Catholick charity recommended in a sermon before the Right Honorable the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London : in order to the abating the animosities among Christians, that have been occasion'd by differences in religion / by Jos. Glanvill ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680. 1669 Approx. 90 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 20 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A42806 Wing G801 ESTC R13297 14117853 ocm 14117853 102100 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42806) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 102100) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 70:4) Catholick charity recommended in a sermon before the Right Honorable the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London : in order to the abating the animosities among Christians, that have been occasion'd by differences in religion / by Jos. Glanvill ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680. [4], 35 p. Printed for H. Eversden ... and J. Collins ..., London : 1669. Reproduction of original in British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Love -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- Sermons. Sermons, English -- 17th century. 2002-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-09 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 Chris Scherer Sampled and proofread 2002-11 Chris Scherer Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Catholick Charity Recommended in a SERMON , BEFORE The Right Honorable the Lord Mayor , AND Aldermen of LONDON : In order to the abating the Animosities among Christians , that have been occasion'd by Differences in Religion . BY Ios. Glanvill , Rector of Bath . LONDON : Printed for H. Eversden , under the Crown Tavern in West-Smithfield , and I. Collins , at the Kings Head in Westminster-Hall . 1669. To the Reader . I Never thought of having an occasion to make this Sermon more publick than it was in the Preaching of it : But some of my Hearers chanced to be so sagacious , as to spy a Design in it , which my dulness never thought of ; and to report several Passages to the purpose of their Phansy ; which I either never said , or not so as they represented : Upon the occasion of which mistakes chiefly ( I suppose ) I have been frequently solicited by others , who had kinder apprehensions of that Discourse , to let it go abroad . This I now do for that reason ; for I find that without it , neither the one , or other will be satisfied . I have added some things towards the Conclusion , which I should have said , if the time allotted to these Publick Exercises would have permitted . In the whole , I assure the Reader , I intended nothing , but to recommend , and press one of the greatest , and yet one of the most neglected Duties of Christianity : And I am very sorry that our Divisions have brought things to such a pass , that men take it ill to hear of Charity . And whether it be seasonable in our times to exhort men to such a Duty , or no ; let those that kn●w the temper of the Age judge . If it should need an Apology ( and methinks it should not ) that I have chosen so plain , and ordinary a Text ; I would let those , that object it , know , That I intend no subtilties of Wit , or Tricks of various phansie , no Wire-drawn Interpretations , or nice Divisions , to ostenate quaintness , or pedantick Learning ; but seriously to mind the contentious world of an important part of Christianity , which it seems to have forgotten ; and to recommend a Vertue , which nearly concerns all the Affairs of Religion , and all the great interests of men : For which purposes the plainest words are most proper . And I chose such the rather that I might not need to spend any of my short time in Divisions , Coherences , and Explications ; which ordinarily signifie very little , and would have hindred my doing any tolerable right to the main Subject . J. G. London , Feb. 10 1668. A SERMON OF Catholick Charity . 1 Pet. I. part of xxii . v. See that you Love one Another . HOW many , and how great have been the Feuds , and still are , of this tottering , and broken Age , there is no man here so happy as to be ignorant . That such Strifes among Brethren are Unnatural , and Diabolical ; and that 't is a lovely thing to see Christians live together in Charity , and Love ; there is no Christian but will grant : but how the fatal Evil is to be cur'd , and the lovely thing is to be compast ; here 's the Knot , here 's the Difficulty . To endeavour the reconciling Extreams that are so divided , may look like a design to perswade a friendship between the Winds and Waves . 'T is very strange that Christians should be so at odds , whose Religion is Peace , and Love ; and the reasons of whose differences are so small , in proportion to the degree of their Animosities . Our GOD is One , and we have the same common SAVIOUR ; we profess one GOSPEL , and believe the same Creeds ; we have the same SACRAMENTS , and the same fundamental ORDINANCES : And since we are agreed in These , what is there left , that is worth the heat of a Dispute ? what , that can justifie a Division ? Certainly , it is not mens Pinciples that keep them so at odds , there is somewhat more in the matter ; there is something wanting that would heal our Breaches , and compose our Divisions . Love would heal us , if we would be healed . NOW in a general Combustion , 't is every Christians Duty to bring what Water he can , to throw upon the Flames ; especially , it is the office of the Ministers of Peace , to endeavour to promote it . 'T is a plain subject ; but such are most necessary , and this is most seasonable ▪ seasonable at all times , but principally in these , wherein 't is hard to discern by the practice of Christians that the Duty called Love hath any thing to do with Christianity . And yet this is a vital grace of our Religion : 'T is the Law and Gospel in a word ; for Love is the fulfilling of the Law , and the Gospel is a Law of Love. And 't is very strange , and very sad , that an Age , which hath so much of light and faith in the pretense , should have so little of Charity and love in the practice ; especially , since that light , which is from above , is full of Benignity , and Goodness ; and that faith , which is truly Divine , worketh by love . This is the Duty which our Apostle recommends in the words , and I have chosen it for my present subject : In Discoursing it , I shall shew you . ( 1. ) The Necessity of the Duty , ( 2. ) It 's Extent , ( 3. ) The Excellency of it ; and propose ( 4. ) some Means to assist us towards the attainment of this Generous , and Catholick Spirit . For the ( 1. ) The Necessity of the Duty ; the whole Scripture is so full , and so express in enjoyning it , that methinks I might be excused from a labour , that would seem superfluous to one , that knows the Gospel , and not the practice of those that profess it : But because the Christianity of most Christians , is , ( if I may so speak ) quite another thing from the Christianity of CHRIST ; it will be necessary to mind them what HIS was , that they may be perswaded to conform theirs unto it : and though mens understandings are convinced already that Charity is their Duty , yet there is but too much need to represent some of the vast heap of injunctions that make it so , to incline their Wills. I shall therefore briefly lay together a few of the chief instances of this kind ; that you may have the distincter sense of the reasons of your Duty , and from them , the most powerful motives to enforce it . In order to this , let us consider in short , the Injunctions of Christ , and the teachings of his Apostles . OUR SAVIOUR urgeth it as his New Commandment ; Iohn 13.34 . and inculcates it again under the obliging form of his Command , Iohn 15.12 . He makes it a distinguishing note of his Disciples , Iohn 13.35 . and enjoyns them to love their Enemies , Mat. 5.24 He mentions it as the great qualification of those on his Right hand , that shall be received into his Kingdom , Mat. 25.34.35 . and the want of it , as the reason of the dreadful Curse pronounced upon those miserable ones on the Left , at the solemn Judgement , ver . 41 , 42. St. Paul calls Love , the fulfilling of the Law , Rom. 13.8 , 9 , 10. and sets it in the first place among the fruits of the Spirit , Gal. 5.22 . yea , reckons it five times over under other Names in the Catalogue . viz. those of Peace , Long-suffering , Gentleness , Goodness , Meekness , ver . 22.23 . He advanceth it above all Gifts and graces , 1 Cor. 13. above the Tongues of Men and Angels , ver . 1. and above Prophesy , and Mysteries , and Knowledge , and Faith , ver . 2. And the beloved Disciple St. Iohn , who lay in the Bosom of his Dear Lord , and seems to partake most of his Spirit , is transported in the commendation of this Grace . He tells us , that God is Love , 1 Iohn 4.7 . and repeats it again , ver . 16. He makes it an Argument of our being born of God , and Knowing Him , ver . 7. and the want of this an evidence of not Knowing God , ver . 