Sectaries and their families but gives a full liberty to set up their professions in any fit and convenient places that so Scandals Heresies Schismes and new Religions may grow in their kinds and also multiply in the number of Professours and Disciples as if there were not enough already 7. Though it seemeth that a provision is made that this indulgence shall not extend to the toleration of Antitrinitarians Arrians and Antiscripturists yet there is no more expressed but that this indulgence shall not extend to tolerate the Printing Publishing or Preaching such blasphemies and errours as they do maintain against God the Holy Trinity and the Scriptures They are not made lyable to any penalty and suppose penalties were imposed upon them for Printing Publishing or Preaching those errours yet they are by this Proposition left to a full liberty to maintain them in private to reason and dispute that there is no God that Christ is but an Impostor that there is no such thing as the Holy Ghost that the Scriptures are but like other writings blaspheming at their pleasure and seducing others to their opinions in secret All which and much more according to this Proposition may not be questioned and so in reality though not in pretext they shall be tolerated as well as others 8. Al protane and wicked persons are left at liberty by this toleration to doe what they please For they are not obliged to be subject to any Discipline or Government and so neither the duties of the first nor second table of the Law of God shall be observed but all sort of impiety and works of darknesse shall abound and such as hate the sincere worship of God in the Church may have the most unlawfull and wicked meetings elsewhere under a profession of religious exercises or Ordinances We might adde more exceptions against this Proposition But these we trust may suffice to make any that is but a little indued with the light of the Gospell and hath any love to the truth for to detest and abhorre such a toleration And now we desire the Houses of Parliament to remember their Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdome of the 15 of December 1642. where they resent it as a great injury that any should infuse into the people that they meane to leave every man to his own judgement and fancy for the service and worship of God and do declare that it is farre from their purpose and desire to let loose the golden reynes of Discipline and Government in the Church to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what kinde of divine service they please and hold it requisite that there should be throughout the whole Realme a conformity to that Order which the Laws enjoyne according to the word of God How consonant this toleration is to that Declaration we leave it to the Houses of Parliament and all wise men to consider and whether the danger of the true reformed Religion in these Kingdomes be not greater now then before the taking of the Covenant yea or since Christian Religion came first into this Island when toleration of all Religions the name of Popery only excepted is desired by the Houses of Parliament to be established by Law and the very Principles and Fundamentals of faith which under Prelacy yea under Popery it selfe were generally received as uncontroverted are now by many Sectaries of this time either oppugned or called in question There are divers other passages in the Declarations and Ordinances of both Houses to the same purpose but here we shall only mention one or two In particular we would have the Houses call to minde their Declaration and answer to the Lords of his Majesties Secret Counsell of Scotland and the generall Assembly of the Church of that Kingdome in the yeare 1642. where besides other expressions they use these words We acknowledge it an act of love to us and Wisdome for the good of both Churches for which we are thankefull both to God and them that our Brethren of Scotland have bestowed their serious thoughts and earnest desires for Vnity of Religion that in all his Majesties Dominions there might be one confession of faith one Directory for worship one publick Catechisme and one forme of Church Government And although it will hardly be obtained punctually and exactly unlesse some way might be found for a mutuall communication and conjunction of Counsell and debate in frameing that one forme yet both intending the same and proceeding by the same rule of Gods word and guided by the same Spirit we hope by Gods assistance to be so directed that we may cast out whatsoever is offensive to God or justly displeasing to any neighbour Church And so farre agree with our Brethren of Scotland and other reformed Churches in all substantiall parts of Doctrine Worship and Discipline that both we and they may enjoy those advantages and conveniences which are mentioned by them in this their answer In the more strict Vnion of both Kingdomes more safe easy and comfortable Government of his Majesty and both to himselfe and coâ—le more free communion in all holy exercises and dutyes of worship more constant security of Religion against the bloody practises of Papists and deceitfull errours of other Sectaries And having there made known their resolution to take away the Government by Bishops they desire some godly and learned Divines of that Church to bee sent to the Assembly of Divines here whereby an uniformity in form of Church Government may bee obtayned and one Confession of Faith one Directory and one Catechism may be setled in all the three Kingdomes Which desire was afterwards renewed to their Commissioners sent to Scotland and in end the mutuall and joynt desires of both Kingdomes were crowned with a solemne League and Covenant as for other ends so for