A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

Two things you profess, if I mistake not, to aim at in your Fiat, at least you pretend so to do; 1. Moderation in and about our differences whilst they continue: 2. The reduction of all dissenters unto an unity in faith and Profession: Things no doubt great and excellent: He can be no Christian that aims not at them, that doth not earnestly desire them. You profess to make them your Design: Protestants do so also. Now let us consider whether of the two, you or they, are fitted with Principles according unto the diversity of Professions wherein you are engaged, for the regular accomplishment and effecting of these ends: And in the consideration of the latter of them, you will find your present Case fully and clearly resolved.

Two things you profess, if I mistake not, to ayme at in your Fiat, at least you pretend so to do; 1. Moderation in and about our differences whilest they continue: 2. The reduction of all dissenters unto an unity in faith and Profession: Things no doubt great and excellent: He can be no Christian that aymes not at them, that doth not earnestly desire them. You profess to make them your Design: Protestants do so also. Now let us consider whether of the two, you or they, are fitted with Principles according unto the diversity of Professions wherein you are engaged, for the regular accomplishment and effecting of these ends: And in the consideration of the latter of them, you will find your present Case fully and clearly resolved.

For the first, of Moderation, I intend by it, and I think so do you also, the mutual forbearance of one another, as to any effects of hatred, enmity, or animosities of any kind, attended with offices of Love, Charity, Kindness, and Compassion, proceeding from a frame of heart or gracious habit of mind naturally producing such effects, with a quiet, peaceable deportment towards one another, during our present differences in, or about any thing in Religion. Certainly, this Moderation is a blessed thing; earnestly commended unto us by our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles, and as necessary to preserve peace among Christians, as the Sun in the firmament is to give light unto the world. The very Heathen could say [Greek or Hebrew], Moderation is the life of all things, and nothing is durable but from the Influence which it receives from it. Now in pressing after moderation Protestants proceed chiefly on two Principles,