A Christian ,

HOwever great the concernment be that all of us are under , to know the nature of Christianity : ( this being the only solid ground of our present Hope and eternal joy ) yet the generall deportment of those , who not only owne , but make speciall claims , to that glorious character , must needs breed a jealousie , and just suspicion , in all considering persons ; that there are but very few who frame true notions of it , or rightly comprehend its nature : And therefore , in a dutiful tenderness , and compassion , to this degenerat age , I shall make it my present task , to enquire into the nature of Christianity , that men in some degree , may understand , what the thing really is , they pretend to be ; And then , from it shal take measures , concerning these particulars .

1. The different parties , of our divided Zion . 2. The Malignancy of the National Sin of Schism . 3. The Necessity of Episcopacy , for supporting the Prime concernments of Christianity . 4. And Lastly , Conclude all with a brief Application .

As to the First , what Christianity is ? Our Blessed Religion seems to have shared of that unhappy fate ; which befell the Law of Moses . It was so miserably transformed and corrupted , by the mifinterpretation , of pretending Hypocrites , that it became more unlike it self , then Nebuchadnezzar , in the Stall , was unlike himself , upon the Throne ; so Christianity , in some sence , is like his image : For though it 's Head , & higher times , was of pure Gold ; yet as it wore down , it became the lesse fine , till at length it 's turned to Iron and Clay : Dan . 2.32.33 . The degeneracy of mens lives , Suggesting notions , very unworthy of it , And the generallity of Christians , in a connivance , with their own Lusts ; entertaining apprehensions , infinitly below it 's incomparable purity , & fineness . But that we may have some sure footing ; in this important enquiry , We must take notice , of the several dispensations , and different Covenants , of God with man , And we shall find in each of these , there were some peculiar commandments , God gave as a tryal of their obedience , and touch-stone , of their loyalty , which were more immediatly , and particularly recommended to them . For 1. When God made Adam , that little Cosmography , and Mapp of the Universe , The speciall Commandment , he gave him was not to eat of the forbidden fruit ; not that our First Parents , were not enjoyn'd the observance , of all the Morall Law : for obedience unto this , from the first of it 's commandments , unto the Last , and from the greatest , to the least , was presupposed ; as antecedently enjoyned , by the contexture of his nature , his very make , and frame : but this other , was the particular commandment , of that innocent dispensation , upon whose breach , or observance , his continuing in , or casting out , of Paradise , did most immediatly stand , as the event proved .

The next dispensation wherein God enters into an expresse , and explicite Covenant with Man was after the flood , with the great Patriarch Noah , who no doubt , lay under irremoveable , and most construgent obligations , to all Morall rectitude , in his deportment : and therefore his drunkeness , was his Fault ; tho in the Covenant there is no expresse mention made of sobriety : And Cham is deservedly Cursed , for discovering his Fathers nakedness : Notwithstanding , there was no particular injunction concerning Reverence to Parents . Now for the Doctrine of Noah's dispensation tho the Rabbies speak of seven Precepts , given to the Sons of Noah , which is uncertain from Scripture : Yet it 's fully certain from Gen. 9.4 , and 6. There were two , They should not eat flesh with the Blood ; and not only abstain from Murder ; but also Impartialy without any respect put him to death , who Imbrued his hands in his Brothers blood . Now these were the indispensible precepts , and the peculiar Badges , of that dispensation , the more immediat touchstones , of their Homage , and loyalty to God , their merciful deliverer , from that dreadful Deluge , that swallowed up the world .

Again after this , God enters into a Covenant with Abraham . And the speciall matter of that dispensation , was Circumcision . Gen. 17.10 . and 12 13 , 14. This is my Covenant , which ye shall keep between me , and you , and thy seed after thee : Every man-child amongst you shall be Circumcised , and every one that is born in thy house , or bought with thy money must needs be circumcised , and my Covenant shall be in your flesh , for an everlasting Covenant : And every uncircumcised man-child shall be cut off from among his People : for he hath broken my Covenant . It may seem harsh , and severe , to inffict so sore a punishment , for so small a fault ; and something unequall , that Moral delinquencies , should escape more lightly , then this seemingly more innocent , and bare omission ; but the matter is , Circumcision being the speciall cognizance , and criticall Tessera , must be measured , by it 's use , and not Intrinsick value , and so neglecting of it , was nothing lesse , then a contemptuous despising of the Friendship of God , & an evidence of a down right Apostacy , and a direct annulling of the Covenant .

Then after Abraham , God began another Covenant , with his Seed , in the hand of his Servant Moses ; And this , the Apostle tells us Heb . 9.9 10. consisted of Gifts , and Sacrifices , Meats , & drinks , carnal washings , & divers ordinances , which could not make him that did the service perfest , as pertaining to Conscience , This dispensation , required a strict Observance , of all the Ceremonies ; the chiefest and most Principall part whereof was , Sacrifice : therefore it 's called a Covenant by Sacrifice Ps. 50.5 and The Blood of the Covenant , Exod . 24.8 . meaning , that it imported directly , the effusion of Blood ; and so necessarily too , that under it , without the shedding of Blood , there was no remisson Heb . 9.22 . and so the ceasing of the Sacrifice , is it 's very desolation ; an unhinging , of the Mosaick dispensation , a perfect subversion , of all the Law ,

Now God , who at sundry times , and in divers manners , Spake in times past unto the Fathers , hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son ; And as all other despensations , Antecedent to Christianity , have had their own singular and special Injunctions , So it must have it 's own also : some Doctrines , it hath adopted , as more Immediately , related to it , and more particularly inseparable , from it 's genius and nature : And what these Doctrines are ? And where to be found ? must be our next task and undertaking : for the better performance , whereof we must consider , that Christianity is a dispensation of Grace , and truth , not like the Mosaical , consisting of carnal ordinances and external observances : but a lively , and spiritual dispensation , consisting of Precepts , that are Congruous , to a rational nature , according to the prediction , of the excellent Jeremy 31.33 . I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel , Not according to the old covenant that I made with their Fathers , But this shall be the covenant that I will make , I 'le put my law in their inward parts , and writ it in their hearts , And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour . That is ; according to the excellent Commentary of a Learned Interpreter , The Covenant that shall be made with the World , in the last dayes , shall not be a Baggage , of ceremoniall and positive rits , hard to learn and impossible to be kept ; but a rational Law , such as written in their hearts , and engraven with the finger of God , upon the mind of man ; by which Character , is implyed , God minded not to molest men , any more with a slavish service , or to encumber them , with a drudgery of Positives ( which have nothing to recommend them , besides the will of the Author ) but that the great care of Mankind , should be imployed , about matters of an intrinsick rectitude : and in the Practice of the true and substantial instances of Piety : Therefore tho Christianity have some few positive Commandments , those must not be own'd , for it 's Special injunctions ; ( as having no immediat relation , to it 's great designe and main intendment ; ) but it 's speciality , most be some eminent Morals , with lovely impressions , of Heaven , and deep Characters of Divinity , clearly stamped upon them ; And so much the more ; if either by the neglect , contempt , or mistake of men ; they have been antiquated , and worn out of the Practice of the World ; seeing that our Saviour came to seek and save that which was lost . So I hope , by the help of this general direction , we may more easily find out where the Special things of Christianity do ly .

