Historical collections, out of several grave Protestant historians concerning the changes of religion, and the strange confusions following in the reigns of King Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary and Elizabeth : with an addition of several remarkable passages taken out of Sir Will. Dugdale's Antiquities of Warwickshire, relating to the abbies and their institution.

The Order of their Government, both at London, and in the Country.

Dr. Heylyn, pag. 213.

THe Book of Discipline being published, was no where better welcome than in Lon∣don; the Wealth and Pride of which City was never wanting, to cherish and support such as most apparently opposed themselves to the pre∣sent Authority, or practised the introducing of Innovations both in Church and State.

The several Churches, or Conventicles ra∣ther, which they had in the City, they reduced into one great, and general Classis, of which Cartwright, Egerton, or Travers, were for the most part Moderators; and whatsoever was there ordered, was esteemed for current: from thence the Brethren of other places did fetch their light, and as doubts did arise, thither they were sent to be resolved; the Classical, and Synodical decrees of other places, not be∣ing Authentical, till they were ratified in this; which they held the Supream Consistory, and chief Tribunal of the Nation.

But in the Country none appeared more for∣ward, than those of Northampton, Daventry, and Nottingham, and the device is taken up in most parts of England, but especially in War∣wick-shire,

Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, &c. In these Classes they determined Points of Do∣ctrine, Interpreted hard places of Scripture, delivered their resolution, in such cases of Con∣science, as were brought before them, decided doubts and difficulties, touching Contracts of Marriage, &c. and whatsoever was concluded by such as were present (yet still with reference to the better judgment of the London Brethren) became forthwith binding to the rest: none be∣ing admitted into any of the aforesaid Classes, before he had promised under his hand, that he would submit himself, and be obedient unto all such Orders, and Decrees, as were set down by the Classis to be observed.

At these Classes they enquired into the Life, and Doctrine of all, that had subscribed unto them, censuring some, and deposing others, as they saw occasion.

Unto every Classis there belonged a Register; who took the Heads of all that passed, and saw them carefully entred into a Book for that pur∣pose: that they might remain upon Record.

Thus Dr. Heylyn gives a full Relation of the Progress of Presbytery in this Nation.

Now I will make a short Relation of the Queens Proceedings against Catholicks.