288 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. B. In the time of Justin Martyr, being two hundred years after Christ, the sacrament, in time of persecution, was carried from house to house, because the people dare not come together. And on one occasion, the sacrament was sent by a boy to a sick man, who earnestly desired to receive it. E. But, my lord, your bringing forward the example of primitive christians is to no purpose. Our question is, whether the Book of Common Prayer containeth any thing repugnant to the word of God. And, my lord, I think no good man will deny that the two places I have mentioned are repugnant to the word of God. B. What do you condemn all who have subscribed ? Do you say they have all acted wickedly ? E. You misunderstand my words. What I speak, I speak with consideration,and I know what I say. B. What o'clock is it ? E. We have not yet done. I told you I had three reasons. B. I have had more ado with you than all the rest. E. You have not yet finished with me. As I said, I have three reasons ; and I trust you will hear them before you proceed against me. B. What are your other reasons ? E. If you will promise that we shall examine them, will mention them ; but if not, it is unnecessary. B. I had rather persuade many learned men than you. E. I speak not of learning, but of conscience ; and my conscience, without persuasion, will not yield. Hitherto in my ministry, I have enjoyed a good conscience, founded upon theword of God; and, my lord, with as good a con- science, by the help of God, will I be removed from it, or I will not be removed.* Here the examination broke off, and the good man de- partedmost probably under suspension or deprivation. His two other reasons for refusing to subscribe,which he designed to have mentioned, were, " That in the Book of Common Prayer, there are some things contrary to the laws of the realm.-And that there are some things which maintain and encourage some of the grossest errors and heresies of popery."t MS. Register, p. 676-519. -I- Ibid.
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