The Saints' Everlasting Rest

And for Peace with one another, follow it with all your might: If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men, Rom. 12.18. (mark this) When you feel any sparks of discontent in your breast, take them as kindled by the Devil from Hell, and take heed you cherish them not. If the flames begin to break forth in Censoriousness, Reproaches, and hard Speeches of others; be as speedy and busy in quenching it, as if it were fire in the Thatch of your houses: For why should your houses be dearer to you then the Church, which is the house of God? or, then your souls, which are the Temples of the Holy Ghost? If any heart-burnings arise, do not keep strange, but go together, and lovingly debate it, or pray together, that God would reconcile you; or refer the matter to your Minister or others; and let not the Sun go down on your wrath. Hath God spoke more against any sin, then unpeaceableness? If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you (which made Endovicus Crocius say, That this is the measure and essential property of the lest degree of true Faith, Syntag. lib. 4. cap. 16.) If you love not each other, you are no Disciples of Christ; nay, if you love not your enemies, and bless not them that curse you, and pray not for them that hurt and persecute you, you are no Children of God. The Wisdom from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, &c. Jam. 3.17. O remember that piercing example of Christ, who washed his Disciples feet, to teach us, that we must stoop as low to one another. Sure God doth not jest with you in all these plain Scriptures? I charge you in the Name of Christ, if you cannot have peace otherwise, That you suffer wrongs and reproaches, that you go and beg peace of those that should beg it of you, yea, that you beg it on your knees of the poorest beggar, rather then lose it. And remember Rom. 16.17, 18.

And for Peace with one another, follow it with all your might: If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men, Rom. 12.18. (mark this) When you feel any sparks of discontent in your brest, take them as kindled by the Divel from Hell, and take heed you cherish them not. If the flames begin to break forth in Censoriousness, Reproaches, and hard Speeches of others; be as speedy and busie in quenching it, as if it were fire in the Thatch of your houses: For why should your houses be dearer to you then the Church, which is the house of God? or, then your souls, which are the Temples of the Holy Ghost? If any heart-burnings arise, do not keep strange, but go together, and lovingly debate it, or pray together, that God would reconcile you; or refer the matter to your Minister or others; and let not the Sun go down on your wrath. Hath God spoke more against any sin, then unpeaceableness? If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you (which made Endovicus Crocius say, That this is the measure and essential propertie of the lest degree of true Faith, Syntag. lib. 4. cap. 16.) If you love not each other, you are no Disciples of Christ; nay, if you love not your enemies, and bless not them that curse you, and pray not for them that hurt and persecute you, you are no Children of God. The Wisdom from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easie to be intreated, &c.