A FVLL and FAITHFVLL account Of the Passages betwixt the Parish of Michaels cornhill( met in a Vestry) the Ministers and Elders of the fourth Classis of the Province of London, and Mr. J. Symonds, late of Roterdam in Holland; touching his admission to the Expository Lecture in that Parish in the room of Mr. Burroughs deceased.  
PUBLISHED, In the name, and by the unanimous consent of the Classis met at the Vestry of Mary-at-Hill , Febr. 1. 1646. as a remedy against the manifold misreports and censures too confidently delivered by some, and too credulously received by others, concerning the beginning, proceeding and conclusion of that motion.  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and g●od report, as deceivers and yet true, 2 Cor. 6. 8. Apud Christianos non qui patitur, said qui facit contumel●am miser est. Hieron. Marco Presbytero Celedonsi. Tom. 2. p. 315. 


At a meeting of the fourth Classis, Feb. 1. 1646.  
Resolved upon the Question, Nemine contradicente,  
That this Vindication of the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill, and the fourth Classis of the Province of London, concerning the motion of Mr. Symonds to bee Lecturer in that Parish, bee presented to some of the Licencers for the press, and forthwith printed. Subscribed by order of the fourth Classis, By W. Wickins Scribe to the said Clas●●.    


Imprimatur  
Ja. Cranford. Feb. 4. 1646.    
London Printed by Rich. coats, 1646.   

A Full and faithful account of the passages betwixt the Parish of Michael Cornhill,( met in a Vestry) the Ministers and Elders of the fourth Classis of the Province of London, and Mr. Symonds late of Roterdam in Holland, touching his admission to the expository Lecture in that Parish in the room of Mr. Burroughs deceased. PUBLISHED, As a remedy against the manifold misreports too confidently delivered by some, and too credulously received by others, concerning the beginning, proceeding, and conclusion of that motion.  
IF the misrepresentations of this matter( wherein men of various interests and affections are engaged) had stayed within the compass of some slight and inconsiderable differences, or had been confined to a few, or to men of too mean quality to produce both a personal and real prejudice against the Reformation in hand, wee should have thought it a point of the prudence of the Serpent, prescribed by our Saviour, Matth. 10. 16. to betake ourselves to none other defence of the innocency of the Dove then patience and silence, with hope that it would not bee more for our reproach then for our reputation, according to the saying of Solomon, Prov. 19. 11. in such a case to pass by an offence, without taking notice of it so far as to put ourselves to the service of a public Apology.  
But since in all these respects of importance forementioned we have found it contrary( in matter of fact) and have cause to forecast as much evil of the effect to follow,( if some especial Antidote bee not tempered and timely administered to prevent the offensive and injurious operations whereto they tend, and since there want not those who have thought us as much too remiss, as others have reported us too rigid in our dealing with Mr. Symonds, wee conceive it a part of that duty which we owe To the truth of the cause; To our own integrity in the carriage of it; To the honour of the Government wherewith wee are entrusted, and To the desires of divers of our Venerable Brethren,( frequently and affectionately expressed to some of us) to take off the imputations( cast upon the whole business and upon the Vestry, and Classis with reference unto it,) by a calm and conscientious relation by what means it was presented to us, what entertainment it had among us, and how it was at last dismissed by us; which was in this manner.  
When the Ministers and other members of the fourth Classis of the Province of London were come together, to consult of such things 
On monday Decemb. 7.  as appertained to their association, one of the Elders produced a paper sent to the Classis from the Vestry of Michaels cornhill, who met the third of December, 1646. and at that meeting agreed and ordered That Deputy moss, colonel Bellamy, and Mr. James Martin should represent unto the Classis( of which that Parish is a part) the desire of the subscribers to the exposition Lectures, for the setting Mr. Symonds in the place of Mr. Burroughs deceased, and to report back to the Parish at a Vestry( called for that purpose) the result of the said Classis concerning the same business. And that all such as can inform any thing that may concern the same may have liberty to appear before the said Classis to speak what they know therein.  
To which paper after it was red, a reverend Minister of his acquaintance 
Mr. H. R.  made answer,  
First, by commendation of Mr. Symonds for his ministerial gifts, and good disposition; And  
Secondly, by way of exception against him, for holding a loose opinion touching liberty of conscience, and toleration of different religions, contrary to the solemn Vow and Covenant of the three kingdoms; which taken into debate as in order to an answer of advice for the case in question, and not otherwise, the unanimous consent of the Classis was set down in two particulars.  
