How backward I have ever heretofore bin (best knowing mine own weakness) to publish ought by the Press, they best know, who having oft pressed me thereunto, have never hitherto therein prevailed. Now a twofold necessity is imposed upon me of doing somewhat in this kind, partly by the importunity of divers Christian friends, religious and judicious, who having either heard, being partakers of my public Ministry, or heard of by report of others, or upon request seen some part of this weak work, have not ceased to solicit the further publishing of it: As also partly, (and more specially) by the iniquity of some others, who being of contrary judgment in some particulars therein disputed, have bin more forward than was fit by un-christian slanders and uncharitable censures to tax and traduce both me and it. From whose unjust and undeserved aspersions no way seemed better and readier to clear either, than by offering to open view of all, what I had before delivered in an obscure auditory (to speak of) among but a few. And this thou hast here (good Reader) for effect and substance the same that was then and there delivered, ⟨image 6⟩enlarged only with such matter of History and Humanity as was not so fit to pester the Pulpit or encumber that Auditory withal. For the occasion of entering first into this discourse, and motives of wading so far in it, I refer thee to athat part of it where I render an account thereof, unwilling to stay thee longer, than needs must be, in the entry. If any shall surmise that writings in this kind may occasion too much liberty, a thing that little needeth in this over-licentious age: I answer briefly; first that bit is unequal that for the looseness of some dissolute, the consciences of those that be godly disposed should be entangled and ensnared: and secondly, that whosoever shall take no more liberty than by me is here given, shall be sure cto keep within the bounds of Piety, of Sobriety, of Equity, and of Charity: than which, I know not what can be more required. For no sinister end (I protest before Gods face and in his fear) undertook I this task; neither have I averred or defended ought therein, but what I am verily persuaded to be agreeable to Gods word. If any man can better inform me in ought, I shall be right ready to hearken unto him:
HOw backward I haue euer heretofore bin (best knowing mine owne weaknes) to publish ought by the Presse, they best know, who hauing oft pressed me thereunto, haue neuer hitherto therein preuailed. Now a twofold necessitie is imposed vpon me of doing somewhat in this kind, partly by the importunity of diuers Christian frends, religious and judicious, who hauing either heard, being partakers of my publike Ministery, or heard of by report of others, or vpon request seene some part of this weake worke, haue not ceased to sollicite the further publishing of it: As also partly, (and more specially) by the iniquitie of some others, who being of contrary iudgment in some particulars therein disputed, haue bin more forward than was fit by vn-christian slanders and vncharitable censures to taxe and traduce both me and it. From whose vniust and vndeserued aspersions no way seemed better and readier to cleare either, than by offring to open view of all, what I had before deliuered in an obscure auditorie (to speake of) among but a few. And this thou hast here (good Reader) for effect and substance the same that was then and there deliuered, ⟨image 6⟩inlarged onely with such matter of History and Humanitie as was not so fit to pester the Pulpit or incomber that Auditorie withall. For the occasion of entring first into this discourse, and motiues of wading so far in it, I referre thee to athat part of it where I render an account thereof, vnwilling to stay thee longer, than needs must be, in the entry. If any shall surmise that writings in this kind may occasion too much liberty, a thing that litle needeth in this ouer-licentious age: I answer breifely; first that bit is vnequall that for the loosenes of some dissolute, the consciences of those that be godly disposed should be entangled and ensnared: and secondly, that whosoeuer shall take no more liberty than by me is here giuen, shall be sure cto keepe within the bounds of Piety, of Sobriety, of Equity, and of Charity: than which, I know not what can be more required. For no sinister end (I protest before Gods face and in his feare) vndertooke I this taske; neither haue I auerred or defended ought therein, but what I am verily perswaded to be agreeable to Gods word. If any man can better informe me in ought, I shall be right ready to hearken vnto him:
- aChap 9. §. 10.
- bSee Gerson in regul. m•r. & Nider in consolat. timoraonscieuc. part. 3. c. 20. ad Cap. 9 § 10.
- cRead the whole 9, Chapter.
