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

And make not that to necessary as to force men to it on such dreadful terms, which the ancient Churches used with diversity, and indifferency of liberty; we beseech you show the world some proof, that the ancient Churches did ever use to force, or require Ministers to subscribe to their Liturgies, as having nothing in them contrary to the word of God, or to swear obedience to their Bishops, before you impose such things on us, while yet you pretend to imitate Antiquity. And have but that moderation towards your brethren: as in suffering, or at death, or judgement, you would ⟨p. 116⟩most appear. Remember how unpleasing the remembrance of such differences about Ceremonies was to Bp. Ridley, as towards Bp. Hooper, when they were in prison: and how the Arians fury made the Orthodox gladly to go to the Churches of the Novatians, and meet with them and join with them in prayer, and had almost been united with them in the bond of Concord, if the Novatians, in a stiff maintaining of their old customs had not utterly refused it; But yet in other matters they embraced each other with so singular a benevolence and love, that they would willingly have died for each other] as Socrat, tells us Hist. l. 2. c. 30. And may we not all here see our duty? When Atticus was urged to deny to the Novations the Liberty of then meetings within the City, he refused it, because they had suffered for the faith, in the Arians persecution; & changed nothing in the faith, though they separated from the Church: and was so far from violence against dissenters, as that he gave large relief to them, that differed from him in Religion, Socrates Hist. l. 7 c. 25. It was the much praised saying of Theodosius to him that asked him, Why he put none to death that wronged him. [I would I could rather make them that are dead alive] Socrates l. 7. c. 22. Much more should Christian Bps. be enemies to cruelty who know that Charity is more essential to Christianity then this, or that form of Liturgy, or Ceremonies. If you think it unsufferable that we should have differences about such things, remember that there will be no perfect Unity till there is perfect Charity, and sanctity; and that destroying one another, and consequently destroying Charity, is an unhappy way to Unity. And that Unity is to be held in things necessary, & Liberty in things unnecessary, and Charity in both:

And make not that to necessary as to force men to it on such dreadful terms, which the ancient Churches used with diversity, and indifferency of liberty; we beseech you shew the world some proof, that the ancient Churches did ever use to force, or require Ministers to subscribe to their Liturgies, as having nothing in them contrary to the word of God, or to swear obedience to their Bishops, before you impose such things on us, while yet you pretend to imitate Antiquity. And have but that moderation towards your brethren: as in suffering, or at death, or judgement, you would