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

19. And if what you stand for, be indeed of God, this course of unmerciful imposition, is the greatest wrong to it, that you can easily be drawn to, unawares; while so many truly fearing God, are cast out or trodden down, and tempted to think ill of that which themselves and the Church thus suffer by, and when so many of the worst befriend this way because it gratifieth them, it tendeth to make your Cause judged of, according to the quality of its friends and adversaries. And how great a hand this very thing hath had already in the dislike of that is befallen Diocesans, Ceremonies, and the Liturgy, is a thing too generally known to need proof.

19. And if what you stand for, bee indeed of God, this course of unmerciful imposition, is the greatest wrong to it, that you can easily bee drawn to, unawars; while somany truly fearing God, are cast out or trodden down, and tempted to think ill of that which themselves and the Church thus suffer by, and when so many of the worst befriend this way because it gratifieth them, it tendeth to make your Cause judged of, according to the quality of its friends and adversaries. And how great a hand this very thing hath had already in the dislike of that is befallen Diocesans, Ceremonies, and the Liturgie, is a thing too generally known to need proof.

20. Lastly we repeat what formerly we have said, that the Holy Ghost hath already so plainly decided the point in controversy, in the instance of meats and days, Rom 14. 15. that it seemeth strange to us that yet it should remain a Controversy. A weak Brother that maketh an unnecessary difference of meats and days, is not to be cast out, but so to be received and not to be troubled with such doubtful disputations: Despising and judging the servants ⟨p. 19⟩of the Lord, whom he receiveth and can make to stand, and that upon such small occasion is unbeseeming true Believers, vers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. All should be here left to the full persuasion of their own mind, vers. 5. Both parties here acknowledgeth the sovereignty of Christ, and in observing, or not observing such things, they do it all to him, vers. 6, 7, 8, 9. his judgement should affright us from despising or judging one another, vers. 10, 11, 12. instead of judging others we should judge it our duty, that none of us put a stumbling block, or occasion to fall in his Brothers way; vers. 13. If we grieve those that esteem that unclean which we do not, we walk not charitably; destroy not the work of God, nor him for whom Christ died, by your indifferent things; vers. 14, 15, 20. It is evil to him that judgeth it to be evil. vers. 14, 20. Do you believe these things to be indifferent, have this belief to your self before God, and condemn not your selves in that which you allow, vers. 22. your Brother is damned if he practise doubtingly, for whatsoever is not of Faith is sin. vers. 23. and you drive him upon damnation! We may well conclude then, that it is good, even your selves to avoid such things unnecessary, by which your Brother stumbleth, is offended, or made weak. vers. 21. Much more to forbear the forcing them upon him, which those that the Apostle reproveth did not attempt. It is the Kingdom of God that we must all promote; and that Kingdom consisteth not in meat or drink, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. And he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and should be approved of men vers. 17, 18. Let us therefore follow after the things, which make for peace, and things wherewith one may Edify another. verse 19.