Healing queries for sick churches that is, some seasonable thing begun, whereby the present breaches in churches may be repaired, future rents and divisions prevented, and so all the Lords people have communion not in darknesse but light / published, by a friend to the virgin daughter of Zion.
         Friend to the virgin daughter of Zion.
      
       
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             Healing queries for sick churches that is, some seasonable thing begun, whereby the present breaches in churches may be repaired, future rents and divisions prevented, and so all the Lords people have communion not in darknesse but light / published, by a friend to the virgin daughter of Zion.
             Friend to the virgin daughter of Zion.
          
           [4], 8 p.
           
             [s.n.],
             London :
             1658.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Schism.
           Concord.
        
      
    
       A43196  R12197  (Wing H1303).  civilwar no Healing queries for sick churches. That is, some seasonable thing begun, whereby the present breaches in churches may be repaired: future re Friend to the virgin daughter of Zion 1658    4887 7 0 0 0 0 0 14 C  The  rate of 14 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           HEALING
           QVERIES
           FOR
           SICK
           CHVRCHES
           .
        
         
           That
           is
           ,
           Some
           seasonable
           thing
           begun
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Present
           Breaches
           in
           Churches
           may
           be
           Repaired
           :
           Future
           Rents
           and
           Divisions
           prevented
           ;
           and
           so
           all
           the
           Lords
           People
           have
           
             Communion
          
           not
           in
           darknesse
           but
           
             LIGHT
             .
          
        
         
           PUBLISHED
           ,
           
             By
             a
          
           FRIEND
           
             to
             the
          
           Virgin
           Daughter
           of
           Zion
           .
        
         
           
             Jer.
             8.
             22.
             
          
           
             Is
             there
             no
             Balm
             in
             Gilead
             ?
             Is
             there
             no
             Physitian
             there
             ?
             Why
             then
             is
             not
             the
             health
             of
             the
             daughter
             of
             my
             people
             recovered
             ?
          
        
         
           
             London
             ,
          
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           ,
           1658.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           
             To
             all
             the
             GATHERED
             CHVRCHES
             in
             England
             ,
             Scotland
             and
             Ireland
             ,
             PEACE
             with
             HOLINES
             be
             wished
             .
          
        
         
           
             Men
             ,
             Fathers
             and
             Brethren
             ,
          
        
         
           I
           May
           say
           in
           
             Jacobs
          
           words
           :
           
             Why
             do
             ye
             look
             one
             upon
             another
             ?
             Behold
             I
             have
             heard
             that
             there
             is
             Corn
             in
             Aegypt
             ,
          
           Gen.
           42.
           12.
           
           Parents
           as
           they
           are
           deeply
           affected
           with
           their
           Childrens
           afflictions
           :
           so
           they
           are
           carefull
           to
           use
           what
           means
           they
           can
           for
           their
           recovery
           .
           It
           is
           very
           pious
           and
           Christian
           ,
           
             for
             the
             divisions
             of
          
           Reuben
           
             there
             be
             great
             thoughts
             of
             heart
             .
          
           Indeed
           our
           eyes
           cannot
           weep
           enough
           for
           the
           breaches
           among
           brethren
           :
           yet
           this
           is
           but
           part
           of
           our
           duty
           .
           
             Get
             thee
             up
          
           (
           saith
           God
           to
           
             Joshua
             )
             wherefore
             lyest
             thou
             upon
             thy
             face
             ?
          
           Josh.
           7.
           10.
           
           Not
           blaming
           him
           for
           his
           mourning
           ,
           but
           telling
           him
           there
           was
           more
           work
           to
           be
           done
           .
           There
           are
           three
           Reasons
           (
           which
           I
           shall
           name
           )
           why
           I
           have
           published
           these
           Queries
           .
           First
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           of
           some
           use
           to
           
             Pastours
          
           and
           
             Teachers
             of
             Churches
             :
          
           who
           are
           most
           concerned
           in
           seeking
           to
           
             heale
          
           the
           
             breaches
          
           among
           them
           .
           Now
           I
           do
           not
           see
           away
           more
           probable
           for
           
             healing
             ,
          
           than
           to
           look
           into
           the
           Cause
           of
           their
           differences
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           example
           ,
           when
           some
           Brethren
           are
           not
           satisfied
           about
           the
           place
           of
           
             TRIERS
             ;
          
           cannot
           comfortably
           joyn
           in
           communion
           with
           
             Souldiers
             :
          
           Nor
           with
           such
           as
           have
           civill
           Offices
           under
           the
           present
           Government
           :
           think
           it
           a
           
             PUBLIKC
             SCANDALL
          
           to
           Religion
           ,
           that
           Church-members
           should
           be
           
             Jaylors
          
           and
           
             Judges
          
           of
           the
           Saints
           ;
           and
           
           shew
           no
           cause
           why
           they
           persecute
           them
           :
           Here
           it
           is
           the
           Ministers
           duty
           in
           a
           speciall
           manner
           to
           appear
           ,
           where
           such
           offences
           are
           taken
           .
           And
           by
           sound
           Doctrine
           prove
           (
           if
           he
           can
           )
           that
           these
           scruples
           and
           questions
           do
           arise
           through
           the
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           weaknes
           of
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           are
           offences
           taken
           ,
           but
           not
           given
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Of
           some
           use
           to
           such
           Brethren
           as
           desire
           to
           keep
           themselves
           pure
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           partakers
           of
           other
           mens
           sins
           :
           I
           hope
           without
           any
           further
           enlargment
           ,
           those
           who
           know
           what
           it
           is
           
             not
             to
             defile
             their
             garments
             ,
          
           God
           will
           inable
           them
           to
           make
           a
           fruitfull
           improvement
           of
           these
           
             Queries
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Because
           I
           do
           intend
           to
           prosecute
           this
           subject
           about
           Churches
           a
           little
           further
           ;
           These
           
             Queries
          
           concern
           Churches
           already
           constituted
           :
           But
           I
           have
           something
           to
           publish
           for
           their
           sakes
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           yet
           in
           Church
           fellowship
           .
           
