A modest offer of some meet considerations tendered to the learned prolocvtor and to the rest of the Assembly of Divines, met at Westminster by a true lover of truth and peace.
         Hall, Joseph, 1574-1656.
      
       
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             A modest offer of some meet considerations tendered to the learned prolocvtor and to the rest of the Assembly of Divines, met at Westminster by a true lover of truth and peace.
             Hall, Joseph, 1574-1656.
          
           [2], 17 p.
           
             s.n.]
             [Oxford? :
             1644.
          
           
             Signed: Philalethirenaeus.
             Attributed to Joseph Hall. Cf. BLC.
             Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Great Britain -- Church history -- 17th century.
        
      
    
       A45303  R14524  (Wing H394).  civilwar no A modest offer of some meet considerations tendered to the learned prolocutor, and to the rest of the Assembly of Divines, met at Westminste Hall, Joseph 1644    5484 2 10 0 0 0 0 22 C  The  rate of 22 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           MODEST
           OFFER
           OF
           Some
           meet
           CONSIDERATIONS
           TENDERED
           TO
           THE
           LEARNED
           PROLOCVTOR
           ,
           AND
           To
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Assembly
           of
           DIVINES
           ,
           Met
           at
           
             Westminster
             .
          
        
         
           BY
           A
           TRUE
           LOVER
           OF
           TRUTH
           AND
           PEACE
           .
        
         
           Imprinted
           ,
           M.DC.XLIV
           .
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           A
           Modest
           Offer
           of
           some
           meet
           Considerations
           ,
           Tendered
           to
           the
           Learned
           Prolocutor
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           met
           at
           
             VVestminster
             .
          
        
         
           LEarned
           and
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ;
           If
           you
           be
           now
           (
           as
           is
           supposed
           )
           upon
           the
           advise
           of
           a
           Forme
           of
           Church-Government
           ;
           I
           beseech
           you
           ,
           in
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           ,
           setting
           aside
           all
           prejudice
           ,
           to
           take
           into
           your
           sad
           thoughts
           these
           considerations
           following
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           (
           I
           perceive
           )
           an
           usuall
           Prayer
           of
           many
           Preachers
           well
           affected
           to
           your
           Assembly
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           now
           (
           after
           1600
           yeares
           universall
           practice
           of
           the
           whole
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           upon
           earth
           )
           shew
           you
           the
           patterne
           in
           the
           mount
           ;
           as
           if
           ,
           after
           so
           long
           and
           perfect
           inquisitions
           ,
           there
           could
           be
           any
           new
           discoveries
           of
           the
           forme
           that
           was
           ,
           or
           should
           be
           ;
           wherein
           ,
           I
           suppose
           their
           well-meaning
           is
           not
           a
           little
           injurious
           both
           to
           the
           knowne
           truth
           ,
           and
           to
           you
           :
           for
           ,
           what
           revelations
           can
           we
           expect
           thus
           late
           ?
           or
           what
           monuments
           of
           either
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           history
           can
           now
           be
           hoped
           to
           be
           brought
           to
           light
           ,
           which
           your
           eyes
           have
           not
           seene
           ,
           and
           former
           ages
           have
           not
           inquired
           into
           ?
           
           Surely
           ,
           ye
           well
           know
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           but
           these
           three
           forms
           of
           Church-government
           ,
           possibly
           devised
           ;
           Either
           by
           Bishops
           ,
           or
           by
           Presbyteries
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           multitude
           of
           several
           and
           select
           congregations
           :
           Every
           of
           which
           ,
           have
           both
           their
           abettors
           ,
           and
           thei●
           adversaries
           ;
           The
           first
           hath
           all
           times
           ,
           and
           places
           ,
           since
           the
           dayes
           of
           the
           blessed
           Apostles
           ,
           till
           this
           age
           ,
           to
           stand
           for
           it
           ;
           The
           second
           hath
           the
           late
           persecuted
           ,
           reformed
           Church
           of
           
             France
             ,
          
           (
           which
           never
           desired
           ,
           nor
           meant
           to
           make
           their
           necessitated
           forme
           ,
           a
           patterne
           for
           others
           )
           the
           
             Netherlands
             ,
          
           and
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           for
           precedents
           of
           it
           ;
           The
           third
           hath
           the
           Ministers
           of
           
             New-England
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Associates
           ,
           commonly
           styled
           by
           the
           name
           of
           INDEPENDENTS
           ,
           vehemently
           contending
           for
           it
           :
           The
           adversaries
           of
           every
           of
           these
           are
           as
           well
           known
           ,
           as
           their
           friends
           ;
           and
           the
           pleas
           ,
           which
           every
           of
           them
           makes
           for
           it selfe
           ,
           are
           as
           well
           known
           as
           either
           .
        
         
           I
           suppose
           it
           is
           yet
           
             res
             integra
          
           ;
           else
           ,
           I
           should
           lay
           my
           finger
           upon
           my
           lips
           ;
           Both
           the
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           your
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           Kingdome
           ,
           stand
           yet
           free
           ,
           and
           unengaged
           to
           any
           part
           :
           For
           the
           National
           Covenant
           (
           as
           it
           is
           interpreted
           by
           some
           of
           your selves
           ,
           and
           those
           other
           Divines
           whose
           allowed
           Sermons
           have
           commented
           upon
           it
           )
           intends
           not
           to
           abjure
           ,
           and
           disclaime
           Episcopacie
           ,
           as
           such
           ;
           but
           only
           bends
           against
           the
           whole
           present
           fabrick
           of
           Government
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           built
           on
           these
           Arches
           ,
           these
           Pedestalls
           ;
           so
           as
           if
           it
           be
           taken
           asunder
           from
           those
           (
           some
           of
           them
           ,
           not
           necessary
           )
           appendances
           ,
           you
           are
           no
           way
           forstalled
           in
           your
           judgement
           against
           it
           ;
           nor
           any
           other
           ,
           that
           hath
           lift
           up
           his
           hand
           in
           this
           solemne
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           That
           I
           may
           not
           urge
           the
           Latine
           Translation
           of
           the
           same
           Covenant
           ,
           printed
           and
           sent
           abroad
           to
           the
           Low-Countries
           and
           France
           ,
           and
           other
           Churches
           ,
           which
           ran
           onely
           upon
           
             tyrannicum
             regimen
             Episcoporum
          
           ;
           that
           onely
           
           the
           Tyrannicall
           Government
           of
           the
           Prelates
           ,
           not
           their
           fatherly
           and
           brotherly
           preeminence
           ,
           is
           there
           abjured
           .
        
