A sermon tending to peace. Preached before His Majesty, &c. at Newport in the Isle of Wight, during time of this late treaty. By William Haywood D.D. and chaplain in ordinary to His Majesty. Haywood, William, 1599 or 1600-1663. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A86132 of text R204194 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E475_3). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 48 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 12 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A86132 Wing H1240 Thomason E475_3 ESTC R204194 99863865 99863865 116081 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A86132) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 116081) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 76:E475[3]) A sermon tending to peace. Preached before His Majesty, &c. at Newport in the Isle of Wight, during time of this late treaty. By William Haywood D.D. and chaplain in ordinary to His Majesty. Haywood, William, 1599 or 1600-1663. [2], 20 p. Printed by Fr: Neile for Henry Seile, London : 1648. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Sermons, English -- 17th century. Peace -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649 -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800. A86132 R204194 (Thomason E475_3). civilwar no A sermon tending to peace.: Preached before His Majesty, &c. at Newport in the Isle of Wight, during time of this late treaty. By William H Haywood, William 1648 9269 11 25 0 0 0 0 39 D The rate of 39 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-10 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-10 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A SERMON TENDING TO PEACE . PREACHED BEFORE His MAJESTY , &c. At NEWPORT in the Isle of Wight , During the time of this late TREATY . By WILLIAM HAYWOOD D. D. and Chaplain in Ordinary to His MAJESTY . LONDON : Printed by Fr : Neile for HENRY SEILE . 1648. A SERMON OF PEACE . ROM. 12. ver. 18. If it be possible as much as lyeth in you , live peaceably with all men . MAny Precepts of Moralitie the latter part of this Chapter hath summoned up together . Among which there is not any more important , more difficult then this I have here read you , nor at this time more pertinent . Important it is , for it comprehends the substance of many Precepts before and after it . Such as , Be of the same minde one to another : Recompense to no man evil for evil : Provide things honest in the sight of all men . Not avenging your selves ; but give place unto wrath : I thine Enemie hunger , feed him , &c. And be not overcome of evil , but overcome evil with good . Nor this onely ; but it includes the whole compasse of Charity towards men : so that in this one precept all the Law towards our neighbour appears summoned up . For as love is the fulfilling of the Law : so peace is the fulfilling of our love . Love worketh no evil to his neighbour : And peace multiplieth all good upon our neighbour . Peace is the complement of all blessings upon the bodie politick , as health is of all blessings , on the body naturall . As the safetie of our naturall bodies consists in a kinde of peace among humors , and a union of all parts and members : So the safetie of all Civill bodies , in peace or harmonie among severall affections , and the union of all members politick . So that fulfill this one dutie , and fulfill all duties , to the common society of men belonging . The happinesse of private persons is contained in the publick : The happinesse of the publick ( when all is done ) will be found to consist in peace . Live peaceably then , and ye take the readiest way to happinesse , both for your selves , and others , for your private and for the publick interest . So that a more important dutie then lyeth in this Text , can hardly be imagined . Yet as it is very important , so t is very difficult . That may appear by the two limitations annexed : If it be possible , and , As much as lyeth in you . If it be possible . So that sometimes the work may be neither possible , not yet lying in us . And yet even then , we are not discharged , till we have done all we possible may , and all that lyeth in us , with all the faculties and powers of minde and body to accomplish it . And the latter of these will cost us difficultie enough ; by which we may take an estimate , how hard a businesse we are now toward : and how great need , as of our utmost endeavours , so of our fervent prayers : That what appears beyond our power , the God of power and peace both , would vouchsafe to make up , and remove all difficulties from before us . It is his work we are about . To him that made Heaven and Earth nothing more acceptable , then to make peace among men ; Nor any thing more becoming the honour of Christianity ; for the very end of Christs coming was to make it . It was the last blessing our Saviour bestowed on his Disciples at his going . Peace I leave with you : My peace I give unto you . St. Joh. 14. v. 27. The last and the first , at his coming . For at his birth , it was a main part of the Angels song , Pax in terris , Peace on the earth . When again he rose from the dead it was his first salutation , Pax vobis , Peace be unto you : Joh. 20.19 . And when he began first to teach , it was among his first blessings , Beati pacifici , B'essed be the peace-makers ' Himself therefore ye finde styled by the Prophet , Princeps pacis , The Prince of peace , Isa. 9.6 . By the Apostle , Deus pacis , The God of peace : Heb. 13. Nay , Ipse , pax nostra , our very peace ; who hath broken down the partition wall : Ephes. 