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

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.

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 Spirituall 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 naturall 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.

Now sure the need we have of such a power, is exceeding great, we were in a most miserable condition if we had no external civil power to restrain from any kinds of blasphemies and seducements. The condition of the Jews, O how happy was it in comparison of ours, if this were denied us! for if any one of theirs did blaspheme God, or seek to seduce any from him, they knew wht to do with him, besides persuading him to the contrary; but if any should seek to seduce the wives of our bosoms, children of our bodies, friends as dear to us as our own lives, into those ways that we think in our consciences will undo their souls to all eternity, yet we must only desire them they would not do so, we must only admonish, ⟨p. 24⟩and seek to convince them, or reprove them, but restrain them we cannot: If the deliverance of us from the pedagogy of the Law hath brought us into this condition, our burden is greater in this thing then any that the Law laid upon our fore-fathers. Hath Christ delivered us from one burden to lay a greater upon us? Must we now see those who are dearest to us drawn into the ways of eternal destruction, and stand and look on, but no way left to help them, or our selves, unless we can persuade to the contrary? surely our condition is very sad: Have we not cause to say, Lord let any burden of the Ceremonial Law be laid upon our necks rather then this? If there were a company of mad men running np and down the streets with knives and swords in their hands, endeavouring to mischief and kill all they met with, and we must do nothing to restrain them; if we could persuade them to do otherwise, well and good: but that is all we can do for help; what a dangerous thing were this? The case is the same, when those who are mad with damnable Heresies, run from place to place, seeking to draw all they can from the truth; If we have no means of help but arguments, it is ill with us: Surely God hath not put his people into such a sad condition as this is, he hath provided better for his people then thus.