Catholic communion defended against both extremes, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…Catholick communion defended against both extreams, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…

XVIII. And truly, I am so tender of the honour of the Nonconformists, that I will do my part to keep them from reproach: And as I said before, too many are apt to judg of all their cause, by any one weakness or mistake. It was the reason why, in 1660. and 1661. when we attempted a Concord with the Bishops in vain, we never said a word against a Form of Prayer, n•r the most of the Liturgy, nor Holy-days, nor Kneeling at the Sacrament, (but only against Excommunicating the faithful that scruple it) nor the Surplice, nor the Ring in Marriage, nor laying the Hand o• a Book in Swearing, and other such; because, at least, much may be said for them; and if we laid our stress on doubtful things, many would think the rest were no other. And if we should be so weak as for the Liturgy, &c. to avoid all Communion with the Parish Churches as unlawful, we might flatter one another, as all Sects do, but standers by would hence judg of all the rest, and deride or pity us, as scrupulous Fanatics, that judg not by evidence, but by prejudice and self conceit.

XVIII. And truly, I am so tender of the honour of the Nonconformists, that I will do my part to keep them from reproach: And as I said before, too many are apt to judg of all their cause, by any one weakness or mistake. It was the reason why, in 1660. and 1661. when we attempted a Concord with the Bishops in vain, we never said a word against a Form of Prayer, n•r the most of the Liturgy, nor Holy-days, nor Kneeling at the Sacrament, (but only against Excommunicating the faithful that scruple it) nor the Surplice, nor the Ring in Marriage, nor laying the Hand o• a Book in Swearing, and other such; because, at least, much may be said for them; and if we laid our stress on doubtful things, many would think the rest were no other. And if we should be so weak as for the Liturgy, &c. to avoid all Communion with the Parish Churches as unlawful, we might flatter one another, as all Sects do, but standers by would hence judg of all the rest, and deride or pity us, as scruplous Fanaticks, that judg not by evidence, but by prejdice and self conceit.