A Letter Unto His Parishioners of Ancrum, 1671
James Dodson
A
LETTER
Written by that Famous and Faithfull
Minister of CHRIST;
Mr. JOHN LIVINGSTON
Unto his Parishioners of Ancrum;
IN
SCOTLAND.
Dated, Rotterdam, October 7. 1671.
The Second Edition. To which are Affix’d Notes by Mr. Robert M‘Ward, and some by another hand, very Suitable.
Hosea 5. 1, 2. Hear ye this, O Priests, and hearken, ye House of Israel, and give ye Ear, O house of the King; for Judgement is towards you, because ye have been a Snare on Mizpah, and a Net spread upon Tabor. Ver. 2. The Revolters are profound to make Slaughter.
Isaiah 9. 16. For the Leaders of this People cause them to err, and they that are led of them are destroyed. Chap. 3. 12. As for my People, children are their oppressors, and Women rule over them: O my People, they which lead thee, cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
Hosea 4. 6. My People are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no Priest to Me.
Rom. 16. 17. Now I beseech you, Brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 Thes. 3. 6. Now, we command you Brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw your selves from every Brother that walketh disorderly; and not after the tradition which he received of us.
1 Cor. 5. 11. But now I have written unto you, not to keep company; if any Man that is called a Brother, be a Fornicator, or Covetous, or an Idolater, or a Railer, or a Drunkard, or an Extortioner, with such a one, no not to eat.
2 Cor. 6. 17. Wherefore come out among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Zech. 11. 4, 5. Thus saith the Lord my God, feed the Flock of the Slaughter, whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty; and they that sell them, say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their own Shepherds pity them not.
Re-Printed in the Year M D C C X.
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Mr. John Livingston’s Letter to his Parishioners of Ancrum.
Well Beloved in the Lord.
I Cannot Excuse my long Silence. I have a woeful lazy Disposition, and Indisposition for Writing; Yea, I judge any thing I write, is scarce worthy that any should look on, or read; besides that, my slow and shaking Hand is some hinderance to me. Yet when I consider, that I have an Account to make for You to the Great Shepherd, as having Laboured amongst You in the Ministry of His Word, some Fourteen Years; and now after near by Nine Years Banishment, Age and Infirmities creep on, and through a constant Pain of the Gravel, I have much ado, once a Week, on the LORD’s Day, to go a very short way to the Publick Worship: so as there is no great probability, I can ever see Your Faces in this Life; and it is most fitting for me, to set my Face forward toward my last Reckoning. I thought it behooved, in a manner, to make unto You my Testaments, and open my Mind concerning my self, concerning You, and concerning the present Posture of Affairs in that Land.
And in the Entry, notwithstanding of all the Sad Things that have fallen out of late, I would put You in mind of the many Good Days we have seen together, both of Sabbath Days, and Solemn Communion Days, wherein we saw the LORD’s Power and His Grace in His Sanctuary; that in remembrance thereof, we may exalt His Name together; and know, that though He cause Grief, yet He will have Compassion, according to the Multitude of His Mercies. Ye may easily discern what a Difference is between those Days, and such as Ye now see: and what an Evil and Bitter thing it is, that by our not improving of those Days, we have provoked Him to hide His Face, and send such an Inundation of matchless Apostacy, Perjury, Persecution, Profanity, Atheism; yea, Darkness, Distractions, and Despondency amongst His own; in all which we may yet expect He is waiting to be Gracious, and will be exalted that he may have mercy upon us.
I. For my part, I have peace in regard of these particulars. 1. That not only since my entry into the Ministry, but even from my Infancy, the Lord was pleased to lead me to an aversion from Prelacy, a stinted Liturgy, the Ceremonies and other Corruptions of that time; and that in my Ministry, both in Ireland and Scotland, I joined with those, who were straight in the Cause of God, and testified against these evils, * that I joined in the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, and other parts of the works of Reformation that was
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* If he had Peace in this, what is the Peace of those who have declined it? It cannot both be from the Spirit of GOD: And if GOD approved of the Prosecution of it, can He approve of the Subversion of it, which the Union is. If this would have been a Door of Hope; then sure the faint Testimonies of all the Ministers and Church Judicatures, to that which is Subversive of it, doth shut all Door of Hope, as much as in them lies.
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carried on in the Year 1638, and thereafter, as being assured that the Lord did then, does yet, and will ever approve of that work and the prosecution thereof. 2. That I came to Ancrum, not out of any Worldly end, but from a desire to do service to God, and to the Souls of his People; and had thereto the Lord’s call by your Invitation, and the consent and sending of the rightly constituted Church, that then was, both the General Assembly and Presbytery. 3. That in my Ministry among you, howbeit I came much short of attaining my resolution and aim was only to set the Glory of God and good of your Souls before mine eyes, and that it pleased Him to bless my poor weak endeavours, as that sundry Seals of the Ministry of His Word were visibly seen, some whereof are already in Glory, and some are wrestling thither. 4. That when I appeared before the Council, at what time I was Sentenced with Banishment, for refusing to swear the Oath, as they called it, of Allegiance, and which was indeed the Oath of Supremacy, and did really contain such a Supremacy, as is since fully established; that then I did not, as was propounded by them, take time to advise of mine Answer, which I judged could import my unclearness in the matter; and that it was not so much out of respect to me, as for that very end propounded; but told plainly, I was fully clear, and resolved not to take it. For these and many such singular Passages of the Lord’s gracious guiding me in my Pilgrimage, I desire from my heart to bless his Glorious Name, and would beg help of all his People to join with me therein. But, 2. I have challenges beside many others in respect of these particulars, That all along in my Ministry, I did not stir up or improve the Gift that the Lord had given me, nor so carry my self like a Spiritual, Grave, Diligent and Faithful Servant of Christ, as I ought to have done. 2. That in my Ministry among you, I was not more frequent in visiting Families, and dealing with Persons in particular, to bring them to, and keep them in the ways of God. 3. That when the late grievous Defection began in the Year 1661, and 1662, (a) I did not stir up my self and others, whatsoever hazard might have ensued, to appear by Supplications and Publick Testimonies, in avowing the Covenant and Work of Reformation, Which if it had been done by Church Judicatories, or but singly by Ministers and Professors, in the due Season, according to our Engagements might both have Glorified God, been a Door of Hope for the Posterity, procured more Peace to our own Consciences, yea possibly stopped much of the Defection and Suffering that hath since ensued. 4. When I appeared before the Council, I did not take occasion humbly, yet plainly to remonstrate the guilt of those things, which were publickly Enacted and done against the Prerogative Royal of Jesus Christ, and against his Church and People, and to give warning of the Wrath to come on them and the Land, without Repentance; but did content my self with answering what was propounded to me. For these and such other Neglects and Miscarriages in my Life, I would desire to go mourning to the Grave, and would entreat for help from you
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(a) Here the LORD led His Servant to let us understand, what he meant by the Testimony he would have given, at the taking of the Indulgence; to the Indelible shame of the Impudent Remarker upon Mr. B’s. Letter.
