AMong the many Disadvantages , which those who plead in any sense for Liberty of Conscience are exposed unto , it is not the least , that in their arguings and Pleas they are enforced to admit a Supposition , That those whom they plead for , are indeed really mistaken in their Apprehensions about the matters concerning which they yet desire to be indulged in their practice . For unless they will give place to such a supposition , or if they will rigidly contend that what they plead in the behalf of , is absolutely the Truth , and that obedience thereunto , is the direct Will and Command of God , there remains no proper field for the Debate about Indulgence to be mannaged in . For things acknowledged to be such , are not capable of an Indulgence properly so called ; because the utmost Liberty that is necessary unto them , is their Right and Due in strict Justice and Law . Men therefore in such Discourses , speak not to the nature of the things themselves , but to the Apprehensions of them with whom they have to do . But yet against this Disadvantage every Party which plead for themselves , are relieved by that secret reserve that they have in the perswasion of the Truth and Goodness of what they profess , and desire to be indulged in the practice of . And this also , as occasion doth offer it self , and in the defence of themselves from the charge of their Adversaries , they openly contend and avow . Neither was it judged formerly , that there was any way to deprive them of this Reserve and Relief , but by a direct and particular Debate of the matters specially in difference , carried on unto their Conviction by evidence of Truth , managed from the Common Principles of it . But after Tryal made , this way to convince men of their errors and mistakes , who stand in need of Indulgence with respect unto the outward Administration of the powers that they are under , is found , as it should seem , tedious , unreasonable , and ineffectual . A new way therefore to this purpose is fixed on , and it is earnestly pleaded , That there needs no other Argument or Medium to prove men to be mistaken in their Apprehensions , and to miscarry in their practice of Religious duties , than that at any time , or in any place they stand in need of Indulgence . To Dissent , at all adventures , is a crime ; and he whom others persecute , tacitly at least , confesseth himself guilty . For it is said , That the Law of the Magistrate being the sole Rule of Obedience in Religious Worship , their Non-complyance with any Law by him established , evidencing it self in their desire of Exemption , is a sufficient conviction , yea a self-acknowledgement not only of their Errors and Mistakes in what they apprehend of their Duty in these things , and of their Miscarriages in what they practise , but also that themselves are persons Turbulent and Seditious in withdrawing Obedience from the Laws which are justly imposed on them . With what Restrictions and Limitations , or whether with any or no , these Assertions are maintained , we shall afterward enquire .

