A sermon touching the peace and edification of the church preached at the second triennial visitation of the right reverend father in God, Francis Lord Bishop of Peterborough, at Daventry in Northamptonshire, July 12. 1637 / by Edvvard Reynolds ...

THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH . ROM. 14.19 .

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace , and things wherewith one may edifie another .

EVery gift of God , by how much the more excellent it is in it self , by so much the more ( through the subtilty and malice of Satan ) is it subject unto abuse ; and as the Wisdom of God doth order evill things unto good , so the cunning of sin doth pervert the best things unto evil , and turn the very Grace of God into wantonnesse .

Christs coming was to set Prisoners at Liberty , Isai. 61.1 . And of all other , this of Christian liberty is one of the choicest Jewels , with the custody whereof hee hath entrusted his Church .

This Liberty is twofold , either from Bondage Spiritual under Sin and Satan , or from Bondage Carnal under the Ceremonies of the Mosaical Law , which in opposition to the a a Jam. 1.25 2.8 royal and perfect Law of Liberty is called an b b Act. 15.10 intolerable yoke , and c c Ezek. 20.25 vid. Irenae . l. 4 cap. 29 Commandements which were not good .

Two sorts of men there were , who professing the Religion of Christ , did yet ( through the subtilty of Satan ) stumble at this Liberty . Some were false Brethren , who dogmatically taught against it ; and to these the Apostle d d Gal. 2.4 , 5 would not give place for an hour . Others were weak Brethren , who in their Consciences were not perswaded of this Liberty , and were offended at the use of it in those whose faith was better setled . With respect to these , the Apostle in this Chapter states the difference then depending in the Church ; so that neither the knowledge of the one might breed scorn of those who were doubtful , as weak ; nor the scruples of the other breed censure of those who were free , as wicked ; wherein premising a most wise and pious maxime , That weak Christians ought to be plyed and cherished in the main matters of Religion , and not perplexed with impertinent disputations ; and then giving directions to both sides touching their mutuall behaviour towards each other , he proceedeth to state the question it self .

For the ground whereof , he laieth an excellent distinction touching Things Indifferent , which may be considered either per se , alone by themselves , and so he states the question for the strong , vers. 14. or in Ordine ad aliud , with respect to some other thing : and so he giveth these three Rules .

1. In order to the Weak : so Liberty must give place to Charity ; I must rather restrain my self , than scandalize and hazard the safety of my brother , v. 13 , 15.

2. In order to the Doctrines of the Gospel . So Fundamentals , wherein the Kingdom of God doth stand , are to take place of such , In quibus non vertitur salus Ecclesiae , which therefore , however to bee strongly vindicated against malicious corrupters , are yet not to bee unseasonably obtruded upon tender Consciences , otherwise agreeing in the Substantiall grounds of righteousnesse and peace , vers. 16 , 17 , 18.

3. In order to the Church of God . And so the Peace and Edification of that is to bee preferred before the rigorous and stiffe asserting of our own private Liberty : for the Edification of the Church is Gods Work , and wee Peace ; in one word , a perfect Moses , the meekest Man , and yet the mightiest Warriour ; a true David , a man much vers'd in Battel , and yet made up all of Love , n n Matth. 10.34 sending a Sword in one place , and o o John 18.11 sheathing up a Sword in another ; p p Matth. 13.57 carelesse of offending in case of piety , and q q Matth. 17.27 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. fusè in Psa. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 5.6 . vid. etiam in Psal. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . pag. 690. Edit. Savil . tender of offending in case of liberty . Thus Hee , and thus his Church too , Salem , a place of Peace ; Ierusalem , a vision of Peace , and yet therein a Fort , and an Armory for shields and bucklers , Cant. 4.4 .

To know the difference , wee are to distinguish both concerning Persons , and concerning Things .

For Persons : the same Apostle who here teacheth us to compassionate the Weak , doth teach us elsewhere to r r Gal. 5.1 . withstand the obstinate ; and he who out of tendernesse to some s s Acts 16.3 . yeelded to circumcise Timothy , out of jealousie of others t t Gal. 2.3 . refused to circumcise Titus , u u 1 Cor. 10.23 pleasing all men in one case , and x x Gal. 1.10 . 1 Thes. 2.4 forbearing to please in another , a y y 1 Cor. 9 19 2 Cor. 4.5 . servant to all himself , and yet , z z 1 Cor. 7.13 . Bee yee not the servants of men .

Concerning Things : though the Heathen man spake truly * * Valer. Max. Nihil minimum in Religione , yet we know a a Matth. 23.23 our Saviour distinguisheth between Mint or Cummin , and the great things of the Law . And the b b Acts 15.28 . Apostolicall Synod , between things necessary and unnecessary ; and Saint Paul here between meats and drinks , and the Kingdom of God ; and c c 1 Cor. 3.10 , 11. elsewhere between the foundation and superstruction .

Some Truths there are , which belong ad fidem Catholicam ; others which pertain onely ad scientiam Theologicam : Some are a a Nazian. Orat . 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Quaestiones 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and others 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Gregory Nazianzen distinguisheth . Some are de fide , against those who deny Fundamentals : Others , circa fidem , against those who by perilous super-inducements bruise and wrench the foundation : Others , praeter fidem , b b Aug. de Peccato Origin . cap. 23. in quibus salva fide qua Christiani sumus , ignoratur verum , as S. Austin speaks . In which we may erre or be ignorant , beleeve or suspend , without any hazard to the common Faith . In one word , as c c Tert. de Pudicit . cap. 19. Tertullian distinguisheth of sins , so may we of Opinions . Some are Quotidianae incursionis , Method . apud Epiphan. Haeres . 64. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . such as are usually incident to humane frailty : some are Dogmata devoratoria salutis , such as proceed from Hereticall pride and blindnesse .

Now the Rule is certain , Uti de praeceptis distinguit Greg. Nazianz . Orat. 3. De creatura , si quid aliter quam sese habet senserimus , dummodò non id pro cognito praeceptóque teneamus , Nullum periculum est — De Creatore , si aliud quàm oportet ac sese res habet nobis persuadetur , perniciosissimo Errore decipimur . Aug. de Lib. Arb. lib. 3. cap. 21. & de Gen. ad lit . lib. 10. cap. 23. That in the great things of the Law and Gospel , which either are Foundations themselves , or are most visibly and immediatly adjacent and contiguous to the Foundation , wee ought d d Jud. ver. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Saint Iude speaks , to contend earnestly ; as there was no small dissention and disputation between Paul and Barnabas , and the false Brethren , who taught the necessity of Judaicall Rites unto Salvation , Acts 15. v. 2. And e e Athan. Epist. ad Orthodoxos . De hujusmodi Epistolis quae formatae Communicatoriae & pacificae vocabantur . Vid. Aug. Epist. 136. & Opt. lib. 2. Athanasius the Great would not have the Orthodox Brethren to receive 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , any forms or Letters pacificatory from George the Arrian Persecutor . And f f Basil. Ep. 325 ad Epiphan. Basil the Great giveth an excellent reason of it , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . If once wee shake the simplicity of the Faith , and retain not that as a Rule and measure of inferiour differences , Disputes and Contentions will prove endlesse .

This care then and circumspection is chiefly to be used in these three Cases , as a g g by th . Davenant in Epist. Pacificat . nuper edita . learned Prelate of our Church hath observed .

1. In case h h Vid. Euseb. Hist. l. 4. c. 13. & l. 5. c. 19. & Gregr. Naz. Orat. 12. pag. 203. Paris . 1609. of Heresie , when Adversaries deny or deprave the faith of the Gospel ; as i i 2 Tim. 2.18 Hymeneus and Philetus , who teaching against the Resurrection , overthrew mens Faith .

