DEERING. 201. according ,to=the word of .God ? A person having a con. science, or no conscience, must needs be tried here : and blessed is he that is not offended. See, I beseech you, what wrong I sustain, if I be urged to this subscription. While any lawbound me to wear the cap and surplice, 1 wore both. When 1 was at liberty, surely I would not wear them for devotion. I never persuaded any to refuse them, nor am charged with ever preaching against them. Thus, accord- ing to my promise, I have set down how far I would yield in these articles which your worship sent me. If I seem curious, or to stand upon little points, conscience, it should be remembered, is very tender, and will not yield contrary to its persuasion of the truth. I have sent you these articles, subscribed with mine own hand, and sealed with my heart; even in the presence of God ; whom I humbly beseech, for Christ's sake, to give peace unto his church, that her ministers may rejoice, and her subjects be glad. I conclude, desiring God to make you rich in all grace, to his honour and glory. December 16, 157,1". Here we see the evil of requiring subscription to articles and creeds of human composition. To yield in such a case as this, would rack the conscience ofevery honest man. Twenty other articles were, about the same time, presented to Mr. Deering in the star-chamber ; to each of which, he gave a particular answer. These articles were designed, says Mr. Strype, to make exact inquiry into his principles and opinions, concerning the church, its usages, practices; and clergy, and the queen's authority ; and he might, with truth, have added, that it assumed all the appearance of a tyrannical and cruel inquisition. Mr. Deering, in the preface to his answers to these articles, thus expressed him- self :---" I most humbly beseech your honours, to remember my former protestation, that I have never spoken against the book of prayers; and in my book in print, I have spoken openly for the allowance of it. I resort to common prayers ; and sometimes, being requested, 1 say the prayers as prescribed. IfI be now urged tospeak what I think, as- before an inquisition, there being no law of God requiring me . to accuse myself, I beseech your honours, let my answer witnessmy humble duty.and obedience; rather than be prejudicial and hurtful to me. This I most humbly crave; and under the persuasion of your favour, I will answer boldly, as I am required," These articles, which so 45 Parte cf a Register, p. 81-85.
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