The Management of this Plea , ( if I greatly mistake him not ) is one of the principal Designs of the Author of that Discourse , a brief Survey whereof is here proposed , The Principle which he proceeds herein upon , himself it seems knew to be Novel and Uncouth , and therefore thought it incumbent on him , that both the manner of its handling , and the other Principles that he judged meet to associate with it , or annex unto it , should be of the same kind and complexion . This Design hath at length produced us this Discourse ; which of what use it may prove to the Church of God , what tendency it may have to retrive or promote Love and Peace among Christians , I know not . This I know , that it hath filled many persons of all sorts with manifold surprizals , and some with amazement . I have therefore on sundry Considerations , prevailed with my self much against my inclinations , for the sake of Truth and Peace , to spend a few hours in the examination of the principal parts and seeming pillars of the whole Fabrick . And this I was in my own mind the more easily indueed unto , because there is no concernment either of the Church or State in the things here under debate , unless it be , that they should be vindicated from having any concern in the things and opinions here pleaded and argued . For as to the present Church , if the Principles and reasonings here maintained and managed , are agreeable unto her Sentiments , and allowed by her ; yet there can be no offence given in their Examination , because she hath no where yet declared them so to be . And the truth is , if they are once owned and espoused by her , to the ends for which they are asserted , as the Christians of old triumphed in the thoughts of him , who first engaged in wayes of violence against them among the Nations in the world , so the Non-Conformists will have no small relief to their minds in their sufferings , when they understand these to be the avowed Principles and Grounds , on which they are to be persecuted and destroyed . And for the power of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction belonging to the Kings of this Nation , as it hath been claimed and exercised by them in all ages since the establishment of Christian Religion among us , as it is declared in the Laws , Statutes , and Customs of the Kingdom , and prescribed unto an Acknowledgement in the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy , it and steddiness of expression , which we shall be farther accustomed unto . But in what here he avers of himself , he seems to have the advantage of our Lord Jesus Christ , who upon less provocations than he hath undertaken the consideration of ( for the Pharisees with whom he had to deal , were Gentlemen be tells us , unto those with whom himself hath to do ) as he saith , fell into an hot fit of Zeal , yea , into an height of Impatience , which made him act with a seeming fury , and transport of passion , pag. 7. And if that be indeed his temper which he commends in himself , he seems to me to be obliged for it unto his Constitution and Complexion , as he speaks , and not to his Age ; seeing his juvenile expressions and confidence , will not allow us to think that he suffers under any defervescency of spirit by his years . The Philosopher tells us , that old men in matters dubious and weighty , are not over-forward to be Positive , but ready to cry , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , perhaps , and it may be so , and this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because they have experience of the uncertainty of things in this world . As indeed those who know what entanglements all humane Affairs are attended withal , what appearing Causes and probable Reasons are to be considered and examined about them , and how all rational determinations are guided and influenced by unforeseen emergencies and occasions , will not be over-forward to pronounce absolutely and peremptorily about the disposal of important affairs . But as the same Author informs us , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; Young men suppose that they know all things , and are vehement in their Asseverations ; from which frame proceed all those Dogmatical Assertions of what is Politick , and Impolitick in Princes , of what will establish or ruine Governments , with the contempt of the Conceptions of others about things conducing to publick peace and tranquility , which so frequently occur in our Author . This makes him smile at as serious Consultations for the furtherance of the welfare and prosperity of this Nation , as it may be in any age , or juncture of time have been upon the Wheel , Preface p. 48. These Considerations made it seem to me , that in an ordinary course , he hath time enough before him to improve the notions he hath here blessed the World with a discovery of ; if upon second thoughts he be equally enamoured of them unto what now he seems to be .

I could indeed have desired , that he had given us a more clear account of that Religion which in his judgement he doth most approve . His commendation of the Church of England , sufficiently manifesteth his interest to lye therein ; and that in pursuit of his own principles he doth outwardly observe the Institutions and prescriptions of it . But the Scheme he hath given us of Religion , or Religious duties , wherein there is mention neither of Sin , nor a Redeemer , without which no man can entertain any one true notion of Christian Religion , would rather bespeak him a Philosopher , than a Christian. It is not unlikely , but that he will pretend he was treating of Religion , as Religion in general , without an Application of it to this or that in particular ; but to speak of Religion as it is among men in this world , or ever was since the fall of Adam , without a supposition of sin , and the way of a relief from the Event of it mentioned , is to talk of Chimaera's , things that neither are , ever were , or will be . On the other hand the profit and advantage of his Design falls clearly on the Papal Interest . For whereas it is framed and contrived for the advantage , security , and unquestionableness of absolute Complyers with the present Possessors of Power , it is evident , that in the States of Europe , the advantage lyes incomparably on that hand . But these things are not our Concernment . The design which he manageth in his Discourse , the subject matter of it , the manner how he treats those with whom he hath to do , and deports himself therein , are by himself exposed to the judgement of all , and are here to be taken into some Examination . Now because we have in his Preface a perfect Representation of the things last mentioned throughout the whole , I shall in the first place take a general view and Prospect of it .

And here I must have regard to the Judgement of others . I confess for my own part I do not find my self at all concerned in those Invectives , tart and upbraiding Expressions , those sharp and twinging Satyrs against his Adversaries , which he avoweth or rather boasteth himself to have used . If this unparalleld heap of Revilings , Scoffings , despightful Reproaches , Sarcasms , Scornful contemptuous Expressions , false Criminations , with frequent Intimations of Sanguinary affections towards them , do please his Fancy , and express his Morality to his own Satisfaction , I shall never complain that he hath used his Liberty ; and do presume that he judgeth it not meet that it should be restrained . It is far from my purpose to return him any Answer in the like manner to these things ; to do it — opus est Mangone perito Qui Smithfieldenst polleat Eloquio :

Yet some Instances of Prodigious excesses in this Kind , will in our Process be reflected on . And it may be the Repetition of them may make an appearance unto some less considerate Readers , of a little Harshness in some passages of this return . But as nothing of that nature in the least is intended , nothing that might provoke the Author in his own spirit , were he capable of any hot impressions , nothing to disadvantage him in his Reputation or esteem , so what is spoken being duly weighed , will be found to have nothing sharp or unpleasant in it , but what is unavoidably infused into it from the discourse it self , in its approach unto it to make a representation of it .

