INDEPENDENCY NO SCHISM. Or, An Answer to a Scandalous Book, entitled, The Schismatic sifted: Written by Mr. JOHN VICARS. Which may serve also for a Reply to Master EDWARD'S his Gangraena. Wherein is discovered the vanity of those unjust Slanders cast upon the Dissenting Brethren, whom they call Independents. With some Hints added about Gospel-Government. By M. N. Med. Pr. 2 Cor. 13. 6, 7, 8, 9 I trust ye shall know that we are not Reprobates. Now I pray to God, that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates: For we do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth. For we are glad when we are weak, and ye are strong; and this also we wish, even your perfection. Ephes. 4. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. London, Printed for Rob. White. 1646. To Master VICARS. Mr. Vicars, YOu may mean well, but you writ ill, and (as pious acute Mr. Saltmarsh * Shadows flying away. says of Mr. Gataker) me thinks your Expressions have too much of that which Solemon calls frowardnesse in old men. Alas, Sir, I cannot imagine you are yet out of your Hornbook in Divinity, that express so little Logic in your writings; and therefore you may do well to be silent, and let the Anakims of the Presbytery, the tall S●pbisters, take the task upon them, and not let your Cause suffer by railing inconclusive Notions, which have no more to underprop them, but your own Ipse dixi. But I observe you writ much, which is the reason I thought fit to waste a few hours, that men of understanding may not gaze any mor● after Paper-kites of your making: And so resolved to fall to sifting that Book which you call, the Schismatic sifted, etc. that in a little, may be discovered the vanity of all the rest of your Pamphlets. And verily, if there had been as little malice as wisdom, and no more falsehood than reason in it, it had been passed with as much neglect as is due to folly: But when you, one of the simplicity of your heart, begin to cast dirt in the faces of the most illuminated and eminent Saints and servants of Christ, and like a giddy Animal paddle and rake in the kennel of Slander, to asperse or quench the most excellent Lights; 'Tis time to bray you, for your foolishness, in a Mortar, hoping you are not past Cure of the Pestle. TO THE READER. Good Reader, HAve a little patience; for I must needs throw away some Ink upon this Paper-worme, this great benefactor to the Magazine of waste paper. As a further explanation of his mind, he calls his Pamphlet by another Name: The Picture of Independents freshly and fairly washed over again, wherein the Sectaries, the principal seducers to that dangerous and subtle schism of Independency, are lively set forth, etc. That you may know whom he means by the principal Sectaries and Seducers, etc. he places these Names following in the Front: Master William Greenhill. Master Thomas Goodwin. Master Philip Nye. Master William Bridge. Master jeremiah Burroughs. Master Sydrach Sympson. Master William Carter. Men of excellent Gifts, absolute Integrity, and profound Knowledge in the mysteries of God in Christ, yet here blotted in his pernicious Pamphle: with the worst of slanders; whom to vindicate were in a manner to wrong them, their known perfections soaring above the reach of impious scandal. By washing over again, you must understand that Mr. Vicars drew a Picture of the Independents not long since, which he now washes over again, and he (good man) thinks he hath done very well: yet sure he is but an ill Picture-drawer that needs Spectacles, and borrows deceitful Colours from others, as Mr. Vicars doth, whom I will now present to you in his own picture, with every lineament of his folly. Independency no Schism. Master VICARS. THat ill weeds grow apace in God's garden the Church, through the impunity, and intolerable Toleration of Sectaries & Schismatics. 2. That since they cry out for liberty of conscience, it is more lawful for him to use liberty of speech, with christian moderation. 3. That Independency is a most dangerous schism, and that the door of Independents hangs upon two hinges, Hope of impunity, and a continued good opinion even among the Presbyterian party. 4. That they love to live Salamander like, in the fire of hot disputes. Answer. To the first, [That ill weeds grow apace in God's garden, by toleration, etc.] Let the Church (the garden of God) be once furnished with true genuine plants, I mean such only as our heavenly Father hath planted by divine institution: Let such a Government be set up, as is only according to the will and appointment of Jesus Christ, and there can be no fear of prejudice by a toleration of divers Opinions: If the work be of God, if a Church way be founded upon the impregnable rock Christ, nothing can overthrow it, not the gates of hell can prevail against it. There was no noise made in building Solomon's temple, and why should we make tumults and persecutions in building up the temple of