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…

Reply. They complain that when he can not have his will unjustly satisfied in the Consistory, he violently, without their consent, bringeth matters thence into the Classis. If this complaint be just, it is not slight. His carriage in late differences maketh it suspicious that the root of the matter is in him. For let the ground of these troubles be considered, and it will be found that the thing, for which he contendeth, is not necessary: either as a mean for Gods glory, and the Churches edification, or as commanded of God; nor is it enjoined in any Canon of these Belgic National Synods; nor is it expressly, and particularly required, by any Classis, of any Dutch Ministers in their admission. So that it is not difficult to determine from what distempered principle these disordered motions have arisen, and who is to be accounted burdened, in this respect.

Reply. They complaine that when he can not have his will unjustly satisfyed in the Consistory, he violently, without their consent, bringeth matters thence into the Classis. Jf this complaint be just, it is not slight. His carriage in late differences maketh it suspicious that the roote of the matter is in him. For let the ground of these troubles be considered, and it will be found that the thing, for which he contendeth, is not necessary: either as a meane for Gods glory, and the Churches aedification, or as commanded of God; nor is it injoyned in any Canon of these Belgick Nationall Synods; nor is it expresly, and particularly required, by any Classis, of any Dutch Ministers in their admission. So that it is not difficult to determine from what distempered principle these disordered motions have arisen, and who is to be accounted burthened, in this respect.

As for the folly, which he chargeth upon the Complainants, that, pretending to stand for the liberty of the Church, they seek to bring themselves into bondage; the question is, whether is the way of liberty or bondage to the Church? That which Christ hath appointed? or that which men, without Christs warrant, have devised? If the way of Christ is the way of liberty: the question will be, which is the way of Christ? whether that particular Churches have power within themselves to choose a fit Pastor, and to crave the help of one well known unto them in time of the Churches necessity, & to see that Baptism be decently & orderly administered? or that they so depend upon Classes for their leave & permission herein, as to be hindered by them from doing any of these, at their pleasure? If the first is the way of Christ; let the Answerer beware that he be not found a false witness against Christ, and his ways in making them ways of folly, and servitude, &c. If the latter be the way of Christ, let him show it (and not say it only) I say, show, and prove it by Scripture, for the satisfaction of the people that depend upon his ministry. And till he can do that, let him forbear such expressions.