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

Thirdly, If there were no other reason why a man of weaker parts should differ from other, then because he is conceited of his parts, thinks himself more able to understand then those who are far his betters, then there would be more liberty to deal severely with him: But being •here may be this reason; why men who are weak, yet differ from those who are eminent, Christ hath laid this charge upon them, that they must not believe or practice any thing in the matters of Religion, but what they shall see ground for out of his word. If a man shall be jealous of himself, fearing lest his own understanding should mislead him; and in the use of all means he can, seeks to God, and yet cannot see from Scripture the ground of those things learned and godly men have determined, and having received such a charge from Christ not to alter his judgment or practice, till in the use of these means he should receive further light from him; what would you have this man do? If he yields to you, he sins against the charge of Christ and his own conscience; if he doth not, either now or after such a time you prefix him, alter his judgment and practice, you judg him obstinate, and in the name of Christ deal with him as such; do not you by this make that bond that Christ hath laid upon him (to do all he doth from a principle of faith) heavier then Christ would have it.

Thirdly, If there were no other reason why a man of weaker parts should differ from other, then because he is conceited of his parts, thinks himselfe more able to understand then those who are far his betters, then there would be more liberty to deale severely with him: But being •here may be this reason; why men who are weak, yet differ from those who are eminent, Christ hath laid this charge upon them, that they must not believe or practice any thing in the matters of Religion, but what they shall see ground for out of his word. If a man shall be jealous of himself, fearing lest his own understanding should mislead him; and in the use of all meanes he can, seeks to God, and yet cannnot see from Scripture the ground of those things learned and godly men have determined, and having received such a charge from Christ not to alter his judgment or practice, till in the use of these meanes he should receive further light from him; what would you have this man do? If he yeelds to you, he sins against the charge of Christ and his own conscience; if he doth not, either now or after such a time you prefixe him, alter his judgment and practice, you judg him obstinate, and in the name of Christ deale with him as such; do not you by this make that bond that Christ hath laid upon him (to do all he doth from a principle of faith) heavier then Christ would have it.