First, That the final determination of any thing concerning Mr. Symonds bee deferred until the Classis may bee satisfied that he is orthodox in judgement.  
Secondly, That until a settled Lecturer bee chosen, and approved of by the Classis, the names of those that supply the said Lecture bee given in to the Presbytery of the said Parish five dayes before, that they may approve of him or them. At the first a dayes warning was propounded, but it was moved by a another reverend Divine well affencted to Mr. Symonds, 
Mr. I. C.  and to that Lecture likewise, that it might bee five dayes before, that if any name to the Elders were upon just cause denied by them, there might bee competent time to procure a supply by some other.  
And this as it was desired in favour both to the Lecture and Lecturer Mr. Symonds, so was it out of good will to both, and to him that made the motion, readily resolved on by the Classis, and presently drawn up into an order by the Scribe. The word Order( by the way) doth import no more power then a Vote( which is the result of their minds who are the mayor part of the meeting) but onely more union when the resolution is made with a nemine contradicente; and that this and no more was the mind of the Classis, that is, to answer a request for advice by giving advice as the case required, was expressly and with joint consent professed by all the Brethren in 
1646. Decemb. ●●●.  the next classical meeting, December the 22. 1646. which should the rather be taken for an advice, then a rule or binding order, because the motion was presented not from a parochial or congregational Presbytery, but from a Vestry, which stands in no such direct subordination to a Classis as the parochial Presbytery doth. And could they do less in duty to God, in conscience to the Covenant, in religious prudence, and Christian charity to their Brethren? They did, and do conceive they might have done more by virtue of the Ordinance of Parliament for ordination of Ministers Aug. 28. 1646. which, in the comprehensive sense of it, they take to extend unto Lecturers, that they are to come under the same course of admission and approbation with other Ministers removing from one place to another.  
This interpretation they were taught to make of the Ordinance by the practise of the honourable Committee for plundered Ministers, and confirmed in it by the judgement and proceeding of their Reverend Brethren in a neighbour Classis.  
First, for the Committee, though the Order by which they sit, bearing date July 27. 1643. expressly mention their nomination of Ministers to a Parsonage or bnfice, naming none other, yet they take the same course with Lecturers that come to their cognizance, that is, they sand them for approbation to the Assembly of Divines; so was Mr. Simpson( Mr. Symonds his especial friend) sent with an Order to the Assembly for a Lecture at Dulwich in Surrey, and since again( and that very lately) there was the like reference of him to the Assembly for his setting up a Lecture in Summerset-house in the Strand; and this week the like Order was sent from the same Committee to the Assembly, for examination and approbation of a very Orthodox and well approved Presbyterian, Mr. F. R. for his admission to a Lecture in East-Greenwich.  
Secondly, for the judgement and practise of the neighbour Classis, that is legible in a ●etter written from Mr. J. C. to Mr. Sp. in these words,  
Sir, You having been chosen Lecturer by the Company of Mercers in the Parish of Bartholomew the Exchange; I am desired by our Classis at our meeting, December 2. 1646. to signify to you, that it is ordered, That you forbear execution of any ministerial function there, until you have submitted yourself to the examination of our classical Presbytery, according to the Ordinance of Parliament in such cases provided. Sir, I rest  
Yours J. C.  
And for the proceedings of them both, there is very good reason; for if Lecturers should be exempt from the rules prescribed in the Ordinance, there might bee so many of them set up to cry down what is established( according to the Word of God, and by authority of Parliament,) both in Doctrine and in government, as would amount to the most dangerous kind of toleration that could bee.  
The administration of the Sacraments( the other chief part of the Ministers commission) nor any act else which Lecturers leave to incumbent Pastors to perform, are of such either use or force for good or evil as preaching is, thereafter as it is managed by men, whether of sound or unsound apprehensions in matters of Religion.  
Nor did the Classis overdoe their duty, in giving cautionary advice concerning such as should bee set up to preach in Mr. Symonds his stead, since a substitute( if he bee not Orthodox) may misled the people, and disturb their peace, as well as he whose place he supplieth; and it hath been observed in this City, that for some Lecturers, 
Mr. Symps. the Antinom. for Mr. Cr.  such have been taken to preach in their absence, as have been articled against for erroneous and dangerous opinions, and for them, and for miscarriages answerable to them, upon conviction have been censured by public Authority.  
And on this Lecture both the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill and the Classis had reason to look with a more observant eye for two causes especially.  
