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

2ly. In things controversial and doubtful amongst godly §2and peaceable men, though there should be a declaration of difference of judgment, and some different practice, yet there is to be a forbearance of compulsory violence; we must not be to one another in such things as these are, as that Giant we read of, who laid upon a bed all he took, and those who were too long, he cut them even with his bed, and such as were too short, he stretched them out to the length of it. Verily this is cruelty, God hath not made men all of a length nor height; mens parts, gifts, graces differ; mens tempers, apprehensions, educations are various: and if there be no suffering one another in things not clear, all the world must needs be quarrelling, there will be strengthening interests, sidings and opposings one another continually, except not only mens bodies and estates, but their very souls also be brought under sordid slavery.

2ly. In things controversall and doubtfull amongst godly §2and peaceable men, though there should be a declaration of difference of judgment, and some different practice, yet there is to be a forbearance of compulsory violence; we must not be to one another in such things as these are, as that Gyant we read of, who laid upon a bed all he took, and those who were too long, he cut them even with his bed, and such as were too short, he stretched them out to the length of it. Verily this is cruelty, God hath not made men all of a length nor height; mens parts, gifts, graces differ; mens tempers, apprehensions, educations are various: and if there be no suffering one another in things not clear, all the world must needbe quarrelling, there wil be strengthning interests, sidings and opposings one another continually, except not only mens bodies and estates, but their very souls also be brought under sordid slavery.

Our Brethren of Scotland writing against the tyranny of Prelates, when they were under it, in that Book, entitled English and Popish Ceremonies, have this passage: If the error of Conscience be about things unnecessary, then it is tutior pars the surest & safest way, not to urge men to do that which in their consciences they condemn. And the Ministers of the Protestant Churches in France, giving their judgments, De pace inter Evangelicos procuranda, How peace amongst the Protestants in Germany may be had, set forth by Duraeus, say thus: