第2章

Which of the parties contending about these things is in the right,which of them is guilty of schism or heresy,whether those that domineer or those that suffer,will then at last be manifest when the causes of their separation comes to be judged of He,certainly,that follows Christ,embraces His doctrine,and bears His yoke,though he forsake both father and mother,separate from the public assemblies and ceremonies of his country,or whomsoever or whatsoever else he relinquishes,will not then be judged a heretic.Now,though the divisions that are amongst sects should be allowed to be never so obstructive of the salvation of souls;yet,nevertheless,*****ery,fornication,uncleanliness,lasciviousness,idolatry,and such-like things,cannot be denied to be works of the flesh,concerning which the apostle has expressly declared that "they who do them shall not inherit the kingdom of God"(Gal.5).Whosoever,therefore,is sincerely solicitous about the kingdom of God and thinks it his duty to endeavour the enlargement of it amongst men,ought to apply himself with no less care and industry to the rooting out of these immoralities than to the extirpation of sects.But if anyone do otherwise,and whilst he is cruel and implacable towards those that differ from him in opinion,he be indulgent to such iniquities and immoralities as are unbecoming the name of a Christian,let such a one talk never so much of the Church,he plainly demonstrates by his actions that it is another kingdom he aims at and not the advancement of the kingdom of God.That any man should think fit to cause another man-whose salvation he heartily desires-to expire in torments,and that even in an unconverted state,would,I confess,seem very strange to me,and I think,to any other also.But nobody,surely,will ever believe that such a carriage can proceed from charity,love,or goodwill.If anyone maintain that men ought to be compelled by fire and sword to profess certain doctrines,and conform to this or that exterior worship,without any regard had unto their morals;if anyone endeavour to convert those that are erroneous unto the faith,by forcing them to profess things that they do not believe and allowing them to practise things that the Gospel does not permit,it cannot be doubted indeed but such a one is desirous to have a numerous assembly joined in the same profession with himself;but that he principally intends by those means to compose a truly Christian Church is altogether incredible.It is not,therefore,to be wondered at if those who do not really contend for the advancement of the true religion,and of the Church of Christ,make use of arms that do not belong to the Christian warfare.If,like the Captain of our salvation,they sincerely desired the good of souls,they would tread in the steps and follow the perfect example of that Prince of Peace,who sent out His soldiers to the subduing of nations,and gathering them into His Church,not armed with the sword,or other instruments of force,but prepared with the Gospel of peace and with the exemplary holiness of their conversation.This was His method.Though if infidels were to be converted by force,if those that are either blind or obstinate were to be drawn off from their errors by armed soldiers,we know very well that it was much more easy for Him to do it with armies of heavenly legions than for any son of the Church,how potent soever,with all his dragoons.The toleration of those that differ from others in matters of religion is so agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,and to the genuine reason of mankind,that it seems monstrous for men to be so blind as not to perceive the necessity and advantage of it in so clear a light.I will not here tax the pride and ambition of some,the passion and uncharitable zeal of others.These are faults from which human affairs can perhaps scarce ever be perfectly freed;but yet such as nobody will bear the plain imputation of,without covering them with some specious colour;and so pretend to commendation,whilst they are carried away by their own irregular passions.