512 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. the assembly of divines, were distinguished by the name of the dissenting brethren.. Upon Mr. Sympson's arrival in Holland, he went to ttotterdam ; and beholding the good order of the English church at that place, under the pastoral care of Mr. Bridge, he desired to become a member; and, upon delivering his confession of faith, was received into their communion. After some time, Mr. Sympson discovered certain things in the church which he did -not well approve ; and urged the utility of prophesyings, that, after sermon on the Lord's day, the people might express their dOubts and,propose questions to the ministers, with a view to their better edification. This, however, with some other,thino-s, produced a misundeistand- ing betwixt Mr. Bridge and MI Sympson; which, at length, caused the latter even to separate himself from the church, and begin a new interest. This new society had, indeed, a very small beginning, but afterwards, through the blessing of God, it became very considerable.+ Mr. Joseph Symonds, another persecuted puritan, succeeded him in the office of pastor to this church..1.- About the commencement of the civil war Mr. Sympson returned, to England ; and in the year 1643 was chosen one of the assembly of divines, and he constantly attended during the' session. In all their debates he conducted himself with great temper and moderation. He, was one of the five divines who published and presented to the house of commons, in 1643, " An Apologetical Narration submitted to the Honour-. able Houses of Parliament," in favour of the independents. In the year 1645 he was appointed one of the committee of accommodation.§ In the year 1647 he 'united with his dis- senting brethren in presenting their reasons to the houses of parliament, against certain parts of the presbyterian govern- ment.ii In the year 1650 he was appointed, by the parlia- mentary visitors, master of Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, in the room of Mr. Virl'es, who, was turned out for refusing the engagement. In 1654 he was chosen a member of the com- mittee for drawing up a catalogue of fundamentals, to be presented to the parliament. During the same year he was constituted, by order of the council, one of the commissioners for the approbation of public preachers; thesecommissioners were commonly distinguished by the name of fryers. In Neal's Puritans, vol iii, p. 317. + Edwards's Autapologia, p. 142, 143. Bailie's Dissuasive, p. 77. § Papers of Amin. p. 13. Reasons of Dissenting Brethren, p. 40, 133, 192.
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