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

4. Here is a stretching the power of Authority beyond the limits of it, which Man naturally is very impatient of, not knowing how far it may yet further be extended. As for the practice of Church-Governors, or civill going beyond their bounds, we shall speak to in the third Head.

I have read of Solyman the great Turk,¹ when he was advised by a Mu•hty to compel those of divers Religions in his Dominions to Mahumetisme; looking out of his window into his Garden, where there was great variety of flowers and herbs, said, As the variety of flowers and herbs seem very delightful, so the diversity of Religions in my Kingdom is rather useful then burdensome, so it be those who profess them live peaceably. I am not of his mind for the variety of several Religions, of which further by and by; yet certainly in ⟨p. 17⟩the variety of the practices of Brethren in such things as we are speaking of, tuned with brotherly love one towards another, there will be a sweet harmony, when violent urging Uniformity in such things will cause a harsh discord in the Churches.

I have read of Solyman the great Turk,¹ when he was advised by a Mu•hty to compell those of divers Religions in his Dominions to Mahumetisme; looking out of his window into his Garden, where there was great variety of flowers and herbs, said, As the variety of flowers and herbs seeme very delightfull, so the diversity of Religions in my Kingdome is rather usefull then burthensome, so it be those who professe them live peaceably. I am not of his mind for the variety of severall Religions, of which further by and by; yet certainly in ⟨p. 17⟩the varity of the practices of Brethren in such things as wee are speaking of, tuned with brotherly love one towards another, there will be a sweet harmony, when violent urging Uniformity in such things will cause a harsh discord in the Churches.