A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolvedA Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved

1. Many are perplexed about Controversies in Religion, while every contending party is confident, add hath a great deal to say, which to the ignorant seemeth like to Truth, and which the Hearer cannot answer; and when each party tells them that their way is the only way, and threateneth Damnation to them if they turn not to them. The Papists say, There is no Salvation out of our Church; that is, to none but the Subjects of the Bishop of Rome: The Greeks condemn them, and extol their Church; and every Party extols their own. Yea, some will convert them with Fire and Sword, and say, Be of our Church, or lie in Gaol; or make their Church it self a Prison, by driving in the uncapable and unwilling.

1. Many are perplexed about Controversies in Religion, while every contending party is confident, add hath a great deal to say, which to the ignorant seemeth like to Truth, and which the Hearer cannot answer; and when each party tells them that their way is the only way, and threatneth Damnation to them if they turn not to them. The Papists say, There is no Salvation out of our Church; that is, to none but the Subjects of the Bishop of Rome: The Greeks condemn them, and extol their Church; and every Party extols their own. Yea, some will convert them with Fire and Sword, and say, Be of our Church, or lie in Gaol; or make their Church it self a Prison, by driving in the uncapable and unwilling.

Among all these, how shall the ignorant know what to choose?

Among all these, how shall the ignorant know what to chuse?

Answ. The Case is sad, and yet not so sad as the case of the far greatest part of the world, who are quiet in Heathenism, or Infidelity, or never trouble themselves about Religion, but follow the Customs of their Countries, and the Princes Laws, that they may not suffer. It is some sign of a regard to God and your Salvation, that you are troubled about Religion, and careful to know which is the right; even Controversy is better than Atheistical Indifferency, that will be on the upper side, be it what it will. If you cast Acorns or Pulse among them, Swine will strive for it; or if it be Carrion, Dogs will fight for it; but if it be Gold or Jewels, Dogs and Swine will never strive for them, but tread them in the dirt: but cast them before men, and they will be all together by the ears for them. Lawyers contend about Law, and Princes about Dominion, which others mind not; and Religious Persons strive about Religion; and what wonder is this? It doth but show that they value their Souls and Religion, and that their Understandings are yet imper-But