PREFACE. XXV 



is ever pruning in his vineyard or his field ; 

 not unseasonably, indeed, not unskilfully, but 

 lightly ; he findeth ever somewhat to do 49 



I pray God to inspire the bishops with a 

 fervent love and care of the people ; and that 

 they may not so much urge things in contro 

 versy, as things out of controversy, which all 

 men confess to be gracious and good 50 



3. UNBIIOTHERLY PROCEEDINGS. 



1. By the possessors of church government 51 



Their urging of subscription to their own articles, 

 is but&quot; lacessere, etirritare morbos Ecclesise,&quot; which 

 otherwise would spend and exercise themselves. 

 &quot; Non consensum quaerit sed dissidium, qui, quod 

 factis prsestatur, in verbis exigit.&quot; He seeketh not 

 unity, but division, which exacteth that in words, 

 which men are content to yield in action. 



I know restrained governments are better than re 

 miss ; and I am of his mind that said, Better is it to 

 live where nothing is lawful, than where all things are 

 lawful. I dislike that laws should not be continued, 

 or disturbers be unpunished : but laws are likened 

 to the grape, that being too much pressed yields an 

 hard and unwholesome wine. 



2. The opposers of church government. 



1. Supposition of exclusive perfection - 55 



2. Their manner of preaching 55 



3. In not acting equally in liberty or restraint 56 



4. Indiscriminate statements - 57 



5. Mode of handling Scripture - 58 



6. Great reliance on trifles - 58 

 4. IMPROPER PUBLICATIONS - 59 



The press and pulpit should be freed and discharged 

 of these contentions ; neither promotion on the one 

 side, nor glory and heat on the other side, ought to 

 continue those challenges and cartels at the cross. 



