Answer.

1 st. What Limits shall be assigned for the Precincts of every distinct Association? Or may we conclude the best model is to follow the Civil Distinctions made by the Counties? And if so, then the Pastors of each Classis are scattered through a Territory of Twenty or Thirty Miles Square, more or less, and then it must needs follow that the Moderator, to discharge his duty, must [Page 65] provide Messengers to Cite all these destinct Gentlemen upon any Emergency; But the great difficulty is, what kind of Messenger it must be, whether King Solomon's Tell-Tale-Bird may be trusted with matters of such Importance? whether the Moderator must Re-imburse him? Or must he go on his own cost, contrary to equity in the Law? 1 Cor. 9.7. Who goeth to War-fare on his own charge? It is apparently an Error that care hath not been taken to find Horse and Man and Baiting-places for both on this Journey, other­wise for a Legislative Power to prescribe Charge­able Offices and leave them destitute of a Tem­poral Suport, they must of necessity dye to save Charges, or turn mendicants, or hope in their Travel to meet with the Prophets Juniper-Tree; all which are as disagreeing with good Reason as the Proposal it self.

2. The Moderater has an unlimited Power during the Prorogation of the Assembly, (1.) He must Judge of Emergencies, that he may Summon the Members; and being left vested with such a Prerogative, if after he has made his Citation, he Recants, he can then Countermand his own Order, though the Gentlemen should be all mounted, and ready to move. (2) If there chance to be an Emergence of Common Concern­ment, If he finds his own Favourites involved in the guilt and Danger, he then gives no notice, but stiffles the business, and so cheats the Company. (3.) And upon any disgust, it is now at his Mercy to null the whole Frame; for he must be in place [Page 66] till another be chosen, and how will they get together, if he will not give the word? unless they are Creators of themselves the second time, as they were the first. That to institute such Charitable Designs without a Fund, and tye such Trust and Dominion on the Shoulders of men after such a lax and careless manner, and leave them at such loose Ends, as easily to make Fools of men, for my own part, I slight such Methods in Government.

Answer.

I suppose there is no intent to erect a young or Mock-Royal Society, Or that all Questions and Cases of Experimental Philosophy be admitted; If it should be so, I think this some-what Touches upon the Prerogative of the Crown, and may be called in Question, under the head of High Misdemeanours, if not Pro Crimine lesae Majestatis; but howsoever, tho' there be no distinction made, yet we will take it in a more Charitable sense, & that the Proposal (in Intent) is wholly con­fined to Church matters; and if so, we must then enquire, How many deep Questions can be found in our Country, grown mouldy with the Gibeonites Bread, for want of wise handling? Or can we find any such heaps of Gordian Knots, [Page 67] as approbia Theologorum? The Reproach of Divi­nes laid up against this Consistory meet, to untie them, that we must needs molest our old Settle­ments for their Solution? For my own part, I cannot Comprehend the Proposal, unless it be a Plot to Introduce the Enemy, that is in the Reer. That is, by making shew of Great Illuminations, we may be dazeled with their Lustre, and there­by the more Easily taken in the Snare here laid. But however, to Conclude, as the wise man says of things more Physical or Artificial, Eccl. 1. so I may say of Questions and Cases, There are none New under the Sun. They have been all well spo­ken to; Every learned Casuist, is full of them, &c. And Ames and Turrettinus, &c. for a few Shillings will do more in a month, for an Inquisitive Mind, than this Proposal can do in the tedious Appren­ticeship of many years, then certainly, Computing by Rules of Proportion, we can no ways expect that the clear gains should Countervail the great Damage we shall sustain by swopping Govern­ments upon these Terms.

Answer.

This is very Dishonourable, and also a very Unreasonable Incroachment upon the Officers and Government of the Churches.

It Divests the Officers of the free Exercise of that Office-Authority, which Gods Word and our Plat-form places in them; Read Platf. Chap. 10. Sect. 8, 9. These are to feed and Rule the Churches, they are to receive the Accusations, and prepare them for the Churches hearing. This Section of the Plat-form fixes both Process and Judicature in particular Pastors and Churches, without any Limitation? But the Proposal allows no Process to be Opened, till Letters of Ly­cence be obtained, from the Classes. But why may not all other Persons in Office be thus Fettered, as well as the Pastors of Churches? are these the only Studients of Wisdom and Righteousness, that are strangers to the nature of Actions, to the Rule, and the application of it? All other Offi­cers, in Trust and Commission, who are wise and Loyal, execute the hardest Articles in their Im­ploy; and who may say to them, why do you so? Our Judges never stick to hang a man, so long as their Commission and the Law will bear them out, and they themselves are left, to be Inter­preters of Both. And that this Proposal is a San­ctuary for Officers against a storm; alas! the most that we can make of it, is a Covering of Figg-Leaves, and may serve for a Harbour to Cowards and Fools but not for men of spirit and [Page 69] Conduct. The Dream of an Imbroylment, can never Counter-Poize Duty; If men are Trusted with Duty, they must consult that, and not Events. If men are plac'd at Helm, to steer in all weather which Blows, they must not be afraid of the Waves, or a wet Coat.

It is certain, it was no Dimunition for Timothy to carry St. Paul's Cloak and Parchments from Troas, 2 Tim. 4.13. Yet for Perticular Pastors in the Mannagement of Church-Government to do little more then to carry the Copies and Parchments of Associations about the Country, and hang up their Decrees on the Pillars of Chur­ches, according to the Order of the Proposal, can never entitle them to such a Tribute of Love and Honour as the Scripture does assign them, as the purchase of their great Merits, 1. Tim. 3.5. 1. Thess. 5.12, 13. such Bequestments as these from the fountain of Honour, must signifie more than some such poor low servile Business (no ways too high for Jereboham's Priests to execute) as is laid out in the Proposal, but espe­cially if they have but some one head man to Con­duct and draw up the Conclusion.

Sect. That the Associated Pastors do carefully and lovingly treat each other with that Watchfulness which may be of Ʋniversal advantage.

Answer.

1 st. Whether Watchfulness is proper, or a Term applicable to Persons so Quallified, so Sacred, and in so high a function as those who are here intended?

[Page 70]2 dly. Whether to Institute Watchmen over Watch­men, be not the way to Distribute the Clergy into Inferiour and Superiour Degrees, and so ad Infinitum &c. or at least till the Churches of this Country (for you must know this is one Proposal made for their Support) be Supported and well Ordered by Suffragons, Metropolitans, and other great Pillars of those Churches, where Clergy-men in higher Orbes, inspect those in the same Order, who are beneath them in trust and Dignity?