8. He counts it the mark of Discipleship ; and the contrary , a sign of one that abideth in Death , 1. Iohn 3.14 . He calls him a Murtherer that hates another , ver . 15. and a Lyar , if he pretends to Love God , and loveth not his Brother , 1 Iohn 4.20 . In fine , he out-speaks the greatest heights of Praise , when he saith God is Love , and he that loveth dwelleth in God , and God in him , 1 Iohn 4.16 . I might represent further , that we are commanded to Love without dissimulation , Rom. 12.9 . to be kindly affectioned one towards another , ver . 10. to put on the Breast-plate of Faith , and Love , 1 Thess 5.8 . to be pittiful , and courteous . 1 Pet. 3.8 . to provoke one another to love , and to good works , Heb. 10.24 . to serve one another , Gal. 5.13 . to love as Brethren , 1 Pet 3.8 . We are minded of Christ's New Commandment , 1 Ioh. 3.23 . and of the Message which was from the beginning , That we should Love one another , ver . 11. and are urged by the consideration of Gods loveing us , 1 Iohn 4.1 . Thus the Apostles exhort , and teach : and they Pray , that our Love may abound . Phil. 1.9 . and 1 Thess. 3.12 . and give solemn Thanks for it , when they have found it , 2 Thess. 1.3 . And now considering the expresness of all these places , I cannot see , but that any Duty of Religion may be more easily evaded than this ; and those who can phansie themselves Christians , and yet continue in the contrary Spirit , and Practice , may conceit themselves Religious , though they live in the constant commission of the sins of Drunkenness , and Theft . And if such can quite their Consciences , and shuffle from the edge of all these plain Recommends , and Injunctions ; they have found a way to escape all the Laws of God , and may , when they please , become Christians , without Christianity . For the evidence , I have suggested to prove the necessity of this Duty , doth not consist in half Sentences , and doubtful Phrases , in phansied Analogies , and far-fetcht Interpretations ; but in plain Commands , and frequent Inculcations ; in earnest Entreaties , and pressing Importunities ; in repeated Advices , and passionate Commendations : And those whom all these will not move , are Incapable of being perswaded , against their humour , or their interest , to any Duty of Religion . So that , though I see never so much eagerness for an Opinion , or Heat for an indifferent Circumstance without the conscience of Christian Love ; I shall never call that forwardness for those little things , Zeal , or Religion : Yea , though those warm men should sacrifice their Lives to their beloved Trifles , I should not think them Martyrs ; but fear rather , that they went from one Fire to another , and a Worse . And in this I have the great Apostle to warrant me , who saith : Though I give my body to be burned , and have not Charity , it profiteth me nothing , 1 Cor , 13.3 . Thus of the first Head , the Necessity of this Duty ; I come to the second , the Extent of it . Our Love ought , I. To be extended to all Mankind . The more general it is , the more Christian , and the more like unto the Love of God , who causeth his Sun to shine , and his Rain to fall upon the Good , and upon the Evil. And though our Armes be very short , and the ordinary influence of our kindness , and good will , can reach but to a very few , yet we may pray for all men , and desire the good of all the world ; and in these we may be charitable without bounds : But these are not all . Love obligeth us to relieve the Needy , and help the Distressed , to visit the Sick , and succour the Fatherless and Widows , to strengthen the Weak , and to confirm the Staggering and Doubting , to encourage the Vertuous , and to reprove the Faulty ; and in short , to be ready in all the offices of Kindness , that may promote the good of any man Spiritual , or Temporal , according to the utmost of our power , and capacity . The good man is Merciful to his Beast , and the Christian ought to be Charitable to his Brother , and his Neighbour ; and every man is our Brother , and every one that Needs us , is our Neighbour : And so our Love ought to extend to all men universally , without limitation ; though with this distinction . II. That the more especial Objects of our Love ought to be those that agree with us in a common Faith Gal. 6.10 , that is , All Christians , as Christians , and because such . What ever makes our Brother a Member of the Church Catholick , that gives him a title to our nearer affections , which ought to be as large as that . Our Love must not be confin'd by names , and petty agreements , and the interests of Parties , to the corners of a Sect : but ought to reach as far as Christianity it self , in the largest notion of it . To love those that are of our Way , Humour , and Opinion , is not Charity , but Self-love ; 't is not for Christ's sake , but our own . To Love like Christians , is to Love his Image from whom we are call'd so : And that consists not in demure Looks and affected Phrases , in melting Tones and mimick Gestures , in Heats and Vehemence , in Rapture and Extasie , in systemes of Opinion , and scrupulosity about Nothing ; But in Faith and Patience , Innocence , and Integrity ; in Love to God , and Charity to all the World ; in a modest sweetness , and humble Deportment ; in a peaceable Spirit , and readiness to obey God , and Those He hath set over Us. Where ever These are , there is the Image of our Lord , and There ought to be our Love ; though the persons thus affected , are Ignorant of many things , and erre in many ; though they differ from us in some Opinions we count Orthodox , and walk not in the particular ways or Circumstances which We esteem Best . And thus briefly of the Extent of the Duty , we ought to Love ALL MEN , but especially ALL Christians , I descend to the Third general , viz. ( III. ) The Excellency of Christian Love , which I represent in the following particulars . ( I. ) IT is the Image of God , and of all the graces renders us most like our Maker : For God is Love , and the Lover of Men ; and his tender Mercies are over all his Works : And the most sutable apprehension we can form of his Being , is , to look on him as an Omnipotent , Omniscient , Immutable Goodness . And is it not a glorious Excellency , that makes Men like the fountain all persection ? Our unhappy First Parents lost Paradise , by aspiring to be like God in Knowledge : and if we endeavour to be like him in Love , we shall be in the way of gaining a better Paradise than they lost . ( II. ) LOVE is the Spirit of Angels , Glorified Souls , and the best of Men. There is nothing by which the Angelical nature is so Much distinguish'd from the Diabolical , as Love , and Goodness ; for the Devils have Spiritual , and Immortal natures , and great degrees of Power and Knowledge ; and those perhaps not much inferiour to what is to be found in some of the better Spirits : so that the great difference is not in the excess of natural perfections , which the Angels of Light have above those of Darkness ; but in this , that the former abound in Love , Sweetness , and Benignity ; and the latter , in Malice , Cruelty , and Revenge ; these are the very Image of Sathan , and Spirit of Hell. Whereas all the Celestial Inhabitants live in the joyful exercise of uninterrupted Love and endearments : Nor is that Love confined to the blessed , and glorified Company , but it sheds it self abroad upon the neather world ; and they are Ministring Spirits for our good , Heb. 1.14 . They so far Love us , that they can stoop from Heaven to serve us . There is Joy there at the Conversion of a Sinner ; and no doubt there is Love to converted Saints , and care and pitty for all the rest of Men. For the spirits of the Iust made perfect are freed from their froward humours , and pettish natures ; their mistaken Zeal , and sondness of Opinions ; which straightned their Affections while they were on Earth : and now they are inlarged by the vast improvements of their Knowledge , and accomplishment of their Vertue ; by a fuller sense of Divine Love , and of their Duty ; by the genius of their company , and the imployment of the happy Place . So that in Heaven all are Chatholicks in their Affections . And the better any man is , the more he is so upon Earth : The good man makes not himself his center , not are his thoughts wholly engrost about his own concernments ; but he is carefully solicitous for the general benefit , and never so much pleased as when he is made an instrument of Divine Goodness , to promote the interests of his Christian brethren . 