Aphorisms of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…Aphorismes of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…

They leave us the bare name of their Teachers, so that we will teach them nothing but what they have taught us first, and leave out the hard sayings, which they cannot bear. For my part, though I have found as much respect from such as most, yet have I known very few of the most Religious great ones, but if I would deal but half as plainly as my commission and patterns do require, I should quickly turn their respect into indignation. If the old round dealing Prophets and Apostles were among us, I doubt some pious Gentlemen ⟨image 3⟩would take them for saucy, proud, pragmatical fellows; and would think their tongues (though not their revenues) did need a reformation. All this is no blemish to Magistracy, the Ordinance of God, but to humane nature, that for the most part can as ill bear a high estate, as a mans brains can endure to stand on the pinnacle of a steeple. Nor is this to blame any due honour to such, but to excuse my self, that I employ not my breath to fill any empty bladder. For you who are low, and full, I suppose the acknowledgement of your worth is less dangerous. As I am more beholden to Reason and Religion, then to Greatness, so do I feel them command my esteem and affections most powerfully. Your names therefore have I chosen to prefix to this paper. 1. As acknowledging you indeed fit censors of my Doctrine; having always valued the judgement of Aristotle in Philosophy before Alexander's; and thinking your approbation more considerable then all the Lords or Commanders in the Land. If you approve, I shall be the more confirmed (and so will my people for whom I write it, who know and honour you.) If you disallow, (for I cannot conceit that there is nothing to be disallowed) I shall suspect, and search again.

They leave us the bare name of their Teachers, so that we will teach them nothing but what they have taught us first, and leave out the hard sayings, which they cannot beare. For my part, though I have found as much respect from such as most, yet have I known very few of the most Religious great ones, but if I would deal but half as plainly as my commission and patterns doe require, I should quickly turne their respect into indignation. If the old round dealing Prophets and Apostles were among us, I doubt some pious Gentlemen ⟨image 3⟩would take them for sawcy, proud, pragmatical fellowes; and would think their tongues (though not their revenues) did need a reformation. All this is no blemish to Magistracie, the Ordinance of God, but to humane nature, that for the most part can as ill beare a high estate, as a mans brains can endure to stand on the pinacle of a steeple. Nor is this to blame any due honor to such, but to excuse my selfe, that I employ not my breath to fill any empty bladder. For you who are low, and full, I suppose the acknowledgement of your worth is lesse dangerous. As I am more beholden to Reason and Religion, then to Greatnesse, so doe I feel them command my esteem and affections most powerfully. Your names therefore have I chosen to prefix to this paper. 1. As acknowledging you indeed fit censors of my Doctrine; having alwayes valued the judgement of Aristotle in Philosophy before Alexanders; and thinking your approbation more considerable then all the Lords or Commanders in the Land. If you approve, I shall be the more confirmed (and so will my people for whom I write it, who know and honour you.) If you disallow, (for I cannot conceit that there is nothing to be disallowed) I shall suspect, and search againe.