f. 202 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. much discover the spirit of the times, and the answerswhich Mr. Deering presented to the court, though at some length, we here present to the curious and inquisitive reader. They were the following : Article I. Is the book entitled " The Book of Common Service," allowed by public authority in this realm, to be allowed in the church of God, by God's word, or not ? Answer. The similitude of this book, to that form of prayer used by the papists, leads me to think it declineth from those laws, Dent. vii. 25., xii. 30., xviii. 9. Also, its great inconvenience in encouraging unlearned and indolent ministers to conclude, that the mere reading of the service is sufficient. These are some of the reasons why I cannot subscribe, that all the book is allowable by the word of God. Some other things, the bishops themselvesconfess to be faulty. 2. Are the articles set down by the clergy in Synod, and allowed by public authority, according to God's word, or not ? I confess, as I ampersuaded, that the articles of faith are good. I think the same of the articles about traditions, an oath before a judge, the civil magistrate, the doctrine of the homilies, &c. But that which relates to the consecration of archbishops and bishops, I can by no means confess as godly, and according to the word of God. 3. Are we tied in all things, by God's word, to the order and usage of the apostles and primitive church, or not ? No doubt we are bound towhatsoever was the usual order of the apostles. When St. Paul had said to Timothy, " Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose," &c. &c. he adds, continue in the things which thou hast learned. And he chargeth the Philippians, Those things whichye have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do. 4. Is there any right ministry, or ecclesiastical govern. rent, at this time, in the church of England, or not ? !f, by right, you mean such a calling as the word of God rt-quireth : as, 1 Tim. iii. 2., Acts i. 23., xiv. 23,. 1 Tim. iv. 14., I am sure you will confess it is not right. If you mean a right ministration of the doctrine and sacraments, I humbly confess, that no man ought to separate himself from the church. Concerninggovernment, see the seventh article. 5. May nothing be in the church, either concerning cere
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