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you, and others of the Lord’s People, to seek from himself Pardon, and purifying of both private and publick, both sins of Person and Calling.
II. (b) As for you, I may reckon you all in three Ranks: The first Rank, and I fear the greater number, is of those who, although, in general, professors of Christianity, yet, so far as could be observed, never laid Religion to heart; and some of these for gross Ignorance and looseness, were always Debarred from the Lords Supper; others although having some Knowledge and a civil walk, yet upon good grounds were always suspected to be void of the Love and Fear of GOD, continuing in their Natural unrenewed condition, neglecting the Worship of GOD in their Families and alone, and shewing by all their Carriage that their thoughts and desires never went beyond this World. These, no doubt, are glad of the change now com’d, that they may cast off Christs yoke, and be free of the Word and Discipline, which terrified and tormented them, and may now both swear terrible Oaths, and drink Drunk, which by some will be expounded as a clear evidence of their Loyalty; they may now, after the Example of many Great Ones, walk in the lusts of uncleanness, mind nothing but how, by any means, just or unjust, to get the World, and then how to spend it on their lusts; and to their power persecute all, who will not run with them to the same excess of Riot. Now as I have often in publick, with as great earnestness and tenderness as I could, warned these to flee from the wrath to come; so I would yet desire them, to stand still a little before they go to the pit, and hear from a truly loving Friend a few words, which I am confident, in the day of the great Reckoning shall be found a Message from the Living GOD. Do you believe there is a GOD, or Heaven or Hell? or can ye with all your strength scrape the thoughts of these out of your sleeping Consciences? Or do ye in such sort hate GOD, that because ye are his Creatures, ye will so far be avenged on your selves, as to sell your selves to his Enemy the Devil, for nought, to be tormented in all eternity? I am most sure, none of you all can be sure that ye are Reprobates; and I can give you assurance, greater than the stability of Heaven and Earth, even the sworn Word of him that liveth and reigneth for ever, that if ye will forsake your wicked way, and yet betake your selves to the only Saviour of lost Sinners, ye are no Reprobates. O! what advantage have ye, when ye have gained all the World, and all the Pleasures, all the Riches, and all the favour of it, and have lost your Immortal and precious Souls? It is utterly impossible, but that sometimes your own heart tells you, there will be bitterness in the end. Doth not Whoredom and Drunkenness waste the body, take away the Judgment, and leave a sting in the Conscience? Can any avoid the Curse, that goods gotten by falsehood or oppression bring upon the man and all he hath, yea on his Posterity? Is it not sad that Satan can prompt men to Swear, Curse and Blaspheme, and utter that which he dare not utter himself? And although ye were free of all outward Out-breakings, doth not an unrenewed estate, the neglect of commanded Duties, Sabbath-breaking, and such evils, bind you over to the Wrath of Him, who is coming
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(b) Let all Ministers hence learn, how to deal with unconverted Souls; for he taught his Bosom Disciples, the Art of Fishing and Catching Men.
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there in flaming fire to take vengeance on them, who know not GOD, and obey not the Gospel? Ye may possibly think, you are so far gone on, that there is no Retreat, and the ways of the Lord are such as your Disposition can never agree with; but how can your Disposition agree to burn and consume and never consume in everlasting flames, where each of all your sins shall have their own particular Torment? How can ye agree to dwell with Infernal furies? Or will ye add to all your other wickedness, Despair, and despising of all the Lords loving loud and long continued Invitations? What shall you answer, if hereafter the Lord shall say to some of you, I would have given thee both Grace and Glory, if thou hadst but sought it; thou wouldest not give once two or three Knocks at my Door, you would not open when I knocked, oft and long at thy Door; by so doing you have subscribed thine own Reprobation and Condemnation.
O let me obtain this much of all and every one of you, for all the pains I have taken among you in preaching, for all my Nine years Banishment from you, for all the Prayers I have put up for you, for all the love which he who knoweth all things knoweth I bear to you, yea let your own Souls, and the love you have to your own welfare here, and hereafter obtain it; or rather let him, who for sinners shed all his most precious Blood at Jerusalem, obtain this of you, that you will take one day each of you alone, from morn to evening, forbearing both Meat and drink, and go apart rather into some quiet room in an House, or unto some part of the fields, where you may be most quiet, and having before-hand marked in the Bible such Places as are fit to be read at such a time; as also having somewhat searched your way toward God, and his ways toward you, there set your selves in his sight, spending the time in Confession of sins, and prayer for Pardon and Grace to serve him, and Save your own Souls; and if (which is not readily to be supposed) ye get no access on such a day, yet continue thereafter in such exercise and suits; for Deliverance from Hell, Enjoying of Heaven, and the Favour of God, are worth more pains then ye can take all our Life. Now if this so easy and necessary advice shall be rejected, without prescribing time and place, or measure and manner, but if the main intent of taking some time to humble your selves before God, and turning unto him be rejected, I take instruments, before Sun and Moon and all the Creatures, that I have left this warning, as an Indorsed Summons fixed on the Door of your Consciences, to be called and judged before him, who is ready to judge the Quick and the Dead, at his appearing and in his Glory; when beside the witnessing of all your sins, of your own Consciences, and of all the Creatures, I also, as your lawful Minister, sent to procure your Reconciliation with God, shall appear to witness that ye got fair warning, but did reject the same, and would needs choose Death. Therefore while it is called to day, take a trial of Christs Yoke, do put him to it, and see whether or not he will open the windows of Heaven, and Rain Blessings and Righteousness upon you; come and see, and taste the goodness of the Lord: Ye shall be made to say, He is a Rich and loving Master; once engage your hearts to him, and ye may defy Satan, & all the allurements and Terrors of the World to draw you from him. Glad would my heart be to hear, before I go to the Grave, that some of you have begun a new Course, and
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ye begin indeed, ye will not get it supprest, it will be heard: I shall as I can, pray for it, and desire others here to pray for it. It is not needful to multiply words, I leave it with you, as ye shall answer to Jesus Christ, when he shall come in the Clouds.
