Concerning others we say nothing. But we ourselves have already been taught by more than enough experiences how wicked denunciation is effective in not only dividing the minds of otherwise good men, but also almost in the uprooting churches themselves, as often as it can spread sinister rumours about a matter not clearly investigated. Indeed, as a fire which has already burned far and wide is not extinguished offhand, so it is too late, once such evils have arisen, for us to try to cope with them. We are aware of two kinds of suspicions from which the church in the past sustained and today sustains very many evils. Either when we interpret the things done by our brethren and leaders on the left side, which if they got right and kindly judges, could be taken in the best part, or surely at least excused. Or when we to readily incline ourselves to quaff and rumours. What evils may follow from all these we prefer to imagine rather than to experience! For that reason let us ponder how to expend every effort to avert them. Accordingly, because it is going to be for us an incredible boon, let us struggle rather in mutual good-will and love, let us contend to provide with protection, let us both by example and exhortation call one another forth to duty. By forms of conflicts and contentions such as these the church is not fatigued, troubled, nor afflicted; rather it grows flourishes, and is strengthened with new increases. If there is zeal for cooperation and peace, let us urge unity of Doctrine and minds rather than insist somewhat peevishly on ceremonies conforming to the letter. For it is most unworthy of us to seek a servile conformity, having passed over ediication, in those whom the Lord leaves freedom in order that there might be greater readiness to be edified. And yet when that last judgement-seat will have been reached, where once for all an account of our performance will have to be made, it will not at all be the question of ceremonies nor conformity in external matters, but the lawful use of freedom will be strictly reckoned: Lawful at last will that be considered which has contributed most to a edification. Therefore, that all our care watchfulness, industry, attention press towards this edification which we know will succeed to the degree that advances in sober fear of God, sincere piety and unfeigned holiness of morals. [John Calvin's First Catechism]
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