A JUST COMPLAINT AGAINST AN UNJUST DOER.  
Wherein Is declared the miserable slavery & bondage that the English Church of Amsterdam is now in, by reason of the Tyrannical government and corrupt doctrine, of Mr. john Pagett their present Minister.  
The Which things are plainly manifested in two certain letters, the one written by Mr. john Davenport to the dutch Classis, the other given up to the English Consistory by some of the brethren. With other brief passages tending to the same effect.  
Published by one that much pities them and prays daily for their deliverance.  Math. 23.15. We unto you Scribes and Pharises hypocrites, for ye shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Son. 2.15. Take us the foxes the little foxes that spoil the vine. Gal. 5.12. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 
Printed Anno 1634.   


A COPY OF MY LETTER TO THE CLASSIS.  
IT doth grieve me not without cause, Excellent and learned men, reverend brethren, that our first meeting happeneth to be in a way of dispute, which that it might have been pleasing and peaceable by the full agreement of our opinions, was my chief desire: yet my full persuasion of your (not humanity only but also) brotherly affection towards me, doth somewhat mitigate that sorrowing, in confidence whereof I will briefly relate to your prudence (reverend brethren) with all due reverence, the cause of the slow proceeding of my confirmation in the ministry, whereunto I seemed to be called.  
The calling itself I profess myself to accept willingly, though not without trembling, and am very ready to discharge that office as I am able: but some things have happened between the call, and my confirmation, beyond my Expectation. for  
1. First I understand that both the worthy brethren, Pastors of the dutch Church, and the reverend Mr. Pagett, did propound, and appoint, as a condition of my admittance, that I should conform to the orders, and customs, of the dutch Church, whereas I do not yet understand, what those orders and customs are, for which cause, I propounded to the consistory of the English Church, that some convenient time might be given me, rightly to inform myself concerning those canons and customs of the dutch Church, and concerning the state of this English Church, before I should; by taking upon me this Pastoral office, bind myself to either of them, this the consistory not only judged equal: but also with one consent concluded that it should be so, Mr. Pagett only excepted, who would not agree with them in that matter, without consent of the Classis: whereas nevertheless, the Power of every particular Church; is chief in its own particular matters, (or in things which are proper to itself) as a Synod hath the chief power, in things that are common to many Churches, witness Cham. Cont. Bell. lib. 2. With whom agree the canons of these Churches, as appareth in the Harmony of the dutch Synods, where it is decreed that only such things, shallbe brought unto the Classis, which can not be ended in the consistory. Chap. 7. Art. 6. As that which can not conveniently, be decided by the Classis shallbe brought into the Provincial Synod. Chap. 8. Art. 6.  
Secondly it was required of me that I should conform, unto a particular custom of the dutch Church for the unlimited baptising of all infants, which were presented in thc Church, of what nation or Sect soever, although, that either of the parents' were christians, was no otherwise manifest, then by their (all) answering yea, at the reading of the leiturgy of baptism publicly, or by nodding their head, or some other gesture, they seemed to be willing to answer.  
First I neither did nor do deny, to baptise their Infants who are members of this Church, which seeing it is so, I desire to understand by what right, the Pastor of any particular Church, can be bound to excercise his ministry in any act of it, towards those who are not members of his Church, seeing the Apostle Paul required no more of the Pastors of Ephesus, then to take heed to themselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy Ghost hath made them overseers. Act. 20.28. The same is required of Archippus, to take head to the ministry which he had received of the Lord, (viz. amongst the Collossians) that he fulfil it. Col. 4, 17. as also Peter exhorteth the Elders, Obj. saying, feed the flock that is amongst you 1. Pet. and 2. If it be objected that all that are under the Classis of Amsterdam, aught to conform to the custom of the dutch Church in Amsterdam. 
An. 1.  I answer that, even for that reason, the English Church ought not to be bound thereunto, it being not nessessary to require it of them, seeing that the dutch Church: (which is in the same city) refuseth none, but baptiseth all that are brought, without difference, especially, 2lie. Seeing that the Pastor of the English Church, can not satisfy his conscience, that it is lawful for him so to do, yea he greatly feareth: lest Christ will judge him guilty, if he suffer himself to be in bondage under such a custom, which is contrary to the canon of the Apostle, let every man be persuaded in his own mind. Rom. 14.5. and whatsoever is not of faith is sin vers. 23.  