3 dly. But if you Intend honestly, only the Watch of one Brother over another, as is the Duty of all Christian People, one towards an­other, then I cannot understand the sence of the Word, as Applicable here, with the least good meaning or Syntax imaginable.

1 st. For tho' there is a Design of New Moddeling of men and bringing Clergy-men into another Form of Society, yet there is no Intent Divulged, that they shall Co-habit, Bed and Board together upon certain Charters, as the Fryars or Benedic­tines, in their Royal Monastaries. Indeed the Section might have been Ingrost with the first Canons of the Dominicans or St. Bennets Laws, when first entring upon their Monastick Life, but it no ways agrees with this Constitution.

2 dly. For, as for the Occasional meeting of men eminently sober and vertuous, what bu­siness can be supposed for a Watch, for about the space of 24. or 48. hours, in such Examples? Very bad men will hold out longer then so, in a [Page 71] good behaviour under the awe of but some one venerable Person.

3 dly. And when these Eminent Persons, Mem­bers of the Association, are dispersed to their own proper Precincts, the Proposal surely does not intend they shall follw the Chargeable Exam­ple of Princes, who usually keep Spies in each others Courts, to inform themselves, how things are managed there; for its plain, the Charge and Expence in mannaging such a Watch as this, will Reduce all Clergy-men to this Dilemma, That they must either vote up the Sallary, or vote down the Method. But then the thing it self is not fair; for it would seem as tho' they watched More for the halting then the help of each other. But as for the Proposal, a Riddle I found it, and a Riddle I leave it.

Sect. And that if any Minister be accused to the Association where he belongs, of Scandal or Heresy, the matter shall be there Examined, and if the Associated Ministers find just occasion for it, they shall direct a Calling of the Council, by which such an Offender is to be proceeded against.

Answer.

I must Boldly and freely enquire, Whether this is an honest Answer to the Question propoun­ded in the head of the Proposals? or whether in Reality this is the Supporting, Preserving and well Ordering the Interest of the Churches there Meant? If you, mean as you Speak, I am sure there is either some Dishonesty or some Misunder­standing between the Question and the Answer; [Page 72] for it can't possibly be otherwise, unless the parts of speech are lately become a Chaos, and all words are not only of the doubtful Gender, but such unreasonable Epiceens, that not only both kinds, but both Contraries are signified in them; or thus, that to build, Plant, Repair, Pluck up, pull Down and Demolish, are all now become Convertible Terms; for take away these high Prerogatives from the Churches, and you take away their Being. These and such like Royalties, are their Formalis Ratio, or the formal Cause ( per Quam Res est id quod est) by which they are, what they are; and this will be very evident, if we do but Read a short Lecture on the Churches Essence Anatomiz'd, or let their Essential and Constituent parts and Powers be Viewed in the History, and Philosophy of their own Beings, and we shall quickly discern your Mistake; for that end read Plat-form. Chap. 5. Sect. 2. Ordinary Church Power, viz. of Privi­ledge belongs to the Brother-hood, and may be Acted or exercised immediately by Themselves. And More Directly to the Case in hand, Look into Chap. 10. Sect. 6. where there we read ‘If an Elder offend Incorrigibly, the Matter so Requi­ring, as the Church, had Power to call him to Office, so they have Power, according to Order (the Council of other Churches, where it may be had, directing thereto) to Remove him from his Office; and being now but a Member, in case he add Contumacy to his sin, the Church that had Power to receive him in to their Fel­lowship, [Page 73] hath also the same Power to cast him out, that they have concerning any other Members.’

Now herein we find an Essential Article in the Government and being of these Churches, That they have and hold such Jurisdiction over their own Members; That the Highest Tribunal Ecclesia­stical on Earth, is There; and that their own Delin­quent private Members, and Publick Officers are Tryable only there, and there they must Receive the Definitive Sentence, and abide the Execution of it.

And if so, then I shall make bold to Revive my Query again, viz. Whether the Proposal is either Honourable, Civil or honest, thus to Tumble down at one Blow, this High Seat of Authority? and to break open our Prison Doors, and Loose the Fetters of our great Offenders? and at the best, to take them out of our hands, and make their Mittimus to Forreign Pastors to do Justice upon them, and yet in the mean time, to Profess, they are doing us no other Injuries but only Repairing and Mending our Churches? Again, Whether this is fair, and work-man-like amongst honest men?

But to make a small Stop here, I must remind you, That this head is not to be passed over Slight­ly; for this is the One Thing in the Essence of our Churches, It is their Peculiar Infranchizement and Birth-Right, and we may not sell it with Esau at a Cheap Market; If we Do, we undo our selves; for Indeed you must know, here lies the Marring or Making of our Churches; here is laid up their [Page 74] strength, and here hangs the Pick-Lock of their Treasure; for by this Key stolen or wrinched out of their Hands, the Churches of Christ in the World, have been Exposed and Plundred, for more then a Thousand Years, and many of them have no­thing at this day left them, comparitively, but a poor, starved, shabbid, Implicit Faith, and a dull, saturnal, blunt and blind Obedience, that a man would scarcely give a Groat for both of them. In a word, the Usurpations of the Pastors, since the great Revolt, having unshackled one another, and broke loose from the Restrictions they are justly subjected to, under the Churches Power of Priviledge, has utterly undone the Christian World, from This Root of Bitterness, and Pride, from this Seed sprung up, the Man of Sin, as we have it in an Anomulus Author, viz. the Eletherians, pag. 4. In words to this purpose, ‘Then a little Preist had an Opportunity to Establish himself, Then there Appeared in the Temple of God that Antichrist, who calls him­self the Vicar of Christ.’ And then the same Author going on to discover the Original of this Monstrous Birth, he says thus, Antichrist was Conceived in, by, and from certain Affectations of Ecclesiastical Prehemincies. As tho' he should say, the first Spawn or Embryo of that Insolent Hector, or Aspiring Nimord, (who first Robbed the Laity of their Christian Liberties, and then Hunted down the Potentates of the World, and Brought them as a Rich spoil into his Habitation of Violence) took its Commencement from this [Page 75] Principle, viz. from the Clergies assuming to themselves this Ecclesiastical Pre-heminence, viz. first their obtaining an Exemption from the Cognizance of the Churches, for their Crimes, and then in possessing themselves of the sole and absolute Jurisdiction (by a dispotick Government) over the Churches themselves.

