Remarks upon a discourse intituled An overture. Presented to the reverend synod of dissenting ministers sitting in Philadelphia, in the month of September, 1728. In a letter to the author. / By a member of the said synod.

Remarks upon a discourse intituled An overture. Presented to the reverend synod of dissenting ministers sitting in Philadelphia, in the month of September, 1728. In a letter to the author. / By a member of the said synod.

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REMARKS Upon a DISCOURSE Intituled An OVERTURE, &c. In a LETTER to the Author.

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REMARKS Upon a DISCOURSE Intituled An OVERTURE, &c. In a LETTER to the Author.

Reverend and Dear Brother,

THE Glory of God, and Interest of Religion, having been the Motives of your publishing your Reasons for a Subscription to the Westminster Confession, &c. You cannot be displeased with me, if from the same Motives, I offer some Objections against the proposed Subscription, and your Arguments to perswade it.

I have nothing to object against your appearing publickly in this Case: For, if Subscription be a Duty, and the Cause you espouse be the Cause of God, (as you seem very confident that it is) it must be a commendable Zeal, that prompts you to be extensively useful and serviceable, in such an important Affair. I shall therefore make no Remarks upon your Apology, for the Publication of the Overture and Preface: [Page] But immediately enter upon the Merits of the Cause, and consider,

Whether it is the Duty of our Synod, publickly and Authoritatively to adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, &c. and to oblige their Members, and every Candidate for the Ministry within their Bounds, to subscribe them? This you hold in the Affirmative, and have endeavoured to prove. But either you have wanted Success in that Attempt, or I am so unhappy as not to see the Force of your Arguments.

I shall therefore, with all that Candour and Respect that is due to you, as a Christian and a Minister of the Gospel, offer you the Reasons of my Dissent from your Proposal, by first taking some Notice of the Arguments for establishing your Opinion, both in the Overture and Preface, then, by stating my own Objections, and occasionally considering what occurs in your Discourse, to obviate them.

The Argument that claims my first Notice, is in the first and second Pages of the Overture, which may be thus summed up.

That it's the unquestionable Duty of every Christian, according to his Station, especialy of every Gospel Minister, and not of them only; but of every Gospel Church as an Organized Body politic, to maintain and defend the Truths of the Gospel against all Opposition; and also to endeavour to perpetuate and propagate them unto Posterity, pure and uncorrupt.

[Page]But what Consequence would you draw from hence? Is the debated Subscription therefore necessary; because it's the only, or the most probable Means to answer these Ends? This I think must be your Meaning, or else your Argument is inconclusive. But then,

1. It's the unquestionable Duty of every Christian according to his Station, to subscribe the Westminster Confession, &c. For it is their unquestionable Duty (as you observe) to maintain and defend the Truths of the Gospel against all Opposition. And consequently their unquestionable Duty, to submit to, and comply with, the necessary Means to that End. You should therefore move for on Act of Synod, that all the Ministers within our Bounds, enjoin a Subscription upon every Member of their respective Congregations; and that too upon Pain of Exclusion from their sacred Fellowship. A just Penalty for an open Defyance to unquestionable Duty. For, (to use your own Words, p. 21.) it's utterly impracticable for those of subscribing Principles, to take the Measures which these Principles oblige them unto, in order to their Defence against the Dangers of encroaching Errors; and at the same Time to drop this Overture; by way of Compliance with those (Members of their Congregation) of non-subscribing Princeples. It's true this Method would put our Congregations into utmost Confusion, it would (to use your own Words) procure Rents and Divisions in our small In [...]ant Church; and be of[Page]most pernicious and dangerous Consequence, contrary to Christian Charity; and most obstructive to spiritual Edification. This indeed at first view, seems a formidable Objection. But you have taught me how to answer it. You apprehend (you tell us p. 12.) that this is in it self a proper Preventive and Antidote against Division, being a suitable Mean to bring a Church to be of one Mind, and one Iudgement; and if it should in the Event have other Effects, it is only by Accident, &c. And again. If it be a Churches Duty as a Church (in which Sence surely it includes the Congregations as well as the Ministers) to declare unto the World, and unto one another, the Principles of their Faith, &c. it's not the Fear or Danger of Division, that should deter from it. Thus Sir, if your Conclusion will follow from these Premises, the Consequence is unavoidable, that it's our Duty to maintain and defend the Truths of the Gospel, by Schisms, Contentions and Confusions; and even the total Subversion of our Congregations.

2. If this Argument prove any thing to the Purpose, it must also be a necessary Consequence, that those Churches that want this Defence, and enjoin no Subscription upon their Ministers, have no good and proper Means to maintain and defend the Truths of the Gospel, and propagate them to Posterity: But Nothing can be more contrary to Truth and Experience, than this Suppositi [...].