Secondly in regard of the communion of particular Churches amongst themselves, I neither did nor do refuse to Baptism their Infants, who are not members of this Church: so that I may be satisfied, by some precise Examination, if otherwise they be unknown to me, that they are Christians in deed.  
When Mr. Pagett asked me, what Questions I would propound, to such as are not members of this Church: ●or otherwise known to me? I answered, I will inquire of what religion they are of, and of what Church they are members, and concerning that faith (which they seem to profess, & wherein they promise to educate their Children. It seems to me that herein, Mr. Pagett dealt extremely with me, in that he rejected all my labour, for a peaceable composing, prudent accommodating, and brotherly ending of matters between him and me privately, or by the counsel of the Elders of his own Church, nor would hearken to my advice for accommodation without consent of the Classis.  
At laste the matter was brought to five eminent brethren, Pastors of the dutch Church: Who being desired (as it is said) by some of the Elders of this Church, that they would endeavour to incline, Mr. Pagett to some friendly agreement herein, upon Mr. Pagetts request alone did in writing declare their private judgement in this question, yet therein they professed, that they very much approved, of my good zeal, and care concerning the private examination of the parents or sureties of such infants, before the child should be baptised, and that the foresaid examination, aught to be ordained, as fare as it might stand with the edification of the English Church: (having thus said, they add afterwards) but if the parents or sureties shall refuse to be examined, or if for the shortness of time, or for other Just cause, it can not be done, or, if, when they do come they shall not seem to give satisfaction, to the judgement of him that examineth them, the infants whose parents or sureties, appear to be christians, and who do profess the christ●an religion, at the reading of the Liturgy of baptism, publicly before the Church, shall not for that cause be sent away, without baptism.  
The day following, Mr. Pagett asked me, whether I would rest in the writing of the 5. Ministers? To whom I answered, the writers themselves do not require this of me, and for aught I can see it would give them content, if an order be made in consistory to put an end to this controversy. But if any marvel, why I did not rest in that writing, I will tell the reasons, for by what right could it be exacted or expected that I should rest in the writing, when first the writers themselves professed that it was but their own private judgement. Secondly this their private judgement was nakedly prepounded, without any proof from the word of God, whose prerogative it is to be rested in, for its own Authority. Thirdly such a subjection, is greater than may be yielded unto any counsel, whether of classis, or Synods, and where it hath been granted or suffered, it hath been the cause of many mischiefs in the Church, for thereby the writings and decrees of men are made infallible, and equal with the word of God, which is intolerable. Fourthly those reverend brethren, take the word christian more largely than I, for they account all christians which profess christian religion at the reading of the leiturgy of baptism publicly, before the Church, though it be done only in one word, yea or by bowing the head or body, when they say nothing, yea some of them go so fare, that they hold that the very offering of the child to Baptism, giveth it a right thereunto, though the parents be not christians, because (they say) it may be their grandfather or great grandfather were christians, and another adds (if my memory fails not) that infants are holy in the root, if they be borne where the Gospel is preached. But I take the name of christians, (in this question,) in the same sense wherein the multitude of believers in Antiochia, were called christians. Act. 11, 21, 26. So that I account them to be christians children whose parents, at least one of them, in external profession, is within the covenant. Gen. 17, 10. Faithful. Rom. 4, 11. Called. Act. 2, 39 joined to some true Church: 1. Cor. 5.12. Because the seal of the covenant belongs only to those in the covenant: nor can a man be judged to be in the covenant, without faith, nor to have faith unless he be called, nor to be called, unless he be taken off, from the world, and joined to the congregation of the faithful: whereunto agree the divines of the dutch Church in their confessions, and all the reformed Churches, in the harmony of confessions, read also, Spe. contr. Pelag. Act. 28, 34. Kuchl. de baptism. Thes. 15. Dr. Ames cas. Con. cap. 27. to conclude, all divines agree in this.  
As for that which is objected, concerning particular Obj. 1 cases that may happen: 
Cas. con. An.  that which Beza writes in his Epistle to the ministers of Neocomum, or Perkins, or Ames, in their cases, or the Professors of Leyden, in their Theses, makes nothing against my opinion, if they be taken in a good sense, and made to agree with the Pattern of wholesome words.  
