in no substantials of doctrine and worship, no nor of government, provided it be so managed, as to attain its true acknowledged end: the favouring of us therefore will as much ruin the church, as its enlargement and additional strength will signify to its ruin. 'And doth not the world know, that wherein we differ from them, we differ from the papists too? And that for the most part, wherein they differ from us, they seem to agree with them? 'We acknowledge their strong, brave, and prosperous opposition to popery: but they have opposed it by the things wherein they agree with us. Their differences from us are no more a fence against popery, than an enclosure of straw is against a flame of fire. 'Ans. The difference or nonconformity of many is so minute, that it would be as reasonable to exclude all whose hair is not of this or that colour. And what if we should make a distermination, by the decision this way or that of any other disputed question, that may be of as small concernment to religion? suppose it be that of eating blood, for the decision whereof one way, there is more pretence from God's word, than for any point of the disputed conformity: would it not be a wise constitution, that whosoever thinks it lawful to eat black-pudding, shall be capable of no office, &c. 'But we tremble to think of the exclusive sacramental test, brought down as low as to the keeper of an alehouse. Are all fit to approach the sacred table, whom the fear of ruin or hope of gain may bring thither? We cannot but often remember with horror, what happened three or four years ago. A man that led an ill life, but frequented the church, was observed not to come to the sacrament, and pressed by the officers to come; he yet declined, knowing himself unfit; at length, being threatened and terrified, he came; but said to some present 'But 'tis wont to be said, we agree not among our- at the time of the solemn action, that he came only to selves, and know not what we would have. 'And do all that go under the name of the church of England agree among themselves? We can show more considerable disagreements among them, than any can between the most of us and a considerable part of them. They all agree, 'tis true, in conformity; and we all agree in non-conformity. And is not this merely accidental to Christianity and protestantism? and herein is it not well known that the far greater part of reformed Christendom do more agree with us? 'An arbitrary line of uniformity in some little accidents, severs a small part of the Christian world from all the rest. How unreasonably is it expected that therefore all the rest must in every thing else agree among themselves! Suppose any imaginary line to cut off a little segment from any part of the terrestrial globe; 'tis as justly expected that all the rest should be of one mind. If one part of England be tailors, they might as well expect that all the people besides should agree to be of one profession. 'Perhaps some imagine it dishonourable to such as have gone before them in the same ecclesiastical stations and dignities, if now any thing should be altered, which their judgment did before approve and think fit. 'But we hope that temptation will not prove invincible, viz. of so excessive a modesty as to be afraid of seeming wiser, or better natured, or of a more Christian temper than their predecessors. 'But the most of us do agree not only with one another, but, in the great things above mentioned, with the church of England too: and in short, that the reproach may cease for ever with those that count it one, they will find with us, when they please to try, a very extensive agreement on the terms of King Charles II.'s declaration about ecclesiastical affairs, in 1660. 'Qu. 4. Whether it be reasonable to exclude all that in every thing conform not to the church of England, from any part or share of the civil power? avoid being undone, and took them to witness that what he there received, he took only as common bread and wine, not daring to receive them as the body and blood of Christ. 'Tis amazing, that among Christians, so venerable an institution should be prostituted to the serving of so mean purposes, and so foreign to its true end! and that doing it after the manner of the church of England must be the qualification! as if England were another Christendom; or it were a greater thing to conform in every punctilio to the rules of this church, than of Christ himself! 'But we would fain know whose is that holy table? is it the table of this or that party, or the Lord's table? if the Lord's, are not persons to be admitted or excluded upon his terms? Never can there be union or peace in the Christian world till we take down our arbitrary enclosures, and content ourselves with those which our common Lord hath set. If he falls under a curse that alters a man's landmark, to alter God's is not likely to infer a blessing. 'The matter is clear as the light of the sun, that as many persons of excellent worth, sobriety, and godliness, are entirely in the communion of the church of England, so there are too many of a worse character, that are of it too; and divers prudent, pious, and soberminded persons that are not of it. Let common reason be consulted in this case. Suppose the tables turned, and that the rule were to be made the contrary way, viz. that to do this thing, but not by any means after the manner of the church of England, were to be the qualification: and now suppose one of meaner endowments, as a man and a Christian, do what is required, and not in the way of the church of England; and another that is of much better, does the same thing in that way; were it suitable to prudence or justice, that because it is done after the way of the church of England, a fitter man should be reckoned unqualified? and one of less value be taken for qualified, because he does it a different way? Then is all that solid weight of | tion, wisely calculated for the support and strengthenwisdom, diligence, sobriety, and goodness, to be weighed ing the protestant interest, the great end of the revoludown by a feather. 