The Kingdom of God Among Men, Tract 1 · Chapter 31
CHAP. XXXI.
Of Leading and following, and of Combinations.
GOds Providence useth to dispose into all quarters, some men not only of known integrity, but eminent for wisdom and reputation, who see more than the ordinary sort of good men, and are able and meet to give advice like those children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do. These are much the stay of this Profession, and by their influence keep things right, and preserve the weaker sort from manifold aberrations. It is supposed that they seek not their own glory in being made Heads of Parties; but that in sincerity and self-denial they follow truth and peace, and use their Authority and ability, to promote a Catholick interest, and true concord among all Christians.
Nevertheless sometimes the understanding of the prudent fails, and Counsel is hidden from them. It pleaseth the only wise God, sometimes to permit strange resolves to proceed from good and wise men, that our main stress of hope might rest upon him alone, and on his infallible Word; and that we might not become the absolute Disciples of any Masters upon Earth.
One or two eminent men in a Country, though wise and faithfull, may not be followed as it were by implicit Faith, which may lead into great mistakes. It is to be supposed, that there be many discreet persons, though not of eminent ability, whom it may become to hear and reverence their eminent men, yet to see with their own eyes, that is, to judge by their own reason. In this matter there be two extreams, either to be too morose or too sequacious, the one being the effect of a sullen pride and Self-conceit; the other of pusillanimity, temerity, and such like weakness, and both tending to make breaches and lead into parties. We may have the persons of Worthy men in due veneration, but not in excessive admiration.
Avoid precipitate Leaders, for though the service of hot Spirits may be sometimes prosperous; yet in this temperate cause their conduct is pernicious. And there is as much reason to avoid such Leaders as care not, or at least consider not, what they do against the common interest of Christianity, to advance a particular Form or Party. But above all beware of such persons, whose apparent worldly interests lead them to adhere to some divided Party, & to cherish Faction. If much be committed into such hands, we shall be lead into a wrong course, or disabled to follow the right, though we see it plain before us. Yea, the cause of Religion will be inthralled to the service of a Faction, and be left with disgrace enough when men have serv'd their turns of it.
A people of honest zeal may easily be overcredulous of great and powerfull men that pretend to favour Religion, and take it into their Patronage. Yet the more discerning sort will look to it, that, while Grandees retain them with such favour and Friendship, they overact them not to the dishonor and dammage of this Profession, which is more worthy than to be held in vassalage, and made to lackey after corrupt designs; and more noble than to bear such indignity.
It is good for the younger sort of Professors to reverence the ancient and more experienced; and for all sorts in their choice of Guides and Patterns, to prefer solid judgment with integrity of Life and Conversation before taking parts, heat of zeal and high affections. Amidst diversities of Parties and Persuasions, it is safe to hold communion with the generality of Serious and Pious Christians, and yet to receive with love the several disagreeing Parties, who for the main walk in the truth, and to have communion with them all, as far as Catholick Principles will give leave.
In pursuing the ends of this Interest, there is no need of private or unauthorized Persons entring into such stated combinations and correspondences, as the Jesuits and other Orders under the Papacy, have setled in their Societies throughout the World. For all Pious Christians are taught of God, and have one Spirit touching the main of this design, and are inclined to pursue the same with one accord. And indeed so it is, that only the sincere friends of truth, men of upright hearts, and humble spirits, and honest lives, will observe and follow the rules of this Interest. And it sufficeth, if they keep close to their common rule of Faith and Life, and follow after the things that make for Peace, and know the present state of Gods Israel, and acquaint themselves with each other, as opportunity of converse offers it self, and so govern themselves, and carry on the advancement of Religion by such honest and harmless means, as need not shun the light, but may stand before the face of all opposers.