Richard Baxter's Catholic theology plain, pure, peaceable, for pacification of the dogmatical word-warriors who,…Richard Baxter's Catholick theologie plain, pure, peaceable, for pacification of the dogmatical word-warriours who,…

And Grotius professeth that it was this that moved him, to go so far towards them as he did. And I must needs say, that I believe from my very heart, that the shameful divisions, contentions, backbitings, revilings, censurings, persecutions, errors and scandals of Protestants among themselves, is a far stronger temptation to turn men to Popery, than any thing that is to be found among the Papists to turn men to it: and that many are thus driven to it, that would not have been drawn. 5. And by calling good and lawful if not necessary things, Antichristian and Popish, you have made Religious people ridiculous and a scorn to many that have more wit than Conscience; as if we were all such humorous Novices, as would run mad by being frightened with the name of Antichrist: And as they deride you for it as Fanatical, so they the less fear Popery it self. 6. And by these extremities you corrupt the peoples minds with a wrathful and contentious kind of Religion; which •s easily taken up in comparison of a holy and heavenly mind. When you should kindle in them a zeal for Love, and Good Works, the mark of Gods peculiar people, you are killing Love and kindling wrath: Gunpowder may be set on fire without so much blowing of the coal: Long experience assureth us that a siding angry contentious zeal is easily kindled, but a lively faith, a confirmed hope of Glory, a Love to God and man, needs more ado.

And Grotius professeth that it was this that moved him, to go so far towards them as he did. And I must needs say, that I believe from my very heart, that the shameful divisions, contentions, backbitings, revilings, censurings, persecutions, errours and scandals of Protestants among themselves, is a far stronger temptation to turn men to Popery, than any thing that is to be found among the Papists to turn men to it: and that many are thus driven to it, that would not have been drawn. 5. And by calling good and lawful if not necessary things, Antichristian and Popish, you have made Religious people ridiculous and a scorn to many that have more wit than Conscience; as if we were all such humorous Novices, as would run mad by being frightned with the name of Antichrist: And as they deride you for it as Fanatical, so they the less fear Popery it self. 6. And by these extremities you corrupt the peoples minds with a wrathful and contentious kind of Religion; which •s easily taken up in comparison of a holy and heavenly mind. When you should kindle in them a zeal for Love, and Good Works, the mark of Gods peculiar people, you are killing Love and kindling wrath: Gunpowder may be set on fire without so much blowing of the coal: Long experience assureth us that a siding angry contentious zeal is easily kindled, but a lively faith, a confirmed hope of Glory, a Love to God and man, needs more ado.