A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

Christian Reader,

Although our Lord Jesus Christ hath laid blessed and stable foundations of Unity, Peace and Agreement in judgement and affection amongst all his Disciples, and given forth Command for their attendance unto them, that thereby they might glorify him in the world, and promote their own spiritual advantage: yet also foreknowing what effect the crafts of Satan in conjunction with the darkness and lusts of men would produce; that no offence might thence be taken against him, or any of his ways, he hath forewarned all men by his Spirit what Differences, Divisions, Schisms and Heresies would ensue on the publication of ⟨image 4⟩the Gospel; and arise even among them that should profess subjection unto his Authority and Law. And accordingly it speedily came to pass; For what Solomon says that he discovered concerning the first Creation, namely that God made man upright, but he sought out many inventions, or immixed himself in endless questions; the same fell out in the new creation or erection of the Church of Christ. The state of it was by him formed upright, and all that belonged unto it, were of one heart, and one soul. But this harmony and perfection of beauty, in answer to his Will and Institution lasted not long among them; many who mixed themselves with those Primitive converts, or succeeded them in their profession quickly seeking out perverse inventions. Hence in the days of the Apostles themselves there were not only schisms and divisions made in sundry Churches of their own planting, with disputes about Opinions and needless impositions by those of the Circumcision who believed; but also opposition was made unto the very fundamental Doctrines of the Deity and Incarnation of the Son of God, by the Spirit of Antichrist then entering into the world, as is evident from their Writings and Epistles. But yet as all this while our Lord Jesus Christ according to his promise preserved the root of ⟨image 4⟩Love and Unity amongst them who sincerely believed in him entire (as he doth still, and will do to the end) by giving the one and selfsame spirit to guide, sanctify and unite them all unto himself; so the care and Authority of the Apostles during their abode in the flesh, so far prevailed, that notwithstanding some temporary impeachments of Love and Union in or amongst the Churches; yet no signal prejudice of any long continuance befell them.