An apologeticall narration, humbly submitted to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. By Tho: Goodwin, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpson, Jer: Burroughes, William Bridge.
      
       
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             An apologeticall narration, humbly submitted to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. By Tho: Goodwin, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpson, Jer: Burroughes, William Bridge.
             Goodwin, Thomas, 1600-1680.
          
           [4], 31, [1] p.
           
             Printed for Robert Dawlman,
             London :
             M.DC.XLIII. [1643]
          
           
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Clergy -- Early works to 1800.
           Church of England -- History, (17th century) -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A85427   (Thomason E80_7).  civilwar no An apologeticall narration, humbly submitted to the Honourable Houses of Parliament.:  By Tho: Goodwin, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpson, Jer: Bu Goodwin, Thomas 1643    9158 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 B  The  rate of 3 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THis
           
             Apologeticall
             Narration
          
           of
           our
           Reverend
           and
           deare
           Brethren
           the
           learned
           Authors
           of
           it
           ,
           't
           is
           so
           full
           of
           peaceablenesse
           ,
           modesty
           ,
           and
           candour
           ;
           and
           withall
           ,
           at
           this
           time
           so
           seasonably
           needfull
           ,
           as
           well
           towards
           the
           vindication
           of
           the
           Protestant
           party
           in
           generall
           ,
           from
           the
           aspersions
           of
           Incommunicablenesse
           within
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           Incompatiblenesse
           with
           Magistracy
           ;
           as
           of
           themselves
           in
           particular
           ,
           both
           against
           misreportings
           from
           without
           ,
           &
           some
           possible
           mistakings
           from
           within
           too
           :
           That
           however
           for
           mine
           own
           part
           I
           have
           appeared
           on
           ,
           and
           doe
           still
           encline
           to
           the
           Presbyteriall
           way
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           yet
           doe
           I
           think
           it
           every
           way
           fit
           for
           the
           Presse
           .
        
         
           
             Charles
             Herle
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           AN
           Apologeticall
           Narration
           ,
           HVMBLY
           SVBMITTED
           TO
           THE
           HONOURABLE
           HOUSES
           OF
           
             PARLIAMENT
             .
          
        
         
           BY
           
             Tho
             :
             Goodwin
             ,
             Philip
             Nye
             ,
             Sidrach
             Simpson
             ,
             Jer
             :
             Burroughes
             ,
             William
             Bridge
             :
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           ROBERT
           DAWLMAN
           .
           
             M.
             DC
             .
             XLIII
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           AN
           APOLOGETICALL
           NARRATION
           OF
           SOME
           MINISTERS
           ,
           Formerly
           in
           Exile
           :
           NOW
           
             Members
             of
             the
          
           Assembly
           
             of
             Divines
             .
          
        
         
           OUR
           eares
           have
           been
           of
           late
           so
           filled
           with
           a
           sudden
           and
           unexpected
           noyse
           of
           confused
           exclamations
           ,
           (
           though
           not
           so
           expresly
           directed
           against
           us
           in
           particular
           ,
           yet
           in
           the
           interpretation
           of
           the
           most
           ,
           reflecting
           on
           us
           )
           that
           awakened
           thereby
           ,
           we
           are
           enforced
           to
           anticipate
           a
           little
           that
           discovery
           of
           our selves
           which
           otherwise
           we
           resolved
           to
           have
           left
           to
           
             Time
          
           and
           
             Experience
          
           of
           our
           wayes
           and
           spirits
           ,
           the
           truest
           Discoverers
           and
           surest
           Judges
           of
           all
           men
           and
           their
           actions
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           we
           shall
           begin
           to
           make
           some
           appearance
           into
           publique
           light
           ,
           unto
           whose
           view
           and
           judgements
           should
           we
           (
           that
           have
           hitherto
           laine
           under
           so
           dark
           a
           cloud
           of
           manifold
           mis
           apprehensions
           )
           at
           first
           present
           our selves
           ,
           but
           the
           Supreame
           Judicatory
           of
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           which
           is
           and
           hath
           been
           in
           all
           times
           the
           most
           just
           and
           severe
           Tribunall
           
           for
           guiltinesse
           to
           appeare
           before
           ,
           much
           more
           to
           dare
           to
           appeale
           unto
           ;
           and
           yet
           withall
           the
           most
           sacred
           refuge
           and
           
             Asylum
          
           for
           mistaken
           and
           mis-judged
           innocence
           ?
        
         
           The
           most
           ,
           if
           not
           all
           of
           us
           ,
           had
           ten
           years
           since
           (
           some
           more
           ,
           some
           lesse
           )
           severall
           setled
           Stations
           in
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           in
           places
           of
           publique
           use
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           not
           unknown
           to
           many
           of
           your selves
           ;
           but
           the
           sinful
           evill
           of
           those
           corruptions
           in
           the
           publique
           worship
           and
           government
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           which
           all
           doe
           now
           so
           generally
           acknowledge
           and
           decrie
           ,
           took
           hold
           upon
           our
           consciences
           long
           before
           some
           others
           of
           our
           brethren
           ;
           And
           then
           how
           impossible
           it
           was
           to
           continue
           in
           those
           times
           our
           service
           and
           standings
           ,
           all
           mens
           apprehensions
           will
           readily
           acquit
           us
           .
        
         
           Neither
           at
           the
           first
           did
           we
           see
           or
           look
           further
           then
           the
           
             dark
             part
             ,
          
           the
           evill
           of
           those
           superstitions
           adjoyned
           to
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           have
           been
           the
           common
           stumbling
           block
           and
           offence
           of
           many
           thousand
           tender
           consciences
           ,
           both
           in
           our
           own
           and
           our
           neighbour
           Churches
           ,
           ever
           since
           the
           first
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           :
           which
           yet
           was
           enough
           to
           deprive
           us
           of
           the
           publique
           exercise
           of
           our
           Ministeries
           ,
           and
           together
           therewith
           (
           as
           the
           watchfulnesse
           of
           those
           times
           grew
           )
           of
           our
           personall
           participation
           in
           some
           ordinances
           ;
           and
           further
           exposed
           us
           either
           to
           personall
           violence
           and
           persecution
           ,
           or
           an
           exile
           to
           avoid
           it
           :
           Which
           latter
           we
           did
           the
           rather
           choose
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           use
           and
           exercise
           of
           our
           Ministeries
           (
           for
           which
           we
           were
           borne
           and
           live
           )
           might
           not
           be
           wholly
           lost
           ,
           nor
           our selves
           remain
           
           debarred
           from
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           we
           account
           our
           birth-right
           ,
           and
           best
           portion
           in
           this
           life
           .
        
         
           This
           being
           our
           condition
           ,
           we
           were
           cast
           upon
           a
           farther
           necessity
           of
           enquiring
           into
           and
           viewing
           the
           
             light
             part
             ,
          
           the
           positive
           part
           of
           
             Church-worship
          
           and
           Government
           ;
           And
           to
           that
           end
           to
           search
           out
           what
           were
           the
           first
           Apostolique
           directions
           ,
           pattern
           and
           examples
           of
           those
           Primitive
           Churches
           recorded
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           as
           that
           sacred
           pillar
           of
           fire
           to
           guide
           us
           .
           And
           in
           this
           enquirie
           ,
           we
           lookt
           upon
           the
           word
           of
           Christ
           as
           impartially
           ,
           and
           unprejudicedly
           ,
           as
           men
           made
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           are
           like
           to
           doe
           in
           any
           juncture
           of
           time
           that
           may
           fall
           out
           ;
           the
           places
           we
           went
           to
           ,
           the
           condition
           we
           were
           in
           ,
           the
           company
           we
           went
           forth
           with
           ,
           affording
           no
           temptation
           to
           by
           as
           us
           any
           way
           ,
           but
           leaving
           us
           as
           freely
           to
           be
           guided
           by
           that
           light
           and
           touch
           Gods
           Spirit
           should
           by
           the
           Word
           vouchsafe
           our
           consciences
           ,
           as
           the
           Needle
           toucht
           with
           the
           Load-stone
           is
           in
           the
           Compasse
           :
           And
           we
           had
           (
           of
           all
           men
           )
           the
           greatest
           reason
           to
           be
           true
           to
           our
           own
           consciences
           in
           what
           we
           should
           embrace
           ,
           seeing
           it
           was
           for
           our
           consciences
           that
           we
           were
           deprived
           at
           once
           of
           what
           ever
           was
           dear
           to
           us
           .
           We
           had
           no
           new
           Common-wealths
           to
           rear
           ,
           to
           frame
           Church-government
           unto
           ,
           whereof
           any
           one
           piece
           might
           stand
           in
           the
           others
           light
           ,
           to
           cause
           the
           least
           variation
           by
           us
           from
           the
           Primitive
           pattern
           ;
           We
           had
           no
           State-ends
           or
           Politicall
           interests
           to
           comply
           ▪
           with
           ;
           No
           Kingdoms
           in
           our
           eye
           to
           subdue
           unto
           our
           mould
           ;
           (
           which
           yet
           will
           be
           coexistent
           with
           the
           peace
           of
           any
           form
           of
           Civil
           Government
           
           on
           earth
           )
           No
           preferment
           or
           worldly
           respects
           to
           shape
           our
           opinions
           for
           :
           We
           had
           nothing
           else
           to
           doe
           but
           simply
           and
           singly
           to
           consider
           how
           to
           worship
           God
           acceptably
           ,
           and
           so
           most
           according
           to
           his
           word
           .
        