Christ, whose temple we are? Let men be left to the power of the Word, and if they be not convinced by its mighty working, if they be given over to strong delusions, not all the principalities and policies under heaven can reduce them: the Gospel is the gospel of peace, and we have no warrant thence to deal otherwise with men, then in a way of Peace, and Gospel power. Secondly, Mr. Vicars, we do allow there are Sectaries, Schismatics, and Heretics in the Church of God, for such the Apostle says there will be among us, and I believe now are; and whether it be not better to leave their conversion to the power of the Word, than to cudgel and whip them to it, I leave those who know any thing of gospel proceed, to judge: But in the mean time will you call all that are not of your own opinion, such, even those of the most moderate Dissenters? must they be marked with a black coal, by wise Mr. Vicars, for sectaries and schismatics, and their names thus bespattered in Print, which (for aught he knows) may be written fair in the Book of life? Thirdly, I observe there is a great noise made of Schism here among us: Thus the Papists charged the Protestants with schism upon Luther's Reformation, and a long time after, till the slander became as threadbare, as the proofs of it were weak. Just so now deal the Presbyterians with their brethren, whom they nickname Independents: and whosoever traces Ecclesiastical history, shall find it hath ever been Satan's policy, upon any irradiations of Divine light, immediately to brand it for schism; which is the main reason why Reformation hath been so often near the birth, and yet not strength to bring it forth. I am persuaded, though we should hear a voice from heaven as john did, saying, Come out of her my people, yet the Devil would beg leave to be a lying spirit in the mouths of some, to brand them for schismatics. To the second, [That since they cry out for liberty of conscience, it is more lawful for him to use liberty of speech, with christian moderation.] Then let your moderation be known to all men, leave off your nicknames and by words of your brethren: Truth gains nothing by ill language; I wish all of your mind would consider it, and not let this liberty of tongue in them become a stumbling block to any, or grieve the hearts of their Brethren: The which look for Peace and Truth, must first use Moderation: were there but any Christian moderation, there would be neither cry, nor groan for Liberty. To the third, [that Independency is a most dangerous schism, and hangs upon two hinges, hope of impunity, and the good opinion which some Presbyterians have of them of that way.] I would fain have some of these Furioso's tell us wherein Independency (as they call it) deserves the name of schism: If Luther's departing from Popery was no schism; if the first Reformation in England was no sohisme; if the Presbyterians late departing from the Prelacy was no schism, but were all degrees of Reformation in their times: how comes it then that this more spiritual Churchway of Independents which aims at a yet more perfect reformation, should bear an imputation of schism, more than the other? At present, Satan may endeavour to blast it with the name of schism, as he did former Reformations which succeeding years may acknowledge for the right way. And truly, it hath pleased God to stir up men's hearts wonderfully at present, to search the Scriptures themselves, to take upon them to question, reason cases, and try spirits, and not to pin their souls and understandings upon Presbyters sleeves now, as they were wont to do upon the Prelates: And if this course were a little more usual among Christians, all well-meaning Presbyterians would soon have a good opinion of that way; and than what Hinges soever Independents hang on, 'tis probable others may be quite off the Hooks. To the fourth, [That they love to live, Salamander-like, in the fire of hot disputes.] Better so, than (Salamander-like) in the fire of persecution. As long as there is Scripture-reason, truth will never want a champion: I do not mean in vain logical or philosophical reasoning, which is mere foolishness in reference to the things of God, though yet in that way we dare hold up an Argumentative buckler against the most Mercurial Sophisters of this age. Mr. VICARS. That Independents preach sound doctrine, yet intermix the unsound leven of false opinions, witness their pleas for a toleration of all opinions, and liberty of conscience. Answer. If to teach, that variety of Opinions ought not to break the Unity of the spirit, be unsound leven; why then doth the Apostle press this duty, notwithstanding outward differences? But as for a toleration of all opinions, I suppose no discreet man will charge this upon their Brethren: for we yield not to errors in Gospel-principles, only we can see no reason why men's consciences should be burdened with outward ordinances, or that they should be bound to this or that opinion in carnal formalities, which they cannot be persuaded of, and perhaps can allege evidence from the Word for the contrary, as the case is with those they call Anabaptists, Independents, Seckers, etc. Mr. VICARS. 