sure of an opinion, which, when they have done all, they are not
infallibly sure whether it be true or no, because all things
necessary to salvation and church-communion are plainly laid down in
scripture, in which we may be infallibly sure of the truth of them;
but for other things that we have no plain texts for, but the truth
of them depends upon our interpretations, here we must be cautioned,
that we do not spend much time in imposing those upon others, or
venting those among others, unless we can assume infallibility,
otherwise we spend time upon uncertainty. And whoever casts their
eyes abroad, and do open their ears to intelligence, shall both see,
and to their sorrow hear, that many churches spend most of their
time in jangling and contending about those things which are neither
essential to salvation nor church-communion; and that which is
worse, about such doubtful questions which they are never able to
give an infallible solution of. But now where unity and peace is,
there our time is spent in praising God; and in those great
questions, What we should do to be saved? and, How we may be more
holy and more humble towards God, and more charitable and more
serviceable to one another?

2. Where unity and peace is wanting, there is evil surmising and
evil speaking, to the damage and disgrace, if not to the ruining, of
one another; Gal. v. 14, 15. The whole law is fulfilled in one
word, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if you bite
and devour one another, take heed you be not consumed one of
another." No sooner the bond of charity is broken, which is as a
wall about Christians, but soon they begin to make havock and spoil
of one another; then there is raising evil reports, and taking up
evil reports, against each other. Hence it is that whispering and
backbiting proceeds, and going from house to house to blazon the