Let me appeal to such, and demand of them, if there was not a time,
since they believed and were baptized, wherein they did not believe
laying on of hands a duty? and did they not then believe, and do
they not still believe, they were members of the body of Christ?
And was not there a time when you did not so well understand the
nature and extent of pride and covetousness as now you do? And did
you not then believe, and do you not still believe, that you were
true members of Christ, though less perfect? Why then should you
not judge of those that differ from you herein, as you judged of
yourselves when you were as they now are? How needful then is it
for Christians to distinguish (if ever they would be at peace and
unity) between those truths which are essential to church-communion,
and those that are not?

3. Unity and peace consists in all as with one shoulder practising
and putting in execution the things we do know; Phil. iii. 16.
"Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the
same rule, and mind the same thing." How sad is it to see our zeal
consume us and our precious time in things doubtful and disputable,
while we are not concerned nor affected with the practice of those
indisputable things we all agree in! We all know charity to be the
great command, and yet how few agree to practise it? We all know
they that labour in the word and doctrine are worthy of double
honour; and that God hath ordained, that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel. These duties, however others have
cavilled at them, I know you agree in them, and are persuaded of
your duty therein: but where is your zeal to practise? O how well
would it be with churches, if they were but half as zealous for the
great, and plain, and indisputable things, and the more chargeable
and costly things of religion, as they are for things doubtful or