A defence of the principles of love, which are necessary to the unity and…

And whereas Hatred and Enmity worketh by driving men from each others Societies, as wicked or intolerable, and Love worketh by inclining men to Union and Communion; and again, mens distance increaseth the Enmity which caused it; and their nearness and familiarity increaseth Love, and reconcileth them; I did therefore think it a matter of great necessity to our welfare, to counsel men to all lawful nearness and Communion, and to dissuade them from all unnecessary alienation and separation from each other▪

And whereas Hatred and Enmity worketh by driving men from each others Societies, as wicked or intolerable, and Love worketh by inclining men to Union and Communion; and again, mens distance increaseth the Enmity which caused it; and their nearness and familiarity increaseth Love, and reconcileth them; I did therefore think it a matter of great necessity to our welfare, to counsel men to all lawful nearness and Communion, and to disswade them from all unnecessary alienation and separation from each other▪

Let the Reader also understand, that in this, my purpose was not to condemn mens separation from the Parish Churches only, nor more than any other sinful separation: But from any true Church of Christians whatsoever; when uncharitable Principles drive them away, Whether it be from Presbyterians, Independents, Anabaptists, Arminians, Lutherans, &c. Only because that those I deal most with, make most exceptions against Communion with the Parish Churches, I bestowed most words in answering such exceptions.

Therefore observe 1. That it is none of our Question, [Whether you should Communicate with the Parish Churches alone, and no other?