The consequence, which some object, for the avoiding Obj. 2 whereof, they would have infants, thus promiscuously to be baptised, do not trouble me, An. because I have learned of the Apostle that evil is not to be done that good may come thereof, yet in the interim, consider brethren, whether it be lawful to drive the Pastor from the flock, that strangers may enter into the fold, or to make the Pastors calling void, for their sakes, that are uncalled, or to hinder the making of a covenant between the Pastor and his people, because he dare not give the seal of the covenant to those that are not in the covenant, or to remove the Porter from the door of the Lords house, that the gentiles may be suffered to enter into rh● Temple? yea to bring a detainment upon the English Church, for so small a matter, as this seemeth to you to be, and not to regard how much the conscience of your brother is endangered, so your customs may be established: neither is this to be slighted, that, unless we be thus difficult in this cause, parents that join themselves unto no Church will content themselves in that estate, and live, and die libertines, if they may have the Privileges of the Church, as if they were members, which who seethe not what an occasion of error, and destruction, it may be both to parents and children, so that I can not be persuaded but that in that cause, the conscience is not at all endangered, by denying baptism, but by baptising such very much.  
Concerning the troubles, which some object may arise Obj. 3 in the English Church, upon this occasion, which also one applied to me, as if I should be judged to be the author o them.  
An. I propounded to you (reverend brethren,) to the English Church, yea to the whole christian world to judge, who shallbe accounted the cause thereof, whether he that peaceably and privately and quietly, desireth to be satisfied in the things whereof he doubteth, or they that imperiously deny him convenient time for that purpose, and do bind him to such orders and customs, as he can not think to be equal.  
Afterwards, without the desire or consent of the consistory, the matter was brought into the Classis, they confirmed the writing of the five Ministers, and decreed that conformity thereunto should be required of me as a condition whereupon I should be admitted: but I desired the reverend brethren earnestly; not to bind me to that condition, seeing that, first, that practice, is grounded upon no authority of God's Word.  
Secondly, nor upon ●ny ca●●n of any Synod.  
Thirdly, nor is required of any one to be chosen to the Pastoral office, as a condition of their admittance, in any reformed Church.  
4lie. This practice is not so absolute, or unlimited in any Churches, as it is required of me.  
5lie. It is propounded: as a grievance in many Dutch Churches, from whence they would be delivered and freed if they could.  
6lie. It is manifest that the noble and learned Polonian joannes Alasco Baron and Superintendent of the Church of strangers in London, in the reign of Edw. 6th. Did obtain and that under the broad seal of England, liberty not to baptise any such (as) against whom I except, which liberty your Dutch Church do now enjoy under our most mighty King Charles, and is not in any thing bound unto any of the canons of the Church of England.  
Nevertheless Mr. Paget propounded to me in the consistory that I should consider and conclude with myself, when I should give my last answer, whether I would promise to baptise all infants, that should be presented to baptism, refusing none, unto which question, the next week I gave (in the same place) this answer, I dare not promise to baptise all that shall be offered thereunto: Because the promise of doing it, is a confession that the thing is lawful to be done, which I do not believe, yet, because I much prize your love, and desire your peace, I will, if you desire it, continued assisting Mr. Paget a convenient time, such as we shall agree upon, wherein I may make myself known better to the Dutch Pastors, and obtain that, by their means, this question may be laid aside, and your Church may obtain liberty therein, and I may more fully understand the other Customs of the Dutch Church and the state of this Church. This proposition was cheerfully embraced by the Elders, who consulted about allowing a years time for this purpose, whereunto I hope, you, reverend brethren, will assent, which if you do, it shallbe my part to endeavour, that neither you may reprent of your benevolence, nor the magistrates of their indulgence, but that many thankes may be given both to you and them, both by Mr. Paget, and by the English Church, by him, for the continuance of an Assistant (such a one as he is) & by it for the preservation of peace amongst them, which all desire, whereunto I pray God to give his blessing, and to enrich you, reverend brethren, with the spirit of wisdom, Christian prudence, and the fear of God, that you may well order this business. So prayeth.  
john Davenport Englishman, Bachelor, of divinity in Oxford. At present, 6 Stranger in Amsterdam.   

