The defence of the nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of the matter…

§ 3. But now I come to Sampson's Hair, the very strength of all your Book, page 115. The Preface saith, [When Doubts arise in the Use and Practice of the same, to appease all such diversity (if any arise) and for the resolution of all Doubts concerning the manner how to ⟨p. 114⟩understand, do and execute the things contained in this Book, the Parties that so doubt, or diversly take any thing, shall always resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same, so that the same Order be not contrary to any thing contained in this Book.] Whence you gather, that the Law makes the Bishop the common Expositor; and if he gives a good Exposition, or by silence show consent, all is safe, and you may Conform.

§ 3. But now I come to Sampson's Hair, the very strength of all your Book, page 115. The Preface saith, [When Doubts arise in the Use and Practice of the same, to appease all such diversity (if any arise) and for the resolution of all Doubts concerning the manner how to ⟨p. 114⟩understand, do and execute the things contained in this Book, the Parties that so doubt, or diversly take any thing, shall always resort to the Bishop of the Diocess, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same, so that the same Order be not contrary to any thing contained in this Book.] Whence you gather, that the Law makes the Bishop the common Expositor; and if he gives a good Exposition, or by silence shew consent, all is safe, and you may Conform.

I confess this Reed is the strongest support of your Cause that I have met with: And I am not censuring others that lean upon it: I doubt not but they may be better Men than I: But I will tell you why I cannot.