But however things have been hitherto, I shall no longer uphold the Debate, by revi­sing the Abuses that have been done to the Chri­stian Churches by an Ambitious Clergy, in the Ages past, which might more amply be discove­red, by tracing the Foot-steps of the great Apo­stacy; But I shall end the whole Dispute on this head, by drawing up a Protest, and denying the Jurisdiction of the Court, erected and opened by the Proposals, as being perfectly Disagreeing and Repugnant to our former Settlements and present Constitution.

Answer.

To Monopolize (in the Great Articles of Trade) some very Rich Spice, and of such use for the good of Kingdoms, that they must needs perish without it, or be greatly Injured by ex­cessive Sales, is accounted by good Common-Wealths-men intolerable; for such Men or Com­panies, so invested, can, with Joseph in Pharoahs Court, buy and Sell a Country at their own Prizes; even so, When these Churches have de­livered up the Right in their Condidates to the Classes, they may then go a begging to their doors for their Ministers, and be contented to take what they are pleased to put off, and at their own lay.

Obj. But you may Object, that Exomni Ligno, non fit Mercurius. Therefore the Judicious must Determine and set their Mark upon what is Merchantable, and throw by what is Refuse ware, or else there may be great Damage done for want of caution. And thus we come to the Plain point in hand, which is to be debated by Dispu­ting this Question, viz.

Quest. Whether a Tryal by Associations is Preferrible to the Old Custom of the Churches, in promoting their Candidates for the Ministry to Publick Trust?

Answer.

In the Reply, I shall, first, Consider our Candi­dates under Tryal; as to their Qualification, And ( secondly) Implead the Proposal on a Just Perjudice from the Corruption of the Clergy.

[Page 77]1 st. We may consider our Condidates under Tryal, as to their Qualifications, (1.) As to their humane Learning; and here we absolutely object against the Tryal of Associations, as Booteless, Useless and perilous both to them and to us.

1. To Them, it is no Diminution, or Trespass upon the Laws of Honour or Truth to affirm, That the Settled Ministry in general (with some Rea­sonable Exception) is less expert in Grammer and Points of Phylosophy, then our learned Children are at the Degree of Junior Batchellors, and that from dis-use, Proved from all Experience, Nam usus Promotos facit; and also for the sake of more di­vine studies, which Crowd out those first Ideas a great pace, according to that Observation, on a learned Memory, Imago Imaginem Expellit, Aliis (que) Alice Suceedunt, for as one Wave thrusts out another, so one Idea another. Therefore it is pity to Expose such venerable Persons to the hazard in this Service, least when they become Posers of others, they should be posed themselves. I do Remember an odd story when I was at Colledge, it was Retained as a Reproach on a very Divine and worthy Person; tho' he was bred in England a good Schollar, and also had been a School-master, and had taught the Gram­mer in his Young times, but yet having laid by in a great measure, the use of such things, for the sake of more valuable and Heavenly Speculations, being at the Solstice, and one of the Corporation, ventured in the Hall to propose this Question, to one of the Commoners, ‘ [Page 78]Quot Sunt Coela!’ To which the Lad with Sauciness enough, yet with a gramatical Niceness, only Answered,

That Prisians head will in likehood be kept bleeding from one Generation to another, by reason of some unlucky Strokes, if this Form be Established, and that to the great Detriment of those who strike the Blows.

2 dly. To ƲS. Accedamical Learning we profess to be a very Essential Accomplishment in the Gospel Ministry. It is introduced by the Ordinary Blessing of God upon Humane endeavours, to Supply the place of the Cloven Tongues, and those other Miraculous Gifts and Indowments of Mind Imprest upon Christs Ambassadors, whereby Fisher-men Commence ( per Saltem) Doct­ors of Divinity, and in an instant were stock'd with such Principles of Religon, Reason and Philosophy, that they were capable to dispute with Athens it self, and Baffle the greatest Wits she could produce in defence and for the Advance­ment of Christs Kingdom, Act. 17.18

Thus it is very Reasonable that the Churches should be well assured of the Sufficiency of the Learning of those Persons, e're they presume on the Ministry; yet there is a fairer way in vew, fuller of Honour and Safety, than what the Proposal Directs to.

Our Accademy is the Store-house of Learning, [Page 79] and this all Mankind will Assent to. When you have lost the Company of the Muses, there they are found in their Free-holds, where they hold the ballance of Honour amongst the Learned. This is the Place, if not of the Goddess Minarva or Apollo, yet the Bethel or Temple of God him­self; the God of Wisdom, where he, as cheif Architect, with his under-work-men, form Wise and Learned Men, and where you may have them wrought off at the first hand: Then certainly here we are to secure our Credulity and Confi­dence in this Affair; here we are to know whether they be or the Right Stamp, Yea or No.

That of all men living, the best and most In­fallible Standard for the Philosophical Accom­plishments of our Candidates, is the Judgment of the Honorable President and noble Fellows of our Famous Colledge; for this I am sure must needs stand for a verity, that the Judgment of a real Honest and skilfull Artificer (keeping close to his Shop) concerning the Nature and Qualities of an Edge-Tool which he hath wrought, and hammered on his own Anvil, out of its first Rude Matter, must certainly Excel him that hath been long from the Trade, that only takes it, turns the Edge slightly, or has but a Transient view of it! So that hence we may fairly infer, that (as to humane Learning) Harvards Commen­damus is most valuable and sufficient, and justly Supplants these Testimonials.

2. With respect to the more Evangelial Quali­fications of the Gospel Ministry, we shall be ready [Page 80] to honour the sufficiency of the Associates, yet must take liberty to Object a few things.

1. Suppose we, that the Tryal is made per Con­cionem ad Clerum, by Preaching a Sermon in Au­dience of the Association, and I think this is the way proposed and generally agreed upon, as the Square or Rule most agreeable with Gunter, to take the Dimensions, Length and Breath of our Candidates by.