         
           We
           were
           not
           engaged
           by
           Education
           or
           otherwise
           to
           any
           other
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ;
           And
           although
           we
           consulted
           with
           reverence
           what
           they
           hold
           forth
           both
           in
           their
           writings
           and
           practice
           ,
           yet
           we
           could
           not
           but
           suppose
           that
           they
           might
           not
           see
           into
           all
           things
           about
           worship
           and
           government
           ,
           their
           intentions
           being
           most
           spent
           (
           as
           also
           of
           our
           first
           Reformers
           in
           
             England
          
           )
           upon
           the
           Reformation
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           in
           which
           they
           had
           a
           most
           happy
           hand
           :
           And
           we
           had
           with
           many
           others
           observed
           ,
           that
           although
           the
           exercise
           of
           that
           Government
           had
           been
           accompanied
           with
           more
           peace
           ,
           yet
           the
           Practicall
           part
           ,
           
             the
             power
             of
             godlinesse
          
           and
           the
           profession
           thereof
           ,
           with
           difference
           from
           carnall
           and
           formall
           Christians
           ,
           had
           not
           been
           advanced
           and
           held
           forth
           among
           them
           ,
           as
           in
           this
           our
           owne
           Island
           ,
           as
           themselves
           have
           generally
           acknowledged
           .
           We
           had
           the
           advantage
           of
           all
           that
           light
           which
           the
           conflicts
           of
           our
           owne
           Divines
           (
           the
           good
           old
           Non-conformists
           )
           had
           struck
           forth
           in
           their
           times
           ;
           And
           the
           draughts
           of
           Discipline
           which
           they
           had
           drawn
           ;
           which
           we
           found
           not
           in
           all
           things
           the
           very
           same
           with
           the
           practises
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ;
           And
           what
           they
           had
           written
           came
           much
           more
           commended
           to
           us
           ,
           not
           onely
           because
           they
           were
           our
           own
           ,
           but
           because
           sealed
           with
           their
           manifold
           and
           bitter
           sufferings
           .
           We
           had
           likewise
           the
           fatall
           miscarriages
           and
           shipwracks
           
           of
           the
           
             Separation
          
           (
           whom
           ye
           call
           
             Brownists
          
           )
           as
           Land-marks
           to
           fore-warn
           us
           of
           those
           rocks
           and
           shelves
           they
           ran
           upon
           ;
           which
           also
           did
           put
           us
           upon
           an
           enquiry
           into
           the
           principles
           that
           might
           be
           the
           causes
           of
           their
           divisions
           .
           Last
           of
           all
           ,
           we
           had
           the
           recent
           and
           later
           example
           of
           the
           wayes
           and
           practices
           (
           and
           those
           improved
           to
           a
           better
           Edition
           and
           greater
           refinement
           ,
           by
           all
           the
           fore-mentioned
           helps
           )
           of
           those
           multitudes
           of
           godly
           men
           of
           our
           own
           Nation
           ,
           almost
           to
           the
           number
           of
           another
           Nation
           ,
           and
           among
           them
           some
           as
           holy
           and
           judicious
           Divines
           as
           this
           Kingdome
           hath
           bred
           ;
           whose
           sincerity
           in
           their
           way
           hath
           been
           testified
           before
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           wil
           be
           unto
           all
           generations
           to
           come
           ,
           by
           the
           greatest
           undertaking
           (
           but
           that
           of
           our
           father
           
             Abraham
          
           out
           of
           his
           own
           countrey
           ,
           and
           his
           seed
           after
           him
           )
           a
           transplanting
           themselves
           many
           thousand
           miles
           distance
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           sea
           ,
           into
           a
           Wildernes
           ,
           meerly
           to
           worship
           God
           more
           purely
           ,
           whither
           to
           allure
           them
           there
           could
           be
           no
           other
           invitement
           .
           And
           yet
           we
           still
           stood
           as
           unengaged
           spectators
           ,
           free
           to
           examine
           and
           consider
           what
           truth
           is
           to
           be
           found
           in
           and
           amongst
           all
           these
           ,
           (
           all
           which
           we
           look
           upon
           as
           Reformed
           Churches
           )
           and
           this
           nakedly
           according
           to
           the
           word
           ;
           We
           resolved
           not
           to
           take
           up
           our
           Religion
           by
           or
           from
           any
           partie
           ,
           and
           yet
           to
           approve
           and
           hold
           fast
           whatsoever
           is
           good
           in
           any
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           much
           differing
           from
           us
           ,
           yea
           opposite
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           our
           own
           congregations
           ,
           we
           meane
           of
           
             England
          
           (
           in
           which
           thorough
           the
           grace
           of
           Christ
           we
           were
           converted
           ,
           and
           exercised
           our
           Ministeries
           
           long
           ,
           to
           the
           conversion
           of
           many
           others
           )
           We
           have
           this
           sincere
           profession
           to
           make
           before
           God
           and
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           all
           
             that
          
           conscience
           of
           the
           defilements
           we
           conceived
           to
           cleave
           to
           the
           true
           worship
           of
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           or
           of
           the
           unwarranted
           power
           in
           Church
           Governours
           exercised
           therein
           ,
           did
           never
           work
           in
           any
           of
           us
           any
           other
           thought
           ,
           much
           lesse
           opinion
           ,
           but
           that
           multitudes
           of
           the
           assemblies
           and
           parochiall
           congregations
           thereof
           ,
           were
           
             the
             true
             Churches
             and
             Body
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Ministery
             thereof
             a
             true
             Ministery
             :
          
           Much
           lesse
           did
           it
           ever
           enter
           into
           our
           hearts
           to
           judge
           them
           
             Antichristian
             ;
          
           we
           saw
           and
           cannot
           but
           see
           that
           by
           the
           same
           reason
           the
           Churches
           abroad
           in
           
             Scotland
             ,
             Holland
             ,
             &c.
          
           (
           though
           more
           reformed
           )
           yet
           for
           their
           mixture
           must
           be
           in
           like
           manner
           judged
           no
           Churches
           also
           ,
           which
           to
           imagine
           or
           conceive
           ,
           is
           and
           hath
           ever
           been
           an
           horrour
           to
           our
           thoughts
           .
           Yea
           we
           alwayes
           have
           professed
           ,
           &
           that
           in
           these
           times
           when
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             England
          
           were
           the
           most
           ,
           either
           actually
           overspread
           with
           defilements
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           greatest
           danger
           thereof
           ,
           and
           when
           our selves
           had
           least
           ,
           yea
           no
           hopes
           of
           ever
           so
           much
           as
           visiting
           our
           own
           land
           again
           in
           peace
           and
           safety
           to
           our
           persons
           ;
           that
           we
           both
           did
           and
           would
           hold
           a
           
             communion
          
           with
           them
           as
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           .
           And
           besides
           this
           profession
           ,
           as
           a
           reall
           testimony
           thereof
           ,
           some
           of
           us
           after
           we
           ,
           actually
           ,
           were
           in
           this
           way
           of
           communion
           ,
           baptized
           our
           children
           in
           Parishionall
           congregations
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           we
           had
           occasion
           )
           did
           offer
           to
           receive
           into
           the
           communion
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           with
           us
           ,
           some
           (
           whom
           we
           knew
           godly
           that
           come
           to
           visit
           us
           when
           we
           were
           
           in
           our
           exile
           )
           upon
           that
           relation
           ,
           fellowship
           ,
           and
           commembership
           they
           held
           in
           their
           parish
           Churches
           in
           
             England
             ,
          
           they
           professing
           themselves
           to
           be
           members
           thereof
           ,
           and
           belonging
           thereunto
           .
           What
           we
           have
           since
           our
           returne
           publiquely
           and
           avowedly
           
           made
           declaration
           of
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           many
           hundreds
           can
           witnesse
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           our
           brethren
           in
           their
           printed
           bookes
           candidly
           do
           testify
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           we
           alwayes
           held
           this
           respect
           unto
           our
           own
           Churches
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           so
           we
           received
           and
           were
           entertained
           with
           the
           like
           from
           those
           reformed
           Churches
           abroad
           ,
           among
           whom
           we
           were
           cast
           to
           live
           ,
           we
           both
           mutually
           gave
           and
           received
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           fellowship
           ,
           which
           they
           on
           their
           parts
           abundantly
           manifested
           by
           the
           very
           same
           characters
           and
           testimonies
           of
           difference
           which
           are
           proper
           to
           their
           own
           Orthodoxe
           Churches
           ,
           and
           whereby
           they
           use
           to
           distinguish
           them
           from
           all
           those
           sects
           (
           which
           they
           tollerate
           ,
           but
           not
           own
           )
           and
           all
           the
           assemblies
           of
           them
           (
           which
           yet
           now
           we
           are
           here
           some
           would
           needs
           ranke
           us
           with
           )
           granting
           to
           some
           of
           us
           their
           own
           Churches
           ,
           or
           publique
           places
           for
           worship
           ,
           to
           assemble
           in
           ,
           where
           themselves
           met
           for
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           at
           differing
           houres
           the
           same
           day
           :
           As
           likewise
           the
           priviledge
           of
           ringing
           a
           publique
           Bell
           to
           call
           unto
           our
           meetings
           :
           which
           we
           mention
           because
           it
           is
           amongst
           them
           made
           the
           great
           signall
           of
           difference
           between
           their
           own
           allowed
           Churches
           and
           all
           other
           assemblies
           ,
           unto
           whom
           it
           is
           strictly
           prohibited
           and
           forbidden
           ,
           as
           
             Guiciardine
          
           hath
           long
           since
           observed
           :
           And
           others
           of
           us
           found
           such
           acceptance
           with
           them
           ,
           that
           in
           testimony
           thereof
           
           they
           allowed
           a
           full
           and
           liberall
           maintenance
           annually
           for
           our
           Ministers
           ,
           yea
           and
           constantly
           also
           Wine
           for
           our
           Communions
           .
           And
           then
           we
           again
           on
           our
           parts
           ,
           not
           onely
           held
           all
           brotherly
           correspondency
           with
           their
           Divines
           ,
           but
           received
           also
           some
           of
           the
           members
           of
           their
           Churches
           (
           who
           desired
           to
           communicate
           with
           us
           )
           unto
           communion
           in
           the
           Sacraments
           and
           other
           ordinances
           ,
           by
           virtue
           of
           their
           relation
           of
           membership
           retained
           in
           those
           Churches
           .
        
