Truth maintained, or Positions delivered in a sermon at the Savoy: since traduced for dangerous: now asserted for sound and safe. By Thomas Fuller, B.D. late of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge. The particulars are these. I That the doctrine of the impossibility of a churches perfection, in this world, being wel understood, begets not lazinesse but the more industry in wise reformers. II That the Church of England cannot justly be taxed with superstitious innovations. III How farre private Christians, ministers, and subordinate magistrates, are to concurre to the advancing of a publique reformation. IIII What parts therein are only to be acted by the Supreme power. V Of the progresse, and praise of passive obedience. VI That no extraordinary excitations, incitations, or inspirations are bestowed from God, on men in these dayes. VII That it is utterly unlawfull to give any just offence to the papist, or to any men whatsoever. VIII What advantage the Fathers had of us, in learning and religion, and what we have of them. IX That no new light, or new essentiall truths, are, or can be revealed in this age. X That the doctrine of the Churches imperfection, may safely be preached, and cannot honestly be concealed. With severall letters, to cleare the occasion of this book.

TO THE LEARNED AND MY WORTHY GOOD FRIEND, Master Charles Herle.

SIR,

WHen I read a Pamphlet of M. Saltmarsh written against me, it something moved my Affecti∣ons, but nothing removed my Judgement. But when I saw it recommended to the world with your Approbation, in this manner,

Nihil invenio in hoc Libello, cui Titulus, (Examinations, or a discovery of some dangerous Po∣sitions, delivered in a Sermon of Reformation Prea∣ched by Tho. Fuller, B. D. quin utiliter imprimatur.

Charles Herle.

I must confesse it troubled me not a little, suspecting either my Eyes or my Understanding, that either I mis∣read your Name, or had mis-written something in my Ser∣mon. Wherefore fearing Partiality might blind me in mine Owne Book (knowing that Eli was not the onely Indulgent Father to his owne Off-spring) I imparted my Sermon to some whom you respect, and they respect you: Men of singular Learning and Piety, to Examine it. These likewise could discover no dangerous Posi∣tions in it, except such as were dangerous for a Preacher to deliver, but safe for People to Receive in these Troublesome Times. And I am Confident that their Iudgement was such, They would not be deceived with my Falsehoods: and their Honesty such, They would not deceive me by their Flattery.

And now Sir (Love cannot Hate, but it may justly be Angry) Consider how your accusing of me, to maintaine dangerous Positions, might, as the Times stand, have un∣done me and mine, and at least have intituled mee to a Prison, now adayes the Grave of men alive. Times are not as formerly, when Schollers might safely Traverse a Controversie in disputation. Honourable Tilting is left off, since men fell to down-right killing; and in vaine should I dispute my Innocence against Souldiers vio∣lence, who would interpret the Accusation of a man of your Credit to be my sufficient Conviction.

I have in this my Defence, so well as God did Enable me, more clearely expressed, and strongly confirmed the Positions I formerly delivered, and request you to tell mee, which are the dangerous Points that here I maintaine. By the Lawes of our Land, the Creditor hath his Choice, whether he will sue the Principall, or

the Surety, and discretion will advise him, to sue him which is most solveable. Your Ability is sufficiently knowne, and seeing you have beene pleased to be bound for Master Saltmarsh his Booke, in your Approving it: blame me not Sir, if I (I will not say sue you) but Sue to you for my Reparation.

If you can Convince me of my Faults herein (and I will bring great desire, and some capacity to Learne from you) I shall owne my selfe your Proselyte, thanke God for you, and you for my Conversion. Yea in a Prin∣ted sheet I will doe publique Penance to the open view of the World, to shew men, that although I had so much Ignorance as to Erre, I have not so much Impudence as to Persist in an Errour, and shall remaine,

Yours in all Christian Offices. THOMAS FULLER.