Nor yet am I indifferent as to those smaller things, that I cannot discern to be in their own nature so. But though I cannot avoid to think that course right which I have deliberately chosen therein, I do yet esteem that but a small thing upon which to ground an opinion of my excelling them that think otherwise, as if I knew more than they. For I have often recounted thus seriously with my self, That of every differing Party (in those circumstantial matters) I do particularly know some persons by whom I find my self much excelled in far greater things than is the matter of that difference. I cannot ('tis true) thereupon say and think every thing that they do; which is impossible, since they differ from one another as well as me. And I understand well, there are other Measures of Truth than this or that excellent Persons Opinion: But I thereupon reckon I have little reason to be conceited of any advantage I have of such in point of knowledge, (even as little as he should have, that can Sing, or Play well on a Lute, of him that knows how to Command Armies, or Govern a Kingdom); And can with the less confidence differ from them, or contend with them. Being thereby, though I cannot find that I err in these matters, constrained to have some suspicion lest I do; and to admit it possible enough, That some of them who differ from me, having much more light in greater matters, may have so in these also. Besides, that I most seriously think, Humility, Charity and Patience, would more contribute to the composing of these lesser Differences, or to the good estate of the Christian Interest under them, than the most fervent Disputes and Contestations. I have upon such ⟨image 6⟩considerations little concerned my self in contending for one way or another, while I was among you; or in censuring such as have differed from me, in such Notions and Practices as might consist with our common great End; or as imported not manifest hostility thereto. Contenting my self to follow the course that to my (preponderating) judgment seemed best, without stepping out of my way to jostle others.
Nor yet am I indifferent as to those smaller things, that I cannot discern to be in their own nature so. But though I cannot avoid to think that course right which I have deliberately chosen therein, I do yet esteem that but a small thing upon which to ground an opinion of my excelling them that think otherwise, as if I knew more than they. For I have often recounted thus seriously with my self, That of every differing Party (in those circumstantial matters) I do particularly know some persons by whom I find my self much excelled in far greater things than is the matter of that difference. I cannot ('tis true) thereupon say and think every thing that they do; which is impossible, since they differ from one another as well as me. And I understand well, there are other Measures of Truth than this or that excellent Persons Opinion: But I thereupon reckon I have little reason to be conceited of any advantage I have of such in point of knowledg, (even as little as he should have, that can Sing, or Play well on a Lute, of him that knows how to Command Armies, or Govern a Kingdom); And can with the less confidence differ from them, or contend with them. Being thereby, though I cannot find that I err in these matters, constrain'd to have some suspicion lest I do; and to admit it possible enough, That some of them who differ from me, having much more light in greater matters, may have so in these also. Besides, that I most seriously think, Humility, Charity and Patience, would more contribute to the composing of these lesser Differences, or to the good estate of the Christian Interest under them, than the most fervent Disputes and Contestations. I have upon such ⟨image 6⟩considerations little concern'd my self in contending for one way or another, while I was among you; or in censuring such as have differed from me, in such Notions and Practices as might consist with our common great End; or as imported not manifest hostility thereto. Contenting my self to follow the course that to my (preponderating) judgment seemed best, without stepping out of my way to justle others.
