of_o grace_n and_o other_o virtuous_a accomplishment_n as_o full_a of_o word_n vanity_n and_o other_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n now_o sir_n if_o you_o shall_v unhappy_o miscarry_v which_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n prevent_v as_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o your_o self_n so_o not_o only_o your_o parent_n hope_n of_o your_o youth_n but_o the_o staff_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o age_n will_v lie_v a_o bleed_a to_o their_o unexpressible_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n these_o consideration_n have_v very_o much_o affect_v i_o which_o i_o take_v the_o freedom_n to_o mention_v to_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n when_o i_o first_o hear_v of_o their_o design_n of_o send_v you_o beyond_o sea_n and_o upon_o more_o due_a and_o serious_a deliberation_n do_v now_o with_o more_o confidence_n yet_o humble_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o you_o upon_o these_o subject_n for_o i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o consider_v i_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o true_a friend_n i_o shall_v not_o incur_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o be_v herein_o too_o bold_a or_o presumptuous_a and_o will_v think_v myself_o sufficient_o pay_v if_o through_o god_n blessing_n i_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a instrument_n in_o do_v the_o least_o good_a to_o your_o soul._n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a happiness_n to_o your_o self_n as_o well_o as_o a_o comfort_n to_o all_o your_o friend_n if_o you_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o religion_n betimes_o and_o remember_v your_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n eccles_n 12.1_o this_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n the_o glory_n and_o support_v of_o your_o family_n which_o have_v be_v always_o eminent_a for_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o a_o degenerous_a heir_n not_o to_o slatter_v you_o sir_n nor_o puff_n you_o up_o nor_o great_a hope_n of_o its_o establishment_n to_o future_a generation_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o point_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o note_v to_o you_o for_o your_o great_a security_n that_o you_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o meeting_n with_o many_o broker_n of_o villainy_n who_o trade_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o pervert_v and_o do_v live_v upon_o the_o spoil_n and_o ruin_n of_o young_a gentleman_n insomuch_o that_o scarce_o any_o person_n of_o your_o quality_n can_v travel_v into_o foreign_a part_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v mighty_o caress_v and_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o respect_n and_o civility_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n to_o be_v seduce_v we_o know_v very_o well_o what_o stratagem_n be_v use_v by_o some_o man_n to_o undermine_v the_o sacred_a foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n insomuch_o that_o before_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n of_o indulgence_n neither_o law_n nor_o penalty_n can_v restrain_v they_o what_o then_o will_v they_o not_o dare_v to_o attempt_v within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n especial_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o person_n of_o temper_n and_o quality_n who_o be_v incline_v and_o dispose_v as_o you_o be_v to_o religion_n and_o see_v also_o they_o have_v not_o only_o free_a scope_n and_o privilege_n but_o encouragement_n to_o seduce_v so_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v assault_v at_o least_o by_o their_o close_a and_o cunning_a insinuation_n there_o have_v be_v alas_o too_o many_o pervert_v already_o the_o loss_n of_o who_o join_v with_o the_o church_n we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n to_o lament_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n we_o have_v lose_v no_o more_o and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o it_o consider_v the_o importunate_a method_n and_o plausibleness_n of_o our_o adversary_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a who_o like_o those_o infect_v with_o the_o plague_n have_v always_o a_o itch_a desire_n of_o taint_v other_o wherefore_o none_o can_v blame_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o we_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o truth_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o falsehood_n which_o argument_n alone_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v read_v sir_n of_o some_o country_n i_o wish_v your_o curiosity_n may_v not_o carry_v you_o thither_o who_o chief_a virtue_n modest_o speak_v do_v very_o much_o border_n either_o on_o impiety_n or_o superstition_n and_o yet_o those_o very_a place_n as_o traveller_n observe_v which_o be_v most_o worth_a see_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contagious_a now_o it_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n for_o a_o young_a gentleman_n to_o be_v chaste_a and_o virtuous_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o sodom_n and_o few_o have_v travel_v thither_o however_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o with_o variety_n of_o object_n and_o return_v home_o without_o some_o dangerous_a tincture_n either_o of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n or_o schism_n and_o sedition_n thus_o i_o have_v note_v in_o general_a what_o temptation_n and_o hazard_n you_o be_v expose_v to_o among_o foreigner_n and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v and_o contaminate_v in_o your_o religion_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a though_o your_o tutor_n be_v never_o so_o careful_a yet_o much_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o your_o own_o temper_n