LET the reader judge, what I could say less, or more mildly, being to give an account of the passages in such a business? or what passage herein might justly be thought offensive, considering the premises? And who would not have thought, that the Classis would have approved of the desire of the Consistory, that a years time should be granted me, for the ends aforesaid? yet on the contrary, they seemed to be offended at the writing, threatened to complain to the Magistrates and after much debate, concluded, that I shall have but a month's time, in which if I do not answer, categori ally that I will conform to the orders and customs of the dutch Church, and to this, particularly in question, resting in the judgement and resolution of the 5. dutch Preachers. and join with the Classis, or voluntarily desist, they will complain to the Magistrates, etc. what remained now to be done, but either voluntary desistance on my part, or violent rejection, on theirs? in this month also Mr. Paget, both in public and in private, shown his averseness from my joining with him more than formerly, wherefore to prevent disturbance in the Church, and further disquietment of myself upon serious consideration and good advice, I voluntarily desisted, and left the ensuing Copy thereof in Latin and English, with the elders, with this liberty, either to show or conceal the same, as they should judge it most expedient, entreating them in these words or in words tending to this purpose, to express my resolution to the Classis.   

CERTAIN INSTRUCTIONS delivered to the Elders of the English Church deputed, which are to be propounded to the Pastors of the Dutch Church in Amsterdam.  
FIrst, the reverend brethren, Pastors of the Dutch Church under the Classis of Amsterdam, are to be entreated not to accuse Mr. Davenport, as the cause of this trouble, that that particular question concerning baptism, between Mr. Paget is brought unto them, which by his will, should have been privately ended between themselves, and the brethren should not have been troubled, more than was necessary with such questions, who have matters of greater moment to take care for in their classical meeting.  
Secondly let them be certified that, for many we ghtie reasons, Mr. Davenport can not rest in that writing of the five brethren, whose judgement nevertheless, he doth very much esteem, concerning which matter (though he hath much to say, yet passing by other things) this alone he professeth at present, that his judgement is, that Dr. Ames, his opinion herein is most agreeable unto the word of God, who in the 4th. book of his cases of conscience. Chap. 27. Concerning baptism, (having affirmed that it is nescessary that the Infants to be baptised be in the covenant, in external profession, and estimation, in their parents, and that their is hope, that they shallbe instructed, and educated in that covenant afterwards, and that at least one of the parents is within the Church, not out of it, doth conclude, that their negligence can by no means be excused, who do promiscuously admit to baptism whosoever is offered and by whomsoever.  
Thirdly, let them understand, that Mr. Pagets former delays in this business of Mr. Davenports call, and his stiffness in that question concerning baptism, without yielding any brotherly moderation to Mr. Davenport, so much as to bear with him in so small a matter, (as this seemed both to them and him to be) and to take upon himself that which he can do, (if occasion require, with full persuasion,) but Mr. Davenport can not do with inward peace, and his rejecting all Mr. Davenports endeavours for a peaceable composing and ending of this difference privately between themselves, or with the counsel of the Elders of his Church, and certain sharp and biting Sermons preached by him, of late, and his private conferences with cert●ine persons do abundantly demonstrate, that Mr. Paget hath no desire that Mr. Davenport should be his Colleague, but doth endeavour the hindrance, rather than the furtherance thereof.  
Lastly.  peace and a greement between the Pastors doth much conduce to the edification of the Church, and seeing that (for the reasons aforesaid) there is no hope of peace and christian concord between them, Mr. Davenport being studious of the peace of the Church, his mind is wholly turned from taking upon him the office of Pastor in the English Church, in this city, and doth voluntarily desist from his public ministry in this place, and doth commend unto God the brethren in every good work, and commit himself wholly to the only wise father, to be disposed elsewhere, as it shall please his infinite wisdom, to his own glory. April. 28. An. 1634.   

THAT THESE INSTRUCTIONS were written by himself, and by himself delivered to the Elders deputed, he witnesseth, by subscribing his name, john Davenport.  
THough I have deserved better usage at Mr. Pagets hands for almost 6. Month's assistance of him, and have done and suffered so much to preserve his peace, and the Churches, which if I had not exercised much patience and industry, would certainly have fallen from him, being over burdened with the loss of so many men, so much desired by the congregation, and other passages, which I will for the present spare to mention, Mr. Paget not content with former Injuries addeth these following.  
