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

If indeed men nauseate that which is necessary for them, the Gospel, for instance, or Religion it self, that is certainly such a distemper, as if the grace of God overcome it not, will be mortal to them, and we are not to think of relieving them, by withdrawing the offending object, which it self must be the means of their cure. But is there any parity between the substance of Religion, which is of Gods appointing, and the superadded modes of it, that are of our own?

Upon the whole nothing is more agreeable, either to this divine principle of Love, nothing (within our compass) more conducible to our end, the ceasing of our differences (which are most likely to die and vanish by neglect) or their ceasing to be inconvenient to us, than to bear calm and placid minds towards one another under them, to banish all hard thoughts because of them. If I can contribute no way else to union, from this holy dictate and law of the Spirit of love, I can at least abstain from censuring my fellow Christians. It is the easiest thing in the world one would think not to do; Especially not to do a thing of it self ungrateful to a well tempered mind; and a great privilege not to be obliged to judge another ⟨p. 96⟩mans conscience and practice, when it is so easy to misjudge and do wrong. Most of all when the matter wherein I presume to fit in judgment upon another is of so high a nature, as the posture of his heart God-ward. A matter peculiarly belonging to another Tribunal, of divine cognizance, and which we all confess to be only known to God himself. And if I would take upon me to conclude a man insincere, and an hypocrite, only because he is not of my mind in these smaller things that are controverted among us, how would I form my argument? No one can with sincerity differ from that man whose understanding is so good and clear as to apprehend all things with absolute certainty just as they are. And then go on to assume (and a strange assuming it must be) But my understanding is so good and clear as, &c. 'Tis hard to say whether the uncharitableness of the one assertion, or the arrogance of the other is greater; and whether both be more immoral or absurd. But the impiety is worst of all, for how insolently doth such a man take upon him to make a new Gospel! and other terms of salvation than God hath made! when his sentiments and determinations of things which God hath never made necessary, must be the measure and rule of life and death to men! How is the throne and judicial power of the Redeemer usurped which he hath founded in his blood.