'T was an high strain of Love in Moses , exprest towards the Transgressing Israelites , when he was content to be blotted out of Gods Book , rather than that their Sin should not be blotted out . Exod. 32.32 . and St. Paul was no less Zealously affectionate towards the Iewes , when he said , he could wish himself accursed from Christ , viz. separated from Christian communion as a most vile and abject person , for their sakes . Rom. 9.3 . These were spirits whom Religion and Divine Love had enlarged : and the more any man advanceth in Christianity , the nearer he approacheth to this generous , heroick temper . ( III. ) LOVE is an eminent branch of the Divine Life , and Nature . Love is of God , and every one that Loveth , is born of God , saith the Apostle , 1 Iohn 4.7 , 8. The Divine Nature in us , is the Image of God Pourtraid , and lively drawn upon the regenerated Soul ; and we have remark't above , that Love is the vital Image of our Maker ; 't is His spirit infused into us , and growing in us ; and upon that account to be preferred before all Gifts , and natural Perfections : as St. Paul hath done it in the mentioned 1 Cor. 13. And the common Gifts of the Spirit differ from this special Grace , as the Painters Picture doth from his Son : His Counterfeit may indeed , in a superficial appearance to the Eye , resemble him more than his Child ; but yet it is but an empty shadow , destitute , and incapable of his Life , and Nature : So there are a sort of Gifts , that have a spiritual appearance , and may , to those that see things at distance , or have not their senses exercised , seem more like the divine nature , than this modest vertue : But those that come near them , and are better able to discern , perceive that in themselves they are without the Divine Life , and Motion , and are meer Liveless Pictures . And here I dare say , that the happiest faculty to Preach Plausibly , and Pray with Fluency , and Eloquence ; to Discourse Devoutly , and readily to Interpret Sripture , if it be not joyned with a benigne and charitable spirit , is no participation of the God-like life and nature ; nor indeed any more Divine , than those common gifts , and natural parts , which those that think highly of themselves upon these accounts , despise . For very Evil men have been eminent in these accomplishments , and Wicked Spirits are without question endowed with them ; and they are of themselves arguments of nothing but a faculty of Imitation , a devotional Complexion , and warm Imagination : Whereas on the other hand , Charity , and Christian Love are good Evidence of a Renewed state , and nature . Our Saviour made it a Character , Ioh. 13. and the Catholick Apostle concludes from it , 1 Iohn . 3.14 . By this we know that we are passed from death to life , because we love the Brethren . And if this be a Mark , and St. Iohn be not mistaken , I doubt that some who are very gracious , by many Signes of their own , will want one of Christs , to prove their comfortable presumption . ( IV. ) LOVE is the bond and tye of Christian Communion ; How can two walk together except they are agreed ? The Church is a Body consisting of many Members , which unless they Vnite , and send their mutual supplies one to another , the Whole is distempered , and in the ready way to Death and Dissolution . Now Charity is that vital Cement whereby they are Vnited , and the Soul by which the common body lives ; that whereby the League between the members is preserved , and health with it . When this decays , sad symptoms , and mortal evils follow . We see in Nature , the great Fabrick of the World is maintained by the mutual Friendship , and conspiracy of its parts ; which should they universally fall out , and break the bond of Amity that is between them ; should they act their Antipathies upon each other ; yea , should they but cease to serve one another for the general good ; the whole frame would quickly be dissolved , and all things shuffled into their old Chaos , and Abyss . And the greatest evils that have , or can happen to the Church , have been the effects of the Decay of Charity , and those intestine Divisions that have grown up in it . From these she hath always suffered more , than from external persecutions : The flames within have consumed her , when those from without , have only sing'd her garments . ( V. ) LOVE is the most Catholick grace , and upon that account the most excellent ; since that which promotes the good of the whole , is better than any private perfection : for which reason , things in nature will quit their particular interests , when the common good so requireth ; as heavy bodies will ascend , and light bodies descend , to prevent a chasm , and breach in Nature . Now of all the divine vertues , there is none of so large an influence , as Love ; 't is a grace designed for the good of the community , as the principle of self-Love is for rhe preservation of particular beings . This stirs up our endeavours for the good of others , and especially for the general good . The Church receives no wound , but Love feels the smart of it ; nor is any member of it afflicted , but Love is grieved . This is the very Spirit of our dear Lord , who was touched with a feeling of our Infirmities . And to these I add this last . ( VI ) LOVE commends Christianity to those without , and cleanseth the Profession of it from many Spots it hath contracted . The generality of men are not able to judge of Religions themselves , but usually reckon of them , as they do of their Professours . What ever is excellent , or else unworthy , in a votary of Religion , redounds to the credit , or disparagement , of the Religion he hath adopted : So that , were the charity and goodness of Christianity transcribed into the lives of Christians , it would ravish the eyes of all Beholders , and out-shine all other Professions . Men would more easily be perswaded to believe that Religion to be from God , whose Professours they saw to be so God-like . Love and goodness prevail where nothing else will ; these win and captivate the Soul : And such conquests are better , and more noble than either those of Arts or Arms , which only bring the body under . 'T is but small credit to any Religion to cut it's way by the Sword , or gain upon the world by Power or Policy ; That which opens it self a passage by its native loveliness , and beauty , is the most Illustrious , and makes the surest , and most generous Conquests . And were Christendom but Christian in this regard , and the Professours of the true Religion , truly Religious , that is , abounding in that charity , and goodness , which Christianity enjoyns ; our Religion would spread its wings through the World , and all contrary Professions would lie in the dust before it : Whereas the Divisions , and fatal feuds of Paganized , degenerated Christendom , are now the great partition-Wall between Vs , and the Heathen-World ; yea , they are more particularly the great scandal of the Reformation , and make us the scorn of Those of Rome . O that They that speak and pray much against the Beast , would not prove instrumental to uphold his Throne ! We expect , and hope for glorious times when the Man of Sin is faln ; and doubtless there shall be such : But then the glory of those times consists not in external rule , or dominion of the Church , but in the Vniversal Restauration of it to it 's primitive Simplicity , and Purity . Then will the Church be Glorious indeed , when all Christians shall unite upon the Foundation of an Holy Life , and the joynt Profession of the few , plain , Fundamentals of Faith : When they shall make real Goodness the Object of their affections towards each other ; and all Differences in Opinions and dispensible Practices , the Objects of their mutual Forbearance : When such times as these shall come , then doth the Reign of Christ begin : And this is the true , and wish't Millennium . Now we cannot expect those glorious days which are to Commence upon the Fall of Anti-christ , till we see all Christians sincerely set upon Destroying what is Anti-christian in themselves . Anti-christ will not be overthrown by our declaiming against Him , and spitting the fire of Rage at the Infallible Chair . It will be to better purpose for us to examine what of Anti-christianism remains in our selves : And while Rancour , and Bitterness , Rage , and Animosities upon the Account of Difference in smaller Opinions are in our Borders , Anti-christ hath a Throne among us ; and there is nothing could be so Effectual a Blow at the Root of Anti-christianism , as the exercise of Charity and Catholick-Goodness . And when we see these take place , then may we Triumphantly sing forth , BABYLON IS FALN . I come now Fourthly to the Means of attaining this excellent and Catholick Temper ; And I propose them by way of DIRECTION , CONSIDERATION , and CAUTION . The DIRECTIONS are these : ( I. ) Acknowledge worth in any man. Whatever is good is from God , and He is to be lov'd , and owned in all things ; as well in the Paint upon the Butter-flies wing , as in the glorious uniform lustre of the Sun ; as well in the composure of the little Ant , as in the vast Bodies of the Whale , or Elephant ; In the least Herb under our feet , as well as in the Stupendous Fabrick of the Heavens over us : And moral perfections are to be acknowledg'd , as well as these natural ones . We are to love Vertue in an Heathen , and whatever is Well , or Worthy in those , whose Apprehensions are most distant from our own . And we must take care that we make not our Relish , the Measure of Worth and Goodness : Say not this is excellent , because 't is agreeable to your particular Palates ; and that on the other hand is Vile , and Loathsom , because 't is distastful to your Gust and Genius . There are various kinds , and degrees of Excellency , which differently affect