3. Considering the extream tryals and troubles, which the dissatisfied Brethren in the Church of Salem Village have undergone, in the day of sore temptation, which hath been upon them; we cannot but advise the Church to treat them with bowels of much compassion, instead of all more critical, or rigorous proceedings against them for the Infirmities discovered by them, in such an heart-breaking day; and if after a patient waiting for it, the said Brethren cannot so far overcome the uneasiness of their Spirits, in the remembrance of the disasters that have hapned, as to sit under his Ministry; we advise the Church with all tenderness to grant them admission to any other Society of the Faithful, whereunto they may be desired to be dismist. Gal. vi. 1, 2. Psal. ciii. 13, 14. Job xix. 21.

4. Mr. Parris having (as we understand) with much fidelity and integrity acquitted himself, in the main course of his Ministry, since he hath been Pastor of the Church of Salem Village; about his first call whereunto, we look upon all contestations now to be both unreasonable and unseasonable: And our Lord having made him a blessing to the Souls of not a few, both old and young in this place, we advise that he be accordingly respected, honour'd and supported, with all the regards that are due to a painful Minister of the gospel. 1 Thes. v. 12, 13. 1 Tim. v. 17.

5. Having observed that there is in Salem Village, a Spirit full of contention and animosity, too sadly verifying the blemish which hath heretofore lain upon them: And that some complaints against Mr. Parris have been either causeless, or groundless, or unduly aggravated; we do in the name and fear of the Lord solemnly warn them to consider, whether if they continue to devour one another it will not be bitterness in the latter end, and beware lest the Lord be provoked thereby utterly to deprive them of those (which they should count) their precious and pleasant things, and abandon them to all the desolations of a People that sin away the Mercies of the Gospel. James iii. 16. Gal. v. 15. 2 Sam. ii. 26. Isa. v. 45. Mat. xxi. 43.

6. If the Distempers in Salem Village should be (which God forbid) so incurable, that Mr. Parris after all find that he cannot with any comfort and service continue in his present Station, his removal from thence will [61] not expose him to any hard Character with us; nor we hope with the rest of the People of God, among whom we live. Matt. x. 14. Acts xxii. 18. All which advice we follow, with our Prayers that the God of Peace would bruise Satan under our Feet; now the Lord of Peace himself give you Peace always by all means.

To the Reverend Elders of the Three Churches of Christ, at Boston, with others the Elders and Brethren of other Churches, late of a Council at Salem Village.

WE whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, are bold once more to trouble you with our humble Proposals. That whereas there has been long and uncomfortable differences among us, chiefly relating to Mr. Parris; and we having, as we apprehend, attended all probable means for a composure of our troubles; and whereas we had hopes of an happy Issue, by your endeavors among us, but now are utterly frustrated of our Expectations, and that instead of uniting, our rent is made worse, and our breach made wider.

We humbly Query, Whether yourselves being streightned of time, might not omit such satisfactory liberty of debating the whole of our Controversie; whereby yourselves had not so large an opportunity of understanding the Case; nor the offended so much reason to be satisfied in your advice: We therefore humbly propose, and give full liberty of proving and defending of what may be charged on either hand, leaving it to yourselves to appoint both time and place.