A second admonition to Mr. Edward Bagshaw written to call him to repentance for…

18. And men are strangely forgetful of the experiences of themselves and others: And when God hath let loose the Spirit of division to the confusions both of State and Churches, and to the ruining of true Reformation, and to the woeful and scandalous dissolution of many particular Churches, where it hath come, yet will not men understand or remember, but see as if they did not see. Holland, England, New England give them loud and lamentable warnings, and yet they will not hear.

18. And men are strangely forgetful of the experiences of themselves and others: And when God hath let loose the Spirit of division to the confusions both of State and Churches, and to the ruining of true Reformation, and to the woful and scandalous dissolution of many particular Churches, where it hath come, yet will not men understand or remember, but see as if they did not see. Holland, England, New England give them loud and lamentable warnings, and yet they will not hear.

19. And they that know what man is indeed, will not deny, but that in very many, there is something of that Pride (which some call spiritual, but is too carnal) in mens inclination to separation. He that knoweth how excellent a thing it is to be Wise, and Holy, and Happy, is oft tempted to be desirous that his own excellency should appear, and not be hid by his joining with such as are taken for ignorant common men; and so would stand further from the common sort of visible Christians, than God would have him. And also some persons, who should find the Evidences of Gods favour and acceptance in the life of Faith, and Love, and Holiness, do lamentably quiet themselves instead of these, with being members of such strict societies, as profess even a separating conspicuous holiness.

19. And they that know what man is indeed, will not deny, but that in very many, there is something of that Pride (which some call spiritual, but is too carnal) in mens inclination to separation. He that knoweth how excellent a thing it is to be Wise, and Holy, and Happy, is oft tempted to be desirous that his own excellency should appear, and not be hid by his joyning with such as are taken for ignorant common men; and so would stand further from the common sort of visible Christians, than God would have him. And also some persons, who should find the Evidences of Gods favour and acceptance in the life of Faith, and Love, and Holiness, do lamentably quiet themselves instead of these, with being members of such strict societies, as profess even a separating conspicuous holiness.