the diversity of Tempers , and Constitutions ; And , at the best , we are Imperfectly good , and therefore cannot be the Measure . Let us then be so Ingenuous as to own the vertue and the goodness that is in all parties , and Opinions ; Let us commend and love it . This will be a means to sweeten our Spirits , and to remove the Animosities we are apt to conceive against the Persons of Dissenters ; and t' will ingage them on the other hand , to a greater kindness for us , and so Lessen our Distance , and Disagreements . There is a kind of Spirit among some , which is so different from that Charity , which thinketh no Evil. 1 Cor. 13. That it thinks nothing else concerning those of a differing Judgment , but that their Vertues are dull Morality ; and their Piety , Hypocritical Pretensions ; or what-ever Worse Ill-will can Invent , and Rage can say : They will not believe that to be a Iewel , which they find among so much supposed Rubbish . But let us take Care , that we deny not God the Honour of his Gifts , and Graces ; or proudly phansie that he hath given us the Monopoly : This is contrary to that Charity which is not puffed up , and doth not behave it self unseemly . Or , if we could modestly suppose , that there is nothing but Ignorance , and mistake among all those who are not of our Opinion ; yet however , their Vertues ought to be acknowledg'd . The Son of God was to be Worshipped , even when he lay in the Stable ; and the Arke to be owned , when among the Philistins . ( 'T is a sign that we love God for himself , if we Love him every where ) And indeed , that Worth is more to be admired that grows up in an uncultivated Soul , and among the Weeds of Errour , and false Principles . To find a Rose , or Tulip in a Garden , is a common thing , and Merits less of our regard ; but to meet with them in the High-way , , or open Fields , this ingageth our nearer Notice , and recommends the Flowers to our more particular Kindness . Thus Vertue , though in all men excellent , yet 't is no more than is expected to be in Persons of Knowledge , and right Iudgement ; But in the Ignorant , and Mistaken , it thrives under Disadvantages , and deserves more to be Cherish'd , and Incourag'd . And now if 't were possible to bring the divided World to these Ingenuous Acknowledgements , men would find their Spirits compos'd , and their Animosities qualified ; They would see they have Friends , even in the Tents of their Enemies ; and this , Apprehended and Own'd mutually , would be a very hopeful way to endear and reconcile us . And ( II. ) I recommend this as another ; Be much in the Contemplation of the Love of God. He that knows how much God hath Loved him , hath a mighty Reason to Love his Brother ; The Apostle urgeth the Argument , 1 Iohn 4.11 . If God so Loved us , we ought also to Love one another : and he that considers , cannot choose ; for he must needs find himself sweetly Ingaged to Love God , of whose Love he is sensible ; and he that loves Him , loves all things in him : For all things are his , and he tenders every thing he hath made . The Love of God doth not Confine us to his single abstracted Essence , but requires our Kindness to all that bear his Image , and produce it . Seraphick Love will be Catholick ; It doth not burn like a Lamp in a Sepulcher , but 't is like the Stars of Heaven , that impart themselves to all things . And as the Planets , that receive their Light from the Sun , do not suck it in , and ingross it , but disperse , and shed it abroad upon the most distant Bodies ; in like manner , a Christian Soul that is warmed and lightned by Divine Love doth not keep it within it self , but communicates it's benigne Influences to all the Objects that are within it's reach . The Love of God in it's proper Nature is diffusive , and very opposite to Envy and Animosity ; It Dispels the Clouds , and Allays the Tempests that arise from the Body , and it's Appetites ; and Composeth the Soul to the Sweetest , and most even Temper ; It Inlarges our Minds , and Softens our Affections , and Calms our Passions , and Smooths the Ruggedness of our Natures ; It destroys our Pride and Selfishness , and so strikes up the Roots of Enmity , and Divisions ; and thus disposeth us to the most Generous and Comprehensive Charity . In order to which Blessed Issue , I Advise further . ( III. ) Make the great Design of Religion yours ; and know , that the Intent of that is , not to Cure heads with Notion , or to teach us Systems of Opinion ; to resolve us a Body of Difficult Points , or to Inable us to talk plausibly for lesser Truths ; But to furnish our minds with incouragements of Vertue , and instances of Duty ; to direct us to govern our Passions , and subdue our appetites and self-wills , in order to the glory of God , the good of Societies , and our own present and eternal Interests . And if Christians would take this to be their business , and conscienciously apply themselves unto it ; they would find work enough in their own hearts to imploy them , and neither have time , nor occasion to pry into the Infirmities of others , nor inclination to quarrel with them : they would see how unwise it is to be seeking , and making Enemies , when they have so many within themselves ; and how dangerous , to be diverted to a needless , and unjust forein War , while a deadly domestick Foe is strenghtned by it . And methinks 't is wonderful , and 't is sad , that we should be so mild , and indulgent to the enemies , that we are bound to engage against by our Duty to God , and to our selves , by his Laws , and our own Reasons , by the precepts and examples of his Son our Saviour , by his Sacraments , and by his Bloud , by all things in Religion , and all things in Interest ; and at the same time , be so eager against those , whom we ought to consider as Friends , upon the account of our relation to God , and the tie of common nature , and the obligations of Divine Commands , and the interests of Societies , and the practice of the best times past , and the hopes of a future happiness . This is lamentable in it self , and yet the more so , for being common . And it seems to me such a kind of madness , as if a man should be picking causless quarrels with his Neighbours about a chip of Wood , or a broken Hedge , when a Fire in his house is consuming his Goods , and Children : Such Frenzies , and much greater , are our mutual enmities and oppositions , while we quietly sit down in our unmortified Affections . And we should know them to be so , did we understand our Danger , or our Duty , and seriously mind either the one , or other : We should find then that a Christian hath no such enemies as the Flesh , the World , and the Devil ; that these will require all our care , and imploy all our strength , and diligence : and he that knows this , and considers , and acts suitably , will find too much in himself to censure , and oppose , and too little to admire himself for above others ; He will see sufficient reason to incline him to pardon his erring brother , and be the more easily induced to exercise charity , which himself so many ways needs . The last Direction is this . ( IV. ) Study the moderate pacifick ways , and principles , and run not in extremes : both Truth , and Love are in the middle ; Extremes are dangerous . After all the swaggering , and confidence of Disputers there will be uncertainty in lesser matters : and when we travel in uncertain Roads , 't is safest to choose the Middle . In this , though we should miss a lesser truth , ( which yet is not very likely ) we shall meet with Charity , and our gain will be greater than our loss . He that is extreme in his Principles , must needs be narrow in his Affections : whereas he that stands on the middle path , may extend the arms of his Charity to those on both sides . It is indeed very natural to most , to run into extremes : and when men are faln Out with a Practice , or Opinion , they think they can never remove ●o too great a distance from it ; being frighted by the steep before them , they run so far back , till they fall into a precipice behind them . Every Truth is near an Errour ; for it lies between two Falshoods : and he that goes far from One , is apt to slip into the other ; and while he flies from a Bear , a Lyon meets him . So that the best way to avoid the Danger is to steer the middle Course ; in which we may be sure there is Charity and Peace , and , very probably , Truth in their Company . Thus of my DIRECTIONS . For CONSIDERATIONS I 'le propose such as shew the Vnreasonable of our Enmities , and Disagreements upon the account of different Opinions ; which will prove that our Affections ought to meet , though our Iudgments cannot . My first is this , ( I. ) Love is part of Religion ; but Opinions for the sake of which we loose Charity , are none . The First , I have proved already : and for the other , we may consider , That Religion consists not in knowing many things , but in practising the few plain things we know . THE NECESSARY PRINCIPLES OF FAITH LYE IN A LITTLE ROOM . This is Life Eternal to know thee the only true God , and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent ; Saith he that best