1. Because the most of those, who have the chief hand in the choice of the men, and procurement of the maintenance for that and such like Lectures, show no mind to admit of any Presbyterian, how godly and well gifted soever, to red or preach them as in an ordinary course.  
Secondly, Because these Lectures are not( as many others) Parochial, set up for the benefit, or maintained at the charge of a particular Parish or Parishioner, but rather provincial, both for the people of all Parishes in the City to be present at them, and contributers to them.  
Yet was this act of the Classis so offensively taken by some, that they spake against it as a presbyterial presumption, and severity, of a far higher and harsher strain then prelatical usurpation: one saying, the Order was as high as Pauls steeple; another, that it was ten times more rigid then the practise of the prelates, who never put any to five dayes premonition for taking of a turn in any Lecture; and some talked of complaining to the Parliament, as if it were a presage, the Presbyterians taking so much upon them in their first classical Assembly, would bee like( in time to come, if they were not kerbed by the supreme power of the kingdom) to transcend the prelatical tyranny, as much as Rehoboam threatened to exceed the severity of Solomon, when he said, My little finger shall bee thicker then my fathers loins, 1 King. 12. 10. when all was no more then might have been done by a particular Minister, or private Christian, if he had been consulted with as the Classis was.  
For which of them may not give an advice to them that ask it? Do not they who for this take offence at the Classis, take much more upon them, when without any authority at all( for ought yet appeareth) they gather Churches out of Churches, admit of Members with a special Covenant, set up these expository Lecturers, make choice of the men, and change the times and places of their preaching at their pleasure? And for this last particular, if all that are able and willing to bee at cost with a Lecturer of their own election, should use the like liberty, there would bee many a dangerous stumbling block laid in the way of the weak; who, not able to judge of diversity of Doctrines, might take mere blasphemy for Orthodox Divinity, as the Antitrinitarians, Antiscripturists, Enthusiasts and other heretics do; and might perhaps become such proficients▪ from bad to worse, as to bee brought at last to think it a service to God to kill his servants, as our Saviour foretold of some in the 16 of John v. 2. by which expression, wee desire not to put any suspicion of sinful compliance with such desperate Dogmatists upon our dissenting brethren,( who we doubt not abhor such impieties as wee do,) but to note the ill consequence which is like to fall out, if in these times, so luxurient in pernicious opinions, Lecturers should be left out of the rule of the Ordinance, and come under no trial of their qualifications or Tenets, but as sui juris, should bee allowed to set up office, and exercise, when and where they think meet, without account to any, or consent of any but themselves, and those who subscribe to their salary.  
Among whom, though some out of an equal excess of love to Independency,& of dislike to the Presbytery, take more liberty to traduce and censure the Vestry and Classis as associated together, then Christianity would allow of, though but against one Minister or Elder taken singly by himself, yet would not the Classis thereby be provoked out of their soft place of patience and moderation towards Master Symonds, and therefore hearing he was come to London to carry on the Lecture,( as Master Burroughes had done) at their next meeting, which was Jan: 4. 1646. they appointed Master lay with two more of their Members colonel Hooker, and colonel Bellamy to acquaint Master Symonds with the Ordinance of Parliament, for ordination of Ministers, with reference to his choice to be expository Lecturer in Master Burroughes his place at Michaels Cornhill. Whereupon on Wednesday Jan: 6. Master Symonds coming to visit Master Bellamy at his own house, he  told him the aforesaid resolution of the Classis, and desired him to nominate a time and place for that purpose, that they which were appointed by the Classis might come unto him; but with respect to Master lay, Master Symonds desired him to appoint the time and place, and he would give them the meeting there. And on Thursday Jan: 7. they made choice of Friday Jan: 8. at 3 of the clock in the afternoon at Master Leyes house, and sent present word thereof to Master Symonds, but he made answer by the Messenger of the Classis, That he could not possibly come at that time, because he was in an unsettled condition, and he had other occasions which he was to go about at that time, but he had declared his mind in full to Master Bellamy, so that be could certify them as much as if bee were there himself; but when he was a little settled be would come to Master Leys house, and satisfy him in any thing that he did desire.  