         
           Your
           wisdomes
           know
           well
           how
           to
           distinguish
           betwixt
           a
           Calling
           ,
           and
           the
           abuses
           of
           the
           execution
           thereof
           ;
           betwixt
           the
           maine
           substance
           of
           a
           Calling
           ,
           and
           the
           circumstantiall
           and
           separable
           appurtenances
           thereunto
           ;
           from
           which
           it
           may
           be
           devested
           ,
           and
           yet
           stand
           intire
           .
        
         
           I
           should
           be
           a
           flatterer
           of
           the
           times
           past
           (
           which
           is
           not
           often
           seene
           )
           if
           I
           should
           take
           upon
           me
           to
           justifie
           ,
           or
           approve
           of
           all
           the
           carriages
           of
           some
           that
           have
           been
           entrusted
           with
           the
           Keyes
           of
           Ecclesiasticall
           Government
           ;
           or
           to
           blanch
           over
           the
           Corruptions
           of
           Consistoriall
           Officers
           ;
           in
           both
           these
           ,
           there
           was
           fault
           enough
           ,
           to
           ground
           both
           a
           complaint
           ,
           and
           Reformation
           ;
           and
           ,
           may
           that
           man
           never
           prosper
           ,
           that
           desires
           not
           an
           happy
           Reformation
           of
           what
           ever
           hath
           been
           ,
           or
           is
           amisse
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ;
           But
           this
           I
           offer
           to
           your
           serious
           consideration
           ,
           whether
           Episcopacie
           ,
           stripped
           of
           all
           circumstances
           that
           may
           be
           justly
           excepted
           against
           ,
           and
           reduced
           to
           the
           Primitive
           estate
           ,
           may
           not
           be
           thought
           a
           forme
           ,
           both
           better
           in
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           more
           fit
           for
           this
           Kingdome
           and
           Church
           ,
           then
           either
           of
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           How
           ancient
           it
           is
           ,
           I
           need
           not
           appeale
           to
           any
           but
           your selves
           ,
           who
           doe
           well
           know
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           never
           yet
           any
           History
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           wherein
           there
           was
           not
           full
           mention
           made
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           as
           the
           onely
           Governours
           thereof
           ;
           neither
           can
           any
           learned
           adversary
           deny
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           continued
           ,
           with
           the
           generall
           allowance
           of
           Gods
           Church
           ,
           from
           the
           very
           Apostolike
           times
           ,
           untill
           this
           present
           age
           .
           And
           whether
           it
           can
           be
           safe
           ,
           and
           ,
           lye
           not
           open
           to
           much
           scandall
           ,
           to
           exchange
           so
           ancient
           an
           institution
           hitherto
           perpetuated
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           for
           a
           new
           ,
           where
           no
           necessity
           inforces
           us
           ,
           judge
           ye
           .
        
         
         
           How
           universall
           it
           is
           ,
           being
           the
           onely
           received
           government
           of
           all
           the
           Christian
           Churches
           over
           the
           face
           of
           the
           whole
           earth
           ,
           (
           excepting
           onely
           this
           small
           spot
           of
           our
           neighbourhood
           )
           ye
           know
           as
           well
           ,
           as
           the
           undoubted
           relation
           of
           the
           
             Christianographie
          
           can
           tell
           you
           :
           and
           how
           unsafe
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           to
           depart
           from
           the
           forme
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           ,
           that
           professe
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           (
           who
           doe
           all
           submit
           themselves
           to
           Bishops
           ,
           or
           Superintendents
           ,
           except
           the
           fore-excepted
           )
           I
           leave
           to
           your
           grave
           judgement
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           how
           Episcopacie
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           long
           been
           setled
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           incorporated
           into
           it
           ;
           and
           enwoven
           into
           the
           municipall
           Laws
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           it
           cannot
           be
           utterly
           removed
           ,
           without
           much
           alteration
           in
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           our
           Lawes
           ;
           is
           a
           matter
           well
           worthy
           of
           not
           the
           least
           consideration
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           all
           these
           would
           yet
           seeme
           light
           upon
           the
           Balance
           ,
           if
           there
           were
           not
           an
           intrinsecall
           worth
           in
           the
           institution
           it selfe
           ,
           that
           might
           sway
           with
           you
           :
           The
           Covenant
           bindes
           to
           the
           indeavour
           of
           such
           a
           Government
           ,
           as
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           example
           of
           the
           best
           Reformed
           Churches
           .
           And
           now
           ,
           let
           me
           appeale
           to
           your
           owne
           hearts
           ,
           and
           the
           hearts
           of
           all
           judicious
           and
           unprejudicate
           Readers
           ,
           whether
           the
           rules
           of
           Church-Government
           ,
           laid
           forth
           in
           the
           Epistles
           to
           
             Timothie
          
           and
           
             Titus
             ,
          
           doe
           not
           suppose
           ,
           and
           import
           that
           very
           proper
           jurisdiction
           ,
           which
           is
           claimed
           by
           Episcopacie
           at
           this
           day
           :
           Which
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           not
           intended
           to
           be
           left
           as
           a
           perfect
           pattern
           to
           succession
           ;
           the
           whole
           Church
           of
           Christ
           should
           have
           been
           left
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           without
           any
           direction
           for
           the
           succeeding
           administration
           thereof
           :
           Those
           charges
           are
           plainly
           given
           ,
           not
           to
           many
           ,
           but
           to
           one
           ;
           and
           doe
           most
           manifestly
           imply
           not
           a
           parity
           ,
           but
           preeminence
           and
           power
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           the
           example
           of
           the
           best
           Churches
           must
           carry
           
           it
           :
           What
           Church
           could
           be
           more
           pure
           ,
           and
           more
           fit
           for
           our
           imitation
           ,
           then
           the
           Primitive
           ?
           and
           that
           part
           of
           it
           which
           immediately
           followed
           the
           Apostles
           of
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           And
           doe
           not
           you
           full
           wel
           know
           ,
           that
           our
           Histories
           ,
           and
           unquestionable
           Authors
           name
           the
           men
           ,
           whom
           those
           Apostles
           ,
           by
           imposition
           of
           hands
           ,
           ordained
           to
           this
           function
           ?
           Do
           not
           
