Works 1608-1631 / Capt. John Smith ; edited by Edward Arber.

  • John Smith
Date:
1884
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Works 1608-1631 / Capt. John Smith ; edited by Edward Arber. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    1109/1144 (page 959)
    day, whose beginnings was once as unhopefull as theirs; and to make them as eminent shall be my humble and hearty pra}^ers. [34] But as 3^et it is not well understood of any authority they have sought for the government and tranquillity of the Church, which doth cause those suspicions of factions in Religion; wherein although I be no Divine, yet I hope without offence I may speake my opinion as well in this, as I have done in the rest. He that will but truly consider the greatnesse of the Turks Empire and power here in Christendome, shall finde the naturall Turkes are generally of one religion, and the Christians in so many divisions and opinions, that they are among themselves worse enemies than the Turkes: whose disjoyntednesse hath given him that opportunity to command so many hundred thousand of Christians as he doth; where had they beene constant to one God, one Christ, and one Church, Christians might have beene more able to have commanded as many Turkes, as now the Turkes doe poore miserable •Christians. Let this example remember you to beware of faction in that nature : for my owne part, I have scene many of you here in Londoii goe to Church as orderly ; as any. Therefore I doubt not but you will seeke to the prime t authority of the Church of Englmid, for such an orderly ■ authority as in most mens opinions is fit for you both to intreat for and to have, which I thinke will not be denied ; i and you have good reason, seeing you have such liberty : to transport so many of his Majesties subjects, with all - sorts of cattell, armes, and pi'ovision as you please, and ! can provide means to accomplish: nor can you have any i certaine releefe, nor long subsist, without more supplies : frorn England. Besides, this might prevent many incon- veniences may insue, and would clearely take away all • those idle and malicious rumours, and occasion you many good and great friends and assistance you yet dreame no '■ of; for you know better than I can tell, that the raaintainers ; of good Orders and Lawes is the best preservation next God of a Kingdome: but when they are stuffed with I hypocrisie and corruption, that state is not doubtfull but [1630] The miserable effects of faction in Religion. The necessity of order and authority.