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

5. And I must needs tell the world, that though I Conform not, it is greater things than the matters of Conformity, which are the chief parts of my Religion; And therefore it is not Non-conformity that we must all Unite in, so much as Christianity, and soundness in the Faith. And I doubt not but the Independents who offer to subscribe to the Doctrine of the Church of England, will say that they differ far more from the Quakers, and Seekers, and Familists, than they do from the Conformists. And ⟨p. 21⟩so do I, though I would have Love and Gentleness exercised to them all.

6. And if the present Conformable Ministry were more to be blamed than they are, yet they may learn and profit while they teach. Many of them are young, coming lately from the University; and may yet grow up to ability and piety, and greater usefulness in the Church: And many of them are prejudiced against their brethren, for want of acquaintance: And a Christian prudent Loving familiarity and Conversation with them, may make them in time become more serviceable to the truth, than we are: whereas a continued distance, estrangedness, and censorious aversation, will feed their mistakes and uncharitable censure• of us, yea and their sharp severities against us, and will keep up a heart-war, and a Church-war in the land. And alas who knoweth either when or how, or in whose calamity it will End. For he that puts on his armour should not boast as he that puts it off.

I do therefore conclude with this repeated profession, that it is the Conformists and the Non-conformists that constitute the English protestant body; And it is the Conformists and Non-conformists that must at last, (when they are wearied with tearing and opposing one another) be brought together, and the faithful of both parties must build up the Church in Love and Peace. And therefore the interest of the Protestant Religion, must be much kept up by the means of the Parish Ministers, and by the doctrine and worship there performed and not by the Non conformists alone. And they that think and endeavour that which is contrary to this (of which side soever) shall have the hearty thanks and concurrence of the Papists.