             Ignatius
             ,
             Irenaeus
             ,
             Tertullian
             ,
             Polycrates
             ,
             Egesippus
             ,
             Clemens
             ,
             Eusebius
             ,
             Ierome
          
           instance
           in
           those
           persons
           ,
           who
           succeeded
           each
           other
           in
           those
           first
           Sees
           ?
           If
           you
           tell
           me
           of
           the
           difference
           betwixt
           the
           Episcopacie
           of
           those
           first
           Ages
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           that
           of
           the
           present
           times
           ;
           I
           doe
           willingly
           yeeld
           it
           ,
           but
           ,
           withall
           ,
           I
           must
           adde
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           in
           any
           thing
           essentiall
           to
           the
           calling
           ,
           but
           in
           matters
           outward
           ,
           and
           meerly
           adventitious
           ;
           the
           abatement
           whereof
           (
           if
           it
           shall
           be
           found
           needfull
           )
           diminisheth
           nothing
           from
           the
           substance
           of
           that
           holy
           institution
           ;
           What
           can
           be
           more
           expresse
           ,
           then
           ,
           in
           the
           ancientest
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           blessed
           Martyr
           ,
           
             Ignatius
             ,
          
           the
           mention
           of
           the
           three
           distinct
           degrees
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           Presbyters
           ,
           Deacons
           ;
           encharged
           with
           their
           severall
           duties
           which
           were
           yet
           never
           intermitted
           ,
           and
           let
           fall
           to
           this
           present
           day
           ;
           How
           frequently
           ,
           and
           vehemently
           doth
           he
           in
           his
           genuine
           Epistles
           (
           twice
           in
           that
           to
           the
           
             Ephesians
          
           )
           call
           for
           due
           subjection
           to
           the
           Bishop
           and
           the
           Presbyterie
           ?
           How
           distinctly
           doth
           he
           in
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           
             Magnesians
             ,
          
           name
           their
           Bishop
           ,
           
             Dama
          
           ;
           and
           their
           Presbyters
           ,
           
             Bassus
             ,
             Apollonius
             ,
             Stephanus
             ?
          
           How
           doth
           he
           in
           his
           Epistle
           
             Ad
             Trallianos
          
           set
           forth
           the
           Bishop
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Presbyterie
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           And
           if
           any
           man
           shall
           be
           so
           unjustly
           scrupulous
           ,
           as
           to
           call
           into
           question
           the
           credit
           of
           this
           gracious
           Author
           ,
           (
           reserved
           ,
           no
           doubt
           ,
           by
           a
           speciall
           providence
           ,
           for
           the
           conviction
           of
           the
           schismes
           of
           these
           last
           times
           )
           therein
           out-doing
           
             Vedelius
          
           himselfe
           ,
           (
           who
           stoutly
           
           asserteth
           some
           of
           these
           Epistles
           ,
           whiles
           he
           rejects
           others
           as
           suppositious
           )
           let
           him
           cast
           his
           eyes
           upon
           the
           no
           lesse
           famous
           ,
           and
           holy
           Martyr
           ,
           and
           Bishop
           ,
           
             Polycarpus
          
           ;
           who
           (
           as
           
             Irenaeus
             ,
          
           
           an
           unquestionable
           Author
           tels
           us
           ,
           one
           ,
           whose
           eyes
           beheld
           that
           Saint
           )
           did
           not
           onely
           converse
           with
           those
           that
           had
           seene
           Christ
           ,
           but
           also
           was
           by
           the
           Apostles
           constituted
           in
           
             Asia
             ,
          
           Bishop
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Smyrna
             .
          
           Let
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           can
           ,
           deny
           
             Cyprian
          
           the
           holy
           Martyr
           and
           Bishop
           of
           
             Carthage
             ,
          
           writing
           familiarly
           to
           the
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           Deacons
           there
           ;
           sometimes
           gravely
           reproving
           them
           ;
           sometimes
           fatherly
           admonishing
           them
           of
           their
           duties
           ;
           in
           divers
           of
           his
           Epistles
           .
           Let
           him
           deny
           ,
           that
           his
           contemporanye
           
             Cornelius
             ,
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           acknowledgeth
           46.
           
           Presbyters
           committed
           by
           the
           Catholique
           Church
           ,
           to
           his
           charge
           :
           Shortly
           ,
           let
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           stick
           at
           this
           truth
           ,
           deny
           that
           there
           was
           any
           Christian
           Church
           of
           old
           ,
           any
           Historie
           .
        
         
           All
           which
           duly
           considered
           ,
           I
           would
           faine
           know
           what
           reason
           can
           be
           shewed
           ,
           why
           that
           ancient
           ,
           yea
           first
           government
           by
           the
           Bishop
           and
           his
           Presbyterie
           ,
           received
           ,
           and
           with
           all
           good
           approbation
           and
           successe
           ,
           used
           in
           the
           Primitive
           Church
           ,
           and
           derived
           (
           though
           not
           without
           some
           faulty
           omissions
           ,
           and
           intertextures
           ,
           which
           may
           easily
           be
           remedied
           )
           untill
           this
           present
           day
           ,
           should
           not
           rather
           take
           place
           ;
           then
           a
           government
           lately
           ,
           and
           occasionally
           raised
           up
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           for
           the
           necessity
           ,
           or
           convenience
           of
           some
           speciall
           places
           ,
           and
           persons
           ;
           without
           any
           intention
           of
           an
           universall
           rule
           and
           prescription
           .
        
