Truth and innocency, prevailing against error and insolency

The Epistle Dedicatory TO Mr. Simon Henden, and his Son John.

SIRS,

ACcording to my promise, and the desire of many Friends, I have taken in hand to give some further Account of the Conference that we had at your House, in June the 3d. 1658. Together with an Examination and Tryal of some few Particulars published by you upon a more mature consideration; But truly I must be very brief, because the Press hath waited a long while for it by reason of my being so much from home, and taken off upon other occasions, for indeed part of my Book hath been print∣ed long since, the which part was far briefer than it was in∣tended if time would have admitted; and also if the man to whom I had Dedicated it (in chief) had been in England, but he being far remote, and also giving forth speeches, that he would not meddle any more with me, either in Disputation, nor in the Press, I did only intend to answer that which seem∣ed most material (unto me) and to remove it from my door, and also to shew my opinion upon some other Subjects, which are material, and worth examination as at this day; at the end of which, I did promise to speak somewhat in order to the reviving of our former Discourse, upon which I did

also peruse your Treatise, intituled, The Key of Scripture Pro∣phesies; or, A Glass of some new Discoveries; to the end that I might the better know your Judgment; when I had seen it delivered (by you) upon deliberation, with serious and ma∣ture thoughts; and when I had read it and perused it, I was very much astonished at the consideration thereof, to think how much I was bereaved of my understanding, if that Piece were worthy to be authorized by a man of your gravity and ingenuity; but however, I desire not to be too confident, it may be of greater worth, than it appears to me to be, and therefore I shall reveiw some few particulars, and in the words of Sobriety and Humility give my judgment of things, as they appear to me, in the plainness and simplicity thereof, to the end, that I may inform those who are out of the way, (and yet will ask and enquire for the good old way) and to leave others (who are wise in their own conceit) to stand and fall unto their own Master, without casting dirt, or things of that nature upon them; the which I find to be most profita∣ble (in reference) to Godliness, although most unpleasing unto the flesh: But to wave these things, and all kind of cir∣cumlocution, my desire is, that these Lines may not be mis-represented upon your spirits, as though what I write here, be the venting of any thing from a private prejudice, but those things that I rather aim at, is love and good will, first to your selves, and then to all those that possibly may be mis-led, and be in that Babel that you suppose others are in; therefore let the Scripture and sound Reason guide you, (I mean Scripture Reason) and the Lord (if it be his will) give you a right understanding therein; which is the desire of him which desires your eternal peace; who is

Your Servant, and all mens for Christ and his Bodies sake, (which is the Church.) GEORGE HAMMON.