I doubt not , but it shall be easily yeelded , by all who have any true sense of Christianity , that the more immediat and special things thereof are those vertues taught by our Saviour , in his Sermon on the Mount : but because this age , Act's in such a flat opposition , to that Sublimated Doctrine ; and we are to measure , our forementioned particulars by this ; therefore I shall not suppose but prove : And certainly , if we rightly ponder , we may find considerations , taken from the intrinsick Nature of these graces themselves ; and other considerations , from circumstances , extrinsick to the Sermon , which with ane undenyable evidence , will attest them , to be the more eminent , and speciall things of Christianity .

I. JESUS was the greatest , and most Divine Ambassadour , ever Commissionated into the World ; and so it was unbecoming him to Adopt any thing , for the more essential part of his Religion , which was not wonderfully excellent : And since these Doctrines , are special pieces of Divinity , the highest rises , and elevations of vertue ; therefore their transcendent purity ; makes them only capable , of being accounted , the Special charge , of the best dispensation .

II . These Doctrines , are of all other , the most hated , by the World , and flesh , and Blood ; so they have the least commerce with both , and consequently , the greater relation to Heaven , and the deeper tincture of Divinity .

III . It was our Saviours great design , to repair the breach made upon our Nature , by the fall of Adam ; and advance us as nigh as possibly might be , to our First integrity , and greatest perfection : And since these vertues ( being so transcendent of themselves ) are most serviceable for that effect , they must be reckoned , the speciall charge of our Holy Religion .

IV . And further also , our Saviours great intendment was to make Mankind Happy , both in his personal and Political capacity . And since meekness of temper , humility of mind , patience of Spirit , peaceableness of deportment , Heavenly mindedness , and contempt of the World , have a more immediat relation , to that great end , then any thing else ; these certainly , must have a very near , and inseparable relation , to that Blessed religion , is called the Christian .

V. And Lastly , these of necessity must be the special injunctions of our Religion , Isa . 58.7 . which our Saviour is noted , most especially , Mat . 11.29 . to be eminent in ; and wherein , he is most Vigoroufly , recommended , to our observe and imitation : But the Spirit of God notes very little of his Sobriety , Joh . 6.15 . Mat . 8.20 . Phil . 2.5 . 1 Pet . 2.21 , 23. Heb . 12.2 . Col. 3.12.13.14 . Chastity , Justice , Temperance , and the other fundamentall and inferiour vertues ; but of his Lowliness , Humility , Meekness , Patience , his Charity , and Heavenly-mindedness : And consequently , those must be the more Immediate care , & prime concerne of this Blessed Religion .

But besides these Considerations intrinsick to the vertues themselves ; there are other taken from extrinsick circumstances ; which point out , the Sermon to contain , the dearest concerns of Christianity .

I. We cannot , but judge , Our Saviour would give us these ; when formally he set himself down as the great Prophet , and preached in the most orderly form and greatest solemnity , that ever he did , while he was in the world .

II . We know , the Jewish Law was delivered from a Mount even Mount Sinai , so our Saviour went up to a Mount , intimating the matter of his Sermon , was to be , the great Christian Law ; and what He was to deliver , were the special Injunctions of Christianity , as those delivered from a mount by Moses , were the meaning of his .

III . Moses , while about the giving out of the Law , he fasted fourtie dayes , neither eating Bread , nor drinking Water Deut . 9.9 . so our Saviour fasted fourtie dayes in the wilderness , Mat . 4 , 2. intimating , by this conformable preparation with Moses the great Law giver , he was after it to give out the great Law of his dispensation : This Sermon therefore , being the immediat Issue , and subsequent , of his fourtie dayes Fast , is clearly pointed out thereby , to be the great Law of Christ .

IV . The form wherein our Saviour delivered his Sermon , with a Blessed prefix't ; and a spiritual promise annexe'd , Points it out to be peculiarly Christian : for Moses Law simply under that consideration had temporal promises ; if not only , or mainly : yet certainly most expressely annex'd to it : But here , since our Saviour subjoyn's Spiritual Promises ; such as are in a manner , proper only to Christianity : then we must think that these vertues , which entitle Men to them , are the peculiar laws of Christ .

HERE We have the Specialia and Sublimiora Praemij and so certainly , the Specialia and Sublimiora Virtutum , the high and peculiar Promises of Christianity made , consequently the Highest and most refined Law of Christianity taught .

V. We may make also conjecture , for the verification of this notion , from the number of the precepts here contain'd : We have nine beatitudes , though they commonly be reckoned but eight ; Interpreters usually confounding the last two : yet no doubt , in the sense of our Saviour's own Comment , they are two graces , and dispositions of mind , and have two different practices opposite unto them ) now as Moses , gave out Ten Commandments from Mount Sin●● : so our Saviour here , gives Nine ; And that the number of the Christian Precepts , might quadrate with his , he afterward subjoyn's , the great commandment , Of loving one another ; which therefore , perchance he calls new ; because not mentioned upon the Solemn occasion , when he gives out the rest , of the prime Precepts , and peculiar Doctrines , of his dispensation ; the delay of it 's injunction , being perhaps intended , for this effect ; that he might fasten , a greater mark of honour upon Charity , and insinuate a very special liking to it ; which he does , by pitching upon it alone , to become the more especial cognizance , of a Christian discipline .

