A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

First, You observe, that I say, Joseph of Arimathea was in England, but that he taught the same religion that is now in England. Unto which you reply; But what is that Religion? and this enquiry I have observed you elsewhere to insist upon. But I told you before, that I intend the Protestant Religion and that as confirmed and established by Law in this Kingdom; and the advantage you endeavour from some differences that are amongst us, is little to your purposes, and less to the commendation of your ingenuity. For besides that there are differences of as high a nature, and considering the Principles you proceed upon of greater importance among your selves, and those agitated with as great animosities and subtleties, as those amongst any sort of men at variance about Religion in the world, you that so earnestly seek and press after a forbearance for your profession besides and against the established law, should not, me thinks, at the same time, be so forward in reproaching us, that there are dissenters in the Kingdom from some things established by Law, especially considering how utterly inconsiderable for the most part they are, in comparison of the things wherein you differ from us all. This I fear, is the reward that they have cause to expect from many of you, who are inclined to desire that you amongst others might be partakers of indulgence from the ⟨p. 426⟩extremity of the Law, though from others of you for whose sakes they are inclined unto those desires, I hope they may look for better things, and such as accompany charity, moderation, and peace, so that your first exception gives a greater impeachment unto your own Candour and ingenuity then unto the Truth or Sobriety of my story.

First, You observe, that I say, Joseph of Arimathea was in England, but that he taught the same religion that is now in England. Unto which you reply; But what is that Religion? and this enquiry I have observed you elsewhere to insist upon. But I told you before, that I intend the Protestant Religion and that as confirmed and established by Law in this Kingdom; and the advantage you endeavour from some differences that are amongst us, is little to your purposes, and less to the commendation of your ingenuity. For besides that there are differences of as high a nature, and considering the Principles you proceed upon of greater importance among your selves, and those agitated with as great animosities and subtilties, as those amongst any sort of men at variance about Religion in the world, you that so earnestly seek and press after a forbearance for your profession besides and against the established law, should not, me thinks, at the same time, be so forward in reproaching us, that there are dissenters in the Kingdom from some things established by Law, especially considering how utterly inconsiderable for the most part they are, in comparison of the things wherein you differ from us all. This I fear, is the reward that they have cause to expect from many of you, who are enclined to desire that you amongst others might be partakers of indulgence from the