knew what was Eternal Life , and what necessary unto it , Ioh. 17.3 . and the Apostle St. Paul draws up all into the same two Principles . He that cometh unto God must know that he is , and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him ; Heb. 11.6 . St. Peter was pronounced blessed upon the single Profession , that Iesus was Christ the Son of the Living God , Mat. 16.16 . and the Eunuch was baptised upon the same . Act. 8.37 . Saint Paul reckons these as the only Necessaries to Salvation . Rom. 10.9 . If thou confess with thy Mouth the Lord Iesus , and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the Dead , thou shalt be saved . And St. Iohn to the same purpose , Whosoever believes that Iesus is the Christ , is born of God. This Faith indeed must suppose the general Principles of natural Religion , and produce the Real Fruits of Righteousness to make it effectual to it's end ; and these supposed , the Apostles speak as if it contain'd all that is essentially necessary to be believed , and known , in order to our Happiness . Thus the Fundamentals of belief are few , and plain : For certainly the Divine Goodness would not lay our Eternal Interests in Difficulties , and multitudes ; things hard to be understood , and retained . The difficult work of Religion is not in the Vnderstanding , but in the Affections , and Will. So that the Principles , in which Religion consists , are the clearly revealed Articles in which we are agreed . For the others about which we differ , and dispute , though some of them may be consequences of those , and good helps to the practice of Religion , yet I should be loath to make them a necessary and essential part of it : For he that saith they are , concludes all men under a state of Ruine and Damnation , who either do not know , or are not able to receive them : An uncharitableness , that is as bad as Heresie , if it be not one it self . The sum is , Religion lies in few Principles , I mean as to the Essence of it ; and that principally consists in Practice . So the Prophet reckons , Mich. 6.8 . He hath shewed thee O man what is good : and what doth the Lord require of thee , but to do Iustice , and love Mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God ? and St. Iames gives an Account of Religion like it . Iam. 1.17 . True Religion , and Vndefiled before God and the Father is this , to Visit the Widow , and Fatherless in their Afflictions , and to keep himself unspotted from the World. Religion is an Holy Life , and Charity is a main branch of that ; But Opinions are no vital part , nor do they appertain to the substance of it . And shall we loose a Limb for an Excrescence , or an Ornament ; An Essential of Religion for that which is but accessary , and extrinsick ; Charity , for an Opinion ? I think 't is not reasonable , and I hope you think so likewise . But I offer to your Consideration : ( II. ) Charity is certainly our Duty , but many of the Opinions , about which we fall out , are uncertainly true ; viz. as to us . The main , and Fundamental Points of Faith are indeed as firm as the Centre , but the Opinions of men are as fluctuating as the Waves of the Ocean . The Root , and body of a Tree is fast , and unshaken , while the Leaves are made the sport of every Wind. And Colours sometimes vary with every position of the Object , and the Eye , though the Light of the Sun be an uniform Splendour . The Foundation of God standeth sure , but men often build upon it what is very Tottering , and uncertain . The great Truths of Religion are easily discernable , but the smaller , and remoter ones requite more sagacity and acuteness to descry them ; and the best Light may be deceived about such obscure , and distant Objects . And methinks 't is very strange , that men should be so excessively confident of the Truth , and Certainty of their Opinions ; since they cannot but know the Weakness of Humane understanding in general , and cannot but often have found the Fallibility of their own . The Apostle tells us , that we know but in part , 1 Cor. 13.9 . and makes Confidence an Argument of Ignorance , 1 Cor. 8.2 . If any man think that he knoweth any thing , he knoweth nothing yet , as he ought to know . And Solomon reckons it as an Effect of Fools : The Fool rageth , and is confident : and there is nothing that discovers it more . For let us consider , That the Scripture hath not been so clear , and express in defining lesser Points ; and the words , in which they are thought to be Lodged , are many times figurative , and obscure , and of various meaning , spoken only by the by , or agreeable to forms of speech , or customs , that we do not know , of by the way of condescension to common Apprehension : And therefore we see that Interpretations are infinite , and there is no sort of men less agreed , than Commentators . All Opinions plead Scripture , and many pretend to reason , and most to Antiquity . The Learned , and the Prudent , Churches , and Councils , Confessors , and Fathers , the former and the latter Ages , the Vertuous , and the Devout , the Credulous , and the Inquisitive , they have all differ'd in the lesser matters of Belief . And every man differs from almost every other in some thing , and every man differs often from himself in many things . Age hath altered our Judgments , or we are Children still . Our Affections change our Thoughts , and our Imaginations shift the Scene : and what we call Reason is many times but a chain of Phantasms . And we are guided by prejudices , and over-ruled by Authority , and formed by Education ; and suck in our Opinions Carelesly , and by accident . We are deeply setled , before we have examined ; and when we examine , 't is but by halves ; we see but few things , and judge all things by them : We either seek not Truth at all , or are unable to manage a due , and impartial search ; when we stumble upon it , we do not know it ; and when 't is in sight we boggle , and are afraid , and run away from it ; or stand , to pelt it with dirt , and vile Names . In the mean while , we catch at shadows , and grow fond of the Images of our own Phansies , and cry up these for Truth , and Faith ; and disturb Societies , and the Peace of mankind , to gain credit to our Dreams . Such a thing is man , and such reasons have we to be confident of our Opinions ; and to hate those that are not of our Perswasion ; and to forsake a certain Duty for Doubtful Tenents . These things , well considered , might lessen our fondness towards Opinions , and promote our Charity towards each other ; which will grow by the same degrees , by which the other decreaseth . And that it may , I add this further to be consider'd , viz. ( III. ) Christian Love is necessary , but Agreement in Opinions is neither necessary , nor possible . 'T is very true indeed , that the WAY to HEAVEN is but One , and to walk in that , is the one thing necessary : but then that is not the particular Path of thy Feet , or the other : but the way of an Holy Life ; which may be practised under very different Forms of Apprehension , and Belief . Though the way be not broad in respect of Practice , or sensual Indulgence ; yet it hath a Latitude in respect of Iudgment , and Circumstantial Opinion . The Paths may be many in this Royal Road ; and 't is not absolutely necessary , that we should measure Foot-steps , and all exactly tread the same : He that goes in the plainest , and nearest , is in the best condition for Pleasure , and Safety ; but another that goes about , or in the rugged and uneven Path , may come to the same journeys end , though with more difficulty , and danger : And I shall not deny to afford him Pardon for the folly of his choise , lest possibly I should need it my self . 'T is true , we are commanded to hold the Vnity of the Spirit , and that is necessary : but this is in the Essentials of Faith , and Life , in which all good men are agreed , notwithstanding that their froward Zeal will not permit them to see it . Vnity in the lesser things may be requisite for Peace , and the Interests of Societies ; but 't is not absolutely so , for the Salvation of mens Souls . Yea different Apprehension about Opinions in Religion might consist well enough with Peace , and publique safety likewise , could men be perswaded to be modest , to keep their Apprehensions to themselves , or not to phansie their Conceits necessary for all the rest of mankind ; and so vex their Neighbours , provoke their Rulers , and dissettle Government for the Propagation of them . 