2.14 . His Disciples tearmed in Scripture , Angeli pacis , Messengers of peace . How beautifull are the feet of them , that bring the glad tydings of it ! Rom. 10.5 . Sent forth to teach the world with peace in their mouthes , Luk 10.5 . known all the world over by this Charter ; In this shall all mers know that ye are my Disciples , if ye have love one to another . Joh. 13.35 . And what love without peace ? His Gospel therefore we finde intituled , The Gospel of peace ; His righteousnesse , the work of peace ; His glorious kingdom , the Peace that passeth all understanding . T is the generall Preface of St. Pauls Epistles , Grace and Peace be with you . The beginning of the wayes of God the Redeemer , who came to guide our feet into the way of peace ; and the end of our way , the finall sum of heavenly blisse , Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace . So that neither to this life , nor the life to come ; Neither to happiness temporall , nor happiness eternall ; Neither to God nor Man , to Policie nor Religion , can ye conceive any thing more agreeable then Peace , or any Precepts more to be valued , then such as shew the way to it . Not to hold you too long in Prefacing ; but to proceed to a division of the Text . Two parts there appear at first sight in it . First , a duty generally required , Live peaceably with all men : Secondly , a limitation of that duty , implying in some cases a dispensation of it , and that two wayes expressed , if it be possible , and , as much as lieth in you : In the former Generall , that is , the Duty required ; ye may take notice of three Particulars ; first , the thing injoyned , namely , Peaceably living ; secondly , the parties towards whom 't is injoyned , and they are Men ; thirdly , the indifferency or universality of those Parties , with all men . These three Particulars , together with the two limitatations annexed make in all five parts of our Text . First , Live peaceably , secondly , with men , thirdly , with all men , fourthly , If it be possible , fiftly , As much as lieth in you . To proceed orderly , we begin with the thing enjoyned , which is the substance of the Dutie , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Live peaceably . Two things would here be inquired of . First , what Peace is , and then what it is to live peaceably ; As touching the first , What Peace is , School-writers inform us it is , Vnio virtutum appetitivarum , a union of powers appetitive , so that all creatures capable of appetite , are likewise capable of Peace or discord , according as their particular appetites agree , or disagree . Now as of divers creatures the appetites are divers , and sometimes repugnant one to the other ; so also in one and the same creature are found different appetites , betwixt which ma fall out now and then repugnant and contrariety ; as betwixt the sensuall appetite and the rationall , whereby it comes to pass that one and the same party other-whiles is out of peace with himself : Hence is it that Schoolmen make a double degree of Peace , one ad extra , betwixt the appetites of different parties , which they call concord , or outward peace . Another ad intra , betwixt the severall appetites of one and the same party , which they call mentall or inward peace . To the accomplishment of Peace in its perfection , both these would concur . First , a quiet of our own hearts within , that our affections be not divided among themselves , by running after contrary appetitites . And secondly , quieter concord with our neighbours without , that their affections contrary to ours , divide us not against them . Of these twaine , the latter in our Text seemes principally intended , namely , outward peace , or concord , for it is , Live peaceably with men , and yet the inward may not be excluded , because unless a bosome peace be well cherished , externall peace is quickly broken : Inward tranquility ( saith one ) is the ground of outward , unless our domestick appetites amongst themselves be at unity among our neighbours , we cannot chuse but jarr and breed dissention . Whence it followeth , That no evill man can rightly fulfill this precept of our Text , because such an one is distitute of inward peace , his conscience ever and anon raiseth tumults within him ; his reason and his sense distract him severall wayes , and he obeyeth two Masters , with others therefore he can hold no constant friendship , who is so unstable and at variance with himself , Non est pax impiis , There is no peace saith my God to the wicked , Isay 57.21 . How can there be ? While their bosomes within , are like a troubled sea , whose waves cast up mire and dirt ? And yet an appearance of peace there may be for a time , as betwixt Herod and Pilot there was ( you know upon what occasion ) but as true friendship that cannot be , which is not founded in goodness , no more true peace : for peace and friendship go together : False peace and not to be trusted is the friendship of wicked men , for while they pursue each one the pleasure of his sensuall appetite , to have their fill of these temperall good things ( things which cannot be enjoyed by many ) needs must they fall sometimes upon desire of the same honor , or profit , or pleasure , which diverse cannot share between them , from whence ariseth envie , trouble , and discord , driving all peace out of doores . To give you therefore the right Peace here discribed : It is such a Peace as preserves , first , our own hearts and affections undisturbed within . And secondly , upholds lasting concord and agreement with our neighbours without . Both these would be had , for to keep outward correspondencie and not inward , to make shew of Peace in our behaviour while our hearts are fraught with envie and malice , what can be worse hipocrisie ? And to keep inward peace , without any outward signes , as great an indecorum , if not impossibilitie ; for how can any think his conscience should be at peace with God , whose actions are not peaceable towards men ? He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seene , how can be love God whom he hath