A Discourse of the Religion of England, Title page – Errata
A DISCOURSE OF THE RELIGION OF ENGLAND. ASSERTING, That REFORMED CHRISTIANITY setled in its Due Latitude, is the Stability and Advancement of this KINGDOM.
LONDON, Printed in the Year M. DC. LX. VII.
THE PREFACE
REligion being deeply imprinted in Humane Nature, and having a great Power over it, and being more notably displayed in the present Age, is become the Grand Interest of States, and almost of all men, though not after the same manner, nor upon the same Grounds and Motives. For this cause, whether it comes in Truth, or in Shew only, it is found to rule and turn about the great Affairs of the World. And though many things of different nature, may have great influence on the State of this Kingdom, yet Religion and Matters of Conscience evidently appear to have the greatest. The distinguishing of Persons for the favour or disfavour of the Times; yea, the very Names of Discrimination pass upon the account of Religious Differences. The Active part of all sorts and ranks of men, is hereby chiefly swayed in their Motions; and their Affections move more importunately in this One, then in all their other Concernments. Wherefore if a Settlement may be found out, which may accommodate all those Parties or Perswasions, in which the Peace of the Nation is bound up, it will prove the undoubted Interest of this State. And if such a Settlement be likewise found to be the true and sound state of Religion, it must needs be acceptable to the faithful Servants of Christ, and the true Lovers of their Country.
Now the Adventure of this Discourse is to Assert, That Reformed Christianity rightly stated, and setled in its due Latitude, is the Stability and Advancement of the Kingdom of England. Nothing is here suggested for Politick Ends, to corrupt the Purity, or enervate the Power of Religion, or to lessen Charity; but the Fatherly Compassion of Rulers, and the mutual Brotherly Condescention of all Christians, required by the Law of Christ, and some Connivence in case of insuperable Necessities, and that for the Truth's sake, is here propounded. Episcopacy is not undermined, nor any other Form of Government here insinuated; only a Relaxation of the Prescribed Uniformity, and some Indulgence to Dissenters of Sound Faith, and Good Life, is submissively offered to the Consideration of our Superiors. All Pragmatical Arrogance, presuming to give Rules to Governours, and to teach them what to do, is carefully avoided; only the Possibility, Expediency, and Necessity of Moderation, is represented. And it is humbly desired, That this Honest Intention in pursuance of Peace, may find a favourable Reception.
The Contents.
SEct. 1. The Religion of this Realm, and Three different parties of most important consideration, The Protestants of the Church of England, the Protestant Nonconformists, and the Papists.
Sect. 2. The Behaviour and Pretension of the Popish Party in these times.
Sect. 3. That Popery disposeth Subjects to Rebellion.
Sect. 4. That it persecutes all other Religions within its reach.
Sect. 5. That where soever it finds Encouragement, it is restless, till it bears down all before it, or hath put all in disorder.
Sect. 6. The Papists Pretension of Loyalty and Merit in the Kings Cause, examined.
Sect. 7. The result of the whole Discourse touching the Popish Party.
Sect. 8. That the Reformed Religion makes good Christians, and good Subjects.
Sect. 9. The Reformed Religion is the permanent Interest of this Kingdom.
Sect. 10. It is for the behoof of Religion and true Piety, and for the Interest of this State, That Reformed Christianity be setled in its full Extent.
Sect. 11. How momentous in the Ballance of the Nation those Protestants are, that dissent from the present Ecclesiastical Polity.
Sect. 12. The Extirpation of the Dissenters is both difficult anaunprofitable.
Sect. 13. The Representation of this Difficulty is no threatning to Rulers, or intimation of Rebellion.
Sect. 14. The setling of the Nation by an Established Order, a Toleration, and a Connivence.
Sect. 15. Of the Established Order in Religion, and the Moderation therein required.
Sect. 16. Whether the Dissenters are capable of being brought into such a Comprehension.
Sect. 17. Acquiescence in the widened Establishment, is the safety of Religion.
Sect. 18. Of Toleration and Connivence.
Sect. 19. Dissenters of narrow and rigid Principles, advised to Moderation.
Sect. 20. This comprehensive state of Religion, further considered, with respect to Three Important Interests: First, To that of the King.
Sect. 21. Secondly, To the Interest of the Church and Clergy.
Sect. 22. Thirdly, To the Interest of the Nobility and Gentry.
Sect. 23. The general Security that comes by this Latitude.
ERRATA.
Page 9. line 2. read in King James his time. p. 5. l. 18. r. Arts of Rome. p. 31. l. 31. r. exacted.