Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…

First, there is a common reason and equity, what ever the strength of such kind of arguing be from one Spiritual Ordinances to prove another, yet without all question, it is strong enough from one Civill Ordinance to prove another, though it be conversant about spiritual things.

First, there is a common reason and equity, what ever the strength of such kind of arguing be from one Spirituall Ordinances to prove another, yet without all question, it is strong enough from one Civill Ordinance to prove another, though it be conversant about spirituall things.

It is the Dictate of Nature, that Magistrates should have some power in matters of Religion. The generality of all people have ever thought it equal. It hath been ever challenged in all Nations and Common-wealths. The Heathens would never suffer their gods to be blasphemed, but punish such as were guilty thereof by the power of the Magistrate. Socrates was put to death for blaspheming their multiplicity of gods.

It is the Dictate of Nature, that Magistrates should have some power in matters of Religion. The generality of all people have ever thought it equall. It hath been ever challenged in all Nations and Common-wealths. The Heathens would never suffer their gods to be blasphemed, but punish such as were guilty thereof by the power of the Magistrate. Socrates was put to death for blaspheming their multiplicity of gods.

2ly Surely there is a common equity, for there is a necessity of it as truly now as there was then. I cannot argue the being of Spiritual Ordinances from our need of them, not thus there is such an institution, for the Church hath need of it; but rather thus, I find it in the Word to be an institution, and therefore the Church hath need of it. But in natural or civill things this way of arguing is strong enough; there is need of such a help, and therefore we should seek to have it.