An account given of the principles & practices of several nonconformists wherein it appears that their religion is no other than what is profest in the Church of England in vindication of themselves and others of their perswasion, against the misrepresentation made of them, and in hearty desire of unity in the Church, and of peace and concord among all true Protestants, for the strengthening of their common interest, in this time of their common danger / written by Mr. John Corbet ...
         Corbet, John, 1620-1680.
      
       
         
           1682
        
      
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         64713
         
           
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             An account given of the principles & practices of several nonconformists wherein it appears that their religion is no other than what is profest in the Church of England in vindication of themselves and others of their perswasion, against the misrepresentation made of them, and in hearty desire of unity in the Church, and of peace and concord among all true Protestants, for the strengthening of their common interest, in this time of their common danger / written by Mr. John Corbet ...
             Corbet, John, 1620-1680.
          
           [4], 32 p.
           
             Printed for Tho. Parkhurst ...,
             London :
             1682.
          
           
             Advertisement: prelim.p. [4].
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
             With: The remains of the reverend and learned Mr. John Corbet, late of Chichester. London : Printed for Thomas Parkhurst ..., 1684 -- The nonconformist's plea for lay-communion with the Church of England / by Mr. John Corbet ... London : Printed for Thomas Parkhurst ..., 1683.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Dissenters, Religious -- England.
        
      
    
     
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           An
           Account
           given
           of
           the
           
             Principles
             &
             Practises
          
           Of
           Several
           NONCONFORMISTS
           .
           Wherein
           it
           Appears
           that
           their
           Religion
           is
           no
           other
           than
           what
           is
           Profest
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           .
           In
           Vindication
           of
           themselves
           and
           others
           of
           their
           perswasion
           ,
           against
           the
           misrepresentation
           made
           of
           them
           .
           And
           in
           hearty
           desire
           of
           Unity
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           of
           peace
           and
           concord
           among
           all
           true
           Protestants
           ,
           for
           the
           strengthening
           of
           their
           Common
           Interest
           ,
           in
           this
           time
           of
           their
           common
           Danger
           .
           Written
           by
           Mr.
           
             John
             Corbet
          
           ,
           late
           of
           Chichester
           ,
           and
           approved
           by
           many
           other
           Nonconformists
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           .
           Printed
           for
           
             Tho.
             Parkhurst
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Bible
           and
           3
           Crowns
           near
           Mercers
           Chappel
           ,
           at
           the
           lower
           end
           of
           Cheapside
           .
           1682.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           REaders
           ,
           Least
           you
           should
           think
           that
           the
           agreement
           of
           all
           here
           written
           (
           in
           sense
           and
           very
           much
           in
           words
           )
           with
           what
           I
           have
           Published
           ,
           doth
           signifie
           that
           it
           is
           not
           wholly
           the
           Authors
           work
           ,
           but
           any
           of
           it
           mine
           ,
           I
           do
           truly
           acquaint
           you
           that
           he
           never
           so
           much
           as
           acquainted
           me
           with
           his
           writing
           it
           ;
           nor
           did
           I
           read
           it
           all
           before
           I
           gave
           it
           to
           the
           Printer
           ;
           nor
           did
           I
           alter
           ,
           adde
           or
           diminish
           one
           word
           in
           all
           the
           book
           .
           But
           as
           we
           were
           of
           one
           Mind
           and
           Heart
           ,
           our
           agreement
           is
           no
           wonder
           :
           And
           his
           widow
           (
           the
           daughter
           of
           the
           famous
           
             Dr.
             Twisse
          
           )
           assureth
           me
           that
           several
           eminent
           Nonconforming
           Divines
           saw
           it
           and
           approved
           it
           ;
           as
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           most
           others
           will
           do
           when
           they
           have
           seriously
           perused
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           alas
           ,
           I
           that
           have
           known
           these
           twenty
           years
           ,
           what
           other
           designes
           have
           been
           in
           some
           mens
           heads
           ,
           inconsistent
           with
           all
           such
           indeavours
           for
           our
           Concord
           ,
           and
           how
           powerful
           those
           men
           have
           been
           who
           profess
           ,
           [
           
             that
             there
             is
             no
             way
             of
             Concord
             ,
          
           and
           
             avoiding
             Schisme
             ,
             but
             by
             obeying
             the
             Governing
             Universal
             Church
             ,
             which
             hath
             the
             power
             of
             Universal
             Legislation
             and
             Judgement
             ,
          
           which
           is
           a
           
             Forreign
             Jurisdiction
          
           ;
           ]
           I
           say
           ,
           I
           that
           know
           this
           must
           needs
           know
           ,
           how
           little
           more
           than
           the
           satisfying
           of
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           such
           pacificatory
           endeavours
           as
           these
           do
           signifie
           .
           But
           as
           my
           dear
           Brother
           dyed
           in
           the
           comfort
           of
           Christs
           judgment
           [
           
             Blessed
             are
             the
             Peacemakers
          
           ]
           the
           rest
           of
           us
           wait
           in
           hope
           so
           to
           dye
           .
        
         
           
             Richard
             Baxter
          
           
             
               Feb.
               10.
               1681.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Several
           Tracts
           not
           yet
           Printed
           ,
           prepared
           for
           the
           Press
           ,
           and
           left
           under
           Mr.
           
             John
             Corbett's
          
           own
           handting
           ,
           intended
           shortly
           to
           be
           Published
           ,
           are
           as
           follows
           ;
        
         
           
             1.
             
             THE
             true
             State
             of
             the
             Ancient
             Episcopacy
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             present
             Ecclesiastical
             Government
             ,
             compared
             with
             the
             Ancient
             Episcopacy
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             Consideration
             of
             the
             present
             State
             of
             Conformity
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             A
             Discourse
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             of
             the
             Ministry
             thereof
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             A
             Tract
             of
             Certainty
             and
             Infallibility
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             in
             three
             parts
             ;
             1.
             
             Of
             the
             Nature
             ,
             Kinds
             ,
             Parts
             and
             Adjuncts
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             .
             2.
             
             Of
             Idolatry
             .
             3.
             
             Of
             Superstition
             less
             than
             Idolatry
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             His
             Humble
             Representation
             of
             his
             Case
             ,
             touching
             the
             Exercise
             of
             his
             Ministry
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             Discourses
             ,
             between
             Dr.
             Gunning
             ,
             late
             Bishop
             of
             Chichester
             ,
             and
             himself
             ;
             wherein
             are
             several
             Humble
             Defences
             made
             both
             as
             to
             his
             Principles
             and
             Practice
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             An
             humble
             endeavour
             of
             some
             plain
             and
             brief
             Explication
             of
             the
             Decrees
             and
             Operations
             of
             God
             about
             the
             free
             Actions
             of
             Men.
             More
             especially
             of
             the
             Operations
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             Matrimonial
             Purity
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           An
           Account
           given
           by
           some
           deprived
           Ministers
           ,
           of
           their
           judgement
           and
           practice
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           THE
           manifold
           reproaches
           heaped
           upon
           the
           Nonconformists
           ,
           among
           whom
           it
           is
           our
           lot
           to
           be
           numbred
           ,
           have
           filled
           the
           whole
           Nation
           .
           Our
           Religion
           hath
           been
           represented
           as
           a
           mixture
           of
           folly
           and
           villany
           ;
           our
           principles
           and
           tempers
           as
           turbulent
           ,
           seditious
           ,
           and
           utterly
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           peace
           of
           Church
           or
           State
           ;
           and
           our
           pretences
           as
           frivolous
           and
           often
           baffled
           .
           Our
           Governours
           have
           been
           admonished
           to
           beware
           of
           us
           as
           their
           worst
           and
           most
           dangerous
           enemies
           ,
           and
           excited
           to
           use
           the
           utmost
           severities
           against
           us
           .
        
         
           Hereupon
           it
           behoves
           us
           to
           humble
           our selves
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           implore
           his
           mercy
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           his
           just
           rebukes
           in
           the
           unjust
           reproaches
           cast
           upon
           us
           by
           men
           ;
           also
           to
           suffer
           these
           indignities
           with
           Christian
           patience
           ,
           and
           to
           shew
           our selves
           reconcilable
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           so
           adverse
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           endeavour
           peace
           and
           concord
           with
           them
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           possible
           ,
           many
           of
           whom
           we
           suppose
           to
           have
           been
           acted
           in
           this
           matter
           with
           an
           undissembled
           zeal
           ,
           though
           not
           regulated
           by
           sound
           knowledge
           or
           due
           charity
           ,
           but
           hurried
           with
           unreasonable
           prejudice
           and
           passion
           .
           We
           hold
           it
           also
           our
           duty
           not
           to
           neglect
           our
           own
           necessary
           vindication
           ,
           but
           in
           honest
           simplicity
           to
           make
           known
           to
           all
           ,
           what
           principals
           and
           practices
           we
           own
           and
           stand
           to
           .
           Though
           we
           are
           taught
           and
           encouraged
           to
           labour
           and
           suffer
           reproach
           ,
           and
           to
           reckon
           it
           a
           very
           small
           thing
           ,
           to
           be
           judged
           by
           man's
           judgment
           ,
           yet
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           
           vindicate
           our
           innocence
           for
           the
           truths
           sake
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           charity
           towards
           all
           men
           to
           provide
           ,
           what
           in
           us
           lies
           ,
           that
           none
           may
           take
           an
           occasion
           of
           stumbling
           in
           us
           .
           And
           here
           it
           shall
           suffice
           us
           only
           to
           make
           a
           true
           representation
           of
           our selves
           ,
           having
           this
           confidence
           ,
           that
           the
           bare
           stating
           of
           our
           case
           will
           be
           our
           sufficient
           defence
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           first
           place
           we
           declare
           ,
           that
           with
           us
           the
           kingdom
           of
           God
           is
           not
           Conformity
           or
           Nonconformity
           as
           such
           ,
           but
           Christianity
           or
           real
           Godliness
           ,
           which
           is
           most
           summarily
           comprized
           in
           the
           baptismal
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           more
           explicitely
           yet
           briefly
           in
           the
           Creed
           ,
           Lords
           Prayer
           and
           Decaloge
           ,
           and
           at
           large
           and
           most
           perfectly
           in
           the
           Holy
           Bible
           .
           A
           religiousness
           made
           up
           of
           little
           opinions
           ,
           and
           modes
           ,
           and
           phrases
           ,
           and
           sidings
           with
           this
           or
           the
           other
           party
           ,
           is
           none
           of
           ours
           ,
           though
           we
           are
           injuriously
           personated
           in
           some
           late
           writings
           ,
           to
           act
           such
           a
           part
           .
           Faith
           ,
           hope
           and
           love
           is
           the
           essence
           of
           our
           Religion
           ,
           and
           with
           us
           differences
           in
           things
           not
           essential
           ,
           do
           not
           make
           different
           Religions
           .
           VVe
           disdain
           our
           being
           of
           a
           party
           as
           such
           ;
           And
           though
           the
           godly
           be
           a
           peculiar
           people
           ,
           we
           confine
           not
           godliness
           to
           any
           peculiar
           way
           narrower
           than
           mere
           Christianity
           .
           We
           make
           no
           Humane
           additions
           in
           Sacred
           things
           ,
           nor
           any
           mutable
           circumstances
           to
           be
           the
           terms
           of
           Christian
           Fellowship
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Accordingly
           we
           seek
           not
           the
           advancement
           of
           any
           Sect
           or
           Party
           ,
           to
           the
           injury
           or
           neglect
           of
           the
           Universal
           Church
           ,
           or
           Christian
           cause
           ,
           or
           the
           common
           good
           .
           And
           as
           we
           are
           no
           faction
           ,
           we
           know
           that
           Factiousness
           is
           not
           our
           Interest
           ,
           but
           turns
           to
           our
           greatest
           loss
           .
           Our
           aims
           being
           Christian
           and
           Catholick
           ,
           we
           seek
           the
           increase
           of
           the
           visible
           Catholick
           Church
           ,
           or
           the
           whole
           Society
           of
           men
           professing
           true
           Christianity
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           increase
           of
           the
           Church
           invisible
           ,
           or
           the
           Society
           of
           Regenerate
           Christians
           .
           And
           to
           these
           ends
           we
           desire
           and
           most
           approve
           the
           primitive
           simplicity
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           and
           Discipline
           .
           And
           herein
           we
           boast
           not
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           the
           
           only
           men
           of
           the
           Primitive
           Christian
           Spirit
           ,
           but
           we
           answer
           them
           ,
           who
           have
           trampled
           upon
           us
           as
           an
           impertinent
           trifling
           Sect.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           We
           heartily
           own
           the
           Protestant
           Reformation
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           particularly
           that
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           contained
           in
           the
           Nine
           and
           Thirty
           Articles
           ,
           except
           those
           Two
           or
           Three
           that
           relate
           only
           to
           some
           of
           our
           present
           differences
           ,
           and
           not
           at
           all
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Faith
           and
           Sacraments
           .
           And
           we
           greatly
           esteem
           the
           soundness
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           contained
           in
           the
           Homilies
           .
           We
           unfeignedly
           assent
           to
           the
           sense
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Declaration
           concerning
           Ecclesiastical
           Affairs
           in
           that
           Passage
           ,
           wherein
           he
           justly
           rebukes
           those
           that
           had
           the
           hardyness
           to
           publish
           ,
           that
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           (
           against
           which
           no
           man
           with
           whom
           he
           had
           conferred
           ,
           had
           excepted
           )
           ought
           to
           be
           Reformed
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Discipline
           .
        