'T is a frequent wish with some , that all men were once of one mind : but then it must be theirs , no doubt ; for they would not judge it reasonable upon other terms : They may as well wish that we were all of one Age , Complexion , Humour , and Degree of Understanding . In these we see Providence hath made a great diversity , and in this there is both Beauty and Convenience . Perhaps variety of Opinions may be contrived into us for the same reasons , and 't is like much of the pleasure of Conversation , and inquiry would be lost , if there were an universal Harmony in our Conceptions : But however this is , 't is enough , that such an agreement is not necessary ; Yea , I take the other Step , 't is impossible . Our Tempers , Capacities , Educations , Genius's , Converses , Interests , and Accidents are strangely divers ; and therefore our Apprehensions must needs be different . There is scarce any exact likeness in Nature : and all the variety that is , ariseth from the various mixture of a few Elements . How great a diversity then must needs proceed from the different Combination of so many things as influence our Belief , and Judgments ? Since the World began to this day , men have been of different Opini●ions ; and , no doubt , will be so to the general Flames : For circumstances consider'd , 't is meerly impossible it should be otherwise . Seeing then that Charity is necessary , and agreement in Opinions is neither necessary , nor possible : we ought to comply with our main Duty , notwithstanding any lesser difference . If this were consider'd , there might be some Hope of reconciling ; and Contenders would see , that though they differ , yet they need not , they ought not to divide ; but Vnity of Affection might be preserved amid diversity of Opinions . For which happy Christian temper men would see more reason , if they would Consider . ( IV. ) That Errours , of themselves , are Infirmities of the Vnderstanding , and not Enormities of the Will ; For no man is willing to be deceived : So that they ought not to be the Objects of our hatred , but our pitty . We hate no man for being Poor , or Blind , or Lame : and Errour is the Poverty , and Blindness , and Lameness of the mind . We all are Pilgrims in our Way to the Ierusalem that is above : If some will go in this Path , some in the other , these in a Circuit , and those amongst the Rocks ; we may be sure , 't is because they know not the danger , and Inconveniences , which they Choose : So that we may , and we ought to perswade them , all we can , not to divert into those Ways : But if they will upon the Supposition , and Beleif of their beeing best ; we may lament their unhappy mistake , but must not beat them , or throw Stones at them for it . Errour is founded in Ignorance ; even that gross one of the Sadduces about the Resurrection is imputed to their not knowing the Scriptures , nor the power of God. Mat. 22.29 . and both Reason , and Charity requires us to pitty Ignorance , and to pardon it . Our Saviour makes it the motive of his Prayer for the forgiveness of the Iews that Murdred him . Luke 23.34 . Father forgive them , for they know not what they doe . 'T is very true that Errour many times is occasioned by a corrupt Bias in the Will , and Affections ; But then if our erring Brother be sincere in other matters , we are not to conclude that his Understanding is this way corrupted ; and we can scarce be certain of it in any case : Or , if it be , if he believes himself , he doth not know that his Interest or Inclination are the things , which prevail with his Iudgment : and so Ignorance is at the bottom still : For 't is a Contradiction that any man should believe that , which he doth not think is true , though he have never so much Appetite , or Interest to incline him . And if these oblige a man to profess against the Dictates of his mind , or to suspend the exercise of it , ( as often times they do ) such men are to be reckon'd under the Character of Vitious , and not barely erroneous ; and so are not to be counted into the sort of meer Dissenters in Opinion , concerning which I am now discoursing . And that you may not rashly judge that your Brother speaks against his Conscience , because he professeth the belief of things that to us seem very wild , and absurd , and so hate him as a time-server , and an Hypocrite ; when he is but an innocently mistaken person : I add this other Consideration , viz. ( V. ) That we ought to make allowance for Education , Authority , and fair pretenses ; which have a mighty power , even over honest minds , and do often unavoidably lead them into Errour . For let us consider , how easily we receive the first impressions , and how deeply they sink into our souls : Childhood refuseth no folly , examines no absurdity ; Education makes it any thing : The first is entertained as best , and what-ever offers after , is execrated , and despised , if it be not like it . This is the condition of all Man-kind in their tender age , and the far greatest part carry the apprehensions to their graves , that they sucked in infancy . And hence it comes about , that there is nothing more impossible , or ridiculous , even in dreams , and distracted imaginations , than the things which have been entertain'd by great numbers of men , as Sacred . There are no conceits in Bedlam more wild , and extravagant , than many about Religion , which have been believ'd firmly , and zealously promoted , and fiercly contended for , even to Bloud and Desolation , by mighty Nations , and whole Empires ; by Princes , and People ; by Great men , and Learned ; by Devout , and Prudent , in long Successions from Father to Son , many Ages together . And all these follies have been first imposed by Education , and confirmed by Authority , and Custom ; The power of which is very great , and very few have strength enough in their Understandings to overcome it : And in matters of Religion they are afraid to use their Reasons against those Follies which are taught to be Divine Dictates , above all humane Intellect , and not to be tryed , or examined by it . Upon which accounts it hath been , that Man-kind hath been more extravagantly mad in many Tenents about Religion , than in any thing else whatsoever . For in other things the use of Reason is permitted , but in Religion it hath been almost Vniversally denyed . They then , the far greatest part of men , are slaves to the Principles in which they were bred ; and our constitution , infirmity , and circumstances are such , that very few can help it ; and errour in the most is in a manner unavoidable , at least in the weaker sort , and Herd of men : For they have no doubts , about what they have been always Taught ; and have little or no capacity , inclination , or opportunity , to Examine : So that 't is morally impossible for them to free themselves from the prejudices they lie under . And consequently we ought not to judge them Insincere , because they profess things incredible , and ridiculous ; or hate them for believing them , when 't is so difficult , and so almost impossible , that they should do otherwise . And yet we are further to consider , how much those that differ from us , and erre in the things in which they differ , are to be allowed upon the account of the Authority , and Example of many learned , wise , pious , and devout Men that instruct , and incourage them in their way ; and deeply threaten any diversion from it . This is a mighty prejudice , when 't is on the side of Errour , and , no doubt , many honest minds are carryed away by it . We are naturally apt to follow others , especially those that we esteem ; and 't is reasonable to do so in things , that we are not so well able to judge of our selves ; and modest to permit our judgments to be inclin'd by the sense of those that are wiser , and better . So that He may be a good man , and a lover of Truth , that yet is much Mistaken in his Opinion ; which , in such a case as this , is his Unhappiness , not his Fault . And I may add the other thing mention'd , viz. that we ought to allow our erring brother for the fair , and specious pretenses which many errours plead for themselves ; as Antiquity , Piety , Consent of Churches , ( Reverend Names , ) Spirituality , Gods Glory , Gospel-Light , and Liberty , and many other such , which sound well , and sway much with many very pious people who are taken with the pretense , but are not able to discern the fallacy ; and so swallow the errour for the sake of those fine Names , wherewith it is gilded : In which case also , there is Infirmity , and Misfortune , that require our Pity , and our Charity ; but nothing that can justifie our Rage or Hatred . Yea , why should we not rather Love him for the Zeal and Respect he hath to those good things , the shadows of which have deceived him , rather than Hate him for his weakness in Mistaking ? And for those that are so Rigid to the Infirmities of Mistaken Judgments , I wish they would Consider , ( VI. ) That in many things they erre themselves ; and therefore shall have need of the Charity of others . There is none of us , I hope , so immodest , as to say , or think , that he is mistaken in nothing : If any do , that person erres more , than most of those whose Errours he censures . And if he acknowledgeth that he erres in some things , though he knows not the particulars ; he is himself concerned in the plea for Charity towards the erroneous . If we were infallible , and all our Opinions were Certainties , and Demonstrations , we might then have more pretense for our Stifness , and Severities ; But to confess the Infirmities of our own understandings , and to give no candid allowances to other mens failings , this is utterly inexcusable , and contrary to our own interests . For in this rigorous way , every man condemns himself , and puts a weapon into every