[Page]I believe it will prove a difficult Task, to find so much as a Proposal, much less an Injunction of Subscription, to any Formula whatsoever in the primitive Church, before Constantine the Great. They then found other Means to detect Heresies, to resist Gainsayers, to propagate the Truth; and to keep the Church not only a Garden enclosed, but a Garden of Peace. The Synod of Nice did indeed impose Subscriptions; but what was the Consequence, but horrible Schisms, Convulsions and Confusions, until the Church was crumbled into Parts and Parties, each uncharitably anathematizing one another. Never was the Church infested with such a Swarm of Hereticks and Heresies, as sprung from that corrupt Fountain of Imposition and Subscription. The Arrians were not only strengthened in their Heresy, and encreased in their Numbers by their Persecution; but there was quickly added to 'em, the black Catalogue of Eustathians, Macedonians, Anomoioi, Eunomians, Photinians, Luciferians, Anthropomorphites, Donatists, Appollonarians, Dimeritae, Massiliani, Antidicomorianitae, Collyridiani, Metangismonitae, Psathyrians, Euti [...]hians, Seluciani, Patriciani, with a long and almost endless Et caetera. All which Heresies rose out of the bottomless Pit, in about Seventy Years space, in the same Church. Whence one Council was conveen'd after another, to draw up new Creeds, and impose new Subscriptions, until almost every Article of Christianity was both condemned [Page] and established. This was the Mark set by Providence upon the first Subscription of this kind, that was ever imposed in the World; and this the Defence and Propagation of Truth that followed from it.

I might exemplify this Case, by Instances of the same kind, in all the succeeding Ages of the Church, unto the present Time. I might particularly shew you, how this imposing and subscribing of Creeds, was both an Inlet to the Papacy, and a continued Engine of Papal Tyranny, after the Pope was mounted upon the Seven-headed Beast. I might also observe, on the contrary, how the Waldenses, Wickliffians, Lollards &c. flourished in Purity of Doctrine and Discipline, defended and propagated the Truth pure and uncorrupt against the utmost Opposition of Hell and Earth, without any Imposition or Subscription. But we need not look so far back, nor go farther from Home, than the Countries where you and I were born, to find brightest Examples of this kind. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, subsisted some Ages in Peace and Purity, to the Honour of their Profession, and Envy of their malignant Enemies; and thus might they probably have continued, had not the Fire of Subscription consumed their Glory; and this Engine of Division broke them to pieces, disunited them in Interest, in Comunion, and in Charity; and rendered them the Grief of their Friends, and the Scorn of their Enemies. And on the other [Page] Hand, the Churches of New-England have all continued from their first Foundation Non-subscribers; and yet retain their first Faith and Love. From all this I think it naturally follows, that Subscription is not Necessary for the Being, or Well-being of the Church; unless Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions and Heresies, are necessary to that End,

3. I'm sure this Argument is very little to the Purpose if Subscriptions have no direct Tendency to mantain and defend the Truths of the Gospel; and propagate them uncorrupt to Posterity. It seems you were not aware of this Objection; but have taken for granted, as a first Principle not to be debated, that Subscription is not only a means, but the best means to this End. You have built all your Superstructure upon this Postulatum; and therefore, if upon Examination it proves a Sandy Foundation, you know the Fate of your whole Fabric. Let us then consider the Case a little. Let us view this Fortification you are for erecting about a poor defenceless Laish; and see whether it don't agree to that Description Neh. iv.3. If a Fox go up, he shall even break down this Stone Wall.

You'll readily grant that there's no Need of Subscriptions, for confirming and establishing the sincere Christian and orthodox Professor in the true Faith. He is influenced with higher Motives, he is establish'd upon a more stable Foundation; and kept by the Power of God [Page]through Faith unto Salvation. There wants no Laws nor Subscription to secure them, whom all the Malice of Men and Devils can neithe [...] draw nor drive into Apostacy. These will b [...] ready enough to profess their Faith They'll no [...] be asham'd of the Gospel of Christ. And they'l [...] be sincere in their Profession, being so far re [...]mov'd from Hypocrisy; and from loving an [...] making a Lye.

You'll also grant, that Subscription can't b [...] of any Service to open profess'd and declar'd He [...]reticks, either with Respect to themselves, or t [...] the Jurisdiction they belong to. 'Twill be o [...] no Use with Respect to themselves. It won' [...] let new Light into their Minds, to dispel th [...] Mists of Ingnorance and Error; nor will it con [...]quer the Perverseness of their Wills, and bring 'em to bow their Necks unto Christ's Yoak▪ Neither can it be of any Use with respect to us as we are an Ecclesiastical Judicatory, to direct our Conduct towards them. Known Heritick [...] are not to be put upon subscribing Formulas o [...] Confessions, but after the first and second Admo [...]nition to be rejected.

It therefore remains that there can be no Prospect of Advantage from Subscriptions, save only as a Means to keep Hypocrites out of the Church, to detect cover'd and conceal'd Hereticks; or (as you express it) to search out, discover, and set a Mark upon secret Bosom Enemies to the Truth. Let us therefore next consider, whether the Imposition of Subscription is like to attain this End.

