The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…

Our accusations are, 1. That we are Presbyterians and Fanatics. 2. That we began the War in 1641, and 1642. 3. That we destroyed the King. 4. That our Principles are disloyal. 5. That we are plotting a rebellion. To all these.

Our accusations are, 1. That we are Presbyterians and Fanaticks. 2. That we began the War in 1641, and 1642. 3. That we destroyed the King. 4. That our Principles are disloyal. 5. That we are plotting a rebellion. To all these.

I. What a Presbyterian is with these men is to us unsearchable; what he is with those that have written for and against them is easily known; we take Dr. Heylins Description in his History against them: They are such as hold not only Church Government without Bishops (for so do the Independents also) but also by Presbyteries, consisting of two sorts of Elders, Preaching and Ruling (called by some Lay) and over th[…]see Classes, and over these a National Assembly, consisting of the same two sorts. Be it known that whiles I disown any thing of this, it is not that I think my self wiser or better than such as I have been acquainted with of that opinion. My own opinion I have oft enough declared, viz. 1. That Jure Divino, one Church hath no Governing Power over another. 2. That every particular Political Church should be a society capable of personal presential communion, and have their own Elders to govern them all of one Order and Office, and if each one have a Bishop that shall have a Presidency and Ruling or Negative voice, I shall like it the better, for Antiquity sake, and Unity. 3. That these Churches should keep necessary correspondency for Love, Concord, and mutual helps, by Messengers and Synods of their Bishops or Pastors; but not as Law-makers to their brethren. 4. That it will not be unmeet for the Magistrate, or if he permit it, for the Bishops or Pastors by consent to appoint some of the wisest and gravest and best, to visit and oversee the rest of the Pastors and Churches in several Precincts, so far as to teach the young and ignorant, and exhort them to holy, prudent diligence, and reprove them that are blame-worthy, but not to have the forcing power of the Sword.

I. What a Presbyterian is with these men is to us unsearchable; what he is with those that have written for and against them is easily known; we take Dr. Heylins Description in his History against them: They are such as hold not only Church Government without Bishops (for so do the Independents also) but also by Presbyteries, consisting of two sorts of Elders, Preaching and Ruling (called by some Lay) and over thse Classes, and over these a National Assembly, consisting of the same two sorts. Be it known that whiles I disown any thing of this, it is not that I think my self wiser or better than such as I have been acquainted with of that opinion. My own opinion I have oft enough declared, viz. 1. That Jure Divino, one Church hath no Governing Power over another. 2. That every particular Political Church should be a society capable of personal presential communion, and have their own Elders to govern them all of one Order and Office, and if each one have a Bishop that shall have a Presidency and Ruling or Negative voice, I shall like it the better, for Antiquity sake, and Vnity. 3. That these Churches should keep necessary correspondency for Love, Concord, and mutual helps, by Messengers and Synods of their Bishops or Pastors; but not as Law-makers to their brethren. 4. That it will not be unmeet for the Magistrate, or if he permit it, for the Bishops or Pastors by consent to appoint some of the wisest and gravest and best, to visit and oversee the rest of the Pastors and Churches in several Precincts, so far as to teach the young and ignorant, and exhort them to holy, prudent diligence, and reprove them that are blame-worthy, but not to have the forcing power of the Sword.