         
           Now
           for
           the
           way
           &
           practices
           of
           our
           Churches
           ,
           we
           give
           this
           briefe
           and
           generall
           account
           .
           Our
           
             publique
             worship
          
           was
           made
           up
           of
           no
           other
           parts
           then
           the
           worship
           of
           all
           other
           reformed
           Churches
           doth
           consist
           of
           .
           As
           ,
           publique
           and
           solemne
           prayers
           
             for
             Kings
             and
             all
             in
             authority
             ,
             &c.
          
           the
           reading
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           Old
           and
           New
           Testament
           ;
           Exposition
           of
           them
           as
           occasion
           was
           ;
           and
           constant
           preaching
           of
           the
           word
           ;
           the
           administration
           of
           the
           two
           Sacraments
           ,
           Baptisme
           to
           infants
           ,
           and
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ;
           singing
           of
           Psalmes
           ;
           collections
           for
           the
           poor
           ,
           &c.
           every
           Lords
           day
           .
           For
           
             Officers
          
           and
           publique
           Rulers
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           we
           set
           up
           no
           other
           but
           the
           very
           same
           which
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           judge
           necessary
           and
           sufficient
           ,
           and
           as
           instituted
           by
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           for
           the
           perpetuall
           government
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             Ruling
             Elders
             ,
          
           (
           with
           us
           not
           lay
           but
           Ecclesiastique
           persons
           separated
           to
           that
           service
           )
           and
           
             Deacons
             .
          
           And
           for
           the
           matter
           
             of
             government
             and
             censures
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           we
           had
           nor
           executed
           any
           other
           but
           what
           all
           acknowledge
           ,
           
           namely
           ,
           
             Admonition
             ,
          
           and
           
             Excommunication
          
           upon
           obstinacie
           and
           impenitencie
           ,
           (
           which
           we
           blesse
           God
           we
           never
           exercised
           .
           )
           This
           latter
           we
           judged
           should
           be
           put
           in
           execution
           ,
           for
           no
           other
           kind
           of
           sins
           then
           may
           evidently
           be
           presumed
           to
           be
           perpetrated
           against
           the
           parties
           known
           light
           ;
           as
           whether
           it
           be
           a
           sin
           in
           manners
           and
           conversation
           ,
           such
           as
           is
           committed
           against
           the
           light
           of
           nature
           ,
           or
           the
           common
           received
           practices
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           professed
           in
           all
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           ;
           or
           if
           in
           opinions
           ,
           then
           such
           ,
           as
           are
           likewise
           contrary
           to
           the
           received
           principles
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           professed
           by
           the
           party
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           universally
           acknowledged
           in
           all
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           churches
           ,
           and
           no
           other
           sins
           to
           be
           the
           subject
           of
           that
           dreadful
           sentence
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           our
           directions
           in
           these
           or
           what
           ever
           else
           requisite
           to
           the
           manage
           of
           them
           ,
           we
           had
           these
           three
           Principles
           more
           especially
           in
           our
           eye
           ,
           to
           guide
           and
           steere
           our
           practice
           by
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           the
           supreame
           rule
           
             without
             us
             ,
          
           was
           the
           Primitive
           patterne
           and
           example
           of
           the
           churches
           erected
           by
           the
           Apostles
           .
           Our
           consciences
           were
           possessed
           with
           that
           reverence
           and
           adoration
           of
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           therein
           a
           compleat
           sufficiencie
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           the
           
             man
             of
             God
             perfect
             ,
          
           so
           also
           to
           make
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           perfect
           ,
           (
           meere
           circumstances
           we
           except
           ,
           or
           what
           rules
           the
           law
           of
           nature
           doth
           in
           common
           dictate
           )
           if
           the
           directions
           and
           examples
           therein
           delivered
           were
           fully
           known
           and
           followed
           .
           And
           although
           we
           cannot
           professe
           that
           sufficiency
           of
           knowledge
           as
           to
           be
           
           
           
           able
           to
           lay
           forth
           all
           those
           rules
           therein
           which
           may
           meet
           with
           all
           cases
           and
           emergencies
           that
           may
           or
           sometimes
           did
           fal
           out
           amongst
           us
           ,
           or
           that
           may
           give
           satisfaction
           unto
           all
           Queres
           possible
           to
           be
           put
           unto
           us
           ;
           yet
           we
           found
           principles
           enough
           ,
           not
           onely
           
             fundamentall
          
           and
           essential
           to
           the
           being
           of
           a
           Church
           ,
           but
           
             superstructory
          
           also
           for
           the
           wel-being
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           those
           to
           us
           cleare
           and
           certaine
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           might
           well
           serve
           to
           preserve
           our
           Churches
           in
           peace
           and
           from
           offence
           ,
           and
           would
           comfortably
           guide
           us
           to
           heaven
           in
           a
           safe
           way
           :
           And
           the
           observation
           of
           so
           many
           of
           those
           particulars
           to
           be
           laid
           forth
           in
           the
           Word
           ,
           became
           to
           us
           a
           more
           certaine
           evidence
           and
           cleare
           confirmation
           that
           there
           were
           the
           like
           rules
           and
           ruled
           cases
           for
           all
           occasions
           whatsoever
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           able
           to
           discerne
           them
           .
           And
           for
           all
           such
           cases
           wherein
           we
           saw
           not
           a
           cleare
           resolution
           from
           Scripture
           ,
           example
           ,
           or
           direction
           ,
           wee
           stil
           professedly
           suspended
           ,
           untill
           God
           should
           give
           us
           further
           light
           ,
           not
           daring
           to
           eeke
           out
           what
           was
           defective
           in
           our
           light
           in
           matters
           Divine
           with
           humane
           prudence
           ,
           (
           the
           fatall
           errour
           to
           Reformation
           )
           lest
           by
           
             sowing
          
           any
           
             piece
             of
             the
             old
             garment
          
           unto
           
             the
             new
             ,
          
           we
           should
           make
           the
           
             rent
             worse
             ;
          
           we
           having
           this
           promise
           of
           grace
           for
           our
           encouragement
           in
           this
           ,
           which
           in
           our
           publique
           Assemblies
           was
           often
           for
           our
           comfort
           mentioned
           ,
           that
           
             in
             thus
             doing
             the
             will
             of
             God
             we
             should
             know
             more
             .
          
        
         
           A
           second
           Principle
           we
           carryed
           along
           with
           us
           in
           all
           our
           resolutions
           ,
           was
           ,
           Not
           to
           make
           our
           present
           judgement
           and
           practice
           a
           binding
           law
           unto
           our selves
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           which
           we
           in
           like
           manner
           made
           
           continuall
           profession
           of
           upon
           all
           occasions
           .
           We
           had
           too
           great
           an
           instance
           of
           our
           own
           frailty
           in
           the
           former
           way
           of
           our
           conformity
           ;
           and
           therefore
           in
           a
           jealousie
           of
           our selves
           ,
           we
           kept
           this
           reserve
           ,
           (
           which
           we
           made
           open
           and
           constant
           professions
           of
           )
           to
           alter
           and
           retract
           (
           though
           not
           lightly
           )
           what
           ever
           should
           be
           discovered
           to
           be
           taken
           up
           out
           of
           a
           mis-understanding
           of
           the
           rule
           :
           Which
           Principle
           wee
           wish
           were
           (
           next
           to
           that
           most
           supreame
           ,
           namely
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           all
           things
           guided
           by
           the
           perfect
           wil
           of
           God
           )
           enacted
           as
           the
           most
           
             sacred
             law
          
           of
           all
           other
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           other
           Laws
           and
           Canons
           Ecclesiastical
           in
           Christian
           States
           and
           Churches
           throughout
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           we
           are
           able
           to
           hold
           forth
           this
           true
           and
           just
           Apologie
           unto
           the
           world
           ,
           That
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           greatest
           moment
           and
           controversie
           ,
           we
           stil
           chose
           to
           practice
           safely
           ,
           and
           so
           ,
           as
           we
           had
           reason
           to
           judge
           that
           all
           sorts
           ,
           or
           the
           most
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           did
           acknowledge
           warrantable
           ,
           although
           they
           make
           
             additaments
          
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           For
           instance
           :
           Whereas
           one
           great
           controversie
           of
           these
           times
           is
           about
           the
           
             qualification
             of
             the
             Members
          
           of
           Churches
           ,
           and
           the
           promiscuous
           receiving
           and
           mixture
           of
           good
           and
           bad
           ;
           Therein
           we
           chose
           the
           better
           part
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           received
           in
           none
           but
           such
           as
           all
           the
           Churches
           in
           the
           world
           would
           by
           the
           balance
           of
           the
           Sanctuary
           acknowledge
           faithful
           .
           And
           yet
           in
           this
           we
           are
           able
           to
           make
           this
           true
           and
           just
           profession
           also
           ,
           That
           the
           Rules
           which
           we
           gave
           up
           our
           judgements
           unto
           ,
           to
           judge
           those
           vve
           received
           in
           amongst
           us
           by
           ,
           vvere
           of
           that
           latitude
           
           as
           would
           take
           in
           any
           member
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           meanest
           ,
           in
           whom
           there
           may
           be
           supposed
           to
           be
           the
           
             least
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           and
           indeed
           such
           and
           no
           other
           as
           all
           the
           godly
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           carry
           in
           their
           bosomes
           to
           judge
           others
           by
           .
           We
           took
           measure
           of
           no
           mans
           holinesse
           by
           his
           opinion
           ,
           whether
           concurring
           with
           us
           ,
           or
           adverse
           unto
           us
           ;
           And
           Churches
           made
           up
           of
           such
           ,
           we
           were
           sure
           no
           Protestant
           could
           but
           approve
           of
           ,
           (
           as
           touching
           the
           members
           of
           it
           )
           to
           be
           a
           true
           Church
           ,
           with
           which
           communion
           might
           be
           held
           .
           Againe
           ,
           concerning
           the
           great
           ordinance
           of
           