endeavouring the nearest conjunction and uniformity in al these and for extirpation of Heresy and Schisme These foure yeares past the labours of many learned and godly Divines of both Kingdomes thereunto appointed have been spent in framing a Directory for worship which was long since approved and received in both Kingdomes a Confession of Faith a form of Church Government and Catechising all which have been presented to both Houses and some progresse was made therein toward the establishing of them till of late they were laid aside The Houses not many months since did appoint a solemn Fast and day of Humiliation to be kept throughout the whole kingdome because of the growth of Heresies Blasphemies and Schism The words of the Ordinance are these We the Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England having entred into a solemn Covenant to endeavour sincerely really and constantly the reformation of Religion in Doctrine Discipline and Worship And the extirpation of Popery superstation heresie schisme prophanesse and whatsoever shall be found contrary to sound doctrine and the power of godlinesse And having found the presence of God wonderfully assisting us
in this cause especially since our said engagement in pursuance of the said Covenant have thought fit lest we partake in other mens sins and therby be in danger to receive of their plagues to set forth this our deep sence of the great dishonour of God and perillous condition that this Kingdome is in through the abhominable blasphemies and damnable heresies vented and spread abroad therein tending to the subversion of the faith contempt of the Ministry and ordinances of Iesus Christ And as we are resolved to imploy and improve the utmost of our power that nothing be done or said against the truth but for the truth So we desire that both ourselves and the whole Kingdom may be deeply humbled before the Lord for that great reproach and contempt which hath been cast upon his Name and saving truthes and for that swift destruction that we may justly fear will fall upon the immortall souls of such who are or may be drawn away by giving heed to seducing spirits In the hearty and tender compassion whereof We the said Lords and Commons doe order and ordaine That Wednesday being the 10. day of March next be set apart for a day of publike humiliation for the growth and spreading of errors heresies and blasphemies to be observed in all places within the Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick and to seek God for his direction and assistance for the suppressing and preventing the same And are these the waies and meanes that the Houses of Parliament have thought upon for suppressing Errors Heresies and Blasphemies to desire that a Toleration of them may be established by a Law Is the laying of a foundation to propagate Heresie and Schisme the best way to extirpate the same Are these the fruits and effects of their solemne Fast and Humiliation Certainly God will not be mocked The Covenant doth also oblige us mutually to preserve the Authority of the supream Magistrate the priviledges of Parliaments and firm peace and union between the kingdoms to all posterity And is it not visible that many of those Sectaries with their adherents and abettors doe by their pernicious doctrine and actions offer violence to the Kings person and Authority and against the rights and priviledges of Parliament So as there is not any one Article of the Solemn League and Covenant which is not in a high degree violated by them And shall a toleration be established for all such The opposing the Covenant and Reformation of Religion the dividing betwixt the King and his people or making any faction among the people contrary to this League and Covenant were formerly the characters of our enemies and whosoever mayntayn and doe these things though they should assume to themselves the name of Saints are still to be accounted Incendiaries Malignants and evill Instruments And we are obliged by Covenant with faithfulnesse to endeavour the discovery of all such that they may bee brought to publique triall and receive condigne punishment And though it be far from our intentions that pious and peaceable men should be troubled because in every thing they cannot conform themselves to Presbyteriall Govenment for we did never oppose such an indulgence to their persons as is agreeable to the Word of God may stand with the publick peace and is not destructive to the order and Government of the Church yet wee do from our very souls abhor such a generall and vast Toleration as is expressed in the Proposition And if the Houses which God forbid shall adhere thereunto and insist that it may be established We do protest against it as that which is expresly contrary to the Word of God utterly repugnant to the solemn League and Covenant destructive to Reformation and Uniformity in Religion altogether inconsistent with the Declarations and Professions of the Houses against the Treaty between the Kingdomes directly opposite to the example and practice of all the reformed Churches and as that which will unavoidably subvert all Order and Goverment and introduce a world of confusion Our mindes are astonied and our bowels are moved within us when we think of the bitter fruits and sad consequences of such a Toleration What horrid blasphemies against God! What vile abominations What pernicious doctrine to the subversion and perdition of souls What disobedience to the Magistrate What violation of duties between persons of neerest relation What differences and divisions in Families and Congregations it will bring forth What bitter heart-burnings it will beget and perpetuate to posterity Nay it is impossible for us to expresse what infinite