2. In case of Idolatry : k k Hos. 4.15 2 Cor. 6.16 If Israel play the harlot , let not Iudah transgresse ; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols ?

3. In case of Tyranny : when any shall usurp and exercise Domination over the Consciences of men to bring them into bondage unto Doctrines of errours , and make Articles of Faith for all Churches to submit unto : In which case the Apostle had no patience , Gal. 2.4 , 5. a a Cypr. lib. de sentent . Episc. de Heretic . rebaptizand . Neque enim quisquam nostrum Episcopum fe esse Episcoporum constituit , aut tyrannico terrore ad obsequendi necessitatem collegas suos adegit : they are the words of Saint Cyprian in the Councel of Carthage , upon the case of Re-baptization .

This then being laid for a firm foundation , that Christ where he is b b Heb. 7.2 King of Salem , must be King of Righteousness too ; that the c c Jam. 3.17 wisedome which is from above must be first pure , and then peaceable ; that our unity must be the d d Ephes. 4.3 Unity of the Spirit : Ea enim sola Ecclesiae pax est , quae Christi pax est , as e e Hilar. contr. Aria . & Auxent . Saint Hilary speaks ; The state of this Point is in these two words : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , War there must be ( I speak in a spiritual sense ) with Principalities , and Powers , and spiritual Wickednesses : For the Church is Militant , and hath Weapons of spiritual Warfare , given of purpose to resist Enemies . Christ came to send a Sword against all dangerous Errors of minde , or manners . And as in this Warre , every Christian must have 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Saint Paul speaks , The whole Armour of God : so , above all , Timothy , and such as he was , must be good Souldiers , 2 Tim. 2.3 . with the Eye to watch , with the Tongue to warn , with the Sword of the Spirit to convince and to correct gain-sayers . War there must be , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Contention and inward jarres there must not be , and that for this very reason , vid. Greg. Naz Orat. 1. pag. 35 , 36 because there is War ; for as our Saviour saith , A Kingdom divided within it self cannot stand at any time , much lesse when it wageth War with a Forreign and Potent Adversary , such as Satan , and all other Enemies of the Church are , who by the advantage of an intestine Commotion would save himself the labour of drawing the Sword , and become rather a spectatour than a party in the Conquest . A notable example we have in Meletius , and Peter Bishop of Alexandria , both Confessours of the Christian Faith , Epiphan. Haeres. 68. both Martyres designati , and condemned Ad Metalla for their Profession , who upon a small difference , touching the receiving of the Lapsi into Communion , fell unto so great a Schisme , that they drew a partition between each other in the Prison , and would not hold Communion in the same worship of Christ , for which notwithstanding they joyntly suffered ; which dissention of theirs did the Church of God more hurt by causing a great rent and Sect among the members thereof , than any persecution the Enemy could have raised .

Greatly therefore doth it concern all of us in our places and orders to put to all our power , prayers , interests , for preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace , and for pursuing and promoting the Peace of Ierusalem , that in nothing we give offence to the Church of God ; rather be willing to silence and smother our private judgements , to relinquish our particular liberties and interests , to question and mistrust domestica judicia , ( as Tertullian calls them ) our singular conceits and fancies , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chryst. in Gen. Hom. 4. than to be in any such thing stiffe and peremptory against the quiet of Gods Church . The Weak to be humble and tractable ; the strong to be meek and merciful ; the Pastours to instruct the ignorant , to reclaim the wandering , to restore the lapsed , to convince the froward with the spirit of meeknesse and compassion : The People to obey , honour and encourage their Ministers by their docible and flexible disposition , to suspect their owne Judgements , to allow their Teachers to know more than they ; not to hamper themselves , nor to censure their Brethren , nor to trouble their Superiours by ungrounded Scruples , or uncharitable prejudices , or unquiet , and in the end uncomfortable singularities . How did our Saviour poure out his Spirit in that heavenly Prayer , for the Unity of his People : That they may be one , and one in us , and made perfect in one ? How doth the Apostle poure out his very bowels in this respect unto the Church ? If any consolation in Christ , if any comfort of love , if any fellowship of the Spirit , if any bowels and mercies , be ye like minded . Take heed of strife , of vain-glory , of pride in your own conceits , of censure of your Brethren , of private respects . Lay aside your own reputation , be in the forme of servants ; have such humble judgements , as that you can be willing to learn any , though unwelcome Truth ; to unlearn any , though darling Errour : have such humble lives and purposes , as that you can resolve to obey with duty , whatsoever you are not able with reason to gainsay . The godly Princes , how carefull have they ever been to suppresse and remove Dissentions from Gods Church ? Euseb. de vit. Constant. l. 2 c. 63-68 . lib. 3 c. 12. & 20. Constantine the Great writeth Letters , publisheth Edicts , makes large Orations to the Bishops of the Nicene Councel at their Sitting and Dissolution , to no other purpose than only for preservation of Peace . Euagrius l. 3 cap. 30 Anastasius in the great Dissentions of the Easterne and Westerne Churches about the Councel of Chalcedon , Nicephorus lib. 15. c. 25 touching the two Natures of Christ , King Iames in his Declaration to the States against Conradus Vorstius , and in his Instructions to his Bishops , Anno 1622 how severe was he to require his Bishops to promote and conserve Peace in the Church ? as Euagrius and Nicephorus note . To say nothing of the Pious examples of our Dread Soveraign and his most Renowned Father , who both by Writings , and by Injunctions , by Pen , and Power , by Argument , and by Authority , have shewed their care to supresse those unhappy Differences , wherwith by the cunning of Satan , the Churches of God have of late yeers been too much disquieted .

Consider we ( beloved ) that we are * * Gen. 13.8 Acts 7.26 Psal. 133.1 Ephes. 4.36 Ex codem utcro , Ignor. Tert. Jude v. 3 2 Pet. 1.1 Acts 4.32 Phil. 1.27 Unum signum habemus : quare non in uno ovili sumus ? Aug. To. 7. serm. ad pleb . in Caesoriensem . Brethren , that we have one Body , one Spirit , one Faith , one Hope , one Baptisme , one Calling , brought out of the same womb of common ignorance , heirs of the same common Salvation , partakers of alike precious Faith , sealed with the same Sacraments , fed with the same Manna , ransomed with the same Prize , comforted with the same Promises ; in so much , that * * Iustin Martyr dialog. cum Tryphon . Optat. l. 1. Aug. contr. Epist. Parmen . lib. 3. cap. 1 Iustine Martyr and Optatus have been charitable so far as to call Judaizing Christians , and Donatists by the name of Brethren . Whosoever therefore by Pride , or Faction , or Schisme , or Ambition , or novel Fancies , or Arrogance , or Ignorance , or Sedition , or Popularity , or vain-Glory , or Envie , or Discontent , or Correspondence , or any other Carnal reason , shall rend the seamlesse Coat of Christ , and cause Divisions and Offences , Non habent Dei char itatem , qui Ecclesiae non diligunt unitatem . I shall need load him with no other guilt than the Apostle doth , That he is not the Servant of Christ , Rom. 16.17 . For how can he who is without Peace or Love , serve that God who is the God of Peace , Aug. de Bapt. l. 3. c. 16. vid. Greg. Naz. Orat. 14. p. 215 , 216 whose name is Love , and whose Law is Love ?