         
           Be
           it
           here
           observed
           ,
           that
           some
           Conformists
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           
             they
             heartily
             subscribe
             to
             the
             Nine
             and
             Thirty
             Articles
             ,
             taking
             the
             liberty
             of
             interpretation
             ,
             that
             is
             allowed
             by
             the
             Church
             her self
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             most
             reasonable
             to
             presume
             that
             she
             requires
             subscription
             to
             them
             ,
             as
             to
             an
             Instrument
             of
             Peace
             only
          
           ;
           And
           for
           this
           ,
           the
           Testimony
           of
           an
           eminent
           Bishop
           is
           cited
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             The
             Church
             of
          
           England
           
             doth
             not
             define
             any
             of
             these
             Questions
             as
             necessary
             to
             be
             believed
          
           necessitate
           medii
           ,
           or
           praecepti
           
             which
             is
             much
             less
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             bind
             her
             Sons
             ,
             for
             Peace
             sake
             ,
             not
             to
             oppose
             them
             .
          
           But
           for
           our
           parts
           we
           believe
           the
           very
           truth
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           contained
           in
           them
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           genuine
           sense
           of
           the
           words
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           We
           are
           not
           ashamed
           constantly
           to
           affirm
           ,
           that
           the
           word
           of
           God
           is
           the
           perfect
           Rule
           of
           Divine
           Faith
           and
           VVorship
           ;
           and
           we
           apprehend
           that
           it
           is
           not
           Lawfull
           for
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           any
           power
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           to
           make
           new
           worship
           of
           the
           same
           common
           nature
           and
           reason
           ,
           with
           those
           universal
           and
           perpetual
           Ordinances
           ,
           which
           the
           word
           hath
           already
           made
           .
           Nevertheless
           particular
           modes
           and
           accidents
           ,
           and
           mere
           circumstances
           
           of
           worship
           ,
           which
           are
           common
           to
           it
           ,
           with
           all
           Humane
           actions
           ,
           are
           left
           to
           the
           determination
           of
           Humane
           Prudence
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           general
           Rules
           of
           Scripture
           .
           And
           we
           take
           such
           determination
           in
           those
           matters
           to
           be
           no
           addition
           to
           God's
           word
           ,
           and
           no
           argument
           of
           the
           defectiveness
           of
           his
           Laws
           ,
           but
           merely
           an
           application
           of
           the
           general
           Law
           in
           particular
           cases
           ,
           as
           the
           Law
           it self
           doth
           warrant
           .
           A
           firm
           agreement
           of
           the
           Non-Conformists
           with
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           in
           the
           substantial
           parts
           of
           God's
           worship
           ,
           hath
           been
           long
           since
           manifested
           in
           their
           Papers
           presented
           to
           his
           Majesty
           .
           We
           still
           acknowledge
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           a
           set
           form
           of
           Liturgy
           for
           matter
           agreable
           to
           God's
           word
           ,
           and
           suited
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           several
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           necessities
           of
           the
           Church
           :
           yet
           the
           Minister
           should
           not
           be
           so
           confined
           to
           it
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           make
           use
           of
           his
           own
           gifts
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Exhortation
           .
           VVe
           still
           profess
           that
           we
           are
           obliged
           to
           do
           all
           things
           decently
           and
           in
           order
           :
           but
           we
           are
           not
           satisfied
           in
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           such
           Ceremonies
           ,
           as
           in
           their
           designed
           end
           seem
           to
           draw
           to
           near
           to
           the
           significancy
           and
           moral
           efficacy
           of
           Sacraments
           ,
           and
           which
           have
           been
           rejected
           by
           many
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           abroad
           .
           And
           we
           believe
           that
           God's
           worship
           is
           best
           managed
           for
           the
           Exterior
           form
           thereof
           ,
           when
           it
           hath
           least
           of
           Humane
           mixtures
           in
           things
           unnecessary
           adjoyned
           and
           appropriated
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           We
           intirely
           own
           that
           Ministry
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           set
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           whether
           extraordinary
           and
           temporary
           as
           that
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           or
           ordinary
           and
           perpetual
           ,
           as
           that
           of
           Bishops
           or
           Pastors
           ,
           and
           Teachers
           .
           VVe
           believe
           that
           it
           is
           Christs
           high
           prerogative
           ,
           transcending
           all
           Humane
           authority
           to
           institute
           Spiritual
           Offices
           ;
           (
           how
           be
           it
           there
           may
           be
           Offices
           
             circa
             sacra
          
           of
           man's
           appointment
           )
           That
           Spiritual
           Officers
           receive
           their
           authority
           from
           Christ
           as
           the
           immediate
           Donor
           thereof
           by
           his
           Charter
           (
           though
           their
           designation
           to
           their
           Office
           it
           not
           ordinarily
           immediate
           without
           man's
           interposing
           )
           and
           consequently
           they
           are
           Christ's
           immediate
           Stewards
           ,
           commissioned
           by
           
           him
           and
           accountable
           to
           him
           ,
           each
           one
           for
           himself
           in
           particular
           ;
           That
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Keys
           for
           binding
           and
           losing
           ,
           for
           retaining
           and
           remitting
           of
           sins
           is
           essential
           to
           a
           Presbyter
           or
           Bishop
           ;
           That
           Ministerial
           power
           is
           delivered
           by
           Ordination
           ,
           as
           by
           way
           of
           solemn
           investiture
           ;
           and
           that
           each
           particular
           Church
           ought
           to
           have
           their
           proper
           Bishop
           or
           Pastor
           ,
           (
           one
           or
           more
           )
           residing
           among
           them
           for
           all
           Ministerial
           duties
           ,
           who
           hath
           no
           coercive
           power
           upon
           the
           bodies
           or
           estates
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           may
           rule
           them
           by
           no
           other
           instrument
           ,
           than
           the
           Sword
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           working
           upon
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           their
           outward
           standing
           in
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           Church
           being
           the
           Lord's
           heritage
           and
           portion
           ought
           not
           to
           lye
           common
           ,
           but
           must
           be
           fenced
           with
           Christ's
           Spiritual
           Discipline
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           not
           laid
           wast
           and
           lost
           in
           a
           VVorld
           of
           Ungodliness
           breaking
           in
           upon
           it
           .
           This
           charge
           is
           committed
           to
           the
           Pastors
           ,
           who
           are
           accountable
           for
           the
           same
           to
           the
           chief
           Shepherd
           .
           By
           the
           order
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           all
           Presbyters
           were
           charged
           ,
           till
           very
           lately
           ,
           in
           the
           form
           of
           ordaining
           Ministers
           ,
           
             to
             administer
             the
             Doctrine
             ,
             Sacraments
             and
             Discipline
             ,
             as
             the
             Lord
             hath
             ordained
             ,
             and
             as
             this
             Realm
             hath
             received
             the
             same
             .
          
           And
           that
           they
           might
           the
           better
           understand
           what
           the
           Lord
           hath
           commanded
           ,
           the
           Exhortation
           of
           St.
           Paul
           to
           the
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Ephesus
           was
           appointed
           to
           be
           read
           to
           them
           at
           the
           time
           of
           their
           Ordination
           .
           
             Take
             heed
             to
             your selves
             and
             to
             all
             the
             flock
             ,
             over
             which
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             hath
             made
             you
             over-seers
             to
             rule
             the
             Congregation
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             purchased
             with
             his
             own
             blood
             .
          
           Admission
           into
           the
           Church
           by
           Baptism
           is
           one
           act
           of
           Pastoral
           Government
           ,
           and
           includes
           the
           judging
           of
           the
           title
           of
           the
           party
           to
           be
           so
           admitted
           .
           That
           which
           we
           require
           in
           the
           adult
           for
           their
           visible
           Church-Membership
           ,
           is
           their
           intelligent
           owning
           of
           the
           Baptismal
           Covenant
           by
           a
           serious
           profession
           ,
           there
           being
           no
           notoriety
           or
           proof
           of
           an
           invalidating
           contradiction
           .
           Other
           parts
           of
           Discipline
           are
           the
           publick
           admonition
           of
           scandalous
           offenders
           ,
           and
           injoyning
           of
           penitence
           ,
           the
           Excommunication
           of
           the
           obstinate
           ,
           
           and
           the
           absolution
           of
           the
           penitent
           .
           This
           Spiritual
           Government
           is
           not
           to
           be
           managed
           with
           external
           force
           and
           terror
           ,
           like
           the
           secular
           power
           ,
           but
           by
           Reproof
           ,
           Exhortation
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           that
           the
           offender
           may
           be
           convinced
           and
           judged
           in
           his
           own
           Conscience
           .
           And
           we
           take
           it
           for
           a
           great
           reproach
           to
           Christ's
           Discipline
           to
           tell
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           powerless
           thing
           of
           it self
           ,
           and
           insufficient
           to
           obtain
           its
           end
           ,
           unless
           the
           temporal
           Sword
           inforce
           it
           .
           Yet
           we
           would
           not
           have
           the
           Church
           destitute
           of
           the
           Magistrate's
           due
           assistance
           and
           encouragement
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           As
           touching
           the
           form
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           the
           Scripture-bishop
           or
           Evangelical
           Pastor
           we
           do
           and
           ever
           did
           acknowledge
           .
           Likewise
           we
           neither
           do
           nor
           ever
           did
           renounce
           the
           Episcopacy
           or
           Presidency
           ,
           which
           was
           of
           an
           ancient
           Ecclesiastical
           Custom
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           time
           of
           Ignatius
           ,
           yea
           or
           of
           Cyprian
           .
           Bishop
           Ushers
           model
           of
           Government
           by
           Bishops
           and
           Arch-bishops
           with
           their
           Presbyters
           ,
           was
           by
           some
           of
           us
           presented
           to
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           as
           a
           ground-work
           of
           accommodation
           .
           King
           Charles
           the
           First
           in
           his
           discourse
           touching
           the
           differences
           between
           himself
           and
           the
           two
           Houses
           in
           point
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           declares
           his
           judgment
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             That
             he
             is
             not
             against
             the
             managing
             of
             the
             Episcopal
             Presidency
             in
             one
             man
             ,
             by
             the
             joynt
             counsell
             and
             consent
             of
             many
             Presbyters
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             had
             offered
             to
             restore
             it
             as
             a
             fit
             means
             to
             avoid
             those
             errors
             ,
             and
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             partialities
             ,
             which
             are
             incident
             to
             any
             one
             man
             ,
             also
             to
             avoid
             tyranny
             which
             becomes
             no
             Christian
             ,
             least
             of
             all
             Church
             men
             ;
             besides
             it
             will
             be
             a
             means
             to
             take
             away
             that
          
           odium
           
             and
             burden
             of
             affairs
             ,
             that
             may
             lye
             too
             heavy
             on
             one
             mans
             shoulders
             ,
             as
             he
             thought
             it
             did
             formerly
             on
             the
             Bishops
             here
             .
          
        
         
           VVe
           judge
           the
           Episcopal
           or
           Pastoral
           Office
           to
           be
           a
           personal
           trust
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           discharged
           by
           delegation
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           especially
           that
           it
           cannot
           be
           deputed
           to
           them
           that
           are
           not
           Bishops
           or
           Pastors
           ,
           and
           that
           secular
           persons
           cannot
           administer
           that
           power
           ,
           which
           intrinsecally
           belongs
           to
           Spiritual
           Officers
           .
           And
           we
           cannot
           justifie
           any
           Ecclesiastical
           Government
           in
           a
           stated
           
           bereaving
           of
           the
           Pastors
           of
           particular
           Churches
           of
           that
           power
           ,
           that
           is
           essential
           to
           their
           office
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           stated
           hindering
           of
           the
           effectual
           exercise
           of
           Church
           Discipline
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           We
           detest
           all
           manner
           of
           Sacriledge
           ,
           and
           we
           think
           we
           are
           as
           willing
           as
           any
           others
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           noted
           and
           reproved
           ,
           and
           that
           one
           kind
           thereof
           ,
           the
           unjust
           alienation
           of
           Lands
           and
           Goods
           ,
           devoted
           to
           the
           Church's
           use
           for
           the
           support
           of
           Gods
           service
           ,
           we
           utterly
           condemn
           .
           But
           there
           are
           those
           that
           think
           they
           can
           never
           enough
           inveigh
           against
           this
           kind
           ,
           yet
           fear
           not
           to
           commit
           the
           same
           sin
           in
           other
           instances
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           less
           abominable
           ,
           as
           the
           Sacriledge
           of
           Pluralists
           ,
           Non-residents
           ,
           and
           all
           negligent
           and
           insufficient
           Ministers
           ,
           who
           devour
           that
           which
           is
           Holy
           ,
           taking
           the
           Ministerial
           benefice
           ,
           and
           not
           performing
           the
           service
           .
           And
           to
           alienate
           persons
           and
           gifts
           ,
           that
           have
           beensolemnly
           consecrated
           to
           God
           ,
           we
           take
           to
           be
           real
           Sacriledge
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           We
           are
           as
           willing
           as
           any
           others
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           heinous
           sin
           of
           Schism
           .
           But
           we
           earnestly
           desire
           many
           that
           cry
           out
           against
           Schismaticks
           ,
           more
           impartially
           to
           consider
           the
           nature
           of
           this
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           hate
           it
           in
           its
           full
           extent
           .
           We
           know
           the
           necessity
           and
           excellency
           of
           Christian
           Unity
           and
           Concord
           ,
           and
           the
           deformity
           and
           misery
           of
           division
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           pray
           that
           Christian
           Charity
           might
           be
           so
           conspicuous
           ,
           that
           all
           may
           know
           that
           we
           are
           Christ's
           Disciples
           by
           our
           loving
           one
           another
           .
           We
           are
           for
           building
           the
           Church's
           Unity
           upon
           its
           only
           adequate
           Foundation
           ,
           which
           is
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           same
           yesterday
           ,
           and
           to
           day
           ,
           and
           for
           ever
           ;
           and
           in
           vain
           do
           any
           hope
           to
           build
           it
           upon
           a
           narrower
           Foundation
           .
           We
           are
           against
           the
           devising
           of
           new
           Articles
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           new
           parts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           inforcing
           of
           Oaths
           and
           Subscriptions
           to
           the
           same
           .
           We
           require
           subscription
           or
           ingagement
           to
           no
           more
           than
           the
           Holy
           Bible
           ,
           and
           if
           any
           swerve
           from
           the
           truth
           in
           wicked
           error
           or
           practice
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           tryed
           and
           judged
           by
           that
           unalterable
           Law
           ,
           which
           themselves
           have
           assented
           to
           ▪
           And
           we
           