It is of more Concernment to consider with what frame and temper of Spirit he manageth his whole Cause and Debate ; and this is such as that a man who knows nothing of him , but what he learns from this Discourse , would suppose that he hath been some great Commander , In Campis Gurgustidoniis Vbi Bombamachides Cluninstaridys archides Erat Imperator Summus ; Neptuni nepos ,

Associate unto him , who with his breath blew away and scattered all the Legions of his Enemies , as the wind doth leaves in Autumn .

Such Confidence in himself and his own strength , such contempt of all his Adversaries , as persons Silly , Ignorant , Illiterate , such boastings of his Atchievments , with such a face and appearance of scorning all that shall rise up against him ; such expressions animi gladiatorii doth he march withall , as no man sure will be willing to stand in his way , unless he think himself to have lived , at least quietly , long enough . Only some things there are , which I cannot but admire in his undertaking and management of it ; as first , that such a Man of Arms and Art as he is , should harness himself with so much preparation , and enter the Lists with so much pomp and glory , to combat such pittiful poor baffled Ignoramus's as he hath chosen to contend withall ; especially con●idering that he knew he had them bound hand and foot , and cast under his strokes at his pleasure . Methinks it had more become him , to have sought out some Giant in Reason and Learning , that might have given him at least par animo periculum , as Alexander said in his conflict with Porus , a danger big enough to exercise his Courage , though through mistake it should in the issue have proved but a Wind-mill . Again ! I know not whence it is , nor by what Rules of Errantry it may be warranted , that being to conflict such pittiful trifles , he should before he come near to touch them , thunder out such terrible words , and load them with so many reproaches and contemptuous Revilings , as if he designed to scare them out of the Lists , that there might be no tryal of his strength , nor exercise of his skill .

But leaving him to his own choice and liberty in these matters , I am yet perswaded that if he knew how little his Adversaries esteem themselves concerned in , or worsted by his Revilings , how small advantage he hath brought unto the cause managed by him , with what severity of Censures , that I say not Indignation , his proceedings herein are reflected on by persons Sober and Learned , who have any respect to modesty or sobriety , or any reverence for the things of God , as debated among men , he would abate somewhat of that self-delight and satisfaction which he seems to take in his Achievement .