             Lift
             up
             your
             eyes
             and
             look
             on
             the
             fields
             ;
             for
             they
             are
             white
             already
             to
             Harvest
             ,
          
           Joh.
           4.
           35.
           
           Here
           I
           shall
           shew
           (
           so
           far
           as
           may
           be
           hinted
           by
           Queries
           :
           )
           first
           ,
           what
           things
           are
           necessary
           that
           Saints
           agree
           upon
           as
           
             uniting
             principles
             :
          
           secondly
           ,
           what
           things
           (
           as
           differences
           )
           may
           be
           born
           with
           :
           thirdly
           ,
           what
           Opinions
           and
           practises
           are
           destructive
           to
           the
           peace
           and
           growth
           of
           Churches
           ,
           which
           hereafter
           shall
           be
           constituted
           .
           
             Because
             of
             the
             house
             of
             Jehovah
             our
             God
             ,
             I
             will
             seek
             good
             for
             thee
             ,
          
           Psal.
           122.
           9.
           
        
         
           But
           in
           the
           queries
           one
           thing
           I
           forgot
           ;
           Whereas
           some
           
             Church
             Officers
          
           a
           while
           since
           took
           great
           liberty
           and
           boldness
           to
           write
           against
           the
           misdemeanour
           of
           the
           late
           
             King
             ,
          
           and
           in
           their
           Sermons
           ,
           had
           often
           that
           Text
           ,
           
             Judg.
             5.
             23.
             
             Curse
             ye
             Meroh
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           What
           is
           the
           reason
           that
           Doctrine
           is
           now
           laid
           aside
           ?
           I
           move
           this
           question
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           that
           such
           who
           are
           herein
           concerned
           may
           vindicate
           themselves
           :
           For
           it
           is
           generally
           said
           ,
           if
           that
           which
           they
           wrote
           and
           preacht
           against
           the
           
             King
             ,
          
           had
           been
           done
           sincerely
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           would
           now
           by
           Preaching
           and
           Writing
           ,
           as
           earnestly
           perswade
           people
           to
           lcome
           forth
           
             to
             the
             help
             of
             the
             Lord
             against
             the
             mighty
             ,
          
           as
           they
           did
           then
           .
        
         
           The
           close
           is
           thus
           ,
           so
           that
           I
           may
           be
           any
           way
           usefull
           for
           the
           overthrowing
           of
           Iniquity
           ,
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           and
           the
           advancement
           of
           righteousness
           in
           both
           ,
           I
           have
           my
           end
           :
           With
           me
           it
           is
           a
           very
           small
           thing
           to
           be
           judged
           of
           mans
           judgment
           :
           my
           judgment
           is
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           my
           work
           with
           my
           God
           .
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           Healing
           Queries
           for
           sick
           Churches
           .
        
         
           
             Question
          
           I.
           WHether
           in
           a
           Church
           rightly
           constituted
           ,
           every
           member
           is
           not
           alike
           under
           the
           power
           of
           Christ
           ,
           given
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           whosoever
           breaks
           the
           known
           laws
           of
           Christ
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           admonished
           and
           dealt
           with
           according
           to
           
             Mat.
             18.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17
             ,
             〈◊〉
             .
             16.
             17.
             1
             Thess.
             3.
             14.
             
             Levit.
             19.
             17.
             
             Gal.
             5.
             12.
             1
             Tim.
          
           1.
           20.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           II.
           Whether
           such
           Church
           Members
           as
           know
           any
           of
           their
           Brethren
           (
           in
           the
           same
           fellowship
           with
           them
           )
           walk
           disorderly
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           scandal
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           hardning
           wicked
           men
           in
           their
           sins
           ;
           do
           not
           wrap
           themselves
           in
           the
           sin
           and
           guilt
           of
           their
           Brethren
           ;
           yea
           ,
           and
           are
           murderers
           before
           God
           ,
           if
           they
           seek
           not
           to
           reclaim
           them
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Rules
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             Lev.
          
           19.
           17.
           with
           1
           
             Joh.
             3.
             15.
             
             Ezec.
             3.
             18.
             
             Jam.
             5.
             19.
             20.
             
             Gal.
          
           6.
           1.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           III.
           If
           a
           Brother
           or
           Brethren
           sin
           openly
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           is
           known
           to
           the
           whol
           Church
           ,
           but
           the
           Church
           useth
           not
           the
           means
           and
           way
           ,
           which
           Christ
           hath
           appointed
           for
           the
           humbling
           and
           recovering
           of
           such
           scandalous
           members
           :
           The
           question
           is
           ,
           whether
           the
           whole
           Church
           be
           not
           leavened
           ,
           and
           her
           holy
           things
           polluted
           ?
           yea
           ,
           further
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           queried
           by
           what
           Gospel
           promise
           such
           a
           People
           can
           expect
           the
           presence
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           them
           ,
           so
           long
           as
           they
           remain
           thus
           rebellious
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           the
           whol
           lump
           leavened
           :
           1
           
             Tim.
             5.
             20.
             