[Page]Who can be imagined more ready to subscribe blindfold, whatever is imposed, than such Men as are last described. If they are under no Restrain of Conscience, what should hinder their Complyance with any Injunctions, that may prove a Means of Profit or Advantage to'em? Or if their Consciences are not wholly laid waste, how easily do they quiet 'em, by the famous Distinction of subscribing in a Scripture Sence.— This Practice may be examplified in all the Churches, in all Ages, where Subscriptions have been imposed. Look into the Primitive Church, and you'll find Arrians, Macedonians Eutichians &c. Subscribing the Orthodox Faith when required; and when they could find their account in doing it *. Look into the Reformed Churches of France, and you'll find almost every Synod, a black Roll of apostate Hereticks, who had not only Subscribed but sworn to their Confession; And so did the Sieurs Amirand and Testard again and again, notwithstanding the dangerous Errors they held; and at length publish'd, to the just Alarum both of the Gallican and other Reform'd Churches †. Look into the early Times of the Church of Scotland, and you'll find how ready her bitterest Enemies were to subscribe her Formulas, when secretly gnawing out her Bowels; and Malingantly [Page] conspiring her utter Ruin †. And han't w [...] flagrant Instances of the like kind in our ow [...] Times? Don't every Body know, that the Ar [...]minian and even Arrian Ministers in the Church of England, do all of 'em subscribe all the For [...]mulas of that Church; tho' purposely directly and in the strongest Terms possible calculated and levelled against those Errors? Nay, don' [...] these openly in Print, justify their Conduct in this Matter, from the forementioned Distinction of Subscribing in a Scripture Sence? To all which I might add a late Instance in the Church of Scotland, of twelve Subscribers to the Westminster Confession, condemn'd by that Church for Antinomians. Upon the whole then it appears, that tho' Subscription may shut the Door of Church-Communion, against many serious and excellent Servants of Christ who conscientiously scruple it; yet it's never like to detect Hypocrites, nor keep conceal'd Hereticks out of the Church. I know not how this matter can be better summed up than in that Satyr of Iuvenal,

Dat veniam Corvis vexat Censura Columbas,

But after all, we'll suppose (as it may justly be supposed) that these Hereticks under Consideration, do not only willingly, but sincerely without any mental Reservation, subscribe the Westminster Confession, &c. What Defence will Subscription in that Case prove to the Truth? [Page] How will the Purity of Gospel Truth by this [...]eans be perpetuated, and propagated unto Po [...]terity? What a vast Veriety of Sects and Par [...]s are there in the Christian Church, who all [...]gree in the sacred Scriptures as the Foundation of their Faith and Hope; and are notwithstanding at the greatest Distance imaginable in their Religious Sentiments, and their Interpretation of Scripture. And why mayn't this be the Case, with Respect to any Formula whatsoever of human Composure? Can we express our Sentiments more clearly and intelligibly, than the Holy Ghost has done in that blessed Book? Can we fence our Confessions, &c. against false Glosses, with any Art that is there wanting? Are not all things necessary either for our Faith or Practice, clearly revealed, that he that runs may [...]ead? And yet what a Babel Confusion of Sectaries is the Church infested with. And thus if Subscription should universally obtain among us, every one would subscribe in his own Sence, and all severally put their various, and it may be contrary Constructions upon the same Article of our Confession. It were as easy to hedge in the Cuckow, as to prevent this. We'll suppose for Instance an Antinomian, an Arminian, and a Calvinist all subscribing to the Article of Justification, in our shorter Catechism. Each [...]f'em acknowledge, that Iustification is an Act of Gods free Grace, wherein he pardoneth all our Sins, and accepteth us as Righteous in his Sight, only for the Righteousness of Christ imputed[Page]to us, and received by Faith alone. But [...] they all mean the same Thing, when they sub [...]scribe the very same Words? Nothing les [...] ▪ The Antinomian understands it, that the Righ [...]teousness of Christ is imputed to us from Ete [...]nity, and that by our eternal Justification w [...] are acquitted from the Guilt of all Sins, pas [...] present, and future. And our receiving thi [...] by Faith, is (according to him) a Believing that Christ dyed for us in particular, and thenc [...] taking the Comfort of our happy State. Th [...] Arminian on the contrary understands this Ar [...]ticle, that the Righteousness of Christ impute [...] to us, is His purchasing for us new Terms o [...] Justification, and substituting sincere in th [...] Place of perfect Obedience: And our receiving this by Faith, is our Assent to, and Comply [...]ance with these Terms, by a sincere Obedience I need not tell you how the Calvinists under [...]stand the Article.

I think you your self must grant, that Sub [...]scription will not prove of very glorious Servic [...] to the Chu [...]ch, if this be the Effect of it. An [...] you must be very much a Stranger to the Con [...]troversies formerly managed in England, and more lately in Scotland upon these mention'd Points, if you don't know, that each Party press'd this very Article into their Service. [...] might also add, that you can't be such a stranger to the present Circumstances of the Church of England, as to be ignorant, that not only the Arminians; but even the Arrians, themselves [Page] have found out away, to bring in all the [...]cellent Articles of that Church, as Vouchers [...]or their erroneous Opinions: And that Doctor [...]lark, the Head of the modern Arrians, has [...]ndertaken in Print, to reconcile all the Church [...]ormulas; and even the Athanasian Creed it [...]elf, to his new Schemes.