             Publique
             Prayer
          
           and
           the
           
             Lyturgie
          
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           whereas
           there
           is
           this
           great
           controversie
           upon
           it
           about
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           set
           formes
           prescribed
           ;
           we
           practiced
           (
           without
           condemning
           others
           )
           what
           all
           sides
           doe
           allow
           ,
           and
           themselves
           doe
           practice
           also
           ,
           that
           the
           publique
           Prayers
           in
           our
           Assemblies
           should
           be
           framed
           by
           the
           meditations
           and
           study
           of
           our
           own
           Ministers
           ,
           out
           of
           their
           own
           gifts
           ,
           (
           the
           fruits
           of
           Christs
           Ascension
           )
           as
           well
           as
           their
           Sermons
           use
           to
           be
           .
           This
           vve
           vvere
           sure
           all
           allowed
           of
           ,
           though
           they
           superadded
           the
           other
           .
           So
           likewise
           for
           the
           government
           and
           discipline
           in
           the
           Churches
           ,
           however
           the
           practice
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           is
           in
           greater
           matters
           to
           govern
           each
           particular
           congregation
           by
           a
           combined
           
             Presbyterie
          
           of
           the
           
             Elders
          
           of
           several
           congregations
           united
           in
           one
           for
           government
           ;
           yet
           so
           ,
           as
           in
           their
           judgements
           they
           allow
           ,
           especially
           in
           some
           cases
           ,
           a
           particular
           congregation
           ,
           an
           entire
           and
           compleat
           power
           of
           jurisdiction
           to
           be
           exercised
           by
           the
           Elders
           thereof
           within
           it selfe
           ;
           Yea
           and
           our
           own
           Master
           
             Cartwright
             ,
          
           holy
           
             Baynes
             ,
          
           and
           other
           old
           
           Non-conformists
           ,
           place
           the
           power
           of
           Excommunication
           in
           the
           Elde●ship
           of
           each
           particular
           Church
           with
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           untill
           they
           do
           miscarry
           ,
           and
           then
           indeed
           they
           subject
           them
           to
           such
           Presbyterial
           and
           Provincial
           Assemblies
           as
           the
           proper
           refuge
           for
           appeales
           and
           for
           compounding
           of
           differences
           amongst
           Churches
           ;
           which
           combination
           of
           Churches
           others
           of
           them
           therefore
           call
           
             Ecclesiae
             ortae
             ,
          
           but
           particular
           congregations
           
             Ecclesiae
             primae
             ,
          
           as
           wherein
           
             firstly
          
           the
           power
           and
           priviledg
           of
           a
           Church
           is
           to
           be
           exercised
           .
           And
           vvithall
           vve
           could
           not
           but
           imagine
           ,
           that
           the
           first
           Churches
           planted
           by
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           were
           ordinarily
           of
           no
           more
           in
           one
           city
           at
           first
           then
           might
           make
           up
           one
           entire
           congregation
           ,
           ruled
           by
           their
           own
           Elders
           ,
           that
           also
           preached
           to
           them
           ;
           for
           that
           in
           every
           city
           where
           they
           came
           ,
           the
           number
           of
           converts
           did
           or
           should
           arise
           to
           such
           a
           multitude
           as
           to
           make
           several
           and
           sundry
           congregations
           ,
           or
           that
           the
           Apostles
           should
           stay
           the
           setting
           up
           of
           any
           Churches
           at
           all
           ,
           until
           they
           rose
           to
           such
           a
           numerous
           multiplication
           as
           might
           make
           such
           a
           Presbyterial
           combination
           ,
           we
           did
           not
           imagine
           .
           We
           found
           also
           those
           
             Non
             conformists
          
           (
           that
           wrote
           against
           the
           Episcopal
           Government
           )
           in
           their
           Answer
           to
           the
           Arguments
           used
           for
           Episcopal
           Government
           over
           many
           Churches
           ,
           brought
           from
           the
           instances
           of
           the
           multitude
           of
           Beleevers
           at
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           and
           other
           places
           and
           cities
           ,
           mentioned
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           to
           assert
           that
           it
           could
           not
           be
           infallibly
           proved
           that
           any
           of
           those
           vve
           reade
           of
           in
           the
           
             Acts
          
           and
           elsewhere
           ;
           vvere
           yet
           so
           numerous
           ,
           as
           necessarily
           to
           exceed
           the
           limits
           of
           one
           particular
           congregation
           
           in
           those
           first
           times
           .
           We
           found
           it
           also
           granted
           by
           them
           all
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           several
           Elders
           in
           every
           congregation
           ,
           who
           had
           power
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           we
           judged
           that
           all
           those
           precepts
           ,
           
             obey
             your
             Elders
             ,
          
           and
           
             them
             that
             are
             over
             you
             ,
          
           were
           (
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           and
           all
           grant
           it
           )
           meant
           of
           the
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           ,
           and
           other
           Elders
           that
           were
           set
           over
           them
           in
           each
           particular
           congregation
           respectively
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           as
           certainly
           the
           intendment
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           as
           in
           those
           like
           commands
           ,
           
             Wives
             obey
             your
             owne
             husbands
             ,
             Servants
             your
             own
             governours
             ,
          
           to
           be
           meant
           of
           their
           several
           Families
           respectively
           .
        
         
           We
           could
           not
           therefore
           but
           judge
           it
           a
           safe
           and
           an
           allowed
           way
           to
           retaine
           the
           government
           of
           our
           severall
           congregations
           for
           matter
           of
           discipline
           within
           themselves
           ,
           to
           be
           exercised
           by
           their
           own
           Elders
           ,
           whereof
           we
           had
           (
           for
           the
           most
           part
           of
           the
           time
           we
           were
           abroad
           )
           three
           at
           least
           in
           each
           congregation
           ,
           whom
           we
           were
           subject
           to
           :
           yet
           not
           clayming
           to
           our selves
           an
           
             independent
             power
          
           in
           every
           congregation
           ,
           to
           give
           account
           or
           be
           subject
           to
           none
           others
           ,
           but
           onely
           a
           ful
           and
           entire
           power
           compleat
           within
           our selves
           ,
           until
           we
           should
           be
           challenged
           to
           erre
           grosly
           ;
           such
           as
           
             Corporations
          
           enjoy
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           power
           and
           priviledge
           to
           passe
           sentence
           for
           life
           &
           death
           within
           themselves
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           accountable
           to
           the
           State
           they
           live
           in
           .
           But
           that
           it
           should
           be
           the
           institution
           of
           Christ
           or
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           that
           the
           combination
           of
           the
           Elders
           of
           many
           Churches
           should
           be
           the
           first
           compleat
           and
           entire
           seat
           of
           Church
           power
           over
           each
           congregation
           so
           combined
           ;
           or
           that
           they
           could
           challenge
           and
           assume
           
           that
           authority
           over
           those
           Churches
           they
           feed
           and
           teach
           not
           ordinarily
           by
           virtue
           of
           those
           fore-mentioned
           Apostolicall
           precepts
           ,
           was
           to
           us
           a
           question
           ,
           and
           judged
           to
           be
           an
           
             additament
          
           unto
           the
           other
           ,
           which
           therefore
           rested
           on
           those
           that
           allowed
           us
           what
           we
           practised
           ,
           over
           and
           above
           ,
           to
           make
           evident
           and
           demonstrate
           (
           and
           certainly
           of
           all
           other
           the
           challenge
           of
           all
           spiritual
           power
           from
           Christ
           had
           need
           have
           a
           cleare
           pattent
           to
           shew
           for
           it
           )
           Yea
           wee
           appeale
           further
           unto
           them
           that
           have
           read
           bookes
           ,
           whether
           untill
           those
           latter
           wrytings
           of
           the
           two
           reverend
           and
           learned
           
             Divines
             of
             Scotland
          
           set
           forth
           after
           our
           return
           ,
           nor
           much
           more
           then
           two
           yeeres
           since
           ,
           and
           others
           of
           no
           elder
           date
           from
           
             Holland
             ,
          
           and
           one
           of
           our
           
             own
          
           Divines
           more
           lately
           written
           with
           much
           learning
           and
           ingenuity
           ;
           there
           hath
           been
           much
           settly
           and
           directly
           or
           with
           strength
           insisted
           on
           to
           prove
           that
           governement
           ;
           and
           although
           assert
           and
           inculcate
           it
           they
           do
           as
           their
           opinions
           ,
           yet
           the
           full
           strength
           and
           streame
           of
           our
           Non-conformists
           wrytings
           and
           others
           are
           spent
           rather
           in
           arguments
           against
           ,
           &
           for
           the
           overthrowing
           the
           Episcopall
           government
           ,
           and
           the
           corruptions
           that
           cleave
           to
           our
           worship
           ,
           and
           in
           maintayning
           those
           severall
           Officers
           in
           Churches
           which
           Christ
           hath
           instituted
           in
           stead
           thereof
           (
           in
           which
           we
           fully
           agree
           with
           them
           )
           then
           in
           the
           proofe
           of
           a
           combined
           classicall
           Presbyteriall
           government
           as
           it
           is
           
             authoritatively
          
           practised
           in
           the
           most
           reformed
           Churches
           .
        
         
           And
           whereas
           the
           common
           prejudice
           and
           exception
           laid
           into
           all
           mens
           thoughts
           against
           us
           and
           our
           opinions
           is
           ,
           that
           in
           such
           a
           congregationall
           governement
           
           thus
           entire
           within
           it self
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           allowed
           sufficient
           remedy
           for
           miscarriages
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           grosse
           ;
           no
           reliefe
           for
           wrongful
           sentences
           or
           persons
           injured
           thereby
           ;
           no
           roome
           for
           complaints
           :
           no
           powerful
           or
           effectual
           means
           to
           reduce
           a
           Church
           or
           Churches
           that
           fal
           into
           heresie
           ,
           schisme
           ,
           &c.
           but
           every
           one
           is
           left
           and
           may
           take
           liberty
           without
           controule
           to
           do
           what
           is
           good
           in
           their
           own
           eyes
           ;
           we
           have
           (
           through
           the
           good
           providence
           of
           God
           upon
           us
           )
           from
           the
           avowed
           declarations
           of
           our
           
             judgements
          
           among
           our
           Churches
           mutually
           during
           our
           exile
           ,
           and
           that
           also
           confirmed
           by
           the
           most
           solemne
           instance
           of
           our
           
             practice
             ,
          
           wherewith
           to
           vindicate
           our selves
           and
           way
           in
           this
           particular
           ;
           which
           upon
           no
           other
           occasion
           we
           should
           ever
           have
           made
           thus
           publique
           .
        
