An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

It is partly for unprejudiced Students that I write, and partly for the times to come, when the Fruits of malignant Faction and Wars, have disgraced them, and made the world a weary of them.

I am blamed by Dissenters, as coming too near by Conciliatory Explications, to some things which they call dangerous Points of Popery, Arminianism and Prelacy; but whether it be by Truth or by Error, I leave to trial: Sure our English Universities and Canonists are not like to receive any hurt by it, who will not read a Book that they see my Name to, though the Doctrine would never so much gratify them. And others (at home and Foreigners) are satisfied by Knowledge and Prepossession against such seeming Danger.

I am blamed by Dissenters, as coming too near by Conciliatory Explications, to some things which they call dangerous Points of Popery, Arminianism and Prelacy; but whether it be by Truth or by Error, I leave to trial: Sure our English Universities and Canonists are not like to receive any hurt by it, who will not read a Book that they see my Name to, though the Doctrine would never so much gratifie them. And others (at home and Foreigners) are satisfied by Knowledge and Prepossession against such seeming Danger.

The great blemish of this, and other of my Writings is, That I say oft the same thing which I have said before. Much of this Book is in my Catholic Theology, and my Meth. Theol. and my Treatise of Justifying Righteousness. But, 1. Forgetfulness in Old Men that have written so much, is no wonder. 2. But it showeth that I have not forgotten the Matter, nor take it up suddenly and superficially, which I so oft repeat. 3. And there may be great use for such Repetitions, when it is for clearer Method, or for epitomizing larger Writings, which many cannot, or will not read; but those that can, may have the benefit of more Explicatory Copiousness. If it profit the Reader, I am not solicitous for the Reputation of the Writer.