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But the Pacification here propound∣ed is not by aggregating things incon∣sistent, nor by devising mongrel ways and opinions, made up out of both ex∣treams, which can satisfie the consci∣ences of neither Party; but by taking out of the way such extreams on both sides, as both may well spare and part
with, being such as are acknowledged no part of the Foundation, nor yet of divine Institution, but mutable ac∣cording to times and occasions, and therefore cannot be of that importance as to break unity amongst brethren, that agree in the Doctrine of Faith, and the substance of Divine Worship. This desired Union is grounded upon the Apostles Commandement, and the pursuing thereof is no other then the urging of St. Pauls Doctrine through∣out the whole fourteenth Chapter to the Romans, That none judge or de∣spise another about things indifferent, or Ceremonious Observances, where∣in as several men will abound in their own sense, so it is meet that every one be perswaded in his own minde concer∣ning his particular practice, that no∣thing be done with a doubting consci∣ence. His MAJESTIES Wis∣dom hath rightly comprehended this Matter in His Declaration touching Ecclesiastical Affairs, wherein He saith, —We are the rather induced to take
this upon Us (that is, to give some deter∣mination to the matters in difference) by finding upon a full Conference that We have had with the Learned men of severall perswasions, that the mischiefs under which both Church and State do at present suffer, do not result from any form∣ed Doctrine or Conclusion which either Party maintains or avows, but from the passion, and appetite, and Interest of par∣ticular persons, which contract greater prejudice to each other by those affections, then would naturally arise from their Opinions.—In old time there was a partition wall of legal Ceremonies and Ordinances raised up between Jews and Gentiles; but when the ful∣ness of time was come, wherein God would make both Jews and Gentiles one in Christ, he was pleased to take down that partition wall which him∣self had reared up. In these latter times there hath been a partition wal of mans building, namely, controverted muta∣ble Rites and forms of Religion, which have kept asunder Christians of the
same Nation, and of the same Refor∣med Protestant Profession: Both rea∣son and charity pleads for the removing of these offences, that brethren may dwell together in Unity. And to transgress this rule of Charity, is not only to lay a yoke upon the necks of Christians, but also to lay snares for their Consciences.