The Second Rank is of those, (c) who either had true Grace or seemed to have it, and who went a length beyond others in an orderly walk, and following the Ordinances at home and abroad; * but since the late change have either turned loose and profane, or so far sided with the Corruptions of the time, that not one foot print of their former steadfastness and tenderness doth appear, but they are justly reckoned among those who will obey whatsoever is Commanded by man, although directly opposite to the will of God, revealed in his Word, and to their own lawfully Sworn Engagements, These without Repentance and Amendment, are in a large worse condition, than those of the first Rank; for their Practice proclaimeth that once they betook themselves to Jesus Christ and his ways, and had some love and respect for him; but now they repent, that ever they did so, for they have seen something in him, for which they judge he is not worthy that they should either do or suffer any thing for him. I am much assured, that Satan hath got such entrance in some of those, who once had a Profession and now are declined, that they shall not again be renewed unto Repentance, but shall wax worse and worse, having their Consciences seared with an hot iron. Oh that my fears may be prevented! But I have good confidence that some, who have gone a great length in this course of Apostacy, shall yet, before they go off the World, glorify God, by a free and full Confession of their foul fall. Yea, I trust that sundry of them want not a gnawing sting even all along, but fear of shame before the World, and fear of worldly loss (and Oh, how small a thing of the World have any of these to have preferred to Blessed Jesus Christ!) these hinder hitherto their coming off their dangerous way. Let all, who have declined, and who have not willingly and willfully chosen to remain in opposition to God, and his righteous ways, and his Afflicted People, let them but compare their present state with what it was before, and Answer within their own heart to God, which of the two they allow as best? Ye had encouragement beyond many others, in that the Lord enabled three or four of that Congregation, and these but young, cheerfully to endure Scourging and Banishment, rather than depart from their former Principles and Practice; and most of these are now in a better outward condition, than before, these shall be witnesses against you, if ye do not in time betake your selves avowedly to your former Profession. I have yet by me the Subscriptions to the Covenant of all the Men, that were of the Congregation. Not only that Paper; but the hands of all both Men and Women, which, in Swearing the Covenant, after Reading the Solemn Acknowledgement of Sins and Engagement to Duties, * were lifted up to God; these hands, because they will endure for ever, shall be everlasting Witnesses
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(c) Secondly, How to deal with Backsliders.
(*) But who shall reclaim Backsliders now, when their Ministers are Ringleaders in Backsliding, without so much as professing Repentance?
(*) Observe how the Covenants are taken, and by whom.
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witnesses either for you, or against you. Ye got warning that such trials would come, as have since ensued, and seemed to be Fortified against them. Remember the Speech I had to you, the Munday after the last Communion, wherein, Presaging what will shortly follow, in a manner bid you farewell; ye seemed then to be somewhat Moved, and to Resolve on all Hazard to abide by the Cause of God; ye seemed to run well, who or what hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? it may be there are few or none in all the Land, whom all Points have kept their Covenant to God, but have Neglected some opportunities of their duty, and the good Lord will pardon such, as see the Plague of their own Heart, and turn to him; but to join in the course of Defection with those, who have abjured that Covenant, to countenance an intruded Hireling, and join with him in that which they call Worship; yea, to sit and drink with him, who was lawfully and deservedly Excommunicated by the Church of Scotland, to keep Holy Days appointed by Men, to withdraw from the fellowship and meetings of those, who in some degree continue in their Integrity, * These are such gross and direct Violations of the Oath of God, as can proceed from nothing but a fearful deserting from God; from a preferring the Will of Man, to the Will of the Living God, and preferring the Ease and Petty Pelf of the World, to the Salvation of your immortal Souls. I am fully sure, ye dare not say before the Lord, that although all fear of inconvenience from Man were quite taken away, yet Conscience of obeying the will of God would make you do, as now ye do. If ye were sure within Ten days by death to turn your back on all, would you not think it fitting, that both God and the World saw a change on you, from your present way? And you have no assurance of one day. Think often on Christ’s Word, that who deny him before Men, He will deny them before his Father. It is impossible, it is utterly impossible to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ, or an Heir of Glory, without a Resolution to quite all, even Life it self for his sake, when called to it. I am much afraid, when the Conscience of some of you shall waken, that ye shall hardly be keeped from some degrees of despair. Come off, come off in time; be not afraid or ashamed to Witness against your selves, and the wicked course of the time; give Glory to God, get Peace to your own Consciences, strengthen the hands, and make glad the Hearts of those that are seeking God; if ye know not, but if ye delay, your wakening may come after the Door is shut, and that then shall be no time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. As for the Poor Wretch, that is thrust in upon you; do not hate him, do not injure him, rather pray for him, and use means if it be possible, that he may recover, but do not countenance or join with him; if ye may easily be sensible, he is not a Messenger from the Lord, for your Spiritual good, but a Snare and hardener of You in unwarranted ways. I may by good ground from the Word of GOD affirm, that unless a gracious change be wrought, both he and all that follow him, shall perish Eternally. Now the Lord himself, who only can do it, open your
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* Observe and compare with these whom the Church justly Deposed, to wit, all who Declined the Reformation, and carried on contrary Courses which all the Ministers is [are] doing this Day.
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your eyes, to see the danger of your way, urge and enable you to take some time to Mourn before him in secret, and openly to testify, as occasion offers, before good and evil, that ye are returned to your former Profession; then shall none of all your Transgressions be mentioned unto you.
The Third Rank (d.) is the little handful of those, who in such an evil time have laboured to keep their Garments clean, to whom it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer, or at least expose themselves to suffering for his sake. Ye have great cause to bless the Lord, and I and many others will join with you, to bless his holy Name, that howbeit ye have but a little strength, ye desire to keep his Word, and not deny his Name; Ye have found and will find yet more, that Christ will not be behind with you, nor sleep in your Debt. I trust your consolations abound, far beyond your fears or danger of sufferings, Your hundred fold is going to the fore for you and yours, in the Bank of Heaven, when more than an hundred is the interest for one. Christ was once owned as King of his Church, in that Land, that in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government, his Laws in his Word should be the only Rule; and hereunto all from the highest to the lowest had by Oath engaged themselves; now abjured Prelacy is brought in, Christs faithful Servants cast out, Hirelings thrust in his House, the whole disposing of Church Matters, (e) Persons and Meetings by the Act of Supremacy, referred to the sole Arbitriment of a Mortal Creature; and Persecution bended against all, who go not along in that Apostacy and Perjury; and is not then suffering stated on as important a Quarrel, as ever was since the foundation of the World? The smallest point of Christ’s Prerogative royal, is not only worth the sufferings but worth more than the Eternal Salvation of all the Elect. (f) Be not afraid but he, who sits crowned King on Mount Zion knows well how to right himself; Not only a touch of the Iron rod in his Hand, or the Sword that cometh out of his Mouth, but a frown, or wink of his Eye, can dash in pieces all the Potsherds of the Earth. He shall appear to your Joy, and they shall be ashamed; this cloud of Opposition to his work will be scattered, as many others have been before. He is only taking a Trial, what will be every Mans part; and not only the Malice of Enemies, but the weakness of some of his own will be discovered. (g) He will suffer the Opposers of his work to expose themselves a little, as if they had done their Work, and rooted out both Truth and Godliness: And he will have his own brought to a Necessity both of more Vigorous Faith depending cleanly and close on himself and his Word, and more deep Humiliation, serious Repentance and Amendment. (h) But he hath his set time, when he will awake as a mighty Man; And I hope, Build his Palace in this Land, with the addition of more Glory, than ever was before. As
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(d.) Thirdly How to strengthen Wrestlers and the Weak.