Now these Doctrines , are the great , and the proper things of Christianity ; not that any , who own that name , have a latitude in other matters of morality : For the Grace of God , that bringeth Salvation , hath appeared unto all men , teaching us , that denying ungodliness , and worldly lusts , we should live soberly , righteously and Godly , in this present World Tit . 2.11.12 . Whatever things are in their nature intrinsically good , or have any thing of a moral rectitude , do undoubtedly belong unto it , for it 's such a compleat piece , as is able to make the man of God perfect , throughly furnished unto every good Work : Consequently it 's of that extension , Phil . 4.8 . and unbounded latitude , to comprehend , Whatsoever things are Just , Pure , Lovely , Honest , all things wherein there is any vertue , Praise , or good report : But these vertues , so Solemnly injoyn'd by our Saviour , are the nearest relatives , and prime constituents of Christianity , the very vitals , and Noble parts , of our Religion , the more immediat , and essential part , of the Christian Doctrinals , the Diamond of the Christian Ring . the critical Tessera's , the Characteristicks , and distinguishing notes , of Christianity ; from all the Religions of the world : for if our Saviour , had only said , Thou shalt worship GOD , and not Idols , Moses and Mahomet , have done this : If he had said Honour Father and Mother , Be not drunk with Wine , wherein there is excess , Jew , and Turk , have done this also ; If he had said , Thou shalt not Steal , Lye , Whore , nor Murther , Heathens , Pagans , and the sense of Mankind ; have said this also : and had there been no more , He and his Religion ; both of them , thus pertinently , might have been upbraided . What is thy Beloved , more then another Beloved , O thou Fairest among Women ? But Christianity , having taught these Doctrines ; which the corruption of the World had worn out of the mindes of men , and Interpreters of Moses Law , did not think themselves bound to , by vertue of it , they are singular to Christianity it self ; therefore properly fit to be it 's cognizance , and only diagnostick . So in a word , the upshot of all this Labour , is , to know that the spirit of humility , unaffected devotion , Meekness Long-suffering , Patience , Mercifulness , Ingenuity , good nature , Peacableness , Charitableness , and Heavenly-mindedness , This is the real Genius , and peculiar Temper of a Christian : And sure , it must be so ; for we cannot think , but Christianity claim's a special interest in these vertues ; by which the Author of it aim'd , and actually did , most effectually recommend himself , and his Religion to the World : and was it not by transcendent humility & Patience , an admirable steadiness and evenness of Spirit , inflam'd affections , of Christians among themselves , a most compassionate Charity towards others , a profoundly Patient tolerance of all evils , and an illustrious contempt of the World , that Christianity became so glorious , the despised crosse so devotly rever'd , and the foolishness of Preaching , so miraculously succesful , and happily Victorious over the superstitions of Mankind , deeply rooted by the length of time , strongly guarded by the power of Princes , and highly favoured by the inclinations of the World ; yea , so eminently Illustrious were those vertues , improving Christianity , that Julian the Apostate , did evidently discover it , and in his Letter to Arsacius , Chief Priest of Galatia , acknowledgeth , that all his enterprizes , as a Prince , would prove ineffectual , for the recovery of expiring Paganisme ; unless it 's doting Priests and followers , would outshine , or at least , bear up with Christians , in those Attractive , Amiable and recommending vertues .

So to conclude this Part of our design , I shall say no more ; but seeing these are the vertues , that God himself must needs display , for the effecting the great contrivance of our Salvation ( his patience in sparing us , his mercy in Forgiving us , his love in reconciling us , His Humility in being incarnated for us , his meekness and Infinite Benignity of Nature , in an unwearied Attending us and daily bearing with us ) these then must be the Prime constituents of a Christian ; which are the most immediat ingredients of his Deliverance : And it must needs be not only incongruous , but a foundamental errour , for a Christian to fail , in the performance of these Noble Graces ; which have not a remote Relation , but ly directly at the root of his recovery ; and are the most Immediat Springs of his Redemption ,

So having thus laid the foundation , we come next to the Superstructure : And having found out what Christianity is , in the most proper , and peculiar notion of it ; We shall advance with the greater ease , in our next undertaking , to take just measures , concerning the different parties , of our divided Zion .

't is not now a dayes the peculiar plea of Popery , to plead the Title of Catholick , there are pretenders amongst our selves , upon far less plausible pretexts , that boldly stand for it , and with as daring ; as groundless , impudence proclaim themselves , the holy City , the new Jerusalem , come down from Heaven : Their language is not so modest ; as what was counted by the Prophet , the extremity of superciliousness stand off , for I am Holier then thou , Isai . 65.5 . But their words are rather like those murmurers mentioned by St. Peter , and St. Jude , great and swelling and full of vanity , They do not only applaud themselves in the comparison , but engross those titles which are the hope of Mankind , and Monopolize the common rights of Christianity : But however that big words and high pretensions , may amuse fools , and involve the credulous : Yet with those of solid judgement and consideration they 'l never passe , for Proofs or Arguments : And surely if we enquire a little more exactly and lay Judgement to the line , and righteousness to the Plummet : if matters be examined by the forementioned touch-stone , the primary designe of Christianity , I am much affraid , that they who thorow their immodest insolence take the highest room , shall be thrust down to the lowest , and go very near with them too , to be totally excluded . The best way to judge of a man , is not to enquire after his senses , motion , outward functions , or other promiscuous and common effects of animality , but to notice , his specifick and peculiarizing properties . The only way to know the different orders and Characters of a kingdom , is not barely to enquire , if they have garments and cloathing , but to consider the badges peculiar to each , otherwise we may mistake a fool for a Senatour and a Prince for a Prelate , so the only accountable way of discerning the genuine societies of Christians , is not so much by Hearing Reading , Praying , Praising , the promiscuous work of all parties , but by the peculiar and more essentiall exercises of Christianity ; the special thing of any dispensation being the fittest line for measuring , The best way to have known who had been of Adam's family and Religion , was to enquire after the forbidden Fruit : Who of Noah's Offspring , care must be had of flesh with the blood , Who of Abraham's line , quest must be made after Circumcision : and who a Jew of Moses stamp , Search must be made for his ceremonials and Sacrifices ; because these were the more immediate & special things of those different dispensations : And if we would really know Who are truely of the family OF CHRIST , We must narrowly mark what party keeps up most of the more essential things of Christianity in their doctrines and lives : And it s only to these we must Attribute the Character of The flock of CHRIST : Therefore when we look round the World and see an angry party ; which like the raging Sea would swallow up , run down , and destroy all that oppose it , like Daniel's Ram Dan . 8.5.6 . pushing westward , Southward , and Northward , running upon all in the fury of it 's power , or like his little horn , Dan . 7.8 . speaking big and swelling words , supercilious and high , towring in their thoughts and expressions , of themselves invective , bitter , disdainful , despiteful , malicious and cruell against others ; when we see a party of clamorous Murmurers and complainers , who groan under the burden , and kick and fling like a Bullock unaccostomed to the yoke : When we see a party turbulent and unpeacable , sactious and censorious , rash-judgers and revilers of others , with all , Pharisaical , Vain-glorious and ostentive , surely be these who they will , or pretend what they will , they are not of the family nor Religion of CHRIST : For it 's the speciall mark and Character of his to be pure in spirit , meek , mercifull , and peaceable , patient under sufferings , Prayers for enemies , modest and retired in duty , and not judgers of others .

