Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
... The distressed case of our Brethren cannot but move our Bowels of Compassion, when we read or hear from time to time the Relation of the barbarous Proceedings of their Persecutors. But the sensual wicked Lives of professedly Reformed Christians, is certainly a more dreadful object to be considered, and ought so to be regarded by us, as the Consequences of it are much more to be feared, than of the fiercest Persecution by open and avowed Enemies. For the Church of Christ never lost either Truth or Holiness that way; it hath rather been a considerable outward Means, for the preservation and increase of Both. Though this cannot be said, but the direct Contrary, concerning Protestants persecuting one another for lesser Differences.
The sad Effects of it have been seen and felt to that degree, in weakening the common truly Christian Interest among us, that now, if ever, there is a louder Call than ordinary to Forbearance, and Forgiveness, and Unity of Affection; that our Divisions, with a revengeful, persecuting Spirit, may not prove our Ruin. ...
For more, see John Shower on lamenting the sensual lives of Reformed Christians.
The sad Effects of it have been seen and felt to that degree, in weakening the common truly Christian Interest among us, that now, if ever, there is a louder Call than ordinary to Forbearance, and Forgiveness, and Unity of Affection; that our Divisions, with a revengeful, persecuting Spirit, may not prove our Ruin. ...
For more, see John Shower on lamenting the sensual lives of Reformed Christians.