           think
           this
           the
           surest
           way
           to
           preserve
           the
           Christian
           Church
           in
           soundness
           of
           Doctrine
           ,
           integrity
           of
           Life
           ,
           and
           Holy
           Peace
           .
           But
           if
           the
           setting
           forth
           of
           a
           publick
           confession
           of
           Faith
           or
           Articles
           of
           Religion
           be
           insisted
           on
           ,
           we
           allow
           it
           as
           a
           rule
           to
           Preachers
           ,
           who
           may
           be
           punishable
           ,
           if
           they
           preach
           contrary
           Doctrine
           ,
           though
           they
           be
           not
           inforced
           to
           subscribe
           to
           every
           Tittle
           .
           Moreover
           we
           hold
           not
           our selves
           obliged
           to
           forsake
           a
           true
           ▪
           Church
           as
           no
           Church
           ,
           for
           the
           corruptions
           and
           disorders
           found
           therein
           ,
           or
           to
           separate
           from
           its
           worship
           for
           the
           tolerable
           faults
           thereof
           ,
           while
           our
           personal
           profession
           of
           some
           error
           ,
           or
           practice
           of
           some
           evil
           is
           not
           required
           as
           the
           terms
           of
           our
           Communion
           .
           How
           be
           it
           we
           are
           not
           so
           indifferent
           in
           this
           matter
           as
           to
           make
           no
           difference
           between
           Churches
           and
           Pastors
           .
           The
           more
           pure
           and
           powerfull
           administration
           of
           God's
           Ordinances
           is
           to
           be
           preferred
           before
           that
           which
           is
           more
           faulty
           and
           less
           effectual
           .
           And
           here
           again
           we
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           preferrence
           due
           caution
           must
           be
           used
           .
           VVe
           must
           not
           respect
           our
           own
           particular
           benefit
           before
           publick
           peace
           and
           order
           ,
           and
           the
           general
           good
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           VVe
           believe
           that
           the
           power
           of
           civil
           Magistrates
           is
           God's
           Ordinance
           ,
           necessary
           for
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           that
           their
           whole
           authority
           is
           derived
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           subordinate
           to
           him
           ,
           the
           only
           universal
           and
           unlimited
           Sovereign
           Lord
           ;
           That
           God's
           Glory
           and
           the
           Eternal
           Salvation
           of
           men
           ,
           are
           higher
           and
           nobler
           ends
           of
           their
           authority
           than
           temporal
           prosperity
           and
           peace
           ,
           that
           all
           their
           decrees
           and
           executions
           should
           chiefly
           refer
           to
           these
           ends
           .
           and
           that
           in
           their
           way
           they
           are
           charged
           with
           the
           Souls
           of
           men
           under
           their
           jurisdiction
           .
           VVe
           acknowledge
           that
           Supreme
           Magistrates
           have
           a
           civil
           supremacy
           in
           all
           ecclesiastical
           matters
           ,
           and
           a
           political
           Episcopacy
           over
           the
           Pastors
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           in
           their
           sacred
           administrations
           ,
           and
           may
           compell
           them
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           their
           duty
           ,
           and
           punish
           them
           for
           their
           negligence
           or
           mal-administration
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           call
           Synods
           ,
           and
           make
           Canons
           ,
           and
           warrantably
           thus
           reform
           the
           Church
           ,
           when
           it
           stands
           in
           need
           
           of
           Reformation
           .
           Accordingly
           we
           acknowledge
           the
           Kings
           Supremacy
           in
           all
           causes
           ,
           and
           over
           all
           persons
           ,
           Civil
           and
           Ecclesiastical
           ,
           in
           these
           his
           Majesties
           Realms
           and
           Dominions
           .
           Moreover
           we
           believe
           that
           the
           higher
           powers
           are
           not
           to
           be
           mere
           Executioners
           of
           the
           judgments
           of
           Ecclesiasticks
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           may
           and
           must
           be
           Judges
           thereof
           themselves
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           their
           own
           execution
           ;
           That
           their
           great
           and
           proper
           work
           about
           Religion
           is
           to
           incourage
           and
           inforce
           obedience
           to
           the
           Divine
           Laws
           ,
           and
           in
           subserviency
           thereunto
           ,
           to
           determine
           such
           things
           
             circa
             sacra
          
           as
           are
           requisite
           in
           general
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           particulars
           are
           left
           undetermined
           of
           God
           ;
           Likewise
           that
           by
           moderate
           penalties
           they
           may
           restrain
           persons
           of
           impious
           Principles
           ,
           as
           Atheists
           ,
           Infidels
           ,
           Hereticks
           from
           venting
           their
           wicked
           errors
           ,
           and
           from
           any
           open
           impious
           practice
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           may
           constrain
           men
           to
           use
           such
           means
           as
           God
           hath
           made
           Universally
           necessary
           to
           bring
           the
           ignorant
           to
           knowledge
           ;
           but
           not
           to
           profess
           either
           in
           word
           or
           deed
           what
           they
           believe
           not
           ,
           or
           to
           take
           that
           which
           God
           hath
           made
           the
           special
           priviledge
           of
           believers
           .
           Lastly
           ,
           Their
           imperial
           Government
           in
           Religion
           should
           be
           mixed
           with
           a
           paternal
           clemency
           and
           tenderness
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           meekness
           of
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           Servants
           they
           are
           ,
           not
           only
           as
           Christians
           but
           as
           Magistrates
           .
        
         
           13.
           
           It
           is
           our
           Principle
           ,
           that
           Humane
           Laws
           bind
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           or
           (
           to
           speak
           more
           properly
           )
           the
           subjects
           in
           point
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           not
           by
           a
           primary
           obligation
           as
           the
           laws
           of
           God
           do
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           secundary
           and
           subordinate
           ,
           as
           from
           a
           power
           derived
           from
           God.
           As
           it
           is
           an
           evident
           and
           important
           truth
           ,
           that
           Inferiors
           ought
           to
           obey
           their
           Superiors
           for
           Conscience
           sake
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           as
           evident
           and
           important
           ,
           that
           when
           Mens
           commands
           contradict
           the
           commands
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           God
           and
           not
           man
           that
           must
           have
           the
           preeminence
           in
           our
           obedience
           .
           VVith
           us
           it
           is
           no
           controversie
           ,
           whether
           the
           King
           or
           Conscience
           be
           the
           Supreme
           Governour
           .
           It
           is
           the
           Magistrate
           only
           that
           enacts
           publike
           laws
           ,
           and
           hath
           the
           publike
           decisive
           judgment
           
           whether
           according
           to
           his
           Laws
           we
           are
           justifiable
           or
           condemnable
           .
           As
           for
           Conscience
           it
           is
           no
           Governour
           at
           all
           ,
           but
           only
           a
           discerner
           of
           our
           duty
           ,
           and
           an
           internal
           witness
           for
           us
           ,
           or
           against
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           practice
           ;
           and
           consequently
           it
           is
           concerned
           to
           know
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           whether
           the
           commands
           of
           men
           be
           consentaneous
           or
           contrary
           thereunto
           ,
           which
           men
           call
           the
           judgment
           of
           discretion
           .
           If
           the
           Magistrates
           command
           be
           just
           ,
           the
           Subjects
           pretending
           against
           its
           lawfulness
           cannot
           justifie
           his
           disobedience
           ;
           and
           if
           the
           command
           be
           sinfull
           ,
           his
           judging
           it
           to
           be
           lawfull
           cannot
           excuse
           his
           doing
           of
           it
           from
           being
           sin
           .
           It
           is
           the
           Subject's
           duty
           in
           these
           cases
           first
           to
           lay
           by
           his
           error
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           act
           according
           to
           truth
           and
           right
           ,
           and
           for
           that
           end
           to
           use
           the
           best
           means
           for
           his
           own
           true
           information
           .
        
         
           Whereas
           some
           teach
           ,
           that
           when
           we
           doubt
           of
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           the
           thing
           enjoyned
           ,
           and
           ▪
           are
           certain
           that
           obedience
           to
           authority
           is
           a
           duty
           ,
           we
           must
           do
           the
           thing
           ;
           VVe
           conceive
           that
           we
           cannot
           be
           certain
           of
           our
           obligation
           ,
           to
           obey
           in
           a
           case
           wherein
           we
           are
           not
           sure
           of
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           the
           thing
           commanded
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           sure
           we
           must
           not
           obey
           the
           Magistrates
           command
           in
           things
           unlawfull
           ,
           and
           our
           ignorance
           or
           error
           cannot
           alter
           our
           obligation
           to
           Gods
           Law.
           Here
           is
           therefore
           an
           uncertainty
           on
           either
           side
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           the
           danger
           may
           be
           greater
           on
           the
           side
           of
           obeying
           than
           refusing
           .
           For
           possibly
           the
           injunction
           of
           a
           heinous
           sin
           may
           be
           the
           matter
           of
           the
           uncertainty
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           streight
           we
           apprehend
           it
           more
           unsafe
           and
           less
           excusable
           ,
           to
           choose
           the
           greater
           before
           the
           lesser
           sin
           ,
           though
           indeed
           it
           be
           lawfull
           to
           choose
           neither
           .
        
         
           VVe
           hold
           not
           that
           an
           indifferent
           thing
           becomes
           unlawfull
           by
           being
           commanded
           ,
           but
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           that
           a
           thing
           indifferent
           before
           the
           Magistrate's
           command
           ,
           doth
           after
           the
           command
           become
           a
           duty
           ,
           it
           being
           such
           as
           he
           hath
           authority
           to
           command
           .
           Indeed
           we
           cannot
           receive
           the
           Dictates
           of
           some
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           written
           too
           daringly
           about
           Conscience
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           Humane
           Powers
           .
           VVe
           boast
           not
           of
           such
           Principles
           as
           make
           men
           of
           ductile
           Consciences
           ,
           obsequious
           to
           all
           
           designs
           and
           interests
           ,
           but
           we
           embrace
           such
           as
           will
           keep
           the
           Church
           and
           VVorld
           in
           order
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           VVhen
           the
           higher
           powers
           command
           what
           God
           forbids
           ,
           though
           we
           are
           bound
           not
           to
           perform
           it
           ,
           yet
           we
           must
           be
           subject
           ,
           and
           not
           resist
           ,
           but
           patiently
           submit
           to
           suffering
           .
           The
           cause
           of
           Religion
           doth
           not
           warrant
           Subjects
           to
           take
           arms
           against
           their
           Lawfull
           Prince
           ,
           nor
           may
           they
           ,
           by
           armed
           violence
           against
           authority
           ,
           attempt
           the
           publique
           reformation
           thereof
           .
           We
           hold
           that
           it
           is
           unlawfull
           by
           the
           constitution
           and
           laws
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           for
           any
           Subjects
           to
           take
           arms
           against
           the
           King
           ,
           his
           Office
           ,
           Authority
           or
           Person
           ,
           or
           by
           force
           of
           arms
           to
           resist
           any
           Magistrate
           or
           Officer
           ;
           legally
           Commissionated
           or
           Authorized
           by
           him
           ,
           yea
           Subjects
           are
           bound
           not
           only
           not
           to
           resist
           but
           to
           assist
           and
           defend
           their
           Sovereign
           with
           their
           Estates
           and
           Lives
           ,
           and
           the
           Preachers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ought
           to
           teach
           the
           people
           obedience
           and
           loyalty
           ,
           and
           to
           indeavour
           to
           root
           out
           all
           Principles
           of
           Sedition
           ,
           Rebellion
           and
           Disobedience
           .
           VVe
           believe
           that
           we
           are
           under
           no
           Bond
           or
           Obligation
           to
           act
           any
           thing
           contrary
           to
           these
           our
           avowed
           Principles
           .
           And
           we
           further
           make
           known
           our
           detestation
           of
           all
           the
           indignity
           and
           violence
           offered
           to
           the
           person
           of
           our
           late
           Sovereign
           ,
           and
           especially
           that
           most
           horrid
           execrable
           fact
           of
           taking
           away
           his
           life
           ,
           as
           also
           the
           usurpations
           and
           violent
           change
           of
           the
           Government
           that
           did
           accompany
           the
           same
           ,
           against
           which
           crimes
           ,
           while
           they
           were
           carryed
           on
           ,
           the
           brethren
           of
           our
           perswasion
           openly
           protested
           even
           to
           the
           faces
           of
           the
           actors
           .
        
         
           Touching
           Government
           and
           Obedience
           we
           know
           no
           controversie
           between
           us
           and
           the
           Conforming
           Clergy
           ,
           that
           is
           purely
           Moral
           or
           Theological
           .
           Indeed
           there
           hath
           been
           political
           and
           law
           controversies
           ,
           respecting
           the
           different
           constitutions
           of
           States
           and
           Kingdoms
           .
           Now
           some
           men
           to
           serve
           their
           own
           designs
           have
           made
           these
           to
           be
           taken
           for
           differences
           in
           Religion
           ,
           when
           as
           they
           are
           agitated
           among
           States-men
           and
           Lawyers
           ,
           without
           respect
           to
           any
           difference
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           with
           much
           variety
           and
           uncertainty
           of
           opinion
           .
           And
           as
           for
           us
           we
           publiquely
           profess
           to
           ascribe
           as
           much
           to
           Princes
           and
           Sovereign
           
           powers
           ,
           as
           is
           ascribed
           to
           them
           by
           the
           ancient
           Christian
           Church
           in
           any
           general
           Councell
           ,
           or
           by
           any
           Protestant
           Church
           in
           any
           Synod
           or
           publike
           Confession
           thereof
           .
           And
           in
           the
           political
           Questions
           about
           royal
           prerogatives
           ,
           and
           the
           priviledges
           of
           Parliaments
           ,
           and
           the
           peoples
           immunities
           ,
           we
           interpose
           not
           at
           all
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           out
           of
           our
           Sphere
           ,
           but
           in
           reference
           thereunto
           we
           acquiesce
           in
           the
           determinations
           of
           the
           laws
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           .
        