And where this party is , who in their practice exemplify all those fatal instances , I wish to God ; it were more latent , and the discovery more difficult . I intend not Satyrically to expose the too evident antichristianity of the known Practises , and avowed Principals , of those amongst us ; who in both fall as short of true Religion , as by their great pretensions they would have the world believe they outrun and transcend others in it : And knowing our meek master hath discharged the legall Spirit of eye for eye , and tooth for tooth , I shall not blustringly recriminate in their own outrages , and too spiteful dialect ; but transcribe his copy , who when he was reviled reviled not again : yet certainly , if the least scope were given to consideration or argument , it were the easiest of a thousand tasks to do it to the greatest advantages : And I wish to God we might as well justify our own title to Christianity , as it were easie by the force of sound reason , and argument to evacuate the bold pretensions our enemies make to it , for it 's fully certain that these in the 5th , of Isaiah ; whom the Prophet describes , as Sacrificing in Gardens , burning incense upon Altars of brick , remaining among the mountains ; eating swines flesh , and broth , of abominable things , ( things flatly opposite to the law ) they then had as good a right to the Tittle they were claiming of being none such zealots for that dispensation , as those inflamed ones amongst our selves , have to that of Christianity ( being considered in the proper and peculiar notion of it , ) for 't is plainly obvious , without any narow search , or the strict inquisitions of envy how that Christianity bleeds in as many wounds given it by it 's pretended friends , as the Author of it did , from the malice of his avowed enemies : And is as effectually betrayed by those who seem to salute it with the greatest reverence as Christ himself was by a pretending but perfidious Judas .

But wee have a document in his treachery not to believe all are Christs faithful followers : who run fastest with a haill Master , and kiss him , so they may be really the greatest enemies to his Religion , who pretendedly are it 's most zealous votaries : And I am much affraid this is the present case , in the instance we are enquiring ; for alace if we take a view of the great things of our religion , we shall find them directly serv'd by the Gospel Pharisees , as the prime precepts of the Law , were by the zealots of that dispensation ; even throughly evacuated by their own inventions : And as justice and mercy , were then superseded , through the pretended conscience of the Mint and Cummin , so meekness , Patience , mercy , and peaceableness , the prime things of Christianity , are trampled under foot , through that preposterous zeal , and precipitant fondness , men bear to the birth of their own fancies these modes and triffles extrinsick to Christianity .

As for poverty of spirit , and profound humility our Saviour seems to make the ground work of this holy , Mat . 5.3 . Religion , what reputation it 's under and footing it hath , in the practice of our pretending party , We need no further evidence then these swelling epithets and big tittles of Gods Remnant , the inclosed Garden , the little Flock , the holy Vineyard , the Royal Priesthood , the chosen generation , they do not only assume , but also appropriate and peculiarize to themselves .

As for that spirit of mourning , modest and retired devotion , Matth . 6.5 , 6. as our Saviour states it in opposition to the vanity and oftentation of the Pharisees , how mightily doth it suffer by the reviving all those artificial affections , and studied stratagemes of publication , the sowre countenances , disfigured faces and hideous tones , which I am assured ( whatever be the designe of them ) are so far in themselves , from portending a plentiful spring , or pithy principle , of devotion within , that they rather signify the hard labour and sore pangs that nature is under ; in being delivered of it 's holy birth , the constraint and violence that is offered to the spirit , while it 's under this Sacred imployment , so many indecent and distorted informalities , sowre and discontented shews , with a disfigured nature , prognostick rather whip and spurr then a ready minde or willing spirit . As for their peacableness , besides the necessary taxes the Nation groans under , as indispensable Bulwarks , to hem in this raging Sea , and for restraining their restless spirits , & ungovernable rage , we have a whole course of full twenty years sad hurries and confusions intermixed with blood and gore Tragicall Battels , unnaturall rebellions , bloody assassinations , and daily tumults raised through the restless turbulency , as to evident confutuations of any tollerable and just pretension , they can make to this Christian quality and temper : And what account is made of patience , is easily discernable by the clamorous noise , Murmurs ; and Mutinies , the daily excursions of unaccountable practices , the defamations , and reproachful epithets , are cast upon the Glorious Patience of the earthly Martyrs , as if it were no better then humane policy , or inhumane Blockishness , and dull stupidity : As for Charity and meekness as they stand in opposition to censoriousness and roughness I need not name the virulent slanders are both by their Tongues and pens cast upon all that oppose them , We have their Bulls , briefs Snnguar and Rutherglen Declarations , Torewood . Excommunications , and other blustring Evacuations , of a sparkling hot too bitterly envenomed and exasperated spirit . As for their mercy : The sound of it is gone out to the end of the World ; in a horrid instance of a most Sacrilegious Murther , that scarce any age can afford a parallel : And although our Nation , and more particularly our Metropoliticall SEE lyeth under the reproach of a ruin'd Cathedral ; yet alace there is to be seen a standing Monument of our blacker infamy , the most reverend Tomb ( I mean ) of that glorious Martyr and incomparable Prelate , that is engraven so deeply with Characters of their Bloody cruelty , And whose Tragicall sculpture is so Plain a signature of a most prodigious and matchless Barbarity .