I will conclude this Head with Observing, [...]at Nothing can have a direct tendency to ad [...]ance the Interest, of the Church; but what Christ himself has instituted to that End. God. [...]ill own and bless his own Institutions; but He [...]rdinarily puts a Mark of His Displeasure [...]pon the most artful Contrivance of Men, in [...]he Affairs of His House and Kingdom, as I've [...]lready shewn that He has done in the Affair [...]nder Debate. Whatever Shew of Wisdom and Policy may appear in such human Inventions, [...]hey nevertheless impeach the Wisdom, or Faithfulness of our Lord Iesus Christ; for not giving [...]s sufficient Instructions in these important Concerns. Heb. iii.2. they assume His Throne, who is sole King of the Church, Col. i.18. and [...]roclaim the Contrivers of these politick [...]chemes, to be Darkness it Self. Isai. viii.20.

If you pretend that Subscription is required in [...]he Scripture, you would do well to point out [...]he Text that requires it, that we may learn our Duty. And I must tell you, that it should be a Text full and clear to the Purpose. It is not [...]nough to say as you do (p. 9.) that it's possible [...]here might be Confessions of Faith or Creeds, (in [Page] the Apostolic Times) besides the Scriptures; b [...] you must make it evidently certain, that the [...] were such in those Times. It is not enough [...] think as you do, (ibid.) that we have a plai [...] hint in Scripture of something like a Creed & [...] but you must prove that Subscripton is possitivel [...] enjoin'd before you can justly expect a Comply [...]ance with your Proposals, For certainly ou [...] Lord never impos'd a Duty of this importanc [...] upon His Church; and yet left us at a Lo [...] where to find the Institution. Since therefor [...] I am certain that there is no such Precept in my Bible, you must pardon me, if I must wait f [...] better Instruction and Conviction, before I [...] subscribe.

And now I think I have perform'd what I pre [...]tended under this Head; and have plainly shew' [...] that Subscription has no direct tendency to mai [...]tain and defend the Truths of the Gospel; an [...] that it is therefore at best, but Useless and i [...]significant.

4. If there be other Means besides this Su [...]pected and contested Method, sufficient to main [...]tain and defend the Truths of the Gospel, & [...] then this is not necessary to that End. Let [...] therefore consider whether there be no suc [...] Means, that will every way answer the En [...] propos'd. And I shall here only take Notice [...] the Duties belonging to us, as we are Ministe [...] of the Gospel, and an Ecclesiastical Judicatory▪

I would first propose to this Purpose, a stri [...] Examination of all Candidates of the Ministry [Page] before they are admitted to the Excercise of that sacred Function. It is impossible to imagine, what Advantage can accrue from Subscription, that can't be attain'd by this Means only. This will as well discover the Seriousness, the natural or acquired Abilities, and other Ministerial Qualifications in the Candidate, as his Soundness in the Faith; which Subscription can never do, the most carnal Wretch and unletter'd Dunce, being as capable, and as ready to subscribe as any. This is a method we have hitherto been in the Practice of from the Beginning, with Un [...]nimity and Success; and which the Word of God requires us yet to continue in. We are to la [...] Hands suddenly upon no Man, 1 Tim. v.22. What can be intended by this, but that by personal Acquaintance and previous Examination, (not by subscription, which can be very suddenly done) we have good Proof of the Candidate's Fitness for the Work, before we seperate him to the Sacred Employment? We are required [...]o commit the Dispensation of the Gospel, to faithful Men, who shall be able to teach others. 2 Tim. [...]i.2. How shall we discover these Qualifications? Will their Subscribing [...] Confession ac [...]uaint us with their Fidelity or Ability? Or must we not know the former, by examining the Inducements to their putting their Hand to this Plow; and the latter, by strictly enquiring into their Capacity for this Work; and their Orthodoxy in the Faith.

I would again propose a strict Discipline in [Page] the Church, especially with respect to Scandalous Ministers, and all such as can be prov'd guilty of dangerous Errors. By a seasonable rejecting of whom, we may prevent the Progress of Immorality, or Heresy among us. In this Case we have also express Commands and Directions, in the Divine Oracles, 2 Tim. iii.5. 1 Tim. vi.5. 2 Thes. iii.6. Tit. iii.10.

I wold lastly propose, that the Ministers of the Gospel be most diligent, faithful, and painful, in the discharge of their awful Trust. That by their sedulous Application to their Work, they may instruct the ignorant, establish the wavering, and convince the erroneous. Or to sum up all in a Word, that they may be instrumental to convert poor perishing Sinners to Christ, and thereby to have them built upon the Foundation of God that standeth sure. Such painful Address to our Business, join'd with fervent Prayer for Success, is the proper Engine to subvert the Kingdom of Satan in all it's Branches; and to confirm and establish the Kingdom of our Lord Iesus Christ among us. See 1 Tim. iii.13 and Fin. 2. Tim. iv.1, 2.3.