         
           15.
           
           VVe
           doubt
           not
           but
           this
           free
           and
           open
           dealing
           will
           be
           our
           defence
           against
           those
           licentious
           Tongues
           and
           Pens
           ,
           that
           have
           proclaimed
           the
           Religion
           of
           the
           Non-Conformists
           to
           be
           a
           Foolish
           Religion
           ,
           when
           indeed
           it
           is
           no
           other
           than
           the
           Religion
           professed
           by
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ;
           and
           that
           our
           Principles
           of
           Government
           have
           a
           palpable
           inconsistence
           with
           the
           wellfare
           of
           Governours
           ,
           when
           we
           offer
           an
           appeal
           concerning
           it
           to
           the
           whole
           Christian
           Church
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           present
           and
           former
           ages
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           our
           state
           of
           Nonconformity
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           grievance
           and
           distress
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           not
           in
           the
           power
           of
           our
           own
           wills
           to
           help
           us
           .
           VVe
           affect
           not
           singularity
           ,
           disunity
           or
           dissent
           from
           others
           ,
           and
           so
           far
           as
           we
           are
           constrained
           to
           it
           ,
           we
           take
           it
           for
           our
           infelicity
           .
           We
           grudg
           not
           at
           the
           liberty
           of
           others
           ,
           but
           are
           so
           far
           glad
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           able
           and
           faithfull
           men
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           in
           a
           capacity
           of
           more
           publike
           service
           for
           God
           and
           his
           Church
           ;
           and
           though
           we
           are
           dissatisfied
           in
           the
           way
           wherein
           they
           have
           gained
           it
           ,
           yet
           we
           retain
           Charity
           and
           Peace
           towards
           them
           ,
           and
           are
           willing
           to
           concurr
           with
           them
           in
           the
           common
           interest
           of
           true
           Religion
           .
        
         
           16.
           
           They
           are
           much
           mistaken
           in
           our
           case
           ,
           who
           think
           it
           is
           the
           mere
           inexpedience
           of
           the
           things
           injoyned
           that
           we
           stick
           at
           .
           VVe
           question
           the
           truth
           of
           some
           assertions
           ,
           and
           the
           lawfullness
           of
           some
           ordinances
           of
           worship
           ,
           and
           fear
           the
           dangerous
           tendency
           of
           some
           forms
           and
           rules
           of
           Ministration
           ,
           of
           which
           and
           of
           other
           matters
           in
           difference
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           render
           a
           particular
           account
           ,
           when
           authority
           shall
           require
           it
           .
           VVe
           acknowledge
           that
           some
           parts
           of
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           dissent
           are
           
           comparatively
           small
           things
           ,
           and
           in
           no
           wise
           to
           be
           valued
           more
           than
           Unity
           and
           Peace
           .
           VVe
           lay
           the
           main
           stress
           on
           the
           main
           truths
           and
           duties
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           for
           these
           lesser
           things
           ,
           we
           would
           bear
           with
           others
           in
           the
           belief
           and
           practice
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           others
           will
           not
           bear
           with
           us
           in
           forbearing
           to
           own
           or
           use
           them
           ,
           while
           we
           think
           them
           erroneous
           and
           forbidden
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           do
           rationally
           doubt
           of
           their
           truth
           and
           lawfullness
           .
           Now
           this
           presseth
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           do
           lesser
           evils
           that
           greater
           good
           may
           come
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           cannot
           do
           these
           comparatively
           little
           things
           .
           For
           it
           is
           not
           a
           little
           thing
           to
           sin
           deliberately
           in
           the
           least
           matter
           ,
           and
           the
           willfull
           breach
           of
           the
           least
           of
           God's
           Commandments
           is
           a
           contempt
           of
           his
           authority
           in
           the
           whole
           Law.
           And
           whereas
           we
           are
           commonly
           said
           to
           
             strain
             at
             Gnats
             and
             swallow
             Camels
             ,
          
           if
           we
           be
           indeed
           convicted
           of
           such
           partiality
           ,
           let
           us
           bear
           this
           brand
           of
           Hypocrites
           .
           In
           the
           mean
           while
           let
           our
           accusers
           know
           and
           dread
           the
           guilt
           of
           rash
           judgment
           .
        
         
           Moreover
           if
           some
           of
           the
           things
           themselves
           be
           small
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           a
           small
           thing
           ,
           that
           is
           required
           of
           us
           about
           them
           ,
           namely
           a
           declaration
           and
           subscription
           of
           our
           unfeigned
           assent
           and
           consent
           to
           all
           and
           every
           thing
           contained
           in
           large
           Humane
           Volumes
           ,
           imposed
           by
           our
           Superiors
           ,
           who
           acknowledge
           they
           are
           not
           infallible
           .
           VVe
           have
           not
           so
           much
           as
           our
           internal
           judgment
           and
           choice
           left
           to
           us
           about
           a
           multitude
           of
           humane
           ordinances
           and
           determinations
           .
           Our
           peaceable
           bearing
           and
           holding
           Communion
           with
           them
           ,
           that
           practice
           these
           things
           ,
           yea
           our
           quiet
           submission
           to
           the
           use
           thereof
           as
           tolerable
           sufficeth
           not
           ,
           (
           as
           we
           apprehend
           it
           )
           but
           there
           must
           be
           also
           an
           hearty
           and
           intire
           approbation
           thereof
           as
           laudable
           .
           Had
           we
           sufficient
           authoritative
           warrant
           to
           believe
           ,
           that
           these
           recognitions
           import
           no
           more
           than
           our
           peaceable
           behaviour
           toward
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           some
           have
           intimated
           ,
           we
           would
           as
           readily
           subscribe
           the
           same
           as
           they
           .
           But
           we
           do
           not
           think
           it
           safe
           to
           proceed
           upon
           the
           presumption
           of
           such
           a
           meaning
           as
           hath
           no
           better
           warrant
           ,
           and
           we
           dread
           to
           profess
           the
           approbation
           of
           the
           things
           we
           disallow
           .
        
         
         
           Furthermore
           ,
           though
           in
           some
           regard
           we
           are
           more
           concerned
           about
           the
           controverted
           opinions
           ,
           forms
           and
           ceremonies
           ,
           to
           wit
           as
           they
           are
           bound
           upon
           all
           Conformists
           to
           be
           personally
           owned
           and
           used
           by
           them
           ,
           (
           to
           which
           we
           may
           add
           the
           inforcing
           of
           Reordination
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           bar
           set
           to
           many
           of
           our
           number
           )
           yet
           there
           are
           other
           things
           wherein
           the
           state
           of
           Religion
           is
           as
           much
           or
           more
           concerned
           .
           It
           is
           hard
           for
           us
           so
           to
           bind
           our selves
           under
           all
           the
           present
           orders
           and
           customs
           in
           the
           Ecclesiastical
           Polity
           ,
           and
           its
           management
           ,
           as
           to
           ingage
           against
           all
           necessary
           reformation
           .
           VVe
           are
           sensible
           how
           much
           the
           good
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           increase
           of
           true
           Godliness
           ,
           lyes
           in
           the
           due
           exercise
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           very
           tender
           of
           setting
           any
           bar
           against
           it
           ,
           by
           our
           own
           act
           .
        
         
           17.
           
           But
           least
           by
           this
           intimation
           we
           may
           be
           thought
           to
           intend
           what
           indeed
           we
           do
           not
           ,
           we
           declare
           that
           we
           will
           not
           indeavour
           any
           alteration
           of
           the
           Government
           in
           Church
           or
           State
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           King
           ,
           whose
           Civil
           and
           Ecclesiastical
           Supremacy
           we
           have
           before
           acknowledged
           ;
           nor
           the
           alteration
           of
           the
           true
           Episcopal
           Office
           which
           Christ
           hath
           setled
           in
           his
           Church
           ;
           nor
           will
           we
           indeavour
           any
           alteration
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           by
           any
           seditious
           or
           unlawfull
           means
           ,
           but
           only
           by
           Prayer
           to
           God
           ,
           by
           humbly
           Petitioning
           our
           Superiors
           ,
           or
           obeying
           the
           King
           if
           he
           command
           it
           ,
           or
           such
           like
           lawfull
           means
           ,
           as
           belong
           to
           us
           in
           our
           places
           and
           callings
           .
        
         
           18.
           
           We
           affect
           not
           Church-domination
           ,
           (
           howsoever
           we
           have
           been
           reported
           to
           grasp
           at
           power
           in
           our
           own
           way
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           others
           do
           in
           theirs
           )
           we
           only
           desire
           a
           liberty
           of
           discharging
           our
           duty
           to
           the
           Congregations
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           are
           sent
           .
           VVe
           would
           exercise
           Discipline
           toward
           such
           only
           ,
           as
           voluntarily
           submit
           thereunto
           .
           VVe
           would
           have
           no
           coercive
           power
           annexed
           unto
           it
           ,
           nor
           temporal
           penalties
           immediately
           consequent
           to
           any
           Spiritual
           sentence
           .
           VVe
           utterly
           disclaim
           this
           opinion
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           Clergy
           hath
           Excommunicated
           any
           man
           ,
           the
           Magistrate
           is
           bound
           in
           Conscience
           to
           confiscate
           ,
           banish
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           punish
           meerly
           upon
           their
           sentence
           ,
           without
           hearing
           or
           trying
           the
           cause
           by
           his
           laws
           at
           his
           own
           bar
           .
           
           We
           look
           upon
           Church
           Tyranny
           as
           the
           great
           calamity
           of
           Christendom
           ,
           and
           would
           by
           no
           means
           have
           a
           hand
           in
           its
           advancement
           ,
           under
           any
           form
           of
           Government
           whatsoever
           .
           Having
           read
           in
           History
           by
           what
           steps
           the
           Roman
           Clergy
           overtop'd
           Princes
           and
           Emperors
           ,
           we
           can
           in
           no
           wise
           promote
           the
           twisting
           of
           Clergy
           domination
           by
           oaths
           and
           other
           publique
           ingagements
           into
           the
           frames
           of
           secular
           Kingdoms
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           precedency
           to
           the
           civil
           power
           .
        
         
           19.
           
           All
           the
           reasons
           of
           our
           Non-conformity
           cannot
           be
           here
           expected
           by
           any
           that
           know
           upon
           what
           terms
           we
           stand
           .
           We
           make
           it
           our
           humble
           and
           earnest
           supplication
           to
           our
           Superiors
           ,
           that
           by
           their
           favourable
           permission
           we
           might
           have
           leave
           to
           write
           and
           publish
           more
           largely
           and
           particularly
           ,
           both
           touching
           our
           dissents
           ,
           and
           in
           answer
           to
           the
           accusations
           made
           against
           us
           .
           For
           such
           a
           defence
           ,
           as
           we
           now
           ask
           leave
           to
           make
           ,
           hath
           hitherto
           been
           for
           born
           ,
           to
           avoid
           the
           displeasure
           of
           our
           Governors
           .
        
         
           20.
           
           It
           is
           easie
           for
           that
           side
           which
           is
           uppermost
           to
           speak
           for
           their
           own
           way
           ,
           that
           as
           much
           hath
           been
           written
           as
           may
           satisfie
           any
           that
           have
           a
           mind
           to
           be
           satisfied
           .
           But
           they
           should
           remember
           the
           common
           infirmity
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           and
           what
           strange
           disparity
           there
           is
           in
           Mens
           understandings
           ,
           and
           what
           diversity
           of
           apprehensions
           ,
           especially
           in
           matters
           of
           doubtfull
           disputation
           .
           VVe
           profess
           in
           his
           sight
           who
           knows
           our
           hearts
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           a
           mind
           to
           be
           satisfied
           ,
           if
           we
           knew
           how
           .
           And
           there
           is
           rational
           evidence
           for
           the
           truth
           of
           what
           we
           speak
           ,
           for
           that
           our
           dissatisfaction
           must
           needs
           be
           against
           our
           interest
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           remediable
           .
           Any
           conscientious
           Principles
           narrower
           than
           the
           truth
           ,
           entangle
           those
           that
           are
           governed
           by
           them
           ;
           and
           our
           Principles
           of
           Non-conformity
           ,
           if
           erroneous
           ,
           are
           a
           great
           snare
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           keep
           us
           under
           such
           confinement
           ,
           as
           is
           no
           way
           desireable
           by
           us
           ,
           And
           therefore
           if
           we
           might
           be
           free
           ,
           we
           would
           use
           it
           rather
           ,
           and
           willingly
           retract
           that
           error
           ,
           that
           puts
           us
           to
           so
           much
           trouble
           .
           And
           surely
           they
           judge
           too
           hardly
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           think
           the
           supposed
           shame
           of
           a
           retractation
           ,
           would
           keep
           us
           from
           embracing
           our
           own
           liberty
           and
           
           safety
           ,
           and
           promoting
           the
           Churches
           Peace
           and
           Unity
           .
           If
           our
           Consciences
           were
           well
           secured
           ,
           we
           would
           trust
           God
           with
           our
           reputation
           .
           To
           those
           that
           speak
           of
           our
           baffled
           cause
           ,
           and
           charge
           us
           with
           invincible
           obstinacy
           after
           shamefull
           overthrows
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           now
           mention
           such
           Books
           of
           special
           note
           ,
           and
           not
           tediously
           voluminous
           ,
           as
           were
           written
           on
           our
           side
           in
           former
           times
           by
           men
           of
           reputation
           ,
           that
           were
           never
           answered
           ;
           we
           shall
           only
           mind
           them
           to
           consider
           ,
           what
           answer
           hath
           been
           made
           to
           some
           later
           Published
           writings
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           as
           
             the
             Petition
             for
             Peace
          
           ,
           with
           the
           
             Reformation
             of
             the
             Liturgy
          
           ,
           and
           
             the
             last
             reply
             made
             to
             the
             Bishops
             by
             the
             Divines
             ,
             Commissioned
             together
             with
             them
             for
             the
             review
             of
             the
             Common
             Prayer
             ,
          
           though
           the
           matter
           and
           season
           earnestly
           called
           for
           it
           .
           For
           they
           were
           presented
           to
           the
           Bishops
           before
           the
           act
           of
           Uniformity
           came
           forth
           ,
           while
           the
           things
           for
           which
           we
           suffer
           were
           under
           publike
           consultation
           .
        