and_o inclination_n how_o to_o sever_v good_a from_o evil_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n prove_v factious_a superstitious_a or_o extreme_o wicked_a on_o a_o sudden_a but_o through_o several_a declination_n fall_v by_o degree_n from_o virtue_n and_o religion_n see_v then_o so_o many_o temptation_n and_o snare_n may_v await_v you_o in_o every_o place_n where_o you_o come_v which_o no_o man_n prudence_n can_v foresee_v and_o your_o own_o heart_n prove_v deceitful_a and_o forward_a to_o betray_v you_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v constant_o upon_o your_o guard_n and_o if_o your_o tutor_n shall_v either_o be_v negligent_a or_o perfidious_a as_o many_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a trust_n and_o i_o can_v name_v some_o of_o they_o yet_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n you_o may_v secure_v your_o religion_n and_o conscience_n inviolable_a but_o for_o the_o further_a prevention_n of_o their_o machination_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o your_o establishment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o offer_v these_o three_o follow_v particular_n to_o your_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o true_a though_o short_a account_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n both_o as_o to_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o discipline_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v for_o ever_o oblige_v you_o to_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n second_o we_o shall_v inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o chief_o differ_v from_o we_o a_o religion_n of_o all_o other_o within_o the_o pail_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o most_o please_a and_o delightful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n scarce_o can_v comply_v with_o especial_o if_o he_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o must_v offer_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o either_o three_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o pretension_n reason_n and_o argument_n which_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n have_v urge_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o palliate_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o communion_n and_o seduce_v other_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o argument_n to_o tempt_v much_o less_o to_o persuade_v you_o or_o any_o other_o person_n of_o part_n and_o education_n who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o passion_n interest_n or_o prejudice_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o most_o true_o orthodox_n and_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o all_o these_o several_o and_o first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n both_o as_o to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o discipline_n and_o first_o concern_v her_o doctrine_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o our_o creed_n commandment_n lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o every_o orthodox_n and_o believe_v christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v ready_o subscribe_v and_o say_v amen_n to_o our_o sabbath_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o keep_v with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o solemnity_n god_n holy_a word_n be_v pure_o and_o faithful_o preach_v his_o sacrament_n due_o
which_o be_v a_o confess_a argument_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o moderation_n second_o that_o the_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o world_n than_o in_o a_o corner_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o three_o in_o all_o age_n than_o of_o late_a year_n not_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n before_o ever_o popery_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world._n four_o that_o this_o one_o church_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v find_v in_o unity_n than_o in_o division_n which_o we_o can_v easy_o recriminate_a and_o retort_v upon_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v more_o and_o great_a schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o in_o any_o other_o christian_a church_n whatsoever_o five_o that_o they_o have_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n downward_o so_o have_v we_o as_o be_v full_o evident_a from_o all_o our_o ancient_n and_o authentic_a record_n see_v bishop_n bamhal_n account_n of_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o they_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v three_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o then_o become_v of_o their_o uninterrupted_a succession_n six_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o christ_n vicar_n in_o extraordinary_a upon_o earth_n which_o spurious_a title_n and_o usurpation_n as_o we_o note_v before_o be_v reject_v by_o at_o least_o two_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o dislike_v by_o some_o national_a church_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v of_o their_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v inclinable_a enough_o if_o they_o know_v but_o how_o to_o cast_v off_o that_o papal_a and_o tyrannical_a yoke_n seven_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v only_o a_o branch_n lop_v off_o or_o a_o rag_n tear_v from_o the_o coat_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o church_n nor_o religion_n before_o luther_n this_n be_v a_o most_o gross_a and_o manifest_a untruth_n for_o we_o have_v a_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n before_o ever_o st._n peter_n come_v at_o rome_n found_v by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o flourish_v under_o king_n lucius_n the_o first_o christian_a monarch_n in_o the_o world._n and_o we_o know_v very_o well_o by_o what_o usurpation_n