Baxter - HP BV4647 .S4 B39 1660

174 Faehous Defire of the fuccefs of cur two opinions, &c. dangercuily powerful with them, by how much the lefs fuf- fpeeted or obferved. The Papifts under the pretence of the Churches Union, are the great dividers of theChriftian world, unchurching the far greateft part ofthe Church,and feparating from all that be not Subjects of the Pope of Rome : And do you think it is not feif and flefh that is the Principle and Life, and End ofthis their Schifiu ? were it not for the upholding of 'this ufurped power, and worldly immunities, and greatnefs of the Clergy, it is morally impoilible that fo many men of rea- fon and learning could concur in fucha fchifm, and in fo ma- ny grofs conceits as go along with it. It is not the Pope that theyare Principally united in : For the fa. , greateft part of them, it is too evident that it isfelfifhandfiefbi intereft that is their Center, towhich thePope is but a mean . that many oftheir jefuites and Fryars are carri d abroad the Hence it is world, with fuch a fire of zeal, to promote their caufe, that theywill compafs fea and land for it, and day and night are bufie at the work, to plot, and contrive, and intimate, and deceive, and think no coil or pains too great. For a felfifh finful zeal and diligence hath fo many friends, and fo little hindrance, that its eafily rnaintaned : but fo is not the healing peaceable , practical, and holy zeal of true be- 4ievers. Well ! Confider what I fay to you from the Word of the Lord : There is afeififh dividing Zeal is Religion, which mull be denied as well as whoredom or drunkennefi. If you ask me how its known : Briefly now I (hall only tell you this much " of it : 1. that it is ufually for either an Error or a particular Truth, againft the intereft andadvantage of the body of un- queffionable Chriftian verities. They can let Religion Puffer by it, fo their opinion do but thrive. 2. It is ufually for anOpinion by reason of fome fpecial endeerment or intereft oftheir own in it. 3 . They cry up that opinionwith a zeal and diligence muchexceeding that which they beftow upon other opinions ofequal weight ; and laya greater ftrefsupon it,then any chewofreafonwill allow thern.;4. They ufuallyare zealous for a party and divifion, againft the Unity of the Catholike Church. S. Their Zeal is moit commonly turned againft the faithful

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