And now , if it shall Scandalize any , or seem improbable that such vast multitudes should be so stiffely wedded to a party , that give such evidence of a down-right Apostacy from the spirit of Christianity ; I need say no more , but this hath been the unhappy rate of the world in paralel , instances through all the Ages of it . The Pharisees by our Saviours computation were the vilest thing in Nature : And yet the Idol of the People , they were so far from serving the prime or plain designe of the Law , that they most flatly opposed it : Yet all the evidence our Saviviour gave , could not dispossess them of the Peoples affection , nor their own undeserved reputation ; but their Proselytes were wide and large , as the Sea and Land they compassed : And as extensive as their own sedulity . What shall be said to the golden Calf , and of those at Dan and Bethel ? though the unlikest thing in the world to what they were pretending : The Gods that brought them out of Egypt fitter in the principall to become a Sacrifice , then in the figure to be thought a GOD : yet the one had the congregation of Israel appertaining to it 's returne , the other ten Tribes of twelve for the number of their following . Doth not also the Apostle to Titus serve our observation by a plain instance of many vain talkers , not only so ; but Abominable and disobedient , and unto every good work reprobate Tit . 1.10.11 . and 16. Yet they had the happ to be deceivers , such plentifull gleaners , as to subvert whole houses amidst the Apostles miraculous Ministry , and their most sedulous Labour , so that the consideration of a zealous and numerous following , needs never stumble any without a further evidence , considering the World hath worshiped and wondred after the Beast , that was full of names of Blasphemy : And it 's no romantick fiction , that the Devil himself hath had his worshipers ; Yea it 's not below the infatuation of Humane frailty to adore where there is less tentation ; even Leeks , Garlick , and Onyons , and to bow the head with the greatest reverence , though most ingloriously before Cats , and Crocodiles : And as in those instances , We have a lesson not to stumble into a blind respect with any thing from it 's having many zealous votaries , so in the entertainment of our blessed Saviour ; We have a Document not to be disgusted with any thing , or believe that it wants the clearest evidence ; because of the Turbulent spirit of a numerous popularity , and the clamorous down-cryes of a disingenous world : for although he lived with such clear proofs and irresistable evidences of his being the Great MESSIAH : Yet all did gain no footing upon the prepossessed incredulity of a disingenious multitude . He was a Messenger from Heaven who by his Prudence , Patience , Smoothness , Miracles , and all manner of obliging attestations most evidently demonstrated this his Celesticall comission : And yet the Pharisees credit was higher then his . They by their deceitfull affections carried the vogue of his demonstration and evidence : for while as they both hugg'd caressi'd and applauded the one , they spitefully entertained and crucified the other , so that matters of Religion , or of any importance must not be measured , either by the Crucifies , or Hosannas of the People ; their being no less incompetency in the judgement to determine , then there is inconstancy of their humour to support ane enterest And so we shall come to the second Inference .

If those forementioned vertues be the great and special things of Christianity , we may discern the dangerous malignancy of the Epidemicall disease of Schism ,

It cannot but impress a mighty sense , of the perverse influance of disunion , to consider the industrious labours of many learned attempting a reconcilation of Christendom , which indicates emphatically , that it 's the sense of the wisest men . There it nothing more pestiferous to the substantiall interests of Christianity then rupture and division ; for though there be such a gulf betwixt us and our adversaries , as 'twixt Abaaham and the rich Glutton , so that the one can never Pass unto the other ; yet the seeming insuperableness of the difficulty speaks out more clearly the advantages of the intendment , the greater desperatness of the enterprize , the more desireableness of the success . 't is more then enough also to raise jealousies within us all of it 's desperate Malignancy , to consider how unanimously both Moderns and ancients , in one breath speak of it with the greatest abhorrence , and deepest indignation ; declaring it to be of the same dy , with the most Crimson sins , and some inexpiable by Martyrdom . More then this , 't is shrewdly to be suspected from this , Topick , That there is scarce any concern of Religion pressed by the Apostles , with more frequency and seriousness , then that of UNITY , more melting and Solemn obtestations are used no where ; or in any point , so much as in this by the Apostle to the Philippians , Phil . 2.1 , and 2. And most of all it stigmatizes Schism , to consider how our Saviour prayed against it in the 17. of St. Johns Gospel , Joh . 17.21 , 22 , 23. with such a doubled , and redoubled importunity : that if the Prayer were not unexceptionably canonical , a captious Phanatichism , would clamorously decry it as a vain repetition : But I am not to allow my self the liberty to expatiate wildely on this subject , in all the latitude of probation , We have Lectures of History , fables of morality , axiomes of Philosophy , maximes of Policy , lessons of experience , and censures of all Ages , the Practice , Prayers , Tears , Garments , and commands of our Saviour , all unitedly condemning it : Therefore I shall only restrict my self to consider it , by that tragical influence , it shall be found to have upon Christianity , in the special charge and peculiar notion of it : And I doubt not , to make it clearly evident by an impartial enquirie , That Schism stands so crossely affected to this , and is so naturally eversive of it : that tho inconsiderate persons ( who look upon it only as a triffling piece of disorder and levity ) may think it severely lashed , when 't is lewel'd with whoredom , Murther , and other pestilential crimes : yet upon a review of the justness of the charge , we shall have ground to pronounce ( tho in a doom revers'd ) as the Queen of Sheba did upon Solomon's glory ; the one half it deserves , Hath not been told : And therefore we begin with love , fervent Charity which stands amongst the Graces , as St. Paul among the Apostles , tho born out of due time : yet not a white behind the Chiefest of them , it 's singular excellence giving it the preference of all the rest , to become the more especial cognizance of a Christian Disciple . We need not want store of witnesses to make good this black charge against Schism ; whether we regard theory or experience . By the first , We shall find it 's hardly possible to maintain love without unity , and by the other , it hath always suffered upon the occasion of Schism , All love is founded upon likeness : and where there is a disunion or dissimilitude of faith which is the frame of the Soul , 't is hardly possible in nature but this must breed an alination of affections , a sower and unkindly estrangement of persons from on another vna duorum , dispositio consociat affectus , is both a Maxime and lesson of experience , the only sufficient cord of love , is one Symbolicall frame of Spirit ; and surely the soul being in the Image of God , and having ane Essentiall relation to Religion , a conformity and association therein must needs be the only indissolvable band and knot of fervent Charity . We might suspect the closseness of such reasoning , if experience could belie the argument . But alas ! it joyn's issue with contemplation to shew Schism's fatality , to Christian charity and what a Prolifick parent division in Religion is , of the blackest malice and bitterest envy , We see through the World , the most irreconcilable and inveterate hates have been begot by this , The Roman powers , never exercis'd such cruelty against any People who withstood the proud interests of their prosperous state , as they did upon Christians , because they were such : for whileas they contented themselves to do ordinary executions upon civil criminals , they strain'd their wits inventing varieties of cruelty for the torment of the other : And however passionately Men are wedded to their temporal interests : yet there was never any secular Prince ; who pursued his enemies with such insatiable rage , and prodigious bitterness , as the Papists , ( upon the account of a different Religion ) did these poor Creatures in the valleys of piedmont .

Jeroboam well understood the naturall tendency of Schismaticall disunion , for extinguishing love , and breeding an● irreconcileable alienation of affections : and his calf's served his purpose so effectually , that Heterogeneous and hot burning Mettals , might be more easily sodered , then they lovingly cemented into one polity and association again . And in our Saviours time : we see the goodly products of a stated Schisme ; though the Jews were a Nation under more forcible invitations to unity and affection , then possible any other People shall be to the end of the World : Yet the Samaritane rupture so shamefully supplanted all brotherly Charity ; Luk 9 56. Joh . 8.48 . that the common duties of humanity , must not be done to a Jew : and they in retaliation make devil and Samaritane convertible terms , yea the Disciples of our Blessed LORD , are so furiously inflamed through the combusion that their part is as evil , as either , a vengeance from Heaven turns their devotion ; Luk . 9.54 . and this Samaritan devil , must be cast into the lake of fire : So that it 's most naturally consequential upon division what the Apostle to the Galatians observ's , Gal . 5.15 . to Bit and devour , and to be mutualy consumed of one another .

