AS in the multitude of Words there wants not sin, Sect. I Prov. 10▪ 19. so in the multiplicity of Books and Writings, there are commonly many gross mistakes, calumnies, unworthy and unchristian reflections upon the persons and actions of other men, perhaps altogether un­known to the Authors of such books. I cannot but ad­mire the wise providence of God, in suffering you to be whip'd and lashed (not without just cause) by divers god­ly learned men, in their Writings, by whom you are ren­dered to be one of an Heterodox Judgement, levened with Popish, Socinian and Arminian Errors▪ of a bold, incon­siderate and rash spirit, transported with a preposterous Zeal▪ and a busie intermedler with persons and things, whereof you have but little judgement or experience: So true are these words of Solomon, In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, Prov. 4▪ 3▪wherewith they whip and wound themselves: (I say) I cannot but admire the wise providence of God in this, when I consider how apt you are to calumniate and de [...]ract from your Country-men, who desire to serve the Lord in sincerity, according to their light and knowledge; and in their places and stations to promote the Good of all men. I hope that worthy Knight, Sir Henry Vane, (whom you have grosly bely'd in a book of yours, lately printed K [...]y of catholiques.) is of [Page 2] such a spirit and temper, and would not willingly do wrong to you nor any other man, of what Judgement so­ever.

Sect. II If you had expected the late Turn, wherein much of the power and wisdom of God hath appeared, our Ene­mies themselves being Judges, (and you your self have ta­ken notice of the providence of God towards the late Protector, and therefore m [...]y well take notice of this) I doubt not, Sir, but you love and tender your self, and your own credit and reputation so much, that you would have been silent touching Sir Henry Vane, and the Vanists, (as you most vainly and foolishly call them) and not have rendered your self (by your [...]shness and folly) obnoxi­ous to the Law and Justice. VVas it not possible for you Mr. Baxter to flatter and fawn upon Mr. Richard Cromwel (whom you in your wisdom have compared to wise Solo­mon, as you did his Father to faithful and upright David) but you must also asperse and bely your Country-men, who would not, nor could not sacrifice the Liberties of their dear Native Country to the ambi [...]ious lusts of men, and bow down before that Court-Idol (which was erected by a few factious self-interessed persons) as you and o­thers have done? I dare not say (with some of your friends) that you have done this according to the true sense and meaning of the Solemn League and Covenant, and other Oaths by you taken, but rather according to your own foolish humors, and those private, factious, and selfish ends, which you and they proposed to your selves in the late Transactions, as hoping to supplant all those that obstructed your ambi [...]ious designes. As for that honourable Person (whose prudence and parts in the ma­nagement of State-affairs you are not able to judge of, by your Pedantick Syllogisms, though you think it worth your time to revile him) I presume he looks upon it as below him, and his great and weighty imployments, to write any thing in his own Vindication: he hath other business to look after, and not to spend his time about the passionate and rash Scriblings of every byass [...]d and engaged person: [Page 3] and therefore I think it not amisse (having more leisure and opportunity) not so much from any private or per­sonall respect which I bear to him, as my love to the Common wealth and Publick Interest of these Nations (which is owned and asserted by him upon just and ho­nest principles) to clear up the Innocency of that wor­thy Knight, and to vindic [...]te him (though without his privity and knowledge) from your lyes and aspersions; that if it be the will of God, you may learn Wisdome for time to come, and make a publi [...]k Recanta [...]ion of that wrong and injury which you have d [...]ne him; and be more advised and prudent in your words and wri­tings: Remembring what the Scripture saith—Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles Prov. 21. 23. Prov. 29. 20. Jam. 1. 26.Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool then of him. And if a man seem to be religious, and b [...]idleth not his tongue, this mans religion is in vain. Doubtlesse great care and circum­spection is to be used in writing Books; for thereby the Authours expose themselves to the censures of all men, whether they be wise or foolish, rash or considerate, learned or ignorant, of sound or of corrupt judgment; whether they be of a virtuous or vitious disposition. He that commits any thing to writing (saith Seneca) gives men a bill of his manners; which every Reader may put in suit against him, if there be cause for it.