         
           God
           so
           ordered
           it
           that
           a
           scandall
           and
           offence
           fell
           out
           between
           those
           very
           Churches
           whilst
           living
           in
           this
           banishment
           (
           whereof
           we
           our selves
           ,
           that
           write
           these
           things
           ,
           were
           then
           the
           Ministers
           )
           one
           of
           our
           Churches
           having
           unhappily
           deposed
           one
           of
           their
           Ministers
           ,
           the
           other
           judged
           it
           not
           onely
           as
           too
           suddaine
           an
           act
           (
           having
           proceeded
           in
           a
           matter
           of
           so
           great
           moment
           without
           consulting
           their
           sister
           Churches
           ,
           as
           was
           publiquely
           professed
           we
           should
           have
           done
           in
           such
           cases
           of
           concernement
           )
           but
           also
           in
           the
           proceedings
           thereof
           as
           too
           severe
           ,
           and
           not
           managed
           according
           to
           the
           rules
           laid
           down
           in
           the
           word
           .
           In
           this
           case
           our
           Churches
           did
           mutually
           and
           universally
           acknowledge
           and
           submit
           to
           this
           as
           a
           sacred
           and
           undoubted
           principle
           and
           supreame
           law
           to
           be
           observed
           among
           all
           Churches
           ,
           that
           as
           by
           
           virtue
           of
           that
           Apostolical
           command
           ,
           Churches
           as
           wel
           as
           particular
           men
           
             are
             bound
             to
             give
             no
             offence
             neither
             to
             Iew
             nor
             Gentile
             ,
             nor
             the
             Churches
             of
             God
          
           they
           live
           amongst
           .
           So
           that
           in
           all
           cases
           of
           such
           offence
           or
           difference
           ,
           by
           the
           obligation
           of
           the
           cōmon
           law
           of
           
             cōmunion
             of
             Churches
             ,
          
           &
           for
           the
           
             vindication
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           which
           in
           cōmon
           they
           hold
           forth
           ,
           the
           church
           or
           churches
           chalenged
           to
           
             offend
          
           or
           
             differ
             ,
          
           are
           to
           submit
           themselves
           (
           upon
           the
           challenge
           of
           the
           offence
           or
           complaint
           of
           the
           person
           wronged
           )
           to
           the
           most
           full
           &
           open
           tryall
           &
           examination
           by
           other
           neighbour
           Churches
           offended
           there
           at
           ,
           of
           what
           ever
           hath
           given
           the
           offence
           :
           And
           further
           ,
           that
           by
           the
           virtue
           of
           the
           same
           and
           like
           law
           of
           
             not
             partaking
             in
             other
             mens
             sins
             ,
          
           the
           Churches
           offended
           may
           &
           ought
           upon
           the
           impenitency
           of
           those
           Churches
           ,
           persisting
           in
           their
           errour
           and
           miscarriage
           to
           pronounce
           that
           heavy
           sentence
           ,
           against
           them
           ,
           of
           with-drawing
           and
           renouncing
           all
           Christian
           communion
           with
           them
           until
           they
           do
           repent
           ;
           And
           further
           to
           declare
           and
           protest
           this
           ,
           with
           the
           causes
           thereof
           ,
           to
           all
           other
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           do
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           And
           what
           further
           
             authority
             ,
          
           or
           proceedings
           purely
           
             Ecclesiasticall
             ,
          
           of
           one
           ,
           or
           many
           sister
           Churches
           towards
           another
           whole
           Church
           ,
           or
           Churches
           offending
           ,
           either
           the
           Scriptures
           doe
           hold
           forth
           ,
           or
           can
           rationally
           be
           put
           in
           execution
           (
           without
           the
           Magistrates
           interposing
           a
           power
           of
           another
           nature
           ,
           unto
           which
           we
           upon
           his
           particular
           cognisance
           ,
           and
           examination
           of
           such
           causes
           ,
           professe
           ever
           to
           submit
           ,
           and
           also
           to
           be
           most
           vvilling
           to
           have
           recourse
           unto
           )
           for
           our
           parts
           vve
           savv
           not
           then
           ,
           nor
           do
           yet
           see
           .
           And
           
           likewise
           we
           did
           then
           suppose
           ,
           and
           doe
           yet
           ,
           that
           this
           principle
           of
           submission
           of
           Churches
           that
           miscarry
           unto
           other
           Churches
           offended
           ,
           together
           with
           this
           other
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           command
           from
           Christ
           enjoyned
           to
           Churches
           that
           are
           finally
           offended
           to
           denounce
           such
           a
           sentence
           of
           
             Non-communion
          
           and
           
             withdrawing
          
           from
           them
           whilst
           impenitent
           ,
           as
           unworthy
           to
           hold
           forth
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           (
           
             these
          
           principles
           being
           received
           and
           generally
           acknowledged
           by
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           to
           be
           a
           mutuall
           duty
           ,
           as
           strictly
           enjoyned
           them
           by
           Christ
           as
           any
           other
           )
           that
           these
           would
           be
           as
           effectuall
           means
           (
           through
           the
           blessing
           of
           Christ
           )
           to
           awe
           and
           preserve
           Churches
           and
           their
           Elders
           in
           their
           duties
           ,
           as
           that
           other
           of
           claime
           to
           an
           authoritative
           power
           Ecclesiastical
           to
           
             Excommunicate
          
           other
           Churches
           or
           their
           Elders
           offending
           ;
           For
           if
           the
           one
           be
           compared
           with
           the
           other
           ,
           in
           a
           meere
           Ecclesiastial
           notion
           ,
           
             That
          
           of
           Excommunication
           pretended
           hath
           but
           this
           more
           in
           it
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           a
           
             delivering
          
           of
           whole
           Churches
           and
           their
           Elders
           offending
           
             unto
             Satan
             ,
          
           (
           for
           which
           we
           know
           no
           warrant
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           that
           Churches
           should
           have
           such
           a
           power
           over
           other
           Churches
           )
           And
           then
           as
           for
           the
           binding
           obligation
           both
           of
           the
           one
           way
           &
           the
           other
           ,
           it
           can
           be
           supposed
           to
           lye
           but
           in
           these
           2.
           things
           ;
           First
           ,
           in
           a
           warrant
           and
           injunction
           given
           by
           Christ
           to
           his
           Churches
           ,
           to
           put
           either
           the
           one
           or
           the
           other
           into
           execution
           ;
           and
           2.
           that
           mens
           consciences
           be
           accordingly
           taken
           therewith
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           subject
           themselves
           whether
           unto
           the
           one
           way
           or
           the
           other
           :
           For
           suppose
           that
           other
           principle
           of
           an
           
             authoritative
          
           power
           in
           the
           greater
           part
           of
           Churches
           
           combined
           to
           excommunicate
           other
           Churches
           ,
           &c.
           to
           be
           the
           ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           yet
           unlesse
           it
           doe
           take
           hold
           of
           mens
           consciences
           ,
           and
           be
           received
           amongst
           all
           Churches
           ,
           the
           offending
           Churches
           will
           sleight
           all
           such
           
             Excommunications
          
           as
           much
           ,
           as
           they
           may
           be
           supposed
           to
           doe
           our
           way
           of
           protestation
           and
           sentence
           of
           
             Non-communion
             .
          
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           let
           this
           way
           of
           ours
           be
           but
           as
           strongly
           entertained
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           is
           the
           way
           and
           command
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           upon
           all
           occasions
           be
           heedfully
           put
           in
           execution
           ,
           it
           will
           awe
           mens
           consciences
           as
           much
           ,
           and
           produce
           the
           same
           effects
           .
           And
           if
           the
           Magistrates
           power
           (
           to
           which
           we
           give
           as
           much
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           we
           think
           )
           more
           ,
           then
           the
           principles
           of
           the
           Presbiteriall
           government
           will
           suffer
           them
           to
           yeeld
           )
           doe
           but
           assist
           and
           back
           the
           sentence
           of
           other
           Churches
           denouncing
           this
           
             Non-communion
          
           against
           Churches
           miscarrying
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           crime
           ,
           as
           they
           judge
           meet
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           would
           the
           sentence
           of
           Churches
           excommunicating
           other
           Churches
           in
           such
           cases
           ,
           upon
           their
           own
           particular
           judgement
           of
           the
           cause
           ;
           then
           ,
           without
           all
           controversie
           this
           our
           way
           of
           Church
           proceeding
           wil
           be
           every
           way
           as
           effectuall
           as
           their
           other
           can
           be
           supposed
           to
           be
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           sure
           ,
           more
           brotherly
           and
           more
           suited
           to
           that
           liberty
           and
           equality
           Christ
           hath
           endowed
           his
           Churches
           with
           .
           But
           without
           the
           Magistrates
           interposing
           their
           authority
           ,
           their
           way
           of
           proceeding
           will
           be
           as
           ineffectuall
           as
           ours
           ;
           and
           more
           lyable
           to
           contempt
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           it
           is
           pretended
           to
           be
           more
           authoritative
           ;
           and
           to
           inflict
           a
           more
           dreadful
           punishment
           ,
           which
           carnall
           spirits
           are
           seldome
           sensible
           of
           ▪
           This
           for
           our
           judgements
           .
        
         
         
           And
           for
           a
           
             reall
             evidence
          
           and
           
             demonstration
          
           both
           that
           this
           was
           then
           ,
           our
           judgements
           ,
           as
           likewise
           for
           an
           instance
           of
           the
           effectuall
           successe
           of
           such
           a
           course
           held
           by
           Churches
           in
           such
           cases
           ,
           our
           own
           practice
           ,
           and
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           thereon
           ,
           may
           plead
           and
           testifie
           for
           us
           to
           all
           the
           world
           .
           The
           manage
           of
           this
           transaction
           in
           briefe
           was
           this
           .
        