         
           21.
           
           Our
           dissents
           can
           be
           no
           just
           provocation
           to
           any
           .
           Our
           equals
           that
           differ
           from
           us
           are
           upon
           this
           account
           no
           more
           reproached
           in
           us
           ,
           than
           we
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           we
           can
           no
           more
           be
           thought
           to
           reflect
           an
           imputation
           of
           evil
           on
           them
           ,
           than
           they
           on
           us
           .
           Towards
           our
           Superiors
           our
           dissent
           carryes
           in
           it
           no
           more
           indignity
           ,
           than
           a
           supposition
           that
           they
           may
           err
           .
           And
           we
           agree
           with
           them
           in
           so
           much
           ,
           as
           the
           wisdom
           of
           God
           hath
           made
           necessary
           to
           Christian
           concord
           .
        
         
           22.
           
           His
           Majesty
           expressed
           his
           resolution
           to
           become
           the
           effectual
           moderator
           of
           our
           differences
           ,
           and
           graciously
           accepted
           the
           proposals
           made
           by
           some
           of
           us
           with
           acknowledgment
           of
           their
           moderation
           .
           This
           he
           hath
           largely
           made
           known
           in
           his
           declaration
           concerning
           Ecclesiastical
           affairs
           ,
           wherein
           he
           gives
           this
           Testimony
           to
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Presbyterian
           perswasion
           ,
           that
           attended
           on
           him
           in
           
             Holland
             .
             To
             our
             great
             satisfaction
             and
             comfort
             we
             found
             them
             persons
             full
             of
             affection
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             of
             zeal
             to
             the
             Peace
             of
             Church
             and
             State
             ,
             and
             neither
             enemies
             ,
             as
             they
             had
             been
             given
             out
             to
             be
             to
             Episcopacy
             or
             Liturgy
             ;
             but
             modestly
             to
             desire
             such
             alterations
             in
             either
             as
             without
             shaking
             Foundations
             ,
             might
             best
             allay
             the
             present
             distempers
             .
          
           
           And
           he
           expressed
           himself
           in
           reference
           to
           those
           things
           wherein
           the
           learned
           men
           of
           either
           persuasion
           were
           agreed
           as
           followeth
           ,
           
             If
             upon
             these
             excellent
             foundations
             in
             submission
             to
             which
             there
             is
             such
             a
             harmony
             of
             affections
             ,
             any
             superstructure
             should
             be
             raised
             to
             the
             shaking
             of
             those
             Foundations
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             contracting
             or
             lessening
             of
             the
             blessed
             gift
             of
             Charity
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             vital
             part
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             we
             shall
             think
             our self
             very
             unfortunate
             ,
             and
             even
             suspect
             that
             we
             are
             defective
             in
             that
             administration
             of
             Government
             ,
             with
             which
             God
             hath
             intrusted
             us
             .
          
           And
           he
           saith
           farther
           ,
           That
           
             he
             doth
             not
             think
             his
             reverence
             to
             the
             Church
             of
          
           England
           ,
           
             as
             it
             is
             Established
             by
             Law
             ,
             in
             the
             least
             degree
             diminished
             by
             condescentions
             ,
             not
             peremptorily
             to
             insist
             on
             some
             particulars
             of
             ceremony
             ,
             which
             howsoever
             introduced
             by
             the
             piety
             and
             devotion
             and
             order
             of
             former
             times
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             so
             agreable
             to
             the
             present
             ,
             but
             may
             lessen
             that
             piety
             and
             devotion
             for
             the
             improvement
             whereof
             they
             might
             happily
             be
             introduced
             ,
             and
             consequently
             may
             well
             be
             dispensed
             with
             .
          
        
         
           This
           gracious
           healing
           declaration
           was
           received
           with
           the
           thanks
           of
           the
           House
           of
           Commons
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           applause
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           to
           our
           special
           joy
           .
           Had
           the
           moderation
           therein
           specified
           stood
           in
           force
           ,
           we
           have
           no
           cause
           to
           doubt
           but
           that
           Tranquillity
           and
           Concord
           in
           the
           Church
           would
           have
           ensued
           .
           But
           the
           frustration
           thereof
           lay
           not
           on
           our
           parts
           .
           It
           is
           our
           comfort
           that
           we
           have
           earnestly
           sought
           Peace
           and
           Unity
           ,
           though
           we
           have
           not
           so
           far
           prevailed
           ,
           as
           to
           gain
           so
           much
           as
           the
           abatement
           of
           one
           Ceremony
           ,
           but
           our
           Bonds
           have
           been
           made
           stronger
           ,
           and
           the
           terms
           of
           our
           Ministerial
           liberty
           much
           harder
           to
           us
           ,
           than
           they
           were
           in
           the
           former
           times
           of
           Prelacy
           .
        
         
           22.
           
           Some
           indeed
           say
           that
           to
           indulge
           us
           any
           abatement
           of
           injunctions
           ,
           even
           in
           things
           indifferent
           and
           mutable
           ,
           would
           cherish
           us
           in
           our
           ungovernable
           perswasions
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           would
           yield
           up
           her
           authority
           to
           those
           Principles
           ,
           that
           would
           be
           an
           everlasting
           hinderance
           of
           her
           settlement
           .
           These
           men
           speak
           as
           if
           our
           exclusion
           ,
           not
           our
           conformity
           were
           desired
           .
           But
           against
           their
           uncharitable
           and
           unsober
           assertion
           ,
           we
           offer
           
           our
           Principles
           already
           here
           testified
           to
           the
           tryal
           and
           judgment
           of
           all
           impartial
           and
           unprejudiced
           minds
           ,
           and
           challenge
           our
           adversaries
           to
           gain
           say
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           prove
           that
           we
           falsly
           pretend
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           23.
           
           The
           extravagant
           Pens
           of
           some
           Writers
           have
           made
           ridiculous
           and
           odious
           descriptions
           of
           us
           ,
           to
           expose
           us
           to
           the
           common
           scorn
           and
           hatred
           .
           They
           would
           make
           the
           World
           believe
           that
           instead
           of
           the
           Precepts
           of
           the
           Gospell
           intelligibly
           set
           forth
           ,
           we
           make
           a
           Religion
           of
           Metaphors
           and
           Allegories
           ,
           and
           new
           phrases
           ,
           of
           thin
           airy
           notions
           ,
           frivolous
           and
           senseless
           nicities
           ,
           and
           fanatick
           whimsies
           .
           This
           they
           fix
           promiscuously
           upon
           the
           Non-Conformists
           from
           passages
           collected
           out
           of
           some
           Writers
           ,
           that
           go
           under
           that
           name
           .
           But
           suppose
           those
           passages
           as
           erroneous
           and
           frivolous
           as
           they
           would
           make
           them
           ,
           would
           any
           party
           in
           the
           VVorld
           or
           they
           themselves
           be
           so
           dealt
           with
           ?
           Should
           a
           collection
           of
           errors
           ,
           absurdities
           ,
           incongruities
           ,
           injudicious
           expressions
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           weaknesses
           be
           pick'd
           here
           and
           there
           out
           of
           the
           writings
           of
           this
           and
           the
           other
           Conformists
           ,
           and
           then
           be
           Intituled
           the
           Religion
           of
           the
           Conforming
           Clergy
           .
           Let
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Non-Conformists
           ,
           that
           is
           extant
           defend
           it self
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           carefull
           about
           this
           matter
           .
           Indeed
           we
           cannot
           boast
           that
           none
           among
           us
           are
           injudicious
           ,
           yea
           ,
           or
           that
           any
           one
           among
           us
           doth
           never
           write
           or
           speak
           an
           incongruous
           word
           .
           If
           our
           adversaries
           so
           boast
           of
           themselves
           and
           theirs
           ,
           let
           them
           take
           the
           glory
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           called
           to
           this
           boasting
           ,
           or
           to
           compare
           our selves
           with
           others
           .
           It
           is
           too
           well
           known
           how
           great
           a
           part
           of
           the
           Clergy
           throughout
           Christendom
           (
           as
           indeed
           of
           all
           other
           sorts
           of
           men
           )
           are
           defective
           and
           imprudent
           in
           their
           expressions
           .
           But
           by
           insisting
           on
           this
           kind
           of
           exceptions
           ,
           our
           adversaries
           have
           done
           us
           this
           right
           as
           in
           effect
           to
           tell
           the
           VVorld
           that
           the
           Non-Conformists
           are
           not
           deprived
           and
           silenced
           for
           Treason
           ,
           Rebellion
           ,
           Drunkenness
           ,
           Swearing
           ,
           Incontinences
           ,
           Rayling
           ,
           Insufficiency
           ,
           Idleness
           ,
           seldom
           Preaching
           ,
           Pluralities
           ,
           Non-Residence
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           immoralities
           .
        
         
         
           Let
           not
           the
           progress
           of
           our
           just
           and
           necessary
           defence
           be
           taken
           for
           self
           exalting
           .
           For
           we
           do
           not
           exclude
           others
           ,
           but
           only
           include
           our selves
           in
           that
           sobriety
           ,
           from
           which
           some
           would
           exclude
           us
           ,
           and
           we
           do
           this
           to
           shew
           that
           others
           ought
           to
           receive
           us
           ,
           seeing
           we
           accord
           in
           the
           greater
           things
           ,
           notwithstanding
           our
           lesser
           differences
           .
        
         
           24.
           
           We
           earnestly
           disavow
           ,
           and
           teach
           the
           people
           to
           beware
           of
           the
           conduct
           of
           pretended
           inspirations
           ;
           and
           we
           own
           God's
           publick
           Laws
           written
           in
           Scripture
           and
           Nature
           for
           our
           perpetual
           Rule
           .
           The
           World
           knows
           that
           the
           rational
           evidence
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Divine
           Authority
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           hath
           been
           as
           much
           owned
           among
           us
           ,
           and
           as
           largely
           asserted
           by
           some
           of
           ours
           ,
           as
           by
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           speak
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           the
           only
           Propugnators
           and
           Preachers
           thereof
           .
           We
           take
           the
           Spirit
           's
           grand
           Testimony
           to
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           not
           to
           stand
           in
           some
           inward
           unaccountable
           suggestion
           and
           perswasion
           ,
           but
           in
           an
           objective
           evidence
           propounded
           to
           the
           reason
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           though
           we
           likewise
           hold
           the
           Spirits
           internal
           teaching
           ,
           and
           the
           gift
           of
           illumination
           to
           be
           necessary
           to
           saving
           Faith.
           We
           do
           not
           hunt
           after
           mysteries
           in
           words
           and
           phrases
           ,
           yet
           we
           would
           not
           make
           void
           or
           lessen
           the
           great
           mystery
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           and
           make
           no
           more
           of
           it
           than
           a
           Scheme
           of
           Moral
           Philosophy
           .
           We
           approve
           not
           affected
           Language
           ,
           yet
           we
           would
           not
           have
           the
           things
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           spoken
           in
           Scripture
           Language
           called
           Canting
           .
           We
           make
           it
           our
           business
           to
           understand
           the
           things
           we
           affirm
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           sense
           to
           our
           Hearers
           in
           the
           plainest
           words
           ,
           and
           in
           preaching
           to
           avoid
           vain
           janglings
           ,
           and
           impertinent
           curiosities
           ,
           useless
           speculations
           ,
           novelties
           ,
           and
           vain
           ostentation
           of
           wit
           and
           fancy
           ,
           and
           to
           insist
           on
           things
           essential
           or
           of
           great
           importance
           to
           Christian
           Piety
           ,
           and
           whereinsoever
           we
           have
           done
           weakly
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           do
           better
           ,
           and
           refuse
           not
           to
           learn
           even
           from
           our
           adversaries
           .
        
         
           25.
           
