In connection with this reference to the Brownists and the poor Separatists of Yarmouth, (for amongst them, it is said, there was not "one subsidy man,") it may be observed that two classes of Independents are distinctly visible at that period. As some Independents, mostly the obscure, went further than others in their doctrine of toleration; so some Independents, principally of the same class, went further than others in the doctrine of voluntaryism. Any broad and philosophical exposition of that now much discussed principle we have not been able to discover in the writings of that day; others, better acquainted with the immense pamphlet literature of the times, may prove more successful. But, at an earlier period, in a Confession of Faith published in 1616, there occurs the following simple and explicit statement on the subject:--"We believe that tithes for the pastor's maintenance under the Gospel are not the just and due means thereof. Howbeit, yet we do not think these tithes absolutely unlawful, if they remain voluntary; but when they are made necessary we think them not to be so lawful. The same do we judge also of whatsoever other set maintenance for ministers of the Gospel is established by temporal laws. We grant, that for the minister's security, such established maintenance is best; but for preserving due freedom in the congregation, sincerity in religion, and sanctity in the whole flock, the congregation's voluntary and conscionable contribution for their pastor's sustenance and maintenance is, doubtless, the safest and most approved--nay, it seemeth the only way; wherewith the Apostles caused their times to be content, neither did they care for other order therein; which certainly they would and should have done if other order had been better. Only they are careful (and that very religiously) to command all churches of conscience and duty to God to give (not sparingly, but liberally, and not as alms, but as duty), for upholding, advancing, and countenancing of the holy worship and service of God, which is either much strengthened or weakened, much honoured or abased among men, according as is the pastor's maintenance."[461] And in other tracts, largely quoted by Mr. Hanbury, in his "Memorials," there are passages expressing ideas on the subject of ministerial support in advance of those which were entertained by more distinguished Independents. The latter countenanced and advocated the acceptance of tithes; but in a Puritan tract, written before, though not published until 1644, notice is taken of a very sharp attack on the tithe system by the sect commonly called Brownists or Separatists. It is objected, say the Presbyterian authors, "that we are not maintained according to the direction Christ hath given in His Testament; but our maintenance is Jewish and anti-Christian." "Our ministers receive maintenance from all sorts of men in their parish without difference." This they