This Message was brought to Master lay who presently sent him back that brought it with a request to Master Symonds, that himself would prescribe both time and place, since that choice made without him was so inconvenient for his occasions. To that he made return that he was sorry Master lay should trouble himself so much to sand to him so often, but truly he could not possibly appoint either an hour or day when they should come to him, or he to them, in regard of the unsettlednesse of his condition, because he was but lately come over and had no habitation of his own, and his books and other things lay some in one place and some in another, and he was going about to look for a place to settle himself in; and till then he entreated them to forbear him; Besides this he said( as before) he had made his mind known so fully to Master Bellamy, that he could satisfy Master lay as much as if he spake with him himself: nevertheless so soon as he was in any settled condition, he would repair to Master Leys lodging, and satisfy him in any thing that he should desire.  
Where that he saith of Master Leys troubling himself so much, was but his courtesy to him, that he might trouble him the less, and his duty to the Classis, having undertaken the service upon their appointment, and being to give an account thereof at the next classical meeting.  
Notwithstanding this Master Symonds came on Friday forementioned to Master Leys house, and of the two Colonels, one came with him, the other met him there, but Master lay having no intimation at all of the change of his mind, and having business at Westminster which detained him till night,( which yet he would have dispensed with if he had known Master Symonds like the better son in the parable, Mat: 21. 28, 29. would have been better then his word) came not home until they were gone, though they stayed somewhat long.  
This absence of Master lay( from the place and time of his own and his Colleagues choice) was so far mistaken and misreported by some, as if he had carelessly failed, or purposely falsified his word with those he should have met; and by Master Symonds his speech to the subscribers at Master shoots house, it was so conceived by the hearers, because he concealed his former refusal to give meeting that day, and the change of his mind, which was altogether unknown to Master lay, until at his return he was  told they had been at his house, but before he came had departed thence.  
The next day being lan. 9. Mr. Symonds wrote this ensuing Letter to Mr. Bellamy.  
For colonel Bellamy his good friend.  
Sir, understanding that such a report of me came to your parish, lest it might work a disaffection against me, I held it fit to entreat you to do me the fav●ur to relate to them what I said to you, and to present my respects to them, and my desire and hope that they will bee pleased to grant me their consent to preach in their Church, as formerly they did to Mr. Burroughts I held it meet to give them this due respect, and so I rest,  
Yours in Christ to serve you, J. Symonds.  
The Letter is short, too short to be well understood without some supply, which is thus to be made out. Sir, understanding such a report of me, that is, of holding for toleration of diversity of religions, came to your Parish. It was five dayes before related in the Classis, and upon that ground the advice was given to the Parish of Michaels Cornhill at the same time, but Mr. Symonds by this would take no notice of that: I entreat you to do me the favour to relate to them what I said to you; which was for substance the same that he afterward returned to the three messengers together, and that's delivered in the ensuing relation he was unwilling it seems to commit to writing either the report or his Apology, for reasons best known unto himself. And for his desire and hope that they would grant him their consent, thereto the answer returned( the next day after the date of this Letter) was as followeth.  
At a Vestry held the tenth of January 1646. in the Church of Michaels cornhill London.  
Forasmuch as the business concerning Mr. Symonds being Lecturer here is depending before the Classis, yet undecided, therefore at this V●stry it is conceived unfitting to proceed any further therein, but leave it to the Classis who are desired to determine the same; and that if the Classis should resolve of his admittance, and thereof signify so much to us, wee shall bee willing to accept of him, and in the mean time wee desire him to forbear.  
until this time there was no fit opportunity for the Messengers Master L. colonel H. and colonel B.( according to the Order of the Classis) to deliver their Message to Master Symonds, and the Lecture day drawing on, Master Bellamy came very late to Master lay( the night after the Vestry had made their resolution forementioned, viz. Jan. 10.) to consult about a visit of Master Symonds on the morrow being the next day before he was expected to enter upon the expository Lecture. But that( upon consideration) was conceived unseasonable for it was very probable in their apprehensions that the matter was already resolved on betwixt Mr. Symonds and his principal Auditors, and then if upon their coming his mind should have been changed, and the people disappointed of the Lecture, it would bee imputed to them with as harsh a censure as passed on the Order of the Classis before, but with louder ●●aour, since the provocation would bee more public, more general, and it may bee also by union( at their meeting together) more violent; and on the contrary, if he should preach after they had been with him, it would haply bee said they had approved of him,( which they could not do before they had imparted their message, and reported his answer to the Classis, and heard their judgement upon it) or that he and his party had contemned the Classis; and therefore it was thought best to leave him to the resolution of his own counsel and choice; which though it were with some doubting for a time, was settled at last for his preaching a● his own Letter to Mr. lay sheweth in these words.  
To his Reverend friend Mr. lay Minister at St. Mary Hill.  
