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…

The Preface to the Reader.

Christian Reader.¹ Though the testimony of a good conscience, is of it self a sufficient cause of rejoicing in all the tribulations of this pilgrimage,² and of confidence in our Apologies against false accusers, in which respect Blessed Paul, according to the wisdom given unto him, did herein exercise himself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men: yet, next to a good conscience, every man is bound to provide for his good name, it being,³ in Solomons judgment, better then precious ointment, which serveth to cheer a mans own spirits, and to make him amiable to others, and as any man is of more public use, so it is both more diffused, and more apt to be tainted by the show of any infirmity: according to that holy proverb.⁴ Dead flies cause the ointment of the Apothecary to send forth a stinking savour; so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. But the regard of our good name must be exercised upon higher, then self-respects, else it is but vain glory, which flowing from pride falleth into unwarranted contention. Gods name must be more dear unto us then our own, and our care must be, not so much to shun our own, as his dishonour, our esteem whereof ought, in some proportion, to answer to his dignity and eminency. We see that among men the same reproach which is but a slander of private persons, is scandalum magnatum, when it reflecteth dishonour ⟨image 3⟩upon peers of a realm, and it is crimen lasae Majestatis, when it ascendeth to the sovereign majesty. For which cause it is not to be wondered that God hath shown himself so jealous of the honour of his own name, not only upon the sons of Aaron and Eli, and those wicked Priests in Israel,