5.10. Direction X - On Avoiding Extremes

Direction X - On Avoiding Extremes When you are repenting of or avoiding any extreme, do it not without sufficient fear and caution of the contrary extreme. In the esteem and love of God, your ultimate end, you need not fear overdoing: nor anywhere, when impediments, and backwardness or impotency do tell you that you can never do too much. But sin lieth on both sides the rule and way: and nothing is more common, than to turn from one sin to another, under the name of duty or amendment. Especially this is common in matter of opinion. Some will first believe, that God in nothing else but mercy and after, take notice of nothing but his justice. First, they believe that almost all are saved, and afterwards, that almost none; first, that every profession is credible, and next, that none is credible without some greater testimony; first, that Christ satisfied for none at all that will not be saved, and next, that he died for all alike; first, that none are now partakers of the Holy Spirit, and next, that all saints have the Spirit, not only to illuminate and sanctify them by transcribing the written word upon their hearts, but also to inspire them with new revelations instead of Scripture... Now, they are for legal bondage, and anon for libertinism; today for liberty in religion to none that agree not with them in every circumstance, and tomorrow for a liberty for all; this year, all things are lawful to them, and the next year, nothing is lawful, but they scruple all that they say or do. One while, they are all for a worship of mere show and ceremony; and another while, against the determination of mere circumstances of order and decency, by man. One while, they cry up nothing but free grace; and another while nothing but free will. One while, they are for a discipline stricter than the rule; and another while, for no discipline at all. First, for timorous compliance with evil and afterwards, for boisterous contempt of government. Abundance of such instances we might give you. The remedy against this disease is to proceed deliberately, and receive nothing and do nothing rashly and unadvisedly in religion. For, when you have found out your first error, you will be affrighted from that into the contrary error. See that you look round about you, as well, to the error that you may run into on the other side, as into that which you have run into already. Consult also with wise, experienced men; and mark their unhappiness that have fallen on both sides; and stay not to know evil by sad experience. True [balance] is the only way that is safe: though negligence and lukewarmness be odious, even when cloaked with that name.