TO THE READER.

I

THOUGHT to have wholly omitted the consideration of that part of the discourse of Dr. Stillingfleet in his preface, which concerneth the furtherance and promotion of the designs of the Papists, and interest of popery, by nonconformists; and accordingly I passed it by in the ensuing discourses. For I supposed that all unprejudiced persons would assign it unto the provocation which he seems to have received from those who answered his sermon, or otherwise, and so have passed it by, among such other excursions as divines are incident unto in their controversial writings. For that no countenance was given unto it, either from truth or any useful end as unto the present state of the Protestant religion amongst us, is evident unto all. But things are fallen out more according unto the humour of the times, or rather the supposed interest of some, than any just rational projections. For what other success this book hath had, I know not, nor am solicitous. Certain it is that many, of the same mind and persuasion with himself, have been encouraged and emboldened by it, confidently to report that the nonconformists are great promoters of the papal interest, yea, and do the work of the Papists to facilitate its introduction. For it is now made so evident in the preface of that book (I will not say on what topics, which seem not wakeful thoughts in such an important cause, and such a season as this is) that no man need doubt of the truth of it. Some indeed think that it were better at this time, to consider how to get

out popery from amongst us, than to contend about the ways whereby it came in, as unto our present danger of it. But if nothing will prevail against the resolutions of others, influenced by interest, and the sweetness of present advantages, to desist from this inquiry, it will be necessary that such an account be given of the true reasons and means of the advance of popery in this nation, as shall give them occasion to consider themselves and their own ways; for we are to look for the causes of such effects in things and means that are suited and fitted to be productive of them, so as that they cannot but follow on their being and operation; and not in cold stories, surmises, and far-fetched, or feigned inferences. And if we do reckon that the real advancement of religion depends only on the secular advancement of some that do profess it, we may be mistaken in our measures, as others have been before us.

But at present, the insinuations of that preface do seem to prevail much with those of the same party with its author; who want nothing at any time but the countenance of such a pen and story, to vent their ill will against nonconformists. Report, say they, and we will report it. But also as he said, ' Mendacium mendacio tegendum ne perpluat.' First, evil inventions alway tend unto, and stand in need of, new additions to render them useful unto their end, without which they quickly evaporate; wherefore, lest the insinuations of this worthy person should not be sufficiently subservient unto the uniting of all Protestants in one common interest against popery, which was the original design of the doctor's sermon, some have added unto it, that which is homogeneal as unto truth, and so easily mixing with the other discourse; that the nonconformists, some of them at least, do receive or have received money from the Papists, to act their affairs and promote their interest. And although this be such a putid calumny, such

a malicious falsehood, such a frontless lie, as impudence itself would blush at being made an instrument to vent it, and withal extremely ridiculous; yet because it seems useful unto the good end of uniting Protestants, and opposing popery, it hath not only been reported by sundry of the clergy, but embraced and divulged also by some of their weak and credulous followers, who seem to believe that other men's advantage is their religion. But when the utmost bounds of modesty are passed, nothing but an outrage in lying and calumny, out of hopes that something will stick at last, can give countenance to men in such false accusations. And those by whom they are first whispered, probably understand better than the nonconformists what influence money, or the things which they know how to turn into it, hath into their profession and actings in religion. It seems to me that some such men are afraid, lest the present opposition unto popery should issue in such, an establishment of the Protestant religion, as that hereafter it should not be in the disposal of any, nor in their power to make a bargain of it, either for their advantage or in their necessity. For unless we should suppose such a defect in common prudence, as is not chargeable on men of understanding in other affairs, it is hard to judge that these things can proceed from any other ground, but a design to increase distrusts and jealousies amongst Protestants, to heighten their differences, to exasperate and provoke them to animosities, to weaken the hands of each party by a disbelief of the sincerity of each other in the same common cause; whence, whether it be designed or no, it will follow that we shall be all made a prey unto our restless adversaries. For what else but a strong inclination thereto can give the least credit or reputation to such vile insinuations, false surmises and fables (I do not say in the preface, but in

the reports that have been occasioned thereby), wherein folly and malice rival one another, against that plain, open, uncontrollable evidence, which the nonconformists always gave, and yet continue to give, of their faithful cordial adherence unto the Protestant religion and interest in the nation. And what now, if in way of retaliation a charge should be laid and managed against those of the episcopal way, that they should contribute their assistance, whether knowingly, or being deluded (it is all one), to the introduction of popery; would not all things be cast into an admirable posture amongst us, for an opposition thereunto? But let none mistake nor deceive themselves, neither the past sufferings of the nonconformists, nor their present hopes of liberty, nor the reproaches cast upon them, shall shake them in their resolutions for a conjunction with all sincere Protestants, in the preservation of their religion, and opposition unto all popish designs whatever. And (to speak with modesty enough) as they have hitherto in all instances of zeal and duty for the preservation of the Protestant religion, been as ready and forward as any other sort of men, so whatever may befall them, however they may be traduced, or falsely accused, they do and will continue in giving the highest security, that conscience, profession, principles, interest, and actions can give, of their stability in the same cause. Only they desire to be excused, if they make not use of this notable engine for opposing of popery, namely, the stirring up, at this present time, of jealousies, fears, and animosities amongst Protestants, which others judge serviceable unto that end. But that which animates all these insinuations, charges, and reports, is our thankful acceptance of the indulgence granted by his majesty by a public declaration some years ago; whereby it should seem the Papists thought to make some advantage, though they

were deceived in their expectation. I must needs say, that whatever be the true case in reference thereto in point of law, that in my judgment it scarcely answereth that loyalty and regard unto his majesty's honour, which some men profess, when all his actions are suited to their interests, to continue such outcries about that which was his own sole act, by the advice of his council. We did indeed thankfully accept and make use of this royal favour; and after that for so many years we had been exposed to all manner of sufferings and penalties, whereby multitudes were ruined in their estates, and some lost their lives, and that without hopes of any remission of severity from the parliament that then sat, by their mistake of the true interest of the kingdom, wherein alone they did not miss it, we were glad to take a little breathing space from our troubles, under his majesty's royal protection, designed only as an expedient (as was usual in former times) for the peace and prosperity of the kingdom, until the whole matter might be settled in parliament. And if this were a crime, 'habetis confitentem reum' as to my part. But because I know myself herein peculiarly reflected on, I do avow, that never any one person in authority, dignity, or power in the nation, nor any one that had any relation unto public affairs, nor any from them, Papist or Protestant, did once speak one word to me, or advise with me, about any indulgence or toleration to be granted unto Papists; I challenge all the world who are otherwise minded, to intermit their service for a season unto the great false accuser, and prove the contrary if they can. The persons are sufficiently known of whom they may make their inquiry.

But I can cast this also into the same heap or bundle of other false surmises and reports concerning me, almost without number; which it would be a wonder