Besides this , we in our Calling are Brethren , Consortio muneris , and there is a special tie upon us to be no strikers , 1 Tim. 3.3 . not to strike our fellow-labourers with an Eye of scorn , or a Tongue of censure , or a Spirit of neglect , or a Pen of gall and calumny . We need not in any Controversie flie to stones , so long as our Reason and Learning holdeth out , Not to strike the People of God , either with the Rod of Circe , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Odyss. u. to stupifie and benum them in sensual security , crying , Peace , Peace , where there is no Peace ; or with unseasonable and misapplied terrours , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as the Apostle speaks , To wound the Conscience , and to make sad the hearts of those whom the Lord hath not made sad : Christ our Master was Consecrated to this Office by the Spirit in the shape of a a a Ideircò & in columbá ven it Spiritus fanctus ; Simplex animal & laetum , non felle amarum , non morsibus saevum , non unguium lacerationi violentum . Cypr. de unitat . Ecclesiae . Dove , as an embleme of that meeknesse which was in him , and which from him should descend upon all his subordinate Officers .

And as the love of Brethren should hold us , so our jealousie of Enemies should drive us to keepe up the Tower of David , the Peace of the Church , that by intestine differences we cause not the Adversary to b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hom. Iliad . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iliad . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iliad . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . rejoyce , and to speak reproachfully . When c c Commune periculum concordiâ propulsandum . Tacit. in vit. Agric. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Chry. Hom. 7. in Genes. all the members of the Church are fast joyned together vinculo fidei , glutine charitatis , by the bond and cement of faith and love ; when Governors , Teachers , People , joyn hand in hand , the one to rule with authority and meeknesse , the other to teach with wisdom and compassion , the third , to honour both by humble submission to the judgment , 2 Sam. 1.20 12.14 and willing obedience to the guidance of their Governours and Pastours ; then do they cut off occasion from those who seek occasion , and disappoint the expectation of those who ( as a learned Civilian speaks ) do Captare tempora impacata & inquieta , whose best fishing is in troubled waters : for as the Divel ( as Optatus speaks ) is tormented with the peace of Brethren ; so is he most quickned and put into hopes of successe in his attempts against the Church , by those mutuall ruptures and jealousies which the members thereof foment and cherish among themselves : When by the defection of Ieroboam , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil. Epist. 296. ad Satalens . Vit. etiam de Spiritu sancto , cap. 30. Nazianz. Orat. 1. pag. 34. Petr. Aerod . decret . lib. 1. Tit. 2. sect. 8. Dolebat hoc Diabolus , qui semper de fratrum pace torquetur . Optat. lib. 2. Non esset pravis Haeresium dogmatibus locus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Nyssen . de vit. Mosis . p. 190. Iudah and Israel were rent asunder , then came Shishak and troubled Ierusalem , 2 Chron. 12.2 . It hath been we know one grand Objection of the Papists against the Reformed Churches , Bellarm. de notis Eccle. lib. 4. c. 11 That the Dissentions amongst themselves are evident signs of an Heretical spirit , as Bellarmine , Stapleton de princip. fidei doctrinal . lib. 4. cap. 13. Stapleton , and others argue ; and Fitz-Simon , an Irish Jesuit hath written a just Volume of this one Argument , Kellisons Survey lib. 2. cap. 6 vid. Dr Feild of the Church . l. 3. cap. 41 , 42. & Iuel . Apolog. which he calleth Britannomachia , the Warres of the Divines of our Country amongst themselves . How happy they are in that pretended Unity , which they make a note of their true Church , I refer to any mans judgement who shall reade the crosse Writings of the English Seminaries and Iesuits , the Iesuits and Dominicans , Smith and Kellison , Loemly and Hallier , Daniel Iesu and Aurelius , the different judgements concerning the Judge of Controversies between the Gallican Church , and those more captivated to the Popes Chair in Italy and Spain : to say nothing of the two hundred and thirty seven Differences observed by Pappus , and three hundred and odde by a Reverend Bishop of ours amongst the Romane Doctours : so that , were all this calumny a truth , we could Answer them as Gregory Nazianzen did those in his time , who used the same argument , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Naz. Orat. 13. That they are never the lesse faulty , how ever we may be blame-worthy too . Onely this want of Charity in them should teach us never to want Unity within our selves , but to let such a Spirit of Peace and Meeknesse shew it self in our Lives , Doctrines , and Writings , Ut nihil de nobis male loqui sine mendacio possint , Hierom. that they may never have advantage with the same breath to speak both truly and reproachfully against us .

And hereby , as we shall stop the mouth of the Adversary , so shall we preserve the honour of our Religion , the successe of our Ministery , the Reverence of our Persons and Functions in the minds of the People , who may haply be apt enough to catch hold , as of others , so most of all of those occasions which our selves by our mutual Differences shall at any time administer , to neglect both our Preaching and our Persons ; and when they shall observe hot disagreements amongst Learned men in some things , how easily , think we , may such as are more led by the force of examples , than by the evidence of light , be induced to stagger and to question all ? Domesticae calumniae gravissimum fidei excidium , Hilar. in Psal. 118. P. no greater hindrance to the growth of Faith than Domestical disagreements .

vid. Vincent . Lirinens . cap. 15 , 16.25 Isid. Pelut . l. 2 Epist. 90. Aug. Epist. 105. de Civit. Dei . l. 16 c. 2. de verâ Relig. cap. 8 Desired it may be , but hoped it cannot , That in the Church of God there should be no noise of Axes and Hammers , no difference in Judgements and Conceits . While there is corruption in our Nature , narrownesse in our Faculties , sleepinesse in our Eyes , difficulty in our Profession , cunning in our enemies , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , hard things in the Scriptures , Defence Part. 2. p. 319. & vid. Iewels Reply , artic. 8. p. 294. and an envious man to superseminate , there will still be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , men that will bee differently minded : no instrument was ever so perfectly in tune , in which the next hand that touched it did not amend something ; nor is there any judgement so strong and perspicacious , from which another will not in some things finde ground of variance . See wee not in the ancient Churches those great lights in their severall ages at variance amongst themselves ? a a Euseb. hist. l. 5. cap. 26. Iraeneus with Victor , b b Euseb. l. 7. c. 3 Cyprian with Stephen , c c Aug. & Hier. in Epist. amaeb . apud Aug. Ep. 8.19 . Ierome with Austin , d d Basil. Ep. 10. & 77. Baron . an. 372. Sect. 15 , 25. Basil with Damasus , e e Sozomen l. 8. c. 14 , 15. Chrysostome with Epiphanius , f f Cyril . lib. ad Euoptium Niceph. Hist. l. 14. cap. 35. Cyril with Theodoret ? In this hard necessity therefore , when the first evill cannot easily be avoided , our wisedome must be to prevent the second ; that where there is not Perfection , yet there may be Peace ; that dissention of Judgements break not forth into disunion of hearts , but that amidst the variety of our severall conceits we preserve still the unity of faith and love , by which only we are known to be Christs Disciples .

Give me leave therefore out of an earnest desire of Peace and Love amongst learned men , in the further handling of this Argument briefly to inquire into these two Questions , 1. How Peace may be preserved amongst men , when differences do arise ? 2. How those differences may in some degree be composed and reconciled ?