It is Kingly (saith one Antisthe­nes.) I may add, that it is Christi­an-like, Sect. III to do well▪ and to be ill spoken of: To do good to all men, and to be ill spoken of by most men. Who a­mong the people of God was a greater lover of his Countrey, a more valiant Captain, or a more faithfull Go­vernour then Moses; yet how was he censured, reviled and reproached by the people, who continually mur­mured▪ against him? Among the heathens, Socrates, Photion, Aristides, Epaminondas, and Cato, were excel­lent men, famous for their love to their Countrey; yet how ungratefully and unworthily were they used? And why should we think it strange that this honourable [Page 4] Knight, with other worthy Patriots, who have appeared against Tyranny, both in matters Civil and Religious, are reviled by you and your Associates; who under pretence of Religion, and the Interest of Christ, would set up a faction, and enslave the Nation! It seems you have learn­ed that Machiavilian lesson, Calumniate lustily; some­thing will ever stick behind. If he be a Slanderer, who Exod. 23. 2.wrongs his neighbours credit, either by unjust raising or upholding an evil report against him; Surely you have cause to lay your hand upon your heart, and to take shame to your self: and if this be the mark of those that shall dwell in the Lords Tabernacle, that they are such as neither raise not take up a reproach against their neigh­bour, Psal. 15. 3. what will▪become of you (Mr. Baxter) and where and with whom must you dwell to eternity, if God do not humble you for your slanderous and lying tongue and pen? What was your design (I pray you) in reproaching this Gentleman? was it to render your self famous, in rendring his person and parts infamous to po­sterity? nay, was it not to curry favour with Mr. Crom­well, that so you and your Complices might ride him at your pleasure, and accomplish your selfish ends, by the pliablenesse of the young Gentleman, to the enslaving of your native Countrey? hence it was that (by you and your friends instigation) so many flattering Addresses were presented to him from the severall Counties and Cities, whereby the young man was puffed up, and made believe, that all the people in the three Nations were at his command; and yet not a man of you would coura­giously stand up for him and his declining Protectorship, when he had most need of you.

Sect. IV Whereas you impudently tell the world in your late railing Book K [...]y of Ca­thol. pag. 312▪ 313. 3 [...] 331, 335, 391That Sir Henry Vane and the Vanists put the King to death: that he was the Master of the Game: That he and his fo lowers are no better then Papists, Je­suites, &c. That the Papists are strong in England under the m [...]sk of the Vanists, whereof you make him the Ringleader: That he was in Italy, and brought from [Page 5] thence most wicked and corrupt opinions: And having thus vented your self in a vain and frothy discourse, wherein perhaps you think you have sufficiently answered the Papists, and vindicated the Protestant party touching the Kings death, by these manifest and grosse untruths, as if it were lawfull for you to to speak wickedly for God, and to lie for his glory. (b) Give me leave in a friendly way to (c) Job 13. 7. Rom. 3. 7.Expostulate a little with you: Did you ever see the face of this Gentleman whom you have so frequently re­proached (neither Minister nor Man-like) or at least, did you ever speak a word with him, either to know his judg­ment concerning the proceedings against the late King, or his principles in matters of Religion? I am confident you do not know him, neither had you ever any confe­rence with him: but you may have in time: for though these Injuries, (if they were done onely to a private man) might be passed by and remitted (without exem­plary punishment) yet being done to one in a Publ [...]que capacity, the Authority of the Nation may in due time take Cognizance thereof. Now as touching the death of the late King, will you say that all those Gentlemen that sate in the High Court of Justice (by Authority of Parliament) upon his Triall (and yet Sir Henry Vane was none, but I am sure some of your good Lords and masters were of the number of his Judges) were Po­pish and Jesuiticall, and that therein they carried on a Popish design against the Protestant partie and Interest? Can you put no difference between the Clandestine As­sasination of a Prince to serve the Jesuites turn, and the publick execution of Justice upon a King (for levying War against the two houses of Parliament coordinate in power with him, and shedding the bloud of his Su [...]j [...]cts upon that account) who was not put to death to gratifie the Jesuites, but to free the Nation from Tyranny and Slavery, and from the luxury and unnecessary charge of the Court Vide De­clar. of Par­liam. [...] Fr [...]e State, March 17. 1648.! Wo be to us and the Protestant Interest, if we had [...]one that could or would plead out Cause better then you have done: for it is well known that [Page 6] you Symbolize with the Papists in many materiall points, See Mr. Tho. Bar­lowe. Mr. Owen. Mr. Kendall Mr. Ly [...]r [...]. Mr. Burgess. Mr. Eyre. Mr. Crandon. Mr. Warner, their Books against Mr. Baxter.and have given no small advant [...]ge to the Popish party, by your calumnies and Invectives, against the most emi­nent Protestan's both on this side, and beyond the Seas.