             Hag.
             2.
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             &c.
          
           1
           Cor.
           5.
           6.
           
           
             Isa.
             1.
             11.
             to
             17.
             
             Josh.
             7.
             12.
             
             Hab.
             1.
             13.
             
             Jer.
             7.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             Gen
             35.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
             Amos
          
           3.
           3.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           IV.
           Whether
           Churches
           are
           to
           take
           Cognizance
           of
           the
           Sins
           mentioned
           by
           
             Paul
          
           in
           2
           
             Tim.
             3.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             &c.
          
           and
           more
           particularly
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           their
           duty
           to
           enquire
           and
           judge
           ,
           who
           are
           the
           
             Traitours
             and
             Covenant
             breakers
             ,
          
           there
           foretold
           to
           be
           in
           the
           last
           dayes
           ;
           briefly
           ,
           whether
           Churches
           ,
           (
           as
           Churches
           )
           ought
           to
           judge
           the
           Actions
           of
           their
           members
           in
           civill
           things
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           about
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           mens
           Callings
           ,
           Places
           ,
           Offices
           ,
           Administrations
           ,
           
           Maintenance
           ?
           suppose
           it
           be
           State
           Affairs
           ,
           (
           as
           they
           call
           it
           )
           what
           hath
           the
           Church
           to
           do
           with
           her
           members
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ?
           1
           
             Cor.
             6.
             2.
             1
             Thes.
             4
             6.
             
             Phil.
             4.
             8.
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             32.
             33.
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             5.
             
             Rev.
             2.
             2.
             Heb.
          
           10.
           24.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           V.
           Whether
           such
           Church
           members
           walk
           not
           scandalously
           and
           bring
           a
           publick
           dishonour
           to
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           joyn
           and
           act
           with
           the
           open
           Enemies
           of
           the
           Gospel
           against
           the
           Saints
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           persecute
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           apprehend
           them
           ,
           and
           cast
           them
           into
           prison
           ,
           will
           be
           their
           
             Judges
             and
             Jaylors
             ,
          
           and
           yet
           have
           no
           matter
           of
           Crime
           to
           lay
           to
           their
           charge
           ?
           If
           so
           ,
           whether
           then
           it
           be
           not
           a
           great
           sin
           and
           shame
           to
           that
           Church
           ,
           who
           keeps
           in
           her
           bosom
           any
           open
           persecutors
           of
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           
             Psal.
             50.
             18.
             
             Obe
             .
             v.
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             &c.
             
             Mat.
             24.
             48
             ,
             49
             ,
             50.
             
             Act.
             9.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             Mat.
             25.
             39
             ,
             40
             43
             ,
             45.
             
             Ps
             ,
             93.
             5
             1
             Pet.
          
           2.
           12
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           VI
           .
           In
           case
           the
           greater
           number
           of
           a
           Church
           shall
           tolerate
           and
           allow
           apparent
           sin
           ,
           in
           some
           members
           ,
           and
           not
           deal
           with
           them
           for
           the
           same
           ?
           what
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           other
           part
           (
           howsoever
           the
           lesser
           )
           knowing
           the
           walking
           of
           such
           members
           to
           be
           very
           scandalous
           and
           sinfull
           (
           and
           yet
           born
           with
           by
           the
           greater
           number
           )
           that
           they
           may
           keep
           themselves
           pure
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           partakers
           of
           others
           mens
           sin
           .
           2
           
             Cor.
             6.
             17.
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             2.
             3.
             5.
             
             Hos.
             11.
             12.
             1.
             Tim.
             5.
             22.
             
             Hos.
             2.
             2.
             Rev.
          
           3.
           4.
           
           Or
           thus
           ,
           If
           known
           scandalous
           persons
           are
           in
           a
           Church
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           is
           dealt
           with
           for
           suffering
           the
           same
           ?
           whether
           that
           Church
           may
           lawfully
           be
           left
           and
           separated
           from
           ,
           by
           Brethren
           (
           many
           or
           few
           ,
           yet
           so
           as
           the
           lesser
           number
           )
           who
           have
           used
           all
           due
           means
           and
           wayes
           (
           so
           far
           as
           their
           duty
           is
           )
           to
           have
           the
           Church
           purged
           of
           such
           defilements
           ?
           but
           the
           
             Major
             part
          
           will
           not
           heare
           ,
           but
           rather
           abets
           the
           sinners
           and
           justifies
           the
           wicked
           ?
           Again
           ,
           if
           the
           greater
           number
           in
           such
           a
           case
           may
           be
           left
           ,
           the
           question
           is
           whether
           as
           a
           true
           Church
           ,
           or
           a
           company
           of
           Rebels
           ,
           and
           the
           visible
           Church
           .
           State
           remain
           with
           the
           better
           part
           ,
           though
           fewer
           in
           number
           ,
           
             Rev.
             2.
             5.
             
             Jer.
             7.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             Mat.
             21.
             13
             
             Eccles.
             9.
             18.
             2
             Chro.
             15.
             2.
             Prov.
             17.
             15.
             
