The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by…

Reply. Whether the Ceremonies be as innocent, as to divisions, as the Gospel, (a strange assertion) will better appear when what we have said, and what is more fully said by Dr. Ames, Bradshaw, and others, is well answered. If the true cause of our divisions, be as you say (lust and inordinate desires of honours or wealth, or licentiousness) then the party that is most lustful, ambitious, covetous, and licentious, are likest to be most the cause. And for lust, and licentiousness, we should take it for a great attainment of our ends, if you will be entreated to turn the edge of your severity against the lustful, and licentious: O that ⟨p. 108⟩you would keep them out of the Pulpits, and out of the communion of the Church, till they reform! And for our selves, we shall take your admonitions, or severities, thankfully, when ever we are convicted by you of any such sins: We are loath to enter upon such comparison, between the Ministers ejected (for the most part), and those that are in their Rooms, as tends to show by this Rule who are likest to be the dividers. And for inordinate desire of honours and wealth, between your Lordships and us; we are contented that this Cause be decided by all England, even by our enemies at the first hearing, without any further vindication of our selves; and so let it be judged who are the dividers: only we must say, that your intimation of this Charge on us that seek not for Bishoprics, Deaneries, Archdeaconries, or any of your preferments; that desire not, nor could accept pluralities of Benefices, with cure of souls; that never sought for more then food and raiment with the Liberty of our Ministry, even one place with a tolerable maintenance, whose provoking cause hath been our constant opposition, to the Honours, Wealth, Lordships, and pluralities of the Clergy; yea who would be glad, on the behalf of the poor Congregations, if many of our brethren might have leave to preach to their Flocks for nothing; we say, your intimation maketh us lift up our hearts, and hands to heaven, and think, Oh what is man! What may not by some History be told the world! Oh how desirable is the blessed day of the righteous universal judgment of the Lord! how small a matter till then, should it be to us to be judged of man?

Reply. Whether the Ceremonies be as innocent, as to divisions, as the Gospel, (a strange assertion) will better appear when what we have said, and what is more fully said by Dr. Ames, Bradshaw, and others, is well answered. If the true cause of our divisions, be as you say (lust and inordinate desires of honours or wealth, or licentiousness) then the party that is most lustfull, ambitious, covetous, and licentious, are likest to be most the cause. And for lust, and licentiousness, we should take it for a great attainment of our ends, if you will be intreated to turn the edge of your severity against the lustfull, and licentious: O that