1. That Scripture discipline is the hedge, wall, or fence of God's precious garden or vineyard. 2. That Mr. Edward's in his Gangrana hath set forth many damnable doctrines and erroneous opinions of Independents. 3. That Independents, and the rest of the Sectaries, are like Sampsons' Foxes, tied together by the tails. 4. That they pretend holiness of life, as the Scribes and Pharisees, and afterward the heretics did of old. Answer. To the first, [that Scripture-discipline is the hedge etc.] If the garden of the Church be so precious in God's eyes▪ then 'tis sit the fence and hedge should be according to his own appointment, no gardiner's or guardians placed therein, but of his own choosing: will he not be angry, if we take upon us to thrust in whom we please, to order the people which are God's husbandry, after our own humour, and put in such husbandmen of our own, that if God send a servant or two of his, they will perhaps deal with them, like those in the 20. of Luke, beat them, wound, and cast them out? Certainly, this will not be pleasing to the Lord of the vineyard. To the second, [that Mr. Edward's hath set forth in his Gangraena many damnable tenets of Independents.] Mr. Edward's indeed has been raking in the kennel, but he hath fouled himself most: Mr. Edward's is a very credulous man, and hopes every man else will be so too, and (I know) would have the world think all that he reckons up belongs to Independents: Is this your way of conquest, to accuse the Brethren? this is Satan's practice▪ I suppose Mr. Edward's looks to rise as high in renown, as the old Heresiographers Augustine and Epiphanius: But did they, after they had cast up the heresies of old asperse them upon any one party, as Mr. Edward's endeavours upon the dissenting Brethren, on purpose to render them odious to the people? This is a weak shift to support the Government he lays claim to. To the third, [that Independents and the other sectaries are like Sampsons' foxes, tied together by the tails.] Indeed this is the design, to present Independents, and the rabble of lewd and unwarrantable Opinions, all under one: whether they be tied by the tails it matters not much, their heads are distant enough, and the world sees it, till Mr. Vicars prove the contrary, all whose books have neither head nor tail, neither premises nor conclusion, but upon his own bare word and authority. To the fourth, [that they pretend holiness of life, as the Scribes and Pharisees, and Heretics of old.] Do all so, or some few? tell us next time how many, and their names, lest the whole suffer for some few. Do you, and Mr. Edward's resolve to take all on trust? Are you able to judgd of the inward man? How does this agree with the new commandment which Christ Jesus received of the Father, and left as his last legacy to his Children, that they should love one another: By this (says John) we know that we are of the Truth; Not by slandering the Brethren. Woe to them by wh●m scandals come. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Mr. VICARS. 1. That whosoever loves to laugh at a sermon, let him go hear Mr. Peter's preach. 2. That Mr. john Goodwin wrote a late unfavory treatise, called Cretensis. 3. That the Apologetical Narration was attested by the Authors, only to paint out their own piety, but that it betrays double dealing, and that their exile or banishment out of England was but pretended. 4. That the Apologists confessed the Parochial congregations, true churches of Christ; but now that Independents forsake them. 5. That the Apologists promised, nor to preach or print any thing in vindication of themselves, or their opinions. 6. That Mr. Philip Nye is a notable Independent Politician, and nimble Agent for the schismatical Church way. That Mr. Nye got the writing out of Mr. Calamies hands, wherein it was agreed by the Presbyterian and Independent Ministers, and subscribed, that neither side should preach, print, dispute, or otherwise act against each others way, till both sides in a full meeting did declare the contrary. Answer. To the first, [That whosoever loves to laugh at a sermon, let him go hear Mr. Peter.] take heed you do not blow a trumpet to draw company after him to that end, in expectation of sport, rather than doctrine, wherein Mr. Peter is able to appear serious and sound, as he lately approved himself in that his excellently penned Thanksgiving Sermon upon the reducing of the West: And who knows not that we own much to his sermons, for encouraging the Soldiery in that admired and auspicious Enterprise? Your idle Pamphlets (sir) are things to laugh at, not his Sermons. To the second, [that Mr. john Goodwin wrote an unsavoury treatise called Cretensis.] I say, Cretensis was