I. THE desire of Liberty to serve God in that way and manner , which Men judge to be most acceptable to him , is so Natural and Reasonable , that they cannot but be extremely provoked against those who would force them to serve him in any other . But the conceit withall , which most men have that their way of serving God is the only acceptable way ; naturally inclines them , when they have Power , to use all means to constrain all others to serve him in that way only . So that Liberty is not more desired by all , at one time , than it is denied by the very same Persons at another . Put them into different Conditions , and they are not of the same mind : but have different inclinations , in one state , from what they have in another . As will be apparent by a short view of what hath passed in these Churches and Kingdoms , within our memory .

II . Before the late Civil Wars there were very grievous Complaints made of the Bishops ; that they pressed the Ceremonies so strictly , as to inflict heavy Censures upon those called Puritans , who could not in conscience conform to them . Now no sooner had those very Persons who thus complain'd , got their liberty to do as they pleased , but they took it quite away from the other : and Sequestred all those who would not enter into their Holy League and Covenant ; for the Reforming all things , according to the Modell which they propounded . Nay , they were not willing to bear with Five Dissenting Brethren among themselves ; who could not Conform to the Presbyterial Government . And when these Dissenting Brethren , commonly known by the Name of Independents , had got a Party strong enough , which carried all before them ; they would not allow the use of the Common Prayer in any Parish ; no not to the King himself in his own Chapel : not grant to one of the old Clergy , so much liberty as to teach a School , &c. Which things I do not mention ( God knows ) to reproach those who were guilty of them ; but only to put them in mind of their own Failings : that they may be humbled for them , and not insult over the Church of England , nor severely upbraid them with that , which when time was , they acted with a higher hand themselves . If I should report all that the Presbyterians did here and in Scotland , and all that the Independents did here and in New-England ; it would not be thought that I exceed the Truth , when I say they have been more guilty of this fault , than those whom they now charge with it . Which doth not excuse the Church of England , it must be confessed ; but doth in some measure , mitigate her fault . For the Conformable Clergy having met with such very hard usage in that dismal time , wherein many of them were oppressed above measure : no wonder if the smart of it , then fresh in their minds , something imbittered their spirits ; when God was pleased , by a wonderful Revolution , to put them into Power again .

III . Then a stricter Act of Uniformity was made , and several Laws pursuant to it , for the enforcing that Uniformity , by severe Penalties . But let it be remembred that none were by those Laws constrained to come Church ; but had Lib●●ty left them to serve God at home ( and some Company with them ) in their own way . And let it be farther remembred , that the reason why they were denied their liberty of meeting in greater Assemblies was ; because such Assemblies were represented as greatly endangering the publick Peace and Safety : as the words are in the very first Act of this nature against Quakers , in the Year 1662. Let any one read the Oxford Act , ( as it is commonly called ) made in the Year 1665. and that at Westminster in the Year 1670. and he will find them intended against Seditious Conventicles ; That is , they who made them were perswaded by the Jesuit interest at first to look upon such Meetings as Nurseries of Sedition , where bad Principles were infused into mens minds , destructive to the Civil Government . If it had not been f●r this , it doth not appear that the Contrivers of these Laws were inclined to such Severities as were thereby enacted ; but the Nonconformists might have enjoyed a larger liberty in Religion . It was not Religion alone which was considered , and pretended , but the publick peace and settlement : with respect to which they were tyed up so straitly in the exercise of their Religion . Which , to deal clearly , I do not believe would have taught Rebellion : but this was constantly insinuated by the Court Agents ; and it is no wonder if the Parliament who remembred how the Ministers of that Persuasion ( Though indeed from the then appearance of Popery ) had been the principal Incouragers of that Defensive War against the King , were easily made to believe that they still retained the same principles , and would propagate them , if they were suffered , among the People . Certain it is also , that the Court made it their care to have those Acts passed ; though at the same time they hindred their execution : that they might keep up both Parties , in the height of their Animosities ; and especially that they might make the Church of England , be both , hated and despised by the Dissenters .