1 Cor. 8.2 , 3. Prov. 13.10 . For the former , let us first remember , That Knowledge is apt to beget Pride , and Pride is ever the mother of Contention , and in Saint g g Superbia Haereticorum mater Aug. de Gen. contr. Manich. lib. 2. cap. 8. & Ep. 89. Austins phrase , the mother of Heresies too ; h h Quint. Curt. lib. 10. Raro quisquam circa bona sua satis cautus est , saith the Historian ; A very hard thing it is , and rarely to be seen , for a man endued with excellent parts to be wary , temperate and lowly in the employment of them . And therefore Satan hath usually set on work the greatest wits in sowing Errours in the Church ; as Agrippina gave Claudius poyson in his delicatest meat , or as Theeves use to pursue their prey with the swiftest horses . Ornari i i Aug. ad Licentium Ep. 49. abs te diabolus quaerit , as Saint Austin said once unto Licentius , a man of a choice wit but a corrupt minde : wherein certainly Satan would fail of his end , if men would make no other use of their parts and learning than the same k k Aug. Ep. 119. Father directeth them unto , Vt scientia sit tanquam machina quaedam per quam structura pietatis assurgat ; if they would use their learning as an engine and instrument for the more happy promoting of piety and pure Religion . And indeed why shouldest thou who art haply a man of more raised intellectualls , of more subtle and sublime conceits , despise the judgement of thy meaner Brethren ? Who is it that hath made thee to differ ? And why hath he made thee to differ ? As hee hath given thee more variety of learning , it may be he hath given thy Brother more Experience of divine things : and you know a great Cosmographer may misse a way which a man lesse learned in Theory , but more vers'd in travell may easily keep . Basil. Hexam . Homil. 5. Certainly as the juyce of the same earth is sweet in the grape , but bitter in the wormwood ; Greg. Nyssen . in Cant. Hom. 3. p. 514. as the same odour is a refreshment to the Dove , but a poyson to the Scarabaeus : Epiph. Hares. 40. so the same learning qualified with charity , piety and meekness , may bee admirably usefull to edifie the Church , which with pride , contempt , Arist. Rhet. Fab. lib. 12. cap. 1. and corrupt judgement may be used unto harmfull purposes ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as the Philosopher speakes , Malè vim suam potestas aliorum contumeliis experitur . Plin. l. 8. Ep. 24. Nothing is more dangerous then wickednesse in armour .

This therefore shall bee my first Rule . To correct and keep down the rising of our Knowledge with Humility in our selves , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Naz. Orat. 3. p. 97. Studiorum rudes , literarum prophani , expertes artium . Minut. Felix . Hoc est fastidium vestrum , sapicutia haec arrogans , quâ nos ut rudes despuitis . Arnob. cont. Gentes lib. 3. Aug. de Bapt. l. 2. cap. 4 , 5. Cypr. ad Quir. and Charity to our Brethren . Not to censure every one for dull and brutish who in judgement varieth from our own conceits . It was an old trick of the Gentiles ( as Gregory Nazianzen , Arnobius , and Minutius tell us ) to object illiteratenesse unto the Christians ; but a very unfit way it is for Christian men amongst themselves to refute adverse opinions , or to insinuate their own , by the mutuall undervaluing of each others parts and persons . Ever therefore in our censures let us look to what is wanting in our selves , and to what is usefull in our Brethren . The one will make us humble , the other charitable , and both peaceable . Pride made the Donatists forsake the Catholique Unity , which St. Cyprian in the same judgement , but with more humility , did not disturb .

Secondly , Peace may in this case be preserved by moderating the fervour of our zeal against those that are otherwise minded . There is in the nature of many men a certain 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Vid. Causab . in Baron . Exercit. 14. Sect. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Naz. Orat. 26. an heat and activeness of spirit , which then principally , when conversant about Objects divine and matters of Conscience , is wonderfull apt , without a due corrective of wisdome and knowledge , to break forth into intemperate carriage and to disturbe Peace . It was zeal in the Women which persecuted Saint Paul , Acts 13.50 . and it was zeal in him too which persecuted Christ before he knew him , Phillip. 3.6 . Acts 26.9 . Tacit. For as the Historian saith of some men , that they are Sola socordia Innocentes , bad enough in themselves , and yet doe little hurt , by reason of a flegmatick and torpid Constitution , indisposing them for action : so on the contrary , men there may be , who having devotion , Spiritus magni magis quàm utiles . Liv. dec . 3 lib. 10. like those honourable Women , not ruled by knowledge ; and zeal , like quick-silver , not allaied , nor reduced unto usefulness by wisdome and mature learning , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . &c. Naz. Orat. 26. may be , as Nazianzen saith they were in his time , the Causes of much unquiet . It was a grave censure which Tacitus gave of some over-violent Assertours of their Liberty , and it may be verified of others , who as violently maintain their Opinions , Tacit. in vita Agric. cui contrarium planè erat exemplum magni Basilii apud Nazian. Orat. 20. p. 362 & Epist. 26. Quod per abrupta inclarescerent , sed in nullum reipublicae usum .

Two great Inconveniences there are which may in Controversies from hence arise .

1. * * Nimium altercando veritas amittitur . A. Gell. That by this meanes Truth it self may be stretched too farre , and by a vehement dislike of Errour on the one side , we may run into an Errour on the other ; as a a vid. Basil. Ep. 41. integro autem libello Dionysium hunc ab Arianismi suspicione vindicat M. Athanasius . Tom. 1. l. Quòd unà cum Nicaena Synodo conspirarit Dionys . Dionysius Alexandrinus being too fervent against Sabellius did lay the grounds of Arianisme , b b Ardore feriendi adversarios , premit interdum socios . Ioseph . Acosta . de Hieronymo citante Riveto in Psal. 16. Sixt. Senens . l. 5. in Prooemio . and Chrysostome in zeal against the Manichees did too much extol the power of nature , and Illyricus out of an hatred of the Papists lessening original sin , ran another extream to make it an essentiall corruption .

2. Hereby men doe marvelously alienate the mindes of one another from Peace , by loading contrary Doctrines with envious consequences , such as the Consciences of those whom we dispute withall do extremely abhor , which course usually tendeth to mutuall exacerbation , whereby Truth never gaineth half so much , as Charity and Peace do lose .

Thirdly , requisite it is to the preservation of Publique Peace , that we all keep our selves in our own station , and labour to doe God service in the places and callings wherein hee hath set us , and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , to busie our selves with matters which ( as the Apostle speakes , 1 Pet. 4.15 . Prov. 26.17 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Naz. Orat. 9. vid. etiam Orat. 26. p. 450 , 453 , 454. are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 unsuteable to us , and without our measure , 2 Corinth. 10.13 , 14. By this one thing hath the Church of Rome caused that great Schisme in the Christian World , because shee doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , stretch her self above her measure , and not content her self with that degree which belongeth unto her , as Nilus Archbishop of Thessalonica doth largely declare in a Book purposely written on that Argument . Excellent counsell is that of Solomon not only in a case he there puts , but in divers others . If the spirit of the Ruler rise up against thee , leave not thy place , Eccles. 10.4 . Esede itio may with a little heat turn into Seditio . Consider all are not eies and hands in the Body of Christ to take upon them the burthen of great affaires ; Quidam in corpore Christi oculi , quidam manus &c. Basil. in Psalm . 33. and Truth can seldome be worse served , then when a man who indeed loves it , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Naz. Orat. 33. Tuscul. Quaest. but hath not parts nor learning enough to be a Champion for it , shall put himself unseasonably upon disputes , and so as hee spake , Veritatem defendendo concutere , to betray the Truth by a weak defence . Are all Apostles ? saith Saint Paul , Are all Prophets ? are all Teachers ? Hath not God dealt to every man a several measure ? Hath hee not placed every man in a severall order ? Have we not all work enough to doe in Our own places , except we rush into the labours , and intrude our selves on the businesses of other men ? Haec magistro relinquat Aristoteli , cavere ipse doceat . It was a smart rebuke of Tully against Aristoxenus the Musician , who would needs turn Philosopher ; Theod. hist. l. 4. cap. 17. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Iliad . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . vid. Euseb. l. 5. hist. cap. 24. whereunto agreeth that answer of Basil the Great to the Clerk of the Emperors Kitchin , when he jeered him for his soundness against the Arrian Faction , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Your businesse it is to look to the seasoning of your broath , and not to revile the Doctrine , or the Doctors of the Church . Let us therefore content our selves with the Apostles Rule , Every man to abide in the calling , and to keep the station wherein God hath set him , 1 Cor. 7.24 . and not out of ambition , discontent , emulation , or any other Polypragmaticall distemper to grow weary of our own imployments , and to immixe and interpose our selves in things which are without and above our Order .