a fit title in answer to such an unsavoury treatise as Gangraena, which may one day prove a fretting Cancer within the breast of the Author. The Cretians were always liars, as he that takes all by hear-say from the world must needs be, since he who is Prince of the world, is also the Father of lies. To the third, [that the Apologetical Narration was attested by the Authors only to paint out their own piety, but that it betrays double dealing, and that their banishment was but pretended.] The end of that Apology was only to quit themselves of many fictions, falsehoods and scandals secretly dispersed against them, wherein nothing was mentioned, but in order to a just and necessary Vindication: therefore let none take with the left hand, what they offered with the right. And pray tell us how their Banishment becomes more pretended, than the rest of God's people which wandered out of the Kingdom for their Conscience sake, to unknown habitations? while you and others warmed you selves with as much content under the sunshine of Antichristian Prelacy, as now under the Presbytery: the templar of such Professors varies according to the constitution of the State where they live; they had rather shift Religion a hundred times, than their Climate once. To the fourth, [that the Apologists confessed Parochial congregations to be true Churches.] I answer in Mr. Saltmarsh his words upon the same objection: You are not to prove what others confess, or hold you to be, but what you are indeed, according to truth. Nor shall I contend with those that hold you so, but with you that hold yourselves so: as the Spirit to the Laodiceans, Thou sayest thou art full, etc. but behold thou art poor, etc. To the fifth, [that the Apologists promised not to preach or print any thing, etc.] But did they promise to sit still, and see a Government set up which they cannot allow of, and hear Persecution preached and endeavoured against all which approve not of that way? Doth not such a course force them to it, unless they will betray themselves and the truth of God? For Zions' sake, we cannot hold our peace. To the sixth, [that Mr. Philip Nye is a notable Independent-polititian, an Agent for the schismatical Churchway, and got away the writing from Mr. Calamy.] I say, Mr. Nye is better known by his sound doctrine, and integrity of conversation, than to be blasted by the pen of any: Not all your Ink can slain his Robes of innocence. This was the High-Priests strain concerning our Saviour, We found this fellow perverting the people: And shall the servant expect better Luk. 23. 2. than his master? No, they said so too of Paul; We found this man a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition, etc. Act. 24. 5. Touching the Writing of agreement, wherefore was it made? was it because you doubted the strength of that Building intended by you, when another Platform should be offered? you were sure, ye thought, of having the countenance of authority to your work, only it seems you were afraid it might be retarded upon more perfect discoveries by your Brethren, and therefore thought all would be sure, if their mouths were sealed up, and their hands manacled by a circumventing agreement. At that time when this agreement was made, it might be requisite, in regard of the mutual interest of both parties against the common enemy, and the necessity of laying aside differences in Opinion for a time: But I hope Mr. Vicars will not say it was intended for a snare to the Brethren, that now when the War is drawn to a period, when a Government is erecting, pretending an absolute conformity to the Word, which they cannot be persuaded of, and minaces and persecution denounced both in press and pulpit against them, as heretics and schismatics, if they submit not thereto: that now (I say) they should betray themselves and the truth by silence. If this were the end of that agreement (as it seems to be) the obligation is unlawful and void, as being contrary to the intent of the Brethren, and further manifestation of the truth of God. Mr. VICARS. 1. That Independents did not so cry up the Parliaments power in matters of Religion heretofore, as now. 2. That a Book called the Peacemaker, says, the Assembly of Divines have nothing to do therein, but so far only as the Parliament pleases to use, or refuse them. 3. That Mr. john Goodwin hath practised for his own factious ends these many years; and that Mr. Walwyn who whispered in Mr. Edward's his ear, is a pharasaical whisperer. 4. That the author of the last warning to London, is an Independent. 