Reply 1. What can a Sermon do at deciding this Question? for that the most sensible and valua­ble, who are usually most Humble and tender, are lyable by this Stupendious Examination, to be baffled by their own Timerity, and quite dash'd out of countenance by their own fear. Alas! upon their first Entrance upon the Stage, to ap­pear in so august and awful a Presence, this must needs dis-animate and put their thoughts into a Ruffle, as having in their afrighted minds the Resemblance of their going into the Spanish Inquisition, rather then Dwelling amongst the Softer Measures of the Gospel? Luther himself, (that unparallell'd Instance of Spirit and Magna­nimity (as I Remember of his Life) hardly ever got over something of a Panick Fear attending him, through the course of his Ministry; and in­deed, Men of the quickest senses are most liable to these Paroxisms. Then surely to put our Tyros to this Test, which may daunt and dis-spirit the greatest Hero, is no ways Proportionable, especially seeing they may under the Inspection of Learned, honest and Judicious Men, both [Page 81] Pastors and Churches, and thereby under Covert of more Private Invitations (with all their natural) creep into this noble Work, and keeping on, as their Courage and Strength will bear the Journey, may, Gradatim, attain a just and sufficient Pro­bation, as our Learned youth have hitherto done.

Indeed, the Bold and Brazen, who can make a greater figure with half the stock, by many shircking Tricks, and dissembling Artifices, defen­ded and supported with confidence and Delivery, may obtain the Euge Juvenis, that they no ways deserve, as will be found, when they come to be Detected by a more Dilatory Search, or a more tedious Analisis made of them. That, to conclude, as the Proverb is, Ʋna Hirundo non facit Ver; one Swallow makes not the Spring; so in this Tryal one good or mean Sermon cannot Determine the man or umpire his Case.

2. Suppose the Tryal must be made, and the Question Determined by a Persons Conversa­tion. And this is a very great Article in the State of all Serviceable men, and especially in the Ministry, 1 Tim. 4.12. 1 Pet. 5.3. being Ensamp­les to the stock. Then Certainly a more Intimate Converse and Society, is a very Invincible Plea. By the Laws and Costums of England, the Vicinage must be allowed, as affording the Most Competent Judges, when Persons Reputation lies at stake in Criminal Cases, because they are pre­sumed to know some-what considerable of Per­sons and Cases of their own knowledge, and so [Page 90] more capable of giving a Just Verdict. So in the Case, what do those Persons know of [...] Lear­ned Youth, who make up the Association? Our Candidates appear on a Certain day, [...] blazing Stars once in an Age, and are gazed on▪ and then they vanish) Now what Judgment can be made on a mans Conversation by such a Transcient view? unless they must be handled in this Con­sistory, as Persons that have been bound to the Peace, and in open Court are to be delivered from their Recognizane by three Out-Cryes?

3. Suppose the whole stock of Ministerial Qualifications must be enquired into, and Judg­ment must pass by the direction of the Apostolick Law, 1. Tim. 3.2. Tit. 1·6.9. viz. Let them be Blameless, Sober, apt to Teach, &c. and add what more you please, which the Scripture mentions, to fill up the Character of an Evengelical Mini­ster, to compleat him in all his Gifts and Graces, either in his beginnings, or in his Riper State, and it is most apparent, that our particular Pa­stors and Churches, with the Learning, Expe­rience, Grace, Wisdom and Discretion they are Owners of, can make a more upright, judici­ous and sollid Tryal, and give a better account of our Candidates from their frequent Converse with them, and their Occasional and Repeated Preaching amongst them, then the Wisest Asso­ciation in the World can do, and it is easier Dissem­bling with the latter, than the former, unless the Association will take them home, and both Win­ter and Summer them.

[Page 83]Now then, considering that their Degrees, with the express Testimony of the Colledge (when Perticularly desired) are sufficient Testimonials of their Learning, and the Experience of their other good Gifts and Ministerial Qualifications, ob­tained by Converse, and their Occasional Prea­ching, has been the chief Test and Tryal for our Candidates; and by these Methods they have been approbated in order to Settlement in Office-Trust; and this has been the Custum of the Country and Churches for near four score Years. Wherefore, to conclude this Argument, I make this Proclamation, That if any Person or persons disaffected with our old Settlements and Way in Churth-Conduct, will produce one Example led into the Publick Ministry by this Practice, which has justly offended him, and he will or can evince this to be the blameable Cause, we will then Surrender the Costum to your Mercy.

2 dly. I shall now Implead the Proposal on a Just Perjudice or Persumption of Corruption in the Clergy, Tho' we are in Charity for the present, yet in this way proposed, we have no assurance for the future against the Corruptness of such Societies; and let any Sober man observe and he will find abundance of poor Tools under the Mark of the Office, where these Measures, and such like, are in force and form. How oft is it Repeated, That poor Sordid Debauch't Wretch­es are put into Holy Orders, when as they were fitter to be put in to the stocks or sent to Br [...]dwell [Page 84] for Mad-men, then to be sent with their Testi­monials to work in Christs Vineyard? How long have the Indies, the Seas, the Provinces, and many other parts of the Empire Groaned under this Damnable way of cheating God of his Glory and the World of Salvation?

Simony we know began almost as early as the Christian Church, and has prevailed amongst Clergy-men to a Prodigy. The Sacred things of Gods House have been a Trade and Merchandize, which has beggared the Churches and filled the Clergy in some Kingdoms with a Sacriligious and Exorbitant Pile of WEALTH, and the World with a flood of Debauchees; and this Proposal puts us into the way to open the Shop windows again, and expose the same Wares to Sale upon a little Indulgence in our Country; for who can render a Reason that the same Op­portunities, the same Temptations, the same Corruptions, the same Nature, and the same Power, would not produce the same effects? or that the same Climate, Seed, Ground, and man­ner of Culture, should not Yeild the same Grain at Harvest?

And what have we in pledge for our Security, more than the Fallacy and fickleness of Humane Na­ture, when the Power is delivered out of our hands?

Obj. You may object, That our Candidates, Thro' their own Ambition, and the Indulgence of perticular Pastors, Thurst themselves into the Work too Young, and this our way will Prescribe due Boundaries to them

[Page 85] Answer. 1. In General, St. Paul solves a worse Case, than can be found (Pick whilst you are weary for an Example to quadrate with the objection, and render it forcible) amongst all our learned Youth, who have hitherto adven­tured upon the Ministry, Phil. 1.18 What then! &c. as tho' he should say, What's that to you, Sir? if Christ be Preached, all is well. And as to our Case, we may say, Despise not the day of small things, all men must have a beginning, and every Bird which is pretty well fleg'd must begin to fly. And ours are not of the Nest where Icharus was hatch't, whose Feathers were only glewed on; but these belong to the Angelick Host, and their Wings grow out from their Es­sence; therefore you may allow them, with the Lark, now and then to dart heaven-ward, tho' the Shell or down be scarce off from their heads. And so we conclude with our Charitable and Divine Apostle, What then! If Christ be Preached whether in Pretence, or in Truth, either by Old or by Young, yet therein we do rejoyce, yea, and will rejoyce, &c. to see our own Nazarites ▪ so forward and well disposed, it shall add to our Joy, and no ways increase our Horrour, unless our Ambition should Surprize us with Fear, that such young starts should out-shine us.