Sir, fearing misconstructions of an act of mine this day, and desiring to carry all things in love and peace, I held it meet to give you an account as to a Brother of the business; Sir, the Parish in Cornhill did desire me to forbear preaching till your Classis had determined, and I did fully intend it, yea I did not so much as make the least preparation, being unwilling to take any way but that which might bee with most peace, though they that were deputed with you to speak with me did declare that they were satisfied, and that I might preach: I sent this morning to colonel Bellamy to know if I might preach, and found I might not; upon this I held off all thoughts of preaching. About two of the Clook some  told me people gathered but the doors were kept shut, upon which I sent again to Col. Bellamy to know whether the doors should bee opened if I came,( which I did to keep peace) his answer was bee could say nothing to it, or to that purpose: afterwards one brought word the doors were opened, and the people sitting in expectation of me; hereupon I went, having no time to recollect thoughts, and in the simplicity of my heart, God knoweth, I took this as an unquestisnable evidence that the Parish had consented; and I was glad to go, hoping it would prevent much unquietness in the city. But I perceive now it is otherwise in that Parish. It is true when I was in the Church, and going to the pulpit, the clerk did pray me not to preach, and he onely; but I did it, being earnestly pressed, fearing it would have savoured ill if the people had been turned back. Sir, I have dealt candidly with you, that you may both know and make known my action in the reason of it and my end; I beseech you take this in love from  
Your Brother and servant in Christ, I. Symonds.  
This Letter was brought to Mr. L. upon Tuesday night, Jan. 12. by Mr. Po●●●k his son,( at whose house he then lodged;) by whom Mr. L. signified to Mr. Symonds that if he would yet name the time and place, himself with the other two members of the Classis, Col. Hooker and Col. Bell●my would come to him; but he made no return to Mr. Symonds in writing,  
First, because he had no authority to treat with him alone in that business.  
Secondly, for that the state of the question seemed now to him to bee much changed from what it was, and so to bee fit for a new consolation of the Classis.  
Yet conceiving it to bee necessary to find a time to speak with him before the next classical Assembly, they consulted again about it, and after mutual premonition betwixt Mr. Symonds and them they resolved upon Friday morning, Jan. 15. at eight of the Clock to go to him at his lodging, and accordingly they did so; where they  told him that the Ministers and Elders of the Classis appointed them to acquaint him with two particulars, the one was the Ordinance of Parliament touching ordination of Ministers, Aug. 28. 1646. wherein it is provided, that every person, formerly ordained a Presbyter according to the form of ordination which haeth been held in the Church of England, and is to bee removed to another charge, bring to the Presbytery where he is to bee placed, if there bee any; and if not, then to some other Presbytery a testimonial of his Ordination, and of his abilities and conversation, whereupon his fitness for that place to which he is to bee removed shall bee tried by his preaching there, and( if it shall bee judged necessary) by a further examination.  
The other particular was a report that he was of opinion for toleration of different religions, not onely of Br●wnists, Anabaptists and Familists on the one hand, but of Papists on the other, and thereupon he was desired to return his resolution whether he would enter upon the Lecture according to the tenor of the Ordinance, and give the right hand of fellowship to his brethren of the Classis, and so manage his Ministry in that Lecture as might most conduce to the edification of the people, the furtherance of the reformation set on foot, and the preservation of the peace of the Church and State; and that what answer so ever it pleased him to give to these particulars it is left to his liberty to give it by them who were sent from the Classis, or to bring it himself, or to sand it in writing to them at their next meeting.  
he replied he would give answer by them that brought the message, and then spake to three points.  
First, to the reason of his removal out of Holland into England.  
Secondly, to the report of his opinion for toleration of diversitle of Religions.  
Thirdly, to his resolution required touching comforming to the Ordinance.  
For the first, he made a very sad and sensible declaration of the destitution of his bodily health, and indisposition of the faculties of his mind,( and sometimes also of his speech) for his ministerial function in Holland, proceeding from the violence of the Flatus hypochondriacus( a melancholic windiness of the spleen front the distemper of the diaphragma or midriff, and from the palpitation of the heart, and other symptoms of sickness inclining to an Apoplexy) which he imputed principally to the air of Holland, and conceived that the air of his native Country would cure him of these diseases; and he had( as he said) experience to confirm him in that conceit, because upon the changes of air he presently perceived very great changes in the constitution of his body for the better,( when he came out of Holland into England) for the worse( when he returned thence to Holland again.)  