Neither is it in the matter of Dissent alone from the established Forms of Worship , that this Author , and some others , endeavour by their Revilings and Scoffings to expose Non-Conformists to scorn and violence ; but a semblance at least is made of the like Reflections on their whole Profession of the Gospel , and their Worship of God ; Yea these are the special subjects of those swelling words of contempt , those farcastical invidious Representations of what they oppose , which they seem to place their confidence of success in ; But what do they think to effect by this Course of proceedure ? do they suppose that by crying out canting , phrases , silly , non-sense , Metaphors , they shall shame the Non-Conformists out of the Profession of the Gospel , or make them foregoe the course of their Ministry , or alienate one soul from the Truth taught and profest amongst them ? They know how their Predecessours in the faith thereof , have been formerly entertained in the World : St. Paul himself falling among the Gentlemen Philosophers of those dayes was termed by them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Babler , or one that Canted ; his Doctrine despised as silly and foolish , and his Phrase's pretended to be Unintelligible . These things move not the Non-Conformists , unless it be to a Compassion for them whom they fee to press their Wits and Parts to so wretched an employment . If they have any thing to charge on them with respect to Gospel-truths , as that they own , teach , preach , or publish any Doctrines , or Opinions that are not agreeable thereunto , and Doctrine of the Antient , and late ( Reformed ) Churches , let them come forth , if they are men of Learning , Reading , and Ingenuity , and in wayes used and approved from the beginning of Christianity for such ends and Purposes , endeavour their Confutation and Conviction ; let them I say with the Skill and Confidence of Men , and according to all rules of Method and Art , state the matters in difference between themselves and their Adversaries , confirm their own judgements with such Reasons and Arguments as they think pleadable in their behalf , and oppose the Opinions they condemn with testimonies and reasons suited to their Eversion . The course at present steered and engaged in , to carpe at phrases , expressions , manners of the Declaration of mens conceptions , collected from , or falsly fathered upon particular persons , thence intimated to be common to the whole party of Non-Conformists ( the greatest guilt of some whereof , it may be is only their too near approach to the expressions used in the Scripture to the same purpose , and the evidence of their being educed from thence ) is unmanly , unbecoming persons of any philosophick generosity , much more Christians and Ministers ; nay some of the things or sayings reflected on , and carped at by a late Author , are such , as those who have used or asserted them , dare modestly challenge him in their defence to make good his charge in a personal conference , provided it may be Scholastical , or Logical , not Dramatick or Romantick . And surely were it not for their Confidence in that Tame and Patient Humour , which this Author so tramples upon , p. 15. they could not but fear that some or other by these disingenuous proceedings might be provoked to a Recrimination , and to give in a Charge against the cursed Oaths , Debaucheries , Profaneness , various Immoralities , and sottish Ignorance , that are openly and notoriously known to have taken up their residence among some of those persons , whom the Railleries of this and some other Authors are designed to countenance and secure .

Because we may not concern our selves again in things of this nature , let us take an Instance or two of the manner of the dealing of our Author with Non-conformists , and those as to their Preaching and Praying , which of all things they are principally maligned about ; For their Preaching he thus sets it out , p. 75. Whoever among them can Invent any new Language presently sets up for a Man of new Discoveries , and he that lights upon the prettyest non-sense , is thought by the Ignorant Rabble to unfold new Gospel Mysteries , and thus is the Nation shattered into infinite factions with senseless and phantastick phrases ; and the most fatal miscarriage of them all lyes in abusing Scripture expressions , not only without , but in contradiction to their sense ; so that had we but an Act of Parliament to abridge Preachers the use of fulsome and luscious Metaphors , it might perhaps be an effectual cure of all our present Distempers . Let not the Reader smile at the Oddness of the proposal ; for were men obliged to speak sense as well as Truth , all the swelling