2. In Perticular, Where will you six the Quando, and settle the Precise Aera, or Period of Time, for their Beginning?

1. There is no College or Statute Law yet Enacted, to decide this Question: Then of ne­cessity [Page 86] you must do homage to long and laudable Custom, as to a Superiour Authority, and honou­rable Ruler; and where that fixes the Time, you must submit; for Custom, when full of days, and of Noble Examples, becomes the Common Law of a Nation; and is as soveraign and Plea­dable, as the Dictates of a Parliamentary Power, at least, it shelters from Rebukes and Calumny: That for any Gentlemen to Affront, Talk-high, and Frown at the Early Zeal and beginnings of our Candidates, is but too much, in Imitation of the Great Mogul of India, who after he hath Dined, orders his Trumpets to be blown, to signifie to the Princes of the Earth, that they have liberty now to go to Dinner; and when he hath finished his Formalities, if they please, they may vail their Royal Bonnets, and thank him for nothing; for where there is no Law, There is no Transgression.

2. Under the Gospel, we have no Precise time, tho' there was under the Law, when to be­gin and enter into the Ministry, the Gospel knows no Bar from Time, where Persons are other ways meetly qualified. Days and Quali­fications, are divers things, and the latter are the Essentials of a Minister of Christ. It is not, how Old, but how Capable a Person is, which is the main point to be enquired after here. There­fore where (in some good measure) there is an honest Life, a Gracious Heart, an Orthodox Head, and a learned Tongue, There is no reason to send such Youths to Jerico with Davids mes­sengers, [Page 87] Tho' their Beards are not yet grown) to wait upon Time and Nature, for such an Ac­complishment; for certainly those Recited are the Principal in the Argument. It is a story in the History of Persia, that when the Grecians sent some very young Noble-men upon an Em­bassage to that Court, the Persians Reflected upon the Grecian Republick for sending Beard­less Boyes on so Grave a Message to so mighty a Monarch. To which the young Grecians very smartly Answered, That if state Policy did consist in Beards, then He-Goats would do for Em­bassadors, as well or better then Men: I must con­fess, I am some-what of their mind; and there­fore I think it is not, How long men have lived, but how Wise they are Grown: GOD hath ordained Praise out of the Mouths of Babes. Jeremiah pleads, he was a Child, but that cannot null his Commission for the Ministry, Jer. 1.6. St. Paul guards the Ministry of young Timothy, by Heavens Authority, to Defend him from Censure, for Audaciousness. What! for a Child to teach Old Men their Duty! Hold! says St. Paul, 1 Tim. 4.12. Let no man despise thy Youth. What! shall not our great Lord Il­lustrate his Grace and Power in what Examples he pleases? Has he not formed all the Powers of nature? and does he not furnish them with their Distinct Vertues? &c.

Object. But you may say, Days are full of Wis­dom, and Youth of Ignorance in the great Affairs of Salvation.

[Page 88] Answ. Not always and universally so; as in the Examples just now Recited, and in many others that may be named, called in at the third and sixth hour, Mat. 20. But however, if our Candidates must never begin till they are without Ignorance, or not till they have gained all Points ( ad unquem) in the vast studies of Divinity, then it may be said of all our Ministers, as Queen Elizabeth was wont to say of Bishops, when she visited the Schools ( Study hard Children, study hard, for) Bishops are Old Men. So of Necessity, all our Ministers must be very Old Men. But I think that is more agreeable with our Necessity and state, both in Nature and Grace, which one of the Ancients was wont to say of himself, viz. That whilst he studied to Teach other men, he Learn't himself. That Con­sidering Theology, as well as Art, is a long study, and Life is very short, why may they not begin young? and also, considering that our Churches are no ways over Cluttered with Candidates, there is no need to serve them as Christ did the Money Changers, who with a Whip of small Cords, he drove them out of the Temple; and especially they having hitherto acquitted them­selves in the main as men that need not be asha­med, and yet never any one of them, to this day, has been Represented as Learned or ver­tuous, or any way supported by these Testi­monials.

Answer.

According to my Apprehension, this Proposal Insults very Daringly over the Churches in two things.

1. By Ingrosing the Right of Jurisdiction, not only over the visible Freedom and Liberties, but Conjugal and Secret Powers of Christs Virgin and Widdow Churches. That it seems to me very Adviseable (if this Proposal may stand for a sound Precept) that forth-with another Office be erected, and put into the hands and under the Government of a few men, exactly skilled in Phisi­ognomy, and deeply studied in the Sympathies and Antipathies of Humane Nature, with an absolute superintending Power to Controul and direct all Wooers in their Choice for the Mar­riage Bed; for that there is many a fond Lover who has betrayed the glory of Wedlock, by making an unwise and unfortunate Choice; And why may not perticular Beds be over-Ruled, [Page 90] as well as perticular Churches? both being for the good and service of Mankind, and for that both parties, Husband and Wife, Pastor and Church, by our sort of Government, are bound for Term of Life, or so long as both shall live. Indeed, were our Constitution in Church-Order under the Superintendency of a Patron, or a Lord Bishop, who can send ( pro Tempore) a Curate, &c. and then Recall him, and place another in his stead, the Project might be very Adviseable; but seeing these Churches are settled Congregational, and by their Princi­ples, the Ordination is, as it were, the Nuptials, or Marriage Day of two Lovers, that nothing but Death, or a Bill of Divorce (for betraying the Glory of their Union) can Part: It is then good and reasonable, that they be left to choose as they best affect, and not forcibly be tyed up to a kind of Hobsons Choice, One of these, or None. This apparently puts too hard upon the Churches Liberties, and overthrows the Govern­ment; for that our Platform in Chap. 2. treating of the Nature of the Churches, asserts, Sect. 5. That the State of the Visible Church since the Coming of Christ, is Only Congregational; Therefore neither National, Provincial nor Classical; Then what does this Proposal do here?

