Hepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equity and moderation. Delivered publicly in lecturesHepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equitie and moderation. Deliuered publikely in lectures

And for the maintenance of private peace, men must in their most private actions, one ⟨p. 51⟩yield to another in such things, wherein they might stand, and oftentimes be contented to loose that, •hat is their own; and in conferences must a man oftentimes, suffer himself to be crossed and overthwarted in that, of which he is most certain, and to grant that to be, which is not, and that not to be which he knows to be, if the matter be of small moment, and concern not religion nor the state: many such things must a Christian man put up daily, at the hands of his brother, for the maintenance of peace and love amongst them. This is a doctrine little known, and less regarded in the world▪ for its a general opinion that a man may take his own, and may lawfully stand upon his own right, (which if it be meant generally in all cases, is most false) nay this is a common speech of all men, I demand but my right, and I will not loose my right, and this is thought a reasonable speech, and he is esteemed a good man, who takes no more then his right: for oftentimes men stand so strictly upon their right, that they go further then their right reacheth. But this is a very carnal ⟨p. 52⟩practise, and controlled by the Scripture, and by the example of Christ, as we heard afore. But if any man object, that the example of Christ is not to bind us, because he is the Mediator, and therefore was to perform extraordinary obedience? I then answer, that not only Christ, but other holy men, have practised this duty, for he payeth toll not only for himself, but for Peter also. And there is a notable example of this duty in Abraham, who when his brother Lot and his shepherds could not agree, was content to depart from his right: for whereas he being the elder, might have chosen first, he notwithstanding, stands not upon that, but bids his brother Lot choose whether he will, and he will take what he leaveth. A most equal, Christian, brotherly part of that holy Abraham, whose faith is so much commended in the Scriptures. If we therefore will be called the children of Abraham, then must we be followers of him in his works, and namely in this, we must oftentimes depart from our own right.

And for the maintenance of priuate peace, men must in their most priuate actions, one ⟨p. 51⟩