242 he L IEE ofthe L I B. L the Brethren at firlt defired me to write an Anfwer to ir. But afterward they con- Meted that this would but provoke them, and turn a Treaty for Concord into a (harp Difputation, which would increafe'the Difcord ; and fo whatI had written was never feen by any Man ; left it fhould hinder Peace. The Bifhop's Anfwer to the firft Propofals of the London Miei- ffers, who attempted the Work of Reconcilement ; which was brought them afterward infiead of' their Concefons, before ex= petted and promifed. When we looked to fee how much they would abate of their former Impofitions, for the attaining of Vnity and Peace o we received nothing but this Contra- dihilon. Concerning the Preamble. 5 r. 7 E firfì obferve that they take it for granted that there is a firm Agree- ment Y between them and us in the Do&rinal Truths of the reformed Religion, and in the Subfiantial Partsof Divine Worship; and that the Differen- ces are only in force various Conceptions about the Ancient Forms of Church- Government, and tome Particulars about Liturgy and Ceremonies. Which tnaketh all that follows the lets confiderable and lets reafonable to be flood upon to thehazard of the Diflurbanceand Peace of the Church. § a. They feem to intimate as if we did difcountenance the Pra&ice of thofe things which in Principles we allow, which we utterly deny. In Sundry Particulars therein propofed, we do not perceive what farther Securi- ty can be given, than isalready provided for by the eflablilbed Lawsof this Realm; whereunto filch Perfons as fhall at any time find themfelves agrieved may have recourfe for Remedy. § ;. r. We heartily defre (as well as they) that all Animolities be laid afide, Words ofScorn, Reproach, and Provocation might be mutually forborn, and that toMen of different Perfuafions filch a Liberty may be left of performing Chriflian Duties according to their own way within their own private Families, as that yet Uniformity in the publick Wórlhip may be preferved ; and that a Gap be not thereby opened to Se&cries for private Conventicles ; for the evil Conlequents whereof none can be lùficienelyrelponfible unto the State. § 4. 2. We lhkewife delire that every Congregation may have an able and God- ly Minifter to Preach, Catechifee adminifter the Sacraments, and perform other Minifterial Offices as need fhall require: But what they mean by raiding, and how far they will extend that Word, and what effectual Provisionof Law cantle made mote than is already done concerning the Things here mentioned, weknow not. fi 5. ;. Confirmation ( which for fundry Ends we think neceffary to be conti- nued in the Church) if rightly and folemnly performed, will alone be fufficient as. to the point of Inflru &ion. And for notorious and fcandalous. Offenders, pro- vifron is made in the Rubrick before the Communion, which Rules, had they been carefullyobferved, the Troubles of the Church by the Difputes andDivifions here mentioned had beenprevented, § 6. 4. There cannot be taken a more effe&ual Courfe in this behalf thanthe Ea. eatition. of the Laws already made for the due Obfervation of the Lord's Day : which in this particular are very much firi&er than the Laws of any Foreign refer- mad- Churches whatfòevee: Concerning Church-Government. § They. do.nnekiggeß;. not didwe ever hear any jufi Reafons given for their diaiebt, nom die Ectdedaltical Hierarchy or Prelacy, as it was fisted and eftablifh- ed in this Kingdom. Which we believe to be for the main, the true ancient prr mise
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