Sect. V But say you, the Vanists and Levellers were the chief Agents in the death of the King, and these men are no K [...]y. p [...]g. 312, 313.better then Papists, and Sir Henry Vane was the master of the Game. This is a manifest u [...]truth, re [...]lecting no small disparagement upon the Ministry, which (for my part) I honour and reverence, as a pretious Ordinance of Christ, and am hear [...]ily sorry that you and others should bring the same into contempt, by your bitterness, factiousness, and ambitious designes and practices. That Honourable Gentleman (whom you calumniate, and from whom (I believe) you never received the least injury) was not free to act in Parliament, not in the high Court of Justice upon the garbling of the House by the Army, and the Tryal of the K [...]ng by the Commissioners; but did there upon (as I remember) retire, and [...]equester himself from publique Imployment, being not fully satisfied (at that time) with the procedings of the Parliament and Army: And there­fore how co [...]d this Gentleman have a chief hand in the death of the King! It concerns every man (and much more a Minister of the Gospel) to write the truth, both in a Log [...]call [...]nd morall consideration▪ and to speak no otherwise then (he knows) the thing is, and not to ut­ter an untruth, though he be ignorant of it. Whosoever loveth and mak [...]th a lie, shall not inherit the kingd [...]me of heaven, Rev. 22. 15. And the Apostle exhorts us to put away lying, and every man to speak truth to his neighbour, Ephes. 4. 25. The truth is, this honourable Gentleman (of whom I have often made mention) having absent­ed himself from the Parliament, upon that great change and alteration of affairs in the year 1648. Lieutenant Generall Cromwell (who sate upon the triall of the King, [Page 7] and incouraged the commissioners of the High Court of Justice to proceed to [...]entence, it being the generall vote and desire of the Army, that the King should be put to death) was importunate with this Gentleman, and [...]sed many arguments to perswade him to sit again in Parlia­ment, and in the Council of State; and did at length pre­vail with him to come in. Now Mr. Baxter, (the truth of the matter of fact being thus stated) if you would have been impartiall, you should rather have said that your Lord Protector and his followers had a chief hand in the death of the King (whether upon a publick or private account, I leave it to the Lord) then that Sir Henry Vane and the Vanists were the chief Actors in it: But you were resolved to cast dirt in the face of this Gentleman, and so to ingratiate your self with the new Court, the glory whereof is now laid in the dust, together with all your flattering Addresses.

Key pag. 331. You have another fling at Sir Henry Vane (who it Sect. VI seems is a great eye-sore to you) for you tell us that he was in Italy, and from thence brought over dangerous opinions: a palpable untruth (which a meer moral man, much more a true Christian, would be ash [...]med of:) he never sojourned in Italy in all his life, and therefore could bring from thence neither sound nor corrupt Do­ctrines: nor is he willing that his eldest Son (that pro­per young Gentleman) should travell beyond the Seas, lest his youth should be leavened with the corrupt opini­ons▪ Customes, and practises of forraign Popish Coun­treys, so much is he in love with them. Judge now, Mr. Baxter, whether you have in this passage of your Book faithfully discharged your Duty towards your neighbour; and do [...]e the same to him, which you would have had another to have done to you. I take not upon me to apologize for any extravagant or heterodox opini­ons, by whomsoever maintained; in doct [...]inalls I do a­gree (for substance) with most of our godly Protestant Writers; Though it must be granted, that there are se­verall degrees of Light; and the great mysteries of the [Page 8] Gospel are more clearly revealed to one then to [...]no­ther, yet so that the most quick▪sighted Christian knows but in part, and therefore is apt to mistake in many things by reason of his ignorance and darknesse. I wish with all my heart that all those Patriots, who stand up and appear for common right and Justice, and the pub­lick Interest and weal of these Nations, were both Or­th [...]dox and sound in their judgements, and also holy in their lives and conversations; but we must look more at things then at persons: Justice and honesty even in our E [...]emies, and those that differ from us (though but in one action) should be acceptable to us. I have often discoursed with this honourable Gentleman (whom you endeavour to blast and render odious by your unbridled tongue) and have heard him interpret the Scriptures: what his judgment and apprehensions have been former­ly I know not; but of late (in my hearing) h [...] hath expressed himself clearly and faithfully in the great point of Just [...]fication by the righteousnesse and obedience of Christ as Mediator, in opposition to the principles of the Quakers, who (together with the Papists) plead for justification by an inherent righteousness, or g [...]acious qualifications under the notion of Christ or the Spirit in them; whereby the blood-shed and obedience of our High Priest the Lord Jesus, is rendred invalid and of no effect Now as Luther saith well, If a man be [...]ound in this one Article of free Justification by the righteousnesse of Christ, it will minister light and direction to him in points of an inferiour and lesser consequence. We can­not but know that many pretious godly Ministers and Christians (since the beginning of the late Wars) have been shaken and unsettled in their Judgements, as to some of the main Articles of the Christian faith; but after some trialls, temptations, and a [...]flictions, and after seeking the face of God, and consulting his word and his people, they have been (by the blessing of God) rooted and stablished in the truth. Certainly a man may be Orthodox and sound in Judgment (as to the principles [Page 9] of Religion) and yet wanting sincere love to Christ [...]nd his people, may fall shor [...] of heaven; and on the contra­ry, another Christian m [...]y erre and mistake in many points, and yet having [...]incere love to the Truths of Christ, according to that meas [...]re of light (which God hath vouchsafed unto him) he may be saved▪ Who art thou that judgest another mans servant? to his own master he st [...]deth [...]r fall [...]th. And le [...] him who thinketh that he standeth, take heed that he fall not.

