2. I dare not aflBrm that the parliament hath not established a government already, for the essentials of
^ V^id. catal. liaeret. apud Tertul. de praiscript. Epipban. Aug. Vincent.
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it, themselves affirming that they have/ and their ordi- nances about rulers, rules, and persons to be ruled (the ' requisita' and materials of government) being long since extant. Now to require a thing to be done by them, who affirm that they have already done it, argues either much weakness, or supine negligence in ourselves, not to understand what is effected ; or a strong imputa- tion on those that have done it, either fraudulently to pretend that which is false, or foolishly to averse what they do not understand. Yet though I have learned to obey, as far as lawfully I may, my judgment is exceed- ingly far from being enslaved, and according to that, by God's assistance, shall be my practice ; which if it run cross to the prescriptions of authority, it shall cheerfully submit to the censure thereof. In the mean time, all petitioning of any party about this business, seems to thwart some declarations of the house of commons, whereunto I doabt not but they intend for the main inviolably and unalterably to adhere. Add hereunto, that petitioning in this kind was not long since voted breach in privilege, in them who might justly expect as much favour and liberty in petitioning, as any of their brethren in the kinofdom : and I have more than one reason to suppose, that the purpose and design of theirs and others, was one and the same,
3. There are no small grounds of supposal, that some petitions have not their rise from amongst them by whom they are subscribed ; but that the spring and master wheels giving the first motion to them, are distant and unseen : myself having been lately urged to subscription upon this ground, that directions were had for it from above (as we use to speak in the country), yea, in this I could say more than I intend, aiming at nothing but the quieting of men's spirits,
' Ego ancilljc fua; fulcin liitbui : iioune tu impudens, qui iicc inilii ipsi crcdis ? Piiilos. apud Plut. apopliili.
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needlessly exEisperated ; only I cannot but say, that honest men ought to be very cautious how they put themselves upon any engagement, that might make any party or faction in the kingdom ; suppose that their interest in the least measure doth run cross to that of the great council thereof, thereby to strengthen the hands or designs of any, by occasioning an opinion that upon fresh or new divisions (which God of his mercy prevent), we would not adhere constantly to our old principles, walking according to which we have hitherto found protection and safety. And I cannot but be jealous for the honour of our noble parliament, whose authority is every day undermined, and their regard in the affections of the people shaken, by such dangerous insinuations, as though they could in an hour put an end to all our disturbances, but refuse it. This season also for such petitions seems to be very un- seasonable, the greatest appearing danger impendent to this kingdom being from the contest about church- government, which by such means as this is exceed- ingly heightened, and animosity added to the parties at variance.
4. A particular form of church discipline is usually in such petitions, either directly expressed, or evi- dently pointed at, and directed unto, as that alone which our covenant engageth us to embrace. Yea, as though it held long since designed that particular way, and distinguished it from all others, the embracing of it is pressed under the pain of breach of covenant, a crime abhorred of God and man. Now truly to sup- pose that our covenant did tie us up absolutely to any one formerly known way of church discipline, the words formally engaging us into a disquisition out of the word, of that which is agreeable to the mind and will of God, is to me such a childish, ridiculous, selfish conceit, as I believe no knowing men will once enter-
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tain, unless prejudice begotten by their peculiar interest hath disturbed their intellectuals. For my part, I know no church government in the world already es- tablished amongst any sort of men, of the truth and necessity whereof, I am convinced in all particulars ; especially if I may take their practice to be the best interpreter of their maxims.
Fourthly, Another ' postulatum' is, that men would not use an over zealous speed, upon every small differ- ence, to characterize men (otherwise godly and peace- able) as sectaries, knowing the odiousness of the name,"* among the vulgar, deservedly or otherwise imposed, and the evil of the thing itself, rightly apprehended, whereunto lighter differences do not amount. Such names as this I know are arbitrary, and generally serve the wills of the greater number. They are commonly sectaries, who, 'jure aut injuria,' are oppressed. Nothing was ever persecuted under an esteemed name. Names are in the power of many, things and their causes are known to few. There is none in the world can give an ill title to others, which from some he doth not re- ceive ; the same right which in this kind I have towards another, he hath towards me ; unless I affirm myself to be infallible, not so he. Those names which men are known by, when they are oppressed, they com- monly use against others, whom they seek to oppress. I would therefore that all horrid appellations, as in- creasers of strife, kindlers of wrath, enemies of charity, food for animosity, were for ever banished from amongst us. Let a spade be called a spade, so we take heed Christ be not called Beelzebub. I know my profession to the greatest part of the world is sec- tarism, as Christianity; amongst those who profess the name of Christ, to the greatest number I am a sectary,