A97353:6
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
THE PREFACE.
These Papers were written some of them in 1668. and some since, when the Nonconformists Judgement of the Interest of Reason in Religion was printed, with but 15 subscribed names: Those about Grace and Morality, and Things indifferent, and what our Nonconformity is not, were also perused by many and consented to (of whom Doctor Manton, Mr. Sanger and Mr. Bedford are since dead) and with that of Scandal were printed many years ago. But my prudent friends persuaded me to lay them by, (though the printing cost dear) partly as not sufficiently elaborate and accurate, and partly lest any defence should but exasperate our (then) afflicters, and occasion more wrath and unpeaceable writings. This Counsel I have till now obeyed: But seeing such as the Counterminer, the Popish Dialogue and many others, continuing loudly to accuse us, and make men believe that we are plotting a new war, and that our Principles are rebellious, and remembering what a suspicion of us is left on record in the Oxford Act of Confinement, and hearing by the Published Narratives of Oates, Bedlow, Prance, Jenison, Smith, Dugdale, and specially Dangerfield, that it was part of ⟨image 3⟩the Plot for the destruction of the King, and change of Government and Religion, to make King and People believe that the Presbyterians had such a Plot, and finding so little said to vindicate the Innocent, and lastly finding great reason to think that my change is so near, that I must do it now or never, I durst not die in the guilt of silence. 1. Lest I should betray the King into a belief of this pernicious plotted slander. 2. Lest I should betray the Nation into a self-destroying belief of seditious Liars. 3. Lest I should betray both the Reputation and Lives of many thousand Innocents. What dismal effects must needs follow, if the King should believe that so many of his People and Parliament as are thus accused, are his enemies and seek his hurt? Whilst the odious and horrid usage of his Father is in his memory, who can wonder if he destroy those who he believeth would destroy him?