Two papers of proposals concerning the discipline and ceremonies of the Church of England humbly presented to His Majesty by the Reverend ministers of the Presbyterian perswasion.
         Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.
      
       
         
           1661
        
      
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             Two papers of proposals concerning the discipline and ceremonies of the Church of England humbly presented to His Majesty by the Reverend ministers of the Presbyterian perswasion.
             Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.
          
           24 p.
           
             [s.n.],
             London :
             1661.
          
           
             Drawn up by Richard Baxter. Cf. Halkett & Laing (2nd ed.).
             Reproduction of originals in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York and the Newberry Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Customs and practices.
           Church of England -- Discipline.
        
      
    
     
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           Two
           Papers
           OF
           PROPOSALS
           Concerning
           the
           DISCIPLINE
           and
           CEREMONIES
           OF
           THE
           CHURCH
           of
           ENGLAND
           .
           Humbly
           Presented
           to
           His
           MAJESTY
           ,
           By
           the
           Reverend
           MINISTERS
           of
           the
           PRESBYTERIAN
           PERSWASION
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           ,
           1661.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           The
           First
           PAPER
           .
        
         
           
             May
             it
             please
             Your
             most
             excellent
             Majesty
             ,
          
        
         
           WE
           Your
           Majesties
           loyal
           Subjects
           cannot
           but
           acknowledge
           it
           as
           a
           very
           great
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           immediately
           after
           your
           wonderful
           and
           peaceable
           Restauration
           unto
           Your
           Throne
           and
           Government
           (
           for
           which
           we
           blesse
           his
           Name
           )
           he
           hath
           stirred
           up
           your
           Royal
           Heart
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           
             zealous
             Declaration
          
           against
           
             all
             Prophaneness
          
           in
           the
           People
           ,
           So
           to
           endeavour
           an
           
             happy
             composing
          
           of
           the
           Differences
           ,
           and
           healing
           of
           the
           sad
           Breaches
           which
           are
           in
           the
           Church
           .
           And
           we
           shall
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           bounden
           duty
           ,
           become
           humble
           Suiters
           at
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           the
           God
           of
           Peace
           who
           hath
           put
           such
           a
           thing
           as
           this
           into
           your
           Majesties
           Heart
           ,
           will
           ,
           by
           his
           heavenly
           wisdom
           and
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           so
           assist
           You
           therein
           ,
           and
           bring
           your
           Resolutions
           to
           so
           perfect
           an
           effect
           and
           issue
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           people
           of
           these
           Kingdoms
           may
           have
           abundant
           cause
           to
           rise
           up
           and
           bless
           You
           ,
           and
           bless
           God
           who
           hath
           delighted
           in
           You
           ,
           to
           make
           You
           his
           Instrument
           in
           so
           happy
           a
           Work
           :
           That
           as
           Your
           glorious
           Progenitor
           ,
           
             Henry
             the
             Seventh
          
           ,
           was
           happy
           in
           uniting
           the
           two
           Houses
           of
           York
           and
           Lancaster
           ,
           and
           your
           Grandfather
           King
           James
           (
           of
           blessed
           memory
           )
           in
           uniting
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           England
           and
           Scotland
           ;
           So
           this
           Honour
           may
           be
           reserved
           to
           your
           Majesty
           (
           as
           a
           radiant
           Jewel
           in
           your
           Crown
           )
           That
           by
           your
           Princely
           Wisdom
           and
           Christian
           Moderation
           ,
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           People
           may
           be
           united
           ,
           and
           the
           unhappy
           differences
           and
           mis-understandings
           amongst
           Brethren
           in
           matters
           Ecclesiastical
           
             so
             composed
          
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           may
           be
           One
           ,
           and
           his
           Name
           One
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           your
           Dominions
           .
        
         
           In
           an
           humble
           Conformity
           to
           this
           your
           Majesties
           Christian
           Design
           ,
           we
           taking
           it
           for
           granted
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           firm
           Agreement
           between
           our
           Brethren
           and
           us
           in
           
             Doctrinal
             Truths
          
           of
           the
           
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           
             substantial
             parts
          
           of
           
             Divine
             Worship
          
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           differences
           are
           only
           in
           some
           
             various
             Conceptions
          
           about
           the
           
             Ancient
             Form
          
           of
           
             Church
             Government
          
           ,
           and
           some
           particulars
           about
           Liturgie
           and
           Ceremonies
           ;
           do
           in
           all
           humble
           obedience
           to
           your
           Majesty
           represent
           ,
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           In
           as
           much
           as
           the
           
             ultimate
             end
          
           of
           Church-Government
           and
           Ministry
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             That
             Holiness
             of
             Life
          
           and
           the
           
             Salvation
             of
             Souls
             may
             be
             effectually
             promoted
             ,
          
           We
           humbly
           desire
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           secured
           of
           those
           things
           in
           practice
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           seem
           to
           be
           agreed
           in
           principles
           :
           As
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           those
           of
           our
           Flocks
           who
           are
           diligent
           and
           serious
           about
           the
           matters
           of
           their
           Salvation
           ,
           may
           not
           by
           words
           of
           scorn
           ,
           or
           any
           abusive
           usages
           ,
           be
           suffered
           to
           be
           reproachfully
           handled
           ,
           but
           may
           have
           Liberty
           and
           Encouragement
           in
           their
           Duties
           ,
           of
           exhorting
           and
           provoking
           one
           another
           to
           Love
           and
           to
           Good
           Works
           ,
           and
           of
           
             building
             up
             one
             another
             in
             their
             most
             holy
             Faith
             ,
          
           and
           by
           all
           religious
           and
           peaceable
           means
           of
           furthering
           one
           another
           in
           the
           waies
           of
           
             Eternal
             Life
          
           ;
           who
           being
           not
           therein
           opposite
           to
           Church-Assemblies
           ,
           nor
           refusing
           the
           guidance
           and
           inspection
           of
           their
           Pastors
           ,
           and
           being
           responsible
           for
           what
           they
           do
           or
           say
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           each
           Congregation
           may
           have
           a
           
             Learned
             ,
             Orthodox
          
           ,
           and
           
             Godly
             Pastor
          
           residing
           among
           them
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           the
           People
           may
           be
           publickly
           instructed
           ,
           by
           
             preaching
             every
             Lords
             day
          
           ,
           by
           catechising
           and
           
             frequent
             administration
          
           of
           the
           
             Lords
             Supper
          
           ,
           and
           of
           Baptism
           ,
           and
           other
           Ministerial
           Acts
           ,
           as
           the
           occasions
           and
           necessities
           of
           the
           People
           may
           require
           in
           health
           and
           sikness
           :
           And
           that
           effectual
           provision
           of
           Law
           may
           be
           made
           ,
           that
           such
           as
           are
           
             insufficient
             ,
             negligent
          
           ,
           or
           scandalous
           ,
           may
           not
           be
           allowed
           or
           permitted
           in
           so
           sacred
           a
           Function
           and
           Imployment
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           none
           may
           be
           admited
           to
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           till
           they
           can
           
             competently
             understand
             the
             Principles
             of
             Christian
             religion
             ,
          
           and
           do
           
             personally
             own
             their
             Baptismal
             Covenant
          
           ,
           by
           credible
           profession
           of
           Faith
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           not
           contradicting
           the
           same
           by
           a
           contrary
           profession
           ,
           or
           by
           a
           scandalous
           life
           ;
           and
           that
           unto
           such
           only
           Confirmation
           (
           if
           continued
           in
           the
           Church
           )
           may
           be
           administred
           .
           And
           that
           the
           Approbation
           of
           the
           Pastors
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           catechising
           and
           instructing
           those
           under
           their
           Charge
           doth
           appertain
           ,
           may
           be
           produced
           before
           any
           person
           receive
           confirmation
           .
           Which
           course
           (
           we
           humbly
           conceive
           )
           will
           much
           conduce
           to
           the
           quieting
           those
           sad
           Disputes
           which
           have
           greatly
           troubled
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           amongst
           us
           ,
           touching
           Church-Members
           and
           Communicants
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           an
           effectual
           course
           may
           be
           taken
           for
           the
           
             Sanctification
             of
             the
             Lords
             day
          
           ,
           appropriating
           the
           same
           to
           holy
           Exercises
           both
           in
           publick
           and
           private
           ,
           without
           any
           unnecessary
           divertisments
           ;
           it
           being
           certain
           and
           by
           long
           experience
           found
           ,
           that
           the
           due
           observation
           
           thereof
           is
           a
           special
           means
           of
           preserving
           and
           promoting
           the
           power
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           and
           obviating
           of
           Prophaness
           .
        
         
           
             Then
             for
             matters
             in
             difference
             ,
             
               viz.
               Church-Government
               ,
               Liturgy
            
             ,
             and
             Ceremonies
             ,
             We
             humbly
             Represent
             to
             Your
             MAJESTY
             :
          
           
             That
             although
             upon
             just
             Reasons
             ,
             we
             do
             dissent
             from
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             Hierarchy
             or
             Prelacy
             disclaimed
             in
             Covenant
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             stated
             and
             exercised
             in
             these
             Kingdomes
             ;
             yet
             we
             do
             not
             ,
             nor
             ever
             did
             renounce
             the
             true
             ancient
             primitive
             Episcopacy
             ,
             or
             Presidency
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             ballanced
             or
             managed
             by
             a
             due
             commixtion
             of
             Presbyters
             therewith
             ,
             as
             a
             fit
             means
             to
             avoid
             Corruptions
             ,
             Partialities
             ,
             Tyrannies
             ,
             and
             other
             Evils
             which
             may
             be
             incident
             to
             the
             administration
             of
             one
             single
             Person
             :
             which
             kinde
             of
             attempored
             Episcopacy
             ,
             or
             Presidency
             ,
             if
             it
             shall
             by
             your
             Majesties
             grave
             Wisdome
             and
             gracious
             Moderation
             ,
             be
             in
             such
             manner
             constituted
             (
             as
             that
             the
             fore-mentioned
             ,
             and
             other
             like
             Evils
             ,
             may
             be
             certainly
             prevented
             )
             we
             shall
             humbly
             submit
             thereunto
             .
             And
             in
             order
             to
             an
             happy
             Accommodation
             in
             this
             weighty
             Business
             ,
             we
             desire
             humbly
             to
             offer
             to
             your
             Majesty
             some
             of
             the
             Particulars
             ,
             which
             we
             conceive
             were
             amiss
             in
             the
             Episcopal-Government
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             practised
             before
             the
             year
             ,
             1640.
             