distraction disorder and confusion it will make both in Church and State thorowout all the three Kingdoms And therefore wee do obtest the Houses of Parliament by the solemn League and Covenant which they have made in the presence of Almighty God the searcher of all hearts with a true intention to perform the same as they shall answer at that great day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed and by all the promises professions and Declarations wherewith they induced the Kingdom of Scotland to an engagement and conjunction with them in this Cauâ—â— That they do not establish such an impious Toleration as cannot but draw down the judgement of God and make a rent between the two Kingdoms united by so many tyes and relations which wee desire to cherish and strengthen and to continue to all posterity That next to Religion wherein we differ in judgement from the Propositions is concerning the interest power of the Crown We are obliged by our Covenant allegeance and the duty of Subjects not to diminish but to support the Kings just power and greatnes The question then is wherein his royall Authority and just power doth consist And we affirm and hope it cannot be denyed that regall power and authority is chiâ—fly in making and enacting Laws and in protecting and defending their subjects which are of the very essence and being of all Kings And the exercise of that power are the chief parts and duties of their royall office and function And the Scepter and Sword are the badges of that power Yet the new preface compared with other parts of these new Propositions takes away the Kings negative voice and cuts off all Royall power and righâ— in the making of Laws contrary to the constant practice of this and all other Kingdoms For the Legislative power in some Monarchies is Penes Principem solum and their Laws are called Principum placita which is the highest and most absolute kinde of Sovereignty And in other Kingdoms and Monarchies the power of making Laws is by compact between the Prince and people or according to the constitution practice and usage of the severall Kingdoms In the last the power of the King is least but best regulated where neither the King alone without his Parliament nor the Parliament without the King can make Laws and where nothing enacted by the one without the consent of the other can
arise upon occasion of the late troubles And we conceive an Army should be kept up only in the case of a powerfull Insurrection within the Kingdom or of a forraign invasion from without and otherwise to maintain a perpetuall Army in the bowels of the Kingdom upon the expence of the subject when there is no enemy to fight with is but to enslave the King and Kingdome under a Military bondage When our Army returned to Scotland it was confidently expected that the Houses should have speedily disbanded their Army the warre being at an end and no visible enemy in the Kingdom and proceeded to the setling of a peace here and to the effectuall relief of Ireland But now after a full years delay almost we do not finde amongst all these propositions any thing concerning the disbanding of Armies or sending releif to that distressed Kingdom but on the contrary there is only provision made for keeping up armies and raising money for their maintenance Wee must therefore declare to the Houses that it is our judgment and earnest desire that there may be a Proposition for disbanding Armies in both Kingdome Armies were raised for defence of Religion the Kings person and authority the Priviledges of Parliament and the liberty of the subject And when they are no more usefull for these ends and the Houses may consult freely and act securely without any hostile opposition It is high time to disband them that the Laws of the Kingdom may take place Some of out neighbour nations are necessitated to keep up Armies because they have enemies that lie contiguous and adjoyning to their borders but the sea is our Bulwark And if wee study amity and peace amongst our selves and entertain the union between the Kingdoms under his Majesties government wee need not fear forrain invasion It is a Custome in other Nations to keep up Armies to levy monies by force But these are free Kingdoms and when they have been fighting for liberty and freedom wee trust that it is not intended that warre should be made a trade or that their warrs shall end in slavery The continuance of Armies will certainly increase factions and divisions to the great weakning of the Kingdoms will in end expose us as a prey to our enemies neither is it possible so long as they are kept up that there can be a setled peace The charge of entertaining Armies is needlesse when there is no enemy and extreamly grievous to the people who before were willing to bear it when they saw a necessity for it And now after so great sufferings and vast expence of Treasure to souldiers for many years together the burthen is become insupportable For these and many other reasons which wee could adde wee hold it most necessary That as there is a Proposition for payment of the arreares of the Army so also there be an addition unto it for their disbanding Touching the conferring titles of honor we desire the King who is the fountain of honor may not be deprived of that which in all ages and Kingdoms hath been held and esteemed a flowre of the Crown and wherewith Kings doe usually recompence the vertue and merites of such as doe memorable services to the Crown or Kingdome And as to the disposing of the great offices of State and nameing of privy Counsellors we conceive his Majesties offer in his late Message of the sixteenth of November to be so reasonable as may give satisfaction to the Houses That which we are to speak of next in order