Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

We shall often find, that this Earnest contending is not for that Faith, which was once delivered to the Saints, but a dispute who shall be greatest; or, it may be, about something that is dark, doubtful, or unnecessary: or about some undetermined Mode. Or, possibly, as in some great conflagrations, we see the fire preys upon, and devours all, and yet we know not, who kindled ⟨p. 309⟩it, or how it began. This is, and must be for a Lamentation. Once, I am sure, the divisions among Christians, and the bitter zeal which manageth their controversies about Religion, is a mighty impediment, and obstruction, that stops the progress of the Gospel. In the writings of the Ancients we find that the Heathen fortified themselves in their infidelity, and resisted the arguments and persuasions of those who recommended the Faith of the Gospel to them, with this Objection; Ye Christians are not agreed among your selves, ye are broken into many Sects, and Factions, ye confute, and condemn one another; therefore it is more advisable for us, to continue as we are, than to leave our present station, before we know, where to fix with any assurance that we are in the Right. All that I am able to do, at present, for the removal of this scandal, is to beseech private Christians, in the bowels of Christ, To value, love, and follow after the things that make for peace, Rom. xiv. 19. For, I fear, the Gospel will hardly get ground in the world, until the Spirit of Love, reigning, and acting the hearts of those that profess it, do open the way for it. In the first planting of it, the Concord of believers, (Acts ii. 42.) did greatly contribute to its entertainment. It became a Proverbial speech touching Christians, Ecce quàm see diligunt invicem! Behold, how they love one another. This is a Subject, that cannot be too much insisted upon, nor too zealously enforced. I account them excellent, and happy persons indeed, who have a right to bear that Motto, Beati Pacifici. This may suffice touching the first obstruction, that hinders the entertainment of the Gospel.

We shall often find, that this Earnest contending is not for that Faith, which was once delivered to the Saints, but a dispute who shall be greatest; or, it may be, about something that is dark, doubtful, or unnecessary: or about some undetermined Mode. Or, possibly, as in some great conflagrations, we see the fire preys upon, and devours all, and yet we know not, who kindled