vvhich God is iust, but that vvhich is in men from God and by his gift. li. 3 cont. •• ep. Pelag. c. 7. de Sp. & lit. c. 9.
12. Not that novv.] No man in this life can attaine the absolute perfectnes either of iustice or of that knovvledge vvhich shal be in heauen: but yet there is also an other perfectnes, such as ac∣cording to this state a man may reach vnto, vvhich in respect of the perfection in glorie, is small, but in respect of other lesser degrees of mans iustice and knovvledge in this life, may be called perfectnes. And in this sense the Apostle in the next sentence calleth him self and others perfect, though in respect of the absolute perfectnes in heauen, he saith here, he is not yet perfect nor hath yet attained therevnto.
15. Othervvise minded.] Vvhen Catholike men novv a daies charge Heretikes vvith their hor∣rible diuisions, dissensions, combattes, contentions, and diuersities among them selues, as the Ca∣tholikes of al other ages did chalenge their Aduersaries most truely and iustly for the same, (both because vvhere the Spirit of God is not, nor any order or obedience to Superiors, there can be no peace nor vnitie, and specially for that it is, as S. Augustine saith (li. de agen•• Christ. c. 29) the iust iudgement of God that they vvhich seeke nothing els but to diuide the Church of Christ, should them selues be miserably diuided among them selues) therfore (I say) vvhen men charge the Pro∣testants vvith these things, they flee for their defence to this, that the old Fathers vvere not al of one iudgement in euery point of religion: that S. Cyprian stood against others, that S. Augustine and S. Hierom vvrote earnestly in a certaine matter one against an other, that our Dominicans and Franciscans, our Thomists and Scotists be not al of one opinion in diuers matters, and therfore diuisions and contentions should not be so preiudicial to the Zuinglians and Lutherans, as men make it. Thus they defend them selues: but ridiculously and against the rule of S. Paul here, ac∣knovvledging that in this imperfection of mens science in this life, euery one can not be free from al error, or thinke the same that an other thinketh: vvherevpon may rise differences of vnder∣standing, opinion, and iudgement, in certaine hard matters vvhich God hath not reuealed or the Church determined, and therfore that such diuersitie is tolerable and agreable to our humane con∣dition and the state of the vvay that vve be in: alvvaies prouided, that the controuersie be such and in such things, as be not against the set knovven rule of faith, as he here speaketh, and such as breake not mutual societie, fellovvship, and communion in praier, seruice, Sacraments, and other offices of life and religion. for such diuisions and differences come neuer but of Schisme or Heresie, and such are among the Heretikes, not onely in respect of vs Catholikes, but among them selues: at they knovv that be acquainted vvith the vvritings of Luther against Zuinglius, or Vvestphalus against Caluin, or the Puritans against the Protestants, not onely charging one an other vvith He∣resie, Idolatrie, Superstition, and Atheisme, but also condemning ech others ceremonies or maner of administrations, til it come to excommunication, and banishment, yea sometimes burning one of an other. Thus did not S. Cyprian, S. Augustine, S. Hierom, the Dominicans, Franciscans, Thomists, Scotists, vvho al agree in one rule of faith, al of one communion, al most deere one to an other in the same, al (thankes be to God) come to one holy Masse, and receiue the same Sacra∣ments, and obey one head through out al the vvorld. S. Augustine li. 2 de bapt. c. 5. shal make vp this matter vvith this notable sentence: We are men (saith he) and therfore to thinke somevvhat other∣vvise them the thing it, is an humane tentation: but by louing our ovvne sentence to much, or by enuying our betters, to procede vnto the sacrilege of deuiding the mutual societie and of making schisme or heresie, it diue∣lish prosumption: in nothing to haue other opinion then the truth is, that is Angelical perfection. And a litle after, If you be any other vvise minded, this God vvil reueale: but to them only (saith he) that vvalke in the vvay of peace, and that stroy a side into no diuision or separation. Vvhich saying vvould God al our deere countrie men vvould marke, and come into the Church, vvhere onely, God reuealeth truth.