CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Further, That Unity is not, de facto, always a note of the Church, appeareth, from the opposition of Satan against the peace and quietness of it: And therefore as it is in matter of practice, peace and quietness is not always a sign of a good conscience; for our Saviour saith, The Devil keepeth all things quiet, while he ruleth, Luke 11.21. Thus it is also in respect of Churches, many times a false superstitious Church hath more plenty and ease, then a true one, because the Devil will not disturb his own; but where the Kingdom of Christ is, there the Devil doth also desire to erect his Throne. Thus when the good seed was sown, the Devil superseminated his Tares. In a wilderness, or a place of weeds, he would not have been so diligent: Therefore breaches and divisions, because they are a kind or part of afflictions and troubles, may sooner accompany the true Church, then outward unity and prosperity.

Further, That Ʋnity is not, de facto, alwayes a note of the Church, appeareth, from the opposition of Satan against the peace and quietnesse of it: And therefore as it is in matter of practice, peace and quietnesse is not alwayes a signe of a good conscience; for our Saviour saith, The Devil keepeth all things quiet, while he ruleth, Luke 11.21. Thus it is also in respect of Churches, many times a false superstitious Church hath more plenty and ease, then a true one, because the Devil will not disturb his own; but where the Kingdome of Christ is, there the Devil doth also desire to erect his Throne. Thus when the good seed was sowne, the Devil superseminated his Tares. In a wildernesse, or a place of weeds, he would not have been so diligent: Therefore breaches and divisions, because they are a kinde or part of afflictions and troubles, may sooner accompany the true Church, then outward unity and prosperity.

Lastly, We grant, That if the Church of God were fully perfected, both in respect of knowledge and holiness, it would always have unity: As we see in Heaven, where there is no difference at all, but because we know in part, we are godly in part, therefore these breaches may be made upon us; Discord then and division may be in an imperfect Church, but not a perfect: Therefore our Saviours prayer will have it's accomplishment only in Heaven.