First he saith & reporteth, that he hath often desired to dispute or confer with me about this point, but that I refused it: whereas he knoweth we were in continual discourse about it divers weeks, before others knew of the difference, neither should it ever have been known, if any brotherly love had wrought in him, or my advice and desire might have prevailed. In this time there passed 2. or 3. serious conferences between us, wherein this point was disputed, which I have in writing by me, nor did I cease till he gave over, and said, that seeing his judgement could not prevail with me, he would leave it now to the dutch Preachers, to see if they could prevail with me; from which I disswad. earnestly, but in vain, at last he told me that he would speak with me alone no more about those matters, from that time I have ceased to come to his house.  
Secondly, he reported that I am gone from my promise, for I said, I would rest in the writing of the five Ministers, but now I will not, whereas he knoweth that from the first to the last, himself never heard me speak any such word, and the night before they went to the Magistrates for their consent to my call, he apprehended my answer rightly, and told the Elders that he perceived that I did not rest in that writing of the 5. Ministers, further than it made way for an order to be made in the consistory, whereat he shown himself discontented.  
Ob. 1 But one of the Elders said so in the consistory.  
An. That elder denieth that he said so, and knoweth that I said otherways to him, that which he said, (as I am informed) was only to quiet Mr. Paget, and therefore told him that some part of that writing with an order to be made in consistory, being joined together, would settle things, which is fare from an intimation of any purpose in me to conform thereunto.  
Ob. 2 But Mr. Paget would not have gone else to the Magistrate, An. if he had not understood it to be so? It hath been often cleared, that he misunderstood that Elder, if he so understood him, and if he would not upon other terms have gone to the Magistrate, the whole congregation and I am the less beholden to him.  
Ob. 3 But he did go to the Magistrate, and at a time when he was not very strong, and when he came home told his wife rejoicing, that now the business is ended, which he would not have done, if he had not so understood it, and if he had not desired to have Mr. Davenport for his colleague.  
An. Upon his going to the Magistrate, the business was not ended, for the Magistrate shown himself unsatisfied, concerning the cause of my coming over, wherein how little he spoke to give satisfaction is evident, yea, what he answered, might serve rather to increase the suspicion, that being ended, and the Magistrates satisfied by other means, it was so brought about by one of the Dutch Preachers interposing, that the Magistrates gave but a conditional consent to my call, and made my conformity to this custom of promiscuous baptising, the condition thereof, so that now matters were in a worse stat● than before. It is apparent that if Mr. Paget was at that time content to have me join with him, it was but conditionally, that I would do whatsoever he, or the Classis would have me, upon which terms he is content to have others, whom he hath no cause to desire for colleagues with him.  
But Mr. Davenport did purpose to yield, when he Ob. 4 came from England else why would he come over having seen the questions that were put to Mr. Hooker?  
He saw the questions in London, An. above a year before his coming over, when he was fare from any thoughts of coming to Amsterdam, or to any place out of his own land, and when he did come over he professed, both in England, and here, that he came but for 3. or 4. months, for which time, what need was there of his knowing, much less practising or conforming to the customs of the Dutch Church, and when he did consider of that question as it was put to Mr. Hooker, there was not either in the question or answer, sufficient light to inform him of that, which time hath discovered herein, neither can any man from thence, know what in this custom is to be disliked.  
But Mr. Pa., did so much in that business, that he saith, if Ob. 5 that were to do again he would not do it, which showeth that at that time he desired to have you.  
If ever he did desire me, An. I have given him no cause to repent of it, but to desire it more, unless he takes offence at this, that I dare not venture upon doing that which I account unlawful, or at this, that I report the truth of things as they passed when I am provoked thereunto.  
But it seems to me that he never did desire it, for these reasons. 1. bec. before I came hither, when he heard I was to come over, he preached publicly against my resigning up my place, which afterward he justified, when I related to him the cause thereof, the carriage therein, and the consent of many worthy divines, and of the congregation itself thereunto.  
Secondly because several times he shown his dislike of my coming hither, without his desire or consent in sending for me, though it is apparent that God sent me hither at a needful time, when without me they would have been destitute, he being unable to preach, or to come to the Church.  
Thirdly, because he delayed the calling of me so long, that the Elders began to be impatient of his delays, for what reasons he best knoweth.  