             As
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             great
             extent
             of
             the
             
               Bishops
               Diocess
            
             ,
             which
             was
             much
             too
             large
             for
             his
             own
             personal
             Inspection
             ,
             wherein
             he
             took
             apersonal
             Charge
             over
             the
             Souls
             of
             all
             those
             within
             his
             Bishoprick
             ;
             which
             burden
             must
             needs
             be
             granted
             to
             be
             too
             heavy
             for
             any
             one
             man's
             shoulders
             ,
             the
             Pastoral
             Office
             being
             a
             work
             of
             Personal
             Ministration
             and
             Trust
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             the
             highest
             Concernment
             to
             the
             Souls
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             for
             which
             they
             are
             to
             give
             an
             account
             to
             Christ
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             by
             reason
             of
             this
             disability
             to
             discharge
             their
             Duties
             and
             Trusts
             personally
             ,
             the
             Bishops
             did
             depute
             the
             Administration
             of
             much
             of
             their
             Trust
             ,
             even
             in
             matters
             of
             
               Spiritual
               cognizance
            
             to
             
               Commissaries
               ,
               Chancellors
            
             ,
             and
             Officials
             ,
             whereof
             some
             are
             Secular
             persons
             ,
             and
             could
             not
             administer
             that
             Power
             which
             originally
             pertaineth
             to
             the
             Officers
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             those
             Bishops
             who
             affirm
             ,
             
               The
               Episcopal
               Office
               to
               be
               a
               distinct
               Order
               by
               Divine
               Right
               ,
               from
               that
               of
               the
               Presbyter
            
             ;
             did
             assume
             the
             sole
             Power
             of
             Ordination
             and
             Jurisdiction
             to
             themselves
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             some
             of
             the
             Bishops
             exercised
             an
             Arbitrary
             power
             ,
             as
             by
             sending
             forth
             their
             Articles
             of
             Visitation
             ,
             inquiring
             unwarrantably
             
             into
             several
             things
             ,
             and
             Swearing
             the
             Church-wardens
             to
             Present
             accordingly
             ;
             So
             also
             by
             many
             Innovations
             and
             Ceremonies
             imposed
             upon
             Ministers
             and
             People
             ,
             not
             required
             by
             Law.
             
          
        
         
           
             For
             the
             reforming
             of
             these
             Evils
             ,
             we
             first
             crave
             leave
             to
             offer
             to
             your
             Majesty
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             late
             most
             Reverend
             Primate
             of
             Ireland
             his
             
               Reduction
               of
               Episcopacy
            
             ,
             unto
             the
             Form
             of
             a
             
               Synodical
               Government
            
             ,
             received
             in
             the
             Ancient
             Church
             as
             a
             Ground-work
             towards
             an
             Accommodation
             and
             Fraternal-Agreement
             ,
             in
             this
             point
             of
             
               Ecclesiastical
               Government
            
             ;
             which
             we
             rather
             do
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             regard
             of
             his
             eminent
             Piety
             and
             singular
             Abilities
             ,
             as
             in
             all
             other
             parts
             of
             Learning
             ,
             so
             in
             that
             especially
             of
             the
             
               Antiquities
               of
               the
               Church
            
             ;
             but
             also
             ,
             because
             therein
             Expedients
             are
             offered
             towards
             in
             the
             Healing
             of
             these
             Grievances
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             in
             order
             to
             the
             same
             End
             ,
             we
             further
             humbly
             desire
             ,
             That
             the
             
               Suffragans
               Chorepiscopi
            
             ,
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Primate's
             Reduction
             ,
             may
             be
             Chosen
             by
             the
             
               respective
               Synods
            
             ,
             and
             by
             
               that
               Election
            
             may
             be
             sufficiently
             Authorized
             to
             discharge
             their
             Trust
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Associations
             may
             not
             be
             so
             Large
             as
             to
             make
             the
             Discipline
             impossible
             ,
             or
             to
             take
             off
             the
             Ministers
             from
             the
             rest
             of
             their
             necessary
             Work.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             no
             Oathes
             ,
             or
             Promises
             of
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Bishops
             ,
             nor
             any
             unnecessary
             Subscriptions
             or
             Engagements
             be
             made
             Necessary
             to
             
               Ordination
               ,
               Institution
            
             ,
             or
             
               Induction
               ,
               Ministration
               ,
               Communion
            
             ,
             or
             Immunities
             of
             Ministers
             ,
             they
             being
             Responsible
             for
             any
             Transgression
             of
             the
             Law
             :
             And
             that
             no
             Bishop
             ,
             nor
             any
             Ecclesiastical
             Governor
             ,
             may
             at
             any
             time
             Exercise
             their
             Government
             by
             their
             
               private
               Will
            
             or
             Pleasure
             ,
             but
             only
             by
             such
             
               Rules
               ,
               Canons
            
             and
             Constitutions
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             by
             
               Act
               of
               Parliament
            
             ratified
             and
             established
             :
             And
             that
             sufficient
             Provision
             may
             be
             made
             to
             secure
             both
             Ministers
             and
             People
             against
             the
             Rules
             of
             
               Arbitrary
               Government
            
             .
          
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Liturgy
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             are
             satisfied
             in
             our
             Judgments
             concerning
             the
             Lawfulness
             of
             a
             Liturgy
             ,
             or
             Form
             of
             Worship
             ,
             Provided
             it
             be
             for
             the
             
               Matter
               agreeable
            
             to
             the
             
               Word
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               fitly
               suited
            
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             several
             Ordinances
             and
             Necessities
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             neither
             too
             tedious
             in
             the
             whole
             ,
             nor
             composed
             of
             too
             
               short
               Prayers
            
             or
             Responsals
             ,
             not
             dissonant
             from
             the
             Liturgies
             of
             the
             
               Reformed
               Churches
            
             ;
             nor
             too
             rigorously
             imposed
             ,
             nor
             the
             
               Minister
               confined
            
             thereunto
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             may
             also
             
               make
               use
            
             of
             the
             Gifts
             for
             Prayer
             and
             Exhortation
             which
             Christ
             hath
             given
             him
             ,
             for
             the
             Service
             and
             Edification
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Inasmuch
             as
             the
             
               Book
               of
               Common
               Prayer
            
             hath
             in
             it
             many
             things
             which
             are
             
               justly
               offensive
            
             ,
             and
             need
             amendment
             ,
             hath
             been
             
               long
               discontinued
            
             ,
             and
             very
             many
             ,
             both
             Ministers
             and
             people
             ,
             and
             persons
             of
             
               pious
               ,
               loyal
            
             ,
             and
             peaceable
             Minds
             ,
             therein
             greatly
             dis-satisfied
             ;
             whereupon
             if
             it
             should
             be
             again
             imposed
             ,
             will
             inevitably
             follow
             sad
             Divisions
             and
             widening
             of
             the
             Breaches
             which
             your
             Majesty
             is
             endeavouring
             to
             heal
             :
             We
             do
             most
             humbly
             offer
             to
             your
             
               Masties
               Wisdome
            
             ,
             that
             for
             preventing
             of
             so
             great
             Evils
             ,
             and
             for
             setling
             the
             Church
             in
             Vnity
             and
             Peace
             ,
             some
             Learned
             ,
             Godly
             and
             Moderate
             Divines
             of
             both
             Perswasions
             ,
             indifferently
             chosen
             ,
             may
             be
             imployed
             to
             Compile
             such
             a
             Form
             as
             is
             before
             Described
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             in
             Scripture-Words
             ;
             or
             at
             least
             to
             Revise
             and
             effectually
             Reform
             the
             Old
             ,
             together
             with
             an
             Addition
             or
             Insertion
             of
             other
             
               Varying
               Forms
            
             in
             Scripture-phrase
             ,
             to
             be
             used
             at
             the
             
               Ministers
               choice
            
             ;
             of
             which
             Variety
             and
             Liberty
             there
             be
             Instances
             in
             the
             
               Book
               of
               Common
               Prayer
            
             .
          
        
         
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Concerning
             Ceremonies
             .
          
           
             We
             humbly
             Represent
             ,
             That
             we
             hold
             our selves
             obliged
             in
             
               Every
               part
            
             of
             
               Divine
               Worship
            
             ,
             to
             
               do
               All
               Things
               Decently
            
             ,
             in
             Order
             ,
             and
             to
             Edification
             ,
             and
             are
             willing
             therein
             to
             be
             determined
             by
             Authority
             in
             such
             things
             as
             being
             meerly
             circumstantial
             ,
             are
             common
             to
             
               Humane
               Actions
            
             ,
             and
             are
             to
             be
             ordered
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             
               Humane
               Prudence
            
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             general
             Rules
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             which
             are
             alwaies
             to
             be
             observed
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             to
             divers
             Ceremonies
             formerly
             retained
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             ,
             we
             do
             in
             all
             humility
             offer
             to
             your
             Majesty
             these
             ensuing
             Considerations
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             is
             in
             it self
             Pure
             ,
             and
             Perfect
             ,
             and
             Decent
             ,
             without
             having
             any
             such
             Ceremonies
             affixed
             thereunto
             ;
             for
             did
             they
             contribute
             any
             thing
             to
             that
             necessary
             Decency
             which
             the
             Apostle
             requires
             ,
             we
             might
             expect
             to
             meet
             with
             them
             in
             the
             Apostles
             time
             ,
             there
             being
             no
             Reason
             to
             induce
             us
             to
             the
             use
             of
             them
             ,
             which
             might
             not
             have
             induced
             them
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             Lord
             hath
             declared
             Himself
             in
             the
             matters
             that
             concern
             his
             Worship
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             
               Jealous
               God
            
             ,
             and
             this
             Worship
             of
             His
             is
             certainly
             then
             most
             pure
             ,
             and
             most
             agreeable
             to
             the
             simplicity
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             Holy
             and
             
               Jealous
               Eyes
            
             ,
             when
             it
             hath
             least
             of
             
               Humane
               admixtures
            
             (
             in
             things
             of
             themselves
             confessedly
             unnecessary
             )
             adjoyned
             and
             appropriated
             thereunto
             .
             Upon
             these
             accounts
             many
             faithful
             Servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             knowing
             his
             Word
             to
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Rule
            
             ,
             of
             Faith
             and
             Worship
             (
             by
             which
             they
             must
             judge
             of
             his
             acceptance
             
             of
             their
             Services
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             themselves
             judg'd
             )
             have
             ever
             been
             exceeding
             fearful
             of
             varying
             from
             his
             Will
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             danger
             of
             displeasing
             him
             by
             additions
             or
             detractions
             ,
             in
             such
             Duties
             ,
             wherein
             they
             must
             daily
             expect
             the
             communication
             of
             his
             Grace
             and
             comfort
             ;
             especially
             in
             seeing
             these
             Ceremonies
             have
             been
             imposed
             and
             urged
             upon
             such
             Considerations
             as
             draw
             too
             near
             to
             the
             significacy
             and
             Moral
             efficacy
             of
             Sacraments
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             together
             with
             Popery
             been
             rejected
             by
             many
             of
             the
             
               Reformed
               Churches
               abroad
            
             ;
             amongst
             whom
             ,
             notwithstanding
             ,
             we
             doubt
             not
             but
             the
             Lord
             is
             
