that they were authorised so to do, by a
Statute
passed in the Reign of Henry the Eighth, in which
they say the Colonies were included, although
the Act was passed long before any Colonies
were settled, or even in contemplation.
11thly. As our Ancestors came over to this
Country that they might not only enjoy their
civil but their religious Rights, and particularly
desired to be freed from the Prelates, who in
those times cruelly persecuted all who differed
in sentiment form the established Church; we
cannot see without concern, the various at-
tempts which have been made, and are now
making, to establish an American Episcopate.
Our Episcopal brethren of the Colonies do en-
joy, and rightfully ought ever to enjoy, the
free exercise of their Religion, but as an
American Episcopate is by no means essential
to that free exercise of their Religion, we can-
not help fearing that they who are so warmly
contending for such an Establishment, have
Views altogether inconsistent with the universal
and peaceful enjoyment of our Christian privi-
leges: And doing or attempting to do any
thing which as even the remotest tendency to
endanger this Enjoyment, is justly looked upon
a great Grievance, and also an Infringement of
our Rights; which is not barely to exercise, but
preaceably and securely to enjoy, that Liberty
with which CHRIST hath made us fee.