         
           That
           Church
           which
           (
           with
           others
           )
           was
           most
           scandalized
           ,
           did
           by
           letters
           declare
           their
           offence
           ,
           requiring
           of
           the
           Church
           (
           supposed
           to
           be
           )
           offending
           ,
           
             in
             the
             name
          
           and
           for
           the
           vindication
           of
           the
           honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           releeving
           the
           party
           wronged
           ,
           to
           yeeld
           a
           full
           and
           publique
           hearing
           before
           all
           the
           Churches
           of
           our
           Nation
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           whomsoever
           ,
           offended
           ,
           of
           what
           they
           could
           give
           in
           charge
           against
           their
           proceedings
           in
           that
           deposition
           of
           their
           Minister
           ,
           and
           to
           subject
           themselves
           to
           an
           open
           tryall
           and
           review
           of
           all
           those
           forepassed
           carriages
           that
           concerned
           that
           particular
           ;
           which
           they
           most
           cheerfully
           and
           readily
           (
           according
           to
           the
           fore-mentioned
           principles
           )
           submitted
           unto
           ,
           in
           
             a
             place
             ,
          
           and
           
             state
          
           where
           no
           outward
           violence
           or
           any
           other
           externall
           authority
           either
           civil
           or
           ecclesiasticall
           would
           have
           enforced
           them
           thereunto
           :
           And
           accordingly
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Church
           offended
           with
           other
           two
           Gentlemen
           ,
           of
           much
           worth
           ,
           wisdom
           and
           piety
           ,
           members
           thereof
           ,
           were
           sent
           as
           
             Messengers
          
           from
           that
           Church
           ;
           and
           at
           the
           introduction
           and
           entrance
           into
           that
           solemne
           assembly
           (
           the
           solemnity
           of
           which
           hath
           left
           as
           deep
           an
           impression
           upon
           our
           hearts
           of
           Christs
           dreadfull
           presence
           as
           ever
           any
           we
           have
           been
           present
           at
           ,
           )
           it
           was
           openly
           and
           publiquely
           professed
           
           in
           a
           speech
           that
           was
           the
           preface
           to
           that
           discussion
           ,
           to
           this
           effect
           ,
           
             That
             it
             was
             the
             most
             to
             be
             abhorred
             maxime
             that
             any
             Religion
             hath
             ever
             made
             profession
             of
             ,
             and
             therefore
             of
             all
             other
             the
             most
             contradictory
             and
             dishonourable
             unto
             that
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             a
             single
             and
             particular
             society
             of
             men
             professing
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             pretending
             to
             be
             endowed
             with
             a
             power
             from
             Christ
             to
             judge
             them
             that
             are
             of
             the
             same
             body
             and
             society
             within
             themselves
             ,
             should
             further
             arrogate
             unto
             themselves
             an
             exemption
             from
             giving
             account
             or
             being
             censurable
             by
             any
             other
             ,
             either
             Christian
             Magistrate
             above
             them
             ,
             or
             neighbour
             Churches
             about
             them
             .
          
           So
           far
           were
           our
           judgements
           from
           that
           
             independent
          
           liberty
           that
           is
           imputed
           to
           us
           ,
           then
           ,
           when
           we
           had
           least
           dependency
           on
           this
           kingdom
           ,
           or
           so
           much
           as
           hopes
           ever
           to
           abide
           therein
           in
           peace
           .
           And
           for
           the
           issue
           and
           successe
           of
           this
           
             agitation
             ,
          
           after
           there
           had
           been
           for
           many
           dayes
           as
           judiciary
           and
           full
           a
           charge
           ,
           tryall
           ,
           and
           deposition
           of
           witnesses
           openly
           afore
           all
           commers
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           as
           can
           be
           expected
           in
           any
           Court
           where
           Authority
           enjoyns
           it
           ,
           that
           Church
           ,
           which
           had
           offended
           ,
           did
           as
           publiquely
           acknowledge
           their
           sinfull
           aberration
           in
           it
           ,
           restored
           their
           
             Minister
          
           to
           his
           place
           again
           ,
           and
           ordered
           a
           solemn
           day
           of
           fasting
           to
           humble
           themselves
           afore
           God
           and
           men
           ,
           for
           their
           sinfull
           carriage
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           party
           also
           which
           had
           been
           deposed
           did
           acknowledge
           to
           that
           Church
           wherein
           he
           had
           likewise
           sinned
           .
        
         
           Thus
           we
           have
           rendred
           some
           smal
           account
           of
           those
           ,
           the
           saddest
           days
           of
           our
           pilgrimage
           on
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           
           although
           we
           enjoyed
           God
           ,
           yet
           besides
           many
           other
           miseries
           (
           the
           companions
           of
           banishment
           )
           we
           lost
           some
           friends
           and
           companions
           ,
           our
           fellow
           labourers
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           precious
           men
           as
           this
           earth
           beares
           any
           ,
           through
           the
           distemper
           of
           the
           place
           ,
           and
           our selves
           came
           hardly
           off
           that
           service
           with
           our
           healths
           ,
           yea
           lives
           .
        
         
           When
           it
           pleased
           God
           to
           bring
           us
           his
           poor
           
             Exiles
          
           back
           again
           in
           these
           revolutions
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           as
           also
           of
           the
           condition
           of
           this
           kingdom
           ,
           into
           our
           own
           land
           ,
           (
           the
           pouring
           forth
           of
           manifold
           prayers
           and
           teares
           for
           the
           prosperity
           whereof
           ,
           had
           been
           no
           small
           part
           of
           that
           publique
           worship
           we
           offered
           up
           to
           God
           in
           a
           strange
           land
           ;
           )
           we
           found
           the
           judgement
           of
           many
           of
           our
           godly
           learned
           brethren
           in
           the
           Ministery
           (
           that
           desired
           a
           general
           reformation
           )
           to
           differ
           from
           ours
           in
           some
           things
           ,
           wherein
           we
           do
           professedly
           judge
           the
           
             Calvinian
          
           Reformed
           Churches
           of
           the
           first
           reformation
           from
           out
           of
           Popery
           ,
           to
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           a
           further
           reformation
           themselves
           ;
           And
           it
           may
           without
           prejudice
           to
           them
           ,
           or
           the
           imputation
           of
           Schisme
           in
           us
           from
           them
           ,
           be
           thought
           ,
           that
           they
           comming
           new
           out
           of
           Popery
           (
           as
           well
           as
           
             England
          
           )
           and
           the
           founders
           of
           that
           reformation
           not
           having
           
             Apostolique
             infallibility
             ,
          
           might
           not
           be
           fully
           perfect
           the
           first
           day
           .
           Yea
           and
           it
           may
           hopefully
           be
           conceived
           ,
           that
           
             God
          
           in
           his
           secret
           ,
           yet
           wise
           and
           gratious
           dispensation
           ,
           had
           left
           
             England
          
           more
           unreformed
           as
           touching
           the
           outward
           form
           ,
           both
           of
           worship
           &
           Church
           government
           ,
           then
           the
           neighbour
           Churches
           were
           ,
           having
           yet
           powerfully
           continued
           a
           constant
           conflict
           and
           contention
           
           for
           a
           further
           Reformation
           for
           these
           fourescore
           yeers
           ;
           during
           which
           time
           he
           had
           likewise
           in
           stead
           thereof
           blessed
           them
           with
           the
           spiritual
           light
           (
           and
           that
           encreasing
           )
           of
           the
           power
           of
           Religion
           in
           the
           Practique
           part
           of
           it
           ,
           shining
           brighter
           and
           clearer
           then
           in
           the
           neighbour
           Churches
           ,
           as
           having
           in
           his
           infinke
           mercy
           on
           purpose
           reserved
           and
           
             provided
             some
             better
             thing
          
           for
           this
           Nation
           when
           it
           should
           come
           to
           be
           reformed
           ,
           that
           the
           other
           Churches
           might
           not
           be
           made
           
             perfect
             without
             it
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           .
        
         
           We
           found
           also
           (
           which
           was
           as
           great
           an
           affliction
           to
           us
           as
           our
           former
           troubles
           and
           banishment
           )
           our
           opinions
           and
           wayes
           (
           wherein
           we
           might
           seem
           to
           differ
           )
           environed
           about
           with
           a
           cloud
           of
           mistakes
           and
           misapprehensions
           ,
           and
           our
           persons
           with
           reproaches
           ,
           Besides
           other
           calumnies
           ,
           as
           of
           
             schisme
             ,
          
           &c.
           (
           which
           yet
           must
           either
           relate
           to
           a
           differing
           from
           the
           former
           Ecclesiastical
           Government
           of
           this
           Church
           established
           ,
           and
           then
           who
           is
           not
           involved
           in
           it
           as
           well
           as
           we
           ?
           or
           to
           that
           constitution
           and
           government
           that
           is
           yet
           to
           come
           ;
           and
           untill
           that
           be
           agreed
           on
           ,
           established
           and
           declared
           ,
           and
           actually
           exist
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           guilt
           or
           imputation
           of
           Schime
           from
           it
           )
           
             That
          
           proud
           and
           insolent
           title
           of
           
             Independencie
          
           was
           affixed
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           our
           claime
           ;
           the
           very
           sound
           of
           which
           conveys
           to
           all
           mens
           apprehensions
           the
           challenge
           of
           an
           exemption
           of
           all
           Churches
           from
           all
           subjection
           and
           dependance
           ,
           or
           rather
           a
           trumpet
           of
           defiance
           against
           what
           ever
           
             Power
             ,
             Spirituall
          
           or
           
             Civill
             ;
          
           which
           we
           doe
           abhor
           and
           detest
           :
           Or
           else
           the
           odious
           name
           of
           
             Brownisme
             ,
          
           together
           with
           all
           their
           opinions
           as
           they
           have
           stated
           and
           maintained
           
           them
           ,
           must
           needs
           be
           owned
           by
           us
           :
           Although
           upon
           the
           very
           first
           declaring
           our
           judgements
           in
           the
           chief
           and
           fundamental
           point
           of
           all
           