(e) Let Ministers take heed to this.
(f) Let such as talk as if Arguments taken from Homologation; were dubious, listen to this Golden Sentence.
(g) His hope of a Recovery, and when, and how.
(h) Its sweet and seasonable advice to Wrestlers.
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As for you, I would Advertise you of two or three things. 1. It is not enough to be steadfast in the present controversy, ye must study to be Holy in all manner of Conversation, and shine as lights, blameless and harmless, the Sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation: an Idol entertained in the Heart, or a blemish in the Life, will make a fearful discovery of unsoundness in the end: Let the Love and fear of God be made evident to all on-lookers, in all your carriage, so shall ye go near to convince even Adversaries of the Reality of your Religion. 2. Consider this Battle is not at an end, ye have not resisted unto Blood, ye know not what Trials may abide you, keep on your Armour, strengthen your Resolution to deny your selves and all ye have, for his sake; dwell near to and be always in good terms with the Captain of Salvation, and be not afraid but ye shall be furnished abundantly what to say, what to do, and how to endure. 3. (i) “If the Lord, for such fearful Apostacy and Breach of Covenant, shall besides the dreadful Spiritual Judgments already poured out, send any common Calamity in that Land, as Sword, Pest or Famine, I would Pray and hope, that ye may be hid: But if any of these strokes shall reach any of you, do not grudge, your sins might procure more; it is much if ye get your Souls for a prey.” 4. (k) Keep up your Meetings for Prayer and mutual upstirring, cry mightily to God, each of you apart, so shall not your Meeting be flat or formal, a few wrestlers may help to keep God in the Land, he is not willing to depart, if any will but hold him. Seek Repentance to the Land and your selves, stability to those that stand, recovery to such as have slidden or fallen: Let me have some little share in your Prayers, that I may finish my course with Joy, and still bring forth fruit in Old Age. Seek from the Lord right Zeal, Wisdom and Tenderness, to deal with any of your Neighbours, that ever appeared for him, and now have declined: If ye prevail with any of them, admit them to your Meetings. Even the Lord give you understanding in all things.
III. Now as concerning the Condition of the Church, and Work of GOD in that Land, ye remember, that although I shunned not, according to my poor measure, and as occasion offered, and necessity required, to shew my mind of publick Matters, Dangers and Duties of the time; yet I used not to insist very much in such things, as not being much inclined or able for Disputing; and having found by frequent Experience: That so soon as any were gained to close indeed with Christ, (l) and lay Religion to heart in earnest these gene-
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(i) His sore apprehensions of future and sad Judgements.
(k) Here let such Ministers as are against, or cold Friends to this Exercise, know, that they are Men of a different Soil from this great Soul-catcher, and alas! I fear so shall be seen on it; for it was also the Observation of great and gracious Mr. Rutherfoord, that he never knew a Man against these Edifying Exercises that did good in the Ministry.
(*) Surely this is not to contradict Isa. 58. 1. Shew my People their Transgression and the House of Jacob their Sin.
(l) This is a Noble Direction for Ministers.
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rally out of a Native principle became presently found in the controversies of the time. And in the present case, several things would seem rather to persuade silence, because indeed our present Condition ought rather to be matter of Lamentation and mourning before the Lord, day and Night alone, and in Company, than matter of Discourse amongst our selves, and because its very hard to use freedom, and not displease some, whom a Man would be very unwilling to offend; and because of all Men living, I have least reason to think, that I would offer my light as a rule to any other Mans light. But when I consider that as one (although most unworthy, yet) entrusted by Jesus Christ, as an Ambassador from him to his people, I am shortly to give account before him of my Negotiation, (m) I cannot decline what light, I judge, I have from him out of his Word, anent present affairs, to open the same to you, as in his sight, in as great simplicity and ingenuity, as I can.
And First, I need not insist to declare, that notwithstanding of all that hath fallen out of late, and all the Objections against the Work of Reformation, all which were both propounded and answered above 30 years ago, that yet both I and all that Land, and the Posterity after us stand bound before the Lord, to adhere to the National Covenant, the Solemn League and Covenant, and all the parts and degrees of Reformation and Uniformity, which we had attained. Neither will I conceal, that howbeit thereafter, I withdrew from the meetings of the Protesters, when I perceived the matter like to tend to a stated Schism; that yet after as narrow search, as I could make, I have no Challenges, but rather Approbation, that in the beginning I joined in the Protestation, against the Courses taken in the year 1651, and thereafter, for bringing in the Malignant Enemies of the Work of God, to Counsels and Command. I am not willing to rake in such ashes (Oh if the fire were extinguished and forgotten!) and I know that some good Men, in a zeal of great Darkness and distress, did what they conceived for the time duty; (n) yet when I consider our former Engagements to the contrary, and that the Principles & Motives of these courses would necessarily recoil against former endeavours of purging the Army, and against the Opposition made to the unlawful Engagement in the year 1648, Yea against the Solemn League and Covenant; and by consequence against the late work of Reformation, yea against the first Reformation from Popery: and that the bulk of the dissatisfied Ministers of the Land, some whereof, although born down, might have been observed in every General Assembly, even from the year 1638, that these did natively join to make up the party, I judge these courses to have been no small step of the defection of the Church, and could have wished indeed, that more Moderation, and more real endeavours for
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(m) Least any should abuse the Gracious Author his Sobriety how he is led of the Lord, to Limit and Explain his things relating to the present Controversies.
