Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…

First, when the truths are necessary to salvation,¹ and my forbearance in them may endanger the salvation of any, the salvation of the soul of the poorest beggar, is to be preferred before the glory, pomp, outward peace and comforts of all §1the Kingdoms on the earth; therefore much before my private contentments: In extreme danger of life there is no time to reason what in prudence is fit to be done, but save the mans life if you can, and reason the case afterward.

First, when the truths are necessary to salvation,¹ and my forbearance in them may endanger the salvation of any, the salvation of the soul of the poorest beggar, is to be preferred before the glory, pomp, outward peace and comforts of all §1the Kingdoms on the earth; therefore much before my private contentments: In extream danger of life there is no time to reason what in prudence is fit to be done, but save the mans life if you can, and reason the case afterward.

1. 1In what cases we are bound to make profession.

Secondly, when not profession shall be interpreted to be a §2denial, though in case of a lesser truth; I must not deny the truth, the least truth interpretative, I must rather be willing to suffer, then the truth should suffer by me so far: This was Daniel's case, when he would not cease his praying three times a day, neither would he shut his windows, though it endangered his life. A carnal heart would say, why might not Daniel have been wiser? he might have forborne a while, at least he might have shut his windows. No, Daniel was willing to venture his life in the cause, rather then he would so much as by way of interpretation, deny that honour that he knew was due to God,