             Church
             discipline
             ,
          
           and
           likewise
           since
           ,
           it
           hath
           been
           acknowledged
           that
           we
           differ
           much
           from
           them
           .
           And
           wee
           did
           then
           ,
           and
           doe
           here
           publiquely
           professe
           ,
           we
           beleeve
           the
           truth
           to
           lye
           and
           consist
           in
           a
           
             middle
             way
          
           betwixt
           that
           which
           is
           falsly
           charged
           on
           us
           ,
           
             Brownisme
             ;
          
           and
           that
           which
           is
           the
           contention
           of
           these
           times
           ,
           the
           
             authoritative
             Presbyteriall
             Government
          
           in
           all
           the
           subordinations
           and
           proceedings
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           had
           we
           been
           led
           in
           our
           former
           wayes
           ,
           and
           our
           removall
           out
           of
           this
           Kingdome
           by
           any
           such
           
             spirit
          
           of
           
             faction
          
           and
           division
           ,
           or
           of
           
             pride
          
           and
           
             singularity
             ,
          
           (
           which
           are
           the
           usual
           grounds
           of
           all
           Schisme
           )
           we
           had
           since
           our
           returns
           again
           during
           this
           intermisticall
           season
           ,
           tentations
           ,
           yea
           provocations
           enough
           to
           have
           drawn
           forth
           such
           a
           spirit
           ;
           having
           manifold
           advantages
           to
           make
           and
           encrease
           a
           partie
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           not
           in
           the
           least
           attempted
           .
           We
           found
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           people
           of
           this
           Kingdome
           that
           professe
           or
           pretend
           to
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           (
           they
           finding
           themselves
           to
           be
           so
           much
           at
           liberty
           ,
           and
           new
           come
           out
           of
           bondage
           )
           ready
           to
           take
           any
           impressions
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           cast
           into
           any
           mould
           that
           hath
           but
           the
           appearance
           of
           a
           stricter
           way
           .
           And
           we
           found
           that
           many
           of
           those
           mists
           that
           had
           gathered
           about
           us
           ,
           or
           were
           rather
           cast
           upon
           our
           persons
           in
           our
           absence
           ,
           began
           by
           our
           presence
           againe
           ,
           and
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           us
           ,
           in
           a
           great
           measure
           to
           scatter
           and
           vanish
           ,
           without
           speaking
           a
           word
           for
           our selves
           or
           Cause
           .
        
         
         
           But
           through
           the
           grace
           of
           Christ
           ,
           our
           spirits
           are
           and
           have
           been
           so
           remote
           from
           such
           dispositions
           &
           aymes
           ,
           that
           on
           the
           contrary
           we
           call
           God
           and
           men
           to
           witnes
           our
           constant
           forbearance
           ,
           either
           to
           publish
           our
           opinions
           by
           preaching
           (
           although
           we
           had
           the
           Pulpits
           free
           )
           or
           to
           print
           any
           thing
           of
           our
           owne
           or
           others
           for
           the
           vindication
           of
           our selves
           (
           although
           the
           Presses
           were
           more
           free
           then
           the
           Pulpits
           )
           or
           to
           act
           for
           our selves
           or
           way
           ;
           although
           we
           have
           been
           from
           the
           first
           provoked
           unto
           all
           these
           all
           sorts
           of
           wayes
           ,
           both
           by
           the
           common
           mis-understandings
           and
           mis-representations
           of
           our
           opinions
           and
           practises
           ,
           together
           with
           incitements
           to
           this
           State
           not
           to
           allow
           us
           the
           peaceable
           practises
           of
           our
           
             Consciences
             ,
          
           which
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           abroad
           allowed
           us
           ,
           and
           these
           edged
           with
           calumnies
           and
           reproaches
           cast
           upon
           our
           persons
           in
           print
           ;
           and
           all
           these
           heightned
           with
           this
           further
           prejudice
           and
           provocation
           ,
           that
           this
           our
           silence
           was
           interpreted
           ,
           that
           we
           were
           either
           ashamed
           of
           our
           opinions
           ,
           or
           able
           to
           say
           little
           for
           them
           ;
           when
           as
           on
           the
           other
           side
           (
           besides
           all
           other
           advantages
           )
           Books
           have
           been
           written
           by
           men
           of
           much
           worth
           ,
           learning
           ,
           and
           authority
           ,
           with
           moderation
           and
           strength
           ,
           to
           prepossesse
           the
           peoples
           minds
           against
           what
           are
           supposed
           our
           Tenets
           .
           But
           we
           knew
           and
           considered
           that
           it
           was
           the
           
             second
             blow
             that
             makes
             the
             quarrell
             ,
          
           and
           that
           the
           
             beginning
             of
             strife
          
           would
           have
           been
           as
           the
           
             breaking
             in
             of
             waters
             ;
          
           and
           the
           sad
           and
           conscientious
           apprehension
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           rending
           and
           dividing
           the
           godly
           Protestant
           party
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           that
           were
           desirous
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           of
           making
           severall
           
           interests
           among
           them
           in
           a
           time
           when
           there
           was
           an
           absolute
           necessity
           of
           their
           neerest
           union
           and
           conjunction
           ,
           and
           all
           little
           enough
           to
           effect
           that
           Reformation
           intended
           ,
           and
           so
           long
           contended
           for
           ,
           against
           a
           common
           adversary
           that
           had
           both
           present
           possession
           to
           plead
           for
           it selfe
           ,
           power
           to
           support
           it
           ,
           and
           had
           enjoyed
           a
           long
           continued
           settlement
           which
           had
           rooted
           it
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           ;
           And
           this
           seconded
           by
           the
           instant
           and
           continuall
           advices
           and
           conjurements
           of
           many
           
             Honourable
             ,
          
           wise
           ,
           and
           godly
           
             Personages
          
           of
           both
           
             Houses
          
           of
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           to
           forbeare
           what
           might
           any
           way
           be
           like
           to
           occasion
           or
           augment
           this
           unhappy
           difference
           ;
           They
           having
           also
           by
           their
           Declarations
           to
           His
           Majesty
           professed
           their
           endeavour
           and
           desire
           to
           unite
           the
           Protestant
           partie
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           that
           agree
           in
           Fundamentall
           Truths
           against
           Popery
           and
           other
           Heresies
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           that
           respect
           to
           tender
           consciences
           as
           might
           prevent
           oppressions
           and
           inconveniences
           which
           had
           formerly
           been
           ;
           Together
           with
           that
           strict
           engagement
           willingly
           entred
           into
           by
           us
           for
           these
           common
           ends
           ,
           with
           the
           rest
           of
           our
           brethren
           of
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           (
           which
           though
           made
           to
           continue
           but
           
             ad
             placitum
             ,
          
           yet
           hath
           been
           sacred
           to
           us
           .
           )
           And
           above
           all
           ,
           the
           due
           respect
           we
           have
           had
           to
           the
           peaceable
           and
           orderly
           Reformation
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           State
           ;
           the
           hopefull
           expectation
           we
           have
           been
           entertained
           with
           of
           an
           happy
           
             latitude
          
           and
           agreement
           by
           means
           of
           this
           
             Assembly
             ,
          
           and
           the
           wisdome
           of
           this
           
             Parliament
             :
          
           The
           conscience
           and
           consideration
           of
           all
           these
           ,
           and
           the
           weight
           of
           each
           ,
           have
           hitherto
           had
           more
           power
           with
           us
           to
           this
           deepe
           silence
           and
           forbearance
           ,
           then
           
           all
           our
           own
           interests
           have
           any
           way
           prevailed
           with
           us
           to
           occasion
           the
           least
           disturbance
           amongst
           the
           people
           .
           We
           have
           and
           are
           yet
           resolved
           to
           beare
           all
           this
           with
           a
           quiet
           and
           a
           strong
           patience
           ,
           (
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           which
           we
           now
           speak
           ,
           or
           rather
           sigh
           forth
           this
           little
           )
           referring
           the
           vindication
           of
           our
           persons
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           further
           experience
           of
           us
           by
           men
           ;
           and
           the
           declaration
           of
           our
           judgements
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           conceive
           to
           be
           his
           truth
           therein
           ,
           to
           the
           due
           and
           orderly
           agitation
           of
           this
           
             Assembly
          
           whereof
           
             both
             Houses
          
           were
           pleased
           to
           make
           us
           
             Members
             .
          
        
         
           And
           whereas
           our
           silence
           upon
           all
           the
           forementioned
           grounds
           (
           for
           which
           we
           know
           we
           can
           never
           lose
           esteeme
           with
           good
           and
           wise
           men
           )
           hath
           been
           by
           the
           ill
           interpretation
           of
           some
           ,
           imputed
           either
           to
           our
           consciousnesse
           of
           the
           badnesse
           and
           weaknesse
           of
           our
           Cause
           ,
           or
           to
           our
           unability
           to
           maintain
           what
           we
           assert
           in
           difference
           from
           others
           ,
           or
           answer
           what
           hath
           been
           written
           by
           others
           ,
           wee
           shall
           (
           with
           all
           modesty
           )
           onely
           present
           this
           to
           all
           mens
           apprehensions
           in
           confutation
           of
           it
           .
           That
           what
           ever
           the
           truth
           and
           justnesse
           of
           our
           Cause
           may
           prove
           to
           be
           ,
           or
           how
           slender
           our
           abilities
           to
           defend
           it
           ,
           yet
           wee
           pretend
           at
           least
           to
           so
           much
           wisdome
           ,
           that
           wee
           would
           never
           have
           reserved
           our selves
           for
           ,
           but
           rather
           by
           all
           wayes
           have
           declined
           
             this
             Theatre
             ,
          
           of
           all
           other
           ,
           the
           most
           judicious
           and
           severe
           ,
           an
           
             Assembly
          
           of
           so
           many
           able
           ,
           learned
           ,
           and
           grave
           
             Divines
             ,
          
           where
           much
           of
           the
           piety
           ,
           wisdome
           ,
           and
           learning
           of
           two
           Kingdomes
           are
           met
           in
           one
           ,
           honoured
           and
           assisted
           with
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           
             Worthies
          
           of
           both
           
             Houses
          
           at
           all
           debates
           (
           as
           often
           as
           they
           please
           to
           vouchsafe
           
           their
           presence
           )
           as
           the
           Stage
           whereon
           first
           wee
           would
           bring
           forth
           into
           publique
           view
           our
           Tenets
           (
           if
           false
           and
           counterfet
           )
           together
           with
           our
           own
           folly
           and
           weaknesse
           :
           We
           would
           much
           rather
           have
           chosen
           to
           have
           been
           venting
           them
           to
           the
           multitude
           ,
           apt
           to
           be
           seduced
           ,
           (
           which
           we
           have
           had
           these
           three
           yeers
           opportunity
           to
           have
           done
           .
           )
           But
           in
           a
           conscientious
           regard
           had
           to
           the
           orderly
           and
           peaceable
           way
           of
           searching
           out
           truths
           ,
           and
           reforming
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           have
           adventured
           our selves
           upon
           this
           way
           of
           God
           ,
           wisely
           assumed
           by
           the
           prudence
           of
           the
           State
           ;
           And
           therein
           also
           upon
           all
           sorts
           of
           disadvantages
           (
           which
           we
           could
           not
           but
           foresee
           )
           both
           of
           
             number
             ,
             abilities
          
           of
           learning
           ,
           
             Authority
             ,
          
           the
           streame
           of
           
             publique
             interest
             ;
          
           Trusting
           God
           both
           with
           our selves
           and
           his
           own
           truth
           ,
           as
           he
           shall
           be
           pleased
           to
           manage
           it
           by
           us
           .
        
