A97353:687
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
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.
20. The best way then for universal peace, is to make all men Holy, and the best more holy: And then they will have all, one Centre, one end, one Rule, one interest, one Nature, and one spirit and fervent Love to one another, as to themselves; with all the peaceable graces, humility, lowliness, meekness, patience, &c. But this is a way rather to be desired and hoped for in heaven, than hoped for among such a world of sinners here.
20. The best way then for universal peace, is to make all men Holy, and the best more holy: And then they will have all, one Center, one end, one Rule, one interest, one Nature, and one spirit and fervent Love to one another, as to themselves; with all the peaceable graces, humility, lowliness, meekness, patience, &c. But this is a way rather to be desired and hoped for in heaven, than hoped for among such a world of sinners here.
21. The next way therefore, that must do our work, if ever it be done, is while we are endeavouring to make men better, to find out and use the fittest terms of their peace and concord as they are. It is JUST TERMS that must heal the Church on earth; and which all the sons of peace must seek after.
22. These terms must be such as oppose not Holiness, but subserve it and promote it. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, &c. Jam. 3. 11. And peace and holiness must not be separated, Heb. 12. 14. Though if possible, as much as in us lieth, we must live peaceably with all men, Rom. 12. 18.