all Lethargicall dulnesse and carnall stupidity) so it must be done with a quiet and composed soule, a grace commended by the Apostle. Now grant none to be guilty, yet seeing all are subject (especially in tumultuous times) to clamour and passionate extravagancies, my gentle Advertisement by the bye could not be amisse.
F If the zeale of the Prophets and Martyrs had given.) I thanke you Sir for mentioning the Martyrs; They were the Champions of passive obedience, and the lively Patternes of that holy Temper I now described; Men of a meeke and quiet disposition, not clamorous, though since their death, the noyse and fame of their patience hath sounded aloud thorow the whole world to all Posterity. And I pray God in continuance of time the very Doctrine of Martyrdome be not Martyred.
G That holy Businesse you would so faino retard.) I appeale from your hard Censure to the Searcher of hearts, who one day will acquit my innocence and punish your uncharitable∣nesse, except it be first pardoned upon your repentance.
H For should you make so great a noyse, you might be heard to Oxford.) I care not how farre I be heard, nor which way, to Oxford and beyond it, to Geneva, or to Rome it selfe: Truth is Calculated for all meridians. But speake nor sligh∣tingly of Oxford, it is ill wounding of a Court, and a Camp, and an University, and all in one word.
I And perhaps you are loath to speak out till you see farther.) I see too farre already; namely, that ruine and desolation is likely to follow, except Moderation be used on both sides: If you meane, till I see further into His Majesties pleasure of Reforming, what shall be found amisse, his unfained desire thereof doth already plainly appeare? But if you meane till I see farther into his successe, know Sir, my Religion ob∣serves not the tides of His Majesties Fortune, to ebbe and flow therewith. Where Conscience is the Fountaine, the stream keeps the same height.