Secondly, for the report, he said that he never preached any such doctrine as he was charged withall; It was answered the charge was not raised so high as the Pulpit, for it was said but that he spake it or wrote it to a friend in a Letter, yet if he held such a Tenet( though yet his preaching of it could not bee proved) he might haply preach it hereafter. he replied that he had preached the contrary this last year, and had condemned toleration of diversity of Religions in four cases, which were these, viz when it is  

Repugnant  
1. To the Faith.  
2. To godliness of life.  
3. To human society. And  
4. To civill authority.   
And for the Letter which 
The Copy of a letter written from a godly Minister in Holland to some reverend and godly Ministers here in London, Third part of the G●●grena, p. 16●.  was published by Mr. Edwards wherein the writer saith of Mr. Symonds, I hear that Mr. Symonds hath written to his Congregation here very confidently that toleration shall be granted, even with these terms inspite of them who have enterprised the contrary. he disavowed the allegation both for words and matter, acknowledging no more but that in a Letter to a friend he had intimated an hope of good compliance, and mutual forbearance of brethren,( notwithstanding some differences in judgement and practise in points of less moment then those forementioned) and that he would endeavour to preserve Christian concord both amongst Ministers and People in the exercise of his ministry.  
And for the third, he said he took it, that his case was not within the compass of the Ordinance, because he was not to take upon him a pastoral charge, whereas the Ordinance speaks not of a pastor but of a Presbyter, and wee conceive Master Symonds to bee such an one, and though it mention a charge, yet doth it not specify a pastoral charge, but leaveth the word charge in such a latitude as may take in undertakings of very distinct and different kinds, and so wee find it in the scripture, as the charge of the sons of Gershon was the Tabernacle, and the Tent, and the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the Tabernacle, Numb: 3. 25. The charge of the Cohathites was the ark, and the Table, and the candlestick, and the Altars, and the vessels of the Sanctuary, and the hangings, and all the service thereof, v: 31. The charge of the Levites for killing the Passeover, 2 Chron: 30. 17. and the charge of the decree for destruction of the Jews, Esth: 3. 9. These differ more then a Lecture doth from a parochial incumbency, yet all of them are comprehended in the name of a charge; but if the Ordinance had expressly name a pastoral charge, a parsonage or bnfice, the intent and scope of the Ordinance might, and in reasonable construction, should reach also to a Lecture, as hath been formerly shewed in defence of the advice given to the Vestry of Michael cornhill, in the Order of the Classis.  
Object: But though the Ordinance reach to a Lecturer obliging him with others to give an account, it reacheth not unto a Classis, say some, to authorize them to take the account either of a Lecturer or Beneficed pastor, but to the Presbytery where they are to officiate.  
Answ: First, if there bee no Presbytery there, then the Ordinance saith the testimonial may bee tendered to, and the trial made by some other Presbytery, and that Presbytery may bee classical, as well as congregational; and rather classical, because classical Presbyteries have power to constitute Presbyteries congregational, and in defect of them, Parishes are to bee immediately under the Classis within whose circuit they are fitnate, according to the directions of the Lords and Commons Die Martis 19 Augusti 1645. for the election of Elders, p. 8. 9. and such was the condition of Michaels Cornhill at that time when they made their first motion of the matter unto the Classis concerning Master Symonds.  
Secondly, If their Presbytery had been perfect in the constitutive Members thereof, they might in a case of doubtful debate,( as that was about the preaching place for the new Lecturer) desire the advice of the Classis, and the Classis might as well return their advice as they require it at their hands upon the ground and evidence formerly alleged. Howsoever Master Symonds promised that if he took upon him a pastoral charge of a particular Congregation, he would make his entrance into it by the way of the Ordinance. In the mean time if in his Lecture he said any thing contrary to faith or godliness, or tending to a disturbance of human society, or the Civill state, he would be ready to give an account thereof to the classical Assembly.  
And he concluded with a complaint that he was not well dealt withall, neither by the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill,( because as he said, he should have been advertised by them of the exception against him in private before they presented it to the Classis in public) Nor by the Classis, because they should have done the like before they had ordered any thing against his admission, especially since being a Presbyter, an accusation should not have been received but under two or three witnesses.  
