Now to shew ye that I gave good heed to your Discourse, I'le run over the Heads of it as you deliver'd them. First, for Committees, and Grand Committees, what are they compounded of, but Republicans, and Separatists, a Medly of People disaffected both to Church and State? This you cannot deny; and that they would not suffer any man otherwise affected, to mingle with them. Now beside the scandal, and Ill Example of such Irregular Conventions, whoever considers their Principles, may reasonably conclude upon their Designs: For they are wiser, I hope, then to lay their Heads together to destroy themselves.
Citt. But it is hard, if Protestants may not meet as well as Other People.
True. Yes, Protestants may meet, but not in the quality of Conspirators, no more then Conspirators, may meet under the Cloak, and colour of Protestants. The intent of the Meeting is matter of State, and you turn it off, to a point of Religion.
Citt. But is it not matter of Religion to joyn in a Petition for the meeting of a Parliament, to bring Malefactors to a Tryall, and to extirpate Popery?
What Petitions warrantable and what not.
True. Such a Petition as you Instance in, is in the appearance of it, not only Lawfull, but Commendable; But then it must be promoted by Lawfull means, and under Decent Circumstances. 'Tis a good thing to Preach, or Catechize, but it is not for a Lay-man presently to pluck the Parson out of the Desk, or Pulpit, that he himself may do the Office. It is a Good thing to execute Justice, but yet a private man must not invade the Judgment-Seat, though it were to passe even the most Righteous Sentence.
Citt. The King may chuse whether he'l Grant or no; So that without invading His Right we only claim the Liberty of Presenting the Request.
No Petition to be press'd after Prohibition.
True. That may be well enough at First; but still, after One Refusal, and That with a Publick Interdict on the Neck on't, forbidding the pursuance of it; such a Petition is not by any means to be Repeated. First, out of Respect to Regal Authority: Secondly, as the King is the Sole Judge of the matter: Thirdly, upon the Importunity, it is not so properly Desiring of a thing, as Tugging for it. Fourthly, It tends many ways to the Diminution of his Majesties Honour, in case it be Obtain'd: For it implys, either Levity, or Fear; or (to make the best on't) the King confers the Obligation, and the Heads of the Petition receive the Thanks. Now adde to all this, the suborning of Subscriptions, and the Inflaming of Parties, what can be more Undutifull or Dangerous?
Citt. But do not you find many Honest and Considerable men concern'd in these Petitions?