IV . Thus things continued for some time , till wise men began to see into the Secret ; and think of a Reconciliation . But it was always hindred by the Court : who never thought of giving Liberty by a Law , but only by the Prerogative ; which could as easily take it away . There was a time , for instance , when a Comprehension , &c. was projected by several Great Men both in Church and State : for the taking as many as was possible into Union with us ; and providing Ease for the rest . Which so netled the late King , that meeting with the then Archbishop of Canterbury , he said to him ( as I perfectly remember ) What , My Lord , you are for a Comprehension ? To which he making such a reply as signified , he heard some were about it : No , said the King , I will keep the Church of England pure and unmixed : that is , never suffer a Reconciliation with the Dissenters . And when the Lords and Cimmons also had , not many years ago , passed a Bill for the repealing of the most heavy of all the Penal Laws against Dissenters , viz. the Statute of 35 Eliz . 1. ( which , by the Parliament is made , against the Wicked and dangerous practices of Sedicious Sectaries , and disloyal persons ) his late Majesty so dealt with the Clerk of the Parliament , that it was shuffled away and could not be found ; when it was to have been p●esented to him , among other Bills , for his Royal Consent unto it . A notable token of the abhorrence the Court then had of all Penal Laws ; and of their great kindness to Dissenters .

V. Who may remember , if they please , that as once there was a time , when the Court turned our , or chid , those Justices , who were forward in the Execution of the Laws against Nonconformists ; because they were then in so low a Condition , that the Court was afraid the Church of England might indeed be established in its Uniformity . So when the Nonconformists were , by some liberty , grown stronger , and set themselves against the Court Interest , in the Election of Sheriffs , and such like things ; then all those Justices were turned out who hung back , and would not execute the Laws against them ; and Justices pickt out for the purpose , who would do it severely . Nay , the Clergy were called upon , and had Orders sent them , to return the Names of all Nonconformists in their several Parishes ; that they might be proceeded against in the Courts Ecclesiastical . And here I cannot forget the Order made by the Middlesex Justices , at the Sessions at Hickes-Hall , Jan. 13 1681. where they urge the Execution of the Act of 22 C. 2. against Conventicles , because in all probability they will destroy both Church and State . This was the reason which moved them to call upon Constables and all other Officers to do their duty in this matter : Nay , to call upon the B. of London himself , that he would use his utmost endeavours , within his Jurisdiction , that all such persons may be Excommunicate , This was a bold stroke , proceeding from an unusual degree of Zeal : which plainly enough signifies that the Bishops were not so forward as the Justices , in the prosecuting of Dissenters . Who may do well to remember that the House of Commons , a little before this , had been so Kind to them , that those Justices would not have dared to have been so severe as they were at Hickes-Hall , if they had not been set on by directions from Whitehall . For in their Order they press the Execution of the Statute Eliz . and 3 Jac . 1. for levying Twelve-pence a Sunday upon all those that do not come to Church : Whereas the House of Commons , Nov. 6. 1680. had , Resolved , Nemine contra dicente , that it is the Opinion of this House , That the Acts of Parliament made in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth , and King James , against Popish Recusants , ought not to be extended against Protestant Dissenters .

VI . Who should not forget how backward the Clergy of London especially , were to comply with this design , of reviving the Execution of the Laws against them ; what courses they took to save them from this danger ! and what hatred they incurred for being so kind to them ! Which in truth was kindness to themselves ; for new they saw plainly enough that Nothing was intended but the destruction of us both , by setting us , in our turns , one against the other . Many indeed were possessed with the old Opinion , that the Dissenters aimed at the overthrow of the Government both in Church and State : which made them the more readily joyn with those who were employed to suppress them , by turning the edge of the Laws upon them . But both these were most industriously promoted by the Court : Who laboured might and main to have this believed , that they who were called Whigs , intended the ruine of the Church and of the Monarchy too : and therefore none had the Court favour , but they alone who were for the ruining of them . All others were frown'd upon , and branded with the name of Trimmers ; who they adventured at last , to say were worse than Whigs . Merely because they , seeing through the design , desired those ugly Names of Whig and Tory might be laid aside ; and perswaded all to Moderation , Love , Unity , and Peace . If any man had these dangerous words in his mouth , he had a mark set upon him ; and was lookt upon as an enemy , as soon as he discovered any desires of Reconciliation . No peace with Dissenters was then as much in some mens mouths , as no peace with Rome had been in others . They were all voted to destruction ; and it was an unpardonable crime so much as to mention an Accommodation .

Such things as these ought not to be forgotten .

