Section 1
pp. 3–42 passages
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.
SECT. I.
I Am one my self that am so greatly desirous of His Majesties Clemency, and that this present Toleration should not be abused by any, especially silenced Ministers; that if this had been all that Author endeavoured, I should earnestly •e seconded him. And I am not without fear ⟨p. 4⟩of the Weakness, Rashness, Injudiciousness and Imprudence of some that yet are earnest and profitable Preachers. But when I find that by not-abusing our Liberty, he meaneth, not-using it, and that he hath the face to exhort us to desert our Office, when the King doth hinder them from forcible restraining us; and that, when it is Gods work which we are vowed to, he cometh to us (as the old Prophet) in Gods name, to charge us to forbear it, my Conscience bids me help to save the weaker sort that need it, from such pernicious fallacies. And if I speak plainly of the quality of his arguings, I desire the Reader not to interpret it, as if I had not the heartyest desire of Peace, and all Brotherly Love and Concord with all conformable, godly, faithful Ministers. But words are not answered according to their nature, when the nature of them is not opened.