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

And indeed when I have read the Pacific writings of those eminent worthies, for the composing of those differences abroad, I could not but wonder that the same peaceable Spirit did not endeavour with more effect the composing of our own much lesser differences at home. But the things of our peace were (as they still are) hid from our eyes, with the more visibly just severity, by how much they have been nearer us, and more obvious to the easy view of any but an averse eye.

And indeed when I have read the Pacific writings of those eminent worthies, for the composing of those differences abroad, I could not but wonder that the same peaceable Spirit did not endeavour with more effect the composing of our own much lesser differences at home. But the things of our peace were (as they still are) hid from our eyes, with the more visibly just severity, by how much they have been nearer us, and more obvious to the easie view of any but an averse eye.

It is not for us to prescribe (as was said) to persons that are now in so eminent stations as these were at that time. But may we not hope to find with such (and where should we rather expect to find it?) that compassion and mercifulness in imitation of the blessed Jesus, their Lord and ours, as to consider and study the necessities of Souls in these respects, and at least, willingly to connive at, and very heartily approve some indulgences and abatements in the administrations of the inferior Clergy, as They may not think fit themselves positively to order and enjoin? Otherwise I believe it could not but give some trouble to a conscientious conforming Minister, if a sober pious person, sound in the Faith, and of a regular life should tell him he is willing to use his Ministry, in some of the Ordinances of Christ, if only he would abate or dispense with some annexed Ceremony, which in Conscience he dare not use or admit of. I believe it would trouble such a Minister to deal with a person of this Character as a Pagan because of his scruple, and put him upon considering whether he ought not rather to dispense with mans rule, than with Gods. I know what the same Bishop Davenant hath expressly said, that He that believes the things contained in the Apostles Creed,¹