A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

I shall have very little hopes to see any Unity amongst us, that shall be one jot better than our present Differences: To see this, if any thing, would make me say O mihi tam longe maneat pars ultima vitae. The present face of Christianity makes the world a wearisome wilderness: Nor should I think any thing a more necessary Duty, than it would be for Persons of Piety and ability to apologize for the Religion of Jesus Christ; and to show how inconcerned it is in the ways and practises of the most that profess it; and how utterly another thing it is, from what in the world it is represented to be, so to put a stop unto that Atheism which is breaking in upon us from the contempt that men have of that Idea of Christian Religion which they have taken from the manner of its profession, and lives of its Professors; were it not that I suppose it more immediately incumbent on them and us all, to do the same work in a real expression of its power and excellency, in such a kind of goodness, holiness, righteousness, and heavenliness of conversation, as the world is only as yet in secret acquainted withal, When this is done, the way for a farther agreement will be open and facile; and, until it be so, men will fight on, Ipsique, nepotesque Et nati natorum, & qui nascentur ab illis. ⟨p. 209⟩We shall have no end of our Quarrels. Could I see an Heroic temper fall on the minds of men of the several parties at variance, to bid adieu to the world, its customs, manners, and fashions, which are all vain and perishing, not in a local corporal retirement from the men and lawful businesses of it, or a relinquishment of the necessary callings and employments in it, but in their spirits & affections; could I see them taking up the Cross of Christ, not on their backs in its figure, but on their hearts in its power, and in their whole conversation conforming themselves unto his blessed example, so teaching all others of their parties what it is that they build upon for a blessed Eternity, that they may not please and deceive themselves with their conceited Orthodoxy in the trifling Differences which they have with other Christians, I should hope the very name of persecution and every thing that is contrary to Christian Moderation would quickly be driven out of Christendom, and that error, and what ever is contrary to the Unity of Faith, would not be long lived after them.

I shall have very little hopes to see any Unity amongst us, that shall be one jot better than our present Differences: To see this, if any thing, would make me say O mihi tam longe maneat pars ultima vitae. The present face of Christianity makes the world a wearisome wilderness: Nor should I think any thing a more necessary Duty, than it would be for Persons of Piety and ability to apologize for the Religion of Jesus Christ; and to shew how inconcerned it is in the wayes and practises of the most that profess it; and how utterly another thing it is, from what in the world it is represented to be, so to put a stop unto that Atheism which is breaking in upon us from the contempt that men have of that Idaea of Christian Religion which they have taken from the manner of its profession, and lives of its Professors; were it not that I suppose it more immediately incumbent on them and us all, to do the same work in a reall expression of its power and excellency, in such a kind of goodness, holiness, righteousness, and heavenliness of conversation, as the world is only as yet in sacret acquainted withall, When this is done, the way for a farther agreement will be open and facile; and, untill it be so, men will fight on, Ipsique, nepotesque Et nati natorum, & qui nascentur ab illis.