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 4] 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 5]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 6] 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 7]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 8] 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 9] 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 10] 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 11]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 12] 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 13] 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 14] 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 15] 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 16] 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 17] 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 18] 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 19] 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 20] 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 21] 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 22] 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 23] 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 24] 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 25] 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 26] 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 27] 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 28] 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 29] 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 30] 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 31] [...]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 32] 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 [...]