Thus Sir, I have something particularly considered this first Argument; and I think fully answer'd whatever occurs in the Overture. For allowing that a Principal of spiritual Wisdom would direct the Church of Christ, to fortify itself against all assaults that secret Bosom Enemies to the Truth, are as dangerous as any whatsoever. Admit, that we are so a particular [Page]Church, as not to be a Part of any particular Church in the World; that we are in no small Danger of being corrupted in Doctrinals; that we are too much like the People of Laish, in a careless defenceless Condition; that we are surrounded with many pernicious Corruptions in Doctrine; that our Poverty renders us uncapable to plant a Seminary of Learning among us; and that the Edge of our Zeal against prevailing Errors is blunted. If we allow all these Reasons for our being upon our Defence, and for our endeavouring to propagate the Truths of the Gospel to Posterity: Yet it all makes nothing for the Subscription under Consideration, if that ben't the proper Means to answer these Ends, which I think I have fully prov'd.

Your second and last Argument, I find (in page 7.) thus propos'd. As it is observed in the Overture, we are an intire Church of our selves, so as not to be a Part of any particular Church in the World, with which we are join'd as a Part. Now every Collection of People, which are united together under a politic Body, whether ecclesiastical or civil, must have some Bond of Union, by which the several Parts are join'd together, to make or constitute them one entire whole ▪ &c. Now, until we fulfil the Intent of the following Overture, I am at a loss where to find a sufficient external Bond of Union, by which we are united, &c. In answer to which, I shall offer these three Things to your Consideration. (1.) That there may be a sufficient Bond of Union [Page] without Subscription. (2.) That we have already all the external Bond of Union, that the Scriptures require of us. (3.) That what has a natural Tendency to Disunion and Division, can't (agreeable to the Laws of Charity) be prop [...]s'd as a Bond of Union.

I. There may be a sufficient Bond of Union without Subscription. A joint Acknowledgement of our Lord Iesus Christ for our common Head, of the sacred Scriptures for our Common Standard both in Faith and Practice; with a joint Agreement in the same essential and necessary Articles of Christianity, and the same Methods of Worship and Discipline, are a sufficient external Bond of Union, either for the Being or Well-being of any Church under Heaven. To this you object. How is it possible for us to know concerning one another, or for others to know concerning us, in what Sence we take or understand the Scriptures, &c.? To which I answer.

1. By retorting the Objection upon you. How is it possible for us to know concerning one another, or for others to know concerning us, in what Sence we take or understand the Assembl [...]'s Confession, suppose we all subscribe it.

2. It's possible for us to continue in strict Examination of Candidates for the Ministry, that by that Means we may discover whether they be orthodox or erroneous; and in what Sence they understand the Scriptu [...]e [...].

3. It's possible for us to reject Hereticks when [Page] we find any such among us. For tho' we have no just claim to impose our Faith, and our Interpretation of Scripture upon any Man; yet we have an undoubted Right to reject their Opinions, when we think them erroneous; and to refuse Communion with them in sacred Ordinances, and even in the exercise of Church Government, when we suppose their Heresy renders them unqualified for it. This (as I've shewn above) is what the Scriptures enjoin upon us. And if these Scriptural Methods be duely attended, what further external Bond of Union can be wanting? Profess'd Deists, Socinians, Armi [...]ians and Free-thinkers, can't be united to us in the same Church Government, as you suppose p. 10. if these Rules of Christ be duely observed.

You object again, that an Erastian, who supposes that Christ has left us at Liberty, to chuse what Form of Government we think most agreeable, may freely join with us in the actual Exercise of Presbyterian Government. To which I answer. Why not? I hope your Charity is hardly so restricted to those of our own Sentiments in this Matter, as to suppose this a damning Heresy; or an Error that incapacitates for Communion in all Ordinances. And I can't see what Prejudice these can be to our Constitution, so long as they heartily join in our Methods of Discipline; and thereby declare 'em best for us, whether they believe 'em of Divine Right or not. Can't we live peaceably with those who live [Page] peaceably with us, and join with us in consulting and concerning the Interest of Christ's Kingdom among us, without breaking in upon their Consciences; and destroying their Right of judging for themselves?

I might here subjoin, that a view of this Affair from the very Infancy of Christianity will convince us, that the Churches of Christ have been always better united, and every way more flourishing, when no other external Bond of Union but what is now propos'd, have been impos'd upon 'em, than when they have been fetter'd with Subscriptions, and other Impositions and Institutions of human Invention; as I have something exemplified above.

II. We have already all the external Bond of Union, that the Scriptures require of us. We all of us for ought I know, have one Faith, one Lord, one Baptism, and one Discipline. And what more is needful? You indeed require, that we should all subscribe to one Confession: But does our Lord Jesus Christ require this? Have you cited, or can you cite, any thing like a Precept or Direction to this Purpose, from that one Lawgiver who is able to save or destroy? Who art thou then that judgest another? Jam. iv.12. You indeed p. 9. infer from Heb. v.12. compar'd with Chap. vi.1. that there were both rudimental Principles, for the use of young and more ignorant Professors; and more difficult and m [...]sterious Doctrines of the Christian Faith, that were to come after the former, collected for the[Page]Use of the Church, in the Apostolic Times. N [...]w were this granted, what does it argue for Subscriptions? Can you your self pretend that these were the Dictates of fallible [...], imposed and subscribed in those Times? Or can you pretend, that there is no Difference between Catechizing our Children, and Subscribing Confessions? To what Purpose then do you quote this Scripture?

