CAUSES OF DIFFERENCE IN RELIGION. 487
Hence it is, that those who have a strong indination to oppress and destroy other men, which their interest prompts them unto, do endeavour to make every the least dissent from themselves, on one pretence or other, by sophistical arguments and strained conse- quences, to be a fundamental error, and such as makes them in- capable of life eternal. But no men can give a greater evidence of their disinterest in Christian religion, of their unacquaintedness with the virtues and powers of it, wherein the glories of it do consist, and what is of real price with God, than those who ai'e so minded. Blessed be God, that Christ will not leave his seat of judgment unto such persons, neither here nor hereafter !
But such differences as those mentioned will probably continue among Christians so long as they continue in this world ; for although all those among whom these differences are do choose the same guide, yet they do not in all things equally hear and understand his voice. Perfection in light and knowledge are required unto a perfect agree- ment in all the conceptions of our minds about spiritual thmgs; wherefore it is reserved for heaven, where every thing that is im- perfect shall be done away. Here we have difierent measures. " We know but in part," and therefore " prophesy in part," 1 Cor. xiii. 9. It is love or charity alone that supplies this defect, and gives such a harmony unto the different parts of the mystical body of Christ, which is the church, as renders them all useful, and the whole beautiful, ] Cor. xiii.; Col. iii. 14.
But these are not the differences which at present I intend. There are those which in their nature are of greater importance; such as are about the fundamentals of Christian faith, worship, and obe- dience; such as upon whose determination the eternal welfare and misery of the souls of men do depend. And not only so, but they are such also which, on that wretched management of religious con- cerns that late ages have embraced, have an influence into the peace or disturbance of human society, the tranquillity, the liberty, and lives of men. Yea, they are by some promoted and pursued by all ways of fraud and violence, with that height of impiety as is utterly destructive of all religion. Many we have who |jlead themselves to be Christians; which might be allowed them, if they pleased them- selves, would they not do such things as Christian religion abhoiTeth. But this is the least part of their claim : they will also be the only Christians ; all others who differ from them, however falsely so called, being only a drove of unbelievers, hasting unto helL Now, although this be intolerable presumption, yet, because they hurt none by it but themselves, if they will not be awakened from this pleasing dream, they may be suffered to sleep on. But they rest not here. These Christians, who only are so, and so alone know truly what is in
488 THE CHURCH OF ROME NO SAFE GUIDE.
Christian religion, will do such things under a pretence of it, will perpetrate such execrable crimes, avowing them to be the dictates and commands of that religion, that if men were not sure that their former pretences are presumptuously false, it would be a sufficient warranty for them whereon to question the whole truth of the gospel. And these things are done in the pursuit of these differences in reli- gion which abound among us. Wherefore, if we would not contri- bute unto that intolerable scandal against the gospel, that the reli- gion it teach eth is pernicious to the peace of mankind and all that is praiseworthy in the world, which must be accounted for ; if we have any care about ovir own eternal salvation,— we ought to use our utmost diligence to arrive unto a safe conduct through all these difficulties.
This being our present case, there being such differences in, and divisions about religion among us, the management of them being grown incurably scandalous and perilous, our inquiry is, What guide or conduct a man that takes care of his own salvation, that would know the truth, and have the benefit of it, that would please God here, and come unto the eternal enjoyment of him hereafter, ought to betake himself, and firmly adhere unto, as that which will safely lead and direct him unto all these ends? for " if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch."
Two things are pleaded to be this safe and infallible guide, to have that conduct committed unto them, which every one who takes care of his salvation is obliged to betake himself unto.
The first is the chmxh of Rome. She it is who at this time lays a most vehement claim to be the only authoritative, infallible guide of all Christians, as unto their faith, worship, and obedience. We inquire not after a ministerial guide, and the benefit which we may receive thereby. This they regard not, as that which leaves men the exercise of their own understandings, and use of all divine aids and assistances, as unto the information, direction, and determination of their minds in all that they are to believe and practise in religion. But such a guidance as whereunto, by virtue of its authority and infallibility, we are entirely and absolutely to resign our understand- ings and consciences, whatever it leads us unto, is that which this church claimeth, and without which she is nothing, nor can stand one moment. This is that which those who plead the cause of that church at present do wholly betake themselves unto the promotion of; declining, what lies in them, all other differences and controversies between them and us. Such a guide, they say, there must be of all Christians; and this guide is their church. And they do wisely con- sult their own interest therein; for if they can once gain this point, all other things which they aim at will follow of then own accord, and they may satisfy the desires of their hearts on the consciences of men.