             Jer.
          
           28.
           16.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           VII
           .
           Whether
           a
           Church
           lying
           under
           the
           guilt
           of
           much
           sin
           should
           not
           please
           God
           far
           more
           to
           execute
           justice
           and
           judgement
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           
             purge
             out
             the
             old
             leaven
             ,
          
           and
           destroy
           the
           accursed
           from
           among
           them
           ,
           than
           to
           pray
           ,
           preach
           ,
           fast
           ,
           break
           bread
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
           Yea
           more
           ,
           so
           long
           as
           judgment
           is
           neglected
           ,
           and
           nothing
           done
           against
           scandalous
           walkers
           ?
           where
           is
           there
           any
           promise
           that
           the
           Lord
           will
           
           accept
           of
           their
           sacrifices
           ,
           as
           Prayer
           ,
           Preaching
           ,
           Fasting
           ,
           
             &c.
             
             Prov.
             21.
             3.
             1
             Sam.
             15.
             22.
             &c.
             Isa.
             1.
             11
             
             Hos.
             6.
             6.
             
             Mic.
             6.
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             Isa.
             33.
             5.
             
             Mic.
             3.
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             Jer.
             7.
             21.
             23.
             
             Mat.
             23.
             23
             ,
             24.
             
             Mat.
             5.
             23
             ,
             2●
             .
             Rev.
             2.
             12.
             
             Jam.
             4.
             8.
             1
             Pet.
          
           2.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           VIII
           .
           Seeing
           it
           is
           well
           known
           how
           the
           Churches
           have
           been
           charged
           with
           Apostacy
           publickly
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           in
           them
           (
           as
           it
           is
           asserted
           )
           the
           second
           Apostacy
           is
           fulfilled
           ,
           set
           down
           in
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
           It
           is
           queried
           ,
           why
           some
           thing
           is
           not
           published
           for
           their
           vindication
           ;
           Besides
           it
           is
           desired
           that
           they
           will
           declare
           ,
           1.
           
           What
           Apostacy
           that
           is
           of
           which
           
             Paul
          
           there
           speaks
           ,
           2.
           
           To
           what
           time
           it
           is
           to
           be
           applied
           ,
           3.
           
           How
           it
           doth
           appear
           that
           such
           Churches
           as
           are
           fallen
           in
           with
           the
           present
           Government
           ,
           have
           not
           by
           it
           made
           that
           Apostacy
           .
           4.
           
           What
           is
           meant
           by
           these
           words
           in
           the
           Text
           
             from
             such
             turn
             a
             side
             ,
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             15.
             
             Josh.
             22.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Tit.
             1.
             9.
             
             Act.
             11.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           IX
           .
           Whether
           such
           Pastors
           and
           Teachers
           of
           Churches
           ,
           as
           joyn
           with
           this
           present
           Government
           ,
           and
           have
           much
           worldly
           advantage
           by
           it
           ;
           do
           not
           by
           their
           silence
           shew
           either
           great
           ingratitude
           to
           their
           Lord
           Protector
           ,
           being
           as
           they
           say
           a
           
             nursing
             Father
          
           to
           them
           (
           if
           they
           can
           justifie
           the
           Power
           and
           Government
           which
           he
           hath
           taken
           up
           :
           )
           or
           otherwise
           ,
           whether
           they
           give
           not
           just
           occasion
           unto
           People
           to
           think
           they
           cannot
           justifie
           him
           ,
           by
           Law
           ,
           Reason
           ,
           Religion
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           and
           so
           it
           is
           rather
           of
           coveteousness
           than
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           faln
           in
           with
           him
           ;
           besides
           by
           their
           silence
           ,
           whether
           they
           deal
           not
           the
           more
           unworthily
           with
           their
           
             Nursing
             father
             ,
          
           (
           if
           they
           can
           defend
           him
           )
           considering
           they
           well
           know
           ,
           how
           the
           most
           conscientious
           Christians
           in
           the
           Nation
           are
           altogether
           dissatisfied
           about
           the
           present
           Government
           .
           
             Prov.
             27.
             10.
             
             &
          
           22.
           1.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           X.
           Whereas
           that
           place
           
             Rom.
             13.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             &c.
          
           is
           by
           our
           Brethren
           often
           brought
           against
           us
           (
           as
           they
           know
           it
           was
           once
           the
           speciall
           objection
           of
           Royalists
           against
           them
           and
           us
           ,
           )
           
             Let
             every
             soule
             be
             subject
             to
             the
             higher
             powers
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Here
           we
           shall
           propose
           a
           few
           things
           ,
           1.
           
           If
           the
           higher
           powers
           must
           be
           submitted
           too
           ,
           because
           
             they
             are
             ordained
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             Gods
             Ordnanceiv
             .
          
           whether
           it
           be
           not
           meant
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           lawfully
           constituted
           ,
           &
           do
           govern
           according
           to
           reason
           and
           just
           laws
           ,
           preserve
           their
           peoples
           Liberties
           ,
           Persons
           and
           Estates
           ;
           Again
           ,
           when
           they
           prove
           Traitors
           to
           the
           Nation
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           Devils
           Agents
           ,
           whether
           they
           may
           not
           be
           severely
           punished
           
           for
           it
           .
           2.
           
