A70175:93
Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty, or, The true resolution of a present controversy…Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty, or, The true resolution of a present controversie…
Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty, or, The true resolution of a present controversy concerning liberty of conscience here you have the question stated, the middle way betwixt popish tyranny and schismatizing liberty approved and also confirmed from Scripture and the testimonies of divines, yea of whole churches : the chief arguments and exceptions used in the bloody tenet, The compassionate Samaritan, M.S. to A.S. &c., examined : eight distinctions added for qualifying and clearing the whole matter : and in conclusion a parænetick to the five apologists for choosing accommodation rather than toleration.Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty, or, The true resolution of a present controversie concerning liberty of conscience here you have the question stated, the middle way betwixt popish tyrannie and schismatizing liberty approved and also confirmed from Scripture and the testimonies of divines, yea of whole churches : the chiefe arguments and exceptions used in the bloudy tenent, The compassionate samaritane, M.S. to A.S. &c., examined : eight distinctions added for qualifying and clearing the whole matter : and in conclusion a parænetick to the five apologists for choosing accommodation rather than toleration.
London: printed for Christopher Meredith, 1645
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.
O brethren, we shall be one in heaven, let us pack up differences in this place of our pilgrimage, the best way we can. Nay, we will not despair of unity in this world.1 Hath not God promised to give us one heart and one way? 2and that Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim, 3but they shall flee upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the East, 4they shall spoil them of the East together? Hath not the Mediator (whom the Father heareth always) prayed that all his may be one? Brethren, it is not impossible, pray for it, endeavour it, press hard toward the mark of Accommodation. How much better is it that you be one with the other Reformed Churches, though somewhat straitened and bound up,5 then to be divided though at full liberty and elbow-room? Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, then a house full of sacrifices with strife. Doth not the Solemn League and Covenant bind you sincerely, really, and constantly to endeavour the nearest ⟨p. 40⟩(mark nearest) uniformity and conjunction in religion: and that you shall not suffer your selves directly or indirectly to be withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction. I know there is a spirit of jealousy walking up and down. O beware of groundless fears and apprehensions. 6Judge not, lest you be judged. Judge not according to appearance, 7but judge righteous judgement. Many false rumours and surmises there have been concerning the Presbyterian principles, practices, designs, Expertus liquor. I am persuaded if there were but a right understanding one of another's intentions, the Accommodation I speak of would not be difficult. Brethren, if you will not hearken to wholesome counsel, you shall be the more inexcusable. I have in my eye that law of God,