Fourthly , hereunto much conduceth , A Brotherly mildness towards those who are contrary minded , a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Basil. Epist. 203. vid. elegantissimum Naz. locum Orat . p. 12.203 . a mutuall 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and condescension to the weaknesses of one another , as the Apostle adviseth , Rom. 15.1 . Acrimonie indeed and sharpness of rebuke is sometimes necessary towards men of obstinate and pernicious minds , Tit. 1.13 . Gal. 2.5 . But amongst Brethren , yea Adversaries , that are not incorrigible , Dum alter alteri anathema esse coepit , propè jam nemo Christi est . Hil. contr. Const. Haeretici argumentis victi calumnias meditantur . Athan. ad Adelph . contr. Arian . istae sunt Haereticorum machinae , ut convicti de perfidia , ad maledicta se conferant . Hier. Apol. contr. Ruff. vid. Aug. Ep. 14. all things ought to be carried with lenity and meekness , Gal. 6.1.5.13 . 2 Tim. 2.25 . b b Sepis morsus non nocet . Epiph. Haeres . 36. vespa quò acriùs pungit , minùs laedit . Haeres . 44. Epiphanius telleth us of some Creatures , that the more they sting , the lesse they hurt ; c c Rationibus victi , dentibus vincunt . Bas. Ep. 80. and surely in any dispute it is a strong presumption , that that man doth least hurt with his Argument , & Tom. 4. quest . ex . Math. c. 11. cont. lit . Pet. l. 3. c. 1. contr. Crescon . Grammat . l. 4. c. 3. Nazianz. Orat. 51. who betakes himself to biting , and to intemperate language . In these things therefore wee should carry our selves non 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , sed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Brethren , and not as Enemies , not to uncover the nakedness , or to put d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iliad . v. our feet on the Brests of our Brethren ; but as it is said of e e Nazian. Orat. 21. p. 392. Athanasius the Great , that he was Dissidentibus magnes , by his meekness he drew those who dissented from him ; so should wee make the Truth a gainer by our milde handling of those that vary from us . f f Naz. Orat. 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . It was the grave and pious advice of Nazianzen , Let us yeeld to our Brethren that wee may overcome them , as a Flint is easily broken upon a Pillow which yeelds unto it .

Lastly , so long as there is sound agreement in Fundamentall Truths , and in the Simplicity of the Gospell , wee ought rather to deny our wits , and to a a Non minùs interdum Oratorium est Tacere quàm Loqui . Plin. l. 6. Ep. 7. vid. Basil . contr. Eunomium l. 1. verb. prim . silence our disputes in matters meerly Notionall and Curious , which have no necessary influence into Faith and Godly living , than by spending our precious houres in such impertinent Contentions ; b b Ne majùs malum incurratur ex Scandalo , quàm bonum percipiatur ex vero [ ita enim legendum , non verbo ] Aug. Ep. 85. for gain of a small Truth to shipwrack a great deal of Love ; and while wee perplex the mindes of men with Abstruse and Thornie Questions , Urbem produnt dum Castella defendunt . Cic. lib. 2. de divin . wee take off their thoughts from more necessary and spirituall employments . c c A. Gel. l. 1. cap. 2. It was a wise and seasonable rebuke which the Marriners in a dangerous tempest gave to the Philosopher who troubled them with an impertinent discourse , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , We perish whilest thou triflest ; d d Vid. G. Naz. fusè & eleganter , Orat. 14 pag. 220 , 221 Ora. 26. p. 445 , 446. Orat. 35 Aug. de Gen. ad lit . lib. 2. cap. 9 let it never bee said so of any of us , that while we wrangle about scholasticall notions , and questions that gender strife , those , whose poore soules , ready haply to sinke under the Tempest of sinne and death , cry out , like the man of Macedonia in Saint Pauls vision , Come and helpe us , for want of that plaine and compendiary way of Faith , repentance , good workes , spirituall worship , and Evangelicall obedience which should be taught them , become a prey to that envious man , who , while wee sleepe , will be sure to watch , and goe about seeking whom he may devoure . e e Ut Areopagitae causas quasdam in annum centesimum differebant . Aul. Gell. l. 12. cap. 7. quaedam quaestiones sunt . Let us therefore leave our smaller disputes to Elias , Quando venerit , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Naz. Orat. 14. and let us speak to the People 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as holy f f Ignat. Epist. ad Ephes. Ignatius saith , those things which may make men confesse that God is in us of a truth , and that certainely it is Christ which speaketh by us . God leadeth not his People unto eternal life by knotty and inextricable Questions , g g Hilar. de Trin. lib. 10. juxta finem . Vid. Epiph. Haeres. 35. In absoluto ac facili est aeternitas , as St. Hilary excellently speaketh ; no need of verball wranglings , or of contentious Disputes , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . It is the godly counsel of great a a Athan. Orat. Unum esse Christum , & ad Serapion . pag. 191. — 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Epist. ad Antiocheus . Athanasius . We have no need of b b Curiositate opus non est post Evangelium : Tert. curiosity after the Gospel of Christ ; c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Nazian. Orat. 35. our worke is to make men Christians in their holy Religion , and not Criticks , to d d Rom. 14.1 Chryso . in Gen. Hom. 21. p. 149 150. Aug. Ep. 56. bring them unto Faith , and not unto doubtfull Disputations , to feede their Soules , and to guide their Consciences , not to dazle their eies , nor to puzzle their judgements , nor to perplex their conceites , nor to please their humours , nor to tickle their fancies , nor to foment their jealousies and censures of things or persons , by novell , specious , and unpracticall Curiosities . If we will beleeve him , who for his judgement and learning had the surname of Theologus given him , this is the right way of being a Sound Divine . It is Gregory Nazianzen in this 29. Oration , at the latter end of that Oration , whose judgement shall put an end unto the handling of the first Question ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil . de Martyr . Manante , & in Psal. 33. in illud Gustate & videte ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Naz. Orat. 26 & Orat. 33. the next I will passe over with more brevity , & that for memories sake , in these few expressions .

