Answer. I never intended to tye my self up so close, without reserving lawful Li∣berty to my self upon just occasion. Indeed we read of St. * 1.1 Egwin the third, Bishop of Worcester, that he made for himself a pair of Iron Shakels, and locking them close unto his Leggs, cast the Key thereof into the Severn, desiring never to be loosed till he had made satisfaction for his Sins; Returning from Rome, a Fish leaped into the Ship, in whose Belly was found the Key, and so Egwin was miraculously restored to his Li∣berty.
Had I in like manner fettered my self to the Topicks propounded, on presumption of so strange a release, none would have pitied my restraint, wilfully contracted on my self. But the best is, I resolved to keep the Key in my own hands, to enlarge my self when I apprehended a just cause thereof. However I have not made use of this Key, to recede from my first Limitations, save where I crave leave of, and render a reason to the Reader; such anomalous persons being men of high merit, under those heads where they are inserted.