(n) Hence First, The Obligation of those is to be inculcate, else a Ministry is not faithful to Christ. 2dly. Consider his owning of the Protestation, and the Solidity of the ground of his Adhesion.
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Union in the Lord, had been used on both sides; but I was also convinced, that the late sad change was in some respect seasonably sent from the Lord (o) that Faithful Ministers and Professors should rather suffer by the Prelates, and such as by overturning the Work of God, brought them in, than by Judicatories of the Church, which in all appearance would shortly have followed; yea, in some places was already begun. (a) And it is most sad, that when time hath brought to light the necessary consequences of these courses, yet few or none of these have Testified any Resentment thereof. Beside clear Demonstrations of the Efficacy of the Gospel, in converting and confirming sinners, which hath been as conspicuous in the Church of Scotland, as in any of the Reformed Churches, the Lord was pleased from the beginning to put in the hand of his Servants, in that Land, a piece of Service, not so directly called for at the hands of some others of the Churches (b) to wit, as Christ’s Prophetical and Priestly Office had been debated, suffered for and cleared; so they should stand and contend for his Kingly Office that he is not only inwardly a Spiritual Head to his Mystical Church; but externally & Spiritual Politick Head to the Politick Body of the Visible Church of Professors, and their only Law-giver; to invest them with intrinsick power to meet for his Worship, and their Officers appointed by him, to meet for Discipline, and ordering the Affairs of his House; that no Ceremony or Invention of Man, that want his stamp, is to be brought into his Worship; no Officer to be brought into his House, but such as he hath appointed in his Word; and although his Servants, and people are to carry towards Gods Ordinance of Magistracy, where they live, as any other Subjects, and to deny them no respect or Obedience, due to them; yet in their Meetings and Administrations they are not Subordinate unto, or Dependent on any Civil power. These and such others were the points asserted and suffered for by the renowned worthies of this Church, by Mr. Knox, Mr. Welsh, Mr. Bruce and many others, who now shine in glory. And although there have been in former time several sad days of defection of Ministers, as in the year 1584. and at other times,
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(o) See how above he explains himself, and on whom the blame is laid, and at whose Door by the following words it is lodged.
(a) Let this be taken Special Notice of as to the Causes of Wraths, and the after of this gracious Author of his Brethren’s carriage, while the other carried it so high as it was like to make a Schism.
(b) And here I cannot forbear to tell one Story of this gracious Author, who upon the Clamour that Resolutioners made about Schism against the Protesters, If fair be the old Castle should fall all along to a corner, and the fallen Rubbish should rail against a Corner that stood, and cry come, come, why standest thou? Yea, and if not, we shall Protest, ye have made a Schism against us.
2dly. See how this gracious Man states for having the better access to charge home the Defection.
3dly. Let this Golden Sentence put the Indulged to read, that they may be put to shame and silence.
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times, (d) yet because there never was such a black hour and power of darkness, as is now fallen upon us. I shall in the second place touch some particulars, for which I judge you, and I, and many others have reason not bitterly to mourn before the Lord. 1. That in the beginning of this grievous defection, Such a base cowardise fell generally on all, that not one Testimony from any Church Judicatory in Scotland, was given to the cause of God, and against the horrid violation of a sworn Covenant; yea some as industriously stopped Testimonies, as if they had been hired so to do; some whereof pretending, it was not a fit time, when a most fit time came, and being urged thereto by Authority, yet declined it. * It was first and last the guilt of those, who had the conviction on them, to neglect the duty for want of the concurrence of others. True Zeal for the honour of our Master, or remembrance of our reckoning before him, would have stirred us up to another sort of Boldness. We would not have been so blunt in our own concernment, the sight of the Father’s Danger brake the Tack of a Son’s Tongue, who was Tongue-tack’d from the Birth. (e) The LORD indeed provided a Real Testimony from some, who had and have yet of their Bones witnessing before the Sun: But oh! that the truth and Adventure [for] His Glory, for our own Peace, for the Good of Posterity; yea for the true Good and Edifying even of our Opposites: We ought not only to be deeply humbled, and deal much and long for Pardon for such an Omission; but earnestly seek Grace and Strength to take hold of any Opportunity for Repairing such a Loss. 2. That some of those Ministers, who were laid aside by Authority, did in a manner lay themselves aside, as if they had been Exonered of all Charge; whereas such as have any Liberty of a Subject, and Feet and Tongue loose, ought rather to be instant in Season and out of Season, and from House to House instruct and warn Young and Old, both of Former Charge, and every where, as Occasion offers. It
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(d) 4thly. See how he puts this Defection for kind and quality beyond all that have been in the Church, and hence strongly infers what follows, First, the grievous guilt and gross Defection, of not testifying against the Defections. 2dly. See how plainly he charges the stoppers of Testimonies against that Wickedness, this will make their stink and their ill savour come up to all Generations. 3dly. Here is the guilt of such who were so fouled in that unfaithfulness, because of the want of their Company (who were never seen afterwards in Christ’s Company by way of a Testimony) laid to their Door and Lamented, and with what unanswerable Arguments he lays it upon, and leaves it at the Door of every Mans Conscience.
* What may be said of those who have complied with that and all these courses come since.
(e) But especially let the Remarker on Mr. Burnet’s Letter Read and blush at his Babbling on the head of Testimonies, but I suppose he will read and rage, and will have those whom he Patronizeth to keep him Company always, let him and them remember, they are gone out from one who walked with GOD (Mr. Livingston.) 3dly See what he calls to, 1st. Humiliation. 2dly. A strenuous endeavour to recover the ground we have lost. But alas! We neither mind to fall on our Knees before GOD, nor yet to stand on our feet before the Enemy by Duty in Preaching.