           Because
           
             these
             who
             resist
             lawfull
             authority
             and
             just
             commands
             receive
             to
             themselves
             condemnation
             ;
          
           it
           be
           not
           a
           
             non
             sequitur
             ;
             Ergo
             ,
          
           Usurpers
           must
           be
           submitted
           too
           ,
           and
           unjust
           commands
           obeyed
           .
           3.
           
           Rulers
           must
           be
           obeyed
           ,
           because
           
             they
             are
             not
             a
             terror
             to
             good
             works
             but
             to
             evill
             ,
             v.
          
           3.
           
           Whether
           this
           be
           a
           good
           consequence
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           profest
           enemies
           to
           good
           works
           ,
           and
           do
           evill
           continually
           with
           both
           hands
           ;
           therefore
           they
           must
           be
           obeyed
           .
           4.
           
           Seeing
           the
           Magistrate
           is
           to
           be
           obeyed
           ,
           because
           
             he
             bears
             not
             the
             sword
             in
             vain
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             Minister
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             revenger
             to
             execute
             wrath
             on
             him
             that
             doth
             evill
             ,
             v.
          
           4.
           
           Here
           the
           query
           may
           be
           ,
           if
           he
           seek
           to
           ruin
           ,
           spoil
           ,
           and
           enslave
           the
           people
           ,
           gives
           liberty
           to
           all
           manner
           of
           unrighteousnes
           ,
           bears
           the
           sword
           not
           onely
           in
           vain
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           publick
           good
           ,
           but
           draws
           it
           forth
           upon
           those
           that
           are
           good
           ,
           and
           because
           they
           are
           good
           ,
           whither
           it
           be
           the
           intendment
           of
           this
           text
           ,
           
             therefore
             he
             must
             be
             obeyed
             .
          
           5.
           
           Whither
           that
           which
           is
           not
           the
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           rather
           of
           the
           Devill
           ,
           and
           the
           meer
           sin
           ,
           and
           presumption
           of
           men
           ,
           is
           within
           the
           compasse
           of
           this
           Text
           .
           6.
           
           Whether
           that
           which
           is
           no
           point
           or
           part
           of
           the
           Magistrates
           lawfull
           power
           ordained
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           
             Diametrically
          
           repugnant
           to
           it
           ,
           as
           Tyranny
           ,
           Oppression
           ,
           Violence
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           is
           within
           the
           Verge
           of
           this
           Text
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           obeyed
           for
           conscience
           fake
           .
           7.
           
           Whether
           all
           the
           powers
           intended
           in
           the
           text
           ,
           said
           
             to
             be
             ordained
             of
             God
             ,
          
           are
           not
           circumscribed
           and
           bounded
           with
           certain
           rules
           of
           Law
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Honesty
           ,
           within
           which
           they
           must
           contain
           themselves
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           passe
           beyond
           those
           limits
           ,
           they
           are
           none
           of
           Gods
           Ordinances
           ;
           
             Consider
             of
             it
             ,
             take
             advise
             and
             speak
             your
             mindes
             .
             Judg.
             19.
             30.
             
             Prov.
          
           22.
           21.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XI
           .
           Whereas
           one
           special
           cause
           of
           the
           present
           differences
           divisions
           ,
           and
           rents
           in
           Churches
           ,
           is
           this
           ;
           namely
           ,
           
             That
             souldiers
             and
             others
             ,
             who
             have
             places
             under
             the
             present
             Government
             (
             being
             Church
             members
             )
             are
             not
             called
             to
             an
             account
             as
             evill
             doers
             :
          
           The
           question
           is
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           not
           the
           duty
           of
           Churches
           ,
           (
           especially
           the
           Officers
           )
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           their
           offended
           Brethren
           ,
           to
           give
           some
           reasons
           ,
           that
           howsoever
           there
           is
           offence
           taken
           at
           Souldiers
           and
           other
           State
           
             Officers
             ,
          
           yet
           they
           have
           the
           word
           of
           God
           to
           warrant
           their
           practise
           in
           holding
           communion
           with
           them
           ,
           
             Isa.
             8.
             20.
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             16
             ,
             17
             Tit.
             1.
             9.
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             24
             ,
             25.
             
             Acts
             20
             2●
             .
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             ●4
             .
             1
             Thess.
             2.
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XII
           .
           In
           like
           manner
           ,
           where
           as
           it
           is
           well
           known
           that
           the
           place
           of
           
             Tryers
             .
          
           (
           as
           it
           is
           commonly
           called
           )
           hath
           given
           offence
           to
           many
           pretious
           Christians
           ,
           and
           occasioned
           much
           trouble
           in
           some
           Churches
           ,
           no
           lesse
           than
           division
           ;
           the
           query
           is
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           not
           the
           Duty
           of
           such
           TRIERS
           as
           are
           Church-members
           to
           prove
           (
           if
           they
           can
           )
           what
           they
           act
           in
           that
           particular
           business
           to
           be
           lawfull
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             10.
             32
             ,
             33.
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             2
             ,
             3.
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             &
             9.
             22
             ,
             23.
             1
             Thess.
             5.
             22.
             1
             Joh.
             2.
             10.
             