               Worshipped
               decently
               ,
               orderly
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             
               beauty
               of
               Holiliness
            
             :
             And
             ever
             since
             the
             Reformation
             they
             have
             been
             a
             matter
             of
             Contention
             and
             endless
             Dispute
             in
             this
             Church
             ,
             and
             have
             been
             a
             cause
             of
             depriving
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             fruit
             and
             benefit
             they
             might
             have
             reaped
             from
             the
             labors
             of
             many
             learned
             and
             godly
             Divines
             ,
             some
             of
             whom
             judging
             them
             unlawful
             ,
             others
             inexpedient
             ,
             were
             in
             Conscience
             unwilling
             to
             be
             brought
             under
             the
             power
             of
             them
             ;
             And
             they
             have
             occasioned
             through
             the
             offence
             taken
             at
             them
             by
             many
             of
             the
             people
             heretofore
             
               great
               separation
            
             in
             our
             Church
             ,
             and
             so
             have
             rather
             prejudiced
             than
             promoted
             the
             Vnity
             thereof
             :
             And
             at
             this
             time
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             long
             disuse
             ,
             may
             be
             more
             likely
             than
             ever
             heretofore
             to
             produce
             the
             same
             inconvenience
             .
             And
             they
             are
             at
             best
             indifferent
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             nature
             mutable
             :
             And
             that
             it
             is
             (
             especially
             in
             various
             Exigencies
             of
             the
             Church
             )
             very
             needful
             and
             expedient
             ,
             that
             things
             in
             themselves
             mutable
             ,
             be
             sometimes
             
               actually
               changed
            
             ,
             lest
             they
             should
             by
             
               perpetual
               permanency
            
             and
             
               constant
               use
            
             ,
             be
             judged
             by
             the
             people
             as
             necessary
             as
             the
             Substantials
             of
             Worship
             themselves
             .
             And
             though
             we
             do
             most
             heartily
             acknowledge
             your
             Majesty
             to
             be
             
               Custos
               utriusque
               Tabulae
            
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             supream
             Governor
             
               over
               all
               Persons
               ,
               and
               in
               all
               Things
               and
               Causes
               ,
               as
               well
               Ecclesiastical
               as
               Civil
               ,
               in
               these
               your
               Majesties
               Dominions
            
             ;
             yet
             we
             humbly
             crave
             leave
             to
             beseech
             your
             Majesty
             to
             consider
             ,
             Whether
             ,
             as
             a
             Christian
             Magistrate
             ,
             you
             be
             not
             as
             well
             obliged
             by
             that
             doctrine
             of
             the
             holy
             Apostle
             ,
             touching
             things
             indifferent
             ,
             in
             not
             occasioning
             
               offence
               to
               weak
               Brethren
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             himself
             (
             then
             one
             of
             the
             highest
             Officers
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             Christ
             )
             judged
             himself
             to
             be
             obliged
             by
             ?
             and
             whether
             the
             great
             Work
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Lord
             hath
             intrusted
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             be
             not
             rather
             to
             provide
             by
             your
             sacred
             Authority
             ,
             that
             the
             things
             which
             are
             necessary
             by
             Divine
             Command
             in
             Gods
             Worship
             ,
             should
             be
             duly
             performed
             ,
             than
             that
             things
             unnessary
             should
             be
             made
             by
             humane
             command
             necessary
             and
             penal
             ?
             
             And
             how
             greatly
             pleasing
             will
             it
             be
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             your
             Majesties
             heart
             is
             so
             tenderly
             and
             religiously
             compassionate
             to
             such
             of
             his
             poor
             Servants
             ,
             differing
             in
             some
             matters
             ,
             who
             prefer
             the
             peace
             of
             their
             Consciences
             in
             God's
             Worship
             ,
             above
             their
             own
             
               civil
               concernments
            
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             May
             it
             therefore
             please
             your
             Majesty
             out
             of
             your
             Princely
             Care
             for
             the
             healing
             of
             our
             Breaches
             ,
             graciously
             to
             grant
             ,
             That
             Kneeling
             at
             the
             
               Lords
               Supper
            
             ,
             and
             such
             
               Holy
               Daies
            
             ,
             as
             are
             but
             of
             humane
             Institution
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             imposed
             upon
             such
             as
             do
             conscienciously
             scruple
             the
             observation
             of
             them
             .
             And
             that
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Surplice
             ,
             and
             Cross
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             Bowing
             at
             the
             Name
             of
             Jesus
             (
             rather
             than
             Christ
             or
             Emmanuel
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             names
             whereby
             the
             Divine
             Person
             ,
             or
             either
             of
             the
             other
             Divine
             Persons
             is
             denominated
             )
             
               may
               be
               Abolished
            
             .
             These
             things
             being
             in
             the
             judgment
             of
             the
             Imposers
             themselves
             ,
             but
             indifferent
             and
             mutable
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             judgment
             of
             others
             ,
             
               a
               Rock
               of
               Offence
            
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             judgment
             of
             all
             ,
             
               not
               to
               be
               valued
               with
               the
               peace
               of
               the
               Church
               .
            
             We
             likewise
             represent
             to
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             that
             divers
             Ceremonies
             (
             which
             we
             conceive
             have
             no
             foundation
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Land
             )
             as
             
               erecting
               Altars
               ,
               Bowing
               towards
               them
               ,
            
             and
             such
             like
             ,
             have
             not
             only
             been
             introduced
             ,
             but
             in
             some
             places
             imposed
             ,
             whereby
             an
             
               Arbitrary
               power
            
             was
             usurped
             ,
             divers
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             (
             though
             conformable
             to
             the
             established
             Ceremonies
             )
             troubled
             ,
             some
             reverend
             and
             learned
             Bishops
             offended
             ,
             Protestants
             grieved
             ,
             and
             the
             Papists
             pleased
             ,
             as
             hoping
             these
             Innovations
             might
             make
             way
             to
             greater
             changes
             .
          
           
             May
             it
             therefore
             please
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             in
             such
             waies
             as
             your
             Royal
             Wisdome
             shall
             judge
             meet
             ,
             effectually
             to
             prevent
             the
             imposing
             and
             using
             such
             Innovations
             for
             the
             future
             ;
             that
             so
             according
             to
             the
             pious
             intention
             of
             your
             Royal
             Grandfather
             (
             King
             James
             of
             blessed
             memory
             )
             the
             publick
             Worship
             may
             be
             free
             ,
             not
             only
             from
             blame
             ,
             but
             from
             suspition
             .
          
           
             In
             obedience
             to
             your
             Majesties
             Royal
             Pleasure
             signified
             to
             us
             ,
             we
             have
             tendered
             to
             your
             Sacred
             Majesty
             ,
             what
             we
             humbly
             conceive
             may
             most
             conduce
             to
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             the
             Peace
             and
             Reformation
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             taking
             away
             ,
             not
             only
             our
             Differences
             ,
             but
             the
             roots
             and
             causes
             of
             them
             .
             We
             humbly
             beg
             your
             Majesties
             favourable
             Acceptance
             of
             these
             our
             loyal
             and
             consciencious
             Endeavours
             to
             serve
             the
             Church
             of
             Christ
             ;
             and
             your
             Majesties
             gracious
             Pardon
             ,
             if
             in
             any
             thing
             or
             expression
             we
             answer
             not
             your
             Majesties
             expectation
             ▪
             professing
             before
             your
             Majes●●●
             
             and
             before
             the
             Lord
             the
             Searcher
             of
             all
             hearts
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             done
             nothing
             out
             of
             strife
             and
             vain-glory
             ,
             or
             emulation
             ,
             but
             have
             sincerely
             offered
             what
             we
             apprehend
             most
             seasonable
             ,
             as
             conducing
             to
             that
             happy
             end
             of
             Vnity
             and
             Peace
             ,
             which
             your
             Majesty
             doth
             so
             piously
             prosecute
             .
             We
             humbly
             lay
             ourselves
             ,
             and
             these
             our
             Addresses
             ,
             at
             your
             Majesties
             feet
             ;
             professing
             our
             unfeigned
             Resolution
             ,
             to
             live
             and
             die
             your
             Majesties
             real
             ,
             faithful
             ,
             and
             obedient
             Subjects
             :
             And
             humbly
             implore
             your
             gracious
             Majesty
             ,
             according
             to
             your
             Princely
             Wisdom
             and
             Fatherly
             Compassion
             ,
             to
             lay
             your
             Hands
             upon
             the
             bleeding
             Rents
             and
             Divisions
             that
             are
             among
             us
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             be
             an
             healing
             of
             them
             .
             So
             shall
             your
             Throne
             be
             greater
             than
             the
             Throne
             of
             your
             Fathers
             ;
             and
             in
             your
             daies
             the
             Righteous
             shall
             flourish
             ,
             Peace
             run
             down
             like
             a
             River
             ,
             and
             the
             Generations
             to
             come
             shall
             call
             you
             Blessed
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           Second
           PAPER
           .
        
         
           
             May
             it
             please
             your
             Majesty
             ,
          
        
         
           SO
           great
           was
           the
           Comfort
           created
           in
           our
           mindes
           by
           your
           Majesties
           oft
           expressed
           Resolution
           ,
           to
           become
           the
           
             Effectual
             Moderator
          
           in
           our
           Differences
           ,
           and
           your self
           to
           bring
           us
           together
           ,
           by
           procuring
           such
           
             mutual
             condescentions
          
           as
           are
           necessarie
           thereto
           ;
           and
           also
           by
           your
           
             gracious
             Acceptance
          
           of
           our
           Proposals
           ,
           which
           your
           Majesty
           heard
           and
           received
           ,
           not
           onely
           without
           blame
           ,
           but
           with
           acknowledgement
           of
           their
           moderatio●
           ;
           and
           as
           such
           as
           would
           infer
           a
           Reconciliation
           between
           the
           differing
           Parties
           ;
           That
           we
           must
           needs
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           least
           abatement
           of
           our
           hopes
           is
           much
           the
           more
           unwelcome
           and
           grievous
           to
           us
           ,
           in
           finding
           so
           much
           of
           the
           proposed
           necessarie
           means
           for
           our
           Agreement
           (
           especially
           in
           the
           point
           of
           Government
           )
           here
           passed
           by
           in
           your
           Majesties
           Declaration
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           denied
           us
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           remembring
           the
           gracious
           and
           encouraging
           Promises
           of
           your
           Majestie
           ,
           and
           observing
           your
           Majesties
           Clemencie
           in
           what
           is
           here
           granted
           us
           ,
           and
           your
           great
           Condescention
           in
           vouchsafing
           not
           only
           so
           graciously
           to
           hear
           us
           in
           these
           our
           humble
           addresses
           and
           Requests
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           grant
           us
           the
           fight
           of
           our
           Declaration
           before
           it
           is
           
           resolved
           on
           ,
           with
           libertie
           of
           returning
           our
           
             Additional
             Desires
          
           ,
           and
           hope
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           rejected
           .
           We
           reassume
           our
           confidence
           ,
           and
           comfortably
           expect
           ,
           that
           what
           is
           not
           granted
           us
           in
           this
           Declaration
           that
           is
           reasonable
           and
           necessary
           to
           our
           Agreement
           ,
           shall
           yet
           be
           granted
           upon
           fuller
           consideration
           of
           the
           Equity
           of
           our
           Requests
           .
        
