A27014:327
Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministry rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated,…Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministery rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated,…
Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministry rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated, against the reasonings of a confident questionist, in a book called Toleration not abused; with counsel to the nonconformists, and petition to the pious conformists / by one that is consecrated to the sacred ministry, and is resolved not to be a deserter of it ...Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministery rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated, against the reasonings of a confident questionist, in a book called Toleration not abused; with counsil to the nonconformists, and petition to the pious conformists / by one that is consecrated to the sacred ministry, and is resolved not to be a deserter of it ...
London : s.n., 1672
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Yea further, Brethren, what if the Non-Conformable Minister do give the Sacrament to some, as you do to others? What if they think their way best, as you think yours? What if they call themselves a Church and exercise Discipline, (which without need I would not have them do,) What harm will this do to you or others? If it do them harm, let them thank themselves: But to you it can do none, unless the unchristian sin of pride and envy cause it: or unless by reproaches and contentiousness they hinder the success of your labours; which is another thing. I confess I have ever bin jealous of such Arbitrary Churches, where there is room for all in one Church, lest they should turn Anti-Churches and Theatres of emulation and contention; (which I charge all conscionable persons to abhor:) But all this may be avoided at cheaper rates, than silencing so many laborious Ministers, or excommunicating all the people that are Non-conformists.
III. Join lovingly with your Brethren, as Servants of one Lord, to promote one work. Look not strange at them, if they desire your friendship; Yea, if any of them prove censorious and peevish, if you are the more patient, condescending, and forward to love and unity, and to further the peoples good, I shall ⟨p. 128⟩take you for better men than them; And so will all that judge by the fruits of the Spirit. Try this way instead of wrath, and I dare undertake that it shall more maintain your honour, with your peace of Conscience.
III. Joyn lovingly with your Brethren, as Servants of one Lord, to promote one work. Look not strange at them, if they desire your friendship; Yea, if any of them prove censorious and pievish, if you are the more patient, condescending, and forward to love and unity, and to further the peoples good, I shall ⟨p. 128⟩take you for better men than them; And so will all that judge by the fruits of the Spirit. Try this way instead of wrath, and I dare undertake that it shall more maintain your honour, with your peace of Conscience.