         
           If
           you
           shall
           say
           that
           this
           Government
           by
           Bishops
           hath
           been
           found
           ,
           by
           sad
           experience
           ,
           hitherto
           ,
           a
           block
           in
           the
           way
           of
           perfect
           Reformation
           ,
           destructive
           to
           the
           power
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           and
           pure
           Administration
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           Christ
           ;
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           answer
           ;
           That
           ,
           first
           ,
           I
           feare
           ,
           
           the
           Independent
           part
           ,
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           say
           no
           lesse
           of
           the
           Presbyterian
           ;
           boldly
           pressing
           their
           defects
           ,
           both
           in
           constitution
           ,
           and
           practice
           ;
           and
           publiquely
           averring
           ,
           the
           exquisitely-reformed
           way
           to
           lye
           betwixt
           the
           
             Episcopall
             ,
          
           and
           
             Calvinian
             ,
          
           which
           they
           have
           had
           the
           happinesse
           to
           light
           upon
           ;
           neither
           want
           there
           ,
           those
           ,
           who
           ,
           upon
           challenge
           of
           further
           illumination
           ,
           taxe
           those
           Semi-separists
           ,
           as
           comming
           far
           too
           short
           of
           that
           perfection
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           themselves
           have
           attained
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           I
           must
           ,
           in
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           ,
           beseech
           you
           here
           to
           make
           use
           of
           that
           necessary
           distinction
           ,
           betwixt
           Callings
           ,
           and
           Persons
           ;
           for
           it
           oftentimes
           fals
           out
           ,
           that
           the
           Calling
           unjustly
           suffers
           for
           that
           ,
           whereof
           onely
           the
           Person
           is
           guilty
           ;
           Let
           the
           Calling
           be
           never
           so
           holy
           ,
           &
           the
           rules
           of
           Administration
           never
           so
           wise
           ,
           and
           perfect
           ;
           yet
           if
           the
           person
           ,
           in
           whose
           trust
           they
           are
           ,
           be
           either
           negligent
           ,
           or
           corrupt
           ,
           or
           impotent
           in
           ordering
           his
           passions
           and
           carriage
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           but
           all
           things
           must
           goe
           amisse
           ,
           and
           much
           disorder
           and
           confusion
           must
           needs
           follow
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           if
           such
           hath
           been
           the
           case
           in
           some
           late
           times
           ,
           why
           should
           the
           blame
           be
           laid
           upon
           the
           Calling
           ,
           which
           both
           is
           innocent
           ,
           and
           might
           have
           been
           better
           improved
           ?
           Give
           me
           a
           Bishop
           (
           such
           there
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           such
           there
           are
           ,
           let
           D.
           
             Potter
          
           the
           late
           Bishop
           of
           
             Carlile
             ,
          
           for
           instance
           ,
           be
           one
           )
           that
           is
           truly
           conscionable
           ,
           pious
           ,
           painfull
           ,
           zealous
           in
           promoting
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           ready
           to
           encourage
           all
           faithfull
           Preachers
           ,
           and
           to
           censure
           and
           correct
           the
           lazie
           ,
           and
           scandalous
           ;
           carefull
           of
           the
           due
           imposition
           of
           his
           hands
           ;
           meek
           and
           unblameable
           in
           all
           his
           carriage
           ;
           and
           now
           tell
           me
           how
           the
           government
           of
           such
           an
           one
           (
           regulated
           
           by
           the
           holy
           and
           wholsome
           Lawes
           of
           our
           Church
           )
           can
           be
           said
           to
           be
           obstructive
           to
           the
           successe
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           or
           to
           destroy
           the
           power
           of
           Godlines
           ?
           certainly
           ,
           if
           all
           be
           not
           such
           ,
           the
           fault
           is
           in
           the
           Men
           ;
           their
           Calling
           doth
           not
           onely
           admit
           of
           ,
           but
           incites
           them
           to
           all
           vertue
           and
           goodnesse
           ;
           whereof
           if
           they
           be
           defective
           ,
           let
           the
           Person
           take
           off
           the
           blame
           from
           the
           Function
           .
        
         
           Neither
           doubt
           I
           to
           affirme
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           well
           be
           made
           good
           ,
           that
           the
           perfectest
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           can
           be
           capable
           of
           ,
           here
           upon
           earth
           ,
           may
           consist
           with
           Episcopacie
           ,
           so
           regulated
           ,
           as
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           if
           it
           please
           the
           High
           Court
           of
           Parliament
           to
           pitch
           upon
           that
           course
           :
           And
           indeed
           how
           can
           it
           be
           conceived
           ,
           that
           the
           carefull
           inspection
           of
           one
           constant
           ,
           prudent
           ,
           and
           vigilant
           overseer
           ,
           super-added
           to
           a
           grave
           and
           judicious
           Presbyterie
           ,
           should
           be
           any
           hindrance
           to
           the
           progresse
           of
           godlinesse
           ?
           especially
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           so
           limited
           by
           the
           bounds
           of
           good
           lawes
           and
           constitutions
           ,
           that
           he
           cannot
           run
           out
           ,
           without
           the
           danger
           of
           a
           just
           censure
           ;
           There
           are
           already
           many
           excellent
           rules
           of
           Government
           ,
           if
           they
           were
           awaked
           ,
           and
           actuated
           by
           full
           authority
           ;
           and
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           any
           deficiency
           ,
           more
           might
           be
           easily
           added
           to
           make
           the
           body
           of
           Church-lawes
           complete
           .
        
         
           To
           give
           a
           taste
           of
           what
           may
           be
           effected
           ,
           with
           very
           little
           or
           no
           alteration
           of
           one
           Forme
           of
           Government
           to
           another
           .
        
         
           I
           remember
           one
           of
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           in
           a
           Discourse
           tending
           to
           the
           advancing
           of
           the
           Presbyterian
           way
           ,
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           Dr.
           
             Montague
             ,
          
           the
           late
           worthy
           Bishop
           of
           
             Winchester
             ,
          
           asked
           King
           
             James
          
           of
           blessed
           memory
           ,
           
           (
           whose
           sweet
           affability
           the
           world
           well
           knew
           )
           
             How
             it
             came
             about
             ,
             that
             there
             were
             so
             few
             heresies
             ,
             and
             errors
             of
             doctrine
             ,
             broached
             ,
             and
             prosecuted
             ,
             to
             the
             publique
             disturbance
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             ?
          
