HEALING queries FOR SICK church's.  
That is, Some seasonable thing begun, whereby the Present Breaches in Churches may be Repaired: Future Rents and Divisions prevented; and so all the Lord's People have Communion not in darkness but LIGHT.  
PUBLISHED, By a FRIEND to the Virgin Daughter of Zion.  Jer. 8. 22. 
Is there no Balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?  
London, Printed in the Year, 1658.   

To all the GATHERED church's in England, Scotland and Ireland, PEACE with holiness be wished.  
Men, Fathers and Brethren,  
I May say in Jacob's words: Why do ye look one upon another? Behold I have heard that there is Corn in Egypt, Gen. 42. 12. Parents as they are deeply affected with their children's afflictions: so they are careful 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 liest 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 pastors and Teachers of Churches: who are most concerned in seeking to heal 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 join in communion with soldiers: Nor with such as have civil Offices under the present Government: think it a PUBLIKC scandal to Religion, that Church-members should be jailers and Judges of the Saints; and show no cause why they persecute them: Here it is the Ministers duty in a special 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 weakness 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 men's sins: I hope without any further enlargement, those who know what it is not to defile their garments, God will enable them to make a fruitful 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 show (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 practices 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 preached against the King, had been done sincerely, and in the fear of God, they would now by Preaching and Writing, as earnestly persuade 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 useful 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 man's judgement: my judgement 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, aught 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 hardening 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 whole 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 whole 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 inquire and judge, who are the traitors and Covenant breakers, there foretold to be in the last days; briefly, whether Churches, (as Churches) ought to judge the Actions of their members in civil things, that is, about the lawfulness of men's 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 public dishonour to the Name of God, who join 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 jailers, 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 Lord's 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 sinful (and yet born with by the greater number) that they may keep themselves pure, and not be partakers of others' men's 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 ways (so far as their duty is) to have the Church purged of such defilements? but the Major part will not hear, 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 judgement 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 apostasy publicly to the world, and in them (as it is asserted) the second apostasy 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 apostasy 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 apostasy. 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 join with this present Government, and have much worldly advantage by it; do not by their silence show either great ingratitude to their Lord Protector, being as they say a nursing Father to them (if they can justify the Power and Government which he hath taken up:) or otherwise, whether they give not just occasion unto People to think they cannot justify him, by Law, Reason, Religion, &c. and so it is rather of covetousness than Conscience, that they are fallen 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 special objection of Royalists against them and us,) Let every soul 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 God's Ordnanceiv. whether it be not meant, so far as they are lawfully constituted, & do govern according to reason and just laws, preserve their people's Liberties, Persons and Estates; Again, when they prove Traitors to the Nation, and are the devil's Agents, whether they may not be severely punished for it. 2. Because these who resist lawful 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 evil, v. 3. Whether this be a good consequence, when they are professed enemies to good works, and do evil 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 evil, v. 4. Here the query may be, if he seek to ruin, spoil, and enslave the people, gives liberty to all manner of unrighteousness, bears the sword not only in vain, in reference to the public 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 devil, and the mere sin, and presumption of men, is within the compass of this Text. 6. Whether that which is no point or part of the Magistrates lawful 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 pass beyond those limits, they are none of God's Ordinances; Consider of it, take advise and speak your minds. 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 soldiers and others, who have places under the present Government (being Church members) are not called to an account as evil 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 soldiers and other State Officers, yet they have the word of God to warrant their practice 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 triers. (as it is commonly called) hath given offence to many precious Christians, and occasioned much trouble in some Churches, no less 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 lawful 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 days of the late King, many honest men for refusing to submit to an Arbitrary Power, and illegal 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 civil Rights and Liberties of the People? whether this be not a scandal 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; 
* 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 sin's. 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.  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 kingdom of Jesus Christ, and to hold forth a public 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 four Elders, but the four 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 near or about the expiration of the Fourth Monarchy, when the Kingdoms of this world, are to become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ; there will be a general declining of Church-Officers from the work of that Generation, and the Brethren, (not in Office) more faithful than their Pastors and Teachers, in holding forth a public 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 soldiers 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 soldiers and others (so much excepted against) into Church Fellowship? Again, for others who either intend to join 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, sweetness, 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 pomp in their own Family, more than purity and holiness 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 stopped, though not their consciences, others care not for it, as if (Caa●like) they were not their brother's keeper, Thus though the wickedness of some Church members be like Gehazis' leprosy upon the fore head of the Church; and the world cries shame on it; yet the Church hath neither an ear to hear, nor an eye 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 deceitful walking of some Church-Officers, who were winked at, when they openly sought by LETTERS and other ways 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 Lord's 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 special manner, by some Church-members; And whether such Church members have not been more false to the Interest of Christ and his People, than 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 covetous are called to an account for such sins. Besides, whether for Pride and covetousness, some WITHIN do not far exceed most without; 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 evil, Rev. 2. 2.  
Quest. XXI. Whereas the Name of God and Religion, lies under so much reproach everywhere, by reason of the apostasy, Hypo- ●●●●hood of Professors; for many hereby are hindered from joining to Churches: Others hardened in error 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, publicly 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 faithful Testimony, against the corruptions crept into the Churches, and showing the Churches their evil 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 individual member, shall notwithstanding (contrary to the light of his own conscience) break that Covenant so solemnly made in the principal 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 Lord's controversy 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 public judgements, than to purge out unclean persons and things? Josh. 7. 13. 26. 2 Sam. 21. 14. Rev. 2. 5. 16. J●●. 1. 15.  
FINIS.