The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…

55. The imposing of unnecessary subscriptions, professions or Oaths, is the way to fill the Church with men that are not troubled with tender Consciences, and that have no fear of God or sin: For if there be a thousand Atheists, Infidels or impious debauched persons, that either believe not, or regard not the life to come, and make no Conscience of any sin at all, what should hinder all or any of these, from saying, subscribing or swearing any thing, that their profit or honour or ease or safety doth require? And seeing undoubtedly it is so, Quaere, whether he that believeth that ever he shall be judged by the great Pastor of the flock, should not be as much at least afraid, of letting in such Presbyters as these into the Churches of his Diocese, as of enduring holy faithful men, that fear a lie or Oath or superstition.

55. The imposing of unnecessary subscriptions, professions or Oaths, is the way to fill the Church with men that are not troubled with tender Consciences, and that have no fear of God or sin: For if there be a thousand Atheists, Infidels or impious debauched persons, that either believe not, or regard not the life to come, and make no Conscience of any sin at all, what should hinder all or any of these, from saying, subscribing or swearing any thing, that their profit or honour or ease or safety doth require? And seeing undoubtedly it is so, Quaere, whether he that believeth that ever he shall be judged by the great Pastor of the flock, should not be as much at least afraid, of letting in such Presbyters as these into the Churches of his Diocess, as of enduring holy faithful men, that fear a lie or Oath or superstition.

56. All are for Toleration (usually) that need it: And so would they be that now deny it.

57. He that knoweth the frailties of all mankind and the weakness of most Christians yea and Ministers, doth know that all mankind, all Christians, and all Prelates and Pastors have great need of some (yea of much) toleration, not to cherish their sin, but to endure the smell and trouble of their Ulcers, till they can be cured. And as Seneca thinketh that he speaketh against mankind, that reproacheth a man with faults that are common to mankind; so we do more soundly judge, that he that maketh a Canon to silence or excommunicate or cast out men, for a fault common to all preachers, Christians and men, doth make a Canon to silence or cast out all Preachers, Pastors or men.