A peace-offering in an apology and humble plea for indulgence and liberty of conscience

But all these considerations are quickly in the thoughts of some, removed out of the way, by pretences that the indulgence and liberty desired, will certainly produce all sorts of evils both in Religion it self, and in the Civil state; which being mentioned before in general; shall now be a little further considered. For this is principally, if not solely pleaded for the refusal and the rejection of them. Neither doth this course of procedure seem to be unwisely fixed upon; by those who suppose it to be their interest to manage their opposition unto such an indulgence, wherein yet we hope they will at length discover their mistake.

For whereas the arguments to be in this case insisted on, consist merely in conjectures, jealousies and suppositions of what may come to pass, none knows when, or where; it is easy for any to dilate upon them at their pleasure, nor is it possible for any to give satisfaction to all that men may conjecture, or pretend to fear. Suppose all things that are evil, horrid, pernicious to truth and mankind, and when they are sufficiently aggravated; affirm that they will ensue upon this forbearance, which that all, or any of them will so do, no man can tell, and this design is satisfied. But it is sufficiently evident that they are all false or mistaken suppositions, that can give countenance unto these pretences.

For whereas the arguments to be in this case insisted on, consist meerly in conjectures, jealousies and suppositions of what may come to pass, none knows when, or where; it is easie for any to dilate upon them at their pleasure, nor is it possible for any to give satisfaction to all that men may conjecture, or pretend to fear. Suppose all things that are evil, horrid, pernicious to truth and mankind, and when they are sufficiently aggravated; affirm that they will ensue upon this forbearance, which that all, or any of them will so do, no man can tell, and this design is satisfied. But it is sufficiently evident that they are all false or mistaken suppositions, that can give countenance unto these pretences.