A30587:94
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.
Thirdly, It is a dividing principle, because by it the reins are let loose to all kind of wantonness, and spirit of opposition, in the matters of Religion. Men naturally are wanton in nothing more then in the things of Religion; and corrupt spirits are bent upon, and pleased with opposition in these things, above any other: for being things supposed to have an excellency in them, and above reason, and so liable to contradiction from men of corrupt minds, if there be nothing to restrain men from opposing one another in them; the wantonness and pride of mens hearts will carry them forth to infinite jarrings, contentions, and divisions.
Thirdly, It is a dividing principle, because by it the reines are let loose to all kind of wantonnesse, and spirit of opposition, in the matters of Religion. Men naturally are wanton in nothing more then in the things of Religion; and corrupt spirits are bent upon, and pleased with opposition in these things, above any other: for being things supposed to have an excellency in them, and above reason, and so liable to contradiction from men of corrupt minds, if there be nothing to restrain men from opposing one another in them; the wantonnesse and pride of mens hearts will carry them forth to infinite jarrings, contentions, and divisions.
If it be said, Christ hath left spiritual means to help this.
If it be said, Christ hath left spirituall meanes to helpe this.
It is answered, Christs spiritual means are to work in a spiritual way upon the heart to change it, and secondarily upon the outward man; while Christs means are working thus, external means may keep evil from breaking forth in the outward man; Christ hath not left the outward man at absolute liberty to do what it will, till spiritual means be made effectual to the heart, especially considering if you grant this liberty, men may choose whether any of those spiritual means of Christ should at all come at them.