And through the world in all the corners and ages of it , it 's visibly discernible what heart-burnings , & virulent spite hath been begot by ruptures and division , what irreconcileable hates , are 'twixt the divided Sects of China and Japan , the Persian , and other asiatick Turks , the Asiatick and Morean , upon the divided opinions of that imposture ; the Historys of those Nations make fully appear ; what brotherly affection Presbytery and independency shewed to each other ; and both to Episcopacy , is too scandalous , either to be forgot or repeated : and what black malice and bitter envy , hath managed the Arminian , and Calvinistical , the Jesuitick , and Episcopal , the Secular , and Regular , the Ja●senist , and Molinist , the Dominican , and Franciscan interests , were impertinently to upbraid the understanding of the intelligent Reader , to give an account of : and in the more early times , what Malice and Tragedies , Donatus Schisme , Arrius division , the Paschal Celebration , begot in the mindes of men , Ecclesiastick Histories gives full account of : And in this british corner , the 1200 Monks of Bangor , Spotswoods Hist . pag . 12. are wofull witnessess how maliciously mens minds were overheated . through the division in the Letter point .

But I wish to God those were the only instances and our own circumstances , and experience , denyed us evidence in this present point : But alas ! 't is too obvious how unhappily and too effectually , our own disunion hath supplanted this Royal piece of Christianity , fervent Charity amongst our selves ; our Schism hath so severed our affections ; that men can neither endure the persons , nor converse of their Brethren ; and do not only shoot at them , with words of Poyson and bitterness ; but hath Armed them also with Instruments of cruelty , to kill and murther , and hath begot a murthering Principle , that 's not only destructive of Christian Charity , but humanity it self .

And now I hope by this time , the Charge in this particular is very evident ; and cerrainly it 's no more evident then Criminal : And because this grace is not mentioned amongst the rest of the Specificks of Christianity , but by way of supplement seems to be cast in and superadded to them : therefore that we might not have low apprehensions of it 's dignity , and that it might suffer nothing by the delay of it 's conjunction , the Spirit of God hath been pleased to give it the most effectual recommendations , by the singular and unparallel'd applauses of it , It 's termed the fulfilling of the Law Rom . 13.10 , we are charged above all things to Put it on Col. 3.12 , 't is pitched upon as the more immediate cognizance of a Christian Disciple , Hereby we know , that we are passed from death to life , if we love the Brethren , 1 Joh . 3.14 . in this the Children of God are manifest , and the Children of the devil : He that doth not righteousness , is not of God , neither he that loveth not his Brother . 1 Joh . 3.10 . Though I speak with the tongues of Men and Angels : and though I have the gift of Prophecy , and understand all Mysteries , though I have all Faith : So that I could remove mountains , though I bestow all my goods to feed the Poor , though I give my body to be burnt and have no Charity , it profiteth me nothing . 1 Cor . 13.1 , 2 , 3. 't is termed by St. James the Royal Law , Jam . 2 8. What more can be said to expresse the singular eminence , and peculiar divinity of this royal Grace , 't is accounted all-alone a sufficient indication , of our Regeneration and being in the favour of God , our being destitute of it , argueth us as infalibly in a state of Damnation : and without it , a confluence of Heavenly gifts can signify nothing for our safety , by it 's being denominated the Royal Law : It 's signified not only to be a special piece of God-like excellence , but of all the Graces to be nighest a kin to God , and most immediately of the Blood-Royal , of Heaven : And so sure it is , for it 's the first and most irremoveable notion of a God ; the attribute of any without which a deity is least conceivable , There is scarce any perfection of his nature but it hath been denyed by some ; some have Blasphem'd his Spirituality and thought him corporeal , some his justice , made him byassable by bribes and ridicolous arts , some have set bounds to his power , others Limited his knowledge , some circumscribed his immensity , others confined his Omnipresence ; but scarce ever any that fancied a God , who thought him malicious , Goodness and Love , are so notorlie and undenyablie essential to His nature , the very perfectivity and beatification of all his other Attributes , without which God were the greatest ill , and the rest of his perfections without relation to this were none , but the most terrible and formidable thing in the world ; So thought there were no more to be said against division , but it 's bad influence upon this Royal Grace , 't is more then enough , to show it 's malignity .

But 't is further chargeable , and it stands no better affected to the rest of Christianity , as for meekness , mercy , and peacableness , they need no particular consideration ; seeing they inseparably take a share of lov's fortune , and unavoydablie fall upon the ruine of affection , they 'r fed by the breasts of Christian Charity , and cleave closs unto it as Ruth to Naomi , whither it goeth they go , Ruth 1.16.17 . where it lodgeth they lodge , It 's people are their people , it 's God is their God : and where it dyeth they dye , and there are they buried .