         
           Moreover
           ,
           if
           in
           all
           matters
           of
           
             Doctrine
             ,
          
           we
           were
           not
           as
           
             Orthodoxe
          
           in
           our
           judgements
           as
           our
           brethren
           themselves
           ,
           we
           would
           never
           have
           exposed
           our selves
           to
           this
           tryall
           and
           hazard
           of
           discovery
           in
           this
           Assembly
           ,
           the
           mixture
           of
           whose
           spirits
           ,
           the
           quicksightednes
           of
           whose
           judgements
           (
           intent
           enough
           upon
           us
           )
           and
           variety
           of
           debates
           about
           all
           sorts
           of
           controversies
           afoot
           in
           these
           times
           of
           contradiction
           ,
           are
           such
           ,
           as
           would
           be
           sure
           soon
           to
           find
           us
           out
           if
           we
           nourished
           any
           monsters
           or
           Serpents
           of
           opinions
           lurking
           in
           our
           bosomes
           .
           And
           if
           we
           had
           carryed
           it
           so
           ,
           as
           that
           hitherto
           such
           errours
           were
           not
           
             aforehand
             open
          
           to
           the
           view
           and
           
             judgement
          
           of
           all
           ,
           yet
           
           sitting
           here
           (
           unlesse
           we
           would
           be
           silent
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           not
           been
           )
           
             we
             could
             not
             long
             be
             hid
             .
          
           But
           it
           is
           sufficiently
           known
           that
           in
           all
           
             points
             of
             doctrine
          
           (
           which
           hitherto
           in
           the
           review
           and
           examination
           of
           the
           
             Articles
          
           of
           our
           Church
           ,
           or
           upon
           other
           occasions
           have
           been
           gone
           thorough
           )
           our
           judgements
           have
           still
           concurred
           with
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           our
           brethren
           ,
           neither
           do
           we
           know
           wherein
           we
           have
           dissented
           .
           And
           in
           matters
           of
           
             Discipline
          
           we
           are
           so
           farre
           from
           holding
           up
           the
           differences
           that
           occur
           ,
           or
           making
           the
           breaches
           greater
           or
           wider
           ,
           that
           we
           endeavour
           upon
           all
           such
           occasions
           to
           grant
           and
           yeeld
           (
           as
           all
           may
           see
           and
           cannot
           but
           testifie
           for
           us
           )
           to
           the
           utmost
           latitude
           of
           our
           light
           and
           consciences
           ;
           professing
           it
           to
           be
           as
           high
           a
           point
           of
           Religion
           and
           conscience
           readily
           to
           own
           ,
           yea
           fall
           down
           before
           whatsoever
           is
           
             truth
          
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           that
           differ
           ,
           yea
           though
           they
           should
           be
           enemies
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           earnestly
           to
           contend
           for
           &
           hold
           fast
           those
           truths
           wherein
           we
           should
           be
           found
           dissenting
           from
           them
           ;
           and
           this
           as
           in
           relation
           to
           peace
           ,
           so
           also
           as
           a
           just
           due
           to
           truth
           and
           goodnes
           ,
           even
           to
           approve
           it
           &
           acknowledge
           it
           to
           the
           utmost
           graine
           of
           it
           ,
           though
           mingled
           with
           what
           is
           opposite
           unto
           us
           .
           And
           further
           when
           matters
           by
           discussion
           are
           brought
           to
           the
           smallest
           dissent
           that
           may
           be
           ,
           we
           have
           hitherto
           been
           found
           to
           be
           no
           
             backward
          
           urgers
           unto
           a
           temper
           (
           not
           onely
           in
           things
           that
           have
           concerned
           our
           own
           consciences
           ,
           but
           when
           of
           others
           also
           )
           such
           as
           may
           suit
           and
           tend
           to
           union
           as
           well
           as
           searching
           out
           of
           truth
           ;
           judging
           this
           to
           be
           as
           great
           and
           usefull
           an
           end
           of
           
             Synods
          
           
           and
           
             Assemblies
             ,
          
           as
           a
           curious
           and
           exact
           discussion
           of
           all
           sorts
           of
           lesser
           differences
           with
           binding
           
             Determinations
          
           of
           truth
           one
           way
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           we
           have
           nakedly
           and
           with
           all
           simplicity
           rendred
           a
           cleare
           and
           true
           account
           of
           our
           wayes
           and
           spirits
           hitherto
           ;
           Which
           we
           made
           choice
           of
           now
           at
           first
           to
           make
           our selves
           known
           by
           ,
           rather
           then
           by
           a
           more
           exact
           and
           
             Scholastique
          
           relation
           of
           our
           judgements
           in
           the
           points
           of
           difference
           about
           
             Church
             government
             ;
          
           reserving
           that
           unto
           the
           more
           proper
           season
           and
           opportunity
           of
           this
           
             Assembly
             ,
          
           and
           that
           liberty
           given
           by
           both
           Honourable
           Houses
           in
           matters
           of
           dissent
           ;
           or
           as
           necessity
           shall
           after
           require
           ,
           to
           a
           more
           publique
           way
           of
           stating
           and
           asserting
           of
           them
           .
           In
           the
           meane
           time
           from
           this
           briefe
           historicall
           relation
           of
           our
           practices
           ,
           there
           may
           a
           true
           estimate
           be
           taken
           of
           our
           opinions
           in
           difference
           ,
           which
           being
           instanced
           in
           ,
           and
           set
           out
           by
           practices
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           reall
           and
           least
           collusive
           way
           ,
           and
           carries
           its
           own
           evidence
           with
           it
           .
           All
           which
           we
           have
           taken
           the
           boldnes
           together
           with
           our selves
           humbly
           to
           lay
           at
           the
           feet
           of
           
             your
             wisdom
             and
             piety
             ;
          
           Beseeching
           you
           to
           look
           upon
           us
           under
           no
           other
           Notion
           ,
           or
           character
           ,
           then
           as
           those
           ,
           who
           if
           we
           cannot
           assume
           to
           have
           been
           no
           way
           furtherers
           of
           that
           reformation
           you
           intend
           ,
           yet
           who
           have
           been
           no
           way
           hinderers
           thereof
           ,
           or
           disturbers
           of
           the
           publique
           peace
           ;
           and
           who
           in
           our
           judgements
           about
           the
           present
           work
           of
           this
           age
           ,
           the
           reformation
           of
           worship
           and
           discipline
           ,
           do
           differ
           as
           little
           from
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ,
           and
           our
           Brethren
           ,
           yea
           far
           lesse
           ,
           then
           they
           do
           from
           what
           themselves
           were
           three
           yeers
           past
           ,
           or
           then
           the
           
           generallity
           of
           this
           kingdom
           from
           it self
           of
           late
           .
           And
           withall
           to
           consider
           us
           as
           those
           ,
           who
           in
           these
           former
           times
           ,
           for
           many
           yeers
           suffered
           even
           to
           exile
           ,
           for
           what
           the
           kingdom
           it self
           now
           suffers
           in
           the
           endeavour
           to
           cast
           out
           ;
           and
           who
           in
           these
           present
           times
           ,
           and
           since
           the
           change
           of
           them
           ,
           have
           endured
           (
           that
           which
           to
           our
           spirits
           is
           no
           lesse
           grievous
           )
           the
           opposition
           and
           reproach
           of
           good
           men
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           threatning
           of
           another
           banishment
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           through
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           upon
           us
           ,
           the
           same
           men
           in
           both
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           these
           varieties
           ;
           And
           finally
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           do
           pursue
           no
           other
           interest
           or
           designe
           but
           a
           subsistance
           (
           be
           it
           the
           poorest
           and
           meanest
           )
           in
           our
           own
           land
           (
           where
           we
           have
           and
           may
           do
           further
           service
           ,
           &
           which
           is
           our
           birth-right
           as
           we
           are
           men
           )
           with
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           ordinances
           of
           Christ
           (
           which
           are
           our
           portion
           as
           we
           are
           Christians
           )
           with
           the
           allowance
           of
           a
           latitude
           to
           some
           lesser
           differences
           with
           peaceablenesse
           ,
           as
           not
           knowing
           where
           else
           with
           safety
           ,
           health
           ,
           and
           livelyhood
           ,
           to
           set
           our
           feet
           on
           earth
           .
        
         
           
             Tho
             :
             Goodwin
             ,
          
           
             Philip
             Nye
             ,
          
           
             Sidrach
             Simpson
          
           
             Jer
             :
             Burroughes
             ,
          
           
             William
             Bridge
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A85427e-170
           
             Mr.
             
               Cheynett
               .
            
             Rise
             &
             growth
             of
             Socinianisme
             .