Also, our Plat-form asserts the free electing Power of the Churches, Chap. 5. in these words, Ordinary Church Power is that of Priviledge, such as belongs to the Brother-hood whereby they design persons unto Office. So also in Chap. 10. [Page 91] in these words, The Power granted by Christ unto the Body of the Church and Brother-hood is a Prerogative or Priviledge which the Church doth exercise in the Admission of her own Mem­bers, and in chusing their own, Officers. Now if Christ has given these high Powers and Autho­rities to his Churches, he has certainly furnished them with Skill and Wisdom to Manage them.

So we come to the Second Part of the Affront in this Proposal, and that is,

2 dly. By its making a plain Presumption of Incapacity in the Churches of Doing their own proper work without their Graces help. It is as much as to say, Alas! Alas! it is well known that the Churches are generally a sort of plain men, little Skilled in deep Matters; That there is apparent Danger, if left in their Elections to their own Conduct of Introducing very Illiterate Persons and doleful Creatures, to preach in the Temple of God, as Officers there. Now this is much agreeing with the old Arguments, against the Laity, who were de­scribed by the Learned to be without the Know­ledge of the Original Languages, and other parts of Polite Learning, and so no ways fit to Interpret Scripture, therefore it is very Rationally En­acted, That the BIBLE be taken from them, lest they should study Heresie and not Holiness out of that Divine Book. But to pass by all such Pleas, I shall come to the main point in plain Terms, and that is this, Our Plat-Form is our Settlement, and it has Secured to the [Page 92] Churches these Prerogatives, and they are part of their Intailed Inheritance; & it is a vain thing to pretend or plead the Incapacity of Right Owners and Rich Proprietors, especially whilst there is a Competent Set of Sences left them. Indeed, when any Gentlemen can shew any Pre­cept, and produce a Commission for the taking into their hands the Estate of Ideot-Churches, they may then Cite their Intellectuals to a pro­per Bar, and Verdict going against any parti­cular Example, they than, Ipso facto, become Gaurdians, and may enter into their Worship. But in the mean time, as to our own Churches, and the whole Constellation of them, and every Individual or particular Church amongst them remains Compos mentis, and therefore must not be intreagued by such Officers as these are.

But yet before I close this Argument, I shall a little further humour the Presumption of Insufficiency here laid down; and therefore I shall desire, that a Survey be made of the state of the Churches, and if their free Election be found for this thirty Years last past (and we will go no higher) have by the Major part of Voices introduced Insufficient Officers, Then let the Plat-Form be null'd, and the Proposal stand as a more vallid Cannon. And in this Inquiry we would know, whether the Dictators will give leave (in drawing up the Catalogue of defective electi­ons) that they themselves be put on the back of the Title Page, and there stand as the Errata of our Old Government? or whether they them­selves are the only exceptions?

[Page 93]But suppose we, when we have accomplished our search, we find their own, and all other Elections, for the main, have hit Right; and if so, then whether we ought not to pay a Vene­ration to the Practice, as having more of Christ in it than we can in the Rufflings of Ambition presently find out, or perceive? And whether after such long Experience and good Success it may'nt be our Wisdom to keep this via Trita, which we have found to be via Tuta, That is to say, keep the good old Way of our Blessed Pre­decessors, lest going into a new and untrodden Path, we fall into some Ambuscado, and come off whith broken Bones and Ruin'd Churches?

Answer.

Query. Who must give the Direction, and Judge what Councils are Necessary for the Well­fare of the Churches?

[Page 94] Answer, The Association.

Reply, I thought as much; for the sole and whole Power, is, by these Proposals, resigned to them, as their Indisputable and Undoubted Right, insomuch that their▪ Beneplacito, the Elicit and free Resolves of their Will, shall and must be the Absolute and uncontroulieble Rule of Con­duct; that is to say, the Churches are to be in Vassalage, and the Association is to Rule all by Prerogative; so that forever hence forward, we may Inscribe cross the Door of the Conclave (to Notifie the Rule of the House) that Im­perial Law,

Indeed, when great men turn Beggars for small Booties, with the famous General Ba­ziliareous, it signifies, the Ebb of Fortune runs low with them; But when they ask an Ancient Inheritance upon Gift, it signifies either the Donor to be in a Languishing Posture, and that his Estate is like to Escheat to the Crown, through failure of natural [...], or else great boldness in the beggars. But what should be the Meaning of this Demand, who can Divine? I hope they dont reckon the Churches to be making their last Will, and design them for their Heirs.

The Churches in New-England are fairly Possest of this high Prerogative, viz. of Conveening [Page 95] Councils necessary for their own well beeing, they are also as likely to continue as they were forty Years ago, unless their own Pastors should betray them. And they are also as capable of managing all Instruments de­volved upon them by Christ, as they were in the days of their Youth. Then what can we make of this Contrivement, viz. when the Churches shall have Occasion to seek Relief by Council (as sometimes the Emperour has been Confined at the Insolent Threshold of his Ho­liness, and upon his coming forth in his Infalli­bility, this Pile of Temporal Glory has been his Horse-blok; and so here) they must humbly wait at the Door of the Association, till they shall be Informed When, What, Who, and Where they shall have one. But not to inter­rupt the World with long Stories, we must again, here Demur upon Title.

Sect. That the several Associations in the Coun­try maintain a due Correspondence with one another.

Answer.

If the Platonick Notion concerning the Uni­versal Soul of the World or Spirit of Nature (whereby one Body is affected by the Opera­tions of another at some considerable distance) were Established for an Infallible Theorem, and these Societies could circulate their Intelligence by the Power and Echoes of this Mighty Essence, the design might then be practicable; or had we [Page 96] in all Corners of our Country, Doves trained up to carry Males or Pacquets of Letters from Country to Country, there might be some hopes for Supporting this Mighty Correspondence, but to do it wholly by humane Means, the Charge plainly threatens to eat out the Profit.

But we may suppose the Seat of these things shall be universally settled, fully butting upon the Post-Road, and what a Mighty business is a Six Penny or Four Penny Letter in such a good Cause? Nay, indeed there's no great matter in it self, yet these Six Pennys or Four Pennys, are like the Sand on the sea shore, a great many of them put together grow very heavy, especially where Wife and Children are to be maintained upon 70 l. or 80 l. Income per Annum.

Wise men may do as they please, yet for my part, I can see no good Policy in the Propo­sal, unless you can Court some Rich Potentate to espouse the Cause, and Sacrifice Annually some part of his Royal Revenue to Support the Phan­tasie.