and_o encroachment_n and_o the_o time_n when_o popery_n first_o get_v foot_v in_o england_n that_o augustin_n the_o monk_n cause_v some_o hundred_o of_o that_o order_n to_o be_v slay_v at_o bangor_n to_o make_v way_n for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v work_v upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o credulity_n of_o some_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o of_o our_o christian_a prince_n not_o have_v the_o power_n or_o courage_n or_o resolution_n to_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o eight_o king_n of_o england_n a_o person_n who_o temper_n and_o affair_n let_v our_o adversary_n bespatter_v he_o as_o they_o please_v make_v he_o a_o fit_a instrument_n to_o begin_v the_o reformation_n which_o through_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o prudent_a and_o religious_a conduct_n of_o his_o successor_n have_v be_v happy_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v which_o we_o hope_v through_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n who_o now_o reign_v may_v be_v continue_v a_o blessing_n to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n hence_o therefore_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o you_o that_o these_o be_v all_o threadbare_a and_o stale_a evasion_n and_o subtersuge_n to_o colour_n and_o palliate_v their_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n visibility_n unity_n magnificence_n right_o of_o succession_n of_o and_o in_o their_o church_n all_o which_o have_v be_v answer_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n by_o worthy_a and_o learned_a author_n as_o you_o will_v see_v afterward_o but_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v so_o well_o state_v and_o thorough_o canvas_v by_o our_o church_n of_o england_n man_n in_o these_o last_o three_o year_n that_o there_o will_v be_v more_o difficulty_n now_o than_o ever_o to_o persuade_v any_o gentleman_n of_o sense_n and_o ingenuity_n to_o believe_v their_o incongruous_a and_o hateful_a absurdity_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o the_o same_o foot-mark_a who_o have_v lay_v aside_o all_o modesty_n and_o candour_n their_o forehead_n be_v so_o steel_v with_o confidence_n as_o to_o affirm_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o church_n priest_n sacrament_n nor_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o load_v we_o with_o all_o the_o nonsensical_a and_o unjust_a calumny_n imaginable_a not_o regard_v what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v but_o spiteful_a and_o malicious_a observe_v the_o old_a maxim_n fortiter_fw-la calumniari_fw-la aliquid_fw-la haerebit_fw-la nay_o they_o will_v even_o disclaim_v their_o own_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v tell_v the_o credulous_a people_n that_o their_o adversary_n out_o of_o mere_a spite_n and_o malice_n do_v misrepresent_v they_o these_o method_n have_v be_v late_o use_v by_o a_o eminent_a papist_n here_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbourhood_n to_o some_o person_n of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v former_o my_o parishioner_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v warp_a towards_o popery_n they_o acquaint_v i_o with_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o those_o sophism_n to_o be_v nervous_a and_o strong_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v true_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n but_o such_o shuffle_a trick_n as_o these_o carry_v their_o own_o confutation_n along_o with_o they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o old_a piece_n of_o legerdemain_n which_o one_o will_v have_v think_v shall_v have_v be_v long_o since_o explode_v and_o i_o find_v the_o very_a same_o hocus_n pocus_fw-la illusion_n use_v by_o the_o popish_a priest_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o q._n elizabeth_n for_o we_o know_v very_o well_o what_o privilege_n be_v allow_v they_o to_o swear_v and_o forswear_v and_o not_o only_o deny_v but_o even_o rail_v against_o their_o own_o receive_a doctrine_n practice_n church_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o catholic_n i._n e._n the_o roman_a religion_n consult_v dr._n nalson_n fox_n and_o firebrand_n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v many_o of_o their_o juggle_a device_n and_o be_v man_n of_o latitude_n and_o faculty_n to_o prepare_v dish_n for_o every_o palate_n i_o have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o express_a in_o state_v these_o difference_n because_o i_o know_v those_o popish_a emissary_n be_v creep_v into_o all_o country_n and_o do_v every_o where_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v young_a gentleman_n both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o instance_n of_o both_o who_o have_v be_v take_v captive_n by_o they_o i_o shall_v name_v two_o particular_o the_o one_o a_o person_n of_o good_a quality_n strong_a and_o quick_a natural_a part_n a_o excellent_a scholar_n under_o the_o conduct_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v of_o a_o well_o qualify_v tutor_n well_o educate_v according_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o his_o pious_a and_o prudent_a parent_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o be_v pervert_v in_o his_o travel_n and_o continue_v a_o zealous_a and_o cunning_a papist_n there_o be_v another_o gentleman_n also_o both_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o former_a and_o every_o way_n as_o well_o fit_v for_o travel_n yet_o do_v contract_v such_o a_o habit_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o in_o few_o year_n a_o estate_n of_o above_o 2000_o l._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la be_v entire_o waste_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o bare_a puff_n of_o honour_n without_o any_o estate_n to_o support_v it_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o all_o the_o particular_n by_o what_o method_n that_o unfortunate_a sweet_a and_o ingenuous_a young_a gentleman_n be_v allure_v and_o trapane_v into_o these_o mischief_n who_o also_o die_v immature_o etc._n etc._n which_o example_n among_o many_o other_o have_v be_v often_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o any_o jealousy_n or_o suspicion_n of_o your_o miscarriage_n yet_o i_o have_v set_v they_o in_o your_o view_n as_o land_n mark_v and_o sea_n mark_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o split_v your_o vessel_n so_o well_o build_v and_o rich_o lade_v either_o upon_o the_o sand_n and_o shelf_n of_o debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n or_o the_o rock_n and_o splinter_n of_o schism_n and_o superstition_n therefore_o dear_a sir_n let_v i_o beseech_v you_o once_o more_o to_o