4lie. because as soon as he found my judgm. differing in this point from his practice, he discovered how little he desired me, by refusing all means of accommodation, though by them the difference might have been hid, and peremptorily resolving to have it brought into the Classis, though I told him it would make matters worse, he pretended he might not do otherwise, though some of the Dutch Preachers, said it might be best ended in the Consistory, and wished it might be so, and approved of what I had said to Mr. Paget, that matters would be worse else: For it is unlikly that the Classis would make an order in favour of me, to condemn their own customs.  
5lie. He pressed earnestly to have Mr. Balmford of the Hage, though he gave him the same answer to the question which I had done before I came into these parts: and since hath nominated Mr. Roe of Flushing: though he in answer to a letter which Mr. Paget sent to him concerning this matter professed himself to be of my judgement.  
6lie. Because he hath always so much urged to have one that hath lived some years in this country, and hath hitherto opposed divers worthy men that have come immediately from England, my hope is at an end, and I must cease. john Davenport.   

THE GREIVANCES, AND COMplaints of the burdened and oppressed members of the English Church in Amsterdam. Anno 1634. The 18 of October.  
Whereas offence hath been taken, that some of us whose names are underwritten, did absent ourselves, from the Lords Supper the last communion day, we thought good to give the reason of our absences in writing, with our names subscribed thereunto, being willing to bear our blame, if it shallbe proved to us out of the Word of God, that we have sinned in so doing; for which we confess that the cause thereof was no contempt or sleight account of the Lords Supper, the free enjoyment whereof in a right manner, we account an especial privilege, and whatsoever hindereth us from it a very grievous affliction.  
In which respect we are the more deeply, and inwardly greeved with the sinful proceed of Mr. john Paget, which deprived us of so great a comfort at that time, for howsoever we do not think that the personal sin of any man can defile the ordinance of God to us, if we be meet and fit to partake thereof, yet we know that a man may make himself partake of other men's sins, by neglecting his duty in seeking reformation, and so communicate unworthily.  
Wherefore having waited that something should have been done by others in this case, but in vain, we durst not approach to the Lords table till we had in some measure discharged our duties in this particular, which we thought we should have a fit opportunity to do, when we should be called upon, to show the reasons of our absence at that time, which formerly we could not obtain.  
We conceive that Mr. Paget doth administer the Lord's supper to us by virtue of his pastoral office whereunto he hath been called in this Church. And that amongst communicants, especially Pastor and People, there should be an union in christian love and affection, and communion in all the fruits thereof, one whereof is seasonable admonition, which in case of public scandal and offence, must be public, as we conceive it is in this present case, which we would have borne, if the injury had been but personal to any one of us, and covered, if it had been a mere infirmity, or but a private offence, but seeing the matter is a public injury, and obstinately persisted in, to the great dishonour of God & hurt of the Church, we are not to be silent any longer, but by these presents do testify to all men, principally to you the Elders of this Church, that howsoever Mr. Paget beareth the name; filleth up the place, and doth many works of a Pastor amongst us, yet he doth not behave himself as becometh a Pastor, neither in government nor doctrine towards us.  
That he doth it not in government will appear in these particulars, first he depriveth the Church of that liberty and power which Christ hath given it, in the free choice of their Pastor, contrary to, Act. 6, 3. and 14.23.  
This we prove by his rejecting, and opposing of the most worthy servants of God (who came out of England for the same cause he did) whom the Church with one consent desired, as Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Davenport of later times, and also Mr. Parker, Dr. Ames, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Peter, etc.  
Secondly by his pressing others upon the congregation, abuseing his interest in the Magistrate and Classis to that purpose, to the unspeakable injurye and grief of the Church, in which course he hath prevailed so fare, as to procure that none of our own nation that come immediately from England, though never so fit and able, should be admitted, but we must be forced to take one that can speak Dutch, and one in this country, though the Lord hath fought against his course hitherto by the great unfitness of those who have preached here by his nomination or consent in sending for.  
Secondly, Mr. Paget depriveth the Elders of their power in Government, for the good of the Church, which will thus appear.  
First when matters have been referred to the Elders to determine, he hath rejected their counsel, and opinions, sometimes accusing them of partiality, sometimes of insufficiency to judge, when he thought they would conclude against his purpose.  
