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

61. And those of us that (through Gods mercy) want not necessaries, find small temptation from the world and flesh, to desire ever to exercise our Ministry more. For my own part, if I had not other ways had more than ever I received any way for my ministerial work & office, I must have lived in it (to others, though not to my self) at far lower rates than I did: And we are few of us such dullards I think, but by Law, Physic, trading or other secular means, we might live in more plenty and less obloquy than we do. When I gave men Medicines for their bodies, ⟨p. 167⟩they thanked me for it, and none rose up against me for it with displeasure, as many have done for ministerial fidelity: we have flesh and blood as well as others, and know what belongeth to our ease and fleshly interest: How glad would our fleshly part be to be eased of this unthankful work, which brings the revilings and threats of men (and more) about our ears? He that hath such list to talk, that he is contented to suffer all this, that he may but hear himself speak, or be heard and applauded by such as do applaud us, verily he hath a poor reward, and I account him worthy of all his sufferings.

61. And those of us that (through Gods mercy) want not necessaries, find small temptation from the world and flesh, to desire ever to exercise our Ministry more. For my own part, if I had not other ways had more than ever I received any way for my ministerial work & office, I must have lived in it (to others, though not to my self) at far lower rates than I did: And we are few of us such dullards I think, but by Law, Physick, trading or other secular means, we might live in more plenty and less obloquy than we do. When I gave men Medicines for their bodies, ⟨p. 167⟩they thankt me for it, and none rose up against me for it with displeasure, as many have done for ministerial sidelity: we have flesh and blood as well as others, and know what belongeth to our ease and fleshly interest: How glad would our fleshly part be to be eased of this unthankful work, which brings the revilings and threats of men (and more) about our ears? He that hath such list to talk, that he is contented to suffer all this, that he may but hear himself speak, or be heard and applauded by such as do applaud us, verily he hath a poor reward, and I account him worthy of all his sufferings.