An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II.…

7. Yea, you should consider, that it is one of the greatest policies of Rome, for the preservation of their Peace and Unity, and the power of their Hierarchy, that the Pope alloweth such diversities of Religious Houses, Orders, Rules and Ceremonies, that all humours are thereby fitted▪ and every man that hath a mind of an odd and stricter way, may find a time or society for his turn. And will not the long experience of so great a Church, do something to convince you of your mistake?

7. Yea, you should consider, that it is one of the greatest policies of Rome, for the preservation of their Peace and Unity, and the power of their Hierarchy, that the Pope alloweth such diversities of Religious Houses, Orders, Rules and Ceremonies, that all humors are thereby fitted▪ and every man that hath a mind of an odd and stricter way, may find a time or society for his turn. And will not the long experience of so great a Church, do something to convince you of your mistake?

4. But what confusion will it be for a man to forbear a Surplice every day, when many of your own forbear it most days, and wear it but seldom, and this without confusion? And what if a child be uncrossed, when the Parents so desire it, or done by another when they desire it? What confusion is this? Why may not a little measure of brotherly love serve, to procure mutual patience in that which is no injury to any, as well as in the bowing towards the Altar, where you think it may serve turn without uniformity?

5. But that which I would chiefly have you mind is, that your own way will cross your ends and interest much more than this which we propose to you. It is long since you told me your thoughts (some of you), that if the Ministers were taken from them, the people would conform, and be reduced: And since I told you, I was assured you were mistaken; and that the casting out of the Ministers, would be a very great increase of the peoples disaffection to you, and consequently of divisions. You have since had seventeen years trial, whether this be true or not! Alas, that England must suffer so much, while the Bishops are learning how to rule, and do their office, yea learning that which weaker persons easily perceive? Alas! that so many thousand Souls must pay so dear, for a few mens experience? I know you say that it is, because the Laws are not strictly executed: But I suppose you know how many Ministers (such as the world is not worthy of) have lain long in the Jails, in Devonshire, in Somersetshire, in Dorsetshire, in Worcestershire, and in many other Counties; and also how many of the Laity have suffered their three months Imprisonment, and some much more: and how little all this hath served your turn; and how much further you would carry on your severity, I know not: But I know you are not like to cause either Love or Unanimity by this way. Will no experience teach you such easy and obvious things? Do you not see, that there are many more of the common people disaffected to your Ministry and way, than were when the Ministers were first silenced and cast out? Yea, they that lost no Ministers of their own, are yet changed by the common experience of the Land. You will not endure us to tell you truly, what a Ministry you have cast out, and what a Ministry in too many places are in their stead. But the people will know it, whether you will or not. To tell men beyond Sea in Latin, as Mr. Durel doth, of our badness, and of the excellency