An apologetical reply to a book called an answer to the unjust complaint of…An apologeticall reply to a booke called an ansvver to the unjust complaint of…

¹First, by putting the blame from himself, upon the Classis, and not upon their persons so much as upon the very government established in these Churches. ²1. Here it must be remembered that the Complainants produce the holy records of the ancient charter of privileges which of old was granted unto particular Churches, in this case,³ which also the Answerer himself confesseth so clearly to warrant their claim, and to justify this plea, that he hath, as he saith, both publicly taught, in the exposition of those 2 places. Acts. 6.3. and 14.23, and doth still acknowledge, that the free consent of the people is required to the lawful calling of a Minister. and afterwards he saith,⁴ that to deprive the Church of that liberty & power &c. must be an heinous crime, and no less then Sacrilege. This crime, how great soever it is, the Reader will find that he chargeth upon the Classis, how justly, let him see: nor will he be able to clear himself of slandering the very government and order of discipline established in these Churches, unless he can show, out of the National Synods, that it was established, for an order in these Countries, that the Classes should have power to deprive the Churches, of the Ministers whom they desire, or have chosen, without showing sufficient cause for the Churches satisfaction: which is the grievance complained of by these sub••ibers.

¹First, by putting the blame from himselfe, upon the Classis, and not upon their persons so much as upon the very government established in these Churches. ²1. Here it must be remembred that the Complainants produce the holy records of the ancient charter of priviledges which of old was granted unto particular Churches, in this case,