'It must surely be thought the prudence of any government, to comprehend as many useful persons as it can, and no more to deprive itself of the service of such, for any thing less considerable than those qualifications are, by which they are useful, than a man would tear off from himself the limbs of his body, for a spot on the skin. 'And really if, in our circumstances, we thus narrow our interest, all the rest of the world will say, that they who would destroy us, do yet find a way to be our instructors, and our common enemies do teach us our politics. 'P. S. The names of Mr. Hale, of Eton college, and of a later most renowned bishop of the church of England, who asserted this principle, that "if things be imposed under the notion of indifferent, which many think sinful, and a schism follow thereupon, the imposers are the schismatics," will be great in England, as long as their writings shall live, and good sense can be understood in them.' About this time, some had great expectations from the meetings of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners who were to prepare matters for the convocation. Mr. Howe was well acquainted, and had free and frequent conversation with several of them, but found such a spirit had got the ascendant among the dignified clergy, of whom the convocation is made up, that there was no room for any thing like an accommodation of the matters in difference, which he often afterwards lamented, where he could use freedom. act. tion itself.' (3.) And Mr. Cowper (who was also another) owned, that 'this indulgence was required from the legislators, as they were Christians, and as they were men professing humanity and good-will towards one another.' (4.) And the attorney-general said, that this was 'one of the most necessary acts for the good of the kingdom.' (5.) And hereupon, Dr. Sacheverel's doctrine of wholesome severities was publicly branded. In order to the preventing (if it might be) flights of this kind, or any thing that might be extravagant in the opposite extreme, Mr. Howe very prudently, soon after the toleration act passed, published another sheet of paper, which he intituled, 'Humble Requests both to Conformists and Dissenters touching their Temper and Behaviour toward each other, upon the lately passed Indulgence.' And this also deserves to be preserved to posterity. It is there moved, '1. That we do not over-magnify our differences, or count them greater than they really are. I speak now (says Mr. Howe) of the proper differences which the rule itself makes, to which the one sort conforms, and the other conforms not. Remember that there are differences on both parts, among themselves, incomparably greater than these, by which the one sort differs from the other. There are differences in doctrinal sentiments that are much greater. How inconceivably greater is the difference between good men and bad! between being a lover of the blessed God, the Lord of heaven and earth, and an enemy! a real subject of Christ, and of the devil! Have we not reason to ap At length, on May 24th, this year, the Act for ex-prehend there are of both these, on each side? Let us empting their Majesties' Protestant Subjects, dissenting take heed of having our minds tinctured with a wrong from the Church of England, from the Penalties of cer- notion of this matter, as if this indulgence divided tain Laws,' received the royal assent. The dissenters England into two Christendoms, or distinguished rather were hereupon contented and thankful; but the high-between Christians and Mahometans, as some men's flown clergy generally regretted the passing of this Cyclopic fancies have an unlucky art to represent The author of the Memoirs of the Life of Dr. things; creating ordinary men and things into monsters Robert South, owns in so many words, that that Doctor and prodigious shapes at their own pleasure. It has by no means liked it.y And it was the same as to a been a usual saying on both sides, that they were (in comgreat many others of his temper and principles. Se-parison) but little things we differed about, or circumveral years after, Dr. Henry Sacheverel being impeached by the Commons of England, the second article of the charge against him alleged, that he had 'suggested and maintained, that this toleration granted by law, was unreasonable, and the allowance of it unwarrantable.' (1.) Upon which occasion, Sir Peter King (one of the managers for the Commons) publicly 2. Let us hereupon carefully abstain from judging declared this toleration to be one of the principal con- each other's state God-ward upon these differences: for sequences of the revolution.' (2.) And the Lord Lech-hereby we shall both contradict our common rule, and mere (who was another) declared, that the Commons ourselves. When men make conscience of small and esteemed the toleration of protestant dissenters to be one of the earliest and happiest effects of the revolu I See a particular account of the proceedings of these commissioners, in the Abridgment of Mr. Baxter's Life, vol. i. p. 452. y Page 116. z (1) Trial of Dr. Henry Sacheverel, p. 4. (2.) Trial, p. 77. (3.) Trial, p. 24. (4.) Trial, p. 91, (5.) Trial, p. 49. a Mr. Matthew Henry, in his short account of the Life of Mr. Richard Stret stantial things. Let us not unsay it, or suffer a habit of mind to slide into us, that consists not with it. Though we must not go against a judgment of conscience in the least thing, yet let us not confound the true differences of things, but what are really lesser things, let them go for such. doubtful things on the one hand, and the other, about which they differ, blessed God, how little conscience ton, that is subjoined to his Funeral Sermon for him, ascribes this paper to Mr. Stretton, and intimates that he had it from a near relation of his, that he was the author of it: but this I have good reason to believe to have been a mistake. Few that have any taste of styles, can question it to have been Mr. Howe's. when once they have read it. But I can add in this case, that I have had ful. assurance from Mr. Howe's family, that he was the real author of it. |