is the union and joynt interest of the Kingdoms where we wish we had not just cause to expostulate that the Houses have omitted the Covenant in these Propositions rejected all that concerns Vnity and Vniformity in Religion and have altered the former Proposition for confirmation of the Treaties and desired now only an Approbation of the making of them which amounts to no more then an Act of indemnity They have also in that Proposition omitted these words With all other ordinances and proceedings past betwixt the two Kingdoms and whereunto they are obliged by the foresaid Treaties which words were inserted in the former propositions after serious debate and therefore if the Houses intend to make good and perform all ordinances past betwixt the Kingdoms according to their manifold professions We desire that this Proposition may remain as before without any alteration or omission The proposition desiring his Majesties consent to what the two Kindoms shall agree upon in pursuance of the Articles of the large treaty which are not yet finished is omitted The joynt declaration of both Kingdoms is likewise omitted And generally throughout these Propositions all expressions of joynt interest are left out And whereas formerly the Propositions of both Kingdoms were drawn up together in one body now for separating the interest of the Kingdoms the Propositions for England are drawn up apart which new way when we did observe and what essentiall alterations omissions and additions were made in the matter of the Propositions we desired a conference for removing all differences and that we might the more speedily attaine to an agreement but it was not granted however we have herein discharged our duty that we use all means to prevent difference and that we for our part study to observe the Treaty betwixt the Kingdoms Where it is expresly provided in the eighth Article That no Cessation nor any pacification or agreement for peace whatsoever shall be made by either Kingdom or the Armies of either Kingdom without the mutuall advice and consent of both Kingdoms or their Committees in that behalf appointed and here we think it not amisse to remember the Houses of Parliament of their expressions in a declaration to the Lords States Generall of the united Provinces of the Low-Countries showing why they did not admit of the mediation of the Dutch Ambassadors between the King and Parliament in the way and manner it was desired without application to the Kingdome of Scotland The words of the declaration are that both the Kingdoms are mutually engaged in the Propositions and Treaty thereupon And that neither could admit of their Mediation without consent of the other because the two Kingdoms were united by solemn League and Covenant made to Almighty God and by league each to other as one entire body to prosecute this cause And that in pursuance thereof Propositions for a safe and well grounded peace were then preparing in a joynt way by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms And whereas the Lords Ambassadours had propounded and offered from the King the calling of a National Synode to correct and redresse the government of the Church by Bishops One of the Answers which was given thereunto in the said declaration was That not only the Kingdom of Scotland and the Members of both Houses of Parliament but also many thousands of others of his Majesties subjects of England and Ireland stand bound by their late Nationall Covenant to endeavour the extirpation of
THE ANSWER OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE Kingdome of Scotland To both Houses of PARLIAMENT Upon the New Propositions of Peace AND THE Foure Bills to be sent to his MAJESTIE LONDON Printed for ROBERT BOSTOCK dwelling at the sign of the Kings head in PAULS Church-yard 1647. The Answer of the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland to both Houses of Parliament c. WE have with much patience for divers years together in pursuance of the Solemn League and Covenant and Treaties betwixt the Kingdoms used our best indevors for setling Religion and a happy Peace Propositions were first agreed an â—n Anno 1644. with advice and consent of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms presented to his Majesty at Oxford by Commissioners of both and treated upon at Vxbridg in Anno 1645. We did earnestly and frequently press the sending of those Propositions again to his Majesty wherein the Houses would not concur with us but on the contrary after very long delay thought fit to make several alterations therein which were principally in matters that did concern the neer Union of the Kingdoms Yet were we so earnestly desirous of putting an end to the long continued distraction and troubles of these Kingdoms as waving what might be conceived to be for the particular interest of the Kingdom of Scotland we did joyn with the Houses of Parliament in presenting Propositions to his Majesty at New-castle though as we then declared we had just reason to be unsatisfied with divers things contained in those Propositions When it was agreed upon betwixt the Kingdoms that the same Propositions should be again presented to his Majesty at his coming to Holdenby the performance thereof being delayed by the Houses for divers moneths we did patiently wait then leasure Yet upon the sudden they did appoint a peremptory day for sending the Propositions to his Majesty and gave order to their Commissioners in case we were not precisely upon that day at Hampton Court that they should present the Propositions to the King alone by themselves contrary to the Treaty betwixt the Kingdoms which was so strange and unequal a way as we might have justly denyed our concurrence had not our love to Peace