           Unto
           which
           ,
           the
           wise
           and
           learned
           King
           is
           said
           to
           have
           returned
           this
           Answer
           ;
           
             That
             every
             Parish
             hath
             their
             Pastor
             ,
             ever
             present
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             watching
             over
             them
             ;
             That
             the
             Pastor
             hath
             his
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             sorted
             with
             him
             ;
             That
             he
             with
             them
             ,
             once
             a
             week
             ,
             meets
             at
             a
             set
             time
             and
             place
             ,
             for
             the
             censure
             of
             manners
             ,
             or
             what
             ever
             disorder
             falls
             out
             in
             the
             Parish
             ;
             so
             as
             he
             ,
             by
             this
             meanes
             ,
             perfectly
             knowes
             his
             flock
             ;
             and
             every
             aberration
             of
             them
             ,
             either
             in
             matter
             of
             opinion
             ,
             or
             practice
             :
             And
             ,
             lest
             any
             Error
             ,
             or
             Heresie
             may
             seize
             upon
             the
             Pastor
             ;
             they
             have
             their
             Presbyteries
             ,
             consisting
             of
             severall
             Shrivalties
             ,
             which
             meet
             together
             in
             the
             chiefe
             Towne
             or
             City
             next
             to
             them
             ,
             every
             week
             also
             once
             ;
             and
             have
             there
             their
             exercise
             of
             Prophecying
             ;
             after
             which
             ,
             the
             Moderator
             of
             the
             said
             Meeting
             asks
             and
             gathers
             the
             judgements
             of
             all
             the
             said
             Pastors
             ,
             concerning
             the
             doctrine
             then
             delivered
             ,
             or
             ,
             of
             any
             other
             doubtfull
             point
             ,
             that
             is
             then
             and
             there
             propounded
             ;
             And
             if
             the
             said
             Presbyters
             be
             divided
             in
             their
             opinions
             ,
             then
             the
             Question
             is
             ,
             under
             an
             injoyned
             silence
             ,
             put
             over
             to
             the
             next
             Synode
             ,
             which
             is
             held
             twice
             a
             yeare
             ;
             unto
             that
             all
             the
             Pastors
             of
             that
             Quarter
             ,
             or
             Province
             duly
             resort
             ;
             accompanyed
             with
             their
             Elders
             ;
             The
             Moderator
             of
             the
             former
             Synode
             begins
             the
             Action
             ;
             then
             a
             new
             Moderator
             is
             chosen
             for
             the
             present
             ,
             or
             (
             as
             it
             seldome
             falls
             out
             )
             the
             last
             Moderator
             ,
             by
             Voices
             ,
             continued
             .
          
        
         
           
             Any
             Question
             of
             doubt
             being
             proposed
             ,
             is
             either
             decided
             by
             that
             meeting
             ,
             or
             (
             if
             it
             cannot
             be
             so
             done
             )
             is
             ,
             with
             charge
             of
             silence
             ,
             reserved
             till
             the
             Nationall
             Synode
             ,
             or
             
             Generall
             Assembly
             ;
             which
             they
             hold
             every
             yeare
             once
             ;
             Whither
             come
             not
             the
             Pastors
             onely
             ,
             but
             the
             King
             himselfe
             ,
             or
             his
             Commissioners
             ;
             and
             some
             of
             all
             Orders
             and
             Degrees
             ,
             sufficiently
             authorized
             for
             the
             determining
             of
             any
             Controversie
             ,
             that
             shall
             arise
             amongst
             them
             .
          
           Thus
           he
           .
           And
           certainly
           this
           beares
           the
           face
           of
           a
           very
           faire
           and
           laudable
           course
           ,
           and
           such
           ,
           as
           deserves
           the
           approbation
           of
           all
           the
           wel-willers
           to
           that
           discipline
           :
           But
           let
           me
           adde
           ,
           that
           we
           either
           have
           ,
           or
           may
           have
           ,
           (
           in
           this
           very
           same
           state
           of
           things
           ,
           with
           some
           small
           variation
           )
           in
           effect
           ,
           the
           same
           Government
           with
           us
           ;
           onely
           there
           wants
           some
           care
           and
           life
           in
           their
           execution
           ,
           which
           might
           ,
           without
           much
           difficulty
           ,
           be
           redressed
           ;
           Every
           parish
           hath
           ,
           or
           by
           Law
           ought
           to
           have
           their
           Minister
           ever
           present
           with
           them
           ;
           and
           carefully
           watching
           over
           them
           .
           In
           stead
           then
           of
           their
           Pastor
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Deacons
           ;
           we
           have
           in
           every
           Parish
           ,
           the
           Minister
           ,
           whether
           a
           Rector
           ,
           or
           Vicar
           ;
           Churchwardens
           ,
           Questmen
           ,
           or
           Sidemen
           ,
           and
           Overseers
           for
           the
           Poore
           ;
           and
           in
           places
           of
           any
           eminence
           ,
           a
           Curate
           or
           Assistent
           to
           the
           Rector
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           Deacon
           at
           least
           ;
           These
           may
           ,
           and
           ought
           ,
           and
           ,
           in
           some
           places
           ,
           doe
           duly
           meet
           together
           ,
           every
           week
           ,
           on
           a
           set
           day
           ,
           in
           their
           Vestry
           ;
           and
           decide
           such
           differences
           as
           happen
           amongst
           them
           ;
           and
           may
           well
           be
           enjoyned
           ,
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           such
           abuses
           and
           mis-demeanours
           ,
           as
           are
           incident
           into
           their
           parish
           ,
           for
           their
           speedy
           reformation
           ,
           within
           the
           Verge
           of
           their
           owne
           power
           .
        