other mans hand to destroy him . Let him that is without Errour , throw the first Stone at the Erroneous ; but if he begins , that is obnoxious himself , what favour can he expect ? The same reason that he hath to Assault those before him , all the rest have to Pelt him . So that to hate , and reproach our Brother for his supposed Errours , is , besides the other evil things , very unwise , and unpolitick , and contrary to the principles of Safety , and Self-love . If this were well consider'd , Interest might perhaps effect that in some , which sense of Duty cannot . Now in all this , I have no intention to make Apologies for Errour , but to lay sure grounds for Vniversal Love ; and what I have said , is not for the Interest of any particular Sect , but it is the joynt concern of all parties in Religion ; since they all equally need each others Charity . If any man be Angry , and think I would have him be too kind to the Erroneous ; he will , I hope , be pacified , when he considers , that I also design to make them kind to him ; and the kindness I plead for , respects mens Persons , and Vertuous Qualities , and my Charity is to the Infirmities of their Understandings : but for the fondness , and bitter Zeal ; the pride , and narrowness ; the malice , scorn , and separation , that useth to go with the opinions of Sects ; these I confess are very odious , and detestable ; and 't is very hard not to be warmed to Indignation by them . These are Vices , and Immoralities ; and a True Catholick , that loves God , and his Neighbour heartily , may , and ought , to manifest his resentments against them , in order to the discountenancing and curing such hateful and deadly evils . Thus of my Considerations : I propose the CAUTIONS under the following Heads . ( I. ) Beware of inordinate Admiration , and Love of any Sect. When we passionately Admire a Party , we are apt to Despise them that differ from it , and to confine the Church to those of that particular way . Hence it is that fond Opinators invest their beloved Congregation with all the glorious Priviledges , and Titles , making Angels of their own men ; when as for others , they look down upon them , as heretical , or carnal , as formal people , or meerly moral , who are strangers to God's Grace , and Covenant , and ignorant of the mysteries of Faith and Religion ; and therefore they will not defile themselves with their Conversation , nor come into their Assemblies . They look upon the rest of Christians with an eye of pride , and scorn , and affectedly thank God that they are not like these Publicans , these men of the world . They hug themselves in the dear opinion of their own Light ; and conclude all others to be in Darkness . They heap up Teachers to themselves , 2 Tim. 4.3 . and doat upon their own Apostles . I am for Paul , or I am for Apollos , or I am for Cephas . This is a pretious man , or that is a Gospel-Preacher ; such a one is very Powerful , and such a one is very Sweet , and Spiritual ; and O how Beautiful are the Feet of those Messengers of good tydings to them , while they assure them by the Marks of their Sect , that they are God's Peculiar , and Chosen People ! Which Fondness were not so Mischeivous , if at the same time all others were not counted Reprobates and Cast-aways . But this followes , and many other fatal evils : endless Enmities are begun , and Charity is destroyed , and the foundation is layed for Cruelty , and Persecution : and Gods goodness , which is to his whole Church , is wronged be being narrowed , and Christs Blood is undervalued , and the greatest part of his Purchase is by these men given to the Devil , and Christianity is undermined , and the Peace of Mankind is overthrown . All this we have sadly seen : and I have said nothing here out of any Animosity , or Bitterness ; nor have I any design to render any good man , or number of men Odious , or Contemptible ; but to represent the Vanity , and the Mischeif of this fond spirit , of admiring Parties ; which hath been very fatal to Charity , and to the whole body of Religion . And we shall understand more of the evil of it , if we consider St. Iude's description of the Sectaries of his time , who looked upon themselves as the only illuminated people , and despised all other Christians . These the Apostle describes ( 1 ) by the groundlesness , and vanity of their conceits ; They were Dreamers ; ver . 8. ( 2 ) by their insolence against Government ; They Despised Dominion , and spake Evil of Dignities ; in the same Verse . ( 3 ) by their ignorant malice , ver . 10. They spoke evil of things they knew not ; ( 4 ) by their Cruelty and Vnmercifulness to their Brethren ; They have gone in the way of Cain ; ( 5 ) By their Murmuring , , and Projecting against their Rulers ver . 11. And perished in the gain saying of Core ; ( 6 ) By the speciousness of their shew , and appearance ; They were Clouds , ver . 12. ( 7 ) By their emptiness , and want of real vertue , notwithstanding their pretenses ; They were Clouds without water . ( 8 ) By their unconstancy , and unsetledness ; They were carried about of winds . ( 9 ) By their violence and fury , ver . 13. Raging waves of the Sea. ( 10 ) By their eminency , and pretended Light ; They were Stars . ( 11 ) By the irregularity of their motions , and their running up and down ; they were Wandring Stars . ( 12 ) By their discontentedness , They were Murmurers , Complainers ▪ ver . 16. ( 13 ) by their Stubborness in the way of their own wills , Walking after their own Lusts. ( 14 ) By their Proud expressions concerning themselves , and their Party ; by their Canting , and Mysteriousness of their Phrases ; Their Mouth speaketh great swelling Words . ( 15 ) By their fond Admiration of their own People , Having mens Persons in Admiration . ( 16 ) By their Proud Scorn , they are called Mockers , ver . 18. ( 17 ) By their Separation , ver . 19. These be they who Separate themselves . ( 18 ) By their real Sensuality , and self-pleasing , under great Boasts , and pretensions to the Spirit ; sensual , having not the Spirit . This is the Apostles description of the first Separatists , the Gnosticks , who admired themselves , and withdrew from the Communion of other Christians , under pretense of greater Holiness : And I could wish they had had no Successors among us ; and they will have the fewer , if we learn to avoid the undue Admiration of any particular Sect. My next Caution , is , ( II. ) That you avoid eager , and passionate Disputes ; in these , Charity is always lost , and Truth seldom , or never found . When the Passion is raised , the Iudgement is gone ; and there is no seeing to the bottom in disturbed , and muddied waters . 'T is the calm , and quiet considerer that finds Truth , while the hot , and confident disputer looseth both himself , and it ; when his passion is once kindled , he cannot speak any thing pertinently himself , nor understand what is spoken to purpose , by another ; and so can neither convince , nor be convinced . If thou differ with thy brother then , do not ruffle with him in vehement disputes , but remember the Apologue . The Sun and Wind contended for the Travellers Cloak ; the Wind blustered about him , and endeavoured to prevail by rudeness , and violence ; but with this bad success , that the man held his Garment the faster for it : At length , the Sun shines forth with a calm and insinuating beam , which warmed him gently , and by degrees ; and then the Traveller put his Cloak from him . If thou art desirous to prevail with thy friend to lay down his Opinion , assault him not by the fierceness of disputes ; For such attempts will but raise his passion , and that will make him stick the closer to his Errour ; but shine upon him with a calm light , insinuate thy better principle by modest , and gentle suggestions . He that hath wedded any falshood , hath many prejudices against the contrary Truth ; and these are not to be torn off all at once , but softly , and by degrees to be unwound . This is the likeliest way to prevail upon Dissenters ; or , if at any time it fails of its success , there is however no hurt done : Charity and Peace are preserved , which are much better , than most Opinions for which we contend . Whereas by Disputes men are mutually provoked , and tempted to pour forth many Idle , and many bitter words ; the quiet and temper of their minds is disturbed , and likely the Peace of others also : They are brought no whit nearer each other , in their Iudgments , but put at a much greater distance , in their Affections : Whereas by the other method of calm proceeding all these evils are avoided . 'T is true , we are commanded to contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered to the Saints , Iude 3. But the Faith there meant , doth not consist in points of doubtful disputation , but in the Fundamental Article of Christ Iesus , being the Messias , joyn'd with a vertuous and holy conversation ; and the persons against whom those primitive Christians were to contend , were Ungodly Men that denyed the only Lord God , and our Lord Iesus Christ , ver . 