BURROUGHS. 21 where, we should meet in Norfolk, to make a full conclu- "sion and prepare for our voyage.". Our divine has thus favoured us with a circumstantial account of his invitation to Rotterdam. 'Upon his arrival, he was cordially received by the church ; and he continued a zealous and faithful labourer several years, gaining a very high reputation among the people. After the commence- ment of the civil war, when the power of the bishops was set aside, he returned to England, says Granger, " not to preach sedition, but peace; for which he earnestly prayed and laboured."i. Mr. Burroughs was a person highly honoured and es- teemed, and he soon became a most popular and admired preacher. After his return, his popular talents and great worth presently excited public attention, and lie was chosen ,preacher to the congregations of Stepney and Cripplegate, London, then accounted two of the largest congregations in England. Mr. Burroughs preached at Stepney at seven o'clock in the morning, and Mr. William Greenhill at three in the afternoon. These two persons, stigmatizedby Woodas notorious schismatics and independents, were called in Step- ney pulpit, by Mr. Hugh Peters, one the morning star, the other the eveningstar ofStepney$ Mr. Burroughs was chosen one of the assemblyof divines, and was one of the dissenting brethren, but a divine of great wisdom and moderation. He united with his brethren, Messrs. Thomas Goodwin, Philip Nye, William Bridge, and Sydrach Sympson, in publishing their " Apologetical Narration," in defence of their own dis- tinguishing sentiments. The authors of this work, who had been exiles for religion, to speak in their own language, " consulted the scriptures without anyprejudice. They con- " sidered the word of God as impartially as men of flesh and " blood are likely to do, in any juncture of time the place " they went to, the condition they were in, and the company " they were with, affording no temptation to any bias." They assert, that every church or congregation has sufficient power within itself for the regulation of religious govern- ment, and is subject to no external authority whatever. The principles upon which they founded their church govern- ment, were, to confine themselves in every thing to what the scriptures prescribed, without paying any regard to the opinions or practice of men; nor to tie themselves down so 4. Burroughs's Vindication, p. 22. + Granger's Biog. }list. vol. ii. p. 193, 194. Wood'e Athena, vol. ii. p. 113.
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