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

The Case was at that time urging and important. A great and numerous party was formed of such as did nauseate the simplicity of the Christian Religion and hate the true design of it. All the care was what course was most proper and suitable to preserve the rest. And you see what was then thought most proper.

Counsel was not taken to this effect (and therefore Christians in a private capacity should not covet to have it so) Let us bind them by certain devised preter-Evangelical Canons to things never thought fit to be enjoined by Christ himself, severely urge the strict and uniform observance of them, make the terms of Christian Communion straiter than he ever made them, add new rituals of our own to his Institutions, and cut off from us all that (never so conscientiously) scruple them. No, this was the practice of their common enemies, and it was to narrow and weaken the too much already diminished Christian Interest. The Order mentioned vers. 5. might be comely enough, without things that were both unnecessary, and offensive.

Counsel was not taken to this effect (and therefore Christians in a private capacity should not covet to have it so) Let us bind them by certain devised preter-Evangelical Canons to things never thought fit to be enjoyn'd by Christ himself, severely urge the strict and uniform observance of them, make the terms of Christian Communion straiter than he ever made them, adde new rituals of our own to his Institutions, and cut off from us all that (never so conscientiously) scruple them. No, this was the practice of their common enemies, and it was to narrow and weaken the too much already diminish't Christian Interest. The Order mentioned vers. 5. might be comely enough, without things that were both unnecessary, and offensive.

Nor was it consulted and resolved to agitate the Controversy about this power, and practice, in perpetual, endless disputations, and stigmatize them that should not be enlightened and satisfied in these matters, as schismatical and wilful; though they never so sincerely adhered to the Doctrine and observed the Laws of Christ. i. e. 'Twas neither thought fit to urge the unsatisfied upon doubtful things against their Consciences, nor to take order that continual endeavours should be used from age to age to satisfy them, or that the Church should be always vexed with a vain controversy about needless things; that, if they were never so lawful, might as well be let alone, without detriment to the Christian Cause, and perhaps to its greater advantage.