VII . But if they list not to call them to mind , ( tho' they be of fresh memory ) yet let thee at least consider what they have had at their Tongues end , ever since they knew any thing : That the Church of Rome is a persecuting Church , and the Mother of Persecution . Will they then be deluded by the present Sham of Liberty of Conscience ; which they of that Church pretend to give ? It is not in thei● power , no more than in their Spirit : They neither will nor can give liberty of Conscience ; but with a design to take all liberty from us . That Church must be obeye● ; and there is no middle choice among them , between t●●n or burn , conform or be undone . What Liberty do the● give in any Country , where thei● power is established ? What Liberty can they give , who have determined that Hereticks ought to be rooted out ? Look into France ( with which we have had the strictest Alliance & Friendship a long time ) and behold , how at this moment they compel those to go to Mass ; who they know abhor it as an abominable Idolatry . Such a violent Spirit now acts them , that they stick not to profane their own most holy Mysteries ; that they may have the face of an Universal Conformity , without the least Liberty . For the new Converts , as they are called , poor Wretches , are known to be mere outward Compliers : in their Hearts abominating that which they are forced externally to Worship . They declare as much by escaping from this Tyranny over their Consciences , and bewailing their sinful compliance ; whensoever they have an opportunity . And they that cannot escape , frequently protest they have been constrained to adore that , which they believe ought not to be adored . And when they come to dye , refuse to receive the Romish Sacrament ; and thereupon are dragg'd , when dead , along the Streets , and thrown , like dead Dogs upon the Dunhills . Unto what a heigth of rage are the spirits of the Romish Clergy inflamed ; that it perfectly blinds their eyes ; and will not let them see how they expose the most sacred thing in all their Religion ( the Holy Sacrament , which they believe to be Jesus Christ himself ) to be received by those who they know have no reverence at all for it , but utterly abhor it ? For they force them , by all manner of violence , to adore the Host against their will , and then to eat what they have adored ; tho' they have the greatest reason to believe , that those poor Creatures do not adore it . That is , the Chuch of Rome will have her Mysteries adored by all , tho' it be by Hypocrites . None shall be excused , but whether they believe or not believe , they shall be compelled to do as that Church doth . Nothing shall hinder it ; for the hatred and fury wherewith they are now transported , is so exceeding great ; that it makes them ( as I have said ) offer violence even to their own Religion , rather than suffer any body ●ot to conform to it .

VIII . And assure your selves they are very desirous to extend this Violence beyond the bounds of France . They would fain see England also , in the same condition . The Bishop of Valence and Die , hath told us as much , in the ●… peech which he made to the French King , in the Name of the Clergy of France , to Congratulate his glorious Atchievements , in rooting out the Heresie of Calvin . In which he hath a most memorable Passage , for which we are beholden to him because it informs us that they are not satisfied with what their King hath done there ; but would have him think there is a further Glory reserved for him , of lending his help to make us such good Catholicks , as he hath made in France . This is the blessed Work they would be at : and if any among us be still so blind as not to see it , we must look upon it as the just judgment of God upon them for some other sins which they have committed . They are delivered up to a Reprobate mind , which cannot discern the most evident things . They declare to all the World that they have been above fifty years , crying out against they know not what . For they know not what Popery is ( of which they have seemed to be horribly afraid ) if they believe that they of that Religion either can or will give any Liberty ; when they have power to Establish their Tyranny . It is no better : St. John himself hath described that Church under the Name of Babylon , that cruel City ; and of a BEAST , which like a Bear , tramples all under its feet ; and of another Beast , which causes as many as will not worship the Image of the Beast , to be killed ; and that no man may buy or sell save such as have had his mark ; i.e. are of his Rellgion , Rev. 13.1.15 , 16. This Character they will make good to the very end of their Reign , as they have fulfilled it from the beginning . They cannot alter their nature , no more than the Ethiopian change his Skin , or the Leopard his Spots . It ever was , since the rise of the BEAST , & it ever will be till its fall , a bloody Church . Which can bear no contradiction to her Doctrine and Orders , but will endeavour to root out all those that oppose her , from the face of the Earth . Witness the Barbarous Crusado's against the poor Albigenses in France : in one of which alone Bellarmine himself saith , and not without Triumph , there were killed no less than an hundred thousand . Witness the horrible butcheries committed in France , in England , & in the Low-Countries in the Age before us ; and in Poland , the Vallies of Piedmont , & in Ireland in this Age ; upon those who had no other fault but this , that they made the Holy Scriptures , and not the Roman Church , the Rule of their faith .