           In
           man's
           Conversion
           to
           God
           we
           urge
           not
           the
           necessity
           of
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           unnecessary
           .
           We
           stand
           not
           on
           certain
           modes
           ,
           methods
           and
           circumstances
           ,
           in
           which
           it
           may
           be
           
           brought
           about
           ,
           wherein
           the
           wisdom
           of
           God
           proceeds
           variously
           towards
           several
           persons
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           different
           circumstances
           of
           their
           condition
           .
           As
           for
           instance
           ,
           we
           assert
           not
           a
           general
           necessity
           of
           this
           or
           that
           measure
           of
           humiliation
           ▪
           much
           less
           of
           a
           dismal
           despairing
           horror
           (
           as
           some
           have
           said
           of
           us
           )
           we
           press
           conviction
           and
           humiliation
           no
           farther
           than
           to
           make
           a
           sinner
           restless
           till
           he
           come
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           find
           rest
           to
           his
           Soul
           in
           him
           .
           And
           we
           take
           not
           conversion
           to
           be
           (
           as
           some
           have
           slandered
           us
           )
           an
           imbracing
           of
           our
           opinions
           ,
           or
           an
           adhering
           to
           our
           party
           ;
           but
           an
           internal
           principle
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Hope
           and
           Love
           expressed
           in
           a
           sober
           ,
           righteous
           and
           godly
           life
           .
           If
           this
           be
           it
           ,
           which
           some
           mean
           ,
           when
           they
           speak
           so
           highly
           of
           morality
           and
           virtue
           ,
           we
           will
           not
           differ
           with
           them
           about
           the
           name
           .
           For
           morality
           or
           immorality
           taken
           not
           vulgarly
           but
           theologically
           ,
           is
           no
           other
           than
           the
           conformity
           or
           inconformity
           of
           our
           minds
           and
           actions
           to
           God
           and
           his
           Laws
           .
           And
           that
           to
           preach
           morality
           in
           this
           sense
           is
           to
           preach
           Christ
           ,
           we
           acknowledge
           as
           freely
           as
           any
           others
           .
           But
           we
           know
           the
           vulgar
           notion
           thereof
           respects
           the
           civil
           righteousness
           of
           the
           natural
           man
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           common
           hearers
           ,
           who
           understand
           words
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           commonly
           used
           among
           themselves
           ,
           we
           think
           it
           necessary
           to
           distinguish
           between
           saving
           grace
           and
           moral
           virtue
           .
           Furthermore
           we
           say
           not
           ,
           nor
           are
           we
           acquainted
           with
           them
           that
           do
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           morally
           righteous
           man
           is
           at
           a
           greater
           distance
           from
           grace
           ,
           than
           the
           prophane
           ,
           and
           better
           be
           lewd
           and
           debauched
           than
           to
           lead
           an
           honest
           and
           virtuous
           life
           .
           We
           hear
           no
           such
           words
           out
           of
           the
           mouths
           of
           Non-Conformists
           ,
           though
           some
           have
           suggested
           it
           against
           us
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           odious
           .
           And
           it
           seems
           strange
           ,
           that
           any
           should
           insinuate
           a
           charge
           of
           Antinomianism
           against
           us
           ,
           by
           making
           the
           personated
           Non-Conformist
           to
           call
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           good
           works
           legal
           preaching
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           so
           well
           known
           ,
           that
           some
           of
           ours
           have
           done
           as
           much
           as
           any
           in
           confuting
           the
           Antinomian
           dotages
           .
           We
           teach
           none
           to
           call
           themselves
           Godly
           ,
           meerly
           because
           they
           hear
           Sermons
           ,
           frequent
           Lectures
           ,
           and
           meet
           together
           for
           Prayer
           and
           other
           Religious
           Exercises
           :
           yet
           our
           aim
           is
           that
           
           men
           should
           make
           Religion
           their
           business
           ,
           and
           we
           incourage
           their
           diligence
           in
           attending
           on
           God's
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           redeeming
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           helping
           each
           other
           forward
           in
           the
           way
           to
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           26.
           
           Though
           we
           are
           accused
           to
           be
           of
           that
           Spirit
           that
           saith
           ,
           
             Stand
             by
             thy self
             ,
             come
             not
             near
             to
             me
             ,
             I
             am
             holyer
             than
             thou
          
           ;
           yet
           we
           place
           not
           Holyness
           in
           any
           peculiar
           garb
           of
           profession
           ,
           or
           in
           standing
           at
           a
           greater
           distance
           from
           others
           ,
           than
           God
           would
           have
           us
           ,
           We
           receive
           all
           men
           as
           much
           as
           either
           brotherly
           kindness
           or
           common
           charity
           will
           allow
           .
           VVe
           affect
           no
           greater
           singularity
           than
           the
           uncontroverted
           Non-Conformity
           to
           the
           VVorld
           makes
           necessary
           .
           Differences
           of
           perswasion
           in
           the
           matters
           controverted
           ,
           we
           make
           not
           to
           be
           marks
           of
           distinction
           between
           good
           and
           bad
           men
           .
           VVe
           judge
           not
           any
           as
           ungodly
           upon
           the
           meer
           account
           of
           their
           Conformity
           ,
           yea
           we
           have
           incomparably
           more
           value
           for
           a
           Godly
           Conformist
           ,
           than
           for
           a
           meerly
           Opinionative
           Non-Conformist
           .
           VVe
           renounce
           not
           Communion
           in
           the
           publique
           worship
           of
           the
           Parish
           Churches
           ,
           though
           for
           its
           outward
           form
           and
           order
           in
           some
           respects
           it
           be
           not
           that
           which
           is
           most
           desireable
           by
           us
           .
           It
           is
           our
           hearts
           desire
           and
           prayer
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           the
           VVord
           ,
           Prayer
           and
           Sacraments
           therein
           dispensed
           ,
           may
           be
           blest
           to
           the
           great
           increase
           of
           true
           Godliness
           in
           those
           that
           attend
           thereon
           .
           Yea
           we
           wish
           so
           well
           to
           the
           ability
           and
           godliness
           of
           our
           opposites
           in
           these
           controversies
           ,
           that
           it
           would
           be
           our
           great
           rejoycing
           ,
           that
           every
           Parish
           Church
           in
           England
           were
           filled
           with
           an
           able
           Godly
           Minister
           though
           conformable
           .
           VVe
           own
           the
           Catholick
           Communion
           of
           Saints
           ,
           and
           desire
           a
           part
           in
           the
           Prayers
           of
           all
           faithfull
           Christians
           ,
           whether
           they
           pray
           by
           a
           set
           form
           or
           without
           it
           .
        
         
           27.
           
           VVhereas
           we
           are
           charged
           with
           immodesty
           and
           boldness
           in
           our
           inquiries
           and
           conclusions
           ▪
           we
           profess
           that
           in
           the
           Doctrines
           of
           predestination
           ,
           redemption
           ,
           divine
           Grace
           ,
           free
           will
           ,
           original
           sin
           ,
           justification
           ,
           perseverance
           ,
           and
           assurance
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           we
           differ
           not
           from
           the
           Established
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           and
           we
           approve
           her
           moderation
           
           used
           in
           those
           Articles
           ,
           which
           we
           take
           in
           the
           same
           sense
           with
           the
           English
           Episcopal
           Divines
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           lived
           in
           Queen
           Elizabeth's
           and
           King
           James
           his
           times
           .
           And
           for
           our
           parts
           we
           judge
           that
           the
           controversies
           about
           these
           points
           might
           be
           lessened
           ,
           and
           would
           gladly
           do
           our
           endeavours
           to
           the
           lessening
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           28.
           
           Our
           Doctrine
           tends
           to
           unquietness
           and
           confusion
           no
           more
           than
           the
           common
           Doctrine
           of
           Protestants
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           it self
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           the
           same
           as
           we
           have
           shewed
           .
           And
           we
           protest
           against
           such
           citations
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           as
           men
           bring
           out
           of
           writers
           reputed
           of
           our
           party
           ,
           and
           renounce
           whatsoever
           is
           written
           or
           spoken
           contradictory
           to
           our
           here
           avowed
           Principles
           .
           And
           we
           think
           it
           not
           fair
           dealing
           in
           our
           adversaries
           to
           repeat
           and
           aggravate
           all
           intemperate
           passages
           vented
           in
           those
           times
           ,
           when
           impetuous
           actings
           hurried
           men
           into
           extremities
           ,
           and
           states-men
           and
           sword-men
           heightened
           the
           differences
           between
           Divines
           ,
           and
           especially
           to
           do
           this
           after
           our
           professed
           moderation
           hath
           been
           acknowledged
           by
           our
           Governours
           .
           Besides
           ,
           the
           generality
           or
           at
           least
           the
           far
           greater
           number
           of
           the
           silenced
           Ministers
           now
           living
           were
           not
           ingaged
           in
           the
           late
           wars
           .
           And
           if
           these
           were
           allowed
           to
           preach
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           thankfull
           for
           the
           favour
           ,
           though
           the
           rest
           remain
           excluded
           .
        
         
           29.
           
           We
           acknowledge
           the
           importance
           of
           a
           publique
           settlement
           ,
           and
           how
           necessary
           it
           is
           that
           both
           people
           and
           teachers
           be
           under
           the
           regulation
           and
           influence
           of
           authority
           .
           And
           that
           the
           willfull
           and
           indiscreet
           might
           be
           held
           in
           their
           due
           limits
           ,
           we
           would
           not
           have
           things
           left
           at
           random
           ,
           but
           under
           stated
           rules
           .
           We
           seek
           not
           to
           be
           received
           upon
           lawless
           terms
           ,
           but
           are
           willing
           to
           submit
           to
           tryal
           ,
           not
           only
           upon
           accusation
           of
           lewd
           scandall
           or
           insufficiency
           ,
           or
           negligence
           in
           our
           calling
           ,
           but
           of
           venting
           any
           error
           contrary
           to
           the
           received
           Doctrine
           ,
           or
           of
           doing
           any
           thing
           contrary
           to
           peace
           and
           order
           .
           But
           it
           is
           unreasonable
           for
           any
           to
           urge
           this
           concession
           for
           the
           rigorous
           imposing
           of
           doubtfull
           and
           needless
           things
           ,
           which
           tend
           to
           trouble
           and
           not
           to
           settle
           the
           Church
           .
           It
           seemed
           good
           to
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           to
           
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Brethren
           assembled
           at
           Jerusalem
           ,
           to
           lay
           upon
           the
           Churches
           no
           other
           burden
           than
           things
           necessary
           .
           And
           here
           we
           take
           notice
           of
           their
           impertinency
           ,
           who
           think
           it
           enough
           to
           confute
           all
           our
           plea
           for
           moderation
           ,
           by
           publishing
           quotations
           out
           of
           our
           writers
           ,
           which
           were
           written
           against
           an
           intolerable
           toleration
           ,
           to
           wit
           of
           heresies
           ,
           blasphemies
           and
           open
           impieties
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           indulgence
           which
           we
           have
           pleaded
           for
           .
           If
           they
           can
           see
           no
           medium
           between
           tolerating
           all
           things
           and
           tolerating
           nothing
           ,
           others
           can
           .
           Besides
           it
           is
           an
           accommodation
           and
           union
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           sought
           by
           a
           sufficient
           comprehensiveness
           in
           the
           publique
           constitution
           ,
           and
           then
           there
           withall
           an
           indulgence
           towards
           remaining
           Dissenters
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           for
           the
           subject
           of
           it
           hath
           nothing
           that
           is
           intolerable
           .
           We
           have
           a
           true
           regard
           to
           our
           Brethren
           that
           are
           more
           streigthened
           in
           their
           judgments
           than
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           have
           them
           the
           worse
           for
           our
           liberty
           ,
           if
           we
           could
           obtain
           it
           .
        
         
           30.
           
           Though
           we
           have
           not
           the
           same
           latitude
           of
           judgment
           with
           Conformists
           in
           some
           points
           ,
           yet
           we
           have
           the
           same
           Catholick
           Spirit
           to
           promote
           the
           common
           interest
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           more
           especially
           the
           Protestant
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           to
           dread
           the
           weakening
           or
           shattering
           of
           it
           by
           needless
           Schisms
           .
           We
           mind
           the
           way
           of
           unity
           and
           consistence
           ,
           and
           retain
           healing
           principles
           ,
           we
           hold
           it
           not
           our
           duty
           to
           publish
           all
           truths
           ,
           when
           the
           unseasonableness
           thereof
           might
           cause
           disturbance
           ;
           nor
           to
           defend
           lesser
           truths
           with
           the
           disadvantage
           of
           greater
           .
           We
           would
           not
           widen
           breaches
           nor
           make
           other
           mens
           opinions
           worse
           than
           they
           are
           ,
           to
           commend
           our
           own
           .
           It
           is
           none
           of
           our
           perswasion
           that
           men
           are
           bound
           under
           pain
           of
           damnation
           to
           labour
           to
           establish
           God's
           publique
           worship
           in
           the
           greatest
           perfection
           by
           hazarding
           the
           Church's
           peace
           ,
           and
           unsetling
           a
           good
           establishment
           ,
           though
           less
           perfect
           .
           If
           by
           scruple
           of
           Conscience
           we
           cannot
           joyn
           in
           one
           Church
           Communion
           ,
           yet
           we
           ought
           to
           keep
           the
           unity
           of
           Faith
           and
           Love.
           So
           far
           are
           we
           from
           assenting
           to
           that
           which
           some
           affirm
           ,
           that
           where
           men
           part
           Communion
           ,
           it
           is
           of
           necessity
           that
           they
           esteem
           one
           another
           impious
           ,
           although
           we
           grant
           there
           is
           a
           fault
           on
           one
           side
           or
           both
           .
        
         
         
           31.
           
           VVe
           solemnly
           protest
           that
           we
           have
           thus
           declared
           for
           moderation
           not
           only
           or
           chiefly
           because
           we
           have
           need
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           because
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           hath
           need
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           because
           we
           think
           it
           the
           only
           way
           of
           peace
           and
           the
           common
           interest
           of
           Religion
           in
           these
           Kingdoms
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           stood
           where
           others
           now
           stand
           ,
           we
           would
           give
           what
           we
           plead
           and
           pray
           for
           .
           It
           may
           be
           remembred
           ,
           that
           those
           of
           our
           perswasion
           did
           seasonably
           declare
           their
           desires
           of
           unity
           ,
           even
           during
           his
           Majesty's
           exile
           ,
           and
           the
           Episcopal
           party
           then
           protested
           for
           moderation
           ,
           and
           the
           first
           appearance
           of
           the
           hopefullness
           of
           an
           accommodation
           between
           the
           parties
           ,
           was
           of
           no
           little
           avail
           to
           promote
           his
           Majesty's
           restauration
           ,
           whom
           God
           preserve
           to
           reign
           long
           over
           us
           .
           If
           we
           or
           any
           of
           us
           have
           heretofore
           been
           more
           rigidly
           addicted
           to
           our
           own
           opinions
           ,
           then
           stands
           with
           our
           now
           professed
           charity
           ,
           we
           make
           a
           willing
           retractation
           thereof
           .
        
