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

In the clearing of this thing, I shall not argue for one side or other, I shall only show you that there is in effect as much means to prevent or subdue error, heresy, schism in the congregational way, (which you call by another name) as there is in that way, other Brethren endeavour to hold forth. I am not here to plead what is right, what is wrong, but only to show you the difference is not great, so far as concerns this thing; what one holds, the same the other holds in effect; if this be done with clearness, then the great out-cry against that way, as fomenting divisions by opening a gap to all kind of liberty, will I hope be stilled, and your hearts in some measure satisfied. I confess were it, as many of you are made to believe, that that way gives liberty, or at least hath no help against all errors & heresies, it must be acknowledged it were a means of most fearful divisions, and in no case to be tolerated. But certainly you will find it far otherwise. This argument I am now about, (namely, how far Brethren agree in a matter of so great moment, and in that which they are by some thought most to disagree in, and their disagreement most feared, as a matter of dangerous consequence) I know cannot be an unpleasing argument to you, although we cannot be ignorant that there is a generation of men that are vexed when they hear how near their brethren come to them in way of agreement, it serves more for their turns to have the distance wide, they would keep open the wounds, yea widen them, but God forbid there should be such a spirit in you.

In the clearing of this thing, I shall not argue for one side or other, I shall only shew you that there is in effect as much means to prevent or subdue error, heresie, schisme in the congregationall way, (which you call by another name) as there is in that way, other Brethren endeavour to hold forth. I am not here to plead what is right, what is wrong, but onely to shew you the difference is not great, so far as concernes this thing; what one holds, the same the other holds in effect; if this be done with clearness, then the great out-cry against that way, as fomenting divisions by opening a gap to all kind of liberty, will I hope be stilled, and your hearts in some measure satisfied. I confesse were it, as many of you are made to believe, that that way gives liberty, or at least hath no helpe against all errors & heresies, it must be acknowledged it were a means of most fearfull divisions, and in no case to be tolerated. But certainly you will find it far otherwise. This argument I am now about, (namely, how far Brethren agree in a matter of so great moment, and in that which they are by some thought most to disagree in, and their disagreement most feared, as a matter of dangerous consequence) I know cannot be an unpleasing argument to you, although we cannot be ignorant that there is a generation of men that are vexed when they hear how near their brethren come to them in way of agreement, it serves more for their turns to have the distance wide, they would keep open the wounds, yea widen them, but God forbid there should be such a spirit in you.