(456) alfo as their Rulers, and the feveral Bithops, gratis',snitaatis, for avoidingof fchifm. §, i r. Anfìv. This an is an infufficient evidence to prove our Confciences obliged to their Ceremonies, eo nomine, becaúfe of their Canons or commands.For though we acknowledge afort of Epifcopacy to be warrantable,yet that this fort that made the Canons inquetlion, is not warrantable, I have proved at large in the former Ditputation on that queflion.Such Paftors of a Dio- eels as our bithops were,have no word of God to fhew for their office (further then as they are Presbyters,) but we have Chewed already, that their office is unlawfull.And therefore though their edions as Presbyters may be valid, yet their anions are Null whichwere done by pretenceof this unlawfull fort ofoffice,(they being noother way enabled thereto.) On this ground therefore we arenot bound. 9. I z. If it could be pretended that at kaft as Presbyters the Convocation reprefenced the Prefsbyters ofEngland,and there- fore thus theirCanons binds us to theufeofceremonies,Common prayer, d-c.I fhould anfwer, that s. Even Synods of Presbyters or cheLawfulleft fort ofBithops,oblige butgratiauniratis,z,That the lateSynod at Wefminf(er was as truly a Reprefentative of the Presbytersof England, as theConvcaotion ; where fuch con- fent,ifany were given, was retraâed:3.By aftuall diflike figni- fled by difufe, the PresbytersofEngland, for themoll: part,have retracted che:r Confent.4.Yea molt that are nowMinisters never gave fuch Confent. 5. Even all particular Paltors and Churches are free,and may on juft reafon deny confent to fuch impofitions. ç r 3 . There remains nothing then, that with any (hew of ftrength can be pretended,ascontinuing our obligation toCere- monies, from Authority, but that ofthe Civil Power that com- manded them. Butto that I fay, I. So much as was lawful!, we confefs that we were bound toufe, while we had the com_ mand of theCivil power : But nothingunlawful! could be made our duty by them. z. the Civil Power bath repealed chofe laws that bound us to there ceremonies. The Parli°tment repealed them : the late King confented, at !call, for the cafe Of tender Confciences ( as he fpoke) that men fhould have liberty to forbear them. And the prefent Rulers are againft them , whom we fee even the ceremonious obey in other matters. §. 14, Let
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