not seene ? saith St. Iohn : and he that keeps not peace with his neighbours with whom he hath not alwayes to do ; how can he keep peace in his own affections with which he hath ever to do ? Both kinds therefore must go hand in hand : And so ye see in part what Peace is . Next we demand what it is to live peaceably ? What should it be , but to dedicate our lives and labours to the maintenance and propagation of this Peace ? not only to preserve Peace where it is , but to introduce it where it is not . Nor to restore Peace alone , when it is lost , but to continue it after it is found ; nor to cheerish Peace only , abiding with us , but to hold it fast when it would part from us , and when it is gone , to pursue and seeke after it , never to rest while we have found it . Inquire pacem ( saith the Psalmist ) seek peace , and Pacem persequimini , follow after peace , Heb. 12. Be instant , and seek earnestly as ye would for some precious Jewell being lost , or some dear friend parted away in displeasure ; and when ye have found it , make much of it : nourish it , protect it , strive to prolong and inlarge it ; all this is comprehended in {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , not only to obtain , and purchase , but to maintain and propagate Unity all we may , and to look that our Peace be right and orderly , without deformity , schitme , or partiality , without hipocrisie , oppression , or injury , to live particular , without inconstancie , or giving over : well therefore rendered , Not have peace ( as some Translators reade it ) but live peaceably , that is , continue in Peace . Many and weighty are the labours comprehended in this , word {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Live peaceably , 't is but a short saying , but very tedious and wearisome offices it requires ; one while we are to study all things that may please and reconcile , another while to take away all that may distaste and give offence . Sometimes all manner of molestations are to be indured , and we must not be weary of our patience ; and sometimes our own right yeelded up to mitigate other mens impatience . Above all the manners and dispositions of those we deale with would be observed , that we offend not unwittingly , many indignities are to be put up , many affronts fo given , many injuries and unkinde speeches buried in oblivion , and all little enough to make up this duty of living peaceably . Nor is it a business thus labourious only for the practise , but generall also , for the obligation , As live peaceably with all men : So all men whosoever ye are think it your duty thus to live . 'T is a precept not for mean men only , who are liable to suffer injuries , but for great and mighty ones specially who have power to do injuries ; nor for inferior people alone , who live under then shelter of Peace , but chiefly for Governors and Magistrates who have the custody of Peace ; nor for learners only , whose dissentions are often out of ignorance , but speciall for Teachers , who can spread dissention by their knowledge : For all men , and of all sorts , it is a needfull duty . That neither their meaness make them dispair of seeking Peace , nor their greatness render them careless how they break Peace . For {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} here stands plurall , that is indiffinite , and generall . All men by all means , to indeavour this peaceable living . Y●s ye will say , with whom we are able we are willing , peaceably with God , peaceably with our own consciences , peaceably with our family within doors , it may be ; but this is not enou●h : the peace here injoyned , is ad extra ; not within doors only , but without . Peace with our selves and our own houses , yea and peace with other men too . That 's the next Point of our division onward , viz. The parties towards whom this duty is injoyned , 't is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Peaceably with men . And with good reason have we the parties thus plainly expressed , least any should boast ( as some do ) of their inward peace , while we see no outward fruit . At peace with God , and their own consciences , O that they are ! sure of their election , no men more ; and yet so unquiet with their neighbours , so full of carping , censuring , wrangling , and fault-finding , so little peaceable outwardly , as no men less . Are these the sons of peace think ye , or any friends to it , who for an unkind word , can treasure up many years malice ? For crossing them in their fond opinions , raise slanders , spread libils , practise all mischief to undermine their brethren , or make them odious : for discovering some dislike of their faction , fall to hostility , rob , and spoile , and pursue with the sword , men under the same Laws , and Religion with themselves ? And yet many of these love God with all their hearts , that they do , and are so possest with his Spirit , forsooth , the spirit of Peace that they cannot err again ; A likely matter doubtless , that the spirit of Peace should abide in their hearts , whose works tend to nothing but dissention ? Shew me thy faith by thy works ( saith St. Iames ) so may we say , Shew us your inward peace by the outward fruits of it ; witness your love to God by your love to your neighbour , If not , never talk of regeneration and peace made with heaven , while so little tokens of it appear upon earth . Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh , and by the disposition of the heart man worketh ; if no peace in the works , no peace in our words or speeches , then none in the heart , questionless : Never therefore boast of Peace , other where seated , unless ye have peace with men . With men : And that every way ; with their affections , and with their judgements with their purposes , and with their persecutions , with their conceptions ; yea , and with their opinions , if it be possible . And yet where we speak of opinions ; worth noting it is , what Aquinas tels us , That Peace is properly a union of parts appetitive , not of parts intellective . If we varie in opinion one from another , this ought not to breed variance in our wils by and by , were men , as they should be , peaceable . But because most people are wedded to their affections , making opinions and all , bend after their sensuall appetites ; therefore where they finde others differing in opinion , immediately they make a rent in affection too , all because their own opinions are too much affected . Wheras it becomes Charitie , not to follow the sway of our sensuall appetites and affections , but to be governed by reason . And to interpret the opinions of others with favour , so long as they are not dangerously destructive to the Christian faith , or the common quiet . Nay , a peaceable minde will abate somewhat of the stiffenesse of his own judgement for peace and charities sake , and deny his own wisdom in matters of lesse importance , to salve other mens folly . And this makes the precept of our Text very difficult , for what more various , then the opinions of men ? Tot homines , tot sententiae ; Easier it seems to have peace with wilde beasts , peace with diseases and furies , peace with winds , and Seas , then with men in this sense ; And yet as far as divine truth , and the publick safetie permits , we are to labour after this peace also , so we can in any fort reconcile mens meanings to the truth , or bear their untruths , without perill of the Churches disturbance , we are to endeavour peace ; not with men onely , but with the affections , the judgements and opinions of men . With the judgements and opinions of men ; but yet not with the wrongfulnesse of their judgements , nor the error of their opinions : no , take heed of that . It is live peaceably with men : not with the vices , and corruptions of men ; but with their persons , and with the persons live peaceably as we ought we cannor , unlesse we be at strife with their corruptions . He that rightly loves the nature , hates the depravation of what he loves ; and he that is a true friend to such and such parties , he can be no friend to that which destroys and marrs the parties . Think not your selves therefore tyed to consent to the errors of men . Sooth them not in their vices : nor with those false prophets in Ezekiel , sowe pillows to the elbows of sinners ; or cry peace , peace , to those whose just destruction is threatned from heaven . But setting their vices , and dangerousing agements a side , have all peace with the parties , bear no manner of hatred to the man , however ye abhor the wickednesse of the man , but pitie him in his person as your brother , endeavouring to cure him , and set him right , preferving all charitable friendship in your hearts towards him ; how ever for the soundnesse of his future peace , ye be constrained sometimes , to suppresse all outward tokens of present peace . Nor think it enough that you stand thus charitably affected to some few , whom you can well brook , nay there follows after the parties , the indifferencie or universalitie of the parties , Live peaceably not with men onely , but with all men ; which is the third point of our division . With all men : That is , not with our friends , or Benefactors alone ; why who doth not so ? But with our very Enemies and persecutors . For this is right Christian perfection , to love those that hate us , and return good to these that hurt us . Cum his qui pacem oderunt , pacificus eram , ( saith the Psalmist ) with such men have I laboured agreement , who when I spake unto them thereof , made them ready for battell . Psal. 120.6 . And to do our text right : this comes home to the meaning of the Apostle . For the beleeving Christians in Rome to whom St. Paul wrote , were but a small partie , in comparison of those Infidels , Pagans , and Jewish Proselites , wherewith the world then abounded , from whom because litile quiet could be expected , if they made open profession of their beleef , he wills them to avoid all visible scandalls , and as much as in them lay , to have peace with these of a different faith , giving no offence neither to the Jew , nor to the Gentile , nor to the Church of God , for if you love them that love you only , what reward have ye , and if ye salute your brethren only , what do ye more then others ; Nay , live peaceably with them that would have no peace , overcome their evill with your good , and convert the bitterness of their malice , into sweetness and concord , by the abundance of your kindness and peaceable carriage ; have peace not with your acquaintance only , but with strangers and aliens ; nor with good men alone , but with evill too ; nor with quiet natures and none else , but with froward and perverse ; nor with friendly neighbours that use you well , but with cross and contentious ones , yea with your enemies , oppressors , and persecutors , never so far estranged , in affection , purpose , or Religion , do as much as in you lieth to have peace with all men . And good reason for it , both in generall and particular . In generall ye are commanded to love all , and consequently to your power to agree with all : If no agreement never talke of love ; Peace is the fruit of love , and therefore a mong fruits of the Spirit , set by and by after love , Gal. 5.22 . As far as your love extends , therefore your peace should extend , none to be excluded from the limits of your concord ; because none to be excepted out of your love your neighbour as your self , that is , every man as your self : And if love may not be denied to our enemies , then not Peace neither . Servants be obedient to your Masters , not to the good and gentle only , but even to the froward ( saith St. Peter ) for this is thank-worthy , if for conscience sake ye indure grief , and for the love of peace be content , not only to do well , but to suffer evill too . This in generall . In particular . There is not that condition of men to be produced , for which some reasons and inducements appear not to invite us to peace : Are they our friends , our acquaintance , family , or alliance , why , what a shame is it to fall out with such ? 