Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me, 1for I have undertaken what I can no way perform, so much as to my own, much less to others satisfaction, when the collecting of some Memorables of Mr. Brand's Life was desired of me I too suddenly consented, not sufficiently considering, what Difficulties beset me: Namely some things of greatest moment must not be mentioned at all, either some Persons, or Times will not bear it; in other things, Places and Persons, upon the same Reasons, must not be named: and of those things ⟨p. 2⟩which may be spoken, where they can't be mentioned without commending of him, others of name, will count themselves reproached; and what scapes these difficulties, is attended by another, which tho' it be really better, 'tis in some respects worse, 'tis that which Christ charged the Jews with, 2because I tell you the truth you believe me not: So, when I shall mention somewhat done by him, which perhaps was never done by any before, those that have Faith enough to save their Souls, may want Faith to credit such a Relation, tho' attested by such evidence which is in its kind infallible. What shall I do? must I? shall I, yes I will, venture out a crippled Discourse which will present you with somewhat worthy your acceptation, and let that procure your pardon for the mangling the rest.
WOuld to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me, 1for I have undertaken what I can no way perform, so much as to my own, much less to others satisfaction, when the collecting of some Memorables of Mr. Brand's Life was desired of me I too suddainly consented, not sufficiently considering, what Difficulties beset me: Namely some things of greatest moment must not be mention'd at all, either some Persons, or Times will not bear it; in other things, Places and Persons, upon the same Reasons, must not be named: and of those things ⟨p. 2⟩which may be spoken, where they can't be mention'd without commending of him, others of name, will count themselves reproach'd; and what scapes these difficulties, is attended by another, which tho' it be really better, 'tis in some respects worse, 'tis that which Christ charged the Jews with, 2because I tell you the truth you believe me not: So, when I shall mention somewhat done by him, which perhaps was never done by any before, those that have Faith enough to save their Souls, may want Faith to credit such a Relation, tho' attested by such evidence which is in its kind infallible. What shall I do? must I? shall I, yes I will, venture out a crippled Discourse which will present you with somewhat worthy your acceptation, and let that procure your pardon for the mangling the rest.
- 12 Cor. 11.1.
- 2Joh. 8.45.