         
           32.
           
           VVe
           have
           here
           set
           forth
           our
           principles
           that
           all
           may
           take
           notice
           ,
           how
           we
           are
           mis-represented
           by
           those
           that
           make
           other
           representations
           of
           us
           .
           And
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           clear
           our selves
           against
           those
           that
           accuse
           us
           of
           contradicting
           them
           in
           our
           practice
           .
        
         
           33.
           
           The
           exercise
           of
           our
           Ministry
           ,
           which
           we
           continue
           in
           our
           present
           state
           of
           inconformity
           ,
           is
           no
           way
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           professions
           here
           made
           .
           VVe
           assent
           and
           submit
           to
           the
           King
           's
           Ecclesiastical
           Authority
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           amply
           shewed
           before
           ,
           and
           we
           think
           we
           come
           not
           short
           of
           the
           conformable
           Clergy
           ,
           in
           owning
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           higher
           powers
           in
           sacred
           things
           .
           Yet
           we
           believe
           that
           no
           humane
           power
           can
           nullifie
           our
           Ministerial
           Office
           ,
           or
           disoblige
           us
           from
           our
           charge
           of
           fullfilling
           it
           according
           to
           our
           ability
           and
           opportunity
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           necessity
           of
           Souls
           requireth
           of
           us
           .
           If
           we
           lived
           where
           our
           Ministry
           were
           not
           necessary
           ,
           we
           were
           bound
           to
           forbear
           upon
           the
           Magistrates
           prohibition
           ,
           and
           to
           remove
           to
           a
           Country
           where
           it
           is
           necessary
           ,
           and
           a
           way
           open
           for
           us
           .
           But
           whatsoever
           others
           apprehend
           ,
           to
           us
           it
           is
           most
           evident
           ,
           that
           multitudes
           of
           Souls
           in
           the
           places
           where
           we
           live
           cry
           aloud
           for
           our
           help
           also
           .
           This
           apprehension
           of
           ours
           reflects
           no
           dishonour
           
           upon
           the
           conscientious
           conformable
           Ministers
           ,
           (
           for
           whose
           ability
           and
           industry
           we
           bless
           God
           ,
           )
           but
           we
           heartily
           wish
           that
           the
           number
           of
           them
           were
           so
           proportionable
           to
           the
           people
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           no
           need
           of
           us
           in
           this
           service
           .
           As
           for
           those
           that
           make
           slight
           work
           of
           the
           cure
           of
           Souls
           we
           pass
           not
           to
           be
           despised
           or
           judged
           by
           them
           for
           this
           carefullness
           towards
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           purchased
           with
           his
           own
           blood
           .
        
         
           A
           Minister
           that
           is
           intolerable
           by
           being
           utterly
           insufficient
           ,
           heretical
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           destructive
           to
           the
           ends
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           obliged
           to
           honour
           ,
           but
           to
           disown
           .
           It
           is
           our
           part
           to
           make
           the
           most
           of
           a
           tolerable
           though
           weaker
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           what
           we
           may
           to
           countenance
           God's
           publick
           service
           in
           all
           places
           .
           If
           we
           live
           where
           the
           publick
           authority
           hath
           set
           up
           worthy
           Ministers
           ,
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           promote
           their
           reputation
           with
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           to
           farther
           the
           success
           of
           their
           labours
           ,
           and
           to
           attend
           on
           their
           Ministry
           when
           we
           are
           not
           necessarily
           hindred
           .
           And
           our
           labours
           in
           concurrence
           with
           them
           can
           be
           no
           grievance
           to
           any
           ,
           to
           whom
           it
           is
           not
           a
           grievance
           ,
           that
           their
           Lords
           service
           ,
           and
           the
           success
           of
           their
           own
           indeavours
           ,
           should
           be
           farthered
           by
           their
           fellow-servants
           .
           VVhere
           the
           publick
           Churches
           cannot
           contain
           the
           multitude
           of
           inhabitants
           ,
           that
           should
           resort
           unto
           them
           (
           which
           is
           unquestionably
           the
           case
           of
           London
           )
           it
           is
           no
           affront
           or
           injury
           to
           the
           most
           worthy
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           no
           unwarrantable
           division
           ,
           at
           the
           same
           time
           to
           hold
           other
           Religious
           meetings
           ,
           as
           the
           number
           of
           the
           people
           shall
           make
           needfull
           .
           Though
           our
           Ministry
           be
           alike
           necessary
           in
           general
           ;
           yet
           at
           vvhat
           time
           ,
           in
           vvhat
           place
           ,
           to
           vvhat
           numbers
           of
           people
           ,
           and
           in
           vvhat
           other
           circumstantial
           measures
           it
           is
           necessary
           to
           be
           exercised
           ,
           the
           case
           may
           be
           very
           different
           vvith
           several
           persons
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           placed
           in
           different
           circumstances
           .
           In
           vvhich
           diversity
           it
           is
           the
           vvork
           of
           prudence
           to
           discern
           vvhat
           is
           duty
           by
           that
           general
           rule
           ,
           let
           all
           things
           be
           done
           to
           edification
           .
           It
           is
           the
           end
           that
           of
           right
           alvvays
           limits
           the
           means
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           our
           part
           so
           to
           manage
           our
           calling
           that
           vve
           may
           best
           serve
           our
           Generation
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           vvill
           of
           God.
           According
           
           to
           this
           Rule
           vve
           indeavour
           to
           steer
           our
           course
           .
        
         
           34.
           
           We
           do
           what
           in
           us
           lyes
           to
           avoid
           the
           provoking
           of
           our
           Governours
           ,
           and
           all
           appearance
           of
           contempt
           to
           their
           authority
           .
           We
           invade
           no
           mans
           right
           ,
           we
           resist
           not
           the
           civil
           power
           ,
           nor
           break
           the
           peace
           ,
           nor
           cause
           tumults
           ,
           nor
           give
           occasion
           thereof
           .
           We
           abhorre
           seditious
           conventicles
           ,
           insurrections
           were
           never
           contrived
           in
           our
           meetings
           ,
           nor
           in
           any
           ,
           whereof
           we
           are
           conscious
           .
           Experience
           hath
           witnessed
           our
           peaceableness
           ,
           and
           Disloyalty
           or
           Sedition
           is
           not
           found
           amongst
           us
           by
           the
           most
           inquisitive
           of
           our
           Adversaries
           .
        
         
           35.
           
           VVe
           have
           not
           forsaken
           the
           Parochial
           Assemblies
           ,
           but
           have
           joyned
           in
           the
           service
           of
           God
           there
           performed
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           us
           do
           it
           in
           our
           ordinary
           course
           ,
           and
           others
           of
           us
           have
           not
           declined
           it
           of
           set
           purpose
           ,
           but
           as
           our
           absence
           is
           caused
           by
           that
           necessary
           work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           whereunto
           we
           are
           called
           .
           Some
           of
           us
           have
           Communicated
           with
           the
           said
           assemblies
           in
           the
           Sacrament
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ;
           Yet
           we
           would
           not
           have
           our
           charity
           and
           peaceableness
           mistaken
           for
           an
           indifferency
           unto
           Communion
           with
           all
           Parochial
           Churches
           and
           Ministers
           whatsoever
           ,
           or
           for
           a
           full
           satisfaction
           or
           acquiescence
           in
           the
           whole
           ,
           and
           all
           particulars
           of
           the
           Liturgy
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           be
           able
           to
           declare
           our
           unseigned
           assent
           and
           consent
           to
           all
           and
           every
           thing
           therein
           contained
           .
        
         
           Our
           proceeding
           is
           as
           even
           and
           regular
           ,
           as
           the
           straits
           and
           difficulties
           into
           which
           we
           are
           cast
           ,
           will
           suffer
           it
           to
           be
           .
           VVe
           would
           that
           they
           who
           charge
           us
           with
           irregularity
           and
           disorder
           in
           our
           actings
           ,
           would
           with
           charity
           and
           candor
           consider
           the
           circumstances
           of
           our
           condition
           ,
           and
           help
           us
           out
           of
           those
           distresses
           that
           force
           us
           at
           sometimes
           to
           be
           more
           severed
           from
           them
           ,
           than
           otherwise
           we
           would
           or
           might
           be
           .
           VVe
           desire
           the
           Clergy
           of
           England
           to
           take
           notice
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           no
           mind
           to
           promote
           the
           Popish
           design
           of
           nullifying
           and
           treading
           down
           the
           Parish
           Churches
           and
           Ministers
           .
           VVe
           are
           well
           aware
           how
           Papists
           make
           a
           harvest
           of
           the
           divisions
           of
           Protestants
           ,
           and
           hope
           to
           do
           their
           work
           by
           the
           dissentions
           between
           Conformists
           and
           Non-Conformists
           .
           As
           the
           precious
           interest
           of
           Protestantism
           
           ingageth
           us
           ,
           we
           do
           what
           we
           may
           to
           preserve
           a
           worthy
           esteem
           of
           the
           Religion
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           and
           we
           humbly
           supplicate
           them
           ,
           who
           have
           cast
           us
           out
           ,
           to
           consider
           how
           they
           may
           receive
           us
           again
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           this
           common
           interest
           ,
           which
           (
           God
           is
           our
           witness
           )
           we
           value
           more
           than
           our
           own
           particular
           inlargement
           .
        
         
           36.
           
           A
           great
           part
           of
           the
           invectives
           written
           against
           us
           ,
           is
           made
           up
           of
           the
           pretended
           weaknesses
           and
           mis-behaviours
           imputed
           to
           those
           that
           go
           under
           the
           name
           of
           Non-Conformists
           .
           To
           this
           we
           say
           first
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           palpable
           injury
           to
           burden
           us
           with
           the
           various
           parties
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           now
           herded
           by
           our
           ejection
           in
           the
           general
           state
           of
           Dissenters
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           us
           responsible
           for
           them
           all
           .
           Nor
           are
           we
           justly
           chargeable
           with
           all
           the
           absurdities
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           such
           as
           are
           of
           our
           own
           perswasion
           .
           But
           let
           it
           here
           be
           minded
           ,
           what
           the
           Scripture
           saith
           ,
           
             in
             many
             things
             we
             off
             end
             all
             ,
          
           and
           that
           none
           of
           ours
           pretend
           to
           be
           more
           than
           men
           in
           their
           imperfect
           state
           ;
           as
           also
           that
           besides
           the
           huge
           multitudes
           of
           common
           hypocrites
           ,
           who
           by
           open
           intemperance
           ,
           unrighteousness
           and
           ungodliness
           ,
           notoriously
           discover
           the
           falshood
           of
           their
           profession
           ,
           (
           by
           which
           sort
           in
           general
           none
           are
           more
           hated
           than
           we
           are
           ,
           )
           there
           be
           many
           specious
           hypocrites
           ,
           who
           are
           the
           servants
           of
           sin
           ,
           under
           the
           shew
           of
           greater
           zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           these
           will
           be
           the
           blemish
           of
           all
           Religious
           societies
           ,
           into
           which
           they
           are
           admitted
           .
           Now
           we
           would
           not
           that
           any
           detected
           hypocrisie
           should
           be
           palliated
           ,
           nor
           that
           the
           real
           faults
           of
           the
           sincere
           should
           be
           unreproved
           .
           But
           promiscuously
           to
           asperse
           a
           whole
           ●●rt
           of
           men
           known
           to
           be
           strict
           and
           serious
           in
           their
           profession
           ,
           and
           to
           describe
           their
           way
           in
           general
           as
           a
           course
           of
           hypocrisie
           or
           folly
           ,
           is
           like
           to
           do
           no
           good
           but
           much
           mischief
           ,
           especially
           in
           exposing
           seriousness
           in
           Religion
           on
           all
           sides
           ,
           to
           the
           scorn
           of
           the
           irreligious
           .
        
         
           VVhen
           we
           look
           through
           the
           big
           and
           swelling
           words
           of
           crimination
           into
           the
           matter
           it self
           ,
           we
           find
           little
           more
           in
           it
           than
           their
           meer
           inconformity
           ,
           blazond
           with
           ugly
           tearms
           ,
           and
           the
           names
           of
           horrid
           sins
           put
           upon
           it
           .
           For
           the
           accusers
           call
           them
           proud
           ,
           froward
           ,
           false
           ,
           fierce
           ,
           sullen
           ,
           traytorous
           ,
           seditious
           ,
           
           clamourous
           ▪
           and
           an
           unruly
           generation
           upon
           no
           better
           proof
           ,
           than
           that
           they
           have
           said
           it
           .
           The
           farrago
           of
           the
           late
           cunningly
           contrived
           defamations
           ,
           if
           well
           examined
           ,
           will
           be
           found
           really
           to
           produce
           against
           them
           little
           more
           than
           such
           weaknesses
           and
           swervings
           ,
           as
           are
           common
           to
           any
           ,
           even
           the
           most
           moralized
           sort
           of
           men
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           we
           find
           this
           against
           us
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           material
           ,
           that
           our
           Religion
           hath
           not
           made
           our
           Plough-men
           Courtiers
           ,
           nor
           our
           Trades-men
           Philosophers
           .
           VVe
           never
           took
           it
           for
           any
           part
           of
           the
           work
           of
           true
           grace
           to
           make
           men
           of
           rustick
           wits
           ,
           and
           breeding
           to
           become
           gentile
           ,
           or
           to
           raise
           our
           plain
           people
           to
           the
           accomplishments
           of
           the
           learned
           .
           Yea
           such
           as
           excell
           in
           grace
           may
           be
           very
           mean
           and
           low
           in
           the
           gifts
           of
           nature
           ,
           and
           speak
           so
           incongruously
           as
           to
           make
           themselves
           ridiculous
           to
           proud
           wits
           ▪
           But
           should
           Ministers
           make
           a
           scorn
           of
           them
           for
           defects
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           and
           have
           more
           value
           for
           an
           ungodly
           sort
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           finer
           wits
           and
           better
           breeding
           ?
           If
           so
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           the
           same
           mind
           in
           them
           that
           was
           in
           Christ
           ,
           who
           said
           with
           rejoycing
           ,
           
             I
             thank
             thee
             O
             ▪
             Father
             Lord
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ▪
             that
             thou
             hast
             hid
             these
             things
             from
             the
             wise
             and
             prudent
             ,
             and
             hast
             revealed
             them
             to
             babes
             .
          
