A treatise of liturgies, power of the keys, and of matter of the visible…A treatise of liturgies, power of the keyes, and of matter of the visible…

and we think (though we were silent) they may easily satisfy themselves, whether this was of God or men, a sinful neglect of the Cause of Christ, or a manifest attestation to the truth, by open profession against Corruptions of Worship in use, and for the necessity of reformation of the Church; and that confirmed by no small degree of sufferings for the same. For was it not a time when humane Worship and inventions were grown to such an intolerable height, that the consciences of Gods saints and servants enlightened in the truth) could no longer bear them? was not the power of the tyrannical Prelates so great, that like a strong Current carried all down stream before it, what ever was from the law, or otherwise set in their way? Did not the hearts of men generally fail them? Where was the people to be found that would cleave to their godly Ministers in their sufferings, but rather thought it their discretion, to provide for their own quiet and safety? Yea, when ⟨p. 4⟩some freely in zeal of the Truth preached or professed against the corruptions of the times, did not some take offence at it, judge it rashness, and to be against all rules of discretion, who since are ready to censure us for deserting the Cause? Many then thought, it is an evil time, the prudent shall hold their peace, and might we not say, this is not our resting place? And what would men have us do in such a case? Must we study some distinctions to salve our Consciences in complying with so manifold corruptions in Gods Worship? or should we live without Gods ordinances, because we could not partake in the corrupt administration thereof? or content our selves to live without those ordinances of Gods Worship and Communion of Saints which he called us unto, and our souls breathed after? or should we forsake the public Assemblies, and join together in private separated Churches? how unsufferable it would then have been, the great offence that now is taken at it, is a full evidence. And if in Cities, or some such great Townes that might have been done, yet how was it possible for so many scattered Christians all over the Country? It is true, we might have suffered, if we had sought it, we might easily have found the way to have filled the Prisons, and some had their share therein. But whether we were called thereunto, when a wide door was set open of liberty otherwise;

and we think (though we were silent) they may easily satisfie themselves, whether this was of God or men, a sinfull neglect of the Cause of Christ, or a manifest attestation to the truth, by open profession against Corruptions of Worship in use, and for the necessity of reformation of the Church; and that confirmed by no small degree of sufferings for the same. For was it not a time when humane Worship and inventions were growne to such an intolerable height, that the consciences of Gods saints and servants inlightened in the truth) could no longer bear them? was not the power of the tyrannicall Prelates so great, that like a strong Current carryed all down streame before it, what ever was from the law, or otherwise set in their way? Did not the hearts of men generally faile them? Where was the people to bee found that would cleave to their godly Ministers in their sufferings, but rather thought it their discretion, to provide for their owne quiet and safety? Yea, when