A53681:169
A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of…
A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others.
London : s.n., 1672
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.
Accordingly it so fell out among them unto whom the Apostle gave these Directions, and that suitably unto his Intention in them. For the Dissenting Parties, agreeing in the common Faith and Profession of the Gospel, did yet constantly meet in distinct Assemblies or Churches, for the Celebration of Holy worship, because of the different Rites wherein they did not agree. And in this Posture were Peace and Love continued among them, until in process of Time, their Differences through mutual forbearance being extinguished, they Coalesced into one Church state and Order: And the former Peace which they had in their Distances, was deemed sufficient, whilst things ⟨p. 189⟩were not measured nor regulated by secular Interest or Advantages. But it is a part of our present unhappiness, that such a Peace among Christians and particular Churches, is mistaken to have an ill Aspect upon the concerns of some belonging unto the Church in Power, Honour, and Revenue. But as we apprehend there is, as things are now stated among us, a plain mistake in this surmise, so if the Glory of God, and the Honour of the Gospel were chief in our Consultations about Church Affairs, it would be with us of no such consideration, as to hinder us from committing quietly the success and events of duty unto the Providence of God.
Accordingly it so fell out among them unto whom the Apostle gave these Directions, and that suitably unto his Intention in them. For the Dissenting Parties, agreeing in the common Faith and Profession of the Gospel, did yet constantly meet in distinct Assemblies or Churches, for the Celebration of Holy worship, because of the different Rites wherein they did not agree. And in this Posture were Peace and Love continued among them, untill in process of Time, their Differences through mutual forbearance being extinguished, they Coalesced into one Church state and Order: And the former Peace which they had in their Distances, was deemed sufficient, whilst things ⟨p. 189⟩were not measured nor regulated by secular Interest or Advantages. But it is a part of our present unhappiness, that such a Peace among Christians and particular Churches, is mistaken to have an ill Aspect upon the concerns of some belonging unto the Church in Power, Honour, and Revenue. But as we apprehend there is, as things are now stated among us, a plain mistake in this surmize, so if the Glory of God, and the Honour of the Gospel were chief in our Consultations about Church Affairs, it would be with us of no such consideration, as to hinder us from committing quietly the success and events of duty unto the Providence of God.