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

Thirdly, Divisions do retard the Gospel, Because men who have any ways heard of the holy Ghost, that he alone it is, who leadeth into all truth, will quickly conclude, that this Spirit cannot be against it self. And this is the more observable, because every party doth pretend to the Spirit of God, which is the cause of that command, 1 John 3.1. To try the Spirits, and not to believe every spirit, that is, Doctrine pretended to be of the Spirit; if then all parties do plead Gods Spirit, and it's teaching, they are the more confirmed in their unbelief, when they see contrary spirits, of contrary doctrines, and that with great zeal condemning each other. Thus we have showed you, what a world of hurt, divisions amongst the godly do; insomuch that it is a wonderful work of God, that any are brought off from their former vain conversation, when the spirit of division hath so sadly reigned amongst us. Wonder not if conversion be so rare a thing, if so few come in cordially to own Christ, for sad offences are made by these differences; and such as cause them, do as much as in them lieth, that never any more one soul may be brought into Heavens way.

Thirdly, Divisions do retard the Gospel, Because men who have any wayes heard of the holy Ghost, that he alone it is, who leadeth into all truth, will quickly conclude, that this Spirit cannot be against it self. And this is the more observable, because every party doth pretend to the Spirit of God, which is the cause of that command, 1 John 3.1. To try the Spirits, and not to believe every spirit, that is, Doctrine pretended to be of the Spirit; if then all parties do plead Gods Spirit, and it's teaching, they are the more confirmed in their unbelief, when they see contrary spirits, of contrary doctrines, and that with great zeal condemning each other. Thus we have shewed you, what a world of hurt, divisions amongst the godly do; insomuch that it is a wonderfull work of God, that any are brought off from their former vain conversation, when the spirit of division hath so sadly reigned amongst us. Wonder not if conversion be so rare a thing, if so few come in cordially to own Christ, for sad offences are made by these differences; and such as cause them, do as much as in them lieth, that never any more one soul may be brought into Heavens way.