mysteries of Phanaticism would then sink into flat and empty non-sense ; and they would be ashamed of such jejune and ridioulous stuff as their admired and most profound nations would appear to be . Certainly there are few who read these expressions that can retain themselves from smiling at the pittiful phantastick souls that are here characterized ; or from loathing their way of Preaching here represented . But yet if any should by a surprizal indulge themselves herein , and one should seriously enquire what it is that stirred those humours in them , it may be they could scarce return a rational account of their Commotions : For when they have done their utmost to countenance themselves in their scorn and derision , they have nothing but the bare Assertions of this Author for the proof of what is here charged on those whom they deride ; And how if these things are most of them , if not all of them absolutely false ? how if he be not able to prove any of them by any considerable avowed instance ? How if all the things intended whether they be so or no as here represented , depend meerly on the judgement and fancy of this Author , and it should prove in the issue that they are no such rules , measures , or standards of mens rational expressions of their Conceptions , but that they may be justly appealed from ? and how if sundry things so odiously here expressed , be proved to have been sober Truths declared in words of Wisdom and Sobriety ? What if the things condemned as fulsome Metaphors prove to be Scriptural expressions of Gospel Mysteries ? What if the principal Doctrines of the Gospel about the grace of God , the Mediation of Christ , of Faith , Justification , Gospel-obedience , Communion with God , and Union with Christ , are esteemed and stigmatized by some as swelling Mysteries of Fanaticism ; and the whole work of our Redemption by the blood of Christ as expressed in the Scripture , be deemed Metaphorical ? In brief , What if all this Discourse concerning the Preachings of Non-Conformists be , as unto the sense of the words here used , false , and the Crimes in them injuriously charged upon them ? What if the Metaphors they are charged with , are no other but their expression of Gospel Mysteries not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth , but which the Holy-Ghost teacheth , comparing spiritual things with Spiritual ? As these things may and will be made evident when particulars shall be instanced in . When I say these things are discovered and laid open , there will be a composure possibly of those affections and disdainful thoughts , which these swelling words may have moved in weak and unexperienced minds . It may be also it will appear that upon a due consideration , there will be little subject matter remaining to be Enacted in that Law or Act of Parliament which he moves for ; unless it be from that uncouth motion that men may be obliged to speak sense as well as truth ; seeing hitherto it hath been supposed that every Proposition that is either true or false , hath a proper and determinate sense ; and if sense it have not , it can be neither . I shall only crave leave to say , that as to the Doctrine which they Preach , and the manner of their Preaching , or the way of expressing those Doctrines or Truths which they believe and teach , the Non-Conformists appeal from the rash , false , and invidious charge of this Author , to the judgement of all learned , judicious and pious men in the world ; and are ready to defend them against himself , and whosoever he shall take to be his Patrons or his Associates , before any equal , competent , and impartial Tribunal under Heaven . It is far from me to undertake the absolute defence of any party of men , or of any man because he is of any party whatever ; much less shall I do so of all the individual persons of any party , and least of all , as to all their Expressions , private Opinions , and peculiar ways of declaring them , which too much abound among persons of all sorts . I know there is no party , but have weak men belonging to it ; nor any men amongst them but have their weaknesses , failings and mistakes . And if there are none such in the Churcb of England , I mean those that universally comply with all the Observances at present used therein , I am sure enough that there are so amongst all other parties that dissent from it . But such as these are not principally intended in these aspersio●s : nor would their Adversaries much rejoyce to have them known to be , and esteemed of all what they are . But it is others whom they aim to expose unto contempt ; and in the behalf of them , not the mistakes , misapprehensions , or undue expressions of any private persons , these things are pleaded .

