A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

IV. It were well, if Christians would but seriously consider, what and how many things they are wherein their present Apprehensions of the mind and will of God do centre and agree; I mean as to the substance of them, their nature and importance, and how far they will lead men in the ways of pleasing God, and coming to the enjoyment of him. Were not an endeavour to this purpose impeded by many mens importunate cries of all or none, as good nothing at all, as not every thing, ⟨p. 214⟩and that in this or that way, mode, or fashion; it might not a little conduce to the Pea•e of Christendom. And I must acknowledge unto you, that I think it is prejudice, Carnal interest, love of Power, and present enjoyments, with other Secular Advantages, joined with Pride, Self-will and contempt of others, that keep the professors of Christianity from conspiring to improve this Consideration. But God help us, we are all for Parties, and our own exact being in the right, and therein the only Church of Christ in the earth; at least that others are so, only so far as they agree with us, we being our selves the Rule and Standard of all Gospel Church state, laying weight upon what we differ from others in, for the most part exceedingly above what it doth deserve. Were the Same mind in us that was in Christ Jesus, the same frame of spirit that was in his blessed Apostles, we should be willing to try the effects of his love and care towards all that profess his Name, by a Sedate Consideration at least, how far he hath instructed them in the knowledge of his will, and what effects this learning of him may produce. And to tell you truly; I do not think there is a more horrid monster in the earth than that opinion is, which in the great diversity that there is among Christians in the world, includes happiness and Salvation within the limits and precincts of any party of them; as though Christ, and the Gospel, their own faith, obedience, and sufferings, could not possibly do them any good in their station and condition. This is that Al•cto,—Cuitristia bella Iraque insidiaeque & crimina noxia Cordi, Odit & ipse pater Pl•ton, odere sorores Tartareae Monstrum: Tot sese vertit in ora. Tam saevae facies, tot pullulat atra Colubris.

IV. It were well, if Christians would but seriously consider, what and how many things they are wherein their present Apprehensions of the mind and will of God do center and agree; I mean as to the substance of them, their nature and importance, and how far they will lead men in the wayes of pleasing God, and coming to the enjoyment of him. Were not an endeavour to this purpose impeded by many mens importunate cryes of all or none, as good nothing at all, as not every thing,