But further , not only doth Schisme evocuate love , and the rest of the speciall things of Christistianty ; which immediatly depend upon it , but also it 's as unhappily successfull for the ruine of Humility : And whoever doubts of the indisolvable confederacy betwixt Pride and Schism , he may easily undeceive himself by a serious perusall of the first part of the Apostl's Second Chap , to the Philippians , by which it appears , the one must be consequentiall upon the other ; since he speaks of Unity , as the necessary prerequisite , to the doing of things in lowlines of Spirit : And seeing the Apostle there , makes way for his exhortation to humility , by a most pathetick pressing of concord , 't is abundantly evident he foresaw that division would more effectually supplant poverty of Spirit , then it would be advanced by the most powerful argument ( he there uses ) of Christ example . There is nothing more necessary then for things to appear little when we are far above them , and it 's as unavoydable for diwiding Schismatick's , who apprehend themselves so far superiour unto their Brethren not to overvalue themselves upon that score , and to undervalue others ; and what can reasonably be expected from those who imagine themselves , taler from the shoulders upward , then the rest of their Brethren , but that they should march lostily with the vety Sate and Majesty of a King . 't is no new observe that knowledge puffeth up 1 Cor . 8.1 . And abundant Revelations , need extraordinary artifices to prevent immeasureable exaltations : 2 Cor . 12.7 . And surely if he that was really rapt up to the third Heaven needed a meffenger of Satan to bear him down , it 's hardly conceivable what dispensation might prove effectual , to suppresse that swelling insolence , which springs more naturally from fancifull raptures , those imagin-imaginary exaltations of a deluded brain . How mightily were the Jews puffed up , from the apprehended monopoly of Gods favour , his Oracles , and his divine things , with their apprehension of their being Gods peculiar charge ; their pride sprang very early upon this stock , and to such a degree of unplyable insolence ; that neither Moses , nor the Angel of the Lord was able to manage them , though aided by the advantages of a humbling wilderness : And what then can be expected from dividing Schismaticks , who are neither under the conduct of such skilful governours ; nor so effectual discipline towards humility , when they fall under the apprehension of being , the Signet of Gods arm , the apple of His eye : the chosen generation , and the only enlightned People of the world : Neither are these meer conjectures , of what may possibly fall out upon such occasions ; hath not the spirit of God long since marked for us , what sort of People that divyding and disingenous , crew shall actually prove ? who creep into houses , and lead captive silly Women ; even proud boasters , heady , 2 Tim . 3.2.4 . & 6. and high minded , that speak sweling words of vanity . And hath it not been the current observation of many Fathers of the Church , that these wretched dividers who in every age troubled it 's peace , were intolerably insolent , and most supercilious disdainers of others how biglie the gnosticks ; Novatus , and Samosatenus swelled , I need not mention , & to what a height of insolence , and distracted pride , the divisions of Montanus , Manes , David Georgius , and Hacket did arrive , I am afraid to utter ; they conceiving themselves to be the Holy Ghost , or something above Humanity .

And as meekness and mercy , unavoidably ruine upon th● losse of Charity , so that eminent grace of patience , falls i● the arms of Humility , they are so clossely linked togethe● that we may take up over them David's lamentation ove● Saul and Jonathan ; they are lovely and Pleasant i● their lives , and are not divided in their death . 2 Sam . 1.23 . An● so it is by the account of experience and Scripture , for ever● kind of Birds , Beasts , Serpents , and things of the Sea ● have been tam'd , but Pride ( like the tongue it 's herald ) i● simply ungovernable ; 't is true it may be violently imprioned and set up with Bajazet in it 's iron-cage : But eve● there it will dash out it 's own brains , and the most effectual discipline of the world , shall never reduce it to ● Christian submission : And so it is by the computation o● the Apostle , Jud . 16 2 Tim . 3.4 . when men turn , proud , heady , and high● minded , then follows nothing but impatient murmuring● and complaining , Treason and fierceness .

But now further Schism and division , level as effectually against the Spirit of mourning , of modest and retired duty as our Saviour states it in opposition to the vanity and ostentation of the Pharisees : for as unsound doctrines are of the nature of leaven dilating and extensive , so they that sowe them are the most industrious promoters of their factious interests , for whileas the Good-man sleeps in the night , they watch the silentest seasons , unwearied like Satan● and indefatigable as the Pharisees throw the restless ambition of proselyting disciples . Now ' its impossible to set up effectually for a retinue , unlesse the hook be gloriously baited , there must be pompuous shews and ostentations of piety : Religion must lay down it 's modesty ; and come out of it 's retirements , and appear with all the crafty publications and forms of Godliness , for he that resolves to drive the trade of the Pharisee , must also use his art and despise that of our Saviours : And in so sar as devotion in a desert and disappearing to men to fast , seems but a sorry engine for the compassing of disciples , therefore in defyance both of ingenuity and our Saviour's advice , the Pharisees old gown must be fitted out with all it 's fringes and Philacteries ; the sowre countenances , the disfigured faces must appear again upon the stage , and all the superadded arts of deceit and appearance shall be cunningly employed , the more effectually to catch others into the Brotherhood , & unhappie Fellowship ; Neither is this my supposition only , but that of the Apostle in the forecited Chap. to the Philip . where among the rest of the black Train that attends Division ; is reckoned up , Emulation , and Vain-glory ; which it 's highly probable he should not dehorted , from immediatly upon his pressing of Concord ; had he not foreseen that these would infallibly follow upon discord and Schism ,

Again , Schism strikes at the root of that great injunction , of Hungering , and Thirsting , after righteousness , ( which our Saviour explains Chap. 6. vers . 25 , and downwards ) for thereby is a most effectual door opened , to the love of the world , and the eager prosecuting of worldly things ; for Schism is unseparably attended with hatred and pride ; which are again as closely waited on with tumult and contention Prov. 13.10 . And where these are , there must be a diligent imploying of all aids to support the sinking interest ; And because no such designe can bear up , without temporall means and secular helps , therefore the minds of men● which should be exercised in a gracious contemplation o● God and contempt of the world , most yeeld to that necessity which Pride and humor brings upon them , and closely follow it , for it 's countenance to the emulous and contending interest .

And for the last , Blessed are ye when men revile you , Our Saviour discourses of and interprets Chap. 7th . from the beginning , whereby we are assured it 's one of the special charges of Christianity , not to be rash judgers , censurers , or revilers of others ; a Christians eye must be turned inward , and whatever uncharitable censures are cast upon himself , he most not recriminate , meddle with another mans servant , assume the Office of the supreme Judge , prelimite his sentence , or antidate his judgments ; Now Schism , sets it self so effectually against this , that scarce any thing needs be said for proof of the charge , what slanders , unjust reproaches , and lying defamations , do naturally spring from it ; each party , usually raising their own reputation upon the ruine of their adversaries ; lowdly proclaiming their escapes to the world , and unjustly improving the faults of single Persons into an argument for crying down the whole , for we see through the world it 's the universal complaint of all parties , that the injustest misinterpretations are made of their opinions , and the blackest calumnies forged against their persons , which an invidious malice can contrive or invent , the most of factious and deviding people , confiding nothing near so much , neither prevailing so effectually by the strength of argument , as in the unbridled freedom most unchristianly they assume to defame others ; never apprehending their party in a probable way of thriving , till by lying defamations they have sunk the credit and reputation of the Competitor : And for verification of this , should we adduce examples , there are almost just so many , as divisions among Christians : But we need not travel the world , having at home so fatal instances , for it 's too well known , when in our late , and miferable confusions , the factious endeavours of designing Men , were curiously bent for the ruine of that Sacred order is now happily established ; they did not only whisper in corners most unjustly , to the prejudice of those worthy Persons , vested with that Character , but in the face of the Sun staged them as guilty , of such hellish and atrocious Crimes , the most profligate wretches in nature , cannot so much as think of without fear and horrour : And not only then , but now also how deeply our present Schismes are fraughted with this unchristian baggage , were to light a candle to the Sun , to indeavour to illustrate .