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It is true, none are now Apostles, but Ministers have the same Charge, that Apostles had, to feed the Flock of Christ *; and are given primarily not to any particular Charge, but to the Universal Visible Church. Few of the Apostles, or Apostolick Men, had either such Churches and Pulpits to preach in, or a Settled maintenance. Love to Christ and Love to the Souls of the People, that are perishing in Ignorance and Disobedience, would banish the Love of ease, and the fear of danger, and the Idol of Carnal prudence. That however a man for maintenance of himself, and his family, might practice medicine, or labour Land, or betake himself to any other employment; yet he is to remember the Ministry is his main employment, and that at his admission he engaged before God to be diligent and faithful therein. Some have preached out of prison windows; some have converted their keepers: It were to be wished, that a Minister in all places, in all company, at all times were about somewhat of his Masters work; so shall he hear at last, well done good and faithful Servant. * Let us deal with the Lord, that he will deal with the hearts of all his Servants, and thrust them out into his harvest: as I hope some who seemed to be somewhat deficient in that duty, are already begun to bestir themselves; and others, upon sight of the courses of the time, and the Peoples necessity and willingness to hear, will do yet more abundantly. (f) 3. That after the Destroyers of the Lords Heritage, had Razed the work of Reformation to the Foundation, and had not only invaded the Rights that he hath allowed his Servants, in the Government of his House, but as far as Creatures can do, Usurped his own Prerogative Royal; and not at all hiding the snare, but by the Letter to the Council, and the Councils Act opening the design, to have the Ministry of the word wholly dependent on the Civil Power and Supremacy; that yet some Ministers accepted that, which they called an Indulgence to their Ministry, without any publick testimony, either of their adherence to the Oath of God and work of Reformation, or against these Usurpations. Oh! for a head turned into waters, and eyes a fountain of tears, to deplore day and night such an
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* This Answers the Objections against Field Preaching and Ministers Preaching through the Country, or where the Interest of Christ, and necessity of his People requires.
* But what’s to be said to such as opposed them and yet doeth, who went out to work in the LORD’S Vineyard.
(f) Here is that faithful Mans testimony against the indulgence, before that its Brightness, Beauty and Burning Zeal may not be seen, the Remarker on Mr. Burnet’s Letter draws a Curtain, which will be a sad mark on him to Posterity. Is his Desertion under his own hand. Now let what he means by a Testimony here, be compared with what is noted Page 2d. and the folly, Falsehood, and Impudence of the Remarker, will be remarkable. What did not Mr. Livingston see, that wretched Whum-wham, substitute in place of a Testimony: His teasing it up to the consistency of a testimony, discovers this only, that the Plague sore is got into his own Eyes, and that it will be a Plague to all that follows the light of his ignis fatuus.
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an indignity done to the Son of God, without a Witness; and such shame cast upon the Church of Scotland. Our Fathers for far less matters contested with the Powers of the Earth, that the truth of the Gospel might continue with us; and do we think that our Lord and Master is not able to maintain his own cause? I have great charity for most of the men, who I suppose may have a sting in the bosom, for neglect of the opportunity. A Peter and a Barnabas may be carried away at a time to and by a dissimulation; (f) the credit of the Ministry ought to be dear to us, but the credit of our Master and His interests ought to be dearer than all things else. The Ministry of the Gospel is indeed a great benefit, but nothing hinders why the Ministry of the Gospel might (g) not have been had, and not yet be had without a Pulpit and a Stipend; It is an ill made bargain, where the one party gets clear gain, the Keys of Christs house in a manner delivered up to them; and the other is uncertain if God will bless a Ministry purchased at such a rate. (h) Many Ministers have had a hand in contriving or procuring that Indulgence, I suppose, they have done more mischief to the poor Church of Christ in that Land, then all the Prelates, and all their Hirelings, and if such an Indulgence should be offered to, * and accepted by, all the outed Ministers of the Land, without a publick Testimony, I would look upon it, as the most Dreadful presage, that yet hath appeared, of the Lords totally forsaking of the Land. It is not now Episcopacy and Ceremonies, that is the Controversy, but whether Jesus Christ be King of his own Church, which he hath bought with his Blood, or if the Leviathan of the Supremacy shall swallow up all, to * which it is alike, whether it have Prelates or Presbyters Subservient unto it. Only it must rule according to its own Arbitrament, without control, and bring forth yet more and more Fruits of all impiety and profanity. (i) A Minister, that can preach Truths, which no Man question, and miskens this grand Controversy,
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(f) And here is a Paul withstanding them, but the Remarker to the Dislocation of Conscience, Reason and Respect to the Memory of that great Witness, stretcheth himself to all height to hide this testimony, but it will be a Testimony when he hath done all he can to Patronize the wickedness testified against, and a Testimony against his way.
(g) Observe here, how he speaks of the Credit of the Ministry.
(h) I earnestly entreat all the indulged Ministers, in Scotland, to read these weighty Words, and let them not be blindfolded by their blindfolded and blindfolding Patron the Remarker, who durst not if great Livingston had been alive, have dared so to have darkened so full and faithful a Testimony. Here the Remarker will be found grossly either ignorant or worse, in Dissembling or denying these threatenings and tamperings, for it can be made out.
* Tho it was not accepted by all then, yet since all hath recognized it by taking the Toleration and what hath since followed, doth may not the same consequence be feared.
* How like is this to our Time.
(i) Here, this Prudent, this Gracious, this eminently Sober Minister, after many Years Experience, gives his Judgement of what we now call prudent Preaching, and explains what he meant.
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or speaks of it so darkly, as that he discovers he desires not to be understood; I durst not say, that in that he is a Faithful Ambassador of Jesus Christ. Sure, if his own Reputation were touched, he would speak in a more piquant manner; and his Masters Honour should be above his own repute, (k) A bare not-agreeing to the Accommodation propounded, is not a sufficient evidence of faithfulness, at such a time. Satan counts no great gain of the Prelates, nor them that set them up, nor them that follow them; but outed Ministers, and noted Professors, would be a great prize to him: And I am sure, winnow as hard as he can, he shall get none that belong unto Christ. (l) Oh how sad is it, that some to please Men, and those the overturners of all the work of God, have laid aside that useful part of Reformation and Uniformity, the expounding of the Scripture, formerly practised to so much Edification, and others mangle it so, as it were as good to forbear it. The excuse of the Short days of Winter, or the weakness of ones Body, may well allow a Man to make both the Lecture and the Preaching shorter, but no wise a pretext to lay it aside: Especially, being in some sense for a case of Confession, I fear shall not be allowed before the Righteous Judge. If it be said, better have Preaching without Lecturing, nor no Preaching at all. 3. True, if there be a Physical impediment in the way of Lecturing, or if all preaching had been by the Lord affixed to such a Pulpit by the indulgence of such a Creature; But when Men come to spy out our Liberty, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they may bring us into bondage, and would injure us to take one of their burdens after another, we ought not to give place by subjection, no not for an Hour; for by such arguing, better have preaching without ever citing Isaiah, nor none; Better without mentioning the Decree of Election, or imputed righteousness, nor none at all. Alas! the Lord hath poured on us the Spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed our eyes, our Prophets and our Rulers, the Seers hath covered, O what a deep wound was it to my heart, to hear of a Minister, who I think certainly hath both true grace and rare gifts, that he so far complied with the course of the time, as to keep a holy Day, appointed by Men, and drink about the Bon-fires? What will be the end of those things? What, when GOD shall waken the Conscience? Our Ministers were our Glory, and I fear our Idol, and the Lord hath stained the pride of our Glory. (m) None of us who are here, and seem to be dissatisfied with some things at Home, want conviction of our
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(k) Here is a hint that may fill the Souls of these Accommodators with Terror, I desire all may Read it and advert.
