A30587:626
Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…
Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and evils of them : with cautions that we may not be hurt by them, and endeavours to heal them / by Jeremiah Burroughs.Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and evils of them : with cautions that we may not be hurt by them, and endeavours to heal them / by Jeremiah Burroughes.
London: printed for Robert Dawlman, 1653
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Besides, if things merely indifferent be enjoined, then is Christian liberty violated. No, say some, Christian liberty is in the conscience, so long as a man keeps his conscience free, ⟨p. 160⟩the thing may be still indifferent to him in regard of his conscience, though his practise be determined, and so Christian liberty is preserved. This is the put off that the Prelatical party made use of against our Brethren of Scotland many years since, when they pleaded that by their usurpation Christian liberty was taken from them.
Besides, if things meerely indifferent be enjoyned, then is Christian liberty violated. No, say some, Christian liberty is in the conscience, so long as a man keepes his conscience free, ⟨p. 160⟩the thing may be still indifferent to him in regard of his conscience, though his practise be determined, and so Christian liberty is preserved. This is the put off that the Prelaticall party made use of against our Brethren of Scotland many yeeres since, when they pleaded that by their usurpation Christian liberty was taken from them.
To that answer of the Prelates, they thus reply: When the authority of the Churches constitution is obtruded to bind and restrain the practice of Christians in things indifferent,1 they are bereaved of their liberty, as well as if an opinion of necessity were borne in upon their consciences. They urge that place, Colos. 2. 21. where the Apostle gives instances, say they, of such humane ordinances as take away Christian liberty; he saith not, you must think that you may not touch, but touch not; you must not practise, not be subject to such Ordinances; telling us; That when the practice is restrained form touching, tasting, handling, by the ordinance of men, then is Christian liberty spoiled, though conscience be left free; if the outward man be brought in bondage, this makes up spiritual thraldom (say they) though there be no more.