         
           As
           our
           designs
           and
           desires
           are
           not
           for
           any
           worldly
           Advantages
           or
           Dignities
           to
           our selves
           ,
           So
           have
           we
           not
           presumed
           to
           meddle
           with
           any
           Civil
           Interest
           of
           your
           Majesty
           ,
           or
           any
           of
           your
           Officers
           ,
           nor
           in
           matters
           of
           meer
           convenience
           ,
           to
           cast
           our
           Reason
           into
           the
           ballance
           against
           your
           Majesties
           Prudence
           ,
           But
           meerly
           to
           speak
           for
           the
           Laws
           ,
           and
           Worship
           ,
           and
           Servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           Peace
           of
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           safety
           of
           our
           own
           and
           our
           Brethrens
           Souls
           .
           It
           lifts
           us
           up
           with
           joy
           to
           think
           what
           happy
           Consequences
           will
           ensue
           ,
           if
           your
           Majesty
           shall
           entertain
           these
           healing
           motions
           ;
           How
           happily
           our
           differences
           will
           be
           reconciled
           ,
           and
           the
           exasperated
           minds
           of
           men
           composed
           !
           How
           temptations
           to
           contention
           and
           uncharitableness
           will
           be
           removed
           !
           How
           comfortably
           your
           Majesty
           will
           reign
           in
           the
           dearest
           affections
           of
           your
           Subjects
           ,
           and
           how
           firmly
           they
           will
           adhere
           to
           your
           Interest
           as
           their
           own
           !
           How
           chearfully
           and
           zealously
           the
           
             united
             Parts
          
           and
           Interests
           of
           the
           Nation
           will
           conspire
           to
           serve
           You
           !
           What
           a
           strength
           and
           honour
           a
           
             Righteous
             Magistracy
          
           a
           
             Learned
             ,
             Loyal
             ,
             Holy
             Ministry
             ,
          
           and
           a
           
             faithful
             ,
             praying
             People
          
           will
           be
           to
           your
           Throne
           !
           and
           how
           it
           will
           be
           your
           glory
           to
           be
           King
           of
           the
           
             most
             Religious
             Nation
             in
             the
             World
          
           !
           that
           hath
           no
           considerable
           parties
           ,
           but
           what
           are
           centred
           under
           Christ
           in
           You.
           What
           a
           comfort
           it
           will
           be
           to
           the
           Bishops
           and
           Pastors
           of
           the
           Church
           to
           be
           honoured
           and
           loved
           by
           all
           the
           most
           Religious
           of
           their
           Flocks
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           success
           of
           their
           labours
           and
           the
           Beauty
           of
           the
           Church
           promoted
           by
           our
           
             Common
             Concord
          
           ,
           and
           Brethren
           to
           assemble
           and
           dwell
           together
           in
           unity
           ,
           serving
           
             one
             God
          
           ,
           according
           to
           
             one
             Rule
          
           ,
           with
           
             one
             heart
          
           and
           mouth
           .
        
         
           And
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           should
           we
           lose
           the
           opportunity
           of
           our
           desired
           Reconciliation
           and
           Vnion
           ,
           it
           astonisheth
           us
           to
           foresee
           what
           
             dolefull
             effects
          
           our
           divisions
           would
           produce
           ,
           which
           we
           will
           not
           so
           much
           as
           mention
           in
           particular
           ,
           lest
           our
           words
           should
           be
           misunderstood
           .
        
         
           And
           seeing
           all
           this
           may
           be
           safely
           and
           easily
           prevented
           ,
           We
           humbly
           beseech
           the
           Lord
           in
           mercy
           to
           vouchsafe
           to
           your
           Majesty
           ,
           an
           heart
           to
           discern
           aright
           of
           Time
           and
           Judgment
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           these
           are
           our
           general
           ends
           and
           motives
           ,
           So
           we
           are
           induced
           to
           insist
           upon
           the
           Form
           of
           a
           
             Synodical
             Government
          
           ,
           conjunct
           with
           a
           
             fixed
             Presidency
          
           or
           Episcopacy
           ,
           for
           these
           Reasons
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           We
           have
           reason
           to
           believe
           that
           no
           other
           terms
           will
           be
           so
           generally
           agreed
           on
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           no
           way
           injurious
           to
           
             Episcopal
             Power
          
           ,
           but
           most
           firmly
           establisheth
           all
           in
           it
           that
           can
           pretend
           to
           Divine
           authority
           ,
           or
           true
           Antiquity
           :
           It
           granteth
           them
           much
           more
           than
           Reverend
           Bishop
           Hall
           in
           his
           Peace-maker
           ,
           and
           many
           others
           of
           that
           judgment
           do
           require
           ,
           who
           would
           have
           accepted
           of
           the
           fixing
           of
           the
           
             President
             for
             Life
          
           ,
           as
           sufficient
           for
           the
           reconciliation
           of
           the
           Churches
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           being
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Scripture
           and
           the
           
             primitive
             Government
          
           ,
           is
           likeliest
           to
           be
           the
           way
           of
           a
           more
           
             universal
             Concord
          
           ,
           if
           ever
           the
           Churches
           on
           Earth
           arrive
           to
           such
           a
           blessing
           :
           However
           it
           will
           be
           most
           accptable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           wel-informed
           Consciences
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           will
           promote
           the
           practice
           of
           Discipline
           &
           Godliness
           
             without
             disorder
          
           ,
           and
           promote
           Order
           without
           hindering
           Discipline
           &
           Godliness
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           And
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           silenced
           (
           though
           in
           some
           respects
           we
           are
           loth
           to
           mention
           it
           )
           
             That
             it
             will
             save
             the
             Nation
             from
             the
             violation
             of
             the
             Solemn
             Vow
             and
             Covenant
             ,
             without
             wronging
             the
             Church
             at
             all
             ,
             or
             breaking
             any
             other
             Oath
             .
          
           And
           whether
           the
           Covenant
           were
           lawfully
           imposed
           or
           not
           ,
           we
           are
           assured
           from
           the
           nature
           of
           a
           
             Vow
             to
             God
          
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           Case
           of
           
             Saul
             ,
             Zedekiah
          
           ,
           and
           others
           ,
           that
           it
           would
           be
           a
           terrible
           thing
           in
           us
           to
           violate
           it
           on
           that
           pretence
           .
           Though
           we
           are
           far
           from
           thinking
           that
           it
           obligeth
           us
           to
           any
           evil
           ,
           or
           to
           go
           beyond
           our
           places
           &
           callings
           to
           do
           good
           ,
           much
           less
           to
           resist
           Authority
           ,
           (
           to
           which
           it
           doth
           oblige
           us
           )
           yet
           doth
           it
           undoubtedly
           bind
           us
           to
           forbear
           our
           own
           consent
           to
           those
           luxuriances
           of
           Church-Government
           which
           we
           there
           renounced
           ,
           and
           for
           which
           no
           
             divine
             Institution
          
           can
           be
           pretended
           .
           Not
           presuming
           to
           meddle
           with
           the
           Consciences
           of
           those
           many
           of
           the
           Nobility
           and
           Gentry
           ,
           and
           others
           ,
           that
           adhered
           to
           this
           late
           Majesty
           in
           the
           late
           
             unhappy
             Wars
          
           ,
           who
           at
           their
           Composition
           took
           this
           Vow
           and
           Covenant
           .
           We
           only
           crave
           your
           Majesties
           clemency
           to
           our selves
           and
           others
           ,
           who
           believe
           themselves
           to
           be
           under
           its
           obligations
           .
           And
           God
           forbid
           that
           we
           that
           are
           the
           
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Word
             of
             Truth
          
           should
           do
           any
           thing
           to
           encourage
           your
           Majesties
           Subjects
           to
           cast
           off
           the
           
             Conscience
             of
             an
             Oath
          
           .
           Till
           the
           Covenant
           was
           decried
           as
           
             an
             Almanack
             out
             of
             date
          
           ,
           and
           its
           obligation
           taken
           to
           be
           null
           ,
           that
           
             odious
             Fact
          
           could
           never
           have
           been
           perpetrated
           against
           your
           Royal
           Father
           ,
           nor
           your
           Majesty
           have
           been
           so
           long
           expulsed
           from
           your
           Dominions
           .
           And
           the
           obligation
           of
           the
           Covenant
           upon
           the
           consciences
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           was
           not
           the
           weakest
           Instrument
           of
           your
           Return
           .
           We
           therefore
           humbly
           beseech
           your
           Majesty
           (
           with
           greater
           importunity
           than
           we
           think
           we
           should
           do
           for
           our
           lives
           )
           That
           you
           would
           have
           
           mercy
           on
           the
           Souls
           and
           Consciences
           of
           your
           People
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           suffer
           us
           to
           be
           tempted
           to
           the
           violation
           of
           such
           
             solemn
             Vows
          
           ,
           and
           this
           for
           nothing
           ,
           when
           an
           expedient
           is
           before
           you
           that
           will
           avoid
           it
           ,
           without
           any
           detriment
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           nay
           ,
           to
           its
           honor
           &
           advancement
           .
        
         
           The
           Prelacy
           ,
           which
           we
           disclaim
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           of
           Diocesans
           upon
           the
           claim
           of
           a
           
             superior
             Order
             to
             a
             Presbyter
          
           ,
           assuming
           the
           sole
           power
           of
           Ordination
           ,
           and
           of
           
             publick
             Admonition
             of
             particular
             Offender
             ▪
          
           enjoyning
           
             Penitence
             ,
             Excommunicating
          
           and
           Absolving
           (
           besides
           Confirmation
           )
           over
           so
           many
           Churches
           ,
           as
           necessitated
           the
           corruption
           or
           extirpation
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           the
           using
           of
           
             humane
             Officers
          
           (
           as
           
             Chancellors
             ,
             Surrogates
             ,
             Officials
             ,
             Commissaries
             ,
             Arch-deacons
          
           )
           while
           the
           
             undoubted
             Officers
             of
             Christ
          
           (
           the
           Pastors
           of
           the
           Particular
           Churches
           )
           were
           hindred
           from
           the
           exercise
           of
           their
           Office.
           
