The Kingdom of God Among Men, Tract 1 · Chapter 30
CHAP. XXX.
Factious usurpations are destructive to Religions interest.
REligion is by the maligners of it too often called Faction. But the name is not more reproachfull, than the thing it self is hurtfull to it. And the prudent promoters of it, will avoid Factious usurpations and all such ways, as would turn to a general greivance. But if any number of men in a higher degree of profession, should seek the ingrossing of profits and preferments within themselves, upon the account of their being Religious, and the assuming of such power as cannot be maintained, but by injury or disregard really, or in appearance offered to all others, and should so act in Civil Affairs, as if they only were the people, and think to do this for the advancement of Religion, they would much mistake their way. For besides the iniquity of this practice, the vanity and weakness of it is manifest.
The intrinsick and permanent strength of strict Religion must be well considered. For that which is adventitious, is very mutable and may be soon turn'd against it. Occasional advantages may suddenly raise it up to reputation and power among men, and as suddenly leave it to sink and fall again. Wherefore its friends and followers may well reckon that they have made the most of their advantages, when they can secure its interests in the common interest of a Nation.
A firm liberty and security founded in a national interest, is more agreeable to the condition of regenerate Christians, than an intire potency to themselves alone. For they would scarce well comport with so great a weight of power. Hypocrites for carnal ends would addict themselves to their party and overact them. The sincere would prove but men, corruptions would appear, and miscarriages would marr their reputation, which is not their least Support. Hereunto may be added many incongruities that would happen to them. The Gallantry and Splendor of the world will be no help to that humble and contrite frame of Spirit, and real mortification, and holy walking, and heavenly mindedness which is the power of Christianity. The various and versatile ways of worldly policy turning to innumerable occasions, are not very passable to truly tender Consciences. Besides, if the power were inclosed within these narrow limits, many of low Birth and Breeding must needs be lifted up, both to the envy of the excluded party, and the disesteem of Magistracy. And persons of low condition being raised above their own Sphere upon the account of Religion, may be easily tempted to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, and to grow busie, peevish and rigid in needless matters, which will provoke a People and fire their Spirits, and though the rage be pent up for a season within their breasts, it will at length break out into a flame.
The power of Christianity, as to human strength, is best established and extended, by leaning upon some common interest with which it falls in, as the Vine is born up, and spreads abroad by the support of a wall or frame. It is therefore most sutable to the terms upon which it stands in this world, to be in a complex state with some other just, large and stable interest, such as is the common peace and safety both of Prince and People.
And being a holy and wise Profession, it leads its Followers in safe and right Paths, and teacheth them to wait therein with patience. The nature of its interest will bear such patient waiting. For it is not carnal consisting of the great things of this world, which may call for an eager and quick pursuit, and daring interprizes. but it is the upholding of such a cause as needs not fear a sinking, if it catch not hold of every sudden offer, that is not clear in regard of Conscience or prudence, but by an unchangable reason it indures throughout all ages, and if it fall it shall rise again. It needs not the making of Parties, and drawing people to its side by a pragmatical importunity, nor to enter into any suspected ways; but wheresoever it is managed like it self in righteous and prudent Counsels, it makes the fairest progress and of longest continuance.
The reasons aforegoing, do hold in due proportion against the ingrossing of privileges, in particular in corporate Societies, and the making of Parties to interrupt the settled order of promotions and to keep back persons legally intitled, that the Religious alone might be promoted. Such Practises make sad breaches, and upon change of Affairs will turn to the great detriment if not the depression of the Party so advanced.