Appendix: Preface to The Life of Faith (1670)

Summary

Preface

Let the Reader know, that whereas the Bookseller hath in the Catalogue of my Books, named my [Holy Commonwealth or Political Aphorisms] I do hereby recall the said Book, and profess my Repentance, that ever I published it, and that not only for some by-passages, but in respect of the secondary part of the very scope. Though the first part of it, which is the defence of God, and of Reason, I recant not.

But this Revocation I make with these proviso's

1. That I reverse not all the Matter of that Book, nor all; that more than ONE have accused; As e.g. the Assertion that all humane Powers are Limited by God: And if I may not be pardoned for not defying DEITY and HUMANITY, I shall preferr that ignominy before the present Fastnes, and Triumph, who defie them.

2. That I make not the Recantation to the Military fury, and rebellious pride and tumult, against which I wrote it; nor would have them thence take any encouragement for impenitence.

3. That though I dislike the Roman Clergies writing so much of Politicks, and detest Ministers medling in State matters without warranty, or a certain call; yet I hold it not simply unbeseeming a Divine, to expound the fifth Commandment, nor to shew the dependence of humane Powers on the Divine; nor to instruct Subjects to obey with judgment, and for Conscience sake.

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