Whereto for the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill, Master Bellamy one of that society said that he must clear the Vestry from that charge, and if there were any fault in acquainting the Classis with it he must take it to himself so far as to confess he was the first mover thereof, but he hoped for that he had not done amiss, as he was assured he had no meaning therein to do any thing to the prejudice either of the Lecture or Lecturer there, and for what he did he had this inducement;( which he conceived both weighty in reason and warrantable in conscience) In the debate of the matter, he observed the sway of affections( besides the difference of judgements) to grow to some heat, which did not tend to a settlement on such a conclusion as might bee like to preserve the peace of the parish; therefore he propounded, and thereto both parties assented, to make an address to the Classis about it, and to desire from them advice for the determination of that difference which could not bee so well composed among themselves. Thus for the objection to the Vestry in Cornhill.  
And for the Classis Master lay( if the time had permitted) would have put in an Apology; but he was in hast,( having stayed beyond his hour for his necessary attendance at the Assembly,) and in hope of another opportunity, which would bee most seasonable, when the objection had been proposed to the Classis, as since it hath been, and their answer to it is, That the accusation was not received in the sense of the Apostle, 1 Tim: 5. 19. that is, not so far believed, as upon it to proceed to any judicial examination of the proof, or censure of the party against whom it was made; but was rather suspended for the clearing of Master Symonds if he were innocent, then admitted as a convincing evidence against him. And if the witness were but one, as he said, there was such weight in that one as might well put both the Vestry and Classis to a pause touching his approbation, though not to a repulse of him in their final resolution.  
But yet there was more then a single testimony in the charge, when besides the saying of that known witness there was a letter alleged in the Classis sounding to the like sense, the proof whereof, was afterwards offered to some of the Classis by a Reverend Minister. nevertheless the Classis gave so much credit to Master Symonds his answer, as to conceive that whatsoever his opinion was in former times he was now Orthodox, in judgement against such a toleration as was objected unto him; and therefore upon due consideration of what was reported to them by their Messengers, Jan: 10. they resolved, That notwithstanding some informations from very good hands concerning Master Symonds opinion for toleration of diversity of Religions,( Popery not excepted) having now received by way of answer from his own mouth( made to such as were sent from the Classis to confer with him about it) that he disavoxeth that opinion, and averreth that he hath preached the contrary doctrine this last summer, when the same shall bee testified under his hand to the Classis, they are willing and do give advice to the Parish of Michaels Cornhill to admit him to preach the expository Lecture in the said Church, as Master Burroughs lately did.  
If they had further advised that the Vestry of Michaels Cornbill should not accept of him for a Lecturer in their Church until he had disclaimed Independency, or engaged his promise against gathering of Churches, they had acted but according to the temper of their zeal, who are not pleased with the proceedings of the Vestry and Classis in Master Symonds his cause; And if their zeal for Presbytery had gone a quicker place then their for Independency, it had been much more warrantable in them, since Presbytery( with the gradual subordinations, congregational, classical, Provincial, and national,) is set up by the supreme Judicatory of the kingdom, and thereby is Independency at least virtually put down.  
But because first, Master Symonds was not for the present resident within the limits of the fourth Classis, nor secondly, limited for the Lecture either to that or any other particular Church; thirdly, for that he was represented unto many of the brethren( by such as well knew him) as a man of a quiet and peaceable spirit, and was so apprehended and reported of by those who by the Classis were sent to him, and had conference with him; and lastly because he intimated a motion made to him for taking of a pastoral charge, and shewed no averseness from acceptation thereof, the Classis thought fit to propound none other condition at that time in their advice to the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill then the setting done of that under his hand, which he had said with his tongue, as a double testimony of the integrity of his heart, which they conceived would conduce as much to his own clearing from that impious opinion of toleration of erroneous and heretical Religions, as for satisfaction of any who did or might take offence at him for such a Tenet.  
Upon such reasons as these it was resolved by the Classis not only that their second advice to the Parish of Michaels cornhill should bee drawn up into an Order, and sent unto them, but a Copy of it also bee transmitted by some of them to the subscribers for that Lecture, at their meeting appointed at Master shoots the Wednesday following at 8 of the clock in the morning, where, after some debate of the matter betwixt Master Symonds and themselves, they concluded negatively ●against his writing and subscribing as it was propounded by the Classis, and that if by Saturday following the Parishioners of Michaels Cornhill would not yield to admit him to preach in their Church,( which was contrary to the express advice of the Classis sent unto them, and to their own Resolution upon it, made known to Master Symonds) that then the Lecture should bee renewed, removed, and settled at Ab-Church. Yet some who were well pleased with the choice of Master Symonds disliked the change of the Church, and therefore( when they saw no hope of the subscribers yielding to Mr. Symonds his giving satisfaction to the Classis, and Parish in that particular( and without their consent to have done it might have proved to his loss) some of them dealt with some of the Classis to procure another meeting of the Ministers and Elders in a classical Assembly before the Sabbath day following, where it should bee propounded to the Classis to reverse their late advice to the Parish of Michaels Cornhill, and to rest contented with Mr. Symonds his clearing, as it was represented to them by their own Messengers.  