         
           In
           stead
           of
           their
           Presbyteries
           ,
           consisting
           of
           severall
           pastors
           ,
           we
           have
           our
           number
           ,
           and
           combination
           of
           ministers
           ,
           in
           the
           divisions
           of
           our
           severall
           Deanries
           ;
           under
           which
           ,
           are
           ranged
           all
           the
           Ministers
           within
           that
           
           circuit
           ;
           Over
           whom
           the
           Rurall
           Deane
           (
           as
           he
           is
           called
           )
           is
           every
           year
           chosen
           ,
           by
           the
           said
           Ministers
           of
           that
           division
           ,
           as
           their
           moderator
           ,
           for
           the
           yeare
           ensuing
           ;
           whose
           office
           (
           if
           it
           were
           carefully
           looked
           unto
           ,
           and
           reduced
           to
           the
           originall
           institution
           )
           might
           be
           of
           singular
           use
           to
           Gods
           Church
           ;
           This
           Deanry
           ,
           or
           Presbytery
           ,
           consisting
           of
           severall
           pastors
           ,
           may
           be
           injoyned
           to
           meet
           together
           every
           moneth
           ,
           or
           oftner
           (
           if
           it
           seeme
           fit
           )
           in
           some
           city
           or
           town
           next
           unto
           them
           ;
           and
           may
           there
           have
           their
           exercise
           of
           prophesying
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           known
           it
           practiced
           in
           some
           parts
           of
           this
           kingdom
           ;
           and
           as
           it
           is
           earnestly
           wished
           and
           recommended
           ,
           by
           that
           excellently-Learned
           Lord
           ,
           
             Verulame
             ,
          
           late
           Lord
           Chancelour
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           in
           his
           prudent
           Considerations
           :
           and
           then
           ,
           and
           there
           ,
           may
           indevour
           to
           decide
           any
           doubt
           ,
           that
           may
           arise
           in
           their
           severall
           parishes
           ;
           either
           concerning
           the
           doctrine
           of
           their
           Minister
           ,
           or
           scruple
           in
           cases
           of
           conscience
           ,
           and
           may
           transact
           any
           publique
           businesse
           that
           may
           concerne
           their
           whole
           division
           ;
           But
           if
           any
           such
           matter
           or
           question
           should
           arise
           ,
           as
           their
           divided
           opinions
           cannot
           fully
           determine
           ;
           it
           may
           (
           under
           charge
           of
           silence
           )
           be
           put
           over
           to
           a
           more
           publique
           meeting
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           synodall
           assembly
           of
           the
           Clergy
           held
           twice
           a
           yeare
           ,
           under
           the
           moderation
           (
           hitherto
           )
           of
           the
           Archdeacon
           ;
           And
           if
           there
           the
           question
           fayle
           ,
           of
           a
           full
           determination
           ,
           it
           is
           ,
           or
           may
           be
           referred
           ,
           (
           with
           like
           silence
           and
           peace
           )
           to
           a
           Diocesan
           Synode
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           held
           every
           yeare
           once
           ;
           under
           the
           presidency
           of
           the
           Bishop
           ;
           And
           if
           yet
           the
           decision
           come
           not
           home
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           referred
           to
           the
           determining
           of
           a
           Provinciall
           Synod
           ,
           or
           yet
           higher
           ,
           to
           a
           Nationall
           :
           So
           as
           in
           these
           cases
           of
           doubts
           ,
           or
           errors
           ,
           if
           men
           would
           not
           be
           wanting
           to
           
           themselves
           ,
           nothing
           needs
           to
           be
           wanting
           in
           the
           state
           we
           now
           stand
           in
           ,
           to
           the
           safety
           ,
           and
           happinesse
           of
           our
           Church
           .
        
         
           For
           matter
           of
           Ordination
           of
           Ministers
           ;
           the
           former
           Constitutions
           of
           our
           Church
           ,
           have
           deeply
           enjoyned
           the
           presence
           ,
           and
           assistance
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           by
           their
           originall
           institution
           ,
           are
           the
           Presbyterie
           of
           the
           Bishop
           ,
           at
           ,
           and
           ,
           in
           ,
           the
           examination
           ,
           and
           allowance
           of
           the
           persons
           to
           be
           ordained
           ;
           requiring
           also
           ,
           the
           joynt-imposition
           of
           those
           hands
           ,
           which
           attested
           the
           sufficiency
           of
           the
           said
           Examinates
           ;
           not
           without
           a
           severe
           sanction
           of
           two
           yeares
           suspension
           ,
           of
           the
           act
           of
           Ordaining
           ,
           to
           passe
           upon
           any
           Bishop
           ,
           or
           Suffragane
           ,
           that
           shall
           be
           found
           failing
           in
           any
           of
           the
           particulars
           ;
           The
           qualification
           of
           those
           that
           are
           to
           be
           ordained
           ,
           is
           in
           our
           Canons
           already
           set
           forth
           ,
           with
           much
           caution
           ;
           for
           their
           age
           ,
           their
           degrees
           ,
           their
           abilities
           ,
           the
           testimonie
           of
           their
           holy
           conversation
           ;
           neither
           need
           I
           doubt
           to
           affirm
           ,
           that
           he
           ,
           who
           (
           besides
           all
           other
           circumstances
           of
           education
           )
           is
           able
           to
           give
           a
           good
           account
           of
           his
           faith
           in
           Latine
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           received
           Articles
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           to
           confirme
           the
           same
           by
           sufficient
           testimonies
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           holy
           Scripture
           ,
           may
           be
           thought
           competently
           fit
           ,
           (
           for
           matter
           of
           knowledge
           )
           to
           enter
           upon
           the
           first
           step
           of
           Deaconship
           ;
           which
           the
           wisdome
           of
           the
           Church
           hath
           (
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           rule
           )
           appointed
           (
           not
           without
           a
           sufficient
           distance
           of
           time
           )
           in
           way
           of
           probation
           ,
           to
           the
           higher
           order
           of
           Ministery
           ;
           forbidding
           to
           give
           both
           orders
           at
           once
           ;
           and
           requiring
           ,
           that
           he
           ,
           who
           is
           ordained
           Deacon
           ,
           shall
           continue
           a
           whole
           yeare
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           in
           that
           station
           ,
           except
           ,
           upon
           some
           weighty
           reasons
           ,
           it
           shall
           seeme
           fit
           to
           the
           