(l) Whereas the unhappy Remarker defines the acceptance as Duty, this happy Seer foresaw, what would follow and hath come to pass, and among other things he foresaw, that as one Ministry there would be such Remarkers, whose Remark would be Declarative of their and our Defection by the Indulgence. O happy Seer, but what was unhappy Remarker!
(m) Here great Mr. Livingston will run the risk with Mr. Bruce, Mr. Rutherfoord, Mr. Guthry, and all that upon the same account, will be followers of the Lord and of him, as they who on design disgrace the Ministry.
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our own grievous miscarriages; and it is probable that if we had been at Home, we might have done worse than others. If it were possible, I would desire to speak for Christ and his interests, as not to reflect on any person, but Levi’s duty and blessing lies otherwise. (n) I profess to you, although I have a real excuse of my inability to debate and argue, without which the propounding of ones mind seems too Dictator like, that yet I have apprehension, that my not writing to some Friends, makes the guilt of some things done or omitted more mine, than theirs. Oh for the day, when all of us, whether together or apart, will sincerely mourn on any but our selves, might mourn the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the Valley of Megiddon, I should look on that, as Scotland’s great delivery. Yea it is to be most earnestly sought from the Lord, and endeavoured, that the whole bulk of the people, and even those who have carried on the Defection, might get Repentance; so should we be a greater wonder to the world of his matchless Mercy, nor now we are of sudden and shameful Apostacy: And many such wonders he can work; if he please, and we may suppose will work, if there were wrestlers for such a blessing, but that also is his own gift. To him be all Glory for ever.
In the close, it will be expected that I give you all some Directions, how to walk in such a time; And as they come in my mind, I shall set them down. 1st. In all things, and above all things, let the Word of GOD be your only Rule, Christ Jesus your only hope, his Spirit your only Guide, and His Glory your only End. 2dly. See that each of you apart Worship GOD every day, morning and Evening, at least; Read some of His Word, and call on Him by prayer, and give Him thanks. If ye be straitened with business, it is not so much the length of your Prayer that he regards, as the Uprightness and the Earnestness of the heart; but neglect not the duty; and if ye by without the hearing of others, utter your voice, it is sometime a great help, but do it not to be heard of others; sing also a Psalm, or some part of a Psalm; ye may learn some by heart for that purpose. 3dly. Through the whole day labour to set the Lord always before you, as present to observe you, and strengthen you for every duty, and then look over how the day hath been spent, before you Sleep. 4thly. Such as have Families, set up the Worship of GOD in your Families, as ye would avoid the wrath, that shall be poured on the Families that call not on his Name. 5thly, As occasion offers of any honest Minister coming along, neglect not the same; and on the Lords Day, go
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(n) An Apology like a true Levite and Son of Zadock. Hereby Mr. Livingston’s Antecedent Defence for his Poor Brethren’s Practices, driven to speak as they can for the same cause he owns (though they be reproached as Dictators) to recommend Mr. Livingston’s Directions. He means Page 9. Mark B. That such Biased Remarker should have access to abuse any Passage in this Golden Epistle, to Patronize the Backsliding, for which he Pleads. Here we have his thought of Indulged Mans carriage about the Lecture which is in his account, Desertion punished with Desertion, and Defection with Defection. And let his Ponderous reasons sink in their Souls, till the weight thereof squeeze their Heart out at their Eye. This will be their best Apology.
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go where ye can hear the Word sincerely preached by a Sent Minister, who will Witness against the evils of the time, (*) without which, I apprehend, whatever a Mans gifts be, the Lord will not send the Blessing. (o) Oxnam is not far off, and I hope Mr. Scot doth, and will declare for the sworn Reformation, and testify against the present Defection; But I dare not bid you hear any of the intruded Hirelings, whom they call Curates. I know some good Men have heard or do hear some of them, but I believe, if all fear of inconvenience were removed, they would do otherwise. If no occasion of a publick Meeting be, or if ye cannot go to it, sanctify the Lords Day in your Families, or at least each of you in your own heart. 6. Give no occasion to the World to say, that ye neglect your Calling, or are busy bodies in other Men’s Matters, or have any doubleness in your Worldly dealing, a faithful carriage free of Covetousness is a great Ornament to the profession. 7. Have a care of your Children that they be taught to read, and have Bibles so soon as they can use them, and take them with you to hear the Word preached, and instruct them your selves the more diligently, that publick Means are scarce. (p) 8. Such as have any leisure, Read some good Books, whereby ye may profit in Knowledge and affection; Read now and then the Covenants, the Confession of Faith, and the longer Catechism, and the little Treatise Printed with them. I would recommend to you the writings of Mr. Durham, and Mr. Binning, and Mr. William Guthrie, and Mr. Andrew Gray, especially Mr. Rutherford’s Letters, (I hope shortly ye shall be supplied with some more Copies of them) as also any good pieces from England, as Mr. Allan, or the like. I dare not recommend Baxter to you, he is a dangerous Man: Let Chasters and Standhil buy some such as they can, and send them to others to be read. (q). Any thoughts ye have of the business of the time, examine them well by the Word, and present them oft to God by prayer; (*) And what ye get so confirmed, be not easily moved therefrom, although some Ministers should be of a contrary Opinion: For in those days sundry of the common People have clearer light and steadier practice, than some Ministers; but
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* Observe what can be now expected, sure he would have spared to speak so of Mr. Scot, had he known he had taken the Indulgence.
(o) See how this is qualified and cuts off all manner of boast from the Remarker, for their tongue was ticked from that day, and never did they give that Testimony he calls, and accounts such as here before Noted. Nor were they in case to do it, neither shall they ever be till in the first place this Testimony be given for Renuncing of the Indulgence.
(p) Mr. Livingston was no less pleased to hear the Indulged Men railed by the Name of the Councils Curates, than the other Hirelings by the Name of the Bishops Curates, as can be Witnessed.
(q) Let all of us and the Remarker remember this Note of a Minister, as of more Grace, Gravity, Experience and Tenderness than himself, so of much solid Learning.
(*) This would be called Enthusiasm.
