Full and easy satisfaction which is the true and safe religion in a conference…Full and easie satisfaction which is the true and safe religion in a conference…

Though indeed it was the terror of their murdering about two hundred thousand in Ireland (of which see Bishop Jones, Sir John Temple, and the Earl of Orery against Welsh,) which frightened those that I was acquainted with, out of their peace, and almost out of their wits here in England, yet dead men are not heard on Earth, and their service for the King in England serveth not only for a Cloak for that, but for an advantage against many that stand in their way. In all Civil Wars, if the Clergy be drawn in to own several Causes (especially if they own an ill Cause) who ever prevaileth, Religion suffereth by it; while one part of them are laid by, or hindered by the other. 8. And though God hath greatly obliged this Nation to thankfulness, by preserving our Superiors so much from Popery as he hath done, yet some of their names are injuriously abused, to entice men to the Popish way, as if it had so much countenance and patronage, that Interest might invite them to it. 9. And the World is liable to changes, and weary of holding long in one way: The name of Antiquity especially in Religion is venerable with all; but yet it is Novelty that pleaseth in the Matter. And when Popery is to us a New way honoured with the name of The old Religion, it is a taking bait. ⟨p. 181⟩10. But the grand cause of all, is, the common peoples Ignorance, as being ungrounded in their own Religion; and their badness, who measure all by carnal Interests, and all our great and manifold sins, by which we have forfeited Gods presence and his grace, and provoked him to leave us to the shame and ruin of our own lusts and delusions to undo our selves. Great sins bring great plagues. And most men are of their Religion who have the greatest interest in their estimation and affections, or that have greatest advantage on them by constant nearness, familiarity, kindred, kindness or power to do them good or hurt in the World. And therefore to your question Why so many of late turn Papists, I shall but now concludingly answer you, as I begun with you, concerning the Cause of your own doubts;

Though indeed it was the terrour of their murdering about two hundred thousand in Ireland (of which see Bishop Jones, Sir John Temple, and the Earl of Orery against Welsh,) which frightened those that I was acquainted with, out of their peace, and almost out of their wits here in England, yet dead men are not heard on Earth, and their service for the King in England serveth not only for a Cloke for that, but for an advantage against many that stand in their way. In all Civil Wars, if the Clergy be drawn in to own several Causes (especially if they own an ill Cause) who ever prevaileth, Religion suffereth by it; while one part of them are laid by, or hindered by the other. 8. And though God hath greatly obliged this Nation to thankfulness, by preserving our Superiours so much from Popery as he hath done, yet some of their names are injuriously abused, to entice men to the Popish way, as if it had so much countenance and patronage, that Interest might invite them to it. 9. And the World is lyable to changes, and weary of holding long in one way: The name of Antiquity especially in Religion is venerable with all; but yet it is Novelty that pleaseth in the Matter. And when Popery is to us a New way honoured with the name of The old Religion, it is a taking bait.