Secondly, when the Elders have declared their judgement with one consent, he hath protested against it, and carried it to the Classis, though the matter hath been such, as, seeing it might have been ended in the consistory, ought not to have been brought thither, as,  
First, when the consistory agreed that an order should be made, that all that were not members of this Church should make themselves known to Mr. Davenport, that he might be satisfied concerning them, before they should present their children to Baptism in this Church, which order would have ended the difference between them, if it had taken place, but Mr. Paget protested against it.  
Sec. When the Elders agreed that Mr. Dau. should have a years time to go on in assisting Mr. Paget in preaching, to see if in that time he could procure that this question might be laid down, and might be fully informed of all the orders and customs of the Dutch Church, whereunto Mr. Paget would bind him to conform, as a condition whereupon he was to be admitted to the pastoral office in this Church, Mr. Pa. opposed this, as if the consistory could not have power to do so much without the Classis, & many the like things might be brought; as that he would not let Mr. Wells Preach whom he professed he had nothing against, without the leave of the Classis, etc.  
Thirdly, he subjecteth this Church under an undue power of the Classis, which he bringeth it under, merely for his own ends, as we conceive, without any warrant from the Word of God, as thus appeareth.  
First he giveth them power, to serve his ends in keeping-off any Minister, whom he would have kept out, for causes pretended by himself, (though he would have had them that to this day hold the same opinion) though such as he keepeth out be known to be most eminent, able, and Godly men, and such as abhor all heresy, and Schism; which he hath caused the Classis to execute upon Mr. Hooker and Mr. Davenport, which we are confident they would not have done but by Mr. Pagets suggestion to the great grief and hurt of the members of this Church.  
Secondly, he giveth them power to make laws, and orders whereunto whosoever willbe minister of this Church must submit, as to observe all the orders and customs of the Dutch Church, though some of them are such as the Ministers of the dutch, would cast-off if the vastness of their Church (being but one in so great a city) did not force them thereunto; of which the promiscuous baptising of all that are brought without difference, or knowledge of them, is one; for which Mr. Davenport is kept out of this Church, though there is no need of tying the Minister of this Church to that custom, the congregation being small, and who can think that they would tie us so strictly to all their orders, when one of them said to Mr. Paget. (on occasion of his complaint in the Classis of Mr. Davenport not conforming to their orders) why? ywr self do not conform to all our orders; and certainly they would all have rejoiced, to have heard that all our differences had been ended amongst ourselves; yea he hath of late as we heard, required of the Elders to make an order in the consistory, that whatsoever Minister shall hereafter be called to this Church, should conform to a writing which he got 5. Dutch Ministers to make in his own house about that question, and sent it to Mr. Davenport, which we think no Godly man will absolutely be bound unto.  
Thirdly, he violently, without consent of any of the consistory, bringeth matters from thence, to the Classis, when he can not have his will injustly satisfied, and so destroys the power of the Church utterly; often answering, they can do nothing in these cases without the classis, of which we reverently esteem for Counsel and advice in all difficult matters, that can not be ended amongst our Consistory.  
Fourthly under pretence of ask and taking advise of the Classis, he subjected the Church under their authority and power, as he calls it, though the Church never acknowledged any such power to be due, as the scriptures in any place giveth not to such a company of Ministers, nor as becometh any except the Apostles that could not err, to have.  
Fourthly he doth not the duty of a Pastor to the particular members of this congregation, we prove after this manner.  
First, when Godly persons make their complaint of those that walk disorderly, and that the censures are not executed against offenders, they that seek the good of the Church are checked and discouraged by him.  
Secondly, when some have been suspended from the Lords table, they may live many years, and dye in their sins, before he looks after them to reclaim them.  
Thirdly the visiting of the members at their houses is so fare neglected, that not only diverse members never were once visited by him in diverse years, but also the visitation of the members against the sacrament is wholly left off.  
Fourthly whereas it was desired, that the weekly sermons on wendesdayes, and those usual before the Sacrament, should again be begun, and assistance hath been offered him therein without his charge at least, he neither would perform them himself, nor suffer any other we could get to do it, though the Eldership agreed it should be so.  
Secondly for his Doctrine, we have much against it. But to let pass his sleight Sermons, which be many for a man of his abilities.  