III. What has a natural Tendency to Dis-union and Division, can't (agreable to the Laws of Charity) be propos'd as a Bond of Union. What you have offer'd in answer to this, does Nothing affect the present Case; because you apprehend Subscription a proper Antidote against Division; and if it should in the Event have other Effects, it's only by Accident (p. 12.) If it does therefore appear, that this has a natural and direct Tendency to Division, you have said Nothing to the Purpose. Let us then consider this Case.

I must first observe to you, that the requiring and enjoining any unscriptural Terms of Union or Communion, is a direct and natural Means to procure Rents and Divisions, in the Church. For there will be such thinking and serious Persons, whose Consciences will startle at these Innovations; and who will sooner dye, than submit to these Injunctions against their Consciences. A Schism will follow. And who are the criminal Causes of this Schism, they who refuse to sin against their Consciences; or they that lay this Unnecessary Burthen upon'em▪ If the former, [Page] we are brought into the midst of Rome, must believe [...]s the Church believes, and expect Sal [...]ation by that public Faith. If the latter, it necessarily foll [...]ws that these Unscriptural Institutions (and such is the debated Subscription) are directly and formally, the troublers of Gods Israel. This Argument has been constantly used by our Dissenters from the Church of England. It has hitherto triumphed over all Impositions, and remain'd unanswerable, and will ever do so.

I can't but further observe to you under this Head, that we all of us know, that that Subscription under Debate, has been scrupled and opposed by many godly, learn'd, and faithful Ministers of Christ; that it has made horrible Divisions and Confusions in other Churches, and that it's like to have the same sad Effects among our selves. And I must therefore take the Freedom to tell you, that I would not for all the World, be the Author of that Dishonour to God and our holy Profession, and of that Schism and Confusion that is like to follow, if this be enjoined by the Syond. No Sir! It's better to dye in the Cause, than to merit that Character in Rom. xvi.17.18. For if it be better for a Man to have a Milstone hung about his Neck, and [...]e cast into the midst of the Sea, than to [...]ffend ONE of Christ's little ones, as Mat. xviii.6. How will such be able to account at Christs Tribunal, who [...]end His Church in pieces, and offend so MANY of His Ministers and other serious [Page] Christians among us, that can't in Conscience come into the propos'd Subscription?

Having thus finish'd my Remarks upon your Arguments. I shall now pr [...]ceed briefly to offer you some few more Objections against your Overture.

1. I think a Subscription to any human Composure as the Test of our Orthodoxy, is to make it the Standard of our Faith; and thereby to give it the Honour only due to the Word of God. I take a Subscription to imply a s [...]lemn Declaration to the World, that we believe the Articles subscribed to be the Mind and Will of God, free of all Error and Mistake. A Subscription in any laxer Sence, is to open a Door to all the Unsincerity in the World. Every one of what-ever Sentiments, may subscribe with his own Reserves; and so the Subscription instead of a Test of Orthodoxy becomes a Door to Hypocrisy, as I have hinted above. If we subscribe in this Sence, we give to fallible Men, all the Honour due to the Inspired Pen-men of the Sacred Pages; and ascribe that Perfection to human Composures, which no Book but the Bible, ever had a just Claim to.

You offe [...] s [...]veral Things to [...]bviate this Objection▪ which I shall briefly consider.

1 You tell us (p. 14.) that the Matter is of Divine Authority, being con [...]ain'd in the Word of God; and the Words tho' compos'd by fallible Men, being agre [...]able to the Divine Master, tho' falling short of that Perfection that the Scripture[Page]justly claims, must of Necessity have the Divine Approbation. But how do you kn [...]w that the Assemblies Confession &c. is contain'd in the Word of God? You indeed, and we that agree with you in the same Creed do thus interpret the word of God. But I challenge you to bring one Word to evince your Certainty, that our Interpretations are agreable to the Meaning of the Holy Ghost; and have the Divine Approbation▪ that any Sect under Heaven may n't bring in the same Case Suppose I was now debating with a Roman-Catholic, against Subscription to the Decrees of the Council of Trent. He answers my Objection in the very Words that you do; and tells me that the Matter is of Divine Authority &c. what shall I say to him? Shall I tell him that they subvert the Scriptures, and that there are no such Doctrines contain'd in them? Won't he retort the Answer and tell me, that the Argument is the quite contrary Way, that it is we who wrest the Scriptures to our own Damnation, and they are sure that they are in the Right, they being infallible, which we don't pretend to be. Or if you please instead of a Roman-Catholic suppose a Quaker thus disputing; and in the strongest Terms assu [...]ing me, that he has the Witness in himself from the Illuminations of Gods Holy Spirit, that Barclays Apology is contain'd in the Word of God. Now I demand of you▪ whether we must subscribe these mention'd Books upon this Evidence. If not, what Assurance can you give me, that you [Page] are in the Right and they not; You are sure of it, so are they of the contrary. You compare Scripture with Scripture, and find your System agreable to the whole Scope of the Gospel. They'll not be behind hand with you in the same Pretence. You suppose yours the most rational System▪ most worthy of God, and most agreeable to the Circumstances of fallen Man. They apply the same Lofty Attributes to their Creed, be it in it self never so inconsistent. If you reply to all this, that Truth has certainly from the Nature of Things, the Advantage of Error. This is true; but then this also may be urg'd with as good Advantage, by any other Persuasion. You have therefore no Refuge left, but a recou [...]se to Infallibilty, which is what I'm now objecting against.