5. That Mr. Saltmarsh his Smoke in the Temple is foggy and choking, and that Mr. Ley of the Assembly hath shown him his failings: that his Groans for Liberty, are full of misapplied parallels, and unsavoury comparisons: that his treatise of Freegrace is subtle and deceitful, and very much dangerous drink of errors to be found therein, as Mr. Gataker says. That Mr. Saltmarsh his exceptions at Mr. Edward's are injurious, because he once speak well of Mr. Edward's when he heard him preach. Answer. To the first, [that Independents did not cry up the Parliaments power in matters of Religion heretofore, as now.] I say, show us an exact platform according to the will of Christ, and then we shall soon see who are to be impowered therein: in the mean time be not angry if we allow the Parliament chief power in the Government now claimed, which is merely Prudential in the main parts of it, and so undeniably of Humane cognisance. Touching the second, [that a Book called the Peacemaker, says, the Assembly have nothing to do therein, but so far only as the Parliament please.] I pray read the Ordinance which enabled them to sit, and a clause in the late Declaration of the Commons, which says they were called only to Advise of such things, etc. To the third [concerning Mr. john Goodwin and Mr Walwyn] It is not enough to call men Factious and Pharisaical, without evident demonstrations; Let every man's work be proved, lest while you endeavour to picture out Independency, you draw a model of your own impudence and impiety. To the fourth, [that the Author of the last warning to London, is an Independent.] I observe, if there be any thing unsavoury abroad, it is presently thrown in the faces (forsooth) of Independents, else (think they) the people will have too good an opinion of them, and we shall lose our reputation. Oh, this self-interest is the very fountain of all mischief, when it stands in competition with men's consciences in matter of Religion and Reformation. To the fifth, [first, that Mr. Saltmarsh his Smoke, etc. is foggy and choking, wherein Mr. Ley hath shown his failings] Indeed Mr. Ley hath striven to render it choking, by his confused and tumultuary Animadversions, and to raise a fog in the Readers understanding, that they might not discern those divine breathe of the Spirit, and beams of the Sun of righteousness: And all moderate men must needs say Mr. Ley hath shown no failings but his own: their Books are abroad, read, and pray for understanding; so may ye who were once darkness, be light in the Lord. Secondly, [that his Groans for Liberty are full of misapplied parallels, and unsavoury comparisons.] Why then hath not this been made evident all this while? or why do not you do it now? I suppose those Groans come so near, strike so deep, that your consciences cannot dissemble, but that they were once your own. Remember your old condition, do as you would have been done to, have the same affections, the same melt you had then, and have compassion towards your brethren: Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of Mercy. Thirdly, [that his Treatise of Freegrace is subtle, erroneous, and deceitful, as Mr. Gataker says.] Too subtle indeed are his treatises to old men, or those which have the old man in them, or have been infected with the old leven of outward dispensations and self conceit. Mr. Saltmarsh spins too fine threads in Divinity, and is somewhat too sublime and spiritual for those which take all in gross, and have not yet attained the more excellent way wherein my soul speaks by experience, that of all writings yet extant in print, none lays down the precious doctrine of Free grace with such power, plainness, evidence, and demonstration of the Spirit, as that small treatise written by Mr. Saltmarsh. Happy is he can make a right use of it. Fourthly, [that Mr Saltmarsh his exceptions at Mr. Edward's are injurious, because he once spoke well of him.] But if Mr. Saltmarsh have given Mr. Edward's a good report, is this fair requital in M. Edward's to traduce him so unchristianly in print? To ramble up heresies errors, and unwarrantable opinions (upon trust) and then to set his name before them? was this well done? is he now, or M. Edward's most injurious? Mr. VICARS. 1. That the Independents endeavour to make the Covenant a nose of wax by their false Comments, for advance of their own wicked aims and ends. 2 That Dr. Homes will do nothing in his Parish, unless they will dance after his Independent pipe. 3. That Mr. john Bachiler is an Independent brother: that Independents come near the Jesuits, because they would not join in a Petition against Commissioners, to judge of sins not enumerated in the Ordinance for the Lords Supper. 