             Isa.
             57.
             14.
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             21
             
             &
          
           13.
           7.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XIII
           .
           Whereas
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           the
           late
           King
           ,
           many
           honest
           men
           for
           refusing
           to
           submit
           to
           an
           Arbitrary
           Power
           ,
           and
           Illegall
           Taxes
           ,
           and
           standing
           for
           the
           Rights
           and
           Liberties
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           suffered
           very
           much
           in
           their
           Liberties
           and
           Estates
           ,
           and
           were
           counted
           for
           it
           ,
           
             Good
             Patriots
             to
             their
             Country
             :
          
           The
           question
           is
           ,
           if
           in
           Churches
           there
           are
           some
           Persons
           ,
           who
           shall
           promote
           an
           Arbitrary
           Power
           ,
           and
           seek
           to
           destroy
           the
           civill
           Rights
           and
           Liberties
           of
           the
           People
           ?
           whether
           this
           be
           not
           a
           
             Scandall
          
           to
           Religion
           ,
           and
           a
           matter
           which
           the
           Church
           is
           to
           take
           notice
           off
           ,
           and
           to
           deal
           with
           such
           members
           as
           offenders
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             6.
             8
             ,
             9.
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             13.
             
             Job
             24.
             2.
             Psal.
             50.
             18.
             
             Deut.
             19.
             14.
             
             &
             27
             17.
             
             Prov.
             22.
             28.
             
             Phil.
             4
             8.
             1
             Thess
             ,
          
           4.
           12.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XIV
           .
           Whether
           in
           all
           Ages
           the
           Lord
           hath
           not
           had
           some
           glorious
           work
           proper
           to
           every
           Generation
           ;
           
           if
           so
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           Work
           now
           ,
           as
           most
           proper
           to
           the
           Saints
           of
           this
           Generation
           ;
           
             Acts
             13.
             36.
             2
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1.
           5.
           
           Or
           thus
           ,
           whether
           to
           bear
           witness
           to
           and
           for
           the
           glorious
           and
           visible
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           and
           to
           hold
           forth
           a
           publick
           Testimony
           against
           the
           present
           Powers
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           be
           all
           broken
           to
           pieces
           ,
           and
           
             the
             Lord
             alone
             exalted
             as
             King
             of
             Saints
             and
             Nations
             ;
          
           be
           not
           now
           a
           Work
           more
           proper
           to
           the
           Churches
           and
           People
           of
           God
           than
           it
           was
           to
           Saints
           in
           former
           Ages
           ;
           
             Dan.
             2.
             44
             
             &
             7.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             &
             12.
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Rev.
             22.
             10.
             
             Act.
             1.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             Isa.
          
           35.
           5.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XV
           .
           Whereas
           
             Rev.
          
           11.
           16.
           
           There
           is
           mention
           made
           of
           the
           
             twenty
             foure
             Elders
             ,
          
           but
           the
           
             foure
             living
             Creatures
             ,
          
           are
           left
           out
           of
           the
           Text
           ;
           The
           question
           is
           ,
           whether
           it
           may
           not
           probably
           be
           
           concluded
           from
           the
           place
           ,
           (
           comparing
           our
           present
           experience
           with
           it
           )
           that
           neer
           or
           about
           the
           expiration
           of
           the
           
             Fourth
             Monarchy
             ,
          
           when
           
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             are
             to
             become
             the
             kingdomes
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             his
             Christ
             ;
          
           there
           will
           be
           a
           generall
           declining
           of
           
             Church-Officers
          
           from
           the
           work
           of
           that
           Generation
           ,
           and
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           (
           not
           in
           Office
           )
           more
           faithfull
           than
           their
           Pastors
           and
           Teachers
           ,
           in
           holding
           forth
           a
           publick
           Testimony
           to
           the
           glorious
           Kingdom
           and
           and
           Reign
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             Psal.
             8.
             2.
             Isa.
             26.
             2.
             Jer.
             50.
             45.
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             26
             ,
             27.
             
             Isa.
             29.
             9.
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             18.
             
             &
             43.
             27.
             
             Rev.
             12.
             4.
             
             Joel
          
           3.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XVI
           .
           Whereas
           the
           late
           divisions
           and
           rents
           in
           many
           Churches
           have
           
             risen
             from
             Souldiers
             and
             others
             ,
             who
             have
             places
             under
             the
             present
             Government
             ;
          
           It
           be
           not
           necessary
           that
           all
           Churches
           (
           as
           yet
           free
           from
           the
           occasion
           of
           such
           trouble
           )
           do
           well
           consider
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           before
           they
           admit
           Souldiers
           and
           others
           (
           so
           much
           excepted
           against
           )
           into
           Church
           Fellowship
           ?
           Again
           ,
           for
           others
           who
           either
           intend
           to
           joyn
           to
           some
           Church
           already
           gathered
           ,
           or
           to
           constitute
           themselves
           a
           Church
           ?
           Whether
           it
           do
           not
           likewise
           very
           much
           concern
           them
           to
           avoid
           that
           thing
           which
           others
           have
           been
           so
           much
           prejudiced
           by
           :
           As
           a
           wise
           man
           will
           not
           run
           his
           Ship
           upon
           that
           rock
           ,
           on
           which
           he
           sees
           another
           Vessel
           is
           split
           before
           his
           eyes
           .
           
             Prov.
             22.
             3.
             
             Ezra
             4.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             1
             Cor.
          
