C'19Z iy our prefent Governours, I knownot any thingof that nc.: ,ceflity in the EnglifhSpecies of :Prelacy, as will warrant us to d.zfobey them. Stet. 8. And it is a thing that is inconfiflent with the Peace and Unity of thefe Churches : Which is another reafon. For t . Wehave Peen the ill effects ofit (which I am not willing CO open to the worft) 2. And the multitude ofthe moil confci- entious people areagt,inft it. 3. And the ,generality of the molt confcionab!efaithful Miniftersareagainft it ; So that it could not be rettored, without the apparent ruine of thefe Churches. 4. And a Learned Reverend AffemblyofDivines, chofenout of the feveral Counties by a Parliament, werea.gainft it. 5. And many Parliaments havebeen againft it. 5. And the generality of their adherents in the two Nations, that then lived in their Power , have taken a Solemn Covenant against it. Not againft all E,pifcopacy, but againft the Englifh fort of Pre- lade. So that it cannot be reftored, without incomparably ,much more hurt, then the continuanceofit would have done good ,and without letting all thefe Churches on a flame : So far is it now from beinga likely means of Unityor Peace among pus. Sect. 9. And if yet they plead the obligationof the ancient Laws ( which is molt infifled on by many ) I mutt by way of juts eltcufe , remember them of one thing, which its like they do not forget : that if thofe Laws are (till in force to .oblige us to Peek Ordination from the Prelates, and to Au- ,thorize the Prelates to Ordain, notwithfianding the Laws of later Powers that have repealed them, then it muff needs fol- low that thofe later Powers are taken for no Powers: and confe- quently thatthe fame Laws do oblige the Prelates to put the Oath of Allegiance and Supre macy,as to forneother Power,up on the Ordained before they lay hands upon them,and oblige theOrdained to take thofe Oaths, as well as to be fo Or - daire d. For if they be yet of force in one, they are of force in both. And fo no man can be Ordained by you without being guilty of that which the prefent Lawes make Treafon, and forfeiting his life : which I know nothing in the caufe that requireth him to do. sect. 19. Ands think I may conclude that it is your own judge-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=