I cannot but wonder at your exceeding great confi­dence Sect. VII and boldnesse, in aspe [...]sing others with Popery and Jesuitisme (who I hope are not [...]ainted therewith.) But Mr. Baxter, are not you guilty of the same evils where­of you accuse them? and should not you (according to our Saviours direction) First pluck the beam out of your Matth. 7. 5. own eye, that you may the better pluck out the mote which is in your brothers eye? Physician, heal thy self; first reform thine own Judgement, and reli [...]quish thine own er­rours, and then reprove others. Not to insi [...]t upon your Sophisticating and darkning the main points and princi­ples of Divinity, by your exotick Aristotelian learning, superficiall Syllogismes, and puzzling Distinctions: Sure I am, you have in your Writings boldly avouched for Truths, such Principles as (bordering too near upon the Jesuites and Socinians) will not be owned by sober pious Protestants; wherein you do not correspond with Luther, Calvin, Beza, Martyr, and other Re [...]orm [...]sts▪ but rather with Bellarmine, Socinus, Arminius, as hath been sufficiently demonstrated by others. I might write largely of your corrupt and unsound tenets, touching Justificati­on, Conversion, the Nature of Speciall Grace, Assurance, Perseverance, the extent and e [...]fects of the death of Christ; which you have not yet rec [...]ted that I know of: But I will onely at present recite some passages out of your books, and leave it to the Impartiall Reader, whe­ther these bold Assertions of yours be suitable to the Protestant Doctrine, and the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ.

[Page 10] You say, Aphoris. of Justif. p. 70. 78. 82, 83. 91. 45. That Christ hath not taken away the whole curse of the Law from Believers, by bearing it himself; and that the afflictions of Believers are in execution of the threat­ning and Curse of the Law.

That Christ hath not repealed the Old Covenant, nor freed Believers wholly from it, but superadded the new Law or Co­venant to it, as the onely possible way of life.

That an absolute discharge from the execution of the threatning of the Law is granted to none in this life; and that when we believe and perform the condition, yet still the discharge remains conditionall, till we have finished our per­formance.

That the Law of God is not only relaxed as to the person suffering, but partly as to the penalty suffered: That Christ payed not the idem or same thing in the obligation; and that even in his sufferings the threatning was partly dispensed with or relaxed.

That Jer. 31. 31. Heb. 8. 8, 9, 10. do not contain the full tenor of the Covenant of Grace. The holy Ghost saith, this is the Covenant; but you tell us that it is but a part of the Covenant.

You call them ordinary, Vulgar, unstudied Divines, who hold the Imputation of Christs active obedience, to be the form of our Justi [...]ication. And thus Calvin, Beza, Chamier, Perkins, Whitaker, Davenant, Twisse, Ames, Cot­ton, Bayn, &c. are but ordinary Vulgar Divines when they come in competition with incomparable Mr. Baxter.

You tell us boldly, That good works in a proper sense do justifie us before God: That faith and faithfull actions are our Evangelicall righteousnesse▪ and that faith as a complicate act, accepting Christ as Lord and King, is the condition of our Justification: And so (according to this Popish Doctrine) we are partly justified by Grace, and partly by Works: But the Apostle Paul and the Protestants are not of your mind.

That the suspending the rigorous execution of the Law (which in a sense is common to the elect and reprobate) is the immediate noble issue, and fruit of Christs death.

[Page 11] That Christ died to satisfie Divine Justice for the sins of all men, elect and reprobate.

That we are but conditionally, and not absolutely deliver­ed from eternall death by the death of Christ; nor have we right to life without the intervention of a condition to be per­formed on our part, to qualifie us morally for it.

That our love is the cause o [...] condition of our adoption, for which you quote, Matth. 5. 44. Luke 6. 27. 45. And so (according to your opinion) we must first love God, before he communicate his love to us.

That finall impenitency and unbelief is properly the sin a­gainst the holy Ghost.

That no man is perfectly justified, nor hath perfect remissi­on of sins till the day of judgement. If this Doctrine be true, we must all go to Purgatory.