it_o be_v not_o the_o province_n nor_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v religion_n this_o be_v whole_o lest_o to_o the_o prudent_a management_n of_o those_o governor_n who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v to_o rule_v over_o us._n wherefore_o that_o precipitant_n and_o rash_a zeal_n which_o some_o miscall_v puty_n will_n more_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o prejudice_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a compliance_n with_o those_o seem_a error_n and_o defect_n which_o they_o so_o much_o cavil_v at_o and_o complain_v of_o 7._o it_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n then_o of_o imprudence_n and_o indiscretion_n to_o run_v upon_o manifest_a and_o real_a evil_n upon_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v mere_o groundless_a and_o only_o imagine_v to_o be_v so_o will_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n dare_v to_o forsake_v god_n public_a ordinance_n and_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o probable_a defect_n in_o her_o communion_n for_o god_n command_n to_o attend_v his_o public_a worship_n and_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plain_a and_o positive_a whereas_o the_o error_n object_v against_o we_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a and_o now_o to_o cast_v the_o scale_n the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o pious_a learned_a &_o judicious_a man_n be_v on_o our_o side_n so_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o grant_v they_o that_o we_o do_v err_v let_v our_o governor_n see_v to_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o our_o obedience_n nor_o dare_v we_o subtract_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o inconvenience_n only_o if_o their_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o they_o have_v none_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o see_v they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n to_o reform_v the_o least_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o government_n it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a prudence_n and_o more_o christian_n like_o to_o pray_v &_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o what_o they_o apprehend_v amiss_o than_o to_o disobey_v and_o exasperate_v their_o governor_n stir_v up_o division_n in_o the_o church_n &_o run_v upon_o the_o dangerous_a hazard_n of_o a_o licentious_a and_o unwarrantable_a separation_n 8._o we_o shall_v be_v always_o more_o concern_v for_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o own_o national_a church_n than_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o own_o personal_a and_o private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o most_o of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n who_o have_v be_v so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o private_a humour_n and_o conceit_n that_o they_o have_v almost_o quite_o forget_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n hence_o have_v spring_v those_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n which_o have_v so_o strange_o overspread_v the_o whole_a nation_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o government_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o their_o power_n lie_v to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o we_o a_o prey_n to_o our_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a enemy_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o interest_n they_o will_v keep_v close_o at_o this_o time_n especial_o to_o our_o communion_n which_o under_o god_n will_v be_v their_o chief_a refuge_n and_o yield_v in_o some_o small_a matter_n though_o less_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n and_o opinion_n for_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a 9_o no_o prejudice_n shall_v prevail_v with_o any_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o recant_v and_o disclaim_v his_o error_n upon_o a_o through_o conviction_n and_o return_v to_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n from_o which_o he_o have_v former_o err_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o many_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o retract_v those_o error_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v censure_v by_o their_o party_n as_o renegado_n and_o apostate_n from_o their_o religion_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v be_v their_o great_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o interest_n and_o a_o special_a evidence_n of_o their_o integrity_n to_o acknowledge_v &_o recant_v their_o error_n &_o mistake_v nor_o need_v any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o confess_v he_o have_v err_v st._n aug._n write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o retractation_n for_o which_o he_o be_v deserve_o as_o much_o esteem_v as_o for_o any_o of_o his_o other_o work_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n come_v under_o