I doubt not but that yow will haue the harts and prayers of many in the compiling of the History tho yow be left alone in it. As for those objections; 1 That some mens virtues cannot be commended with modesty because they are now liuing; I suppose the Historian may without any just offence giue them there due, especially in those cases where there vertues are exemplary to others, and the expressions modestly setting them out without swelling of the socket where such lights are set vp.

2 That some persons errours cannot be mentioned without prejudice to 183there places; I confesse tis some what, yet let the History make its progresse till it comes to such persons times and practises; and then vpon serious thoughts spent how to carry on that busines, I doubt not but god will manifest himselfe on way or another by that time, that there will not be much cause of sticking here what to doe;

3: That some things may prejudice vs in regard of the state of England if divulged; I know not what they be which can do so, more then what is known to all the woorld already; if there be any secret hid things which may be prouoking; it may be left to the judgement of others how far it will be fit to divulge them when the coppy is priuately examind;

surely Sir the woorke is of god and many eyes and harts will be now expecting it with prayers; the good Lord guide and encourage yow in your way and recompence it abundantly to yow.

When I came to write this letter I perceiued that he that tooke a coppy of what yow sent, had sent it away by Edw. Mitchelson to you, which was without the least notice I had of it; and sory I am it was returned so rudely; if I had known yow desired any answer to it I should haue before this time haue sent; but I looked on it as a Law made by the Court and therefore I knew not how acceptable or safe it would be to reply; and if I know myself I know I desire peace with all but especially with such whose wisdom I prefer aboue mine own folly who can see little: 1: This only I meruayle at that that should be condemnd as a sin simply in itselfe, and yet by order of court liberty giuen to men for some few dayes to commit that sin; as in case freends come fresh out of England, they may then drinke to them without being liable to punishment:2 2: This also I doe humbly intreat that there may be no sin made of drinking in any case one to another; for I am confident he that stands here will fall and be beat from his ground by his own arguments; as also that the consequences will be very sad and the thing prouoking to God and man to make more sins then (as yet is seene) God himselfe hath made: if more be desired of me then this I should not be vnwilling to write but I desire yow would consider I am alone, and that I am desirous of as much ease and peace I can: I am in extreame hast. The Lord guide and direct and blesse yow in all your thought alwayes for his prayse. Yours