Direction for Comfort. afflict. Cons [...]. pag. 34, 37, 38, 45, 39, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 51, &c. That though a Christian may be assured of his election and justification, yet not of his perseverance, of which he hath only strong probability; and yet in another place you say, if a man be sure that he truely believes, he may be sure of his salvation: and thus you contradict your self, and say and unsay.

That generall Grace affords true consolation, and that spe­ciall Grace is built upon it; and that we may gather a world of comfort from generall grace.

That believing is easie; the conditions of the new Covenant being more facile then those of the old.

That God is the father of the graceless, though not in so strict a sense as of the gracious.

That doubts and fears must be removed by considering the universality of Christs ransome for the whole world: and that this is the foundation of all solid peace and com­fort.

That unbelievers may have some good desires, which God will accept: and though they be not yet come to saving faith, yet they may have many good prayers which God will hear.

That none ever missed of grace and eternall life, that im­proved their naturalls to the utmost, as a naturall man may do. What is this but down-right Pelagianisme!

[Page 12] That seeing our acts are cur Evangelicall righteousnesse (without which we [...]ve no part in Christs righteousness) we may safely build our peace and comfort u [...]on them▪

That Salvation is promised as the crown and reward to our duties.

That Grace in the spirituall man Saints [...]rlasting Rest.differs not specifi­cally, but onely gradually from that which is in the natu [...]all man: and that a Christian must gather his assurance from the degree, and not from the kind of grace. This is but cold comfort for a weak Believer.

I know none of them that you call Vanists so vain, cor­rupt, and rotten in their principles, as you are in these, or some of these positions, besides others that might be mentioned, wherewith (under pretence of Piety and Practicall Divinity) you have infected and poisoned ma­ny young Scholars in the Universities, and Ministers in the Land, who wanting experience, and being not able spir [...]tually to judge of things that differ, have your per­son and gifts in admiration: So that (truely Mr. Baxter, all things considered) you have already done more mis­chief by your writings, then you will be able to do good if you should repent and live an hundred years: for, since your books were published, many Ministers & Professors have sadly departed from the simplicity and plainnesse of the Scriptures and Truths of Christ; giving ear to your vain Philosophicall Distinctions, and thereby ingendring strife, and puzzling both themselves and their hearers.

Sect. IIX Once more you quarrell with Sir Henry Vane, and cry out against him for holding an universall Liberty and To­leration in matters of Religion; and yet you do not take upon you to answer those Scriptures, ar [...]uments, and rea­sons of State, which are alledged for an universall Liber­ty. For my part, I am not fully acquainted with his judg­ment touching this point (which hath been so much con­troverted in our time) but if he [...]e for such a Liberty, without exception or restraint, why should you quarrel with him (specially considering how the case stands with us in these Nations, both as to the Parliament, Army, Na­vy, [Page 13] Ministry and Churches) more then with Luther, Au­stin, and other Fathers! Admit their opinion (that are for an universall Liberty) be a mistake, yet it is far lesse dangerous then theirs, that would have few or none to­lerated, but such as concurre with them in every thing; as if they onely had monopolized to themselves a spirit of infallibility. The weapons of your warfare should be spirituall and heavenly, not carnall and worldly. Nor is the Gospel, in the power of it, planted or propagated by the Civil or Martiall Sword; but by the Spirit of God, in preaching, prayer, Christian conference, and a holy conversation: This is the best way to convince op­posers and gainsayers, instructing them in meekn [...]sse and in a spirit of love: whereas, if you take violent courses, and fignt against the errors of the times, with prisons, dungeons, fetters; this will but make men the greater hypocrites, and even times more the children of the de­vil [...]hen they were before; nay, they will glory in their suffrings, and by this means their number will dayly in­crease in the Land; as the Quakers have done of late years, for which we may thank such as you are, who by your passionate and violent actings, have made them the more confide [...]t of their d [...]ngerous and wicked opinions. Would to God, the Ministers of the Gospel would not onely preach well out of a pulpit; but also expresse more self deniall, wisdome, meeknesse, charity, and mor­tification in their actions, and live up to the rules of the Gospel; and then I doubt not but the Ministry would be more reverenced, and Errors would vanish and disap­pear, as the clouds do at the bright shining of the Sun. Most men that now plead against Toleration of diversity of R [...]ligions (their own being most countenanced by the Civil power) would plead as much for a generall Toleration, if they were once under hatches, and their Religion discountenanced by the Magistrate. Herein commonl [...] Christians are disposed and affected, according to the practise of that Countrey or Kingdome where they live: If a Protestant, yea a Calvinist, live in a Pop [...]sh Coun­trey, [Page 14] he will plead for Toleration; so will a Papist living in a Protestant Countrey, where diversity of Religions is not Tolerated. The Ancient fathers that lived in times of persecution, the first three hundred yeares after Christ, pleaded against all kind of violence for Religion; as appears by the sayings of Lactantius, Tertullian and others: But on the contrary, the latter Fathers (having the Emperours Christian, and on their side) pleaded a­gainst Toleration, and incited the Magistrate to violent courses, against such as were of a different perswasion.

