there is undoubtedly such a thing as interpretative Faithfulness and Sincerity, which so far cheers Mens hearts, and spirits resolution and appeals to God, although the Principles which bear Men up herein may be, and frequently are erroneous, and but mere Mistakes. 5. We know not all that men can say, when calmly heard and fairly dealt with, for their own censured Actions, by way of Apology or Defence. 6. We must consider our own selves as in this World and Body; and as liable to equivalent (if not the same) Dangers and Temptations. The sense and provident reach of that Divine Advice, Gal. 6. 1. is vastly great, and greatly useful, and would prevent rigid Constructions if well attended to. 7. Oliver Cromwell's Progeny (those that are yet alive) are chargeable no further with his Crimes than they are approved by them: and this I never heard them charged with since 60. I know them not: but I have been told that they are serious, peaceable, useful, commendable Persons, and make a lovely Figure in their respective, though more private Stations. 8. As to Dr. Owen, 1. It is too well known (to need my proof) how great his Worth and Learning was. How soft and peaceable his Spirit, for many of his last years, if credible Fame belly him not. And perrar'o in melius mendax fama. He was indeed both a burning and a shining Light. 2. As to the Wallingford-House Affair, and the Doctor's Hand therein; our Reverend Author considered him and others as to what he thought culpable, and of pernicious Consequence and scandalous Report and Influence, as to both the present and succeeding Ages. He had no Personal Prejudice against him or others. But as both Church and State were so disorderly endangered and affected by what was there consulted and done; so Mr. Baxter did so much resent the thing, as to think it fit to be recorded, and accented with fit aggravations; as a Remonstrance to the Crime, and as a Warning to the Christian World. And he is not the only Person who hath believed, noticed and blamed that Matter. But that the Doctor is in his great Master's joys, is what our Author hath reported, his very firm persuasion of, in print. 9. As to our Brethren the Independents, 'tis true that no mean Ferment appears to have been upon the Author's Spirit. But (1.) is he sharper upon them, then on the Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Prelates, where he thought or found them culpable? (2.)
there is undoubtedly such a thing as interpretative Faithfulness and Sincerity, which so far cheers Mens hearts, and spirits resolution and appeals to God, although the Principles which bear Men up herein may be, and frequently are erroneous, and but meer Mistakes. 5. We know not all that men can say, when calmly heard and fairly dealt with, for their own censured Actions, by way of Apology or Defence. 6. We must consider our own selves as in this World and Body; and as liable to equivalent (if not the same) Dangers and Temptations. The sence and provident reach of that Divine Advice, Gal. 6. 1. is vastly great, and greatly useful, and would prevent rigid Constructions if well attended to. 7. Oliver Cromwell's Progeny (those that are yet alive) are chargeable no further with his Crimes than they are approved by them: and this I never heard them charged with since 60. I know them not: but I have been told that they are serious, peaceable, useful, commendable Persons, and make a lovely Figure in their respective, though more private Stations. 8. As to Dr. Owen, 1. It is too well known (to need my proof) how great his Worth and Learning was. How soft and peaceable his Spirit, for many of his last years, if credible Fame bely him not. And perrar'o in melius mendax fama. He was indeed both a burning and a shining Light. 2. As to the Wallingford-House Affair, and the Doctor's Hand therein; our Reverend Author considered him and others as to what he thought culpable, and of pernicious Consequence and scandalous Report and Influence, as to both the present and succeeding Ages. He had no Personal Prejudice against him or others. But as both Church and State were so disorderly endangered and affected by what was there consulted and done; so Mr. Baxter did so much resent the thing, as to think it fit to be recorded, and accented with fit aggravations; as a Remonstrance to the Crime, and as a Warning to the Christian World. And he is not the only Person who hath believed, noticed and blamed that Matter. But that the Doctor is in his great Master's joys, is what our Author hath reported, his very firm perswasion of, in print. 9. As to our Brethren the Independants, 'tis true that no mean Ferment appears to have been upon the Author's Spirit. But (1.) is he sharper upon them, then on the Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Prelates, where he thought or found them culpable? (2.)
