The English Spira being a fearful example of an apostate who had been a preacher many years and then apostatized from his religion, miserably hanged himself, October the 13th, 1684 : giving an account of his dispair, and divers conferences had with him, by several ministers and others of his friends : together with his answer, and papers written by his own hand / left attested by Mr. T. Plant, Mr. H. Collings, Mr. B. Dennis, Mr. B. Keach.

Pag. 26. If the Nation should be influenced by such men (as the flocking to them, and leaving the other tends thereunto) then down goes our Schools of Learn∣ing, the famous Universities, and not only so, but down goes our Churches and Publick Meeting-places, which are the best con∣veniences for solemnizing of Gods Publick Worship. As I knew a mechanic Brother once, that wish∣ed, that all the Parish-Churches in England were of one intire body, and that he was able with a Cable to draw them into the Sea, he would do it, thô he perished with them. And this not all neither, but down goes the Ministers Maintenance— I might inlarge here, but I spare the weak. 1. They deny Learning. 2. They trample Tradition. 3. Reason itself; this noble and renown∣ed Soul falls under the same misfortune, with its good old Friend and Neighbour, Tradition. Oh! what Clamours have we raised against it, calling of it carnal Reason, corrupted Reason, blind Guide, and what not, and blows struck ready to break the Pulpit, that they may thump it down sufficiently.