Sect. IX I dare not positively affirm that the Civil Magistrate is not to intermeddle at all in matters of Religion; for it is his duty to provide for, and incourage all the faithfull Preachers and Professours of the Gospel, and to be a nursing Father to the Churches of Christ: but how far the Ma­gistrate is to proceed in suppressing erroneous Doctrines, and where the bounds are to be set, beyond which he is not to go, I suppose a wiser man then Master Baxter can­not easily determine. Ke [...]kerman (a learned Writer) saith, that the bond between the Magistrate and his Sub­jects, is essentially Civil: It seems he was not of your opinion, that Magistracy is from Christ as Mediator: for if this were true, then every Magistrate that doth not submit to the Mediatory Kingdome of Christ, is a mee [...] Usurper, and may be lawfully deposed; and so whilst you seem to attribute much to the Christian Magistrate, you destroy Magistracy in most Nations and Countries in the world, where neither Magistrate nor people acknow­ledge the Lord Jesus.

Concerning this point of Toleration, let it be consi­dered,

1. That Christ commands, that both the tares and the wheat should remain together in the world; and not be plucked up till the day of harvest, which is the end of the world, Matth. 13. 30, 38.

2. He reproved his Disciples, who would have had fire come down from heaven to destroy the Samar [...]tans that would not entertain him, in these words; You know not [Page 15] what spirit you are of: for the Son of man came not to destroy mens lives, but to save them, Luk. 9. 54, 55.

3. The Apostle Paul would not have the servant of God to strive, but to be gentle towards all men; in meek­ness in [...]tructing those that are contrary minded, if perad­venture God will give them repentance, to the acknowledging of the truth, 2 [...]im. 2▪ [...]4, 25. and it is prophesied of Go­spel times, Isa. 11. 9. that none sha [...]l hurt or destroy in the mountain of Gods holiness, i. e. in his Churches and the assemblies of his people.

4. The weapons wherewith the Ministers of the Go­spel should fight, are not carnal, 2 Cor. 10. 4. And Christs Disciples shou [...]d be so far from persecuting those that are not of their Religion, that when they themselves are per­secuted, they should pray: when they are cursed they should bless, Mat. 5. 44. outward violence and rigor is so far from being the Character of the Christian Church, that it is the undoubted mark of the An [...]ichristian Synagogue.

5. They who now are tares, may hereafter become wheat; they that are now blinde, may hereafter see; they that are now Blasphemers, may obtain mercie, as Paul did, 1 Tim. 1. 13. Some there are that come not in till the ele­venth hour, Mat. 20. 6. if you destroy them that come not in till [...]he last hour, because they come not at the first, then they are never like to come.

6. We know that God is not pleased with hypocritical unwilling worshippers, forced thereunto by outward vi­olence; nor are Christian Societies bettered, no, nor the persons themselves, by such outw [...]rd force, but the plain contrary: God alone being Lord over the conscience; for (as Solomon saith) There is no man that hath power over the spirit, to retain the spirit, Eccles. 8. 8.

7. 'Tis hard for the most judicious and learned men to give a right Judgement of many points now in Controver­sie, and yet not withstanding, many ingaged persons are ready to force dissenters in such Controversies, by the co­ercive power of the Magistrate; if the Magistrate were as forward to execute, as they are to propose.

[Page 16] 8. Persecution for Religion hath caused, or at least oc­casioned most of the Wars, Devastations and Bloodshed in Christendome; whilst Princes would force their Subjects to be of their Religion, against the light of their own consciences: witness the VVars in G [...]rmany, the Low-Countries, France, Poland, England, Scotland, &c. nor doth it agree well with a Free-State or Common-wealth, to exercise outward force, in matters of Religion, there being various apprehensions and diversity of opinions among all sorts and ranks of men: and per­haps if Mr. Baxter were called to consult about the weigh­ty affairs of the State, as you may be in due time; for you pretend to some skill in the Politicks, (as appears by your most judicious censure on the Commonwealth of Oceana, and its Author, in your political Epistle to the Nobility and Gentry of England) you may after some grave debates, be more for Toleration then now you are. 'Tis far more easie for you to write Syllogisms in your study, sutable to your own private and narrow apprehensions, then to ke [...]p three Nations in peace, and hinder godly men of diffe­rent Judgements from supplanting one another by force and violence, and putting an opportunity into the hand of the common Enemy, to destroy them all.

