For unless we should suppose such a defect in common Prudence, as is not chargeable on men of Understanding in other affairs, it is hard to judge that these things can proceed from any other ⟨image 4⟩ground, but a design to increase distrusts and Jealousies amongst Protestants, to heighten their Differences, to exasperate and provoke them to Animosities, to weaken the hands of each Party by a disbelief of the Sincerity of each other in the same common Cause; whence, whether it be designed or no, it will follow that we shall be all made a prey unto our restless Adversaries. For what else but a strong inclination thereto, can give the least Credit or Reputation to such vile insinuations, false Surmises and Fables (I do not say in the Preface but in the Reports that have been occasioned thereby) wherein Folly and Malice Rival one another, against that plain, open, uncontrollable evidence, which the Non-conformists always gave, and yet continue to give, of their faithful cordial adherence unto the Protestant Religion, and interest in the Nation. And what now if in way of Retaliation, a charge should be laid and managed against those of the Episcopal way, that they should contribute their assistance, whether knowingly, or being deluded, (it is all one) to the Introduction of Popery; would not all things be cast into an admirable posture amongst us, for an opposition thereunto? But let none mistake nor deceive themselves, neither the past Sufferings of the Non-conformists, nor their present hopes of Liberty, nor the reproaches cast upon them, shall shake them in their Resolutions ⟨image 5⟩for a Conjunction with all sincere Protestants, in the preservation of their Religion, and opposition unto all Popish Designs whatever. And (to speak with Modesty enough) as they have hitherto in all Instances of Zeal and Duty for the preservation of the Protestant Religion, been as ready and forward as any other sort of men, so whatever may befall them, however they may be traduced, or falsely accused, they do and will continue in giving the highest security, that Conscience, Profession, Principles, Interest, and Actions can give, of their stability in the same Cause.
For unless we should suppose such a defect in common Prudence, as is not chargeable on men of Understanding in other affairs, it is hard to judge that these things can proceed from any other ⟨image 4⟩ground, but a design to encrease distrusts and Jealousies amongst Protestants, to heighten their Differences, to exasperate and provoke them to Animosities, to weaken the hands of each Party by a disbelief of the Sincerity of each other in the same common Cause; whence, whether it be designed or no, it will follow that we shall be all made a prey unto our restless Adversaries. For what else but a strong inclination thereto, can give the least Credit or Reputation to such vile insinuations, false Surmizes and Fables (I do not say in the Preface but in the Reports that have been occasioned thereby) wherein Folly and Malice Rival one another, against that plain, open, uncontroulable evidence, which the Non-conformists alwayes gave, and yet continue to give, of their faithful cordial adherence unto the Protestant Religion, and interest in the Nation. And what now if in way of Retaliation, a charge should be laid and mannaged against those of the Episcopal way, that they should contribute their assistance, whether knowingly, or being deluded, (it is all one) to the Introduction of Popery; would not all things be cast into an admirable posture amongst us, for an opposition thereunto? But let none mistake nor deceive themselves, neither the past Sufferings of the Non-conformists, nor their present hopes of Liberty, nor the reproaches cast upon them, shall shake them in their Resolutions ⟨image 5⟩for a Conjunction with all sincere Protestants, in the preservation of their Religion, and opposition unto all Popish Designs whatever. And (to speak with Modesty enough) as they have hitherto in all Instances of Zeal and Duty for the preservation of the Protestant Religion, been as ready and forward as any other sort of men, so whatever may befall them, however they may be traduced, or falsly accused, they do and will continue in giving the highest security, that Conscience, Profession, Principles, Interest, and Actions can give, of their stability in the same Cause.