1. The right way to Compose Differences amongst men is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . e e Ex mandato mandata cernemus : Hilar. in Psal. 118. G. Si in lumine Christi ambulare volumus , à praeceptis ejus et monitis non recedamus : Cypr. l. 2. Epist. 3. ad Cecil . A joint obedience to the Truths wherein all agree , and pursuance of those pious ends which all professe . This is the Apostles Rule in this very case . Whereunto we have already attained , let us walke by the same rule , let us mind the same things , Phil. 3.16 . For indeed the love of God , Nisi fidelium operum usus praecesserit , doctrinae cognitio non apprehendetur : Hilar. in Psal. 118. B. and Conscience of his Commandments is the right way to know him , and the secrets of his Word . If any man wil do the wil of God , he shall know the Doctrine , Ioh. 7.17 . And hereby we know that we know him , if we keep his Commandments , 1. Ioh. 2. 3 , 4. And in all knowledge which is intended for practice , that of the f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. Ethic. l. 2. c. 1. Video multos parvo ingenio , literis nullis , ut bene agerent agendo consecutos , Plin. l. 6. Epist. 29. Vid. Afra . & Pacuvium apud A. Gell. l. 13. cap. 8. Philosopher is most true , Those things which wee learne to doe , wee learne by doing : now the knowledge of divine Truths is not barely intellectuall for the braine , but experimentall for the Conscience , and consisteth much in the Taste of spirituall things . It is the expression of Saint a a Basil. Reg. Brevior . interrog. 279 Jobi 12.11 Psal. 119.66 Jobi 34.3 Basil , Quod in cibis gustus , in sacris intellectus , and the Apostle calleth it Knowledge according unto Godlinesse , 1 Tim. 6.3 . They therefore who can resolve to keepe a good Conscience , and not to vitiate the palate of their minde with any morbid humours , are most likely by the other helpes of learning and industry to finde out the Truths wherein they disagree ; for the very b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. Eth. l. 6. c. 5 Philosopher could say , that Wickednesse doth putrifie the principles of the minde ; and that c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. lib. 1. Metaphys . Such as are mens courses of life , such likewise are the dispositions of their mindes towards practicall truth . A corrupt heart doth usually make a corrupt judgement , d d Hilar. de Trin. l. 10. Aug. de doctr. Christ . li. 2. c. 6. de moribus Ecclesia l. 1. c. 17 , 18 , 27 Dum his quae volumus doctrinam coaptamus . It concernes us therefore not to be like Painters , ( it is the similitude of e e Apud Epiph. Haeres. 64. Methodius ) that can draw a ship on a table , but are not able to build a ship for use ; that can write and discourse of Doctrine in Papers , but not expresse the Truth of it in our lives : but by our unanimous obedience to the Truths wee know , to dispose our selves for the discovery of those wee doe not know . f f Iustin. Apolog. 1. pag. 51. Iustin Martyr Confesseth , that it was the lives of the Christians which taught him Christian Religion . There are extant g g Basil. Epist. 203 , & 204. two Epistles of Basil the Great Ad Presbyteros by whomsoever professed . Because f f Quisquis bonus verusque Christianus est , Domini sui esse intelligat ubicunque invenerit veritatem . Aug. de doctr. Christ lib. 2. c. 18. Truth is Gods wheresoever it growes , as a Mine of Gold or Silver is the Princes in whose ground soever it be discovered , g g Gr. Naz. Orat . 20. Fides est veritatis , non voluntatum ; Evangeliorum , non temporum : Hilar. contra Constant. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . We have our Faith , and our Appellation from Christ , and not from any other Person : and therefore they , who ( upon any undue respects ) can with equall facility hold or let goe Truth , the Fathers fear not to call them , h h Ignat. ad Trall . Basil. Ep. 192. Naz. Ora. 21. p. 392. & Ora. 40. p. 643. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , men that make marchandise of Christ and his Truth , contrary to that of Solomon , Buy the Truth , but sell it not , Prov. 23.23 . And therefore wee find the Orthodox Beleevers still keeping themselves to the Stile of Antioch , Christians ; and i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ignat. ad Magnes . Naz Orat. 30. Epiph. Haeres . 42. & 70. Athanas. Orat. 2. contr. Arian . pag. 308. & Apol. 2. pa. 777. Optat. l. 3. refusing the names of Petriani , or Pauliani , or Melitiani , or pars Donati . And indeed , partiall and personall respects will be ever apt to lead unto contention . I cannot affirm any thing ; but a conjecture I think we may make , that if Barnabas had not been k k Col. 4.10 Act. 15.39 . Marks uncle , the difference betweene him and Paul had not been so hot .

5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , To bee Wise unto sobriety , Rom. 12.3 . When we are to deale in things divine to set bounds unto our selves , that wee breake not through to gaze , Exod. 19.12 , 21. Not to draw every thing in Religion to the Rule of our Right , or rather crooked and presumptuous Reason , to take heede of l l Iust. Martyr . de vera Confess . Epiphan. Haeres . 70. & in Ancorat . Cyril . Alex. in Ioan. lib. 4. cap. 13 , 14. Athanas. ad Serapion . man . Christi Generatione . Quomodo in things of Faith ; the Fathers call it a Judaicall word , and unbeseeming Christians . Saint Paul chargeth us to * * Tert. Apol. c. 46. de praeser . c. 7. Idol . c. 10. cont. Marc. li. 2. ca. 16 Take heed of Philosophy and vaine deceits , Col. 2.8 . Not but that there is m m Tert. de Resur . ca. 3. de Testim . animae c. 1. Cle. Alex. Stro. l. 1. p. 203 , 207 , 214 , 233. li. 7. pag. 510 admirable use of sound Philosophy , and of Reason raised and rectified , so long as it is subordinate to Faith ; n n Conantur autoritatem stabilissimam fundatissimae Ecclesiae quasi Rationis nomine & pollicitatione superare : Aug. Ep. 56. Epip . Haer. 76. in confutat . Aetii cap. 38. Just. explicat . fid. pag. 375. & 388. Hilar. de Trin. lib. 4. but when it shall bee so proud as to judg of Faith it selfe , and to admit or reject it as it shall be consonant or disagreeing with her prejudices , this is a tyranny which would quickly overthrow all .

Other cause there hath been none of those desperate Heresies wherewith the Socinians have pestred the World , but that they will have all Truths to stand or fall at the Tribunal of their presumptuous Reason : as if all the present and ancient Churches of God besides consisted but of brute Creatures , and they onely in a corner of Polonia , as sometimes the Donatists in Africa , the onely reasonable and holy men . Foelix Ecclesia , cum nova & curiosa de Deo dicere lascivia crederetur ; Happy indeed the Church of God , when curious novelties , Viderint qui Stoicum et Platonicum , & Dialecticum Christianismum protulerunt . Tert. de praescript . cap. 7. and as it were Tourneaments in sacred things are esteemed profane ; when men doe not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , nor disparage the Majesty of so Honourable and solemn a Foundation , with the levity of slight , chaffie , and triviall superstructions . It was a grave and serious speech that of Seneca , Naz. Orat. 21. pag. 380 and worthy the consideration of the greatest Divines , Basil. Epist. 61. Senec. nat. qu. li. 7. Pet. Aerod . decret . Tit. 6. Sect. 2. Nunquam nos verecundiores esse debemus , quam cum de Deo agitur .

6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , To keepe our selves to the forme of sound * * Non parum interest ad Christianam pietatem quibus vocibus utamur . Aug. de Civ . Dei li. 10 ca. 23. words , Rom. 12.6 . 2 Tim. 1.13 . to hold those Doctrines which accord best with the grounds of faith & love in Christ , those which ascribe most glory to God and his Grace , which most conduce to the humbling and debasing of the pride of man , which most tend to the practice of godlines , to the purifying of Conscience , to the edifying of the Body of Christ . Our Doctrine must be according unto godlinesse , 1 Tim. 6.3 . and our knowledge the acknowledging of the Truth which is after Godlinesse , Tit. 1.1 .

7. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . * * Contra Ecclesiae fundatissimum morem nemo sentiat . Au. ep. 28. Ad antiquissimas recurrere Ecclesias : Iren. l. 3. ca. 4. Tert. de Coro . milit. c. 3 , 4. de veland . virgin . c. 1 , 2 Nemo nobis molestias exhibeat , sic enim sentit ac docet sancta Dei Ecclesia ab origine . Epiphan. in Ancor . Quod nec 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil cont. Euno . li. 2. Aug. Epist. 118. c. 1. & 119. ca. 19. contra Jul. li. 1. c. 4 , 7. l. 2. c. 10. The Custom of the Churches of God To retaine that , ( when there is no expresse and evident variation from Divine Authority ) which is most consonant to the received usage of the ancient and pure ages of the Church . This Rule the Apostle gives for suppressing of differences , If any seem to be contentious , wee have no such custome , neither the Churches of God , 1 Corin. 11.16 . Inquire of the former age , saith Bildad , and prepare thy selfe to the search of their fathers , Iob 8.8 . Look to the old way , saith the Prophet , Ier. 6.16 . It was not so from the beginning , saith our Saviour , Mat. 19.8 . * * Vid. Mercer . in Job . 12.12 . Onely this Rule is to be qualified with this necessary distinction , That a a Adoro Scripturae plenitudinem — scriptum esse docoat Hermogenis officina . Si non est scriptum , timeat vae illud adjicientibus aut detrahentibus destinatum , Tert. cont. Herm. c. 22. Vide etiam de praescicont . Haer. ca. 10 , 11. Quod cunque adversus veritatem sapit , hoc erit Haeresis , etiam vetus consuetudo . Tert. c. 1. de veland . virg. Consuctudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est : Cypr. ad Pomp. contr. Steph. Si solus Christus audiendus est , non debemus attendere quid ante nos aliquis faciendum putaverit , sed quid qui ante omnes est Christus prior fecerit ; neque enim hominis consuetudinem sequi oportet , sed Dei veritatem : Cyp. l. 2. Ep. 3. ad Caecilium . Vid. C. Alex. Stro. l. 7. pa. 544. a. 6. Basil. de Spiritu sancto c. 7. & Ep. 80. Moral . Reg. 12. cap. 2. Aug. Epist. 112. in prooem . de moribus Ecclesiae Cathol. l. 1. cap. 7. contra Epist. Parmen . lib. 3. cap. 2. de unitat . Eccles. c. 2 , 3 , 6 , 17 , 18 , 19. contra Cresc . l. 2. cap. 32. no Antiquity hath any Authority in matters necessary of Faith , Worship , or Doctrines of Religion , to prescribe or diliver any thing , as in it selfe and immediately obligatory to the Conscience , which is either contradicted or omitted in the written Word , which we beleeve to be fully sufficient to make the man of God perfect , and throughly furnished unto every good worke , 2 Tim. 3.16 , 17.

But , 1. In matters accessory of indifferency , order , decency , and inferiour nature . 2. In matter of Testimony to the truths of Scripture , and for manifesting the succession , flourishing , and harmony of doctrines through all ages of the Church , the godly learned have justly ascribed much to the authority and usage of the ancient Churches . The study of the doctrine and Rites whereof is justly called by the most learned Primate of Ireland , a noble study . I wil conclude this particular with the words of S. Austin , b b Aug. Epist. 85. In those things , saith he , wherein the holy Scripture hath defined nothing , mos Populi Dei & instituta majorum pro lege tenenda sunt , The custome of Gods people , and appointments of our fore-fathers must be held for laws . Lastly , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Submission to the spirits of the Prophets , and the judgments of the godly learned : c c Ego quidem fateor me ex eorum numero esse conari qui proficiendo scribunt , & scribendo proficiunt , unde fi aliquid vel in cautius , vel indoctius à me positum est , — nec mirandum est , nec dolendum , sed potius ignoscendum atque gratulandum , non quia erratum est , sed quia improbatum , &c. Vid. August . Epist. 7. not to be stiffe and inflexible in our owne conceits , nor to be Acceptors of our own persons , but to be willing to retract any errour , and with meekness and thankfulness , to be led into the right way by any hand . Excellent was the resolution of Iob in this case Teach me , and I will hold my peace , and cause me to know wherein I have erred , Iob 6.24 . In which one disposition did all men , who otherwise differ , firmly agree , and were not too partially addicted to their own fancies , nor had their judgments ( which should be guided only by the truth of things ) too much enthralled to their own wils , ends , or passions ; soon might they be brought , if not wherein they erre , to change their judgments , yet at least so to allay them with humility and love , Cypr. ad Quir. Praefat. Concil. Carthag . & in initio Concilii . Aug. de Baptis . contr. Donat. li. 1. cap. 18. & lib. 2. cap. 1 , 5. ( as Saint Cyprian did his ) that they should never breake forth into bitternesse towards their Brethren , or disturbance of the Church of God .

Thus have I , with as much light as my weaknesse could discover , and with as much brevity as the weight of the Argument would allow opened the meanes of procuring and preserving Peace amongst Brethren .

The other Particular in the Text would require as large a portion of time as this hath already spent . I shall spare to bee so injurious to your patience , and to the businesse wee attend upon ; onely because those things which God hath joyned together no man ought to put asunder , I shall therefore as Architects use to doe , give you in but a few lines a Modell of the building here by the Apostle commended unto us , and so leave you , and it to Gods Blessing .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ] 1. Then , It is not any kind of Peace which must bee thus pursued . Such the things in difference may bee as must be earnestly contended for , Iude v. 3. If Peace hinder Edification , wee must then build , as Nehemiahs servants did , with our spirituall Weapons in our hands . It must be an edifying , but no destroying Peace . It hath an 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to bound it , Rom. 12.18 . and wee know , Id solum possumus , quod jure possumus .

2. He purposely severeth Peace and Liberty , that hee may joyne Peace and Charity . In our services to the Church of God , wee must ever more looke to what is helpefull to others , than to what is lawfull for our selves ; to part from a little of our owne ground , rather than our brothers house should bee unbuilt . All things , saith the Apostle , are lawfull , but all things edifie not .

3. It is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Let us follow peace ; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The things which make for peace . It is not enough that we have pious affections to the Peace and Edification of the Church , as an End ; but we must put to all our skill and wisedome , and cast about for the most proper and seasonable meanes conducing to so good an End . For a man may have an indifferent good will to Peace it selfe , and yet when it comes to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , to the meanes for the Edification , an yeelding to be built , 1 Pet. 2.5 . nor onely Immanent Edification , a building up of our selves , Iude v. 20. but a mutall and transient Edification , as iron whetteth iron , a considering of one another to provoke unto love , and unto good workes , Heb. 10.24 .

7. It must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 too . It is not enough to desire it , to accept it , to meet it halfe way , to let it in , and welcome it when it comes to us ; But we must Pursue and goe after it . If any man refuse Peace , so that it flieth from us , we must put it to an 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and venture our selves for it to a si forte , and quantum in nobis , if by any meanes we may overtake and apprehend it , Rom. 12.18 . If any man refuse Edification , and thrust away the Grace and Mercy which is preached unto him , it must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 here too , not give him over , and to let him alone for desperate , but to pursue him still , to digge about him , and dung him ( as it is in the Parable , Luke 13.8 . ) It may be he will yet bring forth fruit : many there are which come into the Vineyard at the last hour . We must here put it to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 too , if God peradventure wil give him Repentance , 2 Tim. 2.25 . and in the meane time to shew all meeknesse to all men , because we our selves were sometimes foolish and disobedient , Tit. 3.2 , 3.

Now lastly , unto the substance of this Building , there pertaine but these three things . A Foundation , a Superstruction , a Contignation .

1. A stable and solid Foundation , which is either personall , and that is Christ onely , 1 Cor. 3.11 . or a a Rom. 6.17 . & 12.6 . 1 Cor. 15.14 . 2 Cor. 10.14 Gal. 6.16 Ephes. 4.13 Phi. 1.27 . & 2.2 . & 3.15 , 16 Col. 1.23 1 Tim. 6.3 ▪ 2 Tim. 3.14 Tit. 1.1 . & 4.3 , 8. Heb. 6.1 Jude ver. 3 Rev. 14.12 Regula veritatis per Baptismum accepta . Iren . l. 1. c. 1 , 2 , 19 Fides ecclesiastica , Epip . Her . 57. et 35. Naz. Ora. 14 , 26 , 40. Hilar. de Trin. l. 10. Character Christianism . Atha . ad Serap . Regula parvis magnísque communis . August . Epist. 57. practicall , the knowledge whereof is requisite as a ground-worke unto some further end ; and this againe is twofold .

Either , the Foundation of Theologicall Doctrines , upon which they are raised , and by which they are to be measured , and so the Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets is called a Foundation , Eph. 2.20 . or else the Foundation of Salvation , whatsoever things are simply and absolutely necessary to the spirituall , vitall , and salvificall state of a Christian , Quae posita ponunt , & sublata auferunt salutem , which have by the Ordination of God a necessary and intrinsecal connexion unto eternal life . St Paul gives it us in three words , Faith , Hope , and Love .