'T is like the jarring of humors in one and the same body , which usually foreruns sickness and death ; so is it if men of the same linage , and bloud , the same countrey and breeding , the same order , profession , or Religion shall be at emnity ; Are not these bonds sufficient to keep us from hatred ? With whom do we think to have peace , if civill relations , if sacred knots and obligations cannot hold us in . Are they strangers to us ? so much the more to be honored and pleased that they may not speak or think ill of us whom we shall meete but seldome ; Are they our betters ? take heede how we provoke them , they have power on their side , or may have quickly ; Are they our inferious ? pitty to contend with such weaklings , whom be their cause right or wrong , we in respect of our mightiness shall still be thought to oppress ; Are they our enemies , and such as have wronged us ? so much more glorious the victory , to maintain peace with them that hate peace , and to overcome their evill with our good ; Are they foes to our Religion , enemies to the truth of Christ , men of reprobate and wicked manners ? have as little conversation with them as you may , but have peace notwithstanding ; to shun them ye are allowed , ye are not allowed to strive with them : the like may be said of the worst of our Persecutors , Infidells , Schismaticks , Athiests , Incendiaries of Church or State : though you are to beware contagion from them , yet to your power preserve Peace and Charity with them ; pray for them , revile them not , enter not into open contentions and comparisons with them ; let them not in any case fire you into impatience and strife ; but endeavour with all meekness of wisdom to win them home , and draw them to the right . No unreasonable doctrine it is therefore , though it be a difficult one . Live peaceably with all men . Yea , but how if no peace will be had unless I partake of mens wickedness ? No living in Bethel unless we will worship the golden Calves ? No stopping the mouthes of wicked Elders , but by giving up our Chastity , as poor Susanna was put to it ? No appeasing the unruly multitude , unless we will affirm an impious lye ? which was the cause of Calib and Joshua among the ten Spies . No scaping the rage of the people , unless we assist them in setting up a new fangled Religion after their fancie , as Acon was constrained to do , shall we make light of our conscience , and forsake God and his truth for our quiet sake ? No , there is no such necessity laid upon you , ye are not so streight laced , there followeth a difpensation in the Text when such cases falls out , and that not a single one , but a double , If it be possible , and as much as lieth in you . That brings us upon the fourth Generall of our Division . If it be possible . So then 't is apparent sometimes it is not possible . And as much as lieth in you . So that there are seasons when you can do no good upon them . A twofold exception there appears therefore from this generall rule . One rising from the nature of things themselves . If the difference be such as cannot be reconciled with safety to a good conscience , then look to your conscience , let peace go . That ye have in , If it be possible . Another from the measure of the parties abilitie if it exceed not our strength , if it fall within our compass ; and if it do not , why yet we are bound , as far as our ability reacheth howsoever . And that ye have , in quantum in vobis , as much as lieth inyou . If one of these will not take place , the other may ; if the work of peace in it self be not possible , if we can●●● reconcile those who are to be gained with nothing but the 〈…〉 ur souls , yet at least , Quantum in vobis , that is possible ; we may do still as much as lieth in us , though toward us outwardly , such adversaries will have no peace , yet inwardly we may have peace toward , them ; though the compleate perfection of the work they will not permit , yet the indeavour of the work so far as are able , in us they cannot hinder ; And that shall suffice to discharge us . Of these two conditions , therefore briefly in their order . And first of the former , If it be possible . A form of speech this is which implieth often difficulties in the business ; and sometimes impossibility ; difficult where the parties to be reconciled are froward , and self-willed enemies to Peace in Davids language . Impossibility where no agreement will be had , without loss of a good conscience : Where Gods honour , or the administration of Justice , or the discharge of our calling lieth at stake , so that we cannot have peace with men , unless we will be irreligious , unjust , or unfaithfull . In the former case where peace is only difficult ; that should stir up our diligence the rather ; indeavour with so much the more patience , and unwearied industry , to overcome the frowardness of those we have to deale with ; and where so precious a Jewell as Peace is to be compassed , with expence of our labour or our substance , there spare for no cost or pains . But where it is impossible to a servant of God , where nothing will do it but the sale of a good conscience , there rouse up our courage , and prefer not outward peace before inward ; mens contentment , or our own temporall commodity or safety , before Gods honour , our souls quiet , and the publique good . But it will here be demanded , how we may know when Peace is possible , when not : Six