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but be not proud, or self willed in your own Opinion, (r) 10. By any means see that ye be not drawn to a Contempt of the Ministry, or Ministers in whom any thing of God really appeareth, although some might have sliden in an Hour of Temptation; but study all lawful ways of union and healing, yet so as ye approve nothing which the Word and your Conscience condemn. 11. Strengthen your selves in the main Grounds of Religion against Popery, and Read some short Treatises for that purpose. Ye know not but it may be a great part of the Trial of the time. 12. Some Ministers have begun of late to question Christs imputed Righteousness, look upon these, whatever shew they make of Moderation and accurate walking, as Enemies to Jesus Christ, and the Salvation of Souls. 13. Keep you far, very far, from this last device of Satan’s Quakerism, which, under colour of Sobriety and Patience, overthrows all the grounds of Christian Religion; and indeed they should not be looked on as Christians; themselves and the light within them, which is also in all Pagans, is all their Saviour. Converse not with them: As much as ye can, avoid conference with them; The evil Spirit that is in them desires no better, nor continual wrangling; many are much mistaken if there be not much Devilry among them, as some convinced of from them have testified. 14. I know the course ceaseth now that was taken, for providing the poor with Meat, but after your ability set apart some of your Means for the poor, I mean not the sturdy Vagabonds, but poor Householders, especially those that have any good in them. 15. Deal in all earnestness and love with any of your Neighbours, whom ye perceive in a way that will destroy their Souls. Visit your Neighbours in their sickness, and drop something for their Souls good. 16. Let such as have been Elders, and have not run the wicked course of the time, know that their obligation ceaseth not, but rather is increased to Visit and oversee the Flock, and warn and comfort, as occasion requires. 17. Forget not Christs Command to love your Enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; Many a time our carnal anger and bitterness puts on a disguise, as if it were Zeal; true love to GOD and our Neighbours, would prompt us to many duties, that now are forgot, and to a better way of doing duties, and yet keep us from being partakers of other Men’s sins. 18. Guard your hearts from a carnal disposition, in speaking or hearing of the miscarriages of others, and let not that be all the matter of your Discourse, howbeit it may be part; But there is more edifying to be speaking of what is good. I hear there is a rare work of Grace begun of late in some, not far from you, in the borders of Northumberland, I judge it were for your advantage if some of you, such as are able, went thither to be acquainted with them: Your Friend Mr. Henry Hall would easily make your acquaintance, their fire-edge might help to kindle up Old fitten-up Professors; yea if some of you who are yet graceless would go and see their way, they might be smitten with that blessed Disease, I fear ye shall hardly Read my Hand, and yet it hath taken near by as many
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(r) See how prudently the 10. is also Cautioned, but through the whole he may be seen to be singularly directed of GOD.
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days to write, as there are Pages; But it was not fitting to make use of any others Hand.
Let this Letter be Read to all of the Parish, who will be willing to hear it: and to any that are gone out of it, as Andrew Burkholme and Margaret Walker, or any that used ordinarily to meet with us, as Mrs. Eliot, Isabel Simpson, and such others. I know there is a great change, since I left you, by the death of some, and coming in of others, but I am sometimes refreshed to look over the Roll of the Parish, as it was when I left you. Desire from me Mr. Henry and Mr William Erskin, or any other of that sort, to come now and then to visite and water you. I could wish that when ye hear of any honest Merchant in Edinburgh, or any other coming hither, some of you would give them a particular account of both good and evil, to bring to me. I had a little account lately from John Totcha, that made me both joyful and sad; I shall write when any of my Sons are to come over, that if they can, they will come to you, a day or two, and bring me information how it is with you. Now as I can at this distance, I embrace you all, and all that used to Join with us at our Communions. I salute you all. I bless you all. I commend you all to GOD and the Word of His Grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an Inheritance among all them which are sanctified. The rich and powerful Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Thus wisheth
Your loving and lawful Pastor
Rotterdam 7. October 1671.
JOHN LIVINGSTON.
ADVERTISEMENT to the READER.
Here the Reader is desired to advert to a few things. First, That all the Margin marked with the Alphabet, is Mr. Mackward’s; that marked with the Star, being of another hand. And tho’ the Margine be not so near the matter as could have been wished, nor that marked with the Alphabet, and that marked with the Star so distinct, yet it succeeds in order tho’ Transposed to another Page; And if any thing Impertinent be in the Margine, that mars Sense, impute it not to the Author but the Corrector, who could not well Read it, it was so broken and soiled. It’s not doubted, but there will be some to Cavil at some things contained therein, or draw wrong Conclusions, contrary to the design of both Author and Matter, for neither the Credit of the one, nor Soundness and Plainness of the other, will make it proof against such who love not the Truth, at least loves not to have it made so clear and plain, as to discover their Spots and Deformity to it. For tho’ the Author be of such Credit that they dare not Censure him, least they fall under the hazard of Censure thereby themselves, yet they will wrest or wrest the matter; and if they find it so sound and plain, that they dare not lay any thing to its discredit, least thereby they stain their own, then they’ll endeavour to make it an Imposture by alleging it the Birth of another mind, as they did with the Modest Reply, which when they could find no fault with either matter Order or Season, save what is incident to all Humane Writings.
Then they gave it out, that it was the performances of a Atheistical Club, and that with such Dexterity, Dispatch, and Success, that within ten Days after the first Publishing the Modest Reply, the Ministers in all Quarters of the Kingdom made the People believe, that it was the effect of such and such Pens, after they had first given it out at Edinburgh; But as they were Lying, so they knew that they were Lying: For notwithstanding of their too great Success in turning things upside down. Yet I am confident, that they do not expect such a Change, that the professed Followers of Satan would take up CHRIST’s Standard and Display His Banner, now when they the professed Followers of Christ have laid it down: It’s true, the Devils confess him, when the Priests, Scribes and Pharisees denied him; But they were forc’d to it. But to pass all this, the Author of the Modest Reply is neither an Atheist nor profane, so far as Humane Capacity is able to Judge, but a Christian, a Presbyterian of the Strictest Sect, viz. of these Nick-Named & called Mr. Millanean’s Principles. I shall give you them in their own Terms. But this is no new thing; for as Mr. M‘Millan and them that adhere to him, hold for Principle nothing but what was holden by the Cloud of Witnesses. So their Treatment is nothing but what the Faithful Contenders, for Truth have met with from their Mothers Children, who detained the Truth in unrighteousness, & was angry with them that would not do the same. But to Conclude, the sad History of the time do so Confirm what this Gracious Author foresaw in the beginning, that they will be bold to excels who will Cavil it; So hoping and desiring that thereby GOD may be Glorified, and the Reader edified, I rest Zions and thy Souls well Wisher.