        
         
           The
           Restauration
           of
           Discipline
           in
           the
           particular
           Churches
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Pastors
           to
           the
           exercise
           of
           their
           Office
           therein
           ,
           and
           of
           Synods
           for
           necessary
           Consultation
           and
           Communion
           of
           Churches
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           
             primitive
             Presidency
          
           or
           Episcopacy
           ,
           for
           the
           avoiding
           of
           all
           shew
           of
           Innovation
           and
           Disorder
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           we
           humbly
           offer
           as
           the
           Remedy
           ,
           Beseeching
           your
           Majesty
           ,
           that
           if
           any
           thing
           asserted
           seem
           unproved
           ,
           an
           impartial
           Conference
           in
           your
           Majesties
           hearing
           may
           be
           allowed
           us
           in
           order
           to
           a
           just
           Determination
           .
        
         
           
             Concerning
             the
             preamble
             of
             your
             Majesties
             Declaration
             ,
             we
             presume
             onely
             to
             tender
             these
             Requests
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             are
             perswaded
             it
             is
             not
             in
             your
             Majesties
             thoughts
             ,
             to
             intimate
             that
             we
             are
             guilty
             of
             the
             Offences
             which
             your
             Majesty
             here
             reciteth
             ;
             So
             we
             hope
             it
             will
             rather
             be
             a
             Motive
             to
             the
             hastning
             the
             Nations
             Cure
             ,
             that
             our
             unity
             may
             prevent
             Man's
             temptations
             of
             that
             nature
             for
             the
             time
             to
             come
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Though
             we
             have
             professed
             our
             willingness
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             
               Primitive
               Episcopacy
            
             and
             
               Reformed
               Liturgie
            
             ,
             hoping
             it
             may
             prove
             an
             Expedient
             to
             an
             happy
             Union
             ;
             yet
             have
             we
             expressed
             our
             dislike
             of
             the
             Prelacy
             and
             present
             Liturgie
             ,
             while
             unreformed
             .
             And
             though
             Sacriledge
             and
             
               unjust
               Alienation
            
             of
             Church-lands
             ,
             is
             a
             thing
             that
             we
             detest
             ,
             yet
             whether
             in
             some
             cases
             of
             true
             Superfluity
             of
             Revenues
             ,
             or
             true
             Necessity
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             there
             may
             not
             be
             an
             Alienation
             which
             is
             no
             Sacriledge
             ?
             And
             whether
             the
             Kings
             and
             Parliaments
             have
             been
             guilty
             of
             this
             Crime
             that
             have
             made
             some
             Alienations
             ,
             are
             Points
             of
             high
             concernment
             ,
             of
             which
             we
             never
             had
             a
             Call
             to
             give
             our
             Judgment
             ;
             And
             therefore
             humbly
             beseech
             your
             
             Majesty
             ,
             that
             concerning
             these
             Matters
             ,
             we
             may
             not
             to
             our
             prejudice
             be
             otherwise
             understood
             ,
             than
             as
             we
             have
             before
             and
             here
             expressed
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             as
             your
             Majesty
             hath
             here
             vouchsafed
             us
             your
             Gracious
             Acknowledgment
             of
             our
             Moderation
             ,
             it
             may
             never
             be
             sayd
             ,
             that
             a
             Minister
             and
             People
             of
             such
             
               moderate
               principles
            
             ,
             consenting
             to
             
               Primitive
               Episcopacy
            
             and
             Liturgy
             ,
             could
             not
             be
             received
             into
             the
             Settlement
             and
             
               countenanced
               Body
            
             of
             Your
             People
             ,
             nor
             possess
             their
             stations
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             Liberty
             in
             the
             Publick
             Worship
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             And
             whereas
             it
             is
             expressed
             by
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             
               That
               the
               Essence
               and
               Foundation
               of
               Episcopacy
               may
               be
               preserved
               ,
               though
               the
               Extent
               of
               the
               Jurisdiction
               may
               be
               altered
            
             ;
             This
             is
             to
             us
             a
             ground
             of
             hope
             ,
             that
             seeing
             the
             greatning
             or
             lessening
             of
             
               Episcopal
               power
            
             is
             in
             your
             Majesties
             Judgment
             but
             a
             matter
             of
             convenience
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             put
             it
             into
             your
             heart
             to
             make
             such
             Alteration
             in
             the
             alterable
             Points
             ,
             as
             the
             Satisfaction
             of
             the
             Consciences
             of
             sober
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             Healing
             and
             Union
             of
             the
             Churches
             do
             require
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             to
             our
             Plea
             for
             
               Primitive
               Episcopacy
            
             ;
             the
             Offices
             and
             Ordinances
             of
             Christ
             must
             be
             still
             distinguished
             from
             the
             alterable
             accidents
             ;
             though
             we
             plead
             not
             for
             the
             
               Primitive
               Poverty
               ,
               Persecution
            
             ,
             or
             Restraints
             ,
             yet
             must
             we
             adhere
             to
             the
             
               Primitive
               Order
            
             ,
             and
             Worship
             ,
             and
             Administrations
             in
             the
             substance
             ,
             as
             believing
             that
             the
             circumstantiating
             of
             them
             is
             much
             committed
             unto
             man
             ,
             but
             to
             Institute
             the
             Offices
             and
             Ordinances
             ,
             is
             the
             high
             Prerogative
             of
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Universal
             King
             and
             Law-giver
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
        
         
           
             Concerning
             the
             Matter
             of
             your
             Majesties
             Concessions
             ,
             as
             related
             to
             our
             Proposals
             .
          
           
             I.
             We
             humbly
             renew
             our
             Petition
             to
             your
             Majesty
             for
             the
             effectual
             securing
             of
             those
             premised
             necessaries
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             matter
             of
             our
             chiefest
             care
             ,
             and
             whereunto
             the
             controverted
             Points
             subserve
             ,
             Viz.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             private
             Exercises
             of
             Piety
             may
             be
             encouraged
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             an
             able
             faithful
             Ministry
             may
             be
             kept
             up
             ,
             and
             the
             insufficient
             ,
             negligent
             ,
             and
             non-resident
             and
             scandalous
             cast
             out
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             a
             credible
             profession
             of
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             be
             pre-required
             of
             Communicants
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             the
             Lords
             day
             may
             be
             appropriated
             to
             holy
             Exercises
             ,
             without
             unnecessary
             devertisements
             .
          
           
           
             I.
             
               For
               Church-Government
            
             :
             In
             this
             your
             Majesties
             
               Declaration
               ,
               Parish-Discipline
            
             is
             not
             sufficiently
             granted
             us
             ;
             Inferior
             Synod
             :
             with
             their
             Presidents
             are
             passed
             by
             :
             and
             the
             Bishop
             ,
             which
             your
             Majesty
             here
             declareth
             for
             ,
             is
             not
             
               Episcopus
               praeses
            
             ,
             but
             
               Episcopus
               princeps
            
             ;
             endued
             with
             sole
             Power
             both
             of
             Ordination
             and
             Jurisdiction
             :
             For
             though
             it
             be
             sayd
             ,
             
               The
               Bishop
               shall
               do
               nothing
               without
               the
               Advise
               of
               the
               Presbyters
               ,
            
             yet
             their
             Consent
             is
             not
             made
             necessary
             ,
             but
             he
             may
             go
             contrary
             to
             the
             Counsel
             of
             them
             all
             .
             And
             this
             Advice
             is
             not
             to
             be
             given
             by
             the
             
               Diocesan
               Synod
            
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             Representatives
             of
             the
             Clergy
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             Dean
             and
             Chapter
             ,
             and
             so
             many
             ,
             and
             such
             others
             as
             he
             please
             to
             call
             .
             In
             all
             which
             there
             being
             nothing
             yeilded
             us
             ,
             which
             is
             sufficient
             to
             the
             desired
             Accommodation
             and
             Vnion
             ;
             we
             humbly
             prosecute
             our
             Petition
             to
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             That
             the
             
               Primitive
               presidency
            
             ,
             with
             their
             respective
             Synods
             ,
             described
             by
             the
             late
             Reverend
             Primate
             of
             Ireland
             ,
             may
             be
             the
             Form
             of
             Church-Government
             established
             among
             us
             ,
             at
             least
             in
             these
             three
             needful
             Points
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Pastors
             of
             the
             respective
             Parishes
             may
             be
             allowed
             not
             only
             publickly
             to
             Preach
             ,
             but
             personally
             to
             Catechise
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             Instruct
             the
             several
             Families
             (
             admitting
             none
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ,
             that
             have
             not
             personally
             owned
             their
             
               Baptismal
               Covenants
            
             ,
             by
             a
             credible
             profession
             of
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             )
             and
             to
             Admonish
             and
             Exhort
             the
             Scandalous
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             their
             Repentance
             ,
             to
             hear
             the
             Witnesses
             and
             the
             
               accused
               party
            
             ,
             and
             to
             appoint
             fit
             Times
             ,
             and
             Places
             for
             these
             Things
             :
             And
             to
             deny
             such
             persons
             the
             
               Communion
               of
               the
               Church
            
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Eucharist
             ,
             that
             remain
             Impenitent
             ,
             or
             that
             wilfully
             refuse
             to
             come
             to
             their
             Pastors
             to
             be
             Instructed
             ,
             or
             to
             Answer
             such
             probable
             Accusations
             ,
             and
             to
             continue
             such
             Exclusion
             of
             them
             till
             they
             have
             made
             a
             credible
             profession
             of
             their
             Repentance
             ,
             ●
             and
             then
             to
             receive
             them
             again
             to
             the
             
               Communion
               of
               the
               Church
            
             Provided
             there
             be
             place
             for
             due
             Appeals
             to
             
               Superior
               Power
            
             .
             Al
             this
             we
             beseech
             your
             Majesty
             to
             Express
             ,
             under
             your
             
               Fifth
               Concession
            
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             to
             us
             of
             very
             great
             Weight
             ,
             and
             the
             Rubrick
             is
             unsatisfactory
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             are
             referred
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             all
             the
             Pastors
             of
             each
             
               Rural
               Deanry
            
             ,
             having
             a
             stated
             President
             chosen
             by
             themselves
             (
             if
             your
             Majesty
             please
             to
             grant
             them
             that
             liberty
             )
             may
             meet
             once
             a
             Month
             ,
             and
             may
             receive
             Presentments
             of
             all
             such
             persons
             ,
             as
             notwithstanding
             Suspention
             from
             Communion
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             continue
             impenitent
             ,
             and
             unreformed
             ;
             and
             having
             further
             admonished
             them
             ,
             may
             proceed
             to
             the
             Sentence
             of
             solemn
             Excommunication
             ,
             if
             after
             due
             patience
             they
             cannot
             
             prevail
             :
             And
             may
             receive
             the
             Appeals
             of
             those
             that
             conceive
             themselves
             injuriously
             suspended
             ,
             and
             may
             decide
             the
             Cause
             .
             Or
             (
             if
             this
             cannot
             be
             attained
             )
             at
             least
             ,
             that
             the
             Pastors
             of
             each
             
