A petition for peace with the reformation of the liturgy, as it was presented…

The Recital of the Curses are said in the Book of Common Prayer, to be instead of the godly discipline of the primitive Church, till it can be restored again, which is much to be wished, which is the putting of notorious sinners to open Penitence; His Majesties Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical affairs, determineth that all public ⟨p. 79⟩diligence be used for the instruction, and reformation of Scandalous offenders, whom the Minister shall not suffer to partake of the Lords Table, until they have openly declared themselves to have truly repented and amended their former naughty lives, provided there be place for due appeals to Superior Powers.

THe Recital of the Curses are said in the Book of Common Prayer, to bee instead of the godly discipline of the primitive Church, till it can bee restored again, which is much to bee wished, which is the putting of notorious sinners to open Penitence; His Majesties Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical affairs, determineth that all publick ⟨p. 79⟩diligence bee used for the instruction, and reformation of Scandalous offenders, whom the Minister shall not suffer to partake of the Lords Table, until they have openly declared themselves to have truly repented and amended their former naughty lives, provided there bee place for due appeals to Superiour Powers.

And the law of Christ commandeth, if thy Brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his faults between him and thee alone, if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy Brother, but if he will not hear thee, then take to thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses; every word may be Established, and if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church, but if he shall neglect to hear the Church; let him be unto thee as a Heathen man, or as a publican. Mat. 18. 15, 16, 17. And it is the office of the Pastors of the several Congregations, not only to teach the people in General, and guide them in the Celebration of the public Worship, but also to over-see them, and watch over each member of their flock particularly, to preserve them from Errors, Heresies, Divisions, and other sins, defending the truth, confuting gain-sayers, and seducers, instructing the Ignorant, exciting the Negligent, encouraging the Despondent, comforting the Afflicted, confirming the weak, rebuking and admonishing the disorderly and scandalous, and directing all according to their needs in the matters of their Salvation, and the people in such needs should have ordinary recourse to them, as the officers of Christ, for guidance, and resolution of their doubts, and for assistance in making their salvation sure; and in proving, maintaining, or restoring the peace of their consciences, and spiritual comfort.