The cure of church-divisions, or, Directions for weak Christians to keep them from being…

Therefore a true Christian must learn (though not to favour any mans sin, nor to be indifferent what Ministry he liveth under, yet) patiently to suffer much abuse and persecution, sometimes from Ministers themselves; and to see that it drive them not in peevish impatience into any extreme, or to any unlawful sect or separation, nor to a disdain of the sacred office which they abuse, nor to lose the benefit of it, or be unthankful for it.

Therefore a true Christian must learn (though not to favour any mans sin, nor to be indifferent what Ministery he liveth under, yet) patiently to suffer much abuse and persecution, sometimes from Ministers themselves; and to see that it drive them not in peevish impatiency into any extream, or to any unlawful sect or separation, nor to a disdain of the sacred office which they abuse, nor to lose the benefit of it, or be unthankful for it.

And though it be sad that true Christians should abuse each other, yet this also must be born. Many can beareth: scorn and cruelties of the openly profane, who can scarce bear to be neglected or set light by, much less to be hardly censured by the Religious. But observe first, that your Pride may notably appear in this: and it is no great sign of humility to suffer only from the worst. For you look on them as persons of no honour, and the • fore not capable of dishonouring you: For a dog to bark at you, you take for no disgrace: Nay you take it for your honour to suffer by such persons, as supposing it a mark of Christs disciples. But the Religious you more reverence, and think their contempt is a great dishonour to you; and ⟨p. 248⟩fore your pride will not suffer you to bear it patiently.

And though it be sad that true Christians should abuse each other, yet this also must be born. Many can bear•th: scorn and cruelties of the openly profane, who can scarce bear to be neglected or set light by, much less to be hardly censured by the Religious. But observe first, that your Pride may notably appear in this: and it is no great sign of humility to suffer only from the worst. For you look on them as persons of no honour, and the fore not capable of dishonouring you: For a dog to bark at you, you take for no disgrace: Nay you take it for your honour to suffer by such persons, as supposing it a mark of Christs disciples. But the Religious you more reverence, and think their contempt is a great dishonour to you; and