               Rural
               Deanry
            
             ,
             with
             their
             President
             ,
             may
             have
             power
             to
             meet
             monthly
             ,
             and
             receive
             all
             such
             Presentments
             and
             Appeals
             ,
             and
             judge
             whether
             they
             are
             fit
             to
             be
             transmitted
             to
             the
             Diocesan
             or
             not
             :
             And
             to
             call
             before
             them
             and
             admonish
             the
             Offenders
             so
             presented
             ;
             yet
             if
             the
             Presentments
             against
             Magistrates
             and
             Ministers
             be
             resolved
             only
             to
             the
             
               Diocesan
               Synod
            
             ,
             and
             their
             Appeals
             immediately
             put
             in
             ,
             we
             shall
             therein
             submit
             to
             your
             Majesties
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             a
             
               Diocesan
               Synod
            
             ,
             consisting
             of
             the
             Delegates
             of
             the
             several
             
               Rural
               Synods
            
             be
             called
             as
             often
             as
             need
             requireth
             ;
             and
             that
             without
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             major
             part
             of
             them
             ,
             the
             Diocesan
             may
             not
             ordain
             or
             exercise
             any
             Spiritual
             Censures
             on
             any
             of
             the
             Ministers
             ,
             nor
             Excommunicate
             any
             of
             the
             people
             but
             by
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             Synod
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Pastors
             of
             the
             particular
             Parishes
             where
             they
             had
             Communion
             .
             And
             that
             not
             only
             Chancellors
             ,
             but
             also
             
               Archdeacons
               ,
               Commissaries
            
             and
             Officials
             (
             as
             such
             )
             may
             pass
             no
             Censures
             purely
             spiritual
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             civil
             Government
             ,
             coercively
             by
             Mulcts
             ,
             or
             corporal
             Penalties
             ,
             by
             power
             derived
             from
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             as
             Supream
             over
             Persons
             and
             Things
             Ecclesiastical
             ,
             we
             presume
             not
             at
             all
             to
             interpose
             ,
             but
             shall
             submit
             to
             any
             that
             act
             by
             your
             Majesties
             Commission
             .
          
        
         
           
             Our
             Reasons
             for
             the
             first
             part
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             Viz.
             In
             particular
             Parishes
             ,
             are
             these
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             necessary
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             the
             Christian
             profession
             ,
             to
             the
             integrity
             of
             Worship
             ,
             to
             the
             destruction
             of
             Impiety
             and
             Vice
             ,
             to
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             Sound
             ,
             the
             raising
             them
             that
             are
             fallen
             ,
             the
             comforting
             of
             the
             penitent
             ,
             the
             strengthning
             of
             the
             weak
             ,
             the
             purity
             ,
             order
             ,
             strength
             and
             beauty
             of
             our
             Churches
             ,
             the
             Unity
             of
             Believers
             ,
             and
             the
             pleasing
             of
             Christ
             who
             hath
             required
             it
             by
             his
             Laws
             :
             And
             withall
             it
             's
             agreeable
             to
             the
             ancient
             Canons
             and
             practice
             of
             the
             Churches
             ;
             and
             is
             consented
             to
             by
             our
             Reverend
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             so
             is
             no
             matter
             of
             controversie
             now
             between
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
             Yet
             is
             not
             the
             Rubrick
             Satisfactory
             to
             which
             we
             are
             referred
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Because
             it
             leaves
             the
             people
             at
             liberty
             ,
             whether
             they
             will
             let
             us
             know
             of
             their
             intention
             to
             communicate
             ,
             till
             the
             night
             or
             morning
             before
             ,
             and
             alloweth
             us
             then
             only
             to
             admonish
             them
             ;
             when
             in
             great
             Parishes
             't
             is
             impossible
             for
             want
             of
             time
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Because
             it
             alloweth
             us
             to
             deny
             the
             Sacrament
             to
             those
             only
             that
             maliciously
             refuse
             reconciliation
             with
             their
             Neighbors
             ,
             and
             only
             to
             admonish
             other
             scandalous
             sinners
             to
             forbear
             ;
             though
             the
             Canon
             forbid
             us
             to
             deliver
             them
             the
             Sacrament
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Reasons
             why
             we
             insist
             on
             the
             second
             Proposal
             ,
             are
             these
             :
          
           
             It
             being
             agreed
             on
             between
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             younger
             ,
             less
             discreeter
             sort
             of
             Ministers
             are
             unfit
             to
             pass
             the
             sentence
             of
             Excommunication
             without
             advice
             and
             moderation
             by
             others
             ;
             And
             every
             Church
             is
             not
             like
             to
             be
             provided
             with
             grave
             ,
             discreet
             ,
             judicious
             Guides
             ;
             the
             necessity
             of
             these
             frequent
             lesser
             Synods
             for
             such
             moderation
             ,
             and
             advice
             ,
             and
             guidance
             ,
             will
             appear
             by
             these
             two
             general
             Evidences
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             the
             very
             nature
             and
             substance
             of
             the
             Office
             of
             a
             Presbyter
             to
             have
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Keys
             for
             binding
             or
             loosing
             ,
             retaining
             ,
             or
             remitting
             sin
             :
             which
             therefore
             together
             ,
             or
             apart
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             occasion
             ,
             they
             are
             bound
             to
             exercise
             .
             And
             this
             being
             the
             Institution
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             cannot
             be
             altered
             by
             man.
             In
             their
             Ordination
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             established
             Order
             in
             England
             ,
             it
             is
             sayd
             [
             
               Whose
               sins
               thou
               dost
               remit
               they
               are
               remitted
               ,
               whose
               sins
               thou
               dost
               retain
               they
               are
               retained
               .
            
             ]
             And
             they
             are
             commanded
             to
             minister
             the
             Doctrine
             ,
             Sacraments
             ,
             and
             Discipline
             of
             Christ
             as
             the
             Lord
             hath
             commanded
             ,
             and
             as
             this
             Realm
             hath
             received
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             expresly
             as
             the
             Bishops
             are
             .
             And
             as
             the
             late
             Primate
             of
             Ireland
             observeth
             in
             his
             Reduction
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             the
             better
             understand
             what
             the
             Lord
             hath
             commanded
             ,
             the
             Exhortation
             of
             S.
             Paul
             to
             the
             Elders
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Ephesus
             is
             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
               Overseers
               ,
               to
               feed
            
             (
             or
             rule
             )
             
               the
               Congregation
               of
               God
               which
               he
               hath
               purchased
               with
               his
               blood
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             apparent
             in
             this
             Acts
             20.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             28.
             
             Act.
             14.23
             .
             Act.
             15.
             —
             1
             Thes
             .
             5.12
             ,
             13.
             1
             
             Tim.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             1
             
             Tim.
             5.17
             .
             Heb.
             13.7
             ,
             17
             ,
             24.
             and
             other
             places
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             Office
             of
             a
             Presbyter
             to
             over-see
             ,
             rule
             ,
             and
             guide
             the
             Flock
             with
             that
             Ministerial
             Rule
             which
             consisteth
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             Keys
             ,
             or
             management
             ,
             or
             personal
             application
             of
             Gods
             Word
             to
             the
             consciences
             and
             cases
             of
             particular
             persons
             ,
             for
             their
             salvation
             ,
             and
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             the
             Coercive
             power
             belonging
             to
             the
             Magistrate
             .
             And
             this
             was
             the
             practice
             of
             the
             ancient
             Church
             ,
             as
             appeareth
             undeniably
             in
             
               Ignatius
               ,
               Tertullian
               ,
               Cyprian
               ,
               Jerome
               ,
               Chrysostome
               ,
               &c.
               Concil
               .
               Carthag
               .
            
             4
             Can.
             22
             ,
             23
             ,
             29
             ,
             32
             ,
             34
             ,
             35
             ,
             36
             ,
             37.
             
             And
             is
             confessed
             by
             the
             chiefest
             Defenders
             of
             Episcopacy
             .
          
           
           
             II.
             If
             all
             Presentments
             and
             Appeals
             be
             made
             to
             the
             Bishop
             and
             his
             consistory
             alone
             ,
             it
             will
             take
             from
             us
             the
             Parish-Discipline
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             granted
             us
             )
             and
             cast
             almost
             all
             Discipline
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             as
             is
             most
             apparent
             to
             them
             ,
             that
             by
             experience
             are
             acquainted
             with
             the
             quality
             of
             our
             Flocks
             ,
             and
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             the
             Pastoral
             work
             ,
             considering
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             How
             many
             hundred
             Churches
             are
             in
             a
             Diocess
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             How
             many
             thousand
             persons
             are
             in
             many
             Parishes
             ;
             and
             of
             those
             ,
             what
             a
             number
             are
             obstinate
             in
             wilful
             gross
             ignorance
             or
             scandal
             ,
             refusing
             to
             be
             instructed
             or
             admonished
             by
             their
             Pastors
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             How
             long
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             ,
             and
             tenderly
             ,
             sinners
             must
             be
             dealt
             with
             ,
             before
             they
             are
             cut
             off
             by
             Solemn
             Excommunication
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             How
             unsatisfactory
             it
             must
             be
             to
             the
             conscience
             of
             a
             Bishop
             or
             Synod
             ,
             to
             cut
             off
             a
             man
             as
             impenitent
             ,
             upon
             the
             bare
             report
             of
             a
             Minister
             ,
             before
             they
             have
             upon
             full
             admonition
             proved
             him
             impenitent
             themselves
             ,
             especially
             when
             too
             many
             Ministers
             are
             (
             to
             say
             nothing
             of
             a
             passion
             that
             may
             cause
             partial
             accusation
             )
             unable
             so
             to
             manage
             a
             reproof
             and
             exhortation
             ,
             as
             is
             necessary
             to
             work
             on
             the
             consciences
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             to
             convict
             Resisters
             of
             flat
             Impentiencie
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             What
             abundance
             of
             work
             the
             Bishop
             will
             have
             (
             besides
             constant
             preaching
             ,
             which
             will
             require
             time
             for
             preparation
             )
             visiting
             the
             several
             Churches
             ,
             confirming
             all
             the
             souls
             in
             so
             many
             hundred
             Parishes
             (
             which
             alone
             is
             more
             than
             any
             one
             man
             can
             do
             aright
             ,
             if
             he
             had
             nothing
             else
             to
             do
             )
             Ordaining
             ,
             Instituting
             and
             Examining
             the
             persons
             so
             far
             as
             to
             satisfie
             a
             tender
             conscience
             (
             that
             takes
             not
             all
             on
             trust
             from
             others
             ,
             and
             is
             but
             the
             executor
             of
             others
             Judgments
             :
             )
             These
             and
             much
             more
             ,
             with
             a
             care
             of
             Church-building
             ,
             Lands
             ,
             and
             his
             own
             Affairs
             and
             Family
             ,
             and
             sicknesses
             ,
             and
             necessary
             absence
             sometimes
             ,
             will
             make
             this
             great
             additional
             work
             (
             which
             must
             be
             constantly
             performed
             for
             so
             many
             hundred
             Parishes
             )
             to
             be
             impossible
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Reproofs
             and
             suspension
             will
             so
             exasperate
             the
             scandalous
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             vex
             the
             Pastors
             with
             numerous
             Appeals
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             The
             Pastors
             will
             be
             undone
             by
             travelling
             and
             waiting
             ,
             and
             maintaining
             such
             multitude
             of
             witnesses
             ,
             as
             is
             necessary
             for
             the
             prosecuting
             of
             Presentments
             ,
             and
             answering
             the
             Many
             Appeals
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             The
             business
             will
             be
             so
             odious
             ,
             chargeable
             and
             troublesome
             ,
             that
             witnesses
             will
             not
             come
             in
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             The
             Minister
             by
             these
             prosecutions
             and
             attendances
             ,
             will
             be
             taken
             off
             the
             rest
             of
             his
             ministerial
             work
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             Bishops
             being
             but
             men
             ,
             will
             be
             tempted
             by
             this
             intolerable
             
