Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor

they could let divisions and heresies increase, they see the Church of Christ so low, and yet forbear the cheapest cure, that ever a people could be called to use. They could see, and hear, and know that we were all made a very derision to our enemies, and the public scorn or pity of the world; and yet set still, as if all this were little to them. They had Magistrates that did not hinder them from the work: but gave them full liberty to have consulted and endeavoured a full agreement. They lived near together, and might have easily met together for the work: and if one or two or an hundred meetings could not have accomplished it, they might have held on till it was done. And yet for all this there is no such thing done, not ⟨p. 189⟩any considerable attempt yet made. And O what heinous aggravations do accompany this sin? Never men since the Apostles days I think, did make greater profession of godliness: The most of them are bound by solemn Oaths and Covenants, for unity and reformation: They all confess the worth of peace: and most of them will preach for it, and talk for it, while they set still and neglect it, as if it were not worth the looking after: They will read and preach on those Texts that command men to follow peace with all men, and as much as in us lieth if it be possible, to live peaceably with them: and yet we are so far from following it, and doing all that possibly we can for it, that too many will snarl at it, and malign and censure any that endeavour it, as if all zeal for Peace did proceed from an abatement of our zeal for holiness; and as if holiness and peace were so fallen out that there were no reconciling them; when yet they have found by long experience, that concord is a sure friend to Piety, and Piety always moves to Concord. We have seen how Errors and Heresies breed by Discord as Discord is bred and fed by them. We have seen to our sorrow, that where the servants of God should live together as one, of one heart and one soul, and one lip, and should promote each others faith and holiness, and admonish and assist each other against sin, and rejoice together in the hope of their future glory, we have contrarily lived in mutual jealousies, and drowned holy love in bitter contendings, and have studied to disgrace and undermine one another, and to increase our own parties by right or wrong;

they could let divisions and heresies increase, they see the Church of Christ so low, and yet forbear the cheapest cure, that ever a people could be called to use. They could see, and hear, and know that we were all made a very derision to our enemies, and the publike scorn or pitty of the world; and yet set still, as if all this were little to them. They had Magistrates that did not hinder them from the work: but gave them full liberty to have consulted and endeavoured a full agreement. They lived neer together, and might have easily met together for the work: and if one or two or an hundred meetings could not have accomplisht it, they might have held on till it was done. And yet for all this there is no such thing done, not