the_o vile_a imputation_n and_o scandal_n of_o a_o apostate_n who_o change_v only_o some_o mistake_a error_n and_o opinion_n not_o his_o religion_n and_o last_o other_o have_v be_v extreme_o to_o blame_v in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o private_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o infallible_a maxim_n and_o necessary_a conclusion_n insomuch_o that_o they_o i_o rather_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o community_n than_o be_v persuade_v to_o recede_v from_o they_o for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o sacred_a and_o lively_a oracle_n they_o present_o sancy_v without_o the_o least_o true_a ground_n that_o every_o passage_n sound_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o prove_v and_o confirm_v their_o opinion_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o be_v allow_v and_o be_v of_o important_a and_o necessary_a use_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o then_o shall_v every_o mechanic_n presume_v to_o be_v a_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n and_o think_v himself_o as_o infallible_a as_o the_o pope_n in_o cathedra_fw-la of_o all_o the_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n now_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o mere_a enthusiasm_n and_o delusion_n in_o any_o one_o to_o pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o dark_a point_n of_o scripture_n which_o neither_o concern_v man_n faith_n nor_o manner_n without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o vulgar_a they_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o in_o all_o other_o profession_n art_n and_o science_n a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o considerable_a time_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o gain_v experience_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o manage_v and_o must_v be_v a_o approve_a artist_n before_o any_o one_o will_v entrust_v he_o with_o business_n in_o his_o way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world._n shall_v every_o novice_n then_o who_o can_v scarce_o read_v a_o chapter_n distinct_o in_o the_o bible_n presume_v to_o have_v as_o much_o skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o all_o his_o life_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o useful_a book_n understand_v the_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o make_v this_o study_n his_o whole_a business_n and_o profession_n these_o be_v such_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a conceit_n as_o one_o will_v think_v that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v once_o pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a illiterate_a country_n hobbs_n and_o conceit_a tradesman_n in_o market_n town_n and_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n as_o there_o be_v in_o most_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o will_v undertake_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o preach_v according_a to_o their_o way_n and_o yet_o with_o more_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n than_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o chair_n but_o we_o leave_v such_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o delusion_n which_o can_v neither_o concern_v you_o nor_o i_o more_o at_o present_a than_o to_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v come_v in_o due_a time_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o unaccomtable_a error_n and_o whilst_o unretract_v unpardonable_a mistake_v these_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v such_o reason_n as_o will_v puzzle_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o answer_v and_o obviate_v all_o their_o pleay_n and_o pretence_n to_o a_o warrantable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n however_o sir_n such_o as_o they_o be_v be_v humble_o offer_v to_o your_o serious_a perusal_n and_o probable_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o in_o your_o present_a circumstance_n have_v calculate_v they_o primary_o for_o that_o meridian_n yet_o let_v not_o these_o or_o any_o other_o so_o bound_v you_o up_o as_o to_o neglect_v great_a and_o better_a of_o your_o own_o for_o it_o will_v be_v your_o great_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o weigh_v and_o measure_v the_o drift_n and_o design_n of_o all_o counsel_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o doubt_v i_o have_v weary_v your_o patience_n with_o a_o tedious_a epistle_n the_o subject_n be_v so_o copious_a have_v draw_v it_o out_o to_o a_o undue_a proportion_n yet_o when_o you_o have_v serious_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o importance_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v candid_o excuse_v not_o only_o the_o length_n but_o all_o other_o mistake_v and_o defect_n in_o it_o without_o any_o further_a apology_n whatever_o indiscretion_n i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o either_o in_o the_o undertake_n or_o management_n and_o composure_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v whole_o imputable_a to_o my_o self_n none_o of_o your_o relation_n or_o friend_n be_v yet_o acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o all_o which_o i_o do_v most_o earnest_o and_o humble_o beg_v your_o pardon_n now_o that_o god_n almighty_n may_v ever_o bless_v preserve_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v you_o in_o your_o progress_n and_o return_n and_o that_o all_o your_o endeavour_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o well-pleasing_a to_o your_o friend_n and_o a_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourself_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o earnest_a hearty_a and_o constant_a prayer_n of_o prayer_n of_o honour_a sir_n your_o humble_a devote_a servant_n march_z 6h_o stylo_n vetere_fw-la 1687_o 1687_o 8._o