IX . But if you be Ignorant of what hath been done , & is doing abroad , yet I hope you observe what they do here at home . What do you think of the Declaration which was very lately imposed to be read in all our Churches ? Which when several Bishops and their Clergy , most humbly represented , they could not in Conscience publish to the people in time of Divine Service ; this would not excuse them ; their Petition was received with indignation , and lookt upon as a Libel ; the Bishops were prosecuted for it ; and Inquiry is now ordered to be made after those who did not read it ( as well as those that did ) that they may be punished by the High Commissioners . Call you this Liberty of Conscience ? Or do you imagine you shall never have any thing imposed upon you , to be read in your Congregations , which you cannot comply withall ? Consider , I beseech you , what will become of you when that time shall come ? What 's the meaning of this , that ever they are lookt upon as Offenders , for following their Conscience , whose services have been acknowledged to be so great , that they should never be forgotten ? It ought to teach Dissenters what they are to expect hereafter , when they have served them so far , ( by taking off the Tests and the Penal Laws ) as to enable them with safety to remember all their former pretended transgressions . Let them assure themselves the services of the Church of England are not now more certainly forgotten , than the Sins of Dissenters will hereafter , when they have got power to punish them , be most certainly remembred . Be not drawn in then by deceitful words , to help forward your own destruction . If you will not be assistant to it , they cannot do it alone : and it will be very strange if you be perswaded to lend them your help , when the deceit is so apparent . For what are all the present pleas for Liberty , but so many infamous Libels upon the Roman Church , which denies all men this Liberty ? While they declaim so laudly against Persecution , they most notoriously reproach Popery ; which subsists by Nothing but deceit and cruelty . And who can think that they would suffer their Church to be so exposed and reviled , as it is by such discourses , but with a design to cheat heedless people into its obedience ? For this ●nd they can hear it proved , nay prove it themselves to be an Antichristian Church ; when they prove it is against Christianity , nay against the Law of Nature and Common reason , to trouble any body for his opinion in Religion .

X. Once more then I beseech you , be not deceived by good words , if you l●ve your Liberty , and your Life . Call to mind how our poor Brethren in France were very lately deluded by the repeated Protestations which their King made , he would observe the Edict of Nantes ( which was the foundation of their Liberty ) even then , when he was about to overthrow it : & by many assurances , which were given them by those who came to torment them , that the King intended ●o reform the Church of France , as soon as he had united his Subjects . What he had done already against the Court of Rome , they told them was an instance of it ; and they should shortly see other matters . Such ensnaring words they heard there daily from the mouths of their armed Persecutors , who were ready to fall upon them , or had begun to oppress them : And therefore they would be arrant fools here , if they did not give good words , when they have no power to hurt us . But we shall be far greater fools if we believe they will keep their word when they have got th●t power ; the greatest of all fools if we give them that power . They have no other way but this , to wheedle us out of our Laws and Liberties . Do but surrender the one , I mean our Laws ; and they will soon take awa● the other , our beloved Liberties . Be not tempted to make such a dangerous Experiment : but let the Laws stand as they are , because they are against them ( as appears by their earnest endeavours to repeal them ) and be not used as tools to take them away , because they have been grievous to you . They never can be so again . For can they who now Court you have the face to turn them again upon you , after they have made all this noise for Liberty ? And the Church of England , you may be assured , will not any more trouble you : but when a Protestant Prince shall come , will joyn in the healing of all our breaches ; by removing all things out of the way , which have long hindred that blessed work . They cannot meet together in a body to give you this assurance ( how should they without the Kings authority so to do ? ) but every particular person that I have discoursed withall , which are not a few ( & you your selves would do well to ask them , when you meet them ) profess that they see an absolute necessity of making an end of these Differences that have almost undone us : and will no longer contend to bring all men to one Uniformity ; but promote an Uniform Liberty . Do not imagine I intend to give mere words : I mean honestly ; such a regular Liberty , as will be the beauty and honour , not the blot and discredit of our Religion . To such a temper the Archbishop of Canterbury , with several other Bishops of his Province , and their Clergy , have openly declared they are willing to come . And the Bishops and Clergy of the Church of England have never been known to act deceitfully . Our Religion will not at any time allow them to equivocate ; nor to give good words without a meaning . Much less at such a time as this when our Religion is in great danger ; and we have nothing to trust unto , but Gods protection of sincere Persons . Let Integ●ity and Uprightness preserve us , is their constant Prayer . They can hope for no help from Heaven , if they should prevaricate with men . God they know would desert them , if they should go about to delude their Brethren . And they are not so void of common sense , as to adventure to incur his most high displeasure , when they have nothing to rely upon but his favour .

In short , Trust to those who own you for their Brethren , as you do them : for thô they have been angry Brethren , ye●… there is hope of Reconciliation between such near Relations But put no Confidence in those , who not only utterly disown any such Relation to you , but have ever treated you with an implacable hatred , as their most mortal Enemies ; unto whom it is impossible they should be reconciled .