           Nevertheless
           for
           ought
           we
           find
           ,
           the
           people
           of
           our
           perswasion
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           rank
           and
           quality
           in
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           are
           not
           inferior
           to
           others
           in
           point
           of
           discretion
           ,
           civility
           ,
           good
           neighbourhood
           ,
           and
           acceptable
           conversation
           among
           men
           ;
           in
           all
           which
           their
           Religion
           is
           a
           furtherance
           ,
           and
           no
           disadvantage
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           VVe
           vvill
           not
           justif●●
           our
           favourers
           in
           vvhat
           they
           are
           reproveable
           ;
           but
           then
           let
           every
           one
           bear
           his
           ovvn
           guilt
           ,
           and
           let
           not
           the
           innocent
           be
           burdened
           vvithout
           cause
           .
           VVe
           as
           well
           as
           the
           accusers
           take
           notice
           of
           divers
           things
           in
           some
           of
           ours
           which
           are
           not
           justifiable
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           remediable
           by
           us
           in
           our
           present
           state
           .
           The
           weaker
           sort
           of
           true
           Christians
           are
           liable
           to
           errors
           and
           failings
           ,
           that
           occasion
           trouble
           to
           themselves
           and
           others
           :
           and
           there
           be
           many
           that
           have
           no
           troublesome
           differences
           in
           Religion
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           no
           Religion
           .
           Shall
           those
           irreligious
           persons
           because
           they
           are
           not
           troublesome
           ,
           be
           
           more
           esteemed
           and
           thought
           better
           Christians
           ,
           than
           serious
           ,
           zealous
           and
           conscientious
           persons
           ,
           because
           peradventure
           they
           give
           us
           some
           trouble
           through
           their
           mistakes
           ?
           The
           Pastors
           should
           not
           value
           people
           by
           the
           interest
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           but
           of
           Christ.
           To
           what
           end
           have
           they
           received
           their
           Pastoral
           Office
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           help
           the
           weak
           ,
           and
           to
           heal
           that
           which
           is
           lame
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           not
           turned
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           if
           they
           cannot
           bear
           with
           such
           ,
           nor
           restore
           them
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           meekness
           ?
           Besides
           ,
           let
           the
           breaches
           ,
           offences
           and
           exasperations
           of
           these
           times
           be
           considered
           ,
           and
           it
           cannot
           seem
           strange
           ,
           that
           the
           weaker
           sort
           of
           sufferers
           should
           be
           more
           averse
           ,
           than
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           ,
           from
           those
           by
           whom
           they
           suffer
           ,
           especially
           when
           in
           many
           places
           their
           more
           able
           teachers
           are
           driven
           from
           among
           them
           by
           the
           
             five
             mile
             Act
          
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           left
           to
           such
           as
           will
           heighten
           their
           aversation
           .
           We
           would
           our
           reprovers
           would
           help
           us
           for
           their
           parts
           to
           make
           our
           people
           better
           .
           Whereas
           some
           have
           charged
           us
           with
           cherishing
           their
           naughty
           humours
           for
           unworthy
           ends
           ,
           we
           thought
           all
           might
           understand
           ,
           that
           if
           we
           basely
           sought
           our
           own
           profits
           ,
           we
           might
           make
           a
           better
           trade
           of
           Conformity
           ,
           than
           of
           seeking
           a
           sorry
           maintenance
           ,
           by
           serving
           the
           sins
           of
           our
           adherents
           in
           this
           poor
           condition
           of
           outcasts
           .
           VVe
           desire
           not
           to
           hold
           the
           people
           as
           appropriated
           to
           our selves
           ,
           but
           teach
           them
           highly
           to
           esteem
           all
           faithfull
           Ministers
           for
           their
           works
           sake
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           glad
           of
           their
           profiting
           by
           others
           as
           by
           our selves
           .
           VVe
           are
           not
           conscious
           of
           willfull
           connivence
           at
           their
           faults
           .
           VVe
           humour
           none
           in
           their
           injurious
           thoughts
           of
           Governors
           ,
           or
           speaking
           evil
           of
           dignities
           .
           VVe
           teach
           men
           to
           fear
           God
           and
           honour
           the
           King
           ,
           yea
           to
           honour
           all
           men
           and
           love
           the
           Brotherhood
           ,
           to
           bridle
           their
           tongues
           ,
           to
           be
           meek
           and
           lowly
           ,
           no
           busie
           bodies
           ,
           but
           to
           do
           their
           own
           work
           with
           quietness
           .
           VVe
           exhort
           all
           to
           unity
           with
           the
           whole
           Catholick
           Church
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           at
           peace
           among
           themselves
           .
           The
           truth
           is
           ,
           there
           is
           too
           much
           wrath
           and
           bitterness
           ,
           railing
           and
           intemperate
           language
           on
           all
           sides
           ,
           and
           we
           condemn
           it
           as
           much
           in
           those
           that
           are
           among
           us
           as
           in
           others
           ,
           and
           are
           more
           offended
           at
           it
           in
           them
           than
           in
           others
           .
           And
           we
           think
           our
           accusers
           have
           little
           
           reason
           so
           to
           accuse
           and
           judg
           us
           and
           ours
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           took
           themselves
           and
           theirs
           to
           be
           sinless
           in
           this
           kind
           .
           The
           Lord
           forgive
           and
           heal
           us
           all
           ,
           and
           increase
           the
           number
           of
           the
           sons
           of
           peace
           ,
           and
           true
           peace-makers
           .
        
         
           37.
           
           VVhereas
           a
           remarkable
           writer
           hath
           published
           these
           words
           ,
           
             we
             should
             be
             reconciled
             if
             the
             Presbyterian
             Ministers
             would
             perswade
             their
             people
             to
             do
             ,
             what
             they
             can
             do
             themselves
             ,
          
           We
           declare
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           we
           heartily
           embrace
           these
           tearms
           of
           reconciliation
           .
           And
           as
           we
           have
           done
           already
           ,
           we
           will
           not
           cease
           to
           do
           our
           uttermost
           to
           perswade
           them
           ,
           upon
           whom
           we
           have
           any
           influence
           ,
           and
           we
           would
           gladly
           come
           to
           the
           tryal
           to
           see
           which
           party
           should
           outvy
           the
           other
           in
           forwardness
           in
           allaying
           the
           present
           distempers
           ,
           and
           lessening
           the
           differences
           ,
           and
           drawing
           on
           towards
           peace
           and
           union
           .
        
         
           38.
           
           We
           have
           here
           done
           our
           part
           to
           remove
           the
           offences
           taken
           at
           us
           by
           testifying
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           that
           conscientious
           dissatisfaction
           ,
           and
           not
           carnal
           interest
           ,
           or
           a
           Spirit
           of
           opposition
           ,
           is
           the
           ground
           of
           our
           Non-Conformity
           :
           and
           to
           bring
           such
           as
           differ
           from
           us
           to
           be
           more
           in
           charity
           with
           us
           ,
           than
           to
           judge
           that
           we
           are
           utterly
           unworthy
           or
           uncapable
           of
           the
           publick
           Ministry
           ,
           or
           that
           such
           persons
           as
           for
           ignorance
           and
           lewdness
           are
           scandalous
           and
           contemptible
           among
           their
           Neighbours
           ,
           are
           more
           tolerable
           in
           that
           sacred
           office
           than
           we
           are
           ,
           or
           that
           gross
           insufficiency
           ,
           non-residence
           ,
           and
           other
           hainous
           negligence
           should
           be
           made
           less
           criminal
           ,
           than
           our
           dissent
           about
           the
           ceremonies
           ,
           subscriptions
           ,
           renunciations
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           injunctions
           .
        
         
           VVe
           submit
           what
           we
           have
           done
           to
           the
           wisdom
           ,
           piety
           and
           clemency
           of
           our
           Governours
           .
           VVe
           acquiesce
           in
           Gods
           wise
           and
           holy
           determinations
           concerning
           us
           .
           And
           we
           resolve
           through
           his
           grace
           to
           abide
           stedfast
           and
           unmoveable
           in
           our
           subjection
           and
           loyalty
           to
           our
           Sovereign
           ,
           in
           our
           due
           obedience
           to
           those
           that
           are
           put
           in
           authority
           under
           him
           ,
           in
           our
           earnest
           indeavours
           of
           holiness
           ,
           unity
           and
           peace
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           in
           brotherly
           love
           to
           all
           saithfull
           Christians
           ,
           in
           charity
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Faith
           and
           Patience
           of
           the
           Disciples
           and
           Servants
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
         
           VVe
           are
           moved
           at
           this
           time
           to
           publish
           this
           account
           of
           our
           pacifick
           principles
           and
           inclinations
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           promote
           (
           what
           in
           us
           lies
           )
           the
           true
           bond
           of
           union
           among
           sincere
           Protestants
           .
           These
           though
           of
           different
           perswasions
           in
           points
           of
           lesser
           moment
           have
           one
           joynt
           stock
           ,
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           ,
           for
           which
           they
           are
           all
           jealous
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           time
           allarm'd
           by
           the
           imminent
           danger
           from
           an
           irreconcileable
           and
           restless
           adversary
           ,
           that
           would
           destroy
           them
           all
           .
           All
           true
           Protestants
           have
           their
           interest
           not
           a
           part
           from
           ,
           but
           in
           strict
           conjunction
           with
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           that
           profession
           ,
           they
           have
           no
           possible
           way
           of
           securing
           themselves
           but
           in
           the
           general
           good
           of
           the
           state
           of
           England
           ;
           They
           cannot
           fly
           to
           the
           refuge
           of
           any
           forreign
           Prince
           or
           State
           ,
           they
           acknowledge
           no
           forreign
           jurisdiction
           ,
           all
           their
           stake
           lyes
           at
           home
           .
           VVhereupon
           one
           would
           think
           that
           the
           common
           safety
           should
           incline
           all
           the
           several
           parties
           to
           strengthen
           their
           common
           interest
           by
           a
           good
           and
           firm
           accord
           ,
           upon
           just
           and
           reasonable
           terms
           ;
           And
           whosoever
           remain
           averse
           from
           it
           seem
           to
           value
           a
           partial
           interest
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           peculiar
           state
           more
           than
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           it self
           .
        
         
           A
           just
           latitude
           of
           Church-state
           in
           the
           established
           order
           ,
           for
           the
           comprehending
           of
           all
           those
           whose
           more
           moderate
           Principles
           render
           them
           capable
           of
           being
           conjoyned
           in
           one
           setled
           National
           Government
           ,
           and
           for
           others
           ,
           who
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           narrower
           principles
           cannot
           enter
           into
           such
           conjunction
           ,
           a
           sufficient
           yet
           duly
           limited
           indulgence
           are
           the
           things
           ,
           which
           we
           humbly
           propose
           and
           earnestly
           desire
           .
           We
           seek
           not
           the
           destroying
           of
           foundations
           ,
           but
           some
           necessary
           reformations
           ,
           relaxations
           and
           forbearances
           .
           For
           us
           to
           set
           forth
           the
           propounded
           latitude
           in
           the
           particular
           limits
           thereof
           ,
           would
           be
           presumptuous
           both
           in
           reference
           to
           Superiors
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           parties
           concerned
           in
           it
           .
           We
           humbly
           leave
           it
           to
           the
           prudent
           and
           pious
           consideration
           of
           our
           Governours
           .
           This
           grand
           affair
           is
           acknowledged
           to
           be
           full
           of
           difficulty
           ,
           caused
           by
           the
           passions
           ,
           prejudices
           and
           interests
           of
           the
           several
           parties
           :
           nevertheless
           we
           hope
           that
           the
           prudence
           and
           patience
           of
           those
           who
           sit
           at
           the
           helm
           of
           Government
           ,
           is
           able
           to
           master
           it
           .
           Next
           under
           the
           
           power
           ,
           wisdom
           and
           goodness
           of
           God
           standing
           on
           our
           side
           ,
           our
           help
           stands
           in
           the
           wisdom
           and
           piety
           of
           our
           Sovereign
           and
           his
           Parliament
           .
           His
           most
           excellent
           Majesty
           in
           his
           declaration
           concerning
           Ecclesiastical
           Affairs
           hath
           mentioned
           particular
           concessions
           on
           both
           sides
           ,
           and
           a
           harmony
           of
           affection
           therein
           ,
           which
           he
           calls
           excellent
           foundations
           to
           build
           upon
           .
           The
           moderation
           specified
           in
           that
           gracious
           declaration
           would
           do
           much
           to
           the
           present
           healing
           of
           our
           breaches
           in
           great
           part
           ,
           and
           would
           set
           us
           in
           the
           surest
           way
           for
           as
           perfect
           healing
           thereof
           ,
           as
           may
           ordinarily
           be
           hoped
           for
           in
           the
           imperfect
           state
           of
           things
           in
           this
           World.
           
        
         
           FINIS