prevailed with us to joyn in that Message but after all this finding no success in that way of sending Propositions to the King and insisting upon his positive Assent thereunto without giving any reasons for the justice of our desires or hearing any Proposition from his Majesty We did in November last propose to the honorable Housâ—s with much earneâ—â—ness desire that there might be a personal â—â—â—ty with his Majesty here at London it being in all probability the best 〈◊〉 to obtain a Peace About the time of his Majesties withdrawing from Hampton Court the Houses did communicate to us new Propositions resolved on by them to be presented to his Majesty after receipt whereof we did in our Paper of the 17. of November insist on our former desire for a personal Treaty with his Majesty But receiving no Answer to that nor to our paper of the 5. And our positive Answer being demanded to the new Propositions upon the 23. of Novemb. we resolved once again to desire an Answer to our former Papers A personal Treaty being in our judgment a readier way to compose all differences then the sending of these new Propositions wherein there are so great and essential differences from what was formerly agreed on by both Kingdoms And to the end there might be no let or delay on our part which might hinder the setling of a Peace We desired a conference with a Committee of both Houses concerning the expediency of a personal Treaty with his Majesty and the alterations made in the Propositions that so according to the Treaty of the 29. of Novem. 1643. there might be with the advice and consent of both Nations a speedy Agreement in those things which are to be the foundation of the Peace of both To all which the Houses have been pleased to return no Answer However it is no smal satisfaction to us that we leave no means of Agreement unesâ—ayed and that the retardment of the setling of the Peace of the Kingdoms cannot be charged on us And least our further silence in expectation of an Answer should be mistaken We have thought fit to represent our sence concerning a personal Treaty and the Propositions to the Houses in writing which had our desires been granted we did intend to have done by a verbal conference There be some things which properly concern the Kingdom of England their Rights Laws and Liberties But there be other matters which in their own nature as being common to both or by Covenant or Treaty concern both Kingdoms wherein unless we would forget our duty to God to the Kings Majesty to our Native Kingdom and to this Nation Our common concernment and interest cannot be denyd For as Scotland was invited and ingaged in this War upon grounds reasons of common interest So we trust it wil not be offensive that in making of Peace we claim from the Houses an Improvement of the very same principles and a performance of the Treaties they have made with us that the same measure of conjunction of interests be given to us which was had of us and promised unto us wherein the very Law of Nations and the rule of common equity doth plead for us Yet in the application of this rule we shal not stretch our selves beyond our line the express conditions of our Solemn League and Covenant the duty of our Allegiance and the Treaties and Declarations between the Kingdoms which are so many strong obligations as all who have honor or conscience must acknowledg should be inviolably observed Having layd this as a most just and solid ground of our proceedings we shal first speak of the best and most probable means to procure a good Agreement with the King for setling Religion and a lasting Peace And next of the Propositions which are to be the foundation of the peace and safety of both Kingdoms And it is stil our Opinion and Judgment that the most equal fairest and just way to obtain a wel-grounded peace is by a personal Treaty with the King and that his Majesty for that end be invited to come to London with Honor Freedom and Safety For which we offer the Reasons following 1. The sending of Propositions without a Treaty hath been often essayed without success And the new Propositions are less to the advantage of the Crown than the former Therefore we have no reason to expect better satisfaction that way than formerly we had 2. The Kings removall from his Parliament is acknowledged by the Houses in severall Declarations to be the chiefe cause of all the War mischief and calamities of the Kingdomes Then his Majesties presence with his Parliament must be the best if not the onely remedy to remove our troubles 3. In a personall Treaty the Commissioners of both Kingdomes may give
Scotland and left no Forces in this Kingdome to oppose the Parliament that the Army here should have been instantly disbanded And could never have expected that the Kings Majesty to whom the Parliaments of both Kingdomes were to make their addresses for a safe and well-grounded peace should have been taken away by the Army against his will and still kept in their power to be carryed whether they please or forced to flye for safety If Scotland had apprehended that the least injury or violence would have been committed against his Majesties Royall Person or Monarchicall Government Nay if they had not received assurance from the Houses to the contrary certainly all the threatnings or allurements in the world could never have perswaded them to have parted with the King till all Armies had been disbanded and the peace of the Kingdomes setled It was our brotherly confidence in the Houses who are our fellow Subjects and the assurance we had from them that made us leave the King with them And their care of him and duty to him ought to be such as neither his Majesty nor we have cause to repent it And this we could not but