9. Outward violence in the cause of Religion is con­demned by divers antient and modern VVriters of the best note. No man is forced by the Christians against his will (saith Lactantius) seeing he that wants faith and devo­tion, is unserviceable to God; and God not being contentious, would not be worshipped of the unwilling. Tertullian saith, Ad Scapu­lam.That it is of humane right and of natural liberty, that e­very man worship God uncompelled, and believe what he will: Nor doth it beseem any Religion to compel another to be of their Religion, which willingly and freely should be embraced, and not by constraint; forasmuch as God requires a free-will of­fering. The Christian Church (saith Hillary) Hillary. Contra Aux­ [...]nt.doth not persecute, but is persecuted: 'Tis lamentable to see the great folly of these times, in that men think by humane ayde to help God, and by worldly pomp and power to defend the Christian [Page 17] Church. And Hi [...]rom saith, Jerom. in poenit. lib 4. in Jerem.That heresie must be cut off by the sword of the spirit; and that we should strike all misled hereticks thorough with the sharp arrows of the Spirit, that is, with the T [...]stimonies of the Scriptures: the slaughter of hereticks being by the word of God. Luther in his book of the civil Magistrate, saith, That the Laws of the civil Ma­gistrate extend no farther then the body and go [...]ds, and that which is external: for over the conscience God alone ruleth; therefore whosoever undertakes to give Laws to the conscience▪ he usurpeth the Government that appertains onely to God. In the building of the Temple (saith he) there was no sound of Iron heard, to signifie that Christ will have in his Church a free and willing people, not compelled by humane Laws and Statutes. And upon Luk. 22. It is not the true Catholique Chur [...]h which is defended by the secular arm, or humane pow­er, but the false and fa [...]ned Church. And again, upon Psal. 17. he saith, That the true Church of Christ knoweth not Brachium Seculare, which the Bishops now adayes chiefly use. And in his other books Luth. po­stil. Dom. 1. post. Epiph Comment. in 1 Pet. 3. he saith: Let no Chri­stian be commanded, but exhorted; for he that willingly will will not do that whereunto he is friendly exhorted, is no Chri­stian; wherefore they that compel those that are not willing, shew thereby that they are not Christian preachers, but worldly beadles. If the Civil Magistrate shall command me thus and thus (saith he) I would answer him after this manner: Sir, look you to your worldly or civil government; your power extends not so far as to command any thing in Gods Kingdom; there­fore herein I may not hear you: for if you cannot bear it, that any should usurp authority where you are to command, how should you think that God will suffer you to usurp that govern­ment that belongs to him? I might here mention the say­ings of Brentius, and other for [...]aign Writers upon this subject, and also divers of our English M [...]rtyrs; but their sayings are recorded by Mr. Fox, in his Acts and Monuments.

10. This practise of Persecution meerly for Religion, hath been likewise disavowed by some of the most learned and famous Princes of Christend [...]m. King James [Page 18] in his Speech in Parliament saith, That it is a sure Rule in Divinity, That God never leves to plant his Church by violence and bloodshed: and in his Apology, pag. 4. and 60. I have good proof that I intended no persecution against the Papists for conscience sake; but onely desired to be secured for civil obe­dience; which for conscience sake they are bound to perform. And speaking of the Arch-priest Blackwel, he faith, It was never his intention to lay any thing to the Arch-priests charge (as he never did to any) for the cause of conscience. The saying of Stephen that wise King of Poland, is observable, That he was King of men, not of consciences; a Commander of Bodies, not of Souls: and that it is one of the three things which God hath kept in his own hands, to urge the consci­ence this or that way, and to cause a man to profess a Religion, by working it first in his hea [...]t. And the King of Bohemia writeth thus: ‘That the success of latter Times (wherein sundry opinions have been hatched about the subject of Religion) may make one clearly discern with his eye, and as it were touch with his finger, That ac­cording to the verity of holy Scripture, and a Maxime heretofore maintained by the antient Doctors of the Church, That mens consciences ought in no sort to be violated, urged, or constrained: And whensoever men have attempted any thing by this violent course (whe­ther openly or by secret means) the issue hath been pernicious, and the cause of great and wonderful inno­vation in the migh [...]iest Kingdomes and Countries of CHRISTENDOM.’ I might also reci [...]e the sayings of those potent and famous Princes, CHARLS the Fifth, Em­perour of Germany, Henry the Third, and Henry the Fourth, Kings of France, with other Christian Princes, who after many Trials, and much experience of men and times, grew weary of the practise of Persecution for the cause of Religion, as having seen the sad and dreadful effects of it in Christendom. And if this practise should be again re-assumed in these poor distracted Nations, what can we expect therefrom (as the condition of our affairs stands) but greater troubles, wars and bloodshed then yet we have seen?

