272 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. to subscribe, on condition that their subscription should not be required to any thing against the word of God, or contrary to the analogy of faith ; and that it should not be extended to any thing not already contained in the Book of Common Prayer. Also, to avoid all cavilling, Mr. Under- down protested, that the book ofconsecration did notbelong to them, and that they could not subscribe to it; yet he acknowledged the ministry of the church to be lawful. To these conditions the archbishop and bishops agreed; and the ministers accordingly subscribed. Afterwards, Mr. Under- down having requested that the cross in baptism might not be urged, the conversation was briefly renewed, as follows A. You must use the cross, or the statute will reach you. Hopk. Because it is intended as a significant sign, and is a new mystery in the church, we take it to be contrary to the second commandment. A. Remember, it is required in the rubric. N. It seemeth hard that the child must be asked whether it believe, andwill be baptized. A. The child is not asked, but the godfathers. N. The godfathersand godmothers are several; therefore, if this were the meaning of the book, the number should be altered. U. There are in our county many more of our brethren suspended for not subscribing. We beseech you that they may enjoy the same benefit, if they will subscribe as we have done. A. I am content. B. Roches. Are there any more who have refused ? U. Yes, my lord ; there are above twenty in all. B. Are there so many in your county ? German. There are some who have subscribed, and are greatly troubled in mind for what they have done. What do you think they had best do ? A. Let them come to me, and I hope to satisfy them.. In the conclusion of the above conference, Mr. Under- down and his brethren were dismissed, when they returned home; andDecember 11th, being assembled in open court at Lewes, they were publicly released from their suspen- sions, where the business ended. MS. Register, p. 401-408.
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