5. For these Essential matters , we may , and we ought to be earnest ; but Contention about lesser things , is called by the Apostle , Perverse Disputing , and reckoned as the effect of pride , and ignorance , 1 Tim. 6.5 , And hence I pass to a Third Caution , which is this , ( III. ) Beware of Zeal about Opinions ; by which , I mean all the Propositions of less certainty or consequence : About these we may , no doubt , be inquisitive and thoughtful ; and our search will be commendable , while we manage it with modesty , and caution , in order to the gaining more Motives , and directions for a vertuous Practice : But to be eager in them , and to disturb the peace of Societies for their sakes ; this is a vitious , and dangerous excess , destructive to Christian Charity , and the publick weal , and order . There is nothing hath done the world more mischief , than indiscreet , unseasonable Zeal for Truths , while men have not made a difference between those , that are necessary to be believed , and known ; and those others , which may safely be doubted , and denyed . 'T is a great and dangerous mistake to think , that we ought to publish , and propagate all the Truth we know ; For every man thinks his own Opinions about Religion , Gods Truth ; and nature inclines men to desire to beget their own image upon other mens minds ; and if this be made a Duty too , every man will be a Teacher of all the rest ; and no man will let his brother be at quiet , &c. This man is ready to burst till he hath given himself vent ; and the other is as impatient , till he hath contradicted what he hath said : Both are zealous to Proselyte each other , and neither can be contented with a single conquest , till the publick be disturbed . These are some of the effects of opinionative zeal , and we know it by a dear experience . Here is the source of all Divisions , and Sects . God's Truth is the pretense of every Party , and being enlightned themselves , they all think they ought to enlighten all others : and these Lights meeting , and being infinitely reflected , beget a flame between them , in which all of them are scorched , and Charity , and Peace are consumed . If therefore we are friends to Christian Love , let us avoid , and oppose , this its most fatal enemy ; and consider , That we need not be zealous for more truth , than what God hath made necessary , and ought not to be zealous for more , than what Scripture and Reason have made certain ; That the Necessary , and certain things are very few , and the remo●er doctrines difficult , and deep ; That we may easily be deceived in speculative points , where so much acuteness , and freedom , and care , and diligence is needful ; That the greatest part imbrace Shadows , and their Zeal for folly , and falshood : That our brethren may be good men , though they understand not many things that we know ; or erre in many in which we judge aright ; That the benefits of an Opinion , if true , will not make amends for the trouble , and disturbance , that is made to promote it ; and That Charity is more valuable than Knowledge , 1 Cor. 8.1 . 1 Cor. 13. If we thus Consider , we shall be contented with the satisfactions of our own minds , and not be Angry with others because they will not take us for their Guides ; we shall exercise our Zeal upon the necessary , certain things , and our Charity about the rest ; we shall inform our brother who needs , or desires it ; and let him alone when it may do him , or others hurt to disturb him ; we shall propose our Opinions seasonably , and modestly , and be willing that men should receive them , as they can ; we shall not be concerned at any mans Mistake , that doth not minister to Vice , and when it doth , we shall prudently , and calmly endeavour to rectifie his thoughts ; we shall converse indifferently with all Perswasions without wrangling , and discord ; and exercise our Charity , and Good Will towards the Good men of any sort . Thus our Zeal will be rightly tempered , and directed , and Charity promoted . And yet further in order to it , I propose this last Caution . ( IV. ) Beware of censuring , and affixing odious Names and consequences upon the persons or opinions of Dissenters . He that Censures another , in part Hates him , and wants many degrees of that Charity the Apostle commends , and describes , 1 Cor. 13 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. which beareth all things , hopeth all things , believeth all things , endureth all things . He that Rails at his Neighbour for his Opinion , wants only power to Persecute him for it : yea , even this is a kind of Persecution ; for there is a persecution of the Tongue , as well as of the Hand ; and He that Injures his Brother in his Name , is a Persecutor , as well as the other , that hurts him in his Body or Estate . Let us take heed then , lest we become guilty by fastning names of Reproach upon those of different Judgment ; and fastning the odious consequences that we our selves make upon our Neighbour , as his Opinion . Both these are very common , and the Spight , and Injustice of them do exceedingly exasperate our Spirits , and enflame our Disagreements . By this way , Truth is exposed to contempt , and scorn , as well as Falshood ; and there is none so Sacred , but its Adversaries have made it a deformed Vizard , to bring it under the Hatred and Reproaches of the Ignorant ; and that which hath an Vgly Face , is more than half condemned among the generality of men , who cannot distinguish the true complexion , from the dirt that is thrown upon it . This the Zealots of all Parties very well understand , when they run down many things by a Vile name which they cannot Confute by Argument . 'T is but raising the Cry of Arminianism , Socinianism , Popery , Pelagianism , and such like upon them ; and all other Refutation is Superfluous . These I mention not out of Favour , but for Instance ; and 't is the like in many other cases . Thus apt are men to frighted , by Bugbear Names , form Truth , and Charity . And this is Superstition in the true sense , to be afraid of things in which there is no hurt ; and it is promoted by the Uncharitable fastning of our own consequences upon our brothers Opinion ; This we think follows , and then make no Scruple to say , 't is his Opinion ; when he hates , and disowns it , and would quit his Tenent , if he thought any such thing were a consequence from it . And thus also are our differences heightned , and rendred almost incurable . If then we have any kindness for Charity and Christian Love , let us take care of such dis-ingenuous practices . A true Catholick should not take any Name to himself , but that of a Christian ; nor Reproach any other with any Style of Infamy . He should not , and cannot in Modesty , or Iustice , charge his brother with any Opinion which he will not own , though he never so clearly see that it may be concluded , from what he believes and teacheth . If men would learn to be thus Fair , and Candid , to each other , our Differences would be reduced to a narrower Circle ; and there might be some hopes that Peece and Love would revive , and flourish in our Borders . IF any now should ask me , Whether this Doctrine , of Vniversal Love , do not tend to Vniversal Toleration ? I should answer , that thus far it doth , viz. that all private persons should Tolerate each other , and bear with their brother's Infirmities ; That every man should allow another that Liberty , which he desires himself in things wherein the Laws of God , and the Land , have Left him Free ; and permit him his own Opinion without Censure , or Displeasure : Such a Toleration , I think , Christianity requires in Private men ; But as to the Publick , I do by no means think it Modest for Vs to determine what the Government should do : And in This case , 't is as unfit as in Any whatsoever ; since this matter depends upon the Consideration of so many Things , that 't is very Difficult to state the Bounds of Iust Permission , and Restraint : Leaving That therefore to Their Prudence , whom Providence hath called to determine in It ; I shall only say , that so much Toleration , as may consist with the Interests of Religion , and Publick Safety , may be Granted : But such a Liberty as is prejudicial to any of These , should not be expected : For Christianity , and all other Considerations , oblige the Government to provide for the Common Good. And were the Duty of Catholick Charity duly practised , and Private Christians once perswaded to Tolerate one another ; it might then perhaps be safer for the Government to give a Larger publick Toleration than possibly now is fit . In the mean while , without troubling our selves with phansies about the Duty of our Governours , Let us mind our Own ; especially this great one , of Charity and Christian Love. And if we mind this , and practice sutably , God will be Glorified , and Religion Advanced ; the Church will be Edified , and our Souls Comforted ; Government will be Established , and the Peace of the world Promo●ed ; And the Peace of God which passeth all Vnderstanding , will keep our hearts , and minds , in Christ Iesus . To whom , with God the Father , and God the Holy Ghost , be ascribed all Glory , and Worship , henceforth , and for ever . FINIS .