A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schism as it was…A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schisme as it was…

I shall close this part of my Discourse with an Observation on that wherewith it is closed by this Author, in his management of it. Saith he, to withdraw from each other into separate congregations, tempts some to spiritual Pride and Scorn and Contempt of others, as of a more carnal and worldly Church then themselves; and provokes others to lay open the follies and indiscretions and immoralities of those who pretend to so much Purity and Spirituality above their Brethren; pag. 32, 33. If there be any unto whom this is such a Temptation as is mentioned in the first place, and being so, doth prevail upon them; it is their sin, arising from their own Lusts, by which every Man is tempted, and is not at all occasioned by the thing it self; and for the other part, let those who delight in that work proceed as they shall see cause. For if they charge upon us things that are really Foolish, Indiscreet, and Immoral, as in many things we sin all, we hope we shall learn ⟨p. 49⟩what to amend, and to be diligent therein, as for other Reasons, so because of our Observers. But if they do what some have done, and others yet continue to do, fill their Discourses with false Malicious Defamations, with Scorn, Contempt, Railing, and Revilings, Scandalous unto Christian Religion; like a Sermon lately preached before my Lord Mayor, and since put in Print, (I intend not that under consideration) we are no way concerned in what they do or say; nor do, as we know of, suffer any disadvantage thereby; yea such Persons are beneath the offence and contempt of all Men, pretending unto the least of Wisdom and Sobriety.

For what remains of this Discourse, I esteem not my self concerned to insist on the Examination of it. For I would not so express my Judgment in these things, as some are here represented to declare themselves. And I know that those who are principally reflected on, are able to defend both their Principles and Practices. And besides I hear (in the Retirement wherein I live, and wherein I dye daily) that some of those most immediately concerned, have returned an Answer, unto this Part of the Discourse under consideration. I shall therefore only observe some few things that may abate the Edge of this Charge. For although we judge the Defence of the Truth which we profess, to be necessary when we are called thereunto; yet at present for the Reasons intimated at the entrance of this Discourse, we should choose that it might not be brought under debate. But the Defence of our Innocency, when the charge against us is such as in it self tends to our Distress and Ruin, is that alone which is our present Design; and which wise men, no way concerned in our Non-conformity, for the sake of Protestant Religion and Public Peace of the Nation, have judged necessary.