An apologetical reply to a book called an answer to the unjust complaint of…An apologeticall reply to a booke called an ansvver to the unjust complaint of…

They seriously advising upon the proposition made by me, and knowing that the liberty and power of choosing their Pastor was in themselves (which also secured me from fear that a wolf should be obtruded upon them, after my departure, without which assurance I would not have resigned it) & it being thought ⟨p. 110⟩by some to be better for the Church, that I should quietly resign, then, by holding the place, to expose them to some inconveniences (which I forbear to mention at this time) they freely consented to my resignation. In testimony whereof the Churchwardens (in the name and service of the rest) joined with me in all that was done about it. Thus I was freely dismissed by the same power that called me to that ministry. The reasons, which inclined me to preserve my liberty, were these. 1. the severity of the Canons against those, who, having formerly subscribed, and conformed, do alter their judgment and practise. 2. the Bishops own threatenings uttered to me, in particular, formerly, that, in this case, I must expect, that they would be more severe against me, then some others; because my example (he said) would do more hurt. 3. J was satisfied, in my conscience, upon good grounds, that I might do more service to the Church, by preserving the liberty of my person, then by lying (& for ought I know, dying) in prison, and it may be, in close prison. And in this resolution I was strengthened, as by good advise, so by inward testimonies, that, in this course, I should more please God (all things being considered) then in the other, being (as it seemed to me) guided thereunto by the eye of God, whose providence fore showed me, both the danger, and the way of escape, and by the mouth of God, whose word warranted me so to do, and by the hand of God (as I have already shown) who strongly inclined my spirit, upon the forementioned grounds, thereunto. So that I could not satisfy my self, in these respects, that, if I should do otherwise, I could be free from the guilt of tempting God. Thus I have ingenuously, and plainly reported the trueth.

They seriously advising upon the proposition made by me, and knowing that the liberty and power of chusing theyre Pastor was in themselves (which also secured me from feare that a wolfe should be obtruded upon them, after my departure, without which assurāce I would not have resigned it) & it being thought ⟨p. 110⟩by some to be better for the Church, that I should quietly resigne, then, by holding the place, to expose them to some inconveniences (which I forbeare to mention at this time) they freely consented to my resignation. Jn testimony whereof the Churchwardens (in the name and service of the rest) joyned with me in all that was done about it. Thus I was freely dismissed by the same power that called me to that ministry. The reasons, which inclined me to preserve my liberty, were these. 1. the severity of the Canons against those, who, having formerly subscribed, and conformed, doe alter theyre judgment and practise. 2. the Bishops owne threatnings uttered to me, in particular, formerly, that, in this case, I must expect, that they would be more severe against mee, then some others; because my example (he sayd) would doe more hurt. 3. J was satifyed, in my conscience, upon good grounds, that I might doe more service to the Church, by preserving the liberty of my person, then by lying (& for ought I know, dying) in prison, and it may be, in close prison. And in this resolution I was strengthned, as by good advise, so by inward testimonyes, that, in this course, I should more please God (all things being considered) then in the other, being (as it seemed to me) guided thereunto by the eye of God, whose providence fore shewed me, both the danger, and the way of escape, and by the mouth of God, whose word warranted me so to doe, and by the hand of God (as I have already shewen) who strongly inclined my spirit, upon the forementioned grounds, thereunto. So that I could not satisfye my selfe, in these respects, that, if I should doe otherwise, I could be free from the guilt of tempting God. Thus I have ingenuously, and plainely reported the trueth.