So that we may justly endite Schism , in that wofull tenor wherein Nathan , did David , by the Parable of the poor mans having but one ewe Lamb , which he had brought up and nourished , it grew up together with him , and with his children did eat of his own meat : and drank of his own cup , it lay in his bosome , and was to him for a Danghter . Where we find the fault is exaggerated , not so much by the mean man's poverty , ( as having but one ewe Lamb ) as from the doarness of it unto him , ( it being his Pett and Darling ) We should certainly most injuriously belie our Saviour , if we made these precepts the only stock of Morality , he hath recommended to the world ; but yet 't is as sure , these are the doctrines of the most effectual recommendation , those special things , which are most nearly related to Christianity , and that do afford , the Author of it the most immediat delight , and recreation ; for while as the rest like the disciples , he admits into his retinue ; yet those as the Apostles he makes his intimat friends and familiars , or like the beloved Desciple , he receivs into his bosome : Therefore , since Schism stands so justly chargeable as leveling a most forcible battery for the ruine , and supplantation of these dearest concerns of Christianity , ' it s hardly conceivable , what miserable inconsideration acts those men who make so light of the Spirit of Unity : and 't is certain that nothing lesse then the most incurable and fundamental overturnings can warrant a separation or rupture : And it 's a matter next to a miracle there should be any thing in the world , ( if not condemned by Scripture in the plainest and most down-right terms ) malign'd , which is any way fitted for the preservation of Unity : And so we come to the last particular , that is the necessity of Episcopacy , for supporting the main concerns of Christianity .

It cannot be expected I should shew Episcopacy , hath any immediat influence upon the special things of our Religion ; this is not the nature of government , no more then it is the nature of the hedge , immediately to influence the growth of the Plants , or the maturation of Fruits within the Vineyard ; so the Subserviency of Episcopacy for the support of Christianity , must not be measured by any immediation of it 's influence , but from it 's aptitude , to keep out the dangerous Fox , and the destroying Boar of Schism , so destructive to the vineyard .

Now that Episcopacy is almost indispensable for prevention of this great ill , We need not much to dispute , for this like an unfenced fort , is fairly yeelded up and granted ; for not only Calvin asserts , discord to be the ordinary result of an Ecclesiastick equalitie , Lib . 4. Institut , Cap. 4. Num . 2. But Jerom also the great pretended Patron of the cause of parity , makes this the occasion of the rise and introduction of Episcopacy , Epist . ad Evaqrium Toto orbe decretum ut unus de Presbyteris electus superponeretur caeteris ut Schismatum semina tollerentur : And again quod autem unus electus , qui caeteris praeponeretur in Schismatis remedium factum est , that is ; the reason , why one was chosen from among the Presbyters , and set over the rest , was for the avoyding of division . I doubt not in the least , but the prevention of Schism , was mainly in our Saviour's or his Apostles prospect , in the instituting of Episcopacy , but that St , Jerom means , the Church was govern'd for a time by parity of officers , and finding that , by experience , inffectual for the preservation of unity , they therefore of their own accord instituted Episcopacy , as a more adapted government for that designe , there is more then evident reason to deny , since he himself mentions Bishops , in Alexandria , downward from St. Mark the Evangelist , But however this be , yet it 's certain by his account , the world saw an evident necessity of Episcopacy , in order to the prevention of Schism , And that there was an universal concurrence in the Judgements of all , of parity it 's being the seminary of division : and it 's seen so unavoydably to be such in all secular interests , that most Nations and creatures , whether reasonable or unreasonable are forced to renounce it , and how it should alter it 's nature or influence in Ecclesiastical concerns is not easily accountable . He that desires a proof from experience needs be no great historian 't is undenyable what ruptures , sects and divisions sprung from the ruine of this order , in our neighbour Nation : and what divisions and flames were kindled amongst our selves , the various names and anti-names , are full proofs , and indications , so that though this glorious order had neither Catholicisin , nor Antiquity to procure it veneration , and had nothing to plead in it 's vindication from our Saviours instituting an unrepeal'd imparity , amongst Ecclesiastical Officers , when there was not such necessity for it , as in after ages , when the extraordinary Spirit which acted the former , was removed from the world : Though it had but an equal play with it 's unjust Competitors , to be justified either by Scripture or tradition ( which nothing but the most affronted disingenuity of the world can suppose or plead ) yet if there were no more but it 's fittedness to preserve Unity , ( the indespensible pillar of Christianity ) what can any competitor , cast in the contrary scale to weigh with , or counter-ballance that one consideration : And though from this great particular , I will not be bold to say , that God must needs have appointed it , yet it 's certain they seem too evidently to derogate from his wisdom and merciful care for his Church , who fancy that he hath instituted another government , not only unfit to keep out , but most apt to introduce that ill , which is most wasting , and destructive to his vineyard : And what a fair calculation is it , that God who hath promised to be a wall of fire about his Church , would fence it only with an unsufficient paling of dry Sticks , so apt to kindle amongst themselves , and through their mutuall combustion do make large gapes , whereat all the Boars of the field might conveniently enter . And not to be further tedious upon this subject I shall advance to the last thing promised ; a Brief Application .

It may possibly be expected that having said so much of the malignancy of Schism ; I should next address my self , with a zealous importunity to those most immediatly concerned , and in actual commission for the remedy of this great ill , to fall upon Criminals , in this kind with the utmost severity ; But yet I hope I shall not be judged short of the duty I owe to the great interests of Religion , neither misconstructed as coldly affected to that important and most becoming concern of Unity Psalm 133.1 . Though I imploy not my self in such a Labour ; It being an unsuitable work for an Evangelical Pastor , to whet the Sword of justice : For we read of a severe reproof given by our Saviour to his Disciples , when they minded to invoke Heaven for resenting the unkindly usage was done to himself , and ply the great Judge of all , for punishing the shamful inhospitality , of the unkindly Samaritanes , so also , when through a preposterous zeal , the Sword was drawn in the defence of the best of causes , He commanded to put it up ; but we find him not , upon any occasion perswading to the unsheathing of it : And he was so far from solliciting Justice to be done upon the Criminal adulteresse , that by a stratageme of his merciful wisdom , he afforded an opportunity for her escape , and delivered her from the imminency of that present danger : And God Almighty allows us not , to sollicite himself for that very vengeance , his Justice must needs pour forth upon his own , and his Churches , incorrigible enemies : And no doubt , It smels rankly of an antichristian Spirit , to present governours either with the following or such an other addresse .