             burthen
             ,
             to
             be
             weary
             of
             the
             work
             ,
             and
             slubber
             it
             over
             ,
             and
             cast
             it
             upon
             others
             ,
             and
             to
             discountenance
             the
             most
             conscionable
             Ministers
             that
             most
             trouble
             them
             with
             presentments
             :
             which
             when
             the
             people
             perceive
             ,
             they
             wil
             the
             more
             insult
             ,
             and
             vex
             us
             with
             Appeals
             :
             So
             that
             the
             discouragements
             of
             the
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             the
             utter
             incapacity
             of
             the
             Bishops
             to
             perform
             a
             quarter
             of
             this
             work
             ,
             will
             nullifie
             Discipline
             ,
             as
             leaving
             it
             impossible
             ,
             Experience
             hath
             told
             us
             this
             too
             long
             .
          
           
             And
             then
             when
             our
             Communion
             is
             thus
             polluted
             with
             all
             that
             are
             most
             incapable
             through
             ignorance
             ,
             Scandal
             ,
             and
             contempt
             of
             Piety
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Ministers
             will
             be
             deterred
             from
             their
             Administrations
             to
             subjects
             so
             uncapable
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Bishops
             that
             are
             tender-conscienced
             ,
             will
             be
             deterred
             from
             undertaking
             so
             impossible
             a
             work
             ,
             and
             of
             so
             ill
             success
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             men
             that
             have
             least
             tenderness
             of
             conscience
             ,
             and
             care
             of
             souls
             ,
             and
             fear
             of
             Gods
             displeasure
             ,
             will
             seek
             for
             and
             intrude
             into
             both
             places
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             And
             the
             tender-conscienced
             people
             will
             be
             tempted
             to
             speak
             hardly
             of
             such
             undisciplin'd
             Churches
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Officers
             ,
             and
             to
             withdraw
             from
             them
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             And
             hereby
             they
             will
             fall
             under
             the
             displeasure
             of
             Superiors
             ,
             and
             the
             scorn
             of
             the
             Vulgar
             ,
             that
             have
             no
             religion
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             subservient
             to
             their
             flesh
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             And
             so
             whilest
             the
             most
             pious
             are
             brought
             under
             discountenance
             and
             reproach
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             impious
             get
             the
             reputation
             of
             being
             most
             regular
             and
             obedient
             to
             their
             Rulers
             ;
             Piety
             it self
             will
             grow
             into
             disesteem
             ,
             and
             impiety
             escape
             its
             due
             disgrace
             .
             And
             this
             hath
             been
             the
             cause
             of
             our
             Calamities
             .
          
           
             II.
             
               As
               to
               Liturgie
            
             .
             It
             is
             matter
             of
             very
             great
             joy
             and
             thankfulness
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             heard
             your
             Majestie
             more
             than
             once
             so
             resolutely
             promising
             ,
             that
             none
             should
             suffer
             for
             not
             using
             the
             Common-prayer
             and
             Ceremonies
             ;
             but
             you
             would
             secure
             them
             from
             the
             penalties
             in
             the
             Act
             for
             Uniformity
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             your
             Declaration
             at
             Breda
             intended
             :
             And
             to
             find
             here
             so
             much
             of
             your
             Majesties
             Clemencie
             in
             your
             gracious
             concession
             for
             a
             future
             Emendation
             .
             But
             we
             humbly
             crave
             leave
             to
             acquaint
             your
             Majestie
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             it
             greives
             us
             after
             all
             ,
             to
             hear
             that
             it
             is
             given
             in
             charge
             by
             the
             Judges
             at
             the
             Assizes
             to
             indite
             men
             upon
             that
             Act
             ,
             for
             not
             using
             the
             Common-prayer
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             it
             is
             not
             onely
             some
             obsolete
             words
             ,
             and
             other
             expressions
             that
             are
             offensive
             .
          
           
           
             3.
             
             That
             many
             scruple
             ,
             using
             some
             part
             of
             the
             Book
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             lest
             they
             be
             guilty
             of
             countenancing
             the
             whole
             ,
             yet
             would
             use
             it
             when
             reformed
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             we
             humbly
             crave
             ,
             that
             your
             Majesty
             would
             here
             declare
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             your
             Maje●●●es
             pleasure
             ,
             that
             none
             be
             punished
             or
             troubled
             for
             not
             using
             the
             Book
             of
             Common-prayer
             ,
             til
             it
             be
             effectually
             reformed
             ,
             by
             Divines
             of
             both
             perswasions
             equally
             deputed
             therunto
             .
             And
             that
             your
             Majesty
             will
             procure
             that
             moderation
             in
             the
             imposition
             hereafter
             ,
             which
             we
             before
             desired
             .
          
           
             III.
             
               Concerning
               Ceremonies
            
             .
             Returning
             our
             humble
             thanks
             for
             your
             Majesties
             gracious
             Concessions
             (
             of
             which
             we
             are
             assured
             you
             will
             never
             have
             cause
             to
             repent
             :
             )
             We
             further
             crave
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             your
             Majesty
             will
             leave
             out
             those
             words
             in
             your
             Declaration
             ,
             concerning
             us
             [
             That
             we
             do
             not
             in
             our
             Judgments
             believe
             the
             practise
             of
             those
             particular
             Ceremonies
             which
             we
             accept
             against
             to
             be
             in
             it self
             unlawful
             ]
             for
             we
             have
             not
             so
             declared
             our
             Judgments
             .
             Indeed
             ,
             we
             have
             sayd
             ,
             That
             treating
             in
             order
             to
             an
             happy
             uniting
             of
             our
             Brethren
             through
             the
             Land
             ;
             our
             work
             is
             not
             to
             say
             ,
             what
             is
             our
             own
             opinion
             ,
             or
             what
             will
             satisfie
             us
             ,
             but
             what
             will
             satisfie
             so
             many
             as
             may
             procure
             the
             sayd
             Union
             .
             And
             we
             have
             sayd
             ,
             that
             some
             think
             them
             flatly
             unlawful
             ,
             some
             but
             inconvenient
             ;
             some
             think
             some
             of
             them
             unlawful
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             others
             but
             inconvenient
             ;
             and
             while
             th●
             Imposer
             thinks
             them
             but
             indifferent
             ,
             we
             conceived
             they
             might
             reasonably
             be
             entreated
             to
             let
             them
             go
             ,
             for
             the
             saving
             of
             their
             Brethrens
             consciences
             ,
             and
             the
             Churches
             peace
             .
             We
             are
             sure
             that
             a
             Christians
             conscience
             should
             be
             tender
             of
             adding
             to
             ,
             or
             diminishing
             from
             the
             matter
             of
             Gods
             Worship
             in
             the
             smallest
             point
             .
             The
             Laws
             of
             God
             being
             herein
             the
             only
             perfect
             Rule
             ,
             Deut.
             12.32
             .
             And
             that
             Synod
             infallibly
             guided
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             would
             lay
             upon
             the
             Churches
             no
             other
             burden
             but
             necessary
             things
             ,
             Act.
             15.28
             .
             And
             that
             for
             things
             indifferent
             ,
             Christians
             should
             not
             despise
             or
             judge
             each
             other
             ,
             Rom.
             14.
             
             Much
             less
             by
             silencing
             the
             able
             and
             faithful
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             to
             punish
             the
             Flock
             even
             in
             their
             Souls
             ,
             for
             the
             tollerable
             differences
             and
             supposed
             mistakes
             of
             Ministers
             .
             We
             doubt
             not
             but
             Peter
             and
             Paul
             went
             to
             Heaven
             without
             the
             Ceremonies
             in
             question
             .
          
           
             And
             seeing
             your
             Majesty
             well
             expresseth
             it
             [
             That
             the
             Universal
             Church
             cannot
             introduce
             one
             Ceremony
             in
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             that
             is
             contrary
             to
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             expressed
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             .
             ]
             And
             multitudes
             of
             the
             Protestants
             at
             home
             and
             abroad
             do
             think
             that
             all
             Mystical
             ,
             
             Sacramental
             Rites
             of
             human●
             Institution
             ,
             are
             contrary
             to
             the
             very
             perfection
             of
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             and
             to
             Deut.
             12.32
             .
             &c.
             (
             though
             the
             determination
             of
             meer
             circumstances
             necessary
             in
             〈◊〉
             be
             not
             so
             )
             and
             therefore
             dare
             not
             use
             them
             for
             fear
             of
             the
             displeasure●
             of
             God
             the
             Universal
             Sovereign
             .
             It
             must
             needs
             be
             an
             expression
             of
             your
             Majesties
             wisdome
             ,
             and
             tenderness
             of
             Gods
             honour
             ,
             and
             the
             safety
             of
             your
             peoples
             souls
             ,
             to
             refuse
             in
             things
             unnecessary
             to
             drive
             men
             upon
             apprehended
             sin
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             terrors
             of
             a
             condemned
             conscience
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             beseech
             your
             Majesty
             to
             understand
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             our
             meaning
             by
             the
             word
             [
             Abolishing
             ]
             to
             crave
             a
             prohibition
             against
             your
             own
             ,
             and
             other
             mens
             liberty
             in
             the
             things
             in
             question
             .
             But
             it
             is
             a
             full
             liberty
             we
             desire
             ,
             such
             as
             should
             be
             in
             unnecessary
             things
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             will
             tend
             to
             the
             concord
             of
             your
             people
             ,
             Viz.
             That
             there
             be
             no
             Law
             nor
             Canon
             for
             or
             against
             them
             ,
             commanding
             ,
             recommending
             ,
             or
             prohibiting
             them
             ;
             as
             now
             there
             is
             none
             for
             any
             particular
             gesture
             in
             singing
             of
             Psalms
             ,
             where
             liberty
             preserveth
             an
             uninterrupted
             Unity
             .
          
        
         
           
             For
             the
             particular
             Ceremonies
             .
          