cases are mentioned by some Divines , ye may refer them to the three heads aforenamed , of Religion , Justice , and Faithfulness in our calling . Of Religion first . God himself ( in case his publique worship be indangered ) enjoyns us flatly to break the peace . If thy brother the son of thy mother , or thy son , or thy daughter , or the wife of thy b●some , or thy friend , which is as thine own foul , entice thee secretly saying , let us go and serve other gods which thou shalt not know , &c. Thou shall not consent unto him , nor bearken unto him , neither shall thine eye ●itty him : 〈…〉 not spare , nor conceal him , but thou shalt surely kill him , Thy 〈…〉 ●all be first upon him , and afterward the hand of all the people , Deut. 13.6 . Thus ye are to understand it , in case of temptation to manifest Idolatry , Blasphemy , Heresie , or Apostacie , from the true faith and worship of God : we can have no peace , nay , we can have no mercy ; we are not allowed to spare and conceal the party so tempting us , but deliver him up to just punishment , be he never so neer , or dear to us . Secondly , where our selves are persecuted for Religion , or Vertue , or obedience to Gods Law in any kinde , and there is no way of satisfying our persecutors , or delivering our selves from trouble , but by denying our faith , yeelding up our vertue , or violating our obedience to Gods Commandements . In these two cases , the one offensive , the other defensive ; for preservation of our Religion , and our duty to God no peace possible . Two other cases follow , which belong to Justice . One where we are passive , or those who are one with us : and we are violently assaulted contrary to Law and equity . We may then break the peace for our own preservation , in defending our selves , so we do it Cum moderamine inculpate tutelae , go not beyond what is needfull to our honest defence , or theirs who depend on us , as our wives , children or family . The like holds when we are violently handled , because we will not joyn with others in breaking Peace , and trampling down Justice . Cast in thy lot among us : We will finde all precious substance , and fill our houses with spoile , Prov. 1.13 . Thus where in defence of Justice to our selves , and our own private , being innocent , and against wrongfull Authority , our lot is to be passive . Another case may fall out , wherein it becoms us to be active , though ourselves , in our particular interest suffer not : and that is , where we see our innocent neighbours wrongfully abused , and distressed to extremitie by lawless hands ; we may there rise up in rescue of oppressed innocence , and do as much in our neighbours case , as we would wish done in our own . Thus Lot resisted the Sodomites in behalf of the Angels whom they invaded with violence : And Moses succoured the Israelite striving with the Egyptian , Exod. 2.12 . And thus every good man , armed with wealth and power , may , and ought to stand up in defence of the poor widow and fatherless , against their tyrannous oppressors . Nor are they breakers of the peace in so doing : but these cruell grinders of the poor , whom they resist . These two belong to Justice . Two cases more remain which concern faithfulness in our Calling . One where we are Magistrates , with power sufficient in our hands , and have the custody of the publick peace committed to us . There as in defending the innocent we must be stout ; so in chastising the guilty not timerous , nor suffer dangerous offenders to scape unpunished , for fear of disquieting our selves or them . The peace is rather broken by tolerating such monsters , then by our stirring to correct them . The like is to be said for lawfull officers of Justice , Sherifes , Bay liffs , Serjeants , Constables , being lawfully deputed by right and authority from their Prince , and Countrey , they may and must break the peace with those they go to arrest or apprehend according to their Office ; if without breaking the peace it may not be done . To this head ye may assign all the work of the Souldiary in a lawfull war ; Commanders , Captains , or common Men ; for what are souldiers , if duly called , but legall executioners of Justice upon rebellious offenders , whom Supream Authority hath rightly condemned ? This is one case of fidelity in our Callings ; where in protecting the innocent , or punishing the guilty , we are constrained to open war . Another is in reproving and admonishing transgressors , a war more private ; and this in some degree belongs to every man by his generall calling , as a Christian , and a debtor of Charity to all men : for 't is a direct charge of Almighty God , Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour , and not suffer sin upon him , Levit. 19.17 . And if thy brother trespass against thee , go and tell him his fault betwixt thee and him . Matth. 18.15 . where we see our neighbour in deadly perill of his soul , we may and must rebuke him , and not fear breaking the peace with him , so the manner of our reproof be charitable and discreet , and the occasion probable , to do good by our reproving . But Ministers of Christ if we be , and so have a speciall calling to reprove , Necessity is then laid upon us , and wo be to us if we be silent : afraid we must not be to speak , where its likely we shall do not hurt , how little hope soever there be of do●ng good . Toward those under our charge , if it be , the bond of our partleular calling lieth heavy upon us then . Son of man , I have made thee a watchman over the house of Israel , Ezek. 33.8 . When I threaten the wicked , if thou speak not to warne him : he shall die in his iniquity , but his bloud will I require at thy band : Then whether it be likely by our reproving to amend , as David mended by Nathans , or likely rather for our unfaithfulness to be inraged against us , as Ahab against