           5.
           6.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XVII
           .
           Whether
           Churches
           in
           such
           a
           day
           as
           this
           is
           ,
           should
           not
           make
           diligent
           enquiry
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           that
           hinders
           their
           glory
           and
           growth
           ?
           What
           it
           is
           that
           keeps
           the
           bad
           in
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           out
           ?
           whence
           it
           is
           that
           they
           do
           not
           experience
           so
           much
           life
           ,
           sweetnesse
           ,
           and
           divine
           Presence
           in
           Church
           Ordinances
           as
           formerly
           they
           did
           ?
           Again
           ,
           would
           they
           be
           conscientious
           ,
           and
           sincere
           in
           searching
           for
           the
           cause
           ?
           then
           ,
           whether
           it
           would
           not
           be
           found
           :
           First
           ,
           
             Negligence
          
           in
           some
           Officers
           ,
           who
           look
           more
           after
           the
           world
           than
           after
           the
           walking
           of
           their
           Flock
           ,
           and
           seek
           to
           keep
           up
           state
           and
           pompe
           in
           their
           own
           Family
           ,
           more
           than
           purity
           and
           holines
           in
           the
           house
           of
           God
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Arrogancy
          
           and
           Pride
           in
           some
           Members
           who
           being
           
             Statesmen
             ,
          
           are
           like
           the
           
             Sons
             of
             Zerviah
             ,
             too
             hard
             for
             the
             rest
             :
          
           For
           through
           fear
           some
           dare
           not
           speak
           to
           them
           of
           their
           scandalous
           walking
           ;
           others
           by
           gifts
           and
           preferment
           have
           their
           mouths
           stopt
           ,
           
           though
           not
           their
           consciences
           ,
           others
           care
           not
           for
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           (
           
             Caa●like
          
           )
           they
           were
           
             not
             their
             brothers
             keeper
             ,
          
           Thus
           though
           the
           wickednes
           of
           some
           Church
           members
           be
           like
           
             Gehazis
             leprosie
             upon
             the
             fore
             head
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
          
           and
           the
           world
           cryes
           shame
           on
           it
           ;
           yet
           the
           Church
           hath
           neither
           an
           ear
           to
           hear
           ,
           nor
           an
           ey
           to
           see
           ,
           
             Lam.
             3.
             40.
             
             Josh.
             7.
             5
             ,
             6.
             2
             Cor.
             7.
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Ezec.
             3.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             &c.
             Mat.
          
           18
           7.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XVIII
           .
           Whether
           unfaithfulness
           among
           Churches
           in
           neglecting
           their
           Christian
           Duty
           each
           to
           other
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           admonishing
           one
           another
           of
           the
           great
           corruption
           ,
           which
           they
           see
           crept
           into
           Churches
           (
           especially
           the
           deceitfull
           walking
           of
           some
           
             Church-Officers
             ,
          
           who
           were
           winked
           at
           ,
           when
           they
           openly
           sought
           by
           LETTERS
           and
           other
           wayes
           to
           corrupt
           the
           Churches
           )
           hath
           not
           (
           by
           the
           just
           hand
           of
           God
           )
           brought
           many
           troubles
           and
           divisions
           upon
           them
           :
           Again
           ,
           if
           a
           Church
           be
           corrupted
           by
           suffering
           scandalous
           persons
           in
           it
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           Duty
           of
           a
           
             Sister
             Church
          
           knowing
           the
           same
           to
           ,
           be
           true
           ?
           And
           how
           far
           ,
           and
           how
           long
           may
           a
           Church
           hold
           communion
           with
           any
           Church
           ,
           which
           keeps
           scandalous
           persons
           in
           communion
           howsoever
           admonished
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XIX
           .
           Whether
           the
           
             stop
             ,
          
           that
           hath
           been
           put
           to
           the
           Lords
           work
           ,
           and
           the
           
             good
             old
             Cause
          
           once
           famous
           in
           the
           
             three
             Nations
             ,
          
           with
           what
           present
           oppression
           and
           persecution
           is
           amongst
           us
           :
           hath
           not
           been
           raised
           and
           continued
           in
           a
           speciall
           manner
           ,
           by
           some
           
             Church-members
             ;
          
           And
           whether
           such
           Church
           members
           have
           not
           been
           more
           false
           to
           the
           Interest
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           People
           ,
           then
           any
           other
           people
           ,
           and
           betrayed
           the
           most
           glorious
           Cause
           that
           ever
           was
           in
           the
           world
           .
           
             Jer.
          
           11.
           15.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XX
           .
           Whether
           
             Pride
          
           and
           
             Covetousness
          
           (
           so
           much
           condemned
           in
           holy
           Scripture
           )
           are
           sins
           to
           be
           born
           with
           in
           Churches
           ?
           If
           not
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           reason
           that
           few
           (
           if
           any
           )
           Church
           members
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           apparently
           
             proud
          
           and
           
             Coveteous
          
           are
           called
           to
           an
           account
           for
           such
           sins
           .
           Besides
           ,
           whether
           for
           
             Pride
          
           and
           
             Coveteousnesse
             ,
          
           some
           
             WITHIN
          
           do
           not
           far
           exceed
           most
           
             WITHOVT
             ;
             Prov.
             8.
             13
             
             Hos.
             5.
             5.
             1
             Joh.
             2.
             16.
             
             Isa.
             2.
             12.
             
             Mal.
             3.
             15.
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             2.
             Jam.
             4.
             6.
             
             Psal.
             10.
             3.
             1
             Cor.
             6
             10.
             
             Ephes
             5.
             5.
             