           
             I.
             We
             humbly
             crave
             ,
             as
             to
             Kneeling
             ,
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             receiving
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             that
             your
             Majesty
             will
             declare
             a
             Liberty
             therein
             ,
             that
             none
             shall
             be
             troubled
             for
             receiving
             it
             standing
             ,
             or
             sitting
             .
             And
             your
             Majesties
             Expressions
             [
             upon
             Reasons
             best
             (
             if
             not
             only
             )
             known
             to
             our selves
             ]
             commands
             us
             to
             render
             some
             of
             our
             Reasons
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             are
             sure
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             sinned
             not
             ,
             by
             not
             receiving
             it
             kneeling
             ;
             and
             many
             are
             sure
             ▪
             that
             by
             kneeling
             they
             should
             not
             sin
             :
             And
             therefore
             for
             the
             better
             security
             ,
             though
             not
             for
             absolute
             necessity
             ,
             we
             crave
             leave
             to
             take
             the
             safest
             side
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             are
             sure
             that
             Kneeling
             in
             any
             Adoration
             at
             all
             in
             any
             Worship
             on
             any
             Lords
             day
             in
             the
             year
             ,
             or
             any
             Week
             day
             between
             Easter
             and
             Penticost
             ,
             was
             not
             only
             dis-used
             ,
             but
             forbidden
             by
             General
             Councils
             ,
             (
             as
             
               Concil
               .
               Nicen.
               1
               〈◊〉
            
             20.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Trull
               .
               &c.
            
             )
             and
             disclaimed
             by
             Ancient
             Writer●
             ;
             and
             this
             as
             a
             general
             uncontrolled
             Tradition
             :
             and
             therefore
             
             that
             Kneeling
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             Receiving
             ,
             is
             a
             Novelty
             contrary
             to
             the
             Decrees
             and
             practice
             of
             the
             Church
             for
             many
             hundred
             years
             after
             the
             Apostles
             .
             And
             if
             we
             part
             with
             the
             venerable
             Examples
             of
             all
             Antiquity
             ,
             where
             it
             agrees
             with
             Scripture
             ,
             (
             and
             that
             for
             nothing
             )
             we
             shall
             depart
             from
             the
             Terms
             which
             most
             Moderators
             think
             necessary
             for
             the
             reconciling
             of
             the
             Churches
             ;
             and
             Novelty
             is
             a
             Dishonor
             to
             any
             part
             of
             Religion
             .
             And
             if
             Antiquity
             be
             honorable
             ,
             the
             most
             ancient
             and
             nearest
             the
             Legislation
             and
             Fountain
             ,
             must
             be
             most
             honorable
             :
             and
             it
             is
             not
             safe
             to
             intimate
             a
             Charge
             of
             Unreverence
             upon
             all
             the
             Apostles
             and
             primitive
             Christians
             ,
             and
             the
             universal
             Church
             ,
             for
             so
             many
             hundred
             years
             together
             of
             its
             purest
             time
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Though
             our
             meaning
             be
             good
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             good
             to
             shew
             a
             needless
             countenance
             of
             the
             practice
             of
             Adoring
             the
             Bread
             as
             God
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             used
             by
             Papists
             round
             about
             us
             .
             Sayth
             Bishop
             Hall
             in
             his
             Life
             ,
             p.
             20.
             
             
               I
               had
               a
               dangerous
               Conflict
               with
               a
               Sorbonist
               ,
               who
               took
               occasion
               by
               our
               kneeling
               at
               the
               receit
               of
               the
            
             Eucharist
             ,
             
               to
               perswade
               all
               the
               company
               of
               our
               Acknowledgment
               of
               a
               Transubstantiation
               .
            
          
           
             4.
             
             Some
             of
             us
             that
             could
             rather
             kneel
             than
             be
             deprived
             of
             the
             Communion
             ,
             should
             yet
             suffer
             much
             before
             we
             durst
             put
             all
             others
             from
             the
             Communion
             that
             durst
             not
             take
             it
             kneeling
             ;
             which
             therefore
             we
             crave
             that
             we
             may
             not
             be
             put
             upon
             .
          
           
             II.
             We
             humbly
             crave
             also
             ,
             that
             the
             Religious
             observation
             of
             Holy
             daies
             of
             humane
             Institution
             ,
             may
             be
             declared
             to
             be
             left
             indifferent
             ,
             that
             none
             be
             troubled
             for
             not
             observing
             them
             .
          
           
             III.
             We
             humbly
             tender
             your
             Majesty
             our
             thanks
             for
             your
             gracious
             Concession
             of
             liberty
             as
             to
             the
             Cross
             and
             Surplice
             ,
             and
             bowing
             at
             the
             Name
             Jesus
             ,
             rather
             than
             Christ
             ,
             or
             God
             :
             But
             we
             further
             humbly
             beseech
             your
             Majesty
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             this
             liberty
             in
             forbearing
             the
             Surplice
             may
             extend
             to
             Colledges
             and
             Cathedrals
             also
             ,
             that
             it
             drive
             not
             thence
             all
             those
             that
             scruple
             it
             ,
             and
             make
             those
             places
             receptive
             only
             for
             a
             party
             .
             And
             that
             the
             Youth
             of
             the
             Nation
             may
             have
             just
             liberty
             as
             well
             as
             
             the
             Elder
             .
             If
             they
             be
             ingaged
             in
             the
             Universities
             ,
             and
             their
             Liberties
             there
             cut
             off
             in
             their
             beginning
             ,
             they
             cannot
             afterwards
             be
             free
             ▪
             and
             many
             hopeful
             persons
             will
             be
             else
             diverted
             from
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             your
             Majestie
             will
             endeavour
             the
             repealing
             of
             all
             Laws
             and
             Canons
             by
             which
             these
             Ceremonies
             are
             imposed
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             left
             at
             full
             Liberty
             .
          
           
             We
             also
             tender
             our
             thanks
             to
             your
             Majestie
             for
             your
             gracious
             Concession
             of
             the
             forbearance
             of
             the
             Subscription
             required
             by
             the
             Canon
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             humbly
             acquaint
             your
             Majestie
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             not
             dissent
             from
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             expressed
             in
             the
             Articles
             and
             Homilies
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             the
             controverted
             passages
             about
             Government
             ,
             Liturgie
             and
             Ceremonies
             ,
             and
             some
             by-passages
             and
             phrases
             in
             the
             Doctrinal
             part
             ,
             which
             are
             scrupled
             by
             those
             whose
             liberty
             is
             desired
             .
             Not
             that
             we
             are
             against
             subscribing
             the
             proper
             Rule
             of
             our
             Religion
             ,
             or
             any
             meet
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             :
             Nor
             do
             we
             scruple
             the
             Oaths
             of
             Allegiance
             and
             Supremacy
             :
             Nor
             would
             we
             have
             the
             door
             left
             open
             for
             Papists
             and
             Hereticks
             to
             come
             in
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             take
             the
             boldness
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             since
             we
             have
             had
             the
             promises
             of
             your
             gracious
             indulgence
             herein
             ,
             and
             upon
             divers
             Addresses
             to
             your
             Majestie
             and
             the
             Lord
             Chancellor
             ,
             had
             comfortable
             encouragement
             to
             expect
             our
             Liberty
             ;
             yet
             cannot
             Ministers
             procure
             Institution
             without
             renouncing
             their
             Ordination
             by
             Presbyters
             ,
             or
             being
             re-ordained
             ,
             nor
             without
             Subscription
             ,
             and
             the
             Oath
             of
             Canonical
             Obedience
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             We
             must
             observe
             with
             fear
             and
             grief
             ,
             that
             your
             Majesties
             Indulgence
             and
             Concession
             of
             Liberty
             in
             this
             Declaration
             ,
             extendeth
             not
             either
             to
             the
             abatement
             of
             Re-ordination
             ,
             or
             of
             Subscription
             at
             Ordination
             ,
             or
             the
             Oath
             of
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Bishops
             .
          
           
             We
             therefore
             humbly
             and
             earnestly
             crave
             ,
             that
             your
             Majesty
             will
             declare
             your
             pleasure
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             Ordination
             and
             Institution
             and
             Induction
             ,
             may
             be
             conferred
             without
             the
             said
             Subscription
             or
             Oath
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             That
             none
             be
             urged
             to
             be
             re-ordained
             ,
             or
             denied
             Institution
             for
             want
             of
             Ordination
             by
             Prelates
             ,
             that
             was
             ordained
             by
             Presbyters
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             none
             be
             judged
             to
             have
             forfeited
             his
             Presentation
             ,
             or
             Benefice
             ,
             or
             be
             deprived
             of
             it
             ,
             for
             not
             reading
             those
             Articles
             of
             the
             39.
             that
             contain
             the
             controverted
             points
             of
             Government
             and
             Ceremonies
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             .
             We
             humbly
             crave
             ,
             that
             your
             Majestie
             would
             not
             onely
             grant
             us
             this
             liberty
             ,
             till
             the
             next
             Synod
             ;
             but
             will
             endeavour
             that
             the
             Synod
             be
             impartially
             chosen
             ;
             and
             that
             your
             Majestie
             will
             be
             pleased
             to
             endavour
             the
             procurement
             of
             such
             Laws
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             necessary
             for
             our
             security
             till
             the
             Synod
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             ratification
             of
             moderate
             healing
             Conclusions
             afterward
             .
             And
             that
             nothing
             by
             meer
             Canon
             be
             imposed
             on
             us
             ,
             without
             such
             Statute-Laws
             of
             Parliament
             .
          
           
             These
             favours
             (
             which
             will
             be
             injurious
             to
             none
             )
             if
             your
             people
             may
             obtain
             of
             your
             Majestie
             ,
             it
             will
             revive
             their
             hearts
             to
             daily
             and
             earnest
             Prayer
             for
             your
             prosperity
             ,
             and
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             thankfull
             acknowledgement
             of
             that
             gracious
             providence
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             hath
             blessed
             us
             in
             your
             Restauration
             ,
             and
             put
             it
             into
             your
             heart
             to
             heal
             our
             breaches
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             compassion
             on
             the
             faithful
             people
             in
             your
             Dominions
             ,
             who
             do
             not
             petition
             you
             for
             liberty
             to
             be
             Schismatical
             ,
             Factious
             ,
             Seditious
             ,
             or
             abusive
             to
             any
             ;
             but
             onely
             for
             leave
             to
             obey
             the
             Lord
             that
             Created
             and
             Redeemed
             them
             ,
             according
             to
             that
             Law
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             must
             all
             be
             shortly
             judged
             to
             everlasting
             Joy
             or
             Misery
             ▪
             and
             it
             will
             excite
             them
             to
             ,
             and
             unite
             them
             in
             the
             cheerful
             service
             of
             your
             Majesty
             ,
             with
             their
             Estates
             and
             lives
             ,
             and
             to
             transmit
             your
             deserved
             Praise
             to
             Posterity
             .
          
           
             FINIS
             .