           Bishop
           ,
           to
           contract
           the
           time
           limited
           :
           And
           ,
           lest
           there
           should
           be
           any
           subreption
           in
           this
           sacred
           businesse
           ,
           it
           is
           Ordered
           ,
           that
           these
           Ordinations
           should
           be
           no
           other
           then
           solemne
           ,
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           time
           and
           place
           ;
           neither
           ought
           they
           to
           be
           ,
           nor
           in
           some
           places
           are
           ,
           without
           a
           publique
           preconization
           of
           lawfull
           warning
           affixed
           upon
           the
           Cathedrall
           Church
           doore
           ,
           where
           the
           said
           Ordination
           shall
           be
           celebrated
           ;
           and
           over
           and
           besides
           the
           charge
           ,
           that
           none
           shall
           be
           admitted
           to
           be
           a
           Candidate
           of
           holy
           Orders
           ,
           but
           he
           who
           brings
           sufficient
           testimonials
           of
           his
           good
           life
           and
           conversation
           ,
           under
           the
           seale
           of
           some
           Colledge
           in
           
             Cambridge
          
           or
           
             Oxford
             ,
          
           or
           of
           three
           ,
           or
           foure
           grave
           Ministers
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           subscription
           and
           testimonie
           of
           other
           credible
           persons
           ,
           who
           have
           known
           his
           life
           and
           behaviour
           ,
           by
           the
           space
           of
           three
           yeeres
           next
           before
           ;
           it
           is
           well
           knowne
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           before
           the
           Act
           of
           Ordination
           there
           is
           publique
           Proclamation
           made
           to
           the
           whole
           Assembly
           ,
           that
           if
           any
           man
           knowes
           any
           crime
           or
           impediment
           in
           any
           of
           the
           persons
           presented
           ,
           for
           which
           he
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           ordained
           ,
           that
           hee
           should
           come
           forth
           and
           declare
           it
           before
           any
           hand
           be
           laid
           upon
           his
           head
           ,
           for
           his
           full
           admission
           .
        
         
           Notwithstanding
           all
           which
           care
           of
           our
           deare
           Mother
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ;
           if
           it
           shall
           bee
           thought
           meet
           ,
           that
           any
           further
           act
           of
           Tryall
           ,
           shall
           passe
           upon
           those
           ,
           which
           are
           suitors
           for
           Ordination
           ,
           how
           easily
           may
           it
           be
           ordered
           ,
           that
           at
           the
           monethly
           (
           or
           ,
           if
           need
           be
           ,
           more
           frequent
           )
           meeting
           of
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           within
           the
           same
           Presbyterie
           ,
           
           or
           Deanrie
           ;
           they
           may
           be
           appointed
           to
           make
           tryall
           of
           their
           gifts
           ,
           and
           undergoe
           such
           further
           examination
           of
           their
           abilities
           ,
           as
           shall
           bee
           thought
           requisite
           ,
           ere
           they
           shall
           be
           presented
           ,
           and
           admitted
           by
           the
           Bishop
           ,
           and
           his
           Presbyterie
           to
           that
           holy
           function
           .
        
         
           And
           whereas
           it
           is
           much
           stood
           upon
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           meet
           the
           people
           ,
           (
           whose
           soules
           must
           have
           right
           in
           him
           ,
           to
           whose
           trust
           they
           are
           committed
           )
           should
           have
           some
           hand
           in
           their
           consent
           to
           that
           Pastor
           ,
           by
           whom
           they
           must
           be
           fed
           ;
           it
           must
           be
           said
           ,
           that
           besides
           their
           devolution
           of
           their
           right
           to
           the
           patron
           ,
           who
           ,
           as
           their
           trustee
           ,
           presents
           a
           Minister
           for
           them
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           no
           prejudice
           at
           all
           to
           the
           power
           which
           by
           Law
           and
           inheritance
           is
           setled
           upon
           the
           patron
           ,
           that
           the
           person
           whom
           his
           choyce
           pitches
           upon
           ,
           be
           appointed
           before
           hand
           to
           preach
           ,
           (
           for
           a
           triall
           )
           to
           that
           congregation
           to
           which
           he
           is
           so
           designed
           ,
           and
           if
           either
           for
           his
           voice
           ,
           or
           other
           just
           exceptions
           he
           be
           found
           unmeet
           for
           them
           ,
           that
           another
           ,
           more
           fit
           may
           be
           recommended
           by
           the
           said
           Patron
           to
           the
           place
           ;
           but
           if
           through
           faction
           ,
           or
           self-will
           ,
           or
           partialitie
           ,
           the
           multitude
           shall
           prove
           pe●vish
           ,
           and
           fastidious
           ,
           they
           may
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ,
           be
           over-ruled
           by
           just
           authority
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           matter
           of
           censures
           ,
           it
           may
           not
           be
           denyed
           ,
           that
           there
           hath
           been
           great
           abuse
           in
           the
           managing
           of
           them
           ,
           both
           upon
           Ecclesiasticall
           persons
           ,
           and
           others
           :
           suspension
           of
           Ministers
           upon
           slight
           ,
           and
           insufficient
           causes
           ;
           both
           
             ab
             officio
             ,
          
           and
           
             beneficio
             ,
          
           hath
           been
           too
           rife
           in
           some
           places
           of
           later
           times
           ;
           and
           the
           dreadfull
           sentence
           of
           Excommunication
           hath
           too
           
           frequently
           ,
           and
           familiarly
           passed
           upon
           light
           and
           triviall
           matters
           :
           How
           happy
           were
           it
           ,
           if
           a
           speedy
           course
           may
           be
           taken
           ,
           for
           the
           prevention
           of
           this
           evil
           ;
           In
           the
           conference
           at
           
