A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Secondly, I shall state the point, and show you how far compulsion it necessary. 1. The Magistrate should use no compulsion before care had, for better information, and resolution of the doubting Conscience, otherwise the practice were fell & cruel, like that of false Religions that brook no contradiction; consciences scrap•lous must not be too hardly dealt with all: ^*to answer arguments by a Prison, or the Fires, is a Popish Topic, and to supply in rage what wanteth in strength of reason, and clearness of light, is but a butcherly violence; punishment and compulsion should not be hastened as long as there appeareth a desire to be informed, with meek endeavours after satisfaction. The Apostle Paul is for two Admonitions b• fore Church censure, Titus 2. 10. And the censure of the Magistrate should no• p•ecede that of the Church. 2 In things indifferent, Christian toleration and forbearance take places, all men never were nor ever will be in this world of one and the same opinion▪ no more then of the same feature and complexion. There is a due latitude of allowable differences, wherein the strong should bear with the weak, `Rom. 15. 1. Eph. 4. 2. Gal. 6 1. There are some lesser mistakes of Conscience, and infirmities incident to all men; namely, such as are consistent with Faith, the main and fundamental truths and principles of salvation and charity, as not tending to foment Faction in the Church, or Sedition in the Common-wealth; but if either of these limits be transgressed, circumstances may make these lesser things intolerable, as Paul withstood Peter to the face, though otherwise he did not count the matter great, Gal. 2. 11. yet when it was urged to the scandal of the Churches, he thought it worthy of a Contest: and here it belongeth to Christian Princes, as to defend truth, so to see that Peace be not violated for Rites and Ceremonies, and lesser differences that lie far from the heart of Religion. I am persuaded that want of condescension to brethren, hath brought all this confusion upon us, &c. 3. A gross error kept secret, cometh not under the Magistrates cognisance, but the diffusion and