As for your long Discourse▪ about the Necessity of our subscribing our own Words; and not the Words of Scripture, I have but this short and general Answer to make. Tho' I cant possibly see into your Methods of Reasoning; nor draw your Conclusion from your Premises, yet if it be granted, that our Confessions must be in our own Words, and not in the Words of Scripture▪ I don't see how it will follow, that we must therefore subscribe them. Can't we have Confessions in our own Words, without the Imposition of Subscription, Can there be no other Use made of Confessions, but as an exclusive T [...]st of O [...]hodoxy? Certainly there may. May not Confe [...]sions be useful for Instruction to the ignorant, for [Page] Quickning to the careless and secure, for a Help to our Devotions; and even for a public Declaration of our Religious Sentiments. And therefore until you have prov'd a necessary Connection between Composing, and Imposing or Subscribing a Confession, you say Nothing to the Purpose.

2 I can't see how we can impose Subscriptions upon others, without Invading His Ro [...]alty, who is sole King and Lawgiver unto His Church; and practicing our selves, what we so l [...]uely complain of in others. To this you answer (p. 14.) For a Church to oblige their Members to rece [...]ve, embrace, acknowledge▪ subscribe or practice▪ any thing that is not [...]ounded upon the Word of God, is indeed Tyranny and Persecution &c. If you mean by this, that it's Tyranny and Persecution for a Church to impose what they acknowledge is not founded on the Word of God. I believe it will be difficult to find any Church upon Earth guilty of such Impositions. And if every Church may impose what they Suppose to be founded on the Word of God, even the Church of Rome must be acquitted from all unwarrantable Impositions. For they as resolutely claim a Scripture Foundation for all their Articles of Faith, as we can do. And why ha [...]'t they as good Authority to impose their Interpretation of Gods Word, as we have to impose ours? Is not the Imposition of such Interpretations as properly a Legislatvie Faculty in us, as it is in them? Are we sure we are in the Right? Don't [Page] they profess the same Certainty? Do we impose our Creeds in Honour to God and His Truth? They have the same Pretence. Do we appoint Subscription to keep out Error and Heresy? They are acted by the same Views. Do we impose them by ministerial Authority committed to us by Christ. And have not every other Society the same Claim? But the Difficulty is, I find Nothing in the Divine Oracles by which either they, or we can support this Claim; but the direct contrary. Iam. iv.12. Col. ii.22.23. Rom. xiv.4.9. Mat. xxviii.18. &c. And to deal freely with you, I have no worse Opinion of the Assemblies Confession, for the 2 Art. in the xx. Chap. ‘God alone is Lord of the Conscience; and hath left it free from the Doctrines and Commandments of Men which are in any thing contrary to His Word, or BESIDE it, in Matters of Faith or Worship. So that to believe such Doctrines, or obey such Commands out of Conscience, is to betray true Liberty of Conscience; and the requiring a implicite Faith, and an absolute and blind Obedience, is to destroy Liberty of Conscience and Reason also.’ And I must tell you that to subscribe this Article, and impose the rest, appears to me the most gloring Contradiction.

If you reply to this, that there is no Imposition design'd. I answer, what is then design'd? Is not Subscription propos'd as the Test of Orthodoxy, as the Terms of Membership with the [Page] Synod; and of Admission to the Ministry? And if this ben't Imposition with a Witness, with all the Penalties annex'd that we are capable of, I don't know what Imposition means.

You indeed argue, that according to our recorded and common Way of Speaking, 'tis hard to say, whether Subscribers or Non-subscribers would be obliged to seperate. But pray Sir, what Occasion that either should be obliged to seperate? What Law or what Reason is there for these Injunctions, that must of course produce a Seperation? Why mayn't every one enjoy his own Opinion, and act according to his Conscience in this Matter, without a Seperation? Or why mayn't some middle Way be thought on, that will every Way answer the End propos'd; and give Satisfaction to both Parties? For my own Part, I can cheerfully come into any Method for securing our Faith, that I can apprehend consistent with Liberty of Conscience, and Christian Freedom.

You subjoin, if one Party think it an Imposition to be required to subscribe, as a Term or Condition of our continuing united as formerly. The other Part [...] upon as good grounds, may esteem it an Imposition, to be oblig'd to continue in the Neglect of what in Conscience they conceive to be (as the Case now stands) a necessary Duty incumbent upon them. I answer. Whoever think it their Duty, shall have my free Vote, to subscribe with both Hands if they please: But I hope none of you will imagine your selves [Page] [...]ound in Conscience, to Lord it over your Brethren.

3 If I subscribe, or concur in imposing Subscription [...]n others, I must either do it as a necessary Duty; or as a Thing in it self indifferent. Not the former, until you can find some Scripture that requires Subscription to human Composures; and even to this under Debate in particular, in Contradistinction to all others elsewhere impos'd, which I am sure you can never do. If it be in it self indifferent who gave the Synod Authority to take away the Liberty, with which Christ has made as free? We ought to leave Things as Christ has left 'em; And on the one Hand, not to bring our selves under the Power of any 1 Cor. vi.12. Nor on the other Hand, to destroy them with our Meat, for whom Christ dyed Rom. xiv.15.