             Luk.
             12.
             15.
             
             Col
             3.
             5.
             
             Isa.
             5●
             .
             11.
             
             Ezec.
             16.
             48.
             51.
             1
             Cor.
             5.
             4
             
             Thou
             canst
             not
             bear
             them
             that
             do
             evill
             ,
          
           Rev.
           2.
           2.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XXI
           .
           Whereas
           the
           
             Name
             of
             God
             and
             Religion
             ,
          
           lies
           under
           so
           much
           reproach
           everywhere
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           Apostacy
           ,
           Hypo
           -
           
           ●●●●hood
           of
           Professors
           ;
           for
           many
           hereby
           are
           hindred
           from
           joyning
           to
           Churches
           :
           Others
           hardned
           in
           errour
           and
           sin
           ;
           yea
           ,
           many
           by
           this
           occasion
           are
           become
           Libertines
           ,
           Blasphemers
           ,
           Atheists
           ,
           and
           what
           not
           ?
           Query
           is
           ,
           How
           far
           it
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           Churches
           ,
           publickly
           to
           appear
           in
           vindicating
           the
           
             great
             name
             of
             God
             ,
          
           and
           wiping
           off
           that
           scandal
           and
           reproach
           which
           lies
           upon
           the
           truth
           &
           them
           too
           .
           
             Exo.
             32.
             32.
             
             Josh.
             7.
             9.
             
             &
             Psa.
             122.
             9.
             
             &
             137.
             5
             ,
             6.
             
             Numb.
             25.
             13.
             
             Joh.
             2.
             17.
             
             Neh.
             2.
             3.
             Prov.
          
           22.
           1.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XXII
           .
           That
           some
           Brethren
           at
           this
           time
           not
           holding
           forth
           a
           faithfull
           Testimony
           ,
           against
           the
           corruptions
           crept
           into
           the
           Churches
           ,
           and
           shewing
           the
           Churches
           their
           evill
           and
           sin
           :
           so
           far
           as
           their
           light
           and
           duty
           is
           :
           whether
           this
           be
           not
           one
           great
           cause
           ,
           that
           the
           abuses
           and
           corruptions
           now
           in
           Churches
           are
           not
           reformed
           ?
           Further
           the
           Query
           is
           ,
           In
           what
           
             souldanger
          
           that
           member
           is
           ,
           who
           hath
           made
           a
           solemn
           Covenant
           before
           the
           Lord
           with
           his
           Brethren
           to
           practise
           all
           known
           
             Gospel
             order
             ,
             Christian
             〈◊〉
             &
             duties
             ,
          
           both
           to
           the
           Church
           and
           every
           individuall
           member
           ,
           shall
           notwithstanding
           (
           contrary
           to
           the
           light
           of
           his
           own
           conscience
           )
           break
           that
           Covenant
           so
           solemnly
           made
           in
           the
           principall
           part
           of
           it
           .
           
             Prov.
             14.
             25.
             
             Ezek.
             2.
             7.
             
             Isa.
             58.
             1.
             Jer.
             23.
             22.
             
             Ephe.
             17.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             
             Rom.
             1.
             31.
             
             Psal.
          
           15.
           4.
           Rom.
           21.
           27.
           and
           22.
           15.
           1
           
             Joh.
             3.
             20.
             
             Ruth
             .
             3.
             18.
             
             Isa.
             30.
             9.
             and
          
           63.
           8.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           XXIII
           .
           Our
           last
           Query
           shall
           be
           ;
           first
           ,
           Whether
           there
           be
           not
           good
           ground
           to
           think
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           shall
           bring
           forth
           his
           judgements
           against
           the
           Nations
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           he
           will
           
             begin
             at
             his
             own
             house
             ;
             Jer.
             25.
             18.
             29.
             
             Eze.
             9.
             6.
             
             Amo.
             3.
             2.
             1
             Pet.
          
           4.
           17.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Whether
           the
           Lords
           controversie
           at
           this
           time
           against
           Churches
           ,
           be
           not
           their
           neglect
           of
           judgement
           ?
           
             Isa.
          
           59.
           4.
           9.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Whether
           there
           be
           any
           way
           (
           following
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           )
           for
           Churches
           to
           escape
           publique
           judgments
           ,
           than
           to
           purge
           out
           unclean
           persons
           and
           things
           ?
           
             Josh.
             7.
             13.
             26.
             2
             Sam.
             21.
             14.
             
             Rev.
             2.
             5.
             16.
             
             J●●.
          
           1.
           15.
           
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A43196e-550
           
             *
             Whereas
             Mr.
             
               William
               Bridge
               ,
            
             preaching
             lately
             at
             the
             
               Charterhouse
               ,
               May
            
             23.
             1658.
             
             Told
             his
             Hearers
             ,
             That
             there
             is
             now
             
               a
               Generation
               work
               ,
               a
               generation
               Truth
               ,
               and
               generation
               Sins
               .
            
             Whether
             it
             be
             not
             the
             duty
             of
             all
             
               Pastors
            
             and
             
               Teachers
               ,
            
             clearly
             to
             declare
             unto
             their
             people
             ,
             when
             the
             proper
             
               Work
               ,
               Truth
            
             &
             
               Sins
            
             are
             of
             this
             generation
             .
             
               Psal.
               40.
               10.
               
               Jer.
               23.
               28.
               
               Rom.
            
             1.
             18.