[Page 19] Whereas you Mr. Bax [...]er [...]nd other Minister [...] (who I Sect. X could wish were better imployed) do endeavour by your Sermons and writings, [...]o bring an [...]dium upon the present Government and Gove [...]nour [...], a [...] i [...] [...]hey (who have such considerable Estates and inte [...]est in the Land) had a desi [...]n to pull down the Ministry, level me [...] E [...]es and proprie [...]y, and reduce all to [...]n An [...]chy and confusi­on▪ because forsooth they think it not meet to fulfil your ambitious lusts and desires▪ I would [...]aine know of you whether ever the Godly Ministry of this N [...]ion had [...]o much incouragement and maintenance allowed [...]h [...]m by any power or authority, as they had and may have [...]rom the long Parliament? Ungrateful men! what would you have them do for you? will nothing content you, unless you may Exercise a Lordly and Tyrannical Domination over the consciences of your Brethren, and bring the civil Magistrate under your Girdle, to be at your Beck, and Command, that you may dispose of civil [...]ffairs as you please in ordine ad spiritualia? Are there not many pretious Godly Ministers now with the Lord (no whit inferior to you) that would have blessed God for, and rejoyced in tha [...] liberty, freedome, and incouragement which you enjoy (or may enjoy, if you will ca [...]ry your selves as you ought to do) under this [...]overnment? They [good men] prized their condition (though they had but for [...]y or fifty pounds per annum;) But many of our Mi­nisters are so peevish and unthankful, That they grow weary of, and mourn under their mercies, and inveigh most bitterly against the famous long Parliament; by whose means they have obtained greater incoura [...]ements and revenues, then ever was enjo [...]ed by men of their parts and principles. Is this your kindness to your Ben [...] ­factors? and do you thus requi [...]e them for all their good offices? Surely it is high time for them to look about them, and to have a watchful eye over such men as you are: And when it sh [...]ll please God▪ to bring the [...]e Na­tions to a better consistency, and to establish an equal and righteous Government, by just and good laws, [...]or the [Page 20] benefit of the whole Community▪ If you or any other party shall go about (by promo [...]i [...]g a faction) to disturbe the peace and orders of the Commonwealth, by your words or actions, under what p [...]etence soever; Truly Mr Baxter, in such a case you will have but little comfort if you be exposed to sufferings for your miscarriages: Let no man suffer (saith the Apostle) as an evil doer, or as a busy body in other mens matters; but he that suffereth, let him suffer as a Christian, 1 Pet. 4. 15, 16. Is it your desire that Church-Government should be established in this Land? why then, If it be such a Government as is [...]ure Divino, you may set it up by the spiritual Sword, though you have no assistance from the civil Magistrate. The Kingdome of Christ is not of this world; and we know that when the Churches of Christ had least countenance from Earthly powers, they were best governed, and had most beauty, unity, and order among themselves. You and we have the like liberty and opportunity, to improve our spiritual weapons and skill: But if one party will impose upon another, and go about to supplant those that conscientiously differ from them, doubtless the Lord (who loves and tenders his people under many weak­nesses and mistakes) will still witness against such an un­christi [...]n practise. That Counsel which is of God shall stand, but that which is not shall be brought to nothing.

To conclude, give me leave Sir to propound some­thing to you by way of advise: Tis true, you have (to give you your due) a pregnant wit, and many commend­able natural parts, and you are fluent in your words and writings; But I beseech you, be earnest with the Lord to give you true humility and self-denyal, and that wisdom which is from above, and which is pure and peaceable, and easy to be intreated. Lean not too much to your own understanding and reasonings: Be not high in your own conceit: you know who saith, that there is more hope of a fool, then of a man that is wise in his own conceit, Prov. 26. 12. Hence it is, that you are so apt to sleight and undervalue others (as deserving as your self) which your [Page 21] best friends have noted in you, and do much complain of. Consider and digest your thoughts well before you speak or write. Remember what a wise man saith, Prov. 15. 24. Prov. 16. 23. Prov. 29. 11. That the heart of the Righteous studieth to answer: and the heart of the wise Teacheth his mouth, and addeth learn­ing to his lips. A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Look up to God for spiritual strength, that you may be crucified to the fame and praise of men; upon which Rock many have split themselves, who have had as excellent parts, and as much seeming piety as Mr. Baxter. He that thinketh, he knoweth any thing, let him know that he knoweth nothing as he ought to know. I write this in true love to you, and I wish you may accept it accordingly: For better are the wounds of a true friend, then the kisses of an Enemy.