4 I know not how to concur, in making this Subscription the Terms of our admitting Candidates to the Ministry, least I keep them out of Christs Vi [...]eyard, whom He has sent to labour there; and qualified for glorious Service in His Church. Such as these may (as I do) Scruple Subscription to any human Composure; Or they may be doubtful as to some Particulars in the impos'd [...]orm [...]a, and yet be [...]ound in the Faith. Or they may not satisfactorily understand some of the credenda thus enjoin'd; and yet have very promising Capacity for the Sacred Service. If all qualified Candidates can well understand the whole of that large Confession, it's just Matter of sh [...]me to me, who have be'n a Minister between twenty and thirty Years; and yet don't understand several Things in it, as I shall be ready to give a Particular Account when desir'd. I'm afraid therefore, that most of our Candidates must subscribe blindfold, or be kept out of the Ministry from invincible Necesity. And is this to receive one another, as Christ also receiv'd us to the Glory of God Rom. xv.7? [...]s this charitably to bear with M [...]ns differing Sentiments in Matters not essential, as the Apostle requires, Phil. iii.15 16.?

5. Suppose me if you please a weak Brother, in my Conscie [...]tious Opposition to Subscription. Will my Weakness and Mistake in this Matter, justify the Synod [Page] in excluding me their [...]ellowship in exposing me as [...] Her [...]tic to the Jealousies and Censures of my Congregation; and in doing what they can, to render my Ministry useless for the future? Is this agreeable to the Apostles Rule, Rom. xiv.1. If h [...]s must be the Case, a weak Brother is in a sad Dilemma. Either he must subscribe against his Conscience, contrary to Rom. xiv. [...] or else be persecuted for his Weakness. If you answer to this, th [...] wea [...] [...] are no waies qualified for the Ministry. I reply. Tho' I could wish that there were fewer in this awful Tru [...]t▪ who deserve that general Character: [...]et he [...]ust be a stron [...] Man indeed, that has no particular Weakn [...]s. The greatest Men have discovered th [...]ms [...]lves [...] weak in some particular Opinions▪ and this may be either your Case, or mine, in this [...] Affair under D [...]b [...]te, for ou [...]ht either of us know to the contrary. Others (and not we our selves) mu [...] be Jud [...]es of that Matter.

I think what I have [...] offer'd a [...]u [...]dantly sufficient to disposs [...]s [...]ou of our unjust Claim to imposing upon other Mens [...] I therefore omit many other Arguments, that mi [...]ht have been brought to the same Purpose.

Upon the whole the [...] I have a higher Opinion of the Assemblies [...] of [...] Book of that kind extant in the Wo [...]d yet I don't think [...] perfect. I know it to be the [...] Men and I know of no Law either of Religion or Reason, that obliges me to subscrib [...].

Thus Sir you [...] upon th [...] Matter, if you [...] I shall not [...] upon your Subscribing h [...]m. I [...] of [...] the same Charity [...] for me, that I have for you, which is but [...]

Your Brother and Servant JONATHAN DICKINSON.

Elizabeth-Town, April 10. 1729.

Notes

*

Socrat. Ecclesiast. Hist. Lib. I. Cap. X. & XIX. Lib. II. Cap. XIX. et alibi.

↵

†

Vid. Quicks Synodicon on the Synod of Alanson.

↵

†

Calderwood Hist. p. 30, 96, 121: et alibi.

↵

§

§

[Page]

[Page]

REMARKS UPON A DISCOURSE INTITULED An OVERTURE.

Presented to the REVEREND SYNOD of Dissenting MINISTERS sitting in Philadelphia, in the Month of September, 1728.

In a LETTER to the AVTHOR.

By a Member of the said SYNOD.

Printed by I. Peter Zenger, in Smith-Street, in New-York. 1729.

Information about this book

Title statement

Remarks upon a discourse intituled An overture. Presented to the reverend synod of dissenting ministers sitting in Philadelphia, in the month of September, 1728. In a letter to the author. / By a member of the said synod.

Dickinson, Jonathan, 1688-1747.

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI :

Date

2004-08.

ID [DLPS]

N02663

ID [TCP]

N02663

ID [STC]

Evans 3156

ID [NOTIS]

APY8704

ID [IMAGE-SET]

3156

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99036237

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Series

Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 3156.

Notes

(Evans-TCP ; no. N02663)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 3156)

Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 3156)

Source

— Remarks upon a discourse intituled An overture. Presented to the reverend synod of dissenting ministers sitting in Philadelphia, in the month of September, 1728. In a letter to the author. / By a member of the said synod., Dickinson, Jonathan, 1688-1747..

Extent

32 p.

Printed by J. Peter Zenger, in Smith-Street. in New-York.,. [New York] :: 1729.. (A discussion of the desirability of subscribing to creeds.) (Attributed to Jonathan Dickinson by Evans.) ("An overture" is attributed to John Thomson.)

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