             Hampton-Court
             ,
          
           a
           motion
           was
           strongly
           made
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           but
           without
           effect
           ;
           if
           the
           wisedom
           of
           the
           present
           Parliament
           shall
           settle
           some
           other
           way
           for
           the
           curbing
           of
           contumatious
           offences
           against
           Church-authority
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           an
           act
           worthy
           of
           their
           care
           and
           justice
           .
           In
           the
           meane
           time
           ,
           as
           for
           this
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           Ecclesiasticall
           proceedings
           ,
           it
           may
           with
           much
           facility
           ,
           and
           willing
           consent
           of
           all
           parts
           ,
           be
           ordered
           ,
           that
           the
           Bishop
           shal
           not
           take
           upon
           him
           ,
           to
           inflict
           either
           this
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           important
           censure
           ,
           without
           the
           concurrence
           of
           his
           Presbitery
           ;
           which
           shall
           be
           a
           meanes
           (
           in
           all
           likelyhood
           )
           to
           prevent
           any
           inconvenience
           that
           may
           arise
           from
           the
           wonted
           way
           of
           Judicature
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           co-assession
           of
           a
           Lay-presbyterie
           ,
           in
           swaying
           these
           affaires
           of
           Church-government
           ;
           Ye
           well
           know
           how
           new
           it
           is
           ;
           some
           of
           you
           might
           have
           been
           acquainted
           with
           the
           man
           that
           brought
           it
           first
           into
           any
           part
           of
           this
           Island
           ;
           and
           what
           ground
           there
           is
           for
           it
           ,
           either
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           antiquity
           ,
           I
           appeale
           to
           your
           judgement
           :
           Surely
           ,
           the
           late
           learned
           Author
           of
           the
           Counsaile
           for
           the
           reforming
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           (
           although
           otherwise
           a
           vehement
           assertor
           of
           the
           French
           Discipline
           )
           ingenuously
           confesseth
           ,
           that
           however
           those
           Protestants
           which
           live
           under
           Popish
           Governours
           ,
           have
           done
           wisely
           ,
           in
           deputing
           some
           choise
           men
           ,
           selected
           out
           of
           their
           congregations
           ,
           whom
           they
           call
           Elders
           ,
           to
           share
           with
           their
           pastors
           ,
           in
           the
           care
           
           and
           management
           of
           Ecclesiasticall
           affaires
           ;
           Yet
           ,
           those
           Protestant
           Churches
           which
           live
           under
           the
           government
           of
           Protestant
           Princes
           ,
           may
           with
           the
           safety
           of
           those
           respects
           ,
           which
           mutually
           intercede
           betwixt
           Pastors
           and
           people
           ,
           forbeare
           any
           such
           deputation
           :
           for
           as
           much
           ,
           as
           the
           supreme
           Magistrate
           ,
           transfers
           (
           for
           the
           most
           part
           )
           to
           himselfe
           ,
           that
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           wonted
           charge
           of
           those
           deputed
           Elders
           ;
           concluding
           ,
           that
           those
           men
           ,
           do
           meerely
           lose
           their
           labour
           ,
           who
           so
           busily
           indevour
           on
           the
           one
           side
           ,
           to
           disprove
           the
           antiquity
           of
           the
           Lay-Eldership
           ;
           and
           ,
           on
           the
           other
           ,
           by
           weak
           proofes
           to
           maintaine
           ,
           (
           cleane
           contrary
           to
           the
           minde
           of
           the
           Apostle
           )
           that
           the
           text
           of
           Saint
           
             Paul
          
           (
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.17
           .
           )
           is
           to
           be
           understood
           of
           Pastors
           ,
           and
           Lay-Elders
           ;
           Thus
           he
           ;
           with
           what
           faire
           probability
           ,
           I
           leave
           to
           your
           judgment
           .
        
         
           Neither
           is
           it
           any
           intention
           of
           mine
           to
           meddle
           with
           any
           piece
           of
           that
           government
           ,
           which
           obtaineth
           in
           other
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           onely
           ,
           to
           contribute
           my
           poor
           opinion
           ,
           concerning
           the
           now-to-be-setled
           affaires
           of
           our
           own
           .
        
         
           What
           shall
           I
           need
           to
           suggest
           unto
           you
           the
           dangerous
           under-workings
           of
           other
           Sects
           ?
           secretly
           indevouring
           to
           spring
           their
           hidden
           mines
           to
           the
           overthrow
           both
           of
           the
           one
           government
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           ;
           whereof
           ,
           without
           speedy
           remedy
           ,
           perhaps
           it
           will
           be
           too
           late
           to
           complaine
           ;
           no
           doubt
           ,
           the
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           authority
           of
           that
           great
           Senate
           (
           whom
           ye
           also
           serve
           to
           advise
           )
           will
           forthwith
           interpose
           it self
           to
           the
           prevention
           of
           those
           mischiefes
           ,
           which
           the
           variety
           of
           these
           heresies
           ,
           and
           sects
           (
           though
           some
           of
           
           them
           cloaked
           with
           the
           fayrest
           pretences
           )
           threaten
           to
           this
           poor
           Church
           :
           It
           is
           no
           boot
           for
           me
           to
           tel
           you
           ,
           that
           the
           lesse
           disunion
           there
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           ground
           of
           safety
           ;
           and
           that
           where
           the
           holy
           purposes
           of
           Reformation
           may
           be
           effected
           ,
           with
           the
           least
           change
           ,
           there
           must
           needs
           be
           the
           most
           hope
           of
           accordance
           .
        
         
           The
           rest
           to
           the
           wise
           application
           of
           the
           powerfull
           and
           judicious
           ;
           It
           is
           enough
           for
           me
           to
           have
           thus
           boldly
           shot
           my
           bolt
           amongst
           you
           ;
           and
           to
           have
           thus
           freely
           discovered
           my
           honest
           ,
           and
           well
           meant
           thoughts
           to
           so
           able
           judgments
           ;
           What
           I
           want
           in
           my
           poor
           indevours
           shall
           be
           supplyed
           with
           my
           prayers
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           be
           pleased
           to
           compose
           all
           our
           miserable
           distractions
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           an
           happy
           issue
           ,
           to
           the
           long
           and
           perilous
           agitations
           of
           this
           wofully
           tottering
           and
           bleeding
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           ;
           Which
           the
           good
           God
           of
           heaven
           vouchsafe
           to
           grant
           for
           his
           great
           mercies
           sake
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           the
           dear
           Sonne
           of
           his
           love
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Just
           .
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Septemb.
            
             12.
             1644.
             
          
           
             Philalethirenaeus
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A45303e-90
           
             Iren.
             advers.
             Haeres
             .
             l.
             
               3.
            
             c.
             
               3.