Sect. So that the State of Religion may be the Better known and Secured in all the Churches.

Answer.

Religion (In its Infaillible Original the Wisdom and Authority of God! in its Infinite Object, the Ineffable Persons and Perfections of the Divine Essence in its means, the Gospel of [Page 97] Salvation in its Inspired Wakeful and Capatious Ministry, in its Subject, the Inestimable Im­mortal Soul of Man, in its trancendant Effects, (1) In Time, the charming Peace and joys of Conscience. (2) In Eternity, the Joyful Retreat and shouts of Glory, is the Most Incomparable Gift or Paladium, which ever came from Heaven amongst all the favours of the Father of Lights, there is none Parallel with this; when disclosed in its Beauty, it Ravisheth all the intellects of the Universe; and Challenge may be made, that the Prerogatives and Glory belonging to all the Crowned Heads in the World, do Bow and wait upon its Processions thro' the Earth, to guard it from its Innumerable and Inveterate Enemies. Yet in Paying our Veneration and At­tendance, we must distinguish Right, and place every thing properly, and the means must be proportionate with the end, and agreeable in their Natures, or otherwise whilst we go about to Accomplish a good End, viz. the Se­curity of Religion by Improper Means, we may loose our Attempt, and have no Thanks, but be blamed for our pains; for we must not do evil, that good may come.

It is Certain that the Church of Christ is the Pillar of Truth, or sacred Recluse and Peculiar Assilum of Religion, and this sacred Guest, Religion, which came in the Worlds Infancy from Heaven, to Gratify the Solitudes of mise­rable Man, when God had left him, hath long kept house with us in this Land, to sweeten our [Page 98] Wilderness state, and the Renowned Churches here, are her Sacred Palaces. Then certainly it is not fair for her Lovers, under pretence of maintaining her, wellcome in greater state, to de­solate her pleasing Habitations, tho' they stand somewhat low like the Myrtle grove, Zach. 1.8. &c.

Sect. And particularly it is thought necessary to the well being of these Churches, that all the Asso­ciations in the Country meet together, by their Respective Delegates, once in a year.

Answer.

This is a great a Thesis; and who-ever was the Father, the Womb of it is very fertile and bigg with Articles of Moment, it Comprehends a large Territory, and a great Treasure; we must therefore Survey it by Cosmography, and then nextly by the Laws of the Church Stock.

1. The Country contained in this Proposal, by a just Consequence, and from the nature of the Design, must extend so far as we can find any Gospel Churches Planted, or to be Planted with­in the English Dominion on the firm Land or Continent of America, there is no Restriction made to Exclude any; and Charity is a grace that would have every one Vertuous, and equal­ly Priviledged with means for that End; so that we may begin our Lines of Latitude in the South, some-what North-ward of the Capes [Page 99] of Florida, and then Extend them to the North, to some parts of Nova Scotia, if not to the Bay of St. Laurence, and from those points on to the Atlantick, we must stretch our Lines over-Thawrt, keeping equal Longitudes, till we meet with other Princes Dominions▪ Now this is a noble Territory, enough for an Empire, and all English; and why may we not be thus Extensive for the good of the Churches there­in Planted? Other Countries have sent their Delegates near as far as this comes to, to wait upon the Conventions of his Holiness. But, the Mischeif is, The Revenue won't hold out. But I have Thought of one way, and that will do, if we can but obtain, tho' I acknowledge it is some-what Chimerical, or Whimsical; Yet, tho' it be, the Proposal has no reason to repine or find fault, for that it is Its near Kins-Man.

The Project is this, viz. Upon the great Set­tlements which we hope for, between the two Crowns, I advise that Petitions be made (if the Articles of Settlement will allow of it) That either the Rents of Toledo, or some good stout Gold Mine in Peru, be reserved wholly to the use of this Design, and if you are plea­sed to keep or settle within narrower Limits (when we know your Territory) we can by Rules of Proportion and Substraction, compute the Charge, and if there be any Over-Plus, when your own Charges are Defray'd, the rest may be assigned to the next Province for [Page 100] such Good Uses. But however, let the Petitions go for-ward; for you will have want enough of your Share; for I am sure, your present Supplyes are not full enough for your Daily Bread and these Contingent and unexpected Charges, especially seeing they were never thought of, or Provided for, in your first Settle­ments.

Answer.

This Proposal seems to be founded upon the Epecurian Doctrine of Atoms; for by the Sche­me which Atheistical Atomists give concerning the Beginning of the World, by their Account, it was after this lucky manner, that is to say, There was before time, a vast Pile of Incohe­rent [Page 101] Atomes, which Globically hung Sleeping upon a Centre-Atom, without the least Grain of sence, thro' the vast Eternity, a Perte Ante; But at last, and no body can tell how, they were inclined to throw off their present Posture; but being neither of one Form, Inclination nor Pro­pension, quickly great heaving and shuffing (from various Sympathies and Antipathies) began to be amongst them, that a Chaos is pre­sently Rolled together, and in a little time this Magnificent and curious World, which you look upon, came out of the horrid Womb of this distracted heap of Atoms, and that without any help from a Creating Power, but only by a wonderful good Chance. Thus far you have the Doctrine of Atoms, which I could not well avoid, because of so much Noble Matter Pre-existing, and represented in various Shapes and Forms, with a sound of Motion and various Sympathies and Antipathies appearing, and represented by the Proposal; but yet, can hear of no Superintending Fiat, or any Creating Voice to Over-rule, or say, Let it Be. But only if Persons are Disposed, or Indisposed, the Busi­ness must be managed as Wisely as you Can; and if it should so Chance, that some fine thing, (never before seen in the Country) should be made out of these Materials, without the help of a Creating Power, the World would be a great Debtor to the Accident, and the Chur­ches may they not be Justly stript of their being, to make Room for it, and maintain it?

[Page 102]But to be more Distinct, and some-what more close in my Answer, I must remind you, That our Blessed Lord Commands us to Pray, Math. 6▪ Our Father which art in Heaven, &c. Lead us not into Temptation, But Deliver us from Evil. And if sincere, he hath Promised, To stablish us and keep us from Evil. 2. Thess. 3.3. From these Di­vine Principles, the Question is, Whether those Pastors are the stable or Ʋnstable, the Reason­able, or Ʋnreasonable-Men, viz. Either those who have Promoted this Design in the Country, or those who have withstood it? And also where has Temptation Prevailed MOST? And to put this Debate under a brighter Light, I will make bold to recite a brief History of this matter, till we bring you to the Nativity of these Propo­sals, and to the day wherein they were Born, with some Present Improvement of the History.

