An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…

Only they desire to be excused, if they make not use of this notable Engine for opposing of Popery, namely, the stirring up (at this present time) of Jealousies, Fears and Animosities amongst Protestants, which others judge serviceable unto that End. But that which animates all these insinuations, charges and Reports, is our Thankful acceptance of the Indulgence granted by his Majesty by a public Declaration some years ago; whereby it should seem the Papists thought to make some advantage, though they were deceived in their Expectation. I must needs say that whatever be the true Case in reference thereto in point of Law, that in my Judgment it scarcely answereth that Loyalty and regard unto his Majesties honour, which some men Profess, when all his Actions are suited to their Interests, ⟨image 5⟩to continue such outcries about that which was his own sole Act by the advice of his Counsel. We did indeed Thankfully accept and make use of this Royal Favour; and after that for so many years we had been exposed to all manner of sufferings and Penalties, whereby multitudes were ruined in their Estates, and some lost their Lives, and that without hopes of any Remission of severity from the Parliament that then sate, by their mistake of the true Interest of the Kingdom, wherein alone they did not miss it, we were glad to take a little breathing space from our troubles, under his Majesties Royal Protection, designed only as an Expedient (as was usual in former times) for the Peace and Prosperity of the Kingdom, until the whole matter might be settled in Parliament. And if this were a crime habetis confitentem reum as to my part. But because I know my self herein peculiarly reflected on, I do avow, that never any one Person in Authority, Dignity or Power in the Nation, nor any one that had any Relation unto public Affairs, nor any from them, Papist or Protestant, did once speak one word to me, or advise with me, about any Indulgence or Toleration to be granted unto Papists; I Challenge all the World who are otherwise Minded, to intermit their service for a season unto the great false Accuser, and prove the Contrary if they can; The Persons are sufficiently ⟨image 6⟩known, of whom they may make their Enquiry.

Onely they desire to be excused, if they make not use of this notable Engine for opposing of Popery, namely, the stirring up (at this present time) of Jealousies, Fears and Animosities amongst Protestants, which others judge serviceable unto that End. But that which animates all these insinuations, charges and Reports, is our Thankful acceptance of the Indulgence granted by his Majesty by a publque Declaration some years ago; whereby it should seem the Papists thought to make some advantage, though they were deceiv'd in their Expectation. I must needs say that whatever be the true Case in reference thereto in point of Law, that in my Judgment it scarcely answereth that Loyalty and regard unto his Majesties honour, which some men Profess, when all his Actions are suited to their Interests,