A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

and therefore desires your excuse, if he have reflected a little upon the miscarriages of your Church in that kind, especially being called thereunto by your present contrary pretences. Quis tulerit Graculos de seditione querentes? and Major tandem porcas insane minori. It were well if your ways did no more please you, in the previous prospect you take of them, than they seem to do in a subsequent reflection upon them: But this is the nature of evil, it never comes and ⟨p. 17⟩goes with the same appearing countenance; not that it self changeth at any time, for that which is morally evil is always so, but mens apprehensions variously influenced by their affections, lusts, and interests, do frequently change and alter. Now what Conclusion can be made from the premises rightly stated, I leave to your own judgement, at your better leisure.

and therefore desires your excuse, if he have reflected a little upon the miscarriages of your Church in that kind, especially being called thereunto by your present contrary pretences. Quis tulerit Graculos de seditione querentes? and Major tandem porcas insane minori. It were well if your wayes did no more please you, in the previous prospect you take of them, than they seem to do in a subsequent reflection upon them: But this is the nature of evil, it never comes and ⟨p. 17⟩goes with the same appearing countenance; not that it self changeth at any time, for that which is morally evil is alwayes so, but mens apprehensions variously influenced by their affections, lusts, and interests, do frequently change and alter. Now what Conclusion can be made from the premises rightly stated, I leave to your own judgement, at your better leasure.

Thirdly, You add, Your prophetic assurance so often inculcated, that if you could but once come to whisper me in the ear, I would plainly acknowledge, either that I understand not my self what I say, or if I do, believe it not, gives a fair character of these fanatic times, wherein ignorance and hypocrisy prevailed over worth and truth, whereof if your self were any part, it is no wonder you should think, that I or any man else should either speak he knows not what, or believe not what himself speaks. That is, a man must needs be as bad as you can imagine him, if he have not such an high opinion of your ability and integrity, as to believe that you have written about nothing, but what you perfectly understand, nor assert anything in the pursuit of your design and interest, but what you really and in cold blood believe to be true. All men it seems that were no part of the former dismal tempest, have this opinion of you; Credat Apella: If it be so, I confess for my part, I have no relief against being concluded to be whatever you please; Sosia or not Sosia, the Law is in your own hands, and you may condemn all that adore you not into Fanaticism at your pleasure; but as he said, Obsecro per pacem liceat te alloqui, ut ne vapulem; if you will but grant a little truce from this severity, I doubt not but in a short time to take off from your keenness, in the management of this Charge: For