A Christian letter

that ye may be even with them against whom ye complain. But this is not the part of a Christian. I do not think that this is your meaning. Is it to reform them? This indeed is an holy endeavour. But if ye could not do this, ⟨image 7⟩when ye were present, consider what ye may do when ye are absent. But first of all consider with your selves, by what means ye take this way, namely to accuse to me, to other to a public place in the theatre of the Church, in the circle of the world. Ah beloved brethren, was it ever heard of, that any private man (to say nothing of a great community) was ever amended by this course. Further consider I pray you before whom ye bring these things, I will say of my self, to whom alone ye will commit this your little book; I know not whether in this your little book ye appeal to me, as to an intercessor, or examiner, or a Judge. For if as an intercessor, were it not better that your complaints were kept secret, then laid open (which tendeth to reproach) and the Church of Christ, innumerable souls, weak, strangers, to be beaten with the types of your impression. It is most manifest, that they against whom ye deal, will be more provoked by these grievous things. If as an examiner, by what right can I do it? who have no lawful authority from God, from the Church, from the Magistrate, or from both the parties: neither if it should be committed, would I easily accept it; I am so privy to my self, of my own insufficiency: for who am I? or what am I? that I should be able, throughly to see every particular thing, concerning you, and them, which are required to a just examination. And this the right course of examination doth require, otherwise (as Seneca wisely faith) he that judgeth one party being not heard, albeit he judgeth that which is right, yet he is unjust. Ye are not a little deceived in this your judgement beloved brethren: Ye almost do me an injury, when ye call me to be a busy body, or think that I will take upon me the part of an examiner, or (that which is more subject to envy and far from duty) of a Judge. And brethren, that which I say of my self, think that is the answer of other brethren in Churches and Universities. No wise man will easily go down the steps, or clime up to the seat of judgement.

that yee may be euen with them against whom yee complaine. But this is not the part of a Christian. I doe not thinke that this is your meaning. Is it to reforme them? This indeed is an holy endeuour. But if yee could not doe this, ⟨image 7⟩