Which was a thing as difficult to bee brought about in so short a time, as unreasonable to bee desired; for why should they bee moved to meet twice in one week, who are appointed by the direction of Parliament to meet but once a month, though they be permitted by the same authority to assemble more often if they see cause? and why should they bee called together again so soon to recall that which( upon so just considerations and reasons) was agreed on by them, and without the like inducements was denied by Mr. Symonds and the subscribers to the Lecture? how much more easy and equal had it been for him and them to have assented to the Classis in that they desired, then for the Classis without any further correspondence on their part, to renounce their own deliberate, and( as they yet conceive) well grounded advice, and to lay themselves open thereby to the imputation of levity, for undoing it; and it may bee also of injury, for what they had done in their precedent proceedings.  
It was not then without cause that the Vestry of Michaels Cornhill in conformity to the Classis did at their meeting, Jan. 21.( notwithstanding the final refusal of Mr. Symonds and the subscribers to admit of the condition of his admission the day before) set down their resolution for this matter by a writing of this tenor. Whereas the Parish of Michaels Cornhill have received an Order from the Classis, touching an acknowledgement to he made under the hand of Mr. Symonds and the admission of him to preach the exposition Lecture there, it was this day ordered at a Vestry holden in the said Parish, that Mr. William rowel and Col. Bellamy shall go to Mr. Symonds, and signify to him from the Parish, if he will subscribe the said acknowledgmet in accomplishment of the said Order of the Classis, that then the Parishioners are willing and desirous that the said exposition Lecture shall bee by him preached in the said Church.  
The messengers according to the Order went to Mr. Sym. his lodging, but be●●use he was not then within, they left the Order for him with his wife. In this order it was resolved onely on the positive part according to that they received from the Classis, leaving the negative to bee made up by Mr. Symonds, and them whose counsels are of more value with him then his presbyterial Brethrens. Yet however they bee slighted, or censured by them, their purpose is without all uncharitable returns to any of them,( as holding it an happier thing to suffer then to offer or answer a contumely in the same kind) to pass through good report and bad report in the conscionable discharge of that duty whereto God hath called them, and for which the authority of Parliament hath enabled them.  
And for such of our brethren as think the Classis might and ought to have done more by virtue of the Ordinance, alleging to that purpose the instance in the case of Mr. Sp. forementioned, they shall do well to consider that the case of Mr. Symonds and his party is much unlike that of Mr. Sp. and the Company of Mercers; for( to say nothing of the disparity of the two Divines, whereof the one hath been accused upon divers Articles exhibited against him to a Committee of Parliament, as the other hath not.)  
First, there is a difference of importance betwixt the Patrons of each Lecture. For those who have had most sway in setting up and upholding these expository Lectures are professed Independents, and as such will not submit to any classical resolution; The Company of Mercers( for the most part and best sort of them) are for ought wee know regular men, who agree to the Government set up by Ordinance of Parliament, and as such would take a repulse or denial from a Classis with more patience, then the other will a pause or demurrein that they desire.  
Secondly, that Lecture to which Mr. Sp. was nominated might receive a final determination from that Classis which required his forbearance to preach, because it is confined to Bartholomews Church, it being a monthly Lecture set up for sacramental preparation there onely, this of Mr. Symonds not so to Michael Cornhill but that it may bee as well removed to any other Church, or Classis, of the Province, as renewed there; and therefore the final ordering thereof doth more properly belong to the provincial then to any classical Assembly.  
Thirdly, there was no need for the fourth Classis to do more then what they did, since what they have already done( yea their first advice alone, received with the left hand though tendered with the right) was enough to provoke, and more would have been too little to prevail with men so resolved to stand out, as the subscribers partly appeared before, but now the event hath more fully discovered; And we hope also by this apologetical report of the truth, equitablenesse, and moderation of our proceedings with Mr. Symonds will bee so far cleared to all Religious and impartial Readers, as that it will not onely confute the falsehood of such reports as have passed upon them, but prevent the like, at least the belief of them, with the better and wiser sort in time to come.  
FINIS.