declare to assert the truth and vindicate the honour and reputation of our Nation for out Loyalty hath ever been is and shall be dearer unto us then our lives and fortunes And the candor and integrity of all our Actions is a sufficient confutation of all the calumnyes and aspersions which malice or envie can forge against us We finde also these Propositions omitted viz. the Proposition for confirming the Ordinances concerning the calling and sitting of the Assembly of Divines the Proposition for Reformation of Religion in England and Ireland according to the Covenant And the Proposition for setling Unity and Uniformity in matters of Religion between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes according to the Covenant In place of all which we finde nothing but a meer shadow of Presbyteriall Government an externall Form of Discipline without life or power and a liberty granted for all sorts of Service and Worship of God and for the Exercise of all such Religious Duties and Ordinances as every person shall please and his own erroneous conscience shall dictate unto him for there is no other rule prescribed which opens a doore to Atheism to all Religions and to that which by abuse of the name is called liberty of conscience being indeed liberty of errour scandall schism heresy dishonouring God opposing the truth hindering Reformation and seducing others So in place of Uniformity in Religion which by Covenant both Kingdomes have sworn to endeavour there is here desired to be setled a vast difformity or multi-formity of Heresies and Sects which if the Lord in his mercy shall not prevent may produce the ruine of Religion in both Kingdomes which we have just reason to feare as for other reasons so when we consider the Declaration of the Houses of Parliament speaking of the design of the Popish and Prelaticall Faction to alter Religion in this Island of whom they say first Page 492. collection of Declar they resolved to impose a Popish Service-Book upon Scotland for well they know the same fate attended both Kingdoms and Religion could not be altered in the one without the other And in Answer to the Scots Declaration pag. 601. Whensoever the design to root out Religion shall be perfected in either Nation it will easily be accomplished in the other Religion being the band and foundation of the safety and happinesse of both And in August 1643. the English Commissioners declare to the Kingdome of Scotland that they are commanded by their instructions to put their brethren of Scotland in minde that the Popish and Prelaticall Faction that began with them about the yeare 1638 and 1639 and then intended to make way to the ruine of the Kingdome of England by theirs have not abated any part of their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland nor at all departed from their design of corrupting and altering Religion through the whole Island though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding conceiving now that they have an easier way to destroy them if they may first prevaile over the Parliament and Kingdome of England In which respect it is the desire of both Houses that the two Nations may be strictly Vnited c. And in another paper it is declared that what corruptions take root in the Church and Kingdome of England English Commissioners August 16â—3 will quickly spread their venome and infection into the Neighbour Church of Scotland Wherefore we cannot dissent from this Proposition And according to the trust reposed in us represent our just exceptions against it And first of all we think it very strange That the Houses of Parliament should desire an Act of Parliament to bee made for establishing Presbyterian Government and in the very same Proposition desire that it may bee Enacted that none shall obey that Act of Parliament but such as shall please to doe it 2. We observe that however it is pretended that Presbyterian Government is desired to be established as the Government of the Church of England yet it is only in effect a Liberty granted to all such as of their own accord will joyn in Presbyteriall Government and so amounts to no more then a Toleration of it 3. That this toleration of Presbyterian Government is many wayes limited as in the time for which it is to endure being only to the end of the next Session of Parliament after the end of this present Session which perhaps may be not above six Moneths And the Ministers and Elders are appointed by Ordinance of Parliament to exclude from the Sacrament only such Persons as the Houses have thought fit and no others though it be against their consciences so to do They are bounded with severall restrictions in their Meetings and Assemblyes and are not allowed the use and exercise of all the Ordinances appointed by the Word of God so as Liberty of Conscience is denied to them and granted to others For 4. An unlimited toleration for the time of endurance matter of worship and exercise of all Ordinances is expresly granted to all the Sectaries of the time whether they be Anabaptists Antinomians Arminians Familists Erastians Brownists Separatists Libertines or Independents yea it extends to those Nullifidians the Seekers to the new Sect of Shakers and divers others By all which the very foundation of Church and State is shaken and neare to be overthrown 5. The toleration here desired to be established is of that capacity and latitude as it may admit of many vile and grosse errours which have been condemned and cast out of the Church in former times and may be revived in England as if errours and heresies were of so precious a nature that men should be encouraged by Law to enquire after them and invited to maintaine them 6. This toleration is not only to the persons of those