Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor

Brethren, I speak not all this without apparent reason. We have as sad divisions among us in England, considering the piety of the persons, and the smallness of the matter of our discord, as most Nations under heaven have known. The most that keeps us at odds is but about the right form and order of Church-Government. Is the distance so great that Presbyterian, Episcopal and Independent might not be well agreed? Were they but heartily willing and forward for peace, they might, I know they might. I have spoken with some moderate men of all the parties, and I perceive by their concessions it were an easy work. Were mens hearts but sensible of the Churches case, and unfeignedly touched with Love to one another, and did they but heartily set themselves to seek it, the settling of a safe and happy Peace were an easy work. If we could not in every point agree, we might easily find out, and narrow out differences, and hold Communion upon our agreement in the main; determining of the safest way for the managing of our few and small disagreements, without the danger or trouble of the Church. But is this much done? It is not done. To the shame of all our faces be it spoken, it is not done. Let each party flatter themselves now as they please, it will be recorded to the shame of the Ministry of England, while the Gospel shall abide in the Christian world. ⟨p. 188⟩What will be recorded? What? Why this; That learned and godly Ministers in England, did first disagree among themselves, and head and lead on their people in those disagreements! That they proceeded in them for the space of 14. years (already; how much more will be, God knows) and in all that time had as great advantages and opportunities for Agreement, as any people in the world. They had the sad experience of the conflagration of the Common-wealth, and were scourged to it by a calamitous war. They saw the fearful confusions in the Church; and the perverting of multitudes of seduced souls, some to be Seekers, some Socinians, some Ranters, Quakers or Infidels; They saw the continual exasperation of minds, and the jealousies and bitterness that their distance bred, and how it was the •uel of a daily course of sin. And yet for all these, they were not moved to effectual endeavours for a cure. They could let a course of sin run on:

Brethren, I speak not all this without apparent reason. We have as sad divisions among us in England, considering the piety of the persons, and the smallness of the matter of our discord, as most Nations under heaven have known. The most that keeps us at odds is but about the right form and order of Church-Government. Is the distance so great that Presbyterian, Episcopal and Independent might not be well agreed? Were they but heartily willing and forward for peace, they might, I know they might. I have spoken with some moderate men of all the parties, and I perceive by their concessions it were an easie work. Were mens hearts but sensible of the Churches case, and unfeignedly touched with Love to one another, and did they but heartily set themselves to seek it, the settling of a safe and happy Peace were an easie work. If we could not in every point agree, we might easily find out, and narrow out differences, and hold Communion upon our agreement in the main; determining of the safest way for the managing of our few and small disagreements, without the danger or trouble of the Church. But is this much done? It is not done. To the shame of all our faces be it spoken, it is not done. Let each party flatter themselves now as they please, it will be recorded to the shame of the Ministery of England, while the Gospel shall abide in the Christian world.