First his self preaching, and misapplying of holy truths, which hath been done with such bitterness of late, that some of us are discouraged, from hearing him, and all of us are sent home with sad hearts, when those of his side are made glad, and insult, who pretend to cleave to Mr. Paget, out of their enmity against us, and those ways of Godliness wherein we desire and endeavour to walk.  
Secondly for his taking of text of purpose, fit to stir up contention, as of late, that of the 5. of Esay about the vineyard upon which five first verses he hath taught a great while, which with what bitterness he hath taught against the Godly, many Passages, and members will witness, and insinuating things against us, that we never thought of, making us vile before the whole congregation, and to be insulted over by unworthy terms, from those of his side: to our great grief and continual vexation, and 10. days since strained the 5. verse which tells what God will do to his vineyned, and spoke altogether of men's disorders in the Church.  
Thirdly he hath preached very bitterly and provokingly, against private meetings, not only long since, but of late, hath done very unjustly, and manifest injurye to Mr. Davenport whom he (plainly enough) reproached in his pulpit, about the meeting of diverse to hear him open the grounds of religion, in Catechysing the family where he lived, every Lord's day after the sermons were ended, at 5. a Clock at night; where many received much edification, which he hath injuriously now deprived us of, to the great grief of many Godly souls.  
Fourthly about the question between him and Mr. Davenport, for the baptising of all Children that are brought, though the parents were altogether unknown, he very reproachfully upbraided Mr. Davenport of error, and gave out that he would answer him in the pulpit, and when the day came wherein we expected the performance of his promise, he avoided the question between them, and fell upon the Anabaptists and Brownists, from both which Mr. Davenport differeth in that point, as he hath told him formerly, and offered him to declare in public how fare he differed from them therein, is this brotherly dealing, thus to use a minister who hath so loveingly assisted him and us, in our necessity? and to traduce him falsely and injuriously in this manner, and all to the end that he may seem to justify his keeping of him out of the Church, whom the Church, hath so much desired, and bewaileth that they are deprived of him, which the Classis at first consented unto (though they knew the difference) till Mr. Paget brought it again to them by force, to have them make an order to condemn their own practice, and therefore we conceive Mr. Paget the only cause we are deprived of such heavenly means for our Edification.  
Now we pray you our Elders in the fear of God to take these our complaints to heart, and to give your judgement whether it be not fit, and more than time, that some lawful course be taken for the redress of these grievances, and to consult which way, it may best be done; that so in that great day of the Lord you may give up yours account, for the discharge of this Trust committed unto you, with joy, which if you shall upon this our solemn complaint neglect to do, we do protest before the Lord, & his Church, to be wholly guiltless of all these evils, having done our utmost endeavour for the redress of the same; & the sin thereof, to lay upon Mr. john Paget our present pastor, as the principal cause of all these evils, and next upon yourselves, who have the chiefest authority in the Church, for the redress of all evils.  
So beseeching the Lord to bless our endeavours, and desiring you to cause these our complaints to rest upon record in the register of this Church, that after times may see how these evils have been witnessed against, we subscribe our names as followeth, desiring also, that place may be left in the register for all others, that hearing hereof, shall desire to have their names underwritten, for the more full witness of these things, because we have not gathered many names as we could have done of many, (because you might have nothing to take offence at that way) which we conceive would gladly have joined with us herein, not only of men but of many Godly women also, that are of the same mind with us.  

W. B.  
N. I.  
I. C.  
I. P.  
I. St.  
L. C.  
T. F.  
H. P.  
A. H.   
We who last time, did not with our brethren above written abstain from the Lords Supper, yet desire to join as one with them in these complaints, and Grievances, and therefore have underwritten our names as follow.  

S. O.  
D. B.  
T. A.  
R. P.  
I. H.  
G. B.  
E. P.  
L. D.  
T. P.  
E. S.  
F. D.  
P. L.   
After thes greivances were given unto the consistory, diverse members more hearing thereof, desired to join in the same and subscribed their names also.  
Now for conclusion, since the case so stands as is here reported, under such plentiful testimony, what remains, but that every one that would approve himself to God (if redress cannot be had) labour to keep himself pure, and not partake of others sins, by continuing the servants of men, against the power and liberty purchased by Christ for his Church of saints, knowing the way of the upright is to departed from evil. Stand fast therefore, quit you like men, in striving for the maintenance of this part of the faith, and the Lord willbe with you if you willbe faithful unto him.