4. That Independents have a fine back door of evasion against such as censure them, because of their pretence of new-lights, which is like the popish Equivocation. Answ. To the first [that the Independents endeavour to make the Covenant a nose of wax, etc.] Produce those false Comments, else forbear to charge them upon us: but if there were any, you needed not to fear them; for the house of Commons have assured you in their late excellent Declaration, that no forced constructions shall be admitted, or put upon the people of this Kingdom, and I am confident all Independents (as you call them) will subscribe to this particular. To the second [that Dr. Homes will do nothing in his parish, unless they dance after his Independent pipe.] I must confess you have a large formal Story of the Doctor, as if you had compared Notes with reverend Mr. Edward's: have you nothing else to do, but to print over the second part of Esop's Fables? and fill the Press with tales of a Cock and a Bull? Give me leave (Sir) to stroke your gravity; you have the Beard (I must confess) though not the Breast plate of Aaron, and may pass for a man of discretion by your looks, though not by your works: for were your cause ever so good, it can never be worse defended, than by rallying up slanders and accusations against the Brethren. To the third, [that Mr. Bachiler is an Independent brother, and that Independents come near the jesuits.] And its probable (if you go on as you begin) the Laws against Priests and Jesuits may be pleaded against them, the great Whore must be arrayed with Crimson and Scarlet, the great Dragon also is red: If ye are of that Serpentine disposition, fill ye up the measure of your Fathers the Bishops, that upon you may come all the righteous blood? What can we expect less, when such bitter invectives are daily vented, to turn the fury of the unstable multitude against the Brethren? As touching Commissioners, pray be not angry, they are pretty coolers for Ambition; the Parliament will have it so, and good reason they should have a share, till the Divine Right be proved. And for Mr. Bachiler, he hath better learned Christ, then to withhold truth in unrighteousness, or stifle it at the Press, at the birth, as you desire; just as Pharaoh would have had the godly Midwives to destroy all the Males of Israel. To the fourth, [that Independents have a fine door of evasion, because of their New-lights, which are like the popish equivocation.] Now I perceive you are in the very gall of bitterness, and bond of, iniquity, who contend against the truth. Is there not a passing from grace to grace, from glory to glory in Gospel knowledge? Doth God reveal all at once? have we attained perfection? are we so well acquainted already with Gospel-mysteries, and Gospel government, that we need look after no further discoveries in the hidden things of God? We must not (like Hercules) set up our Pillars with a Nil ultra, rather Plus ultra should be a Christians Motto. How dare you then call it a Deceitful trick of impudent Impostors to look after more light? we should all be Seekers in this kind: Had former years nuzzled themselves in a contentation in that light they then had, where then had been this light we now enjoy toward a Reformation? It is not long since we were under the darkness of Antichristian Prelacy, and being but newly peeped forth, the veil not yet quite off our eyes, shall we take upon us to see all immediately, as if we had been in the Mount with God, & brought down the pattern? But if that light which is in us be darkness, how great is that darkness? And as the Apostle says, if any man think he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know, 1 Cor. 8 2. Take heed therefore lest while ye rare against new-lights ye work despite to the Spirit of God. To quench it in a man's self is a great sin, but to labour to quench it in others, to blaspheme it, and cause it to be blasphemed by others, is that sin which (our Saviour says) shall never be forgiven. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others, Phil. 2. 1, 2, 3, 4. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men, Rom. 12. 10. 16. 18. For other foundation can no a 1 Cor. 3. 11. man lay, then that is laid, which is jesus Christ. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, b 1 Cor. 8. 12. ye sin against Christ. Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the others, for why is my c 1 Cor. 10 29. liberty judged of another man's conscience? Think not of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up d 1 Cor. 4. 7. for one against another. Let no man deceive himself, if any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become e 1 Cor. 3. 18. a fool, that he may be wise; for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man, f 1 Cor. 2. 15. for who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? And what agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? For ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. g 1 Cor. 6. 16, 17, 18. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Consider, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. As for the Quaere's at the latter end of your book, propounded (as you think) by monsieur du Moulin, Professor of Divinity in the University of Sedan in France, I shall say no more but this, that the thing in controversy is begged, those Quaere's being founded upon a mere prudenciall government, supposed allowable in the Church of Christ, denied by us, but not proved by him, and so those Quaere's fall of themselves. FINIS.