But let us see , if their Prayers meet with any better entertainment ; an Account of his thoughts about them he gives us , p. 19. It is the most solemn strain of their devotion to vilifie themselves with large Confessions of the hainousest and most aggravated sins : They will freely acknowledge their Offences against all the Commands , and that with the foulest and most enhancing circumstances ; they can rake together , and confess their injustice , uncleanness and extortion , and all the Publican and Harlot sins in the world ; In brief , in all their Confessions , they stick not to charge themselves with such large Catalogues of sin , and to amass together such as heap of Impieties , as would make up the compleatest character of lewdness and villany ; and if their Consciences do really arraign them of all those crimes whereof they so familiarly indite themselves , there are no such guilty and unpardonable Wretches as they : So that their Confessions are either true or false ; if false , then they fool and trifle with the Almighty ; if true , then I could easily tell them the fittest place to say their prayers in .

I confess this passage at its first perusal surprized me with some amazement . It was unexpected to me , that he who designed all along to charge his Adversaries with Pharisaism , and to render them like unto them , should instance in their Confession of Sin in their prayers , when it is even a Characteristical note of the Pharisees , that in their prayers they made no confession of sin at all . But it was far more strange to me , that any man durst undertake the reproaching of poor sinners with the deepest acknowledgement of their sins before the holy God , that they are capable to conceive or utter . Is this , thought I , the Spirit of the men with whom the Non-Conformists do contend , and upon whose Instance alone they suffer ? Are these their Apprehensions concerning God , sin , themselves and others ? Is this the Spirit wherewith the Children of the Church are acted ? Are these things suited to the principles , Doctrines , practices of the Church of England ? Such reproaches and reflections indeed , might have been justly expected from those poor deluded souls , who dream themselves perfect and free from sin ; but to meet with such a Treaty from them who say or sing , O God the Father of Heaven , have mercy upon us miserable sinners , at least three times a Week , was some surprizal . However I am sure , the Non-Conformists need return no other answer to them who reproach them for vilifying themselves in their Confessions to God , but that of David to Michal , It is before the Lord , and we will yet be more vile than thus , and will be base in our own sight . Our Author makes no small stir with the pretended censures of some whom he opposes ; namely , that they should esteem themselves and their Party to be the Elect of God , all others to be reprobates , themselves and theirs to be godly , and all others ungodly ; wherein I am satisfied , that he unduely chargeth those whom he intends to reflect upon : However I am none of them ; I do not judge any Party to be All the Elect of God , or all the Elect of God to be confined unto any Party ; I judge no man living to be a Reprobate , though I doubt not but that there are living men in that condition ; I confine not holiness or godliness to any Party ; not to the Church of England , nor to any of those who dissent from it ; but am perswaded that in all Societies of Christians that are under Heaven that hold the head , there are some really fearing God , working righteousness , and accepted with him . But yet neither my own judgement , nor the Reflections of this Author , can restrain me from professing that I fear that he who can thus trample upon men , scoff at and deride them for the deepest Confessions of their sins before God , which they are capable of making , is scarce either well acquainted with the holiness of God , the evil of sin , or the deceitfulness of his own heart , or did not in his so doing , take them into sufficient consideration . The Church of England it self requires its Children to acknowledge their manifold sins and wickednesses , which from time to time they have grievously committed by thought , word and deed , against the Divine Majesty ; and what in general , others can confess more , I know not . If men that are through the light of Gods Spirit and Grace , brought to an acquaintance with the deceitful workings of sin in their own hearts , and the hearts of others , considering aright the terror of the Lord , and the manifold aggravations wherewith all their sins are attended , do more particularly express these things before , and to the Lord , when indeed nor they , nor any other can declare the thousandth part of the vileness and unworthiness of sin and sinners on the account thereof , shall they be now despised for it , and judged to be men meet to be hanged ? If this Author had but seriously perused the Confessions of Austin , and considered how he traces his sin from his nature in the womb , through the Cradle , into the whole course of his life , with his marvellous and truly ingenious acknowledgements and aggravations of it , perhaps the Reverence of so great a name might have caused him to suspend this rash , and I fear , impious Discourse .

For the particular instances wherewith he would countenance his Sentiments and Censures in this Matter , there is no difficulty in their removal . Our Lord Jesus Christ hath taught us , to call the most secret workings of sin in the heart , though resisted , though controlled , and never suffered to bring forth , by the names of those sins which they lye in a tendency unto ; and men in their Confessions respect more the pravity of their natures , and the inward working and actings of sin , than the outward perpetrations of it , wherein perhaps they may have little concernment in the world ; as Job who pleaded his uprightness , integrity , and righteousness against the charge of all his friends , yet when he came to deal with God , he could take that prospect of his Nature and heart , as to vilifie himself before him , yea to abhor himself in dust and ashes .

Again , Ministers who are the Mouths of the Congregation to God , may , and ought to acknowledge , not only the sins whereof themselves are personally guilty , but those also which they judge may be upon any of the Congregation . This assuming of the persons of them to whom they speak , or in whose name they speak , is usual even to the Sacred Writers themselves . So speaks the Apostle Peter , 1 Epist. 4. 3. For the time past of our lives may suffice us , to have wrought the will of the Gentiles , when we walked in lasciviousness , lusts , excess of wine , revellings , banquetings and abominable idolatries . He puts himself amongst them , although the time past of his life in particular was remote enough from being spent in the manner there described : And so it may be with Ministers when they confess the sins of the whole Congregation . And the Dilemma of this Author about the truth or falshood of these Confessions , will fall as heavy on St. Paul as on any Non-Conformist in the world . For besides the acknowledgement that he makes of the former sins of his life when he was injurious , a Blasphemer , and Persecutor , ( which sins I pray God deliver others from ) and the secret working of in-dwelling sin , which he cryes out in his present condition to be freed from ; he also when an Apostle professeth himself the chiefest of sinners ; Now this was either true , or it was not ; if it was not true , God was mocked ; if it were , our Author could have directed him to the fittest place to have made his acknowledgements in . What thinks he of the Confessions of Ezra , of Daniel and others in the name of the whole people of God ? Of David concerning himself , whose self-abasements before the Lord , acknowledgements of the guilt of sin in all its Aggravations and Effects , far exceed any thing that Non-Conformists are able to express .