A30189:317
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English…An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English…
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessity of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. John Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulness of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessitie of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. Iohn Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulnesse of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.
London: printed by R.B., 1642
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
ANSWER.
Instead of sound arguments, we have here your rash and unadvised censure, the one of these (you say) against knowledge offend surely.
Instead of sound arguments, wee have here your rash and unadvised censure, the one of these (you say) against knowledge offend surely.
But what evidence can you bring to justify this condemnatory sentence? or how can you reconcile your self unto your self herein? 1Here you tell us, the Conformists many of them at least offend not against their Conscience, and formerly you express your Charity to the Non-conformists, that although their practice is not strictly answerable to their profession, and therefore do give just occasion to the Prelates to insinuate against them hypocritical ends: yet you for your part are other wise minded than the Bishops in this thing, and do think that they do of Conscience condemn the state of that Church: but do not maturely consider the responsive conclusions which follow upon their principles. These were your thoughts then, and what should occasion this sudden change? And if you will weigh what you have written, of necessity you must accuse your self of gross inconsiderateness in saying you know not what, and perverting mens words of all sorts, or of sin against Conscience if you write what you know to be false. Considering how you deal in both your books throughout, I scarce know an Author, who hath more need to look home than your self.
But what evidence can you bring to justifie this condemnatorie sentence? or how can you reconcile your selfe unto your selfe herein? 1