Michaiah , and Herod at St. Iohn Baptist , yet upon the Lords errand we poor Ministers must go , come life or come death , come peace or come war , only where its probable we shall indanger others by reprehending , and fire offenders into more mischief , there both charity and discretion alloweth us to be silent . In all other cases to have peace with known sinners , is to have war with God , and our own consciences . Nor fear we to be charged for Peace-breakers , in troubling the dangerous ease of wicked livers ; it is they that break the peace , not we ; who fear not to break the Laws of God , saith Ambrose . Who was it troubled Israel , think you , Ahab or Eliah , or who to be blamed for disquieting the land in Zedekiahs time ? Ieremy or the seditious Princes of Iudah , that would not indure Ieremies message from their Maker ? Nay , he that transgresseth breaks the peace ( saith Chrisostome . ) He that reproves transgressors ( specially Gods Ministers ) doth but his duty . And so ye see the six Cases wherein at all times it may not be possible to have peace with all men . Howbeit in all these cases , and in all others imaginable , one thing remember : Though you be forced to break the peace outwardly , preserve it inwardly ; though in rebus ipsis , ye be compelled to strive , and in word or deed to have contention , yet in heart be at peace : Still be prepared inwardly with hearty love and readiness to agree , when ever the offence outward shall be removed . And this is our Qumtum in vobis , the second limitation : As much as lieth in you . Though it be not ever possible , yet as much as lieth in you , live peaceably with all men . That is the first and last part of our Division . A limitation we have here , not to be spared at any hand , we cannot say , if it be possible , is proviso enough ; nay , even when it is not possible to have peace on both sides , some-what lyeth in us , still to be done , that there may be peace on one side . That long of us it may not be , the knot of unity is broken . If it be possible , had that onely been said ; why then in any of the cases aforementioned , or in any like ; we should have thought our selves , upon a little tryall , clearly at libertie . Being no longer possible to make peace , let go the reins to strife , never seek farther means to agree , but if peace succeed not at first offer , wrangle , and brawl , and break Charitie with all bitternesse , and never have done . Nay : Even there , where ye cannot agree ; do yet what lyeth in you to agree : Seek peace , and ensue it still , even when the Sword of War is in your hand . In this kinde it is ever possible to fulfill the Apostles precept : Have peace with all men . That is , do what lyeth in you towards it . To settle perfect peace on both sides is not ever in our power . Concord , as it is betwixt two parties at the least , so upon the good will of both parties it depends . Unlesse both sides yeeld and meet , no true concord . Wherefore if one partie continue perverse , perfect peace is a thing impossible : yea but Quantum in volis , that is not impossible . There may be peace , on one side , one partie may be willing to agree , and do all that lyeth in him toward it . And then doubtlesse , t is no more long of him , he hath fulfilled this Text , and liveth peaceably with his Neighbour , as far as is possible on his part . But ye will ask , What means are to be used ? Or when may we perswade our selves , we have done what lyeth in us to live peaceably ? Sundrie Rules are here given by sundrie Authors . I shall point you briefly to some of the principall by way of Application , and so commit you to God . First then , where our selves onely are injured , Gods honour , and the publick not indangered : there by our own private wrongs sit we down . Forgive , forget and put up without more ado ; seek no manner of revenge for such . For as the former clause , If it be possible , provides for the glory of God , and the common welfare , that the publick take no wrong . So , as much as lyeth in you , provides for safetie of our own souls , that in prosecution of private injuries we loose not Charitie , and so loose Heaven . If therefore he be a froward Enemie , and difficult to be won , do not you sit down by and by , and say ; Peace is no more possible , I am dispensed within this quarrell ; But assay with all loving offices to win him , and do to the utmost of what lyeth in you . Is he weak ? Bear with him . Captious ? give him no offence . Is he humoursome ? observe times to please him . Is he over-talkative ? say little to him . If hastie to anger , provoke him not . If stiffe upon what he conceives his right , part with some of yours . If with good usage to be won ; cease not heaping all manner of kindnesse upon him . If with yeelding to be wrought on , submit and give place , yea though your cause be the better , so the publick suffer not . If none of all this will do , yet still pray for him , love him , hope the best ; give not over by the mediation of others to gain him , though your personall endeavour be fruitlesse . Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousnesse , and being strong in love , to bear the infirmities of the weak , and not to please our selves . Singular to this purpose is that memorable Protestation of St. Bernard . I , my brethren , what ever you do , am determined still to live peaceably , with you , and to love you , how little soever beloved of you : I will cleave to you , though I finde you unwilling ; Nay I will cleave to you , though my self be unwilling . Long since have I chained my heart to yours , in the firm bond of Charitie , that stedfast knot , that falleth not away ; with those that be turbulent , I will be calme ; with those that trouble me , meek and patient , like one no way troubled . At all times will I give place to wrath , that at no time I may give place to the Devill . Those that are intractable , will I wearie out with friendly offices . Them that are unthankfull , will I lade still with more benefits . Those that despise me , will I not cease to honour . In ill language I will go away with the worst . In good language I will strive to have the best ; And even those that revile me , shall for my milde behaviour be forced to admire me , if not commend me . This is the voyce of a Soul , fully bent on the discharge of this Text . And he that is as ready to do all this as to say it ; we may be confident comes very neer the Apostles meaning in this place . That these Lessons appear not too hard for us , take notice of the fountain virtues , from whence they proceed . And those are , Humilitie , Love , and Patience ; Three virtues , which well settled in us , would take away all strife in the world , and make up our Quantum in vobis abundantly . Humility first would teach us to stoop to inferiours , and though our cause be the better , yet to yeeld for Peace sake , and the common benefit , to men in a worse : Bear ye one anothers burthens ( saith the Apostle ) and so fulfill the Law of Christ . Galat. 6.2 . Bear a burthen he cannot well , that will not stoop to take it up 3 Agree with his Adversarie , he will not easily , who is high minded , and despiseth his Adversary , disdaining to incline and bend to men in virtue , or power , beneath him . But Love removes this difficultie ; Love as it covereth a multitude of offence , so it can bear with a multitude of infirmities ; teaching men to look not every one on his own things , but on the things of others . Not to be wise in our own eyes , or stiffe in our own judgements ; that is , to please our selves , but every one to please his neighbour for his good to edification . By love we set our selves in our neighbours stead , accounting our selves one person with him , esteeming our neighbours benefit , ours , his grievance , ours , and so doing in all respects , as we would with done to our selves ; such love crowns our humility : when the Apostle therefore had exhorted the Cal●ssians to humbleness of minde , he adds to make sure work , Above all things put on Christ , which is the bond of perfectness , Col. s . 3.14 . Charity being well put on , will lead us to patience and long-suffering , the hardest burthen of all three . But to love nothing is hard ; How many unkindnesses , and unthankfull carriages doth love teach Parents to bear patiently from their children ? It is no love indeed that is not long suffering . By this we draw neer the semblance of Gods love , who is kinde to the unthankfull and the evill , making his Sun to shine upon the evill and the good , and sending raine upon the just and unjust . By Patience we are inabled for the most needfull work of all to the continuance of Peace , namely , not avenging our selves : for of the two , more guilty is he of strife , that renders evill ( saith one ) then he that offers evill . He that doth wrong seldome thinks it wrong , his insolence or his ignorance perswades him 't is but right ; but he that requires wrong , is perswaded 't is evill he hath suffered and evill he resolves to render , so he confesseth the wrong : Somewhat worse of the two therefore it is , to requite injury , then to offer it , worse for Peace , if not for conscience . The Proverb there holds true , That the second blow breaks the peace , not the first : for were we patient in taking wrong , and rendred not evill for evill , all strife would shortly be at an end , the fire would go out of it self . Now if with all our Patience , and Love , and Humility , we cannot win our adversaries , yet we are not discharged , This Quantum in vobis reacheth further still . To our Patience , we are to add Perseverance , Not to be weary of well doing , that is , of suffering evill with patience , but hold out in our meekness and forbearance , still offering reconcilement , still ready to forgive and agree , if our adversaries never so late will come in , though we are smiten on one cheek , turning the other ; though we have lost our coat , ready to part with cloak and all ; so Peace may be found in the end ; and if no peace come yet never give over praying and indeavouring , and trying all possible means , that so the fault may not lie on our sides , but that it may appear to the world , we have done to the utmost of what lieth in us ; and having done that , refer the event to God , Saying , O Lord , we are ready to do and to suffer for the love of Peace whatsoever thou shalt enable us : But if for the punishment of our sins , and the chastisement of this Nation , it be thy pleasure still to withold so great a blessing , yet give us hearts alwayes detirous of peace , ever more patient and acknowledging our strips lighter then we deserve . But if our tears and supplications after such a length of suffering may finde any acceptance with thee ; be pleased , O Lord , to defer the blessing no longer ; but say to the destroying Sword this day , It is enough . Stop the issues of bloud , and heal the wounds of this fainting Kingdom : Soften the most obdurate hearts that block up the way . Thou that art the God of Peace , command peace , make it thine own work . So bless this Treaty , that it may answer the hopes and desires of thy poor servants ; And that our lives and conversations may answer those vows and promises of amendment and thankfulness , which upon granting our desires we have made to thee ; that so peace with our Brethren may further the peace of a good conscience , and eace of conscience lead us in due time to the peace of thy Kingdome , even that Peace which passeth all understanding . To which we beseech him to bring us , who hath shed his most precious bloud to purchase it for us . To whom with the Father , and the holy Spirit , &c. FINIS .