1. b b Laudo super edificationem boni operis , sed agnosco Fidei fundamentum , Fidci radicem . August . in Psa. 31. de praed. sto . c. 7. Rhem. in Explan. c. 6. ad Heb. Ambr. Offic. l. 1. c. 29. de Sacramentis , l. 1. c. 1. Eus. Emissen . Hom. 2. de Symb. Fulg. prolog . l. de Fide ad Pet. Dial. Aug. Serm. 115. de temp. de fid. & oper. c. 16. Enchirid. c. 2. Prosp. de vit. contemp . l. 2. c. 21. Faith , as the primò primum , without which no other motions , though materially in morall construction good , are yet in foro Coeli vitall and salvificall . This Faith is contracted into the Creeds of the Church , requiring an intellectuall assent of the minde to the Truth , and a fiduciall reliance of the heart on the Goodnesse of God in Christ in all those Evangelicall Doctrines for our owne righteousnesse and salvation : and thus Faith is by c c Tert. de Orat. c. 9. the Ancients often called a d d Mar. 16.16 . Joh. 3.18 , 36. & 8.24 . 1 Cor. 15.17 . Gal. 2.20 . 1 Jo. 5.1 , 12 , 13. Foundation .

2. e e Rom. 8.24 , 26 Hope as the Ground and Foundation of all f f Rom. 10.12 , 13 Invocation , and spiritual Worship , and therefore the Apostle saith of such as destroyed the incommunicable Worship of God , 1 Pet. 1.3 that they did not Hold the head , Job . 4.22 , 23 Gal. 4.6 Col. 2.18 , 19. and thus the Lords Prayer containing the adequate object of all our Hopes , is called by Turtullian , A fundamentall Prayer .

3. g g John 14.21 1 Cor. 13.1 , 2 , 3 Love , as the Principle of all Obedience and newnesse of living . In a h h 2 Cor. 7.9 , 10 Godly sorrow for all sinne past , a Godly purpose abrenouncing all sinne i i Heb. 9.14 1 Tim. 1.5 , 19 1 Joh. 3.8 , 9.4.18.5.3 in Conscience , profession , and endeavour of Conversation for the time to come , Act. 2.38 Luc. 13.3 k k Neh. 1.11 Esa. 26.8 a desire to feare Gods name , a l l Rom. 7.22 delight in his Law , a Love of our Brethren , a Conscience void of offence towards God and men . And so Love is by the Apostle called a a a Aug. de spir . & lit . cap. 14 Root and Ground , Ephes. 3.17 .

Now the laying of this Foundation aright , and causing ignorant men in some measure to understand the mysteries of Religion and Salvation , is indeed the master-piece of the wisest Builder , and that , without the which all our other Sermons to the People will bee little better than lost labour , till these Principles be soundly fastened in their Consciences .

2. To this Foundation of Faith in Doctrine , hope in worship , and love in obedience , must be joyned a progresse in the Superstruction , because something will be ever wanting to the Grace and Knowledge of God in us : and in this superedification , it will be needfull to observe these two things :

1. A due order and disposition : Vid. Fab. praef. in lib. 7. Instit. Orat. Non debemus onerare infirmitatem discentium , sed temperare ●ires nostras , et ad intellectum audientium descendere , Idem l. 1. cap. 2. lib. 2. cap. 3 , 6. for though all the Truths of God are to bee taught , yet each in its due place and time , according as the strength and growth of our hearers is able to bear . As the Scripture was delivered 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , by pieces and degrees , so should it be preached too , line upon line , precept upon precept . It was ( I think ) wise counsell , that of a learned Cardinal , That with vulgar people , it were best beginning at the later end of S. Pauls Epistles , where he speaks of Duties , and then after that to go to the beginnings , where he is more profound in Doctrines .

2. A due Connexion , that we sever not those Doctrines which God hath joyned . Quicquid narras , ita narra ut ille cui loqueris audiendo credat , credendo speret , sperando diligat . Aug. de Catech. Rudib . c. 4. Tert. de praescr . c. 9. Aug. de fid. & oper. cap. 14. de Grat. et li. Arbitr . cap. 7. Not to preach Works without Faith , which in the Jewes begate pride , and opinion of their own righteousnesse , Rom. 10.3 . Nor Faith without Works , which some Hereticks doing , ( for that the learned observe to have been the cause of the Epistles of Saint Iames and Saint Iohn ) did thereby cause great scandal and licentious living . To preach the Law so , as to shew men still , upon Repentance , a Refuge to the Gospel ; and so to preach the Gospel , as to shew them withall upon their contempt and presumptuous disobedience , the curses of the Law .

3. There is the Contignation and covering ,

And here let me speak one word to to you who are Church-wardens , and are entrusted with the care of Presenting Disorders to the Governours of the Church ; to beseech you to consider the Religion and Sacrednesse of that Oath , which in the House of God , and as you expect helpe from God , you promise to performe ; with the reverence of which Oath , and fear of Gods dreadfull Name , were you so throughly affected , as indeed you ought , wee should not see what with grief wee doe , so great contempt of Gods House and Ordinances , as if they were common and profane things ; many scarce throughout the whole yeare making their Confession of sinnes to God in the Assembly of his People , many seldom or never hearing any one Psalme of David , or Chapter of the holy Scriptures read unto them ; nay , many neglecting the whole Liturgie of the Church , and dropping in after the Sermon is begun ; and though the Preacher have taken sad paines for what in the Name of God he speaks unto them , having not yet the patience to stay till that peice of the hour be ended . Certainly , David had learned more reverence to the Lords House , I was glad when they said , Let us go into the House of the Lord , Psal. 122.1 . And so had Cornelius , who with his kindred and neer friends waited for the coming of Peter , Acts 10.24 . And so had Solomon , who teacheth men to wait daily at the gates , and to give attendance at the postes of the doores of Gods House , Prov. 8.34 . And the Prophecies foretell the like of Gods People under the Gospell , that they should call upon one another , and should Goe speedily to pray before the Lord , and to seeke the Lord , Zach. 8.21 . I speake this in zeale to the service of God , and to the reverence of his Sanctuary , and beseech you by the sacrednesse of your Oath , and for the feare of Gods Name to thinke upon it .

3. Generall , and so all the People in their places must labour by inoffensive and holy lives , and by the peaceable fruits of righteousnesse to cover the Church wherein they live from the reproaches of all those who caluminate our Doctrine and Worship , as tending to licentious , prophane , rebellious , or superstitious living .

And now when all this is done , Except the Lord build the House , they labour dut in vaine that build it . Paul may plant , and Apollo may water , but his Blessing it is which must perfect all . Wee all are but walles of mudde , which may easily bee broken through ; Hee only is a Wall of fire which no enemies can approach unto . And therefore wee must all ( and wee in our Calling especially ) bee frequent and urgent in our Praiers to him to preserve the Peace , to repaire the Breaches , and to build up the Walles of his Ierusalem , that he would give us eyes to see , and hearts to love , and mouths to utter , and lives to expresse the praises of his Word . And that hee would give his Word a free passage into the heads and hearts , into the consciences and conversations of all his People : that so beginning at the unity of the Faith , and knowledge of the Son of God , we may grow up together unto a perfect man , to the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ ; which the Lord grant for the merits & mercies of his Beloved Sonne Jesus Christ the Righteous ; to Whom with the Father and the blessed Spirit , Three Persons , and One Immortall and onely Wise God be all Glory , Majesty , and Thanks-giving , now and for evermore , Amen .

FINIS .