About Thirty years ago, more or less, there was no Appearance of the Associations of Pastors in these Colonies, and in some Parts and Places, there is none Yet. But after the Country had suffered much in the slaughters and depredations committed by the Heathen, and by many other Afflictions, the Neighbouring Ministers, in some Counties, met to Pray together, &c. and for no other Intent, that I ever knew or heard of. But after they had continued their Meetings for some years, and others following the Exam­ple, began to Converse together and communi­cate Cases, as best suited Each Person, and at last perceiving they were almost gotten in to [Page 103] a Classical Form, before they thought of it, They began to give their Meetings the Specious Titles of Classes Associations, And Ecclesiastical Conventions, &c. as Securely as tho' these Titles were a Fruit naturally growing out of our own Constitution; and by Degrees began to dream that they were Really, and De Jure, what their new Titles and [...] Custom had made them only de Facto, and Time increased their Inclinations and Purposes to Compass a more for­mal and compleat Settlement. It is certain their Opportunities were Considerable, the Keys of the Church Treasures being put into their hands. And the more the main Point is studied, the more glory appears to feed mens Ambition, like the impression by the Eye, on our great Parents in Paradice Gen. 3.8. The Tree was Pleasant to the Eyes, a Tree to be desired. Alas! Alas! Empire and supream Rule is a glo­rious thing! Par core subjectis & debellare Super­bas, is a very Royal business. Now this Conceit did begin Prety much to Predominate, especially in some Gentlemen that were inclined to Presby­terian Principles, Men of Worth and Learning, who improving their Advantages of sence and Influence, to Intreague others of a lower set of Intellectuals, &c. brought the business so near to a Conclusion, as you find it in the last recited Proposal, wherein you have the main of this History contained, like Homers Illiads in a Nut shell. But to make short, and Conclude my Story, when they had thus far advanc'd and [Page 104] Ripen'd their design, out comes these Proposals like Aarons Golden Calf, the 5th day of Novemb. 1705.

Thus you have a short Account how things have been carried on, Relating to Associations; and having a convenient Crisis, I shall improve the History, to Promote my Present Design in a few perticulars.

• 1. By Considering the Present Duty of our Er­ring Pastors.
• 2. The Justice to be done on these Proposals.
• 3. Make some small Astrological Remarks Re­lating to the Date, which the Clew of our History has brought us to.

1. As to the Duty of such as are Involved in the Charge, whether or no (upon a Presump­tion that this History be true) They ought not to cease Exciting others to wander from their Proper Post, and they themselves (if not by the open Acts of the Churches Authority, yet) by the good Government of their Owne Wisdom, Prudence and Grace, be Remanded within their Proper Boundaries, and there Continue as Stars within their own Orbs, to Influence and Act, Tum in Modis Quam in statu Quo Prius. according to former usage, and the nature of their trust, and no more go be­yond their own Line 2. Cor. 10.16.

2. Whether These Proposals here offered to view, be not like Aaron's Golden Calf? And whether they ought not to be served, as Moses [Page 105] dealt with that ( Exod. 32.20) when he took it and burnt it in the Fire, and ground it to Powder, for that it is very Evident, That tho' it be But a Calf now, yet in time it may grow (being of a Thristy Nature) to become a sturdy Ox that will know no Whoa, and it may be past the Churches skill then to subdue it.

For if I am not much mistaken (and Pareus too) That great and Terrible Beast with Seven heads and ten Hornes, Discribed in the Revelations 1 [...]. was nothing else a few Ages ago but just such another Calf as this is. It was indeed finely Shap'd and of Neat Limbs, when it was first Calved, insomuch that the Great Potentates of the Earth, were much Ravished with its Aspect and Features: some offered to Suckle it on the choicest Cows amongst all the Herds of Royal Cattle (that it might be large) ho­ping to stock their own Countries with the Breed, and when it was grown to a Consider­able Magnitude, to Render it more shapely and fair, they put Iron Tips on to its Horns and beset its Stupendious Bulk with very Rich Ornaments, that they might make it the more Aweing to All Beholders, And (if possible) by such Artifices to Add to the Natural Pride and Choller of the Creature.

But alas, Poor men! They have paid dear for their Prodigality and Fondness; for this very Creature, that was but a Calf when they first begun to feed it, is now grown to be such a mad Furious and Wild Bull, that there is scarce a [Page 106] Christian Monarch on Earth, unless the great ANNE, their Swedish and Prusian Majesties, and their High Mightinesses, with this Exception) there is scarce a Potentate in the World, the Best Horse-man or Hunts-man of them all, that dare take this Beast by the Horns, when he begins to Bounce and Bellow. Indeed the Emperour within these few Years, has Recovered so much Courage that he took him by the Tayl, to drive him out of Royal Granges, being quite Angry and weary with his Cropping and Brouzingon the Flowers of his Imperial Crown. But otherways the Beast generally goes at large, and does what he will in all Princes Dominions, and keps them in awe. Therefore to conclude, and Infer, Obsta Principiis! It is Wisdom to nip such Growths in the Bud, and keep down by early Slaughter such a breed of Cattle. Nam omne Malum nascens facile opprimitur.

3 dly. In all the Astrological Remarks I have made, I find its Nativity full of favourable Aspects to English Churches. The 5th day of November has been as a Guardian Angel to the most Sacred Interest of the Empire: It has rescued the whole Glory of Church & State from the most fatal Arrest of Hell and Rome. That had I been of the CABAL, or Combination, which formed these Proposals, so soon as I had seen and perceived the date (as I Imagine) my heart, with King David's would have smote me, and I should have cryed out Miserere nostri DEƲS: The Lord have Mery upon us; this is the Gun-Powder-Treason [Page 107] day; and we are Every Man Ruined, being Running Faux's Fate! Why, Gentlemen! have you forgot it? It is the day of the Gun-Powder-Treason, and a fatal day to Traytors.

Our Measures Certainly intend the Blowing up the Churches, as Faux's did the Parliament; That for my own Part, I have such an Awe upon my mind of this very day, That I have made a Settled Resolution, That of all the Dayes of the whole Year, I will never Conspire Treason against my natural Prince, nor Mischief to the Churches on the 5th day of November.

And so Farewell, Gentlemen, for I dare not joyn with you in this Conspiracy.