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

23. And in such a world, we take it for a great honour that is done to the Nonconformists in this land, when we read such accusations, as of an incongruous expression, and an invalid argument about a Ceremony, or such like; And that such as by their writings tell the world, that they want not will to open the worst, do charge them with no worse crimes than they do; And also that they are not silenced at this time, for Treason, or rebellion, or drunkenness, or swearing, or incontinency, or railing, or for insufficiency or idleness, or for seldom preaching, or for ⟨p. 195⟩plurality of benefices, or nonresidency, or any such immoralities as these; but because they dare not deliberately give it under their hands, that no person in three Kingdoms is obliged to endeavour the alteration of the present Prelatical Diocesan Government, that vowed to God, in his place and calling to endeavour it, by a certain Oath illegally imposed on the people, And because they dare not Ministerially in the Congregation declare that they Assent and Consent to all things contained in and prescribed by three books; and because some dare not be reordained in words, that make them first Deacons that were ordained Presbyters, and such like.

24. The most credible way to show which party is the foolisher and the ungodlier, is to make strict Laws against an Ignorant, insufficient, vicious, sensual, scandalous and negligent Ministry; and whoever is proved guilty, of which side soever, let them be cast out: This we refuse not; this we would earnestly beg upon our knees.

24. The most credible way to shew which party is the foolisher and the ungodlier, is to make strict Laws against an Ignorant, insufficient, vicious, sensual, scandalous and negligent Ministry; and whoever is proved guilty, of which side soever, let them be cast out: This we refuse not; this we would earnestly beg upon our knees.