Digital Donne: the Online Variorum

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Previous image Next image The 1654 Prose Letters  Letter 52, cont. (p.161)




safe without the Oath; since they professe,
that Clergie-men, though Traitors, are no
Subjects, and that all the rest may be none
to morrow. And, as clearly, the Suprema-
cy which the Ro. Church pretend, were
diminished, if it were limited; and will
as ill abide that, or disputation, as the Pre-
rogative of temporall Kings, who being
the onely judges of their prerogative, why
may not Roman Bishops, (so enlightned
as they are presumed by them) be good wit-
nesses of their own supremacie, which is
now so much impugned? But for this par-
ticular Author, I looked for more prudence,
and humane wisdome in him, in avoiding
all miscitings, or mis-interpretings, because
at this time, the watch is set, and every bo-
dies hammer is upon that anvill; and to
dare offend in that kinde now, is, for a theef
to leave the covert, and meet a strong